Pasadena Visitors Blog

American Favorites are at Home at Russell’s

I talk about Pasadena’s restaurants a lot. I work in on office with people who love food. I’m married to a foodie. It just comes natural. In my book there’s nothing better than comfort food. And when it comes to comfort food, there’s no place better than Russell’s in Old Pasadena. Some of my co-workers felt like indulging the other day, so we headed over for lunch. After we settled into a comfy booth we opened the menus and our mouths immediately began to water. We started with the fried mozzarella and zucchini. You can see where this lunch was headed! After finishing that in record time, we ordered a BLT, Frisco burger and avocado & bacon cheeseburger, respectively. When the food arrived, the burger was one of the tallest we’d ever seen. They definitely don’t scrimp on the portions here! The fries were crisp and the BLT had creamy slices of avocado on it. It was all simple, and it was all delicious. Russell’s also offers great sandwiches, salads, pastas and more. So, the next time you’re in Old Pasadena, stop in. You’re guaranteed to leave happy!

Delectable Dinner at The Royce

I had an incredible meal with a few friends the other night at The Royce inside The Langham, Huntington. The restaurant opened a few months ago in the space occupied by what was formerly The Dining Room. That’s where the similarities between the two restaurants end. The Royce’s décor is sleek, sophisticated and modern with a timeless flair. Loved it!! Exciting additions include a “white” and “red” wine room, a glass-enclosed veranda and an exclusive chef’s table where guests can experience a customized menu while having a glimpse of Chef David Féau’s nightly “performance” in the kitchen. We weren’t sure what to expect from Chef Féau, given the high level of excellence set by The Langham’s last renowned chef, former “Top Chef” winner Michael Voltaggio. However, any doubts we had were quickly erased. Chef Féau’s menu features New American cuisine comprised of lighter California fare prepared with classic influences and refined French technique. I started with the Lentils/Black Truffle, which was prepared with green lentils, fresh peas, and shaved black truffle. The dish was earthy and satisfying. The Lobster/Carrott appetizer featured a succulent lobster, and one of my dinner companions raved about the Foie Gras/Huckleberry. For the main course, my dinner companions and I ordered the Black Sea Bass, Salmon, New York Steak and John Dory. Each dish was cooked to perfection and melted in our mouths. Although we were full, we couldn’t resist dessert. We sampled the Cheddar/Blackberry cheese plate followed by Rum/Orange (rum cake), Sucre/Sale (a chocolate tasting) and Fraise des Bois/Balsamic (vanilla ice cream, wild strawberry, balsamic). Each dessert was more delicious and decadent than the last. The presentation of each dish was spectacular and the service was stellar. The menu is a bit pricy but oh so worth it!

Rose Bowl Renovation Underway

Sports fans rejoice! The iconic Rose Bowl Stadium is getting a much-deserved $152 million renovation, the largest investment in the Rose Bowl’s history. The three-phase project, now underway, is slated for completion before the 100th Rose Bowl Game and the next BCS National Championship Game in January 2014. Major improvements include widening up to 12 tunnels at the end zones, adding exit aisles, increasing concourse capacity, expanding restrooms, doubling concession areas, new video board, reconstruction of the south scoreboard to recall the 1940s vintage scoreboard, a rebuilt press box that will increase premium seats from nearly 600 to roughly 2,500 seats, and upgrading infrastructure and electrical service. As part of the financing plan, UCLA has agreed to play its home games at the Rose Bowl through 2042, while the Tournament of Roses has agreed to stage the Rose Bowl Game there through at least 2043.

Pasadena Restaurant Week

Make plans now to get out of the kitchen.  The first-ever Pasadena Restaurant Week is coming Sunday, March 27 – Friday, April 1. The citywide event will feature price-fixed two-course lunches and three-course dinners at some of Pasadena’s favorite eateries.  Participating restaurants preparing meals at extraordinary prices include: Bar Celona, Celestino Ristorante, Derek’s Bistro, El Cholo, El Portal, Green Street Restaurant, Malbec, Maria’s Italian Kitchen, Mijares, Pie ‘n Burger, Robin’s Woodfire BBQ & Grill, Roy’s, The Terrace at The Langham Huntington, Trevo’s at the Hilton, Villa Sorriso, and IX Tapa. More restaurants are expected to be added soon. That means you could eat at a different restaurant for lunch and dinner all six days! Pasadena Restaurant Week is sponsored by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and the Pasadena Restaurant Association. www.pasadenarestaurantweek.com

Visitor Hotline Now Open

The 27th Annual Visitor Hotline officially opened today! Everyone cheered as Princess Katie cut the ribbon and the phones began ringing.  With the big New Year's celebration just a few days away, we have a team of 60 volunteers answering questions about the Rose Parade, Rose Bowl Game, pre- and post- parade and game activities, parking, directions, and more. 

We've had a lot of questions about the possibility of rain (we hope not!), where to park, and how to get Rose Parade tickets. One man called to say he is stranded in Boston due to the snow storm and won't be able to get here in time. We hope he can make it next year. The Visitor Hotline runs through January 2nd.  Don't let our volunteers get bored! Call us with questions at 877-793-9911, or text "Rose"  followed by a question to 50649. Happy New Year!

“The Nutcracker”

Back by popular demand, “The Nutcracker,” returns to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on December 22 – 23. Presented by the long Beach Ballet, this is the only Southern California “Nutcracker” production with a full symphony orchestra. The production features world-class ballet stars, including Kyohei Yoshida. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, via ThePasadenaCivic.com or at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Box Office.

Rose Bowl Game Broadcast

Pasadena Playhouse

Let’s keep the doors to the Pasadena Playhouse open! Show your support by purchasing tickets to “UPTOWN DOWNTOWN” starring Tony Award-winner Leslie Uggams. The show runs November 16 – December 12. In this dazzling production, Uggams recreates her extraordinary journey on stage and screen from “Sing Along with Mitch” and ABC's hit mini-series “Roots” to the Apollo Theatre and Broadway. For tickets, visit pasadenaplayhouse.org.

Old Pasadena Discounts

Rose Parade & Rose Bowl Game: California Dreamin’

Well, it’s official. The TCU Horned Frogs and Wisconsin Badgers are headed to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO. This will be the first time TCU has played in the “Granddaddy of Them All®.” Based upon the number of calls we’ve been getting, we’re expecting Badger fans to flock to Pasadena for the warmer weather. We’re hoping just as many Horned Frog fans visit us too. It’s always fun to have new people experience all of the treasures our city has to offer. As Californians, we often take the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game for granted because they are in our own backyard. For others around the country, it is a lifelong dream to experience these storied events. Each year we see people in our Visitors Center who have traveled thousands of miles to fulfill this dream. We at the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau are proud to play a small part in making these dreams come true.