What's NEW in Old Town Pasadena???

If you blinked you may have missed it!! 

Here are 4 exciting changes to our sweet Home!!!!

1. POPCORN - N - MORE!! 

on Colorado, across Mills Alley from Jakes!

Popcorn - N - More 

Just opened YESTERDAY!!! Think Vanilla & Blueberry, Cherry, Confetti - so bright and FUN, Garlic Parmesan, Buttered, Cinnamon, Vanilla, Toffee and MORE!!!!  

I remember as a child a popcorn store in the Glendale Galleria that had popcorn balls and it was the BIGGEST TREAT! Stop by and say HI and get a FREE sample!! 

I love small businesses in Pasadena - Support them with me!! 

Made fresh, daily on the premises!!!!!

(yes yesterday- who's your local expert??? M E !!!)

 

2. redwhite+bluezz is no longer on Raymond & Green Street!!

redwhitebluezz.com 

Have no fear, they have relocated to the stunning, historical location apart of the Pasadena Playhouse!!!!

Love Architecture and Pasadena history?? Well you are in for a TREAT!! Completed in 1925, the Pasadena Playhouse has been an icon ever since and I have a personal relationship with this building! It was the start of an incredible, motivational and educational career of John Zweers whom studied stagecraft as well as directing there in hit's heyday! He was my MAGIC teacher...more on that later!! In addition to the Spanish architecture, historical details also include Batchelder Tiles in the fountain work and around the venue. If you aren't familiar with the work of Ernest A. Batchelder do a little research, you are sure to see his lovely work throughout the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. Starting from the humble kiln in his yard these tiles represent artistry and detail at it's finest!! 

AGAIN, I digress! I just get so excited! So not only do you have these incredible surroundings but alluring jazz, live performances and HAPPY HOUR!! Wine and Blues?? What a beautiful site, come by and see their new space and enjoy their delicious menu!! Happy Hour is 5- 7 Tuesday-Friday!! LIVE Blues 6:30 EVERY NIGHT!!

3. Copa Vida is COMING!!!!!

Coffee, Tea & Me!!! and espresso...

 Cup of Coffee, Cup of Tea, Cup of Life!

Yes you may find me here!! Why? I LOVE tea and I LOVE the location!!

Located at the space that redwhite+bluezz just relocated from on Green & Raymond in Old Town Pasadena! It currently is getting a new vibe, warm, rich and comfortable!

 So what's so special about this location? It's within a block of a few of my favorite spaces like Stat's, Central Park and The Castle Green! MORE on all of those magical places later! I'll post when they are officially open but keep an eye out on that corner!!

4. Joie in Old Town Pasadena

Joie Now Open 

Do you or someone you know love luxurious fabric? Looking for feminine style, comfort and class? Well this is your spot!! Now open on Colorado Blvd. this mainstay of style lovers has a home in our dear town!! 

There you have it! Remember to check in with me to see what's new in our area!!!!

Next blog feature great action in Altadena!!!!! 

My Beautiful Mt. Washington Lease $2800 mo.- Listed/Marketed/SOLD in 1 Week!!

   Fantastically dear friends that I have known for years asked me to lease their beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath home in Mt. Washington. The paperwork was signed and I went right to work noticing and fixing the fine details to put our best foot forward. This means wiping down counters, cabinets, sweeping, trashing random debris from previous tenants and replacing the hose among other things!! While this property was VERY CLEAN it's the small details that make your home show better and more appealing for potential tenants!!! I treat my listings as though I was selling my own home! Presentation is EVERYTHING!! Exposure and marketing are also important components to a successful sale/lease! Of course I made myself available for showings as well as promptly responded to ALL requests by agents and potential tenants! (It's very important to respond to each inquiry personally and timely. - It's just plain etiquette!!) Utilizing the web also added a lot of activity! Of course I took the time to input it into Multiple Listing Services, Zillow, Trulia, Craigslist and many more!! (A few secret sites that have the corner on the market for potential renters and buyers!!!)

 Picture time!! I was happy to hear feedback from multiple parties that the home looked exactly as it appeared in photos! Expectations were meant and exceeded, simply by showing the homes best aspects while giving an honest point of view!!

 I LOVE what I do!! I listed it on the market and within ONE WEEK, the owners had multiple, well qualified tenants to choose from and a CONTRACT WAS SIGNED!! $2,800 a month, for 2 years and a wonderful couple will care for the home as if it were their own!!! Here's the thing, as an agent I take advantage of every opportunity to get to know potential applicants! This couple is professional, hard working, caring, fun and most importantly LOVED the property and really expressed their interest by being prompt with filling out and returning the application!!

 I'm sad to not spend more time at this phenomenal house! So please feel free to refer me another great listing as I really, really enjoy my listings as if they were my own home!! And neighbors, while I love you all and don't want you to move, let me know if you know someone that needs to! (And of course it would be a privilege to be of service to you!) I do my best to represet my clients, protect them and negotiate on their behalf. My last Buyer clients ended up with $8,000 in INSTANT EQUITY as their home was appraised $8,000 higher than they paid! This was due to me noticing fine details, doing my due diligence and my clients cooperating!

On To The Next One!!!  Send it My Way!!

Take a Walkabaout at Hahamonga Watershed Park!

Alright! If you are looking for something to do in 

lovely Pasadena this is it!!

 Enjoy nature? 

This one is for you!!

Did you know about Frisbee (disc) Golf? 

Did you know there is a baseball field down there?

9am- Noon

What a lovely way to escape the bustle and spend the morning!!

 Hahamonga seems to not be well known to those that aren't from around here but I have a long history with this basin!! Initially starting with hiking with my Dad, Sister and dog Honey into the Upper Arroyo Seco and later on I used to ride my Tennessee Walker through the trails of what is now Hahamonga. Currently I frequently take the Gabrieleno trail behind JPL that is accessed from Windsor ave. and Ventura. I love hearing the peaceful creek, watching hawks soar above and enjoying the shade made by the towering trees that make for a magical nature experience that transports you into the wilderness! It is a stroller friendly path that is used by equestrians and cyclists regularly! For those that aren't too athletically inclined it's an easy and pleasurable trip 1 mile in to the trail split and 1 mile back! (And most can do that portion in about an hour leisurely!) For those that enjoy hiking there are many trails to continue on!

The Hahamonga Watershed Park is tucked away into the basin and visible as you view JPL from surrounding roads, the entrance is across the street from La Canada High and it winds you down into the basin where Tom Sawyer Summer Camp is - located next to Rose Bowl Riders, a riding and boarding facility!

 Well tomorrow, March 23rd, 2013 The Arroyo Seco Foundation will host a Walkabout! Historically a Walkabout is a period of time in Aboriginal Culture to go out into the wilderness and live in harmony with nature. To recenter, engage and focus on the present to be able to focus best on your future. It's been adopted in other cultures as a time used to clear your head! For the Arroyo Seco's purposes, it's to engage in nature through guides and stations focusing on preservation and use for our natural spaces!!

 Please consult the website for more details, this is an ideal event for kids, a date, start to your morning and for anyone that wants to take advantage of our beautiful weather and natural habitat!!

Prepare your trip!!
Here is where you Park and Sign In: Google Map of where to Start!

Details of What to Expect! Arroyo Seco Foundation

A Gift from Pasadena ~ ART NIGHT ~ F R E E

One of my favorite Pasadena Events!!!

ArtNight Pasadena

March 8th

(During HAPPY HOUR Week if you notice! Read my blog for the best deals!!!!)

6-10pm! 

ArtNight is FREE and is your key to tour the most fantastic venues and explore Pasadena Arts at their best 

among friends and neighbors!!

Here's the deal:

Check out the location that works best for you to start! ArtNight features dedicated shuttles to each venue as well as the Pasadena Arts Bus Route 10. If you don't live in town and don't want to hassle with parking, ride the Gold Line in!!! Consult their map to hone in on your preffered experience, must sees or just show up and discover!!! And there's FOOD!!!

My personal, FAVORITE PLACES:
(My top 3 picks-it's all fantastic but these are my MUST SEES!)

Art Center of Design! It's worth the shuttle ride into the sleepy bedroom community of Linda Vista, up the winding canyon to this unique campus designed by noted modernist architect Craig Ellwood! The original school was opened and founded by Edward Adams in 1930 and grew in size and popularity, moving to the current home in Linda Vista in 1976. With an impressive list of graduates from Academy Award winners to  car designers, photographers, illustrators, painters, product designers, automotive design and industrial design icons, Art Center is a hub of past and future excellence! ArtNight will be featuring over 100 dramatic large scaled posters featuring 21st Century Culture by students!

Pacific Asia Museum! The building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places, designed by
Grace Nicholson with arcitechts Marston, Van Pelt and Maybury, turning her drawings and dreams of an authentic Imperial Palace Courtyard inspired by Beijing design into a Pasadena Reality! Completed in 1929 this building, Ms. Nicholson shared the building with the Pasadena Art Institute that later changed it's name to the Pasadena Art Institute, moving to it's new home in 1970 and is currently The Norton Simon Museum! Enjoy exhibitions The Garden in Asia, The Art of Continuity: Revering our Ancestors, the final weekend of Kimono in the 20th Century and my personal favorite - Marking Transitions: Ceremonial Art in Indonesia!! Bali holds a special place in my heart, I enjoyed the culture, people, food, art, architecture to the fullest and look forward to enjoying more in such an incredible environment!(without the 24 hours of travel to get there!)

Pasadena Museum of History! Caught on that my ArtWalk is about history and architecturally impressive buildings to me as well as art?! Well here's another stellar example! The building housing the Pasadena Museum of art is the Fenyes Mansion, built on 2 acres of land, just on Orange Grove Blvd, north of Old Town. Designed in 1906 by noted architect Robert D. Farquhar it boasts many features of the Beaux Arts period, listed on both the National and California Registers of Historic Places. Think Great Gatsby, rounded windows, flat roof, ornate details and pure white! On exhibit is I Do! I Do! Pasadena Ties the Knot, spotlights the wedding dress as icon of social customs, featuring 35+ vintage gowns from 1860 to 1950. It's a perfect venue for such items of historical significance!!!

*** BONUS NOTE: Don't forget to check out the live entertainment and our gorgeous Pasadena City Hall that will also be highlighted in a future blog!!!

I hope to see you out and about!! 

Remember it's Happy Hour Week 

but there will also be food trucks a plenty!! 

Check the Pasadena ArtNight Website for details but my bet is the Pie N Burger Truck 

at the Pasadena Museum of History!!

Simple Home Improvements that Increase Value and convenience!

I have owned my first home now over 10 years! 

While the market and other conditions have been challenging the last 10 years, I do feel it is a fantastic investment! 

Part of owning a home is to make it your own. 

Projects and changes that not only save money by doing them yourself but yield a personal touch as well can be fun and fulfilling!!

So a while back I discovered the Home Depot Do It Herself series of hands on tutorials and instructions!! 

I know what the title says but of course it's open to men as well!! 
Here is a rundown of the few that I have attended!!

Martha Stewart Paint and Stencil - This workshop highlighted the different paints and effect paint offered by the Martha Stewart Home Collection. We got to pick stencils and sponge, paint and try different effects by layering different products! The giveaway was a frame that I personally applied red paint to and then a white antique crackle over that when dried allowed the red to peek through!! It was a fun FREE project that yielded a great keepsake! (I'm more into mechanical fixes but I thought it was something fun that I wouldn't necessarily do on my own!!)

Tile Application - This one I LOVED!!! Not only did they go through the list of items you'd need for a project, the calculations, the products they have to offer, but they also had a hands on workplace!! So I practiced with the grout and tile spacers and built a great deal of confidence! The best part is being able to ask questions. Many were there for information on tiling a kitchen counter or bathroom but I want to tile over my brick fireplace! The instructors had a wealth of knowledge and gave me step by step instructions on how to tile the fireplace while preserving the original 1951 brick underneath in case I or a future buyer preferred that look!

Herb Garden - Again, hands on with great questions and answers on irrigation, placement and timing! Basically they highlighted the key herbs mostly used in the kitchen, where and when to plant them and general care! I have 2 other friends that now have thriving herb gardens from this FREE class!!

Rustoleum Cabinet Update - This was interesting, they now have prodects where you can basically give your kitchen cabinets a facelift by 'painting' them! But the formulas now are balanced for humidity, shrinkage and expansion and feature opaque options as well as sheer to still see the wood grain after application! I'm very interested in this one but have yet to dive into this project on my own home!

What's coming up?

I am SO EXCITED, the next one is March 21st and it's Energy Efficient Sensors and Dimmers!!! This is an economical upgrade to your home! Not only does it add convenience and allow a sanitary hands free option to turning lights on and off, it saves money as well! Most motion detector timers allow you to adjust them to turn off 30 seconds to half an hour after motion is no longer sensed! The switches themselves help to give your home a more updated and modernized feel!! I personally have a SmartHome system that allows me to have lights, appliances and functions turn on and off at a predetermined time or by my cell phone/computer. It helps create variety and make your home look occupied when it may indeed be empty, offering extra security! I love having a light or two turn on at dusk but I really like walking into a room and having the lights turn on by themselves!!

**** BONUS NOTE:  When you attend these workshops, they usually give you a discount valid for the day of the workshop so for a bit of time on a project you are already considering, it's a great value to save money on your home improvement!!!!

See their website for more details and upcoming workshops!!! Do It Herself Workshops

Hughes Estate Sales ~ A Pillar of Pasadena & Altadena and Treasure Trove!!

Giant 5,000 square foot warehouse of Treasures!

SALE!!!

March 1-3

8am-2pm

 The lives we lead can be full of twists and turns, differences and similarities, relationships, heartbreak, joy and everything in between but in our current culture and society - it's inevitably also full of stuff. Part of growing up in a historically significant town such as Pasadena is seeing the preservation of those that have been here before us. Take the The Gamble House for instance built by Greene and Greene in 1908, it is full not only of incredible architectural details, such as not using a single nail in construction (however there are a few hidden brass screws in the staircase), but also of items used at the time. Items that have been purely functional along with those that have been loved and appreciated by their owners for years. As a middle school student I was a junior docent at the Gamble House and I will be covering that wonderful, Pasadena icon in a future blog! Often I think about the trinkets and decor in this home and how in Middle School I was awestruck by some of these unique treasures! Lucky for you and I, we have a giant warehouse FULL of treasures to explore!! This is actually about the stuff in our lives that are treasures and a company that has earned a flawless reputation in Pasadena and beyond!! Of course I am talking about the incredible estate sale and appraisal company founded in 1978 by Larry Hughes, Hughes Estate Sales!! Now with Todd Hughes at the helm of the family business, it continues to thrive as a highly respectable pillar of Pasadena! Preserving history and giving incredible treasures a new life, making them available for others to treasure them as well!

      Equally important to the value of these treasures is service! From past blogs you know I recognize and appreciate fantastic, stand out service! Well Hughes Estate Sales has exceeded my expectations and made what I thought would be a tedious chore, an absolute pleasure!! A few years ago there was a death in my family. Overwhelmed and grief stricken I did not function well and did not know what to do with items that belonged to someone I had immense love for. It was difficult because there were items that were loved by someone I loved but I no longer had a use or desire for them in my home. Not knowing the value of anything myself, I was a little lost. Todd came in and walked me through what things were of value, what they'd sell for at a yard sale or estate sale and which items should just be donated! The beauty of it was Hughes Estate Sales came with a big truck, meticulously categorized and cataloged items before carefully packing them, put them in a big truck and took them away!!!!! (Best part about it was I got a check for those items that honestly had just been taking up space in my home and mind!) It was wonderful! Fantastic! Incredible! Awesome and the biggest weight off my shoulders in a long time!!!

    So if you have anything in your home that has value that you are unsure of or are dealing with the belongings of someone that has passed, the process is easy and actually fun with Hughes Estate Sales!! They coordinate everything and you can either have a sale at a home or just have them take the items to their warehouse! Every employee that I have worked with has had the utmost professionalism, knowledge and care! Something I had dreaded became an absolute pleasure due to their efficiency, knowledge and compassion!!

Other Valuable Services Include:
Recycling
Ebay Consignment Services
Liquidation Services!!

Well that covers the part if you have items you need to be handled or sold BUT the most exciting part is the ITEMS FOR SALE!!!!! Talk about treasures!! There is an overwhelming amount of eye candy in their giant warehouse! Not to mention the Pasadena Swap Meet once a month!! So take a look at their webpage!

Personally I shy away from mass, manufactured furniture and prefer unique, quality pieces and this is a treasure trove of rare furniture in fantastic condition that will add originality to your home!

They have a 5,000 square foot warehouse filled to the brim with treasures! Whether you are looking for a unique gift for someone special, a treasure for yourself or to change your decor you will enjoy a trip to the warehouse!!!!

Be sure to stop by their next warehouse sale!!

March 1-3  8am-2pm!!

Sale Details 

 711 West Woodbury Road
Altadena, CA 91001

Check out the pictures of just a sample of their Current Inventory!!!

* My Personal Best Bets for Pasadena's Happy Hour Week *

So not only does Pasadena have an incredible, free Art Night, 

a fantastically delicious Restaurant Week 

but there is even HAPPY HOUR WEEK!!  (actually 2 weeks)

March 1-15th! 

Again, what a great town!!!?!!!

** BONUS -- Daylight Savings Starts March 10th!! What a great time to enjoy some of Pasadena's BEST PATIOS!!

** NOTE: This is completely different from my Happy Hour Trifeca that will be online soon-so keep an eye on me!

First thing-With a METRO ticket you can save 15% on your bill at Bar Celona!! 

So regardless of where you are in L.A. you have a designated driver-the Gold Line!!

** As Always.... Imbibe Responsibly, Entertain Classically! ** 

I've organized them by time so you can make a nice little Itinerary!!!

Mind you- the menus are plentiful and the offerings are more but here are my 

*highlights/favorites & suggestions*

For full listings and menus check out Old Pasadena Happy Hour Week !

** The beauty of Pasadena is that there is so much to explore

 and new places to enjoy! 

Hopefully I've shown you a few of my favorites 

and have made finding the tricky ones a little easier! 

I'm always intimidated when I can't find a place on the map so I hope my personal directions lead you to The Happiest Hours!!! **

Here We Go:

* Equator has a different Happy Hour Special EVERY DAY of the Week! Equator Happy Hour!
** I love the Asian Fusion Decor, Chandeliers, Buddhas and small patio (provided no one is smoking there while I enjoy.) ** Located in Mills Alley-Across the way from Jake's & Burke Williams, near the rear Wokcano entrance**

2pm-Close M-Th - Pita Jungle -
*Vegetarian, great menu variety and fantastic exposed brick, black chairs, sleek decor-It's swankier than it sounds!! It's a fine sit down establishment with a lovely full bar!*
$3 Draft Beer/House Wines/Margaritas!
ANY FOR $2 - Hummus Trio/Baba ganooshGarlic dip/Falafel/Feta cheese/Sauteed mushrooms/Garlic lemon chicken & pine nuts/Tsatziki/Dolmades/Mediterranian olives/Fresh mozzarella & tomatoes/Thyme & olive oil pita

3-7 M-F 11-1 Saturday ALL DAY Sunday. Dog Haus Biergarten
* Nestled off Green behind Red+White & Bluezz & the alley that used to be the old train tracks- **Outdoor Seating which is shaded and along the promenade!--Not on the street -- which I love!!**
$1 Sliders/Fries!! Well $4/Beers $2.50-$4

3-7 Slater's 50/50 - M-F 3:00PM-7:00PM -
 * Exposed Brick, Black chairs & Accents-it's like a nicer sports bar. Like Barney's but without the random stuff everywhere! They have Burgers that are 50% Beef & 50% Bacon! The Vampire Garlic Dip is delicious!- Ask Omar for a Horchata shot and tell him I said HI! *
 50% off well drinks, house wines and beers including 10 premium craft beers on draft that rotate daily -
ALL UNDER $2.50 EACH Slater’s fries-with Slater’s bacon ketchup/Sweet potato fries-with pumpkin sauce/Fried dill pickle chips-with original mustard sauce/Beer battered onion rings -with house-made BBQ sauce/Beer battered jalapenos-with cilantro-lime sour cream

 3-7pm 1810 Argentinean Restaurant 
 *Exposed Brick, chandeliers and streetside patio. Black booths and chairs-at night it glows warmly with Argentinian music that will make you feel as though you are on vacation!* Go here BEFORE daylight savings so you can enjoy the glow!*
$3 Sangria & Quilmes/Negro Modelo - $2 Garlic Fries & Empanadas!!

3-7pm/3-9 on Mondays - Café Santorini   ** Make Reservations for the Beautiful, second floor Patio  ** 40% off any bar drink-$2 off any wine by the glass-10% off premiums
ALL ARE $5 a serving!! -- Curry shrimp/Santorini fries-with garlic, feta/ Preserved lemon and saffron clams/Grilled calamari/Mini flat bread with soujouk sausage-with onions, goat cheese and fresh mint/Spanakopita-fillo dough pastries filled with spinach and feta/Hummus and pita/Tzouzoukia-Greek meatballs in a cumin tomato sauce/Fried eggplant and bell pepper-with a tomato, garlic and vinegar dressing/Zucchini and feta croquettes/Gigantes-baked green beans served with feta and grilled scallions

4-Close Sun-Thur -  Villa SORISSO -
** Lovely patio dining, mature trees, white curtained cabanas and fire features- Fantastic on Warm Pasadena Nights! **
$5 Well cocktails/Well martini/House wine -- Domestic beer 2.50/Imported beer 3 -- $4 and under -- Calamari/Shrimp cocktail/Crispy French fries/Caprese salad/Garlic fries/Mild Italian sausage/Crab cakes/Pepperoni or cheese pizza/SORRISO Panini/Free Chef’s selection of dessert with entrée (bar area only)


4:30 - 6:30pm a/k/a Bistro -
 ** Fantastic, covered patio with umbrellas! Located right in Hugus Alley, it's insulated form the street, quiet and reminds me of the squares in Europe with pedestrians and plenty of benches to relax. a/k/a is a beautiful restaurant located next to iPic where Gordon Biersch used to be **
$5 Well Drinks/Signature Cosmos/Draft Beer - $5 Truffle Steak Fries/MacNcheese (One of the best, secluded from the street patios in Pasadena!!)


4pm- 11pm - Sun-Thur -  Villa SORISSO -
$5 Well cocktails/Well martini/House wine -- Domestic beer 2.50/Imported beer 3 -- $4 and under -- Calamari/Shrimp cocktail/Crispy French fries/Caprese salad/Garlic fries/Mild Italian sausage/Crab cakes/Pepperoni or cheese pizza/SORRISO Panini/Free Chef’s selection of dessert with entrée (bar area only)
9pm to 10pm a/k/a Bistro - $5 Well Drinks/Signature Cosmos/Draft Beer - $5 Truffle Steak Fries/MacNcheese (One of the best, secluded from the street patios in Pasadena!!)

 Until 10pm - Pita Jungle -

$3 Draft Beer/House Wines/Margaritas!
ANY FOR $2 - Hummus Trio/Baba ganooshGarlic dip/Falafel/Feta cheese/Sauteed mushrooms/Garlic lemon chicken & pine nuts/Tsatziki/Dolmades/Mediterranian olives/Fresh mozzarella & tomatoes/Thyme & olive oil pita

10:00PM- 11pm Sunday - Thursday Slater's 50/50 - 50% off well drinks, house wines and beers including 10 premium craft beers on draft that rotate daily -
ALL UNDER $2.50 EACH Slater’s fries-with Slater’s bacon ketchup/Sweet potato fries-with pumpkin sauce/Fried dill pickle chips-with original mustard sauce/Beer battered onion rings -with house-made BBQ sauce/Beer battered jalapenos-with cilantro-lime sour cream

10pm to close Dog Haus Biergarten -  $1 Sliders/Fries!! Well $4/Beers $2.50-$4

I'm a Planner and I am VERY VISUAL so check out the official Google Map of Participants!

Denny's Pasadena ~ Meet the Neighbors!!

By now you've discovered 

that the majority of bars/establishments in Pasadena close at 11!! Yes, it's true. 

Sure there are a few underground and not so underground places to grab a 'Last Call' but few and far between! (More on that later) 

No matter how early or late you are out-

 Denny's is here for you!!

*Located on Colorado Blvd. between San Gabriel and Altadena Drive

        Let's say you have just had an epic night bouncing around Pasadena, perhaps hitting a Happy Hour Trifecta (Again a story for another time so stay tuned) or you've come back into town after a fantastic event and just don't want to head home and curl into bed. Sometimes you need to recap, collect your thoughts and wind down! That's where Denny's comes into play!

        I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of chain restaurants and I'll leave it at that. But I am a fan of my neighbors, my neighborhood and the glorious people that reside, work and play in the San Gabriel Valley~especially the Dena's!! So I'll take any opportunity to explore and learn when I can!

       This brings me to my latest adventure, at about 4am on Saturday morning. It's all about Tony. He's fantastic! His demeanor, his appropriate verbiage, his subject manners, his attentiveness and just FANTASTIC SERVICE!! He's a hard working man that is similar to Batman in that he has a diurnal identity that is equally as fascinating as his nocturnal identity!! He service reminded me that as a ritual that is a favorite component of my adventures!! Ambiance and Service can make or break a place in my eyes!!!! A true gentleman that makes me want to go back to Denny's at 3am-who would have thought?!

     Denny's is great, so is the table of gentlemen I met that had just enjoyed a night at The Rancho (More on that later as well-stay tuned!) In particular I enjoyed Ronnie. He was the sober, designated driver. Interesting, charismatic and wonderful! Again, it's the people I encounter in Pasadena & Altadena that set it apart..... Ronnie & Tony made our night!!!!

*** BONUS NOTE - You can never have too much whipped cream in your cocoa, Tony is aware of this as well!! He'll also put your beverage of choice in a to go cup!! YAY!!

LGO - Le Grande Orange -

Pasadena History at it's Best!!

Wow. As a child I remember hearing the train roar through town. 

Tucked into bed, laying in my room in darkness with the windows open on a warm, Pasadena summer night listening to the distant train before drifting off to sleep. 

Undoubtedly this sound encouraged dreams of adventures to distant lands! 

(I wasn't too geographically savvy back then so as far as I was concerned it was the Orient Express!-possibly inspired by my Mother's Agatha Christie Collection!) 

As I got older, I learned the tradition of leaving a penny on the track, making a wish, taking a few steps back and enjoying the breeze and train thunder as the penny was squished! 

Personally I've enjoyed squishing many pennies on the track 

of the Santa Fe Railroad tracks throughout Pasadena! 

The romance and adventure of trains has always intrigued me 

and while the Gold Line is not nearly as loud, it pleases me to no end when I catch it going by! 

So when the Santa Fe Station was revived and became LGO I knew I would swoon!

Photo of the station in 1936, courtesy of the Pasadena Museum of History.
***  NOTE: The rooftop of the Green Hotel in the background to the right!!

 

 Photo of the station in the 70's!! Again, note the Castle Green in the Background!! (and the 50 years or so of Palm Tree Growth!!

 

So Le Grande Orange became the new tenant in this renewed landmark. My particular favorite things about this establishment are:
1. Beautiful outdoor patio for dining with lights and a fireplace!
2. The open air Bar!!! -- The Otis Bar -- See those 4 openings above in the original photo? Well now they have giant glass sliding doors!!! When it's cold out you may thing they are just windows but look at the track above and it will reveal that during impeccably comfortable weather-they SLIDE OPEN!! A lovely marriage of the outdoors and modern comforts!
3. They use FRESH SQUEEZED orange juice in their libations!! They squeeze it especially for YOUR drink!! May I suggest Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice and Vanilla Vodka? My favorite is a bit of a Creamsicle or 50/50! As always imbibe responsibly and entertain classically!
4. Delicious Guacamole!

The original waiting room of the train station has been turned into the kitchen & dining room!!
*photos courtesy or cruiselinehistory.com


** Bonus Note: The Luggage Room is adjacent but deserves it's own mention!! Keep an eye on my blog!!

Equator Cafe

Happy Hour Everyday?

Swanky Decor?

YES!!

YES!!

I recall when Equator Cafe was a little off the beaten path coffee shop! Now it leads a life of exposed brick walls, chandeliers, unique art and artifacts that transport you to memories and dreams of Asia!!

 The food is great and the prices are right! I recently met a friend for libations and food on a Monday and our bill was $28!! That included a drink for each of us with adult content and about 4 plates!! They have Happy Hour everyday and if you enjoy a Sunday Brunch, for $10 you can enjoy Bottomless Mimosas!! 11am-4pm with your brunch you will receive a mimosa or champagne with a few flavor varieties with a small carafe that is continuously refilled! Another favorite is the Chai Chiller!! If you LOVE Chai like I do, this $4 goblet of goodness will please you beyond belief!

** Bonus Note -- There is a great, small patio out front in the Mills Alley- which is great....unless you are sensitive to smoke when you eat and there are smokers present.I've walked by when there were lit cigars or cigarettes and kept walking.

Photos Courtesy of Equators Website

Who Am I?

  I am born and raised in Pasadena, Ca. History is an important part of my life as I was raised in this town that has seen an incredible rebirth with a fantastic variety of architecture and diverse residents from the very creative to the very scientific, everyone in between and those that are both! Actors, athletes, entertainers, nuclear physicist, teachers, artists, engineers and more! I currently own two homes in Beautiful Altadena and that has given me first hand, personal knowledge of how it feels to buy and sell property.

 About 10 years ago I bought my first home. At the time I was a travel agent and loved coordinating vacations for others as well as myself! It was my Realtor, France Meindl that suggested I look into Real Estate. France has been a maven of Real Estate since the 70's with an impeccable reputation and incredible track record of successful transactions with thrilled clients! Not thinking anything could make me happier, I told her that I loved finding people their ideal vacations and her response, "Well how do you think it would feel to help people find their home?" It didn't take much thinking on my end. I've always loved Pasadena architecture. I've always loved seeing the way other people live. I love the residents of this city that I've grown up with and the new ones I am fortunate to meet everyday!! So it made sense. France became my Mentor and introduced me to Keller Williams Real Estate.

 Keller Williams is the stand alone Real Estate company when it comes to education. Their focus is on creating knowledgeable agents that are continually updated on contracts, market conditions and negotiation tactics is complex and stressed with great importance. It is a very supportive environment where everyone helps each other. I can not speak for every office but my office on South Fair Oaks is an incredibly supportive and familial environment. We all know it makes a difference to love what you do but when you couple that with loving where you do it, well it's an incredible combination.

 You probably know of more Keller Williams agents than you are aware of. The model of business is for each agent to create their own business, their own branding. Hence FairClaire.com!! We don't all have the same cookie cutter, branded signs so next time you drive around the neighborhood and see homes for sale take a close look, it may be a KW agent but with their own individual company branding & advertising!!

 So as a potential home buyer or seller what do I think is important for you to know?

Here's a quick list regarding KW and myself:
1. I will go the extra mile for my clients-your satisfaction is imperative
(Due to my diligence and ingenuity my last buyer clients received $8,000 instant equity in their home)
2. My marketing plan for listings is effective, bold and successful
(My last sold listing was on the market for 3 months with another agent-I did not change the price and received a full price offer within 16 days.)
3. Keller Williams Realty Ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Home Buyer and Seller Segments" by J.D. Power and Associates -- Although there are many offices that make this happen, it is my goal with every transaction so uphold that standard!
4. Keller Williams Realty, Inc.  has been recognized as one of America’s Top 10 Workplaces, according to the first annual National Top Workplaces list compiled by Workplace Dynamics. 
I point this out because I believe someone happy in their environment will work harder and happier for you! 

I love what I do and I take my career incredibly seriously! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask me! Home buying is the American Dream and I have seen the power of Real Estate enable generations to do better than the last! If you ever want to discuss my blog-feel free to! There are enough informational 'blogs' and websites full of action regarding Pasadena. It's my goal to give you a little insiders view and a quick resource to find a fun new venue when you want to treat yourself or entertain an out of town guest!!!!

Thank You for Reading!! I appreciate it! I bet you are Fun! I thrive on NEW places in Pasadena and Greater Los Angeles!! If you are looking for a Hidden Gem-This is your Spot!!

 

Trattoria Neapolis on South Lake Ave.

         So by now you may have guessed that I revel in the art of being transported purely by opening the door into an establishment with ambiance!! Eye candy, elegance and uniqueness!! Next on my list of places to share with you is Trattoria Neapolis on South Lake Ave. Formerly occupied by a Real Estate Company, it is now 2 stories of international delight!! The design of the front entrance allows a great deal of light and almost a patio feel, known as the "Garden Room". The chairs remind me of patio dining in Europe and the golden accents and light colored floor makes it a perfect location for a Sunday Brunch! The main restaurant area is long and narrow with the bar featured on one side and cozy booths on the other. The back bar is custom, dark wood and practically goes up to the ceiling, stocked with the liquor of the full bar, wine bottles, menu items, televisions and a train station style clock! The bar itself is a gorgeous, huge slab of strikingly white marble!  Then, up a winding staircase there is more seating that looks down onto the bar/restaurant area. I love this idea, it reminds me of balcony seats at the opera and of such favorite dining spots as Monsoon Cafe on 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica and Cafe La Boheme in Hollywood! (More on them later!) In addition to the regular seating there is a large room, perfectly set for a large dinner party or company party! A perfect, private room for wine tasting as well!!

      By the exclamation points you probably get the idea that I get excited when I go there because it is a feast for the eyes, it does remind me of Italy and actually a bit of Paris as well!! The bar specializes in the true mixology of ingredients and there is a little tray on the bar with delights and accoutrements to add to your beverage on your own. Also there is entertainment! Unfortunately I have not viewed it yet but I will be sure to give you an update but there is Burlesque!

 Great for a date night, after work libation or just a treat!!

These photos are courtesy of their website:
The Garden Room

Trattoria Neapolis

BJ's Brewery Pasadena *BEAUTIFUL BUILDING*

  As time goes on you will read my observations as I reminisce about how when I was growing up there used to be one restaurant on Colorado Blvd, how after 7pm it was a ghost town with the homeless wandering and sleeping on the streets in near darkness. No Parking Meters, no Tiffany's & Co., no Apple Store or movie theaters.

 But as so many of the tenants have changed, many of the original buildings of Pasadena have stayed the same!! In a country as new as the United States I am so thankful to live in a place such as Pasadena that does have so much of it's original architectural integrity intact!!

 Here is a photo of the building in 1928 as it was Los Angeles First National Bank. Built in 1924 it is classified Second Renaissance Revival featuring Renaissance detailing rustication, consoles, marble door enframements with entablature, rondelles, cartouches, twisted columns, and ornamented friezes.

*Photo Courtesy of: the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery: Photo Archives

 While I am pleased with the menu and full bar BJ's offers, it's the history, architecture and decor that have made this a go to spot for a Sunday Brunch, watch a game or feel transported to an era where most people wouldn't dare leaving the house without gloves & a hat!!

Try BJ's today!! Stop in for a bite to eat and enjoy this beautiful building restored to it's glory and appreciate where we live!! I am a believer in ambiance and this building has it!!

** Bonus Note: I'm a planner -- check their menu ahead of time to make sure there is something that pleases your palate!! MENU

The Congregation Ale House

Just a quick note to mention The Congregation Ale House!!

If you've been in Pasadena a number of years you'll recall the last watering hole at this location to be Crown City Brewery! A Pasadena Icon, Crown City Brewery featured a welcoming, neighborhood Cheers vibe and beers from around the world!! Patrons had their own 'passports' that once filled would garner them a t-shirt and their names etched on plaques for all of perpetuity!! (Where the plaques are now I do not know but I bet your name is still on them!!) Crown City Brewery was also featured as a filming location, most notably Bedazzled with Brendan Fraser and Elizabeth Hurley in 2000! I miss The Crown!

Now that you have a bit of history, enjoy what it has become!! There are long tables that encourage getting to know one another, a few booths and seating at the bar. The ordering is fantastic if you have a large party as you order at the counter and pay individually! Of course you are checked on at your table and the servers have handhelds to swipe your card or look up the card you've opened a tab with! So easy! (Not to mention the ladies wear a kind of Catholic School Girl Uniform!)

The Congregation Ale House is lovely with exposed brick, church-like accents and a patio with a great view of the Archstone Apartments at the Del Mar Goldline station. To be honest one of the reasons I enjoy this location is because I REMEMBER the train running along the tracks and it's nice to see the Gold Line whiz by!! (I loved the train that you could hear through the city, rattling on the tracks, leaving pennies to be squashed and the idea of jumping one to an exotic destination.)

Bonus Note: If Edward is working-tell him FairClaire.com sent you and that you'd like some of his Magic!! It's a delectable beverage consisting of St. Germain & Hendrick's Gin!! (I refer to it as "Edward's Magic" ... you might also inquire if the bar has attained all of the ingredients for the 'Horchata'!)

**  As always, entertain classically and imbibe responsibly!! **

Interior View of Backbar