Correction: Bizou, not Bisou. Happy Travels!

thanks for the details on what to try at Bizou, guenmai. I will definitely check it out.

<<<Also in the area in back of Crate and Barrel, in Miller's Alley, you'll notice across from the movie theater and up on a roof top, a Mediterranean style restaurant. It has really good food.>>>

That's where we ended up eating - it's called Santorini and it was very good.

Madelein's Bistro and Wine Bar, Parkway Grill, the Scarlet Tea Room and another vote for Saladang Song.

I drove by Madeleines yesterday and there was a "For Lease" sign up, so I called their number, which is now out of service. I never did get to try it outl

We had a nice meal at Cheval Blanc a few weeks back. Click on my website below and it will take you to that page.

http://web.me.com/tomfielding1/Tom_%...ena%2C_CA.html

((H))

Oh, that's too bad. I loved Madelein's - it was in an old house with a lovely small courtyard - it had the ambience of "Old Money Pasadena" - with really terrific service and food. Thanks for telling me. I live about 45 min. from Pasadena and get over there about once a month because I love the place and have friends in the area.

Pasadena and San marino reek of "old money", it is so elegant there.

I may go to cheval blanc tonight just for their french onion soup, maitaitom. :)

Except in Old Town, where it reeks more of new money than old :-)

"Oh, that's too bad. I loved Madelein's.."

Wish we would have tried it out. It was not in a very good location for "spur of the moment dining," unfortunately. In Pasadena, we also like the above-mentioned Cheval Blanc, Azeens Afghani restaurant (terrific kabobs and inexpensive appetizers), Cafe Bijou, Cafe Santorini, Celestino, Daisy Mint, Malbec, Cafe Verde, Ugo's (Monrovia), Briganti (spotty service, good food in South Pasadena), and in Larchmont, we love Girasole. Just had a terrific lunch at Lazy Ox Canteen in downtown L.A. and are looking forward to visiting Church and State in L.A. in near future (gets rave reviews from friends). Scarlett Tea Room was fine, but overpriced, in my estimation. By the way, Twin Palms is also out of business.

((H))

Oh no, I used to love Twin Palms. For years I enjoyed the gospel brunch and just sitting outdoors in all kinds of weather. The food had its ups and downs but the atmosphere was so nice. Is there anything in their place now?

Maitai, you are going to laugh or sigh but I just had the best fried chicken dinner at Conrads on Lake. A friend just loves their fried chicken and he is right, it was tasty. Real 70's dining.

wasn't Twin Palms originally opened by kevin costner's ex-wife (Cindy?) after their divorce? It was quite the happening spot when it opened.

I ate at the bar at cheval blanc tonight. I found the soups very heavily salted.... maybe it was just tonight. I also tried the crepes forestiere which was decent (gruyere cheese and mushrooms.

I am really looking forward to trying the 4 course tasting menu at The Dining Room at the Langham with the celebrated Top Chef winner. I couldn't even get in last saturday. I think I'll wait till after June 4th when I weigh in on a diet bet with a girlfriend (we have to lose 5 lbs by then or the loser pays for a day at a spa).

I like Red White and Bluez Grill on Raymond, just south of Colorado for dinner. They have a good wine selection and live jazz every night.

Marston's is also a good place for breakfast. There is usually a wait, but it is worth it.

Live jazz EVERY night?! wow, I'll check that out some time. thanks.

Cameron's Seafood on Colorado Boulevard.

"wasn't Twin Palms originally opened by kevin costner's ex-wife (Cindy?) after their divorce? It was quite the happening spot when it opened."

Pretty sure that is correct. The quality of the restaurant really deteriorated through the years.
((H))

So, can we jump one town over and mention the Din Tai Fung Dumpling house in Arcadia? It is currently my favorite place for lunch or dinner right now.

Sure! great to know, ltr. Thanks.

<<<Sure! great to know, ltr. Thanks.>>>

Hey, this is my thread!! So sure! :-))

hahaha, sorry to usurp, sf! I'm always eager for info and giving positive feedback for it..... lol. :)

I actually love that these recommendations will all be in one thread...makes it easier for me and anyone else looking for a rec in the future.