CELESTINO’S – A PASADENA CLASSIC, 
PERFECT FOR MOTHER’S DAY 
Mountain View News Saturday, April 18, 2026 
77FOOD & DRINK 
Peter A. Dills 
L.A.’s King of Cuisinehttps://
LOVE THE LULI 
I’m Gustavo Lira, TastingRoom Manager and Wine 
Buyer at The Bottle Shop inSierra Madre with another 
wine and spirits selection. 
I have four outstanding wines for you to choose from today. 
I’m talking about Luli wines. The three main people involved 
in this project are three of my favorites from the wine industry 
-Sara Floyd, Mark Pisoni, and Jeff Pisoni. They bring a wealthof knowledge and expertise to this label, and you can tasteit in every glass. What I love about Luli wines is that they areincredibly delicious and they are priced extremely well. Thesewines overdeliver and outperform wines that cost double and triple the price. All four wines are 
rated 90+ points, and all four wines are priced under $27. 
THE TASTING ROOM 
Mountain View News Saturday, April 18, 2026 
77FOOD & DRINK 
Peter A. Dills 
L.A.’s King of Cuisinehttps://
LOVE THE LULI 
I’m Gustavo Lira, TastingRoom Manager and Wine 
Buyer at The Bottle Shop inSierra Madre with another 
wine and spirits selection. 
I have four outstanding wines for you to choose from today. 
I’m talking about Luli wines. The three main people involved 
in this project are three of my favorites from the wine industry 
-Sara Floyd, Mark Pisoni, and Jeff Pisoni. They bring a wealthof knowledge and expertise to this label, and you can tasteit in every glass. What I love about Luli wines is that they areincredibly delicious and they are priced extremely well. Thesewines overdeliver and outperform wines that cost double and triple the price. All four wines are 
rated 90+ points, and all four wines are priced under $27. 
THE TASTING ROOM 
Pasadena has plenty of Italian restaurants—but when you start talkingItalian with a true seafood backbone, the list gets short. That’s where 
Celestino’s, under the direction of owner and chef Calogero Drago, 

podlink/1116885432 


continues to stand out. 
With Mother’s Day around the corner, this is one of those places that checks the boxes: service, setting, 
and a menu that feels like an occasion without trying too hard. Let me guide you. 

First—timing.
Celestino’s is open for lunch, then closes for a few hours before reopening around 4:30 PM for dinner. 
Lunch is quieter, easier, and a nice way to experience the restaurant without the crowd.
But for Mother’s Day? Dinner is the move. 

Service sets the tone. 
You walk in and you’re taken care of. Not rushed, not forgotten—just smooth, professional service. Mydad used to say, “If they’re doing it right, you shouldn’t notice—but you’ll feel it.” 

Now the food—this is where they separate themselves.
Start with the Insalata Frutti di Mare—a proper mix of mussels, clams, calamari, and shrimp. Not a token 
seafood dish, the real deal. Follow that with the Calamari Fritti—rings and tentacles, light and crisp. 
If gnocchi is on the menu, order it. That’s one of those dishes that tells you everything about the kitchen. 

From there, you’ve got decisions.
If the Rack of Lamb is on the Mother’s Day menu—get it. No hesitation.
If not, you’re in very good hands with the Chilean Sea Bass or the Osso Buco, both strong, dependable 
choices that fit the setting. 

Now, let me say this—because this is a guide.
A simple penne pasta here? It’s fine… but this is not the place to play it safe. As I like to say, ordering 
penne in a place like this is a little like kissing your sister—comfortable, sure, but not why you showed 
up. (And I’m sure his sister is lovely… you get the idea.) 

Now let’s talk drinks. 
I’m a martini guy, and this is a place to start the evening the right way.
The wine list runs deep—over 200 bottles—but don’t expect a parade of familiar labels like across the 
street at Smitty’s. This list leans more Italian, more Old World. That said, there’s something for everyone, 
especially if you’re willing to explore a bit. 

THE GUIDE DETAILS 

• Lunch & Dinner: Lunch service, closes mid-day, reopens around 4:30 PM 
• Best time: Early dinner for a relaxed experience 
• Parking (Pro Tip): There’s parking in the back—don’t circle Lake 
• Vibe: Perfect for Mother’s Day, date nights, and business dinners 
• Pro tip #2: Martini first, decisions second 
IN SUMMARY 

Celestino’s isn’t chasing trends—and that’s exactly why it works. Chef Calogero Drago delivers where it 
counts: seafood, service, and consistency.
For Mother’s Day, skip the gimmicks.
Go somewhere that feels like an occasion. 
Celestino’s still gets it right. 141 So Lake www.celestinopasadena.com (626) 795-4006Hope you enjoyed my guide to Celestinos, now join my podcast ! email me thechefknows@yahoo.com 


Luli Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco 2024 – this is a juicy, clean Sauvignon Blanc that exhibits notes 
of grass, herbs, and lemon peel. This is not in the style of New Zealand tropical Sauvignon Blancs,
but more in style with French Loire versions. It’s balanced and has bright acidity and a perfect finish. 
Regular price $21.99 Special price $19.80 (when you buy any two) 

Luli Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands 2024 – A fresh style without the overloaded oak that other 
Chardonnays exhibit. This was aged in neutral French barrels to impart very little oak. Stone fruit 
and honeysuckle notes lead to a clean and refreshing finish. Regular price $23.99 Special price 
$21.60 (when you buy any two) 

Luli Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2023 – Easy drinking wine with notes of earth, spice, and 
berry. Soft and gentle tannins. It has enough acidity to satisfy, and leads to a lengthy, clean finish. 
Regular price $26.99 Special price $24.30 (when you buy any two) 

Luli Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands 2023 – This Syrah is amazing. You have the cranberry/raspberry/
pomegranate thing working. Spice, smoked meat, and black pepper notes come through on this 
savory wine. Tannins are well integrated. The finish is dry and very pleasing. This isn’t the high 
alcohol, jammy Syrah that gives Syrah a bad name. This is damn good. Regular price $23.99 Special 
price $21.60 (when you buy any two) 

Get all these wines at The Bottle Shop. Say you saw it in the Mountain Views News and get the 
special pricing when you purchase any two bottles featured. Special pricing is good through April 
24th. 

Until next time – Salud! 


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