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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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