"SeaUrchin on Mar 1, 14 at 1:22pm
Thanks Guenmai, it sounds like a special dining experience. I'll go there later in the Spring and see what is offered."


http://www.mauderestaurant.com/stories.html

The monthly fruit/vegetable offerings, for the year, are listed under the Seasonal Stories section on the home page.

Happy Travels!

When I'm forced to go "over the hill" (as we snobby WLA folks say) to the Valley, Café Bizou is our general "go to" place where we do the meet-ups of those who live on the Westside and those who live in the Valley near Ventura Blvd.

Love their food. Cocktail bar pretty nice too.

That's funny! We have always called it going over the mountain. We did not know that there was any "official" terminology.

I've also heard of it as, "Going over the hill". It's funny, being a Pasadenean and as when we have to go in the direction of the 405 South, into L.A. (like Westwood and South) friends and acquaintances have referred to it as, "Going over the hill" as we don't like to have to do it and deal with all of that traffic. But, I have to go over the hill to get to one of my jobs. Smiles.

Happy Travels!

Well, over the hill does have a certain connotation, I think I like over the mountain better! It is funny too that we
met two friends who drove "over the hill" from WLA to meet at Bizou.

I like the Pasadena Bizou, too, but I think the valley one has more atmosphere which makes it pretty popular so don't even try to
walk in without a reservation. The bar area is old style fun too, I agree.

Anyone try the Great Greek lately? I used to love it but I haven't been there in a really long time. It is another place that has held on for a long time so I hope it is still good.

Bizou is very busy and for dinner there needs to be a reservation. As for lunch, I can usually get seated without waiting too long.

Happy Travels!

"socialworker on Mar 1, 14 at 4:42pm
That's funny! We have always called it going over the mountain. We did not know that there was any "official" terminology."

Also, "going over the hill" is used for going over either Laurel Canyon or Beverly Glen. I go over the hill, from Beverly Glen/Ventura to Sunset and areas on that side, to get to work, if I decide not to take the 405.

Happy Travels!

Interesting, Guenmai. For now in our rental, we are very near Beverly Glen so, that is the route we take. Once we move to SM, I am not sure, but then it will probably be Sepulveda. (Not a fan of the freeways, but we will adapt, no doubt. Our problem with freeways, (not that you asked! ) stems from not knowing the "rules". In Boston and highways in MA, we knew the rules of the game such as who would yield in most situations, notwithstanding the actual rules of the road. But here we have no way to read situations where the playbook being used is totally different!)

Socialworker: So, you ended up near Beverly Glen. I remember suggesting Beverly Glen to be able to go over the hill, to UCLA, in around 20 minutes. Smiles. As for the game of driving in L.A., you'll learn soon. One of my best friends, who happens to live in N.Y. state, was here in June. He had lived here, in L.A., a short time back in the 80s. While here, he decided to drive one day on both streets and freeways. We nearly got hit and run over several times as he had forgotten the rules. I ended up having to drive him around the rest of his stay here. He was a nervous wreck. LOL! I've been driving since I was 15½ and am used to it and thus got us where he needed to go and we both arrived relaxed. Smiles.

Happy Travels!

Sorry if I was not clear above, Guenamai. It is our VRBO rental that is very close to Beverly Glen. Our condo will be in Santa Monica so that will require a different route over the hill.

@socialworker-love the dumpling chart-except it made me hungry for dumplings! Luckily I get to LA tomorrow so will have to get out east soooooon!!!

socialworker: I understand that it's a rental until you buy a place in S.M. But, it's nice that you got a rental near Beverly Glen as I find it quicker to get to UCLA, from there, than from some areas of S.M. I once lived in S.M. and commuted to UCLA, but was on the West L.A. border of it.

Happy Travels!

Our problem with freeways, (not that you asked! ) stems from not knowing the "rules"

What rules? I've always treated it as a game of chicken

Hit another home run last night...

Claud & Co. Eatery on the corner of Allen and Villa in Pasadena.

Place was packed (seats 40). Menu changes each month. This month is Pinot Madness.

Dishes we tried included Filet Mignon carpaccio, Mixed Green Salad with Shaved apple, Mustard and Tarragon crusted lamb rack, hazelnut crusted scallops, Spiced Chocolate lava cake with (fantastic) espresso gelato and Cinnamon apple fritters in caramel dipping sauce.

Going back later in month. Have to try the blue cheese polenta.

Bonus star sighting...John de Lancie ("Q" frpm Star Trek" The Next Generation) was seated nearby.

Thanks, Maitaitom. I'll have to also put that one on my list. By the way, I've landed another reservation to Maude for peas month. I called to reserve for rhubarb month in May, but they are so busy until they aren't even taking reservations yet for May.

Happy Travels!

Peas be with you, Guenmai.

Just came out and some interesting choices this year:

http://features.laweekly.com/99_esse...taurants_2014/

If you find yourself at dinner time in the culinary wasteland of Whittier I suggest trying Phlight on Bright St. I've been
coming here for some time now and have always had consistently very good to excellent meals.
Spanish tapas in a lively atmosphere. Fun music and no acoustics so it can be a bit loud sometimes, other times they
have beautiful Spanish ballads. Good wine selection too.
It's nice to support local owners, too.

http://www.phlightrestaurant.com/home

Thanks for that list, jpie, it is great. I see some of
my San Gabriel favorites on there.

SeaUrchin, we have been to Phlight several times with friends who live in Whittier and we also like it very much. I had forgotten what the name was until I saw your post. Thanks!