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FOOD - DRINK - FUN
Mountain View News Saturday, January 18, 2025
THE TASTING ROOM
As the New Year begins, it’s a perfect time to
reflect on the memorable meals and standout
dishes I’ve encountered over the past few
months. While the recent fires in Pasadena
have understandably taken center stage, I
want to bring a little joy back to our local
dining scene by celebrating some of the best
places I’ve reviewed recently. Here’s a roundup
of a few gems you’ll want to visit:
• John Sparr Tavern, Montrose
A last-minute discovery turned into a memorable
experience! Their deviled eggs and
unique take on a Chinese chicken salad were standouts, and Clyde, the bartender,
added a fun twist to the evening. A must-visit for a casual yet sophisticated vibe.
• Domenico’s Italian Restaurant, Pasadena
Arguably the best pizza in town! Their greasy, cheesy, topping-loaded pies, especially
the traditional pepperoni, are unforgettable. Don’t miss the antipasto salad—just remember
to ask for the dressing on the side.
• Taylor’s Steakhouse, La Cañada
A steak lover’s paradise! From a perfectly executed classic gin martini to the Molly
Salad, Taylor’s delivers an experience that’s Grade A. Their commitment to quality
shines in every bite.
• Del Rey Mexican, Sierra Madre
Family-run with incredible chile verde and margaritas crafted by co-owner Jamie.
The hard-shell chicken tacos were a hit, earning four thumbs up from friends Billy
and Sara Meyers. A local favorite for outdoor dining and authentic flavors.
• Panda Inn, Pasadena
The birthplace of the Panda Restaurant Group and home of amazing Mandarin and
Sichuan dishes. Their famous Orange Chicken is a must-try, and the warm hospitality
here makes every visit special. A local icon that continues to impress.
• Corfu Restaurant, Sierra Madre
Though Greek in theme, Corfu leans Middle Eastern in its offerings. Vic’s kebabs and
Greek Village Salad (sans lettuce) are authentic delights. Add a Hillas Greek beer to
complete the experience.
• Colombo’s Italian Restaurant, Eagle Rock
Their Linguine with Bolognese and extra meatball is a winner. The Green Goddess
dressing on their salad is a rare find these days, and the service, led by bartender Julie
Bransky, is impeccable. The Porterhouse steak remains one of the best deals in Los
Angeles.
• The Stony Point, Pasadena
An old-world Italian classic that never disappoints. From the Gnocchi Bolognese
to lamb chops and their legendary Caesar Salad, this place blends tradition with
excellence.
• Paradise Cove, Malibu
This iconic beach spot combines a laid-back atmosphere with quality dining. Under
the leadership of Bob Morris, Paradise Cove continues to be a coastal treasure worth
the drive.
For more tips and reviews, make sure to tune into my Dining with Dills Radio Show
this Saturday at 7 PM on AM 870 KRLA. You can also check out my Instagram for
photos that bring these articles to life—you’ll see all the delicious food I’ve reviewed!
Until next time, happy dining!
Peter Dills
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
ARE WITH YOU.
Usually, my column is filled with fun stuff about wine, winemakers,
and the wines that excite me that we are about to taste.
I’ve got to put that on pause for the moment after last week’s
devastating fires roared through our communities.
To all those who lost their homes, there isn’t much we can say
to alleviate your pain, suffering, and loss. The best we can do
is to tell you we are here for you to support you in any possible
way we can.
Whether that takes form in providing a shoulder to cry on or
to give you space to dwell on your loss on your own terms, we are here. If you need help with finding
shelter, clothing, or basic necessities, we are here. If you need someone just to talk to about
something, everything, or nothing at all, we are here.
Sierra Madre, Altadena, and Pasadena, and all the other affected communities of the various wildfires
have come together and are showing the world how caring and loving Californians are. The
local Pasadena-Sierra Madre YMCA is just one example of so many people coming together to
provide for those who have lost dearly. Please give your time to organizations such as the YMCA
if you can to support and provide for all those in need.
Heartfelt thanks must be given to all the first responders who have come from far and near to help
our communities. It is dangerous work, and we are very grateful for all their help and efforts.
We all know of someone who has been affected by this tragic event in some form or another. Let us
continue to keep all of them in our thoughts, prayers, and ACTIONS. It is going to be a long and
difficult road ahead. Living in this part of the country, we are not strangers to natural catastrophes,
but it doesn’t make it any easier when one does come along, especially so close to home.
So, let us not be strangers to the needs of others at this time. Let us not be strangers to providing
compassion and comfort to others. Let us not be strangers to extending our hand to help others
regardless if they are friends or complete strangers to us. And let us pray and hope for the day to
come when all can be at home. Let us pray and hope for the day to come when all can sit down
and enjoy a meal with family and friends in peace and comfort. And let us pray and hope that this
spirit of community stays with all of us throughout this difficult time and in the future.
God bless you all.
Gustavo
ALL THINGS By Jeff Brown
COPING WITH GRIEF AFTER
LOSING YOUR HOME &
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Grief is often thought of in terms of death, but it can also
extend to other losses, including the loss of a house or personal
property. Here are some tips for how to cope with
grief after losing your home or items that held special significance
to you:
Take your time. After losing your home, you may feel like
you need to rush to find a replacement. But so long as you and your family have somewhere safe
and comfortable to stay in the meantime, take your time before committing to a new residence.
Consider what you loved about your old home—whether it be the neighborhood, the architectural
style, or something else entirely—and focus on finding a new house that will check off those boxes.
This will also provide you with the time you need to consider your finances so that you don’t rush
into a decision that will cause you stress later on.
Hold onto your memories. If you and your family spent years building memories in the home that
you lost, you may be grieving the loss of those special times. You might also feel similar emotions if
the item you lost was a family heirloom or a souvenir from a memorable trip. But it’s important to
remember that those memories live in your heart, not in the physical house or object.
Try to make the best of it. It can be incredibly difficult to look on the bright side after a loss like
this, but try to see the silver lining whenever possible. Maybe you had been discussing moving to
a different area, and losing your home provides you with the opportunity to do so. Or perhaps you
had held onto your mother’s bakeware for sentimental reasons, but after losing it, you now have
the chance to own a more modern set that will better serve your needs.Best not to ruminate with
“what ifs” of “if only.” That recent fire was a monster. Better to save your life then to have risked it
saving your home.
Seek practical support:
If needed, reach out to friends or family for help with the moving process or finding a new place to
live. If you are struggling to cope with the loss of your home, consult a therapist or counselor who
can provide guidance and support. Seek out all the Govt and community help that is available.
Practice self-care:
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular
physical activity, meditation, yoga.
EAST OF THE SUN AND WEST OF THE MOON,
WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL, DEBUTS JANUARY
25 AND 26 AT LINEAGE PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER
Recent fire events have necessitated changes in our opening date and performance
times, which are noted below, in bold.
WHAT: East of the Sun and West of the Moon. World Premiere engagement
of a new musical.
WHO: Book and lyrics by Kai Cofer. Music by Larry Evans. Directed by Jon
Peterson. Presented by Evans Live Musicals in association with P3
Theatre Company.
WHERE: Lineage Performing Arts Center, 920 E. Mountain St., Pasadena, CA
91104.
WHEN: Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.& Sunday,
January 26 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
ADMISSION: $32. Children, $22.
ONLINE TICKETING: our.show/eastofsun
CONSUMER ADVISORY:
For ages six to adult. The show may be too advanced for very small children.
Performances on January 18 and 19
have been canceled. Patrons who have
already purchased tickets for January
18 and 19 can have them transferred
to the following weekend by emailing
larry.music5194@gmail.com
East of the Sun and West of the Moon
is based on a Norwegian folk tale.
Karen, a young woman, is offered the
chance to rescue her impoverished
family from its dire straits if she agrees
to become the companion of an enchanted bear for a year. Within the body of the
bear resides a handsome prince destined to become Karen’s true love, but the Evil
Queen of the Trolls has hatched a scheme to thwart Karen and dominate the bear for
the queen’s own purposes. Can love prevail?
The cast includes Kristin Cortines (Karen), Christy Mauro-Cohen (Evil Queen), E.L.
Losada (Bear/Prince), Christopher Allport, Aleta Braxton, Jim Raycroft, and Jini
Scoville.
Kai Cofer has written the book and lyrics. Originally from the Washington, D.C.
area, he is a graduate of Indiana University. He is a writer, director, actor and designer.
Kai has written over 150 shows, including R.U.R, Cabaret and The Experiment
with Larry Evans.
For East of the Sun and West of the Moon, Larry Evans has composed the music,
and is also the show’s producer and musical director. A pianist and performer, his
accomplishments include creating his own themed shows (Porter, Gershwin, Broadway,
etc.) and releasing a piano CD, Magnificent Movie Love Themes. He received a
degree in Music Education from Michigan State.
Jon Peterson directs. The Founder and Executive Artistic Director of P3 Theatre
Company in Long Beach, he brings three decades of experience directing, musical
directing, stage managing, and producing. He is also an accomplished musical theatre
performer and recently debuted a World Premiere cabaret show The Theatre Is
a Lady.
East of the Sun and West of the Moon is a story of magic, challenge, enchantment,
wonder, danger, love and romance sung by performers with magnificent voices.
Are you ready to start 2025 with a happily-ever-after?
Credit: Todd Felderstein
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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
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