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FOOD - DRINK - FUN

Mountain View News Saturday, September 14, 2024


THE STONEY POINT RESTAURANT

Location: West Pasadena, CA

As the son of the renowned restaurant critic Elmer 
Dills, I’ve been lucky enough to experience some of 
the finest dining spots in Southern California. My 
father used to say of The Stoney Point Restaurant, 
“The food is so good, they built a bridge to it.” After 
my most recent visit, I can see exactly why he held 
this place in such high regard.

Stoney Point is a testament to old-world Italian 
dining, nestled quietly in West Pasadena. Though 
it’s now run by three brothers, (Adolpho is 
Marvelous) they’ve been with the restaurant so long 
that I remember one of them from when Amedeo 
Constantino—the original owner—ran the Italian Fisherman. Amedeo still visits weekly to make sure 
the high standards are maintained, and trust me, they are.

My father was a connoisseur of the Caesar Salad, and he had a 
rule: he’d only order it when Amedeo was in the house. I followed 
in his footsteps and was not disappointed. Crisp romaine, 
perfectly dressed, with just the right touch of Parmesan—it’s a 
classic done right.

The service was equally impressive, striking that perfect balance 
between attentiveness and giving diners space to enjoy their 
meals. With the heat wave finally behind us, patio dining is 
available, but I prefer to sit inside. There’s something about the 
restaurant’s cozy interior that adds to the experience, especially 
with soft piano music filling the room on many nights.

For the main course, I opted for the Gnocchi Bolognese, and 
let me say, it was exceptional. The gnocchi were soft, pillowy, 
and covered in a rich, flavorful sauce. My companion chose 
the lamb chops, and they were equally impressive—perfectly 
cooked, with a light Dijon mustard glaze adding just the right 
touch. Stoney Point’s menu has a little something for everyone, 
and everything is done with care.

On weekends, Kelly holds court behind the bar, serving up 
drinks with a smile, and the piano player adds an extra layer 
of charm to the evening. Whether you’re in the mood for 
something hearty or light, Stoney Point has you covered.

As my father often said, “Why go anywhere else when the food 
is this good?” The Stoney Point Restaurant continues to deliver, 
and it’s a must-visit for anyone craving old-world Italian flavors 
right here in Pasadena.

Note: I paid my own meal , and I didn’t include prices because restaurants are always juggling the menu

Price range for two: $110 to $140


THE TASTING ROOM

CHIANTI FROM THE 
BIRTHPLACE OF LEONARDO 
DA VINCI.

I’m Gustavo Lira, Tasting Room Manager 
and Wine Buyer at The Bottle Shop in 
Sierra Madre with another wine and 
spirits selection. 

I’ve got a wonderful Chianti from Italy 
that is ridiculously good, Certified 
Organic, under $19, and from the 
birthplace of Leonard da Vinci. You’re 
not going to find this at Ralph’s, Von’s, 
Target, or BevMo cuz this is damn good 
wine made in very small amounts. 

Fattoria Dianella is owned by Francesco 
& Veronica Passerin d’Entrèves. The 
winemaker is Franco Bernabei. Fattoria 
Dianella is located on the hills of Vinci 
- birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci – in 
the region of Tuscany. The Dianella wine 
tradition dates over 300 years. The villa at 
Dianella originally belonged to the Medici 
family–it was one of their hunting lodges, 
named for Diana, the goddess of the hunt.

Veronica Passerin d’Entrèves took over 
from her father in 2003 and soon began the 
conversion to organic farming. There are 
about 26 hectares (65 acres) across ten plots, 
all estate owned. Fattoria Dianella has been 
practicing organic since 2006 and have been 
CERTIFIED ORGANIC since 2015. The 
soils are sand and clay with a high mineral 
content. 

The Dianella Chianti DOCG 2022 is mostly Sangiovese, with some Colorino. It 
was fermented in stainless steel and aged in cement tanks to retain freshness. 
There’s violet, subtle earth, and red cherry on the nose. On the palate, notes of 
red fruit, berry, slight tobacco leaf, and savory herbs are present. The mouthfeel 
is bright and light. The alcohol is restrained as are the tannins. The acidity 
is balanced and produces a juicy finish. This is an outstanding Chianti that 
warrants your attention. Not much is produced as the winery’s total production 
is around 11,000 cases. Get some for this weekend and have it with a grilled 
steak, pasta with tomato-based sauce, or pizza. 

The 2022 Dianella Chianti DOCG is available at The Bottle Shop for $18.99. 

Say you saw it in the Mountain Views News and get it for $17.99 through 
Monday, September 16th.

Scan the QRCode to sign up for our newsletter. 

Until next time – Salud!


Elmer loved Stoney Point

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ALL THINGS By Jeff Brown 

BIOLOGICALLY YOUNGER PEOPLE: The Blue Zones 
Phenomenon from Dan Buettner’s book “The Blue Zones Secrets 
for Living Longer”

In regions like Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, 
Italy; and Nicoya, Costa Rica, people consistently live longer, healthier 
lives. Dan Buettner attributes this to a unique set of shared characteristics. “It 
is this interconnected web of characteristics that keep people doing the right 
things for long enough, and avoiding the wrong things,” Buettner said. Central 
to their lifestyle is a largely plant-based diet rich in beans, nuts, and cruciferous 
vegetables. .

The Role of Diet in Longevity

Residents of the Blue Zones consume very little meat, instead opting for diets 
that resemble the healthy Mediterranean diet. Buettner believes this diet is only 
about 50% of the longevity equation. The focus on plant-based nutrition provides 
essential nutrients and reduces the risk of chronic diseases, contributing 
significantly to their extended lifespans.

The Power of Regular Movement

Unlike conventional exercise routines, biologically younger people in Blue 
Zones integrate physical activity naturally into their daily lives. They don’t exercise, 
they engage in movement through daily activities like gardening, walking, 
shoveling snow, etc. This approach aligns with research showing that short 
bursts of activity throughout the day can significantly improve overall fitness.

Living with Purpose

A sense of purpose is another critical factor in the lives. In Japan, it's called 
“ikigai,” and in Costa Rica, it's “plan de vida.” Both terms reflect a reason to live 
and a life plan that gives individuals motivation to rise each morning. Studies 
suggest that having a purpose is associated with fewer strokes and heart attacks, 
as well as improved physical function among older adults.

Social Connections and Community Support

In Blue Zones, strong social ties play a pivotal role in health and happiness. In 
Okinawa, Japan, people form “moai” groups to support each other throughout 
life. “Parents cluster their children in groups of five, and send them through life 
together,” Buettner explained. These supportive relationships help individuals 
share life's ups and downs. Similarly, in Loma Linda,California, the community 
frequently gathers for home-cooked, vegetarian meals, reinforcing bonds and 
promoting healthier eating habits.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com