Unfortunately, it was our anniversary dinner, so that compounded our disappointment of the evening, although we "discovered" a great, new wine store down the street.

I am not trying to imply Bistro de la Gare is a "bad" restaurant. It's just there is a lot of competition, and when I drop nearly $150 on what I hoped would be a special meal and it falls completely flat in all areas, I have a lot of other options out there and will not come back.

Tom,
I hope you convey all of the above to the management of the restaurant; I think this is really something they need to know. I know you have been there more than once; it sounds like there were many areas where they fell farther than flat on your special evening, in both food and service. And that is just a shame.

I just reread what you wrote. Did you "discover" Winestyles? We have been in there for a tasting, the chairs are really comfortable and the wines, from South Africa, were really good. It's a nice addition to the former sleepy little town we have here.

maitaitom - did you really like Saladang Song? We dined there after one of our football games and were tremendously underwhelmed. It was after we beat USC so we were in a WONDERFUL mood, too!

Seriously, Orangetravelcat, the food at the Huntington is amazing.

I have never found a restaurant out there that everyone unanimously agrees is good or bad. You always take your chances. I have not been to Saladang Song in quite awhile. It was quite good, and friends of mine who love Thai food love it still, so I included it for someone who might enjoy Thai food and staying in Pasadena.

That's not to say that you are wrong by being "underwhelmed." Restaurant experiences are very subjective, and that was your experience.

Heck, orangetravelcat might go to Bistro de la Gare and have the best meal of their life. You can only go by your own experiences, which is why I always look at restaurant reviews, but don't take them as Gospel. To know for sure, you've got to take a chance and try it on your own.

I do agree that the one time we ate at the Huntington, the food was really good (Of course, we didn't have to pay that night, so......).

All great restaurant suggestions...but please don't attempt to walk to any of the restaurants in August. Even though you are from Phoenix, its been very humid here and the residential area around the Huntington has sidewalks, but some streets do not. You'll find yourself on a very busy street with no sidewalk. And its very dark in that area too.

And as much as I hate to admit, crime does happen even in the best of areas. Rent a car/take a taxi..do whatever suits you. Parking is a little tricky on a weekend in old town, but just head for the parking structures or valet it.

Enjoy your visit, Pasadena has so much to offer besides the Rose Parade!

For those of you in the know...
Anyone know the name of the little 50's diner in Pasadena where you blow toothpick darts at the ceiling? I think it's a Pink building...I think it's just off Colo. Blvd, near San Marino.

I went to that pink place once, i think, my grandparents retired there, and we used to go visit, absolutely beautiful place, we loved it, we used to eat yummy chinese food on colorado, but don't recall the name. the "hot in august" made ma chuckle though!

We leave tomorrow for Pasadena. Have decided to eat at our hotel one night, and then Cafe Bizou the other.

"We leave tomorrow for Pasadena. Have decided to eat at our hotel one night, and then Cafe Bizou the other."

Don't forget, only $2 corkage if you want to bring a special bottle...or two.

Wow. I didn't know anyone only charged $2 for corkage anymore!

$2.00 corkage?!?! Wow, someone should take a picture!