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FOOD - DRINK - FUN

Mountain View News Saturday, February 15, 2025


Dining Decisions: Are We 
Overwhelmed or Living in a 
Foodie Paradise?

Part 2

Now that Valentine’s Day is in the rearview mirror, 
I’ve been thinking about a topic that came up 
on my radio show last Sunday night: Do we have 
too many choices when it comes to restaurants, 
wine, and even tequila?

On one hand, variety breeds competition, which 
keeps the culinary world vibrant and ever-evolving. On the other, walk into any modern-day 
restaurant district, and you might find yourself overwhelmed by options—steakhouses, sushi 
bars, taco joints, plant-based eateries, and fusion spots that serve everything from Korean 
BBQ tacos to pastrami egg rolls.

Take tequila, for instance. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that tequila prices are 
dropping due to an oversupply. The market is flooded with new brands, some backed by celebrities, 
others by master distillers with generations of experience. Is this a bad thing? Not 
according to my guest that night, author Michael Higgins, who argued that competition forces 
producers to step up their game, ensuring better quality and pricing for consumers.

The same holds true for restaurants. Imagine if every eatery served only pizza or steak—where’s 
the fun in that? Instead, we get to choose from a near-endless variety of cuisines and dining 
styles. Take Panda Inn, for example, a longtime favorite of mine that now features a sushi bar. 
Some might say that’s an odd pivot for a Chinese restaurant, but guess what? The sushi is pretty 
darn good.

Even coffeehouses have expanded their offerings to cater to diverse tastes. Starbucks, for example, 
has made a name for itself not just with coffee but with drinks like its Chai Tea Latte, a 
smooth and flavorful alternative that some swear by. Yet, many argue that a mom-and-pop coffee 
shop can offer a more authentic version with a personal touch. Again, choice is everything.

Of course, there’s a balance to be struck. Not every new concept succeeds. Entrepreneurs are 
constantly rolling the dice, hoping their vision resonates with diners. My friend Bruce Taylor, 
owner of Taylor’s Steakhouse in La Cañada, once told me, "My steaks might not be the best, 
but they’re pretty darn good at a reasonable price." And that’s really the key—finding the right 
combination of quality and value that keeps customers coming back.

At the end of the day, the real decision lies with us, the consumers. Whether it’s picking a 
bottle of wine (Tuesday is National Wine Day, by the way), deciding where to grab dinner, or 
debating whether we need another tequila brand on the market, choice is a privilege. So, are 
we overwhelmed by options? Maybe. But are we also living in a foodie paradise? Absolutely.

Listen in Sunday at 5 PM ON KRLA 870 AM for more delightful dishes Peter Dills

ALL THINGS By Jeff Brown 

FINDING A MATE HERE ARE 11 

WEB IDEAS

1. Online Dating: Use platforms like Tinder, 
OkCupid, Bumble, or Hinge, where you can meet 
people with similar goals and values. It’s a quick way 
to cast a wide net.

2. Social Events and Gatherings: Attend parties, meetups, or networking events related to 
your hobbies. These settings are great for organically meeting people with similar interests.

3. Classes or Workshops: Taking a class in something you're passionate about (e.g., cooking, 
art, yoga, etc.) is a great way to meet people with shared hobbies.

4. Friends and Family: Let people in your inner circle know you're open to meeting someone. 
They may know someone who's a good match.

5. Volunteering: Choose a cause you care about and meet people who share your values and 
passions. Helping others can create a strong foundation for a connection.

6. Work or School: If appropriate, colleagues or classmates can become friends and possibly 
something more over time.

7. Exercise and Fitness Groups: Join a gym, take fitness classes, or participate in group sports 
like tennis, hiking, or cycling. It’s a fun way to bond with someone who values health and wellness.

8. Speed Dating: If you're looking for something structured, speed dating offers a fast-paced 
way to meet potential partners in person.

9. Interest-Based Communities or Clubs: Join clubs or online communities around specific 
hobbies or interests (e.g., book clubs, gaming groups, hiking clubs). Finding someone with 
shared interests is a great foundation for a relationship.

10. Traveling: Traveling allows you to meet people from different walks of life. Whether it's a 
solo trip or group tour, meeting others who enjoy adventure can lead to meaningful connections.

11. Use your Imagination & Believe That The Universe Will Support Your Intentions


-This extraordinary evening will feature Maria Bamford (Lady Dynamite, BoJack Horse-
man), Melissa Villaseñor (Saturday Night Live), and Whitmer Thomas (Whitmer Thomas: 
The Golden One, Stone Quackers), with comedian Frank Sriracha as your host. These fearless, 
innovative performers embody the spirit of PDA—where risk, truth, and laugh-ter collide 
to create unforgettable moments.

All proceeds from the evening will go directly toward rebuilding PDA, a space that was more 
than just a venue—it was a vibrant home for artists pushing boundaries and creat-ing new 
forms of theater. This is your chance to be a part of the movement to restore PDA and keep 
its spirit alive!

Tickets are just $35, and we’d love for you to join us for this one-night-only event! Your laughter 
can help rebuild PDA and support the creative community that made it so spe-cial.

Thank you for your support! The Sierra Madre Playhouse team


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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