Everything served is minimally processed with no hormones, antibiotics, sucralose, aspartame or MSG. We savored Santa Maria Tri Tip sandwiches, Tuscan chicken with basil aioli, roasted veggies on multi-grain, a coastal croissant with turkey, bacon and avocado and a mouth-watering tri tip chili.
Most are on a first-name basis with Mel and to boot, seem to know the names of other patrons. And if they don’t, it doesn’t take long before everyone is talking, laughing and comparing notes on the wines.
It's always fun watching Jake's stress level go into overdrive as he feverishly tries to put the finishing touches on whatever gourmet concoction he's creating on any given night.
"We were the fun place. I think what we're doing here is the same thing. It just kind of rolled over." They were so used to welcoming people into their Pasadena home it was a natural progression. "The Wilson house is now in Temecula and people who know us say 'you're doing the same thing here you were doing there.'"
Jim said it was "not bad, but doesn't really taste like Pinot." Kim called it a "really nice Pinot for a very small price." It also scored just under four stars.
Celeste presented us with a roast beef sandwich. Let me tell you right off the bat the name doesn't do it justice at all. Thin slices of premium beef are topped with house-made crispy onions, provolone cheese, horseradish mayonnaise and arugula on a Sadie Rose focaccia bun.
Stars are randomly drawn in pairs, open their mystery box of supplies, collaborate what they will prepare, gather supplies from the pantry, cook, plate and present it to the panel of judges in 15 minutes.
One bite and I was suddenly transported back to a quaint Parisian café where I thought I’d tasted the best Cordon Bleu ever. I was wrong. Jeremy’s wins hands down.
Her husband Jim liked the use of oak and said it was better than the $14 price tag. Kim called it smooth and spicy. I loved the nose and flavors of tart fruits. It scored better than four stars.
