88 
Mountain Views-News Saturday November 22, 2025 FOOD - DRINK - FUN 88 
Mountain Views-News Saturday November 22, 2025 FOOD - DRINK - FUN 
Peter A. Dills 

https://
podlink/1116885432 


NEWS & NAPKIN NOTES 

By Peter Dills — Dining with Dills 

Every now and then I like to take off the reviewer’s coat, loosen 
the tie, and just tell you what’s happening around town — 
where I’ve been, what I’ve seen, and what people are whispering 
about while waiting for a table. Think of this as a revival 
of my old Table for Two column, now written on the back of 
a napkin. Andy Rooney style. 

Let’s start with the new kid on the block: Javier’s. 

I first visited Javier’s more than ten years ago — great at


mosphere, lively crowd, and very good Mexican food. The 

new location has all that energy and then some. Now, I’m not 
putting Javier’s on blast — far from it. They run a beautiful restaurant, and if people are 
willing to pay the prices, more power to them. But part of my job is to warn my readers 
before they sit down. 

So yes, the rumors are true: a $30 martini, a $30 quesadilla, and $25 valet parking. I’ll 
admit it — I want to try that $30 quesadilla at least once, just to see if it comes with a song 
and dance. For now, I’ll wait until the fanfare settles down and parking feels a little less like 
a special event. 

Over on Huntington Drive, I stopped by The Derby, and once again asked myself the same 
question: Why don’t I come here more often? It’s a classic room with service that reminds 
you restaurants used to feel like clubs — familiar, comfortable, and confident in what theydo. And year after year, The Derby quietly does another great job with its holiday decorations 
— tasteful, traditional, and never overdone. Some places chase trends; The Derbyjust gets it right. 

In other neighborhood news, Domenico’s on Washington Blvd is now open for lunch — 
great news for those who like sitting inside, grabbing a booth, and enjoying one of the area’s 
longtime favorites without waiting for dinner service. Dinner hours remain steady and 
dependable: Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday until 9:00, and Friday and Saturday until 

9:30. In a world where restaurant hours change weekly, consistency deserves a mention. 
Now let’s talk holiday decorations, because some restaurants treat December like a competitive 
sport. Parkway Grill has to be on the list — they’ve been decorating with intention 
long before Instagram made it fashionable. And the Langham lobby? That’s been a holidaydestination for as long as I can remember. You don’t need a room key — just walk in and 
enjoy. 

Add Cafe Santorini in Old Pasadena to the Christmas list as well. When the lights go up 
and the decorations come out, that rooftop view feels even more special. It’s festive without 
trying too hard — which is usually the best kind. 

One holiday truth that hasn’t changed in my lifetime: on Christmas Day, two types of 
places are almost always open — hotels and Chinese restaurants. Some traditions stick 
around because they work. 

More next week. I’m still taking notes — mostly on napkins. Until then, eat local, tip well, 
and remember: I don’t mind a $30 quesadilla… I just like to warn you before you order 
one. Podcast this week I talk Polish Foods, email me thechefknows@yahoo.com 

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE! 
Call Patricia 
626-818-2698
THE TASTING ROOM 
NATURAL WINES 

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

Do you need wine recommendations for your holiday 
gift giving? Look no further! Well, I guess you must look 
further if you want to see my recommendations…. 

These are some of my favorite wines from the past year at 
The Bottle Shop. I’ll have more next week! 

Talley “Rosemary’s” Pinot Noir, Arroyo Grande 2022 -
this is a superb Pinot Noir made by my friend Eric Johnson. 
One of the best Pinots I’ve tasted this year! 96 Points from Jeb Dunnuck. Elsewhere $89 
and up. Come into the shop and see our price! You won’t be disappointed. 


Desire Lines Cabernet Sauvignon, 
Lichau Hill Vineyard 
Petaluma Gap 2022 

-Forget the mass-produced 
Silver Oak and the Daou, 
this is the Cab you should 
be drinking and giving as 
gifts. Cody Rasmussen is 
the winemaker, and he is 
an up-and-coming rockstar 
in the wine world if he isn’t 
already! Vinous calls this 
wine drop dead gorgeous. 
94 Points Vinous. Elsewhere 
$55 to $75. Our price – 
come into the shop to get a 
great deal! 
Cave des Vignerons 

d’Estezargues Cote Du 

Rhone-Villages 2024 - this 

is an amazing wine; the label 
is one of my favorites too. Look below for it. This is a blend of 57% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 
5% Cinsault, 4% Carignan, and 3% Mourvedre. Certified Organic, 40-year-old vines. Vegan 
wine since it’s unfiltered. This wine is drinking superbly. Soft tannins, savory herbs. Spice. 
Gorgeous fruit. The label shows a man walking on polished riverbed stones known as galets 
roulés. I love the wine and the price! $17.99 

The wines are available at The Bottle Shop. Limited quantities remain, so get them asap! 

I’ll be pouring my favorite wines next Thursday and Friday at the Bottle Shop Tasting Room. 
Don’t miss this special holiday tasting! 

Until next time – Salud! 


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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