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FOOD - DRINK - FUN

Mountain View News Saturday, March 29, 2025


LE ROY’S IN MONROVIA 

A Dills-Approved Hidden Gem

My late father, the great Elmer Dills, made 
a good living uncovering restaurants you 
might otherwise pass by with a shrug. From 
the outside: “Meh.” But inside? Pure gold. 
I’ve found one of those places—right in 
Monrovia. It’s called Le Roy’s, and it fits the 
Elmer Dills criteria like a glove.

Full credit to my buddy Hansalicious for 
finding this gem (hidden from me, at least). Le Roy’s sits on Huntington Drive, and 
yeah—I know what you’re thinking: “Oh I’ve been there.” Well, I hadn’t. Not until 
last week.

This is a breakfast/lunch kind of joint, and I mean that in the best way. Real food. 
Real prices. A real throwback in all the right ways. In a time when the words “affordable” 
and “quality” rarely share a sentence, Le Roy’s is a breath of fresh air.

What to Order?

Funny enough, I had the turkey sandwich for breakfast. Why not? It came with a 
side of fresh fruit—and not the tired fruit cocktail kind that shows up in a sad little 
Dixie cup (sorry, Pie ’n Burger). This was bright, hand-cut fruit served on an actual 
plate. Respect.

And speaking of turkey—get this—they roast it fresh daily. The ham is sliced to order, 
and the fries? Golden, crispy, and almost Argentine-style in their look and feel 
more au gratin style.

The place is small but cozy, with counter seating, decked out in Easter decorations, 
and buzzing with locals who clearly know a good thing when they find it.

Service

Our server, Shelly, was top-notch. Attentive, kind, and quick on the draw. Okay, 
okay—she forgot Hans’ coffee cake to-go. But c’mon, every review needs a quibble, 
right?

Rating

I’ve been reviewing restaurants for 20+ years, and I’ve only 
given one 10 (that’s reserved for Bo Derek territory). Le 
Roy’s earns a solid 8 out of 10, and that’s saying something. 
This place is the real deal.

Elmer would’ve loved Le Roy’s. So do I. Check it out. Make 
sure you listen to my Podcast for other local gems. Le 
Roy's is on Huntington Dr. in Monrovia

THE TASTING ROOM

A FANTASTIC PINOT NOIR FOR 
UNDER $20

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

Who is looking for a delicious Pinot Noir for under $20? I 
have one for you! It’s the 2023 Bloodroot Coastal California 
Pinot Noir. Bloodroot is a project by Noah and Kelly Dorrance. 
Bloodroot connotes “life from death” as the “blood” of 
the vines is nourished by the “roots” and terroir that surround

each plant. The grapes come from sustainably farmed vineyards 
throughout the North Coast AVA – primarily from Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. 
Owner Noah and head winemaker Katy Wilson take great care in producing this wine. It’s 100% 
Pinot Noir that is aged for 18 months in French oak. They love to make wines that blow your mind 
away at a great price. I think they have done exactly that with this wine. 

The wine has notes of wildflowers, red berries, and hints of orange 
peel. The finish is gorgeous with floral petals, vibrant fruit, and a 
core of acidity. This is a serious wine at a fun price. Don’t waste your 
money on Meiomi Pinot Noir – that is sweet and meh. Bloodroot 
Pinot Noir is a wine you will fall in love with as will your wine loving 
friends. Take this to a gathering and people will think you’re a genius 
and that you put thought and serious consideration into selecting the 
wine. It’s a win win for everyone!

The 2023 Bloodroot Pinot Noir Coast California is available at The 
Bottle Shop for $19.99. Say you saw it in the Mountain Views News 
and get the MVN special price of $18.99. The special price is good 
through April 4th. 

Please keep in mind all those who have suffered and are trying to rebuild 
from the Eaton Fire. Visit DenaMadreStrong.com to learn how 
you can continue to help those impacted by the Eaton Fire. 

Until next time – Salud!

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ALL THINGS 

By Jeff Brown 


THE SMALL AND THE MIGHTY: TWELVE UNSUNG 
AMERICANS WHO CHANGED THE 
COURSE OF HISTORY, FROM THE FOUNDING 
TO THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT 

by Sharon McMahon

From America’s favorite government teacher, a “fascinating 
and fun” (Adam Grant) portrait of twelve ordinary 
Americans whose courage formed the character 
of our country.

In The Small and the Mighty, Sharon McMahon proves that the most remarkable 
Americans are often ordinary people who didn’t make it into the textbooks. Not 
the presidents, but the telephone operators. Not the aristocrats, but the schoolteachers. 
Through meticulous research, she discovers history’s unsung characters 
and brings their rich, riveting stories to light for the first time.

You’ll meet a woman astride a white horse riding down Pennsylvania Ave, a 
young boy detained at a Japanese incarceration camp, a formerly enslaved 
woman on a mission to reunite with her daughter, a poet on a train, and a teacher 
who learns to work with her enemies. More than one thing is bombed, and multiple 
people surprisingly become rich. Some rich with money, and some wealthy 
with things that matter more.

This is a book about what really made America – and Americans – great. McMahon’s 
cast of improbable champions will become familiar friends, lighting the 
path we journey in our quest to make the world more just, peaceful, good, and 
free.

You can order the book at Sierra Madre’s new bookstore “Fables & Fancies” 
626-6658856


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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