Back in May I had my kids* for the Memorial Day Weekend and decided to take them, along with their friend and my mother, out to eat at a place of their liking. While I tried to delicately lean them towards sushi, they decided on Gyu-Kaku, a global Japanese barbeque chain. Now, I don’t normally review big chains, but they are worth mentioning from time to time.
Gyu-Kaku has the built-in table grills and a variety of food that will please most meat eaters with a nice selection of beef, pork, chicken and seafood. There are many vegetables to chose from as well – either as an accompaniment to your meat or as a stand-alone, all vegetarian grill fest. If table side grilling isn’t your cup of tea, there are soups, bibimbop and oodles of appetizers to fill you up on.
Edamame
Vegetables for Grilling
Mmmmmmmmmeat!
Ramen
Bibimbap
Spicy Tuna Volcano
S’mores
I find their prices to be pretty reasonable, and we managed to hit them up during happy hour, where the prices on certain items drop considerably. The service can be slow and frustrating with forgotten orders, so if you are in a hurry I wouldn’t recommend coming here. This is for a leisure dinner when you have time to spare and want to converse with your company. Not especially great for small children, though I do see them there.
While I wouldn’t say this is in my top ten favorite places in eat in Pasadena, I wouldn’t ever turn it down due to bad experiences. All four or five times I have dined at Gyu-Kaku have been tasty and worth the time/money.
Gyu-Kaku Pasadena
70 W. Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91105 website
Happy Hour:
Monday All Day
Lunch Tues-Sat: 11:30am-6:30pm
Dinner Tues-Thur: 9pm- last call
Dinner Fri & Sat: 10pm- last call
Dinner Sun: 4pm- last call
On a warm day in Pasadena my mom, two aunts and I stopped in at Roxolana before going on the semi-annual tour of Castle Green. Roxolana has been around for a couple of months now and, to my knowledge, is the only Ukrainian restaurant in the area. Ukrainian food is not wholly unfamiliar to us, as we are of Polish decent and have had similar dishes routinely prepared for us for older matriarchs of our family. Nothing is ever exactly the same, not even in the same country, so we were eager to try out Roxolana.
The interior is exactly a kind of medieval revival look, but still too modern to warrant a picture here. We were served bread with a homemade pesto dipping sauce, but as the bread was just store bought thin, grossly soggy wheat slices, they really should not have bothered. Plus, this is seriously heavy food. No fillers, please.
Ukrainian style Pierogi
Pierogi – bread pastry stuffed with meat (one order) and cabbage (another order). Served with a olive oil and herb dipping sauce.
These were just okay, as I prefer the dumpling style and filled with potatoes or mushrooms. My family loved these, though. Mom really dug the cabbage pierogi.
Julienne
I ordered the appetizer Julienne, chicken and mushrooms in a rich sour cream sauce. Why this is an appetizer I will never know; I was nearly full by the time I finished this overwhelmingly rich dish. This is not for anyone with any adverse side effects to dairy! It was gooey, stringing and thick like cheese and filled with savory chunks of chicken and mushrooms.
Zrazy
This was a special of the day on a separate menu. It is a potato cake stuffed with mix meat in a mushroom cream sauce. They messed up my order and gave me cabbage and had to remake the whole dish. It was really worth the trouble, though. Rich, stick-to-your-bones good. I could only handle one, though, and saved the rest for another day.
Cabbage and Mushroom Crepe
European Salad
My aunt C. ordered a cabbage and mushroom crepe and European salad (tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, tuna, croutons, olive oil). She really enjoyed both.
Golubty
My aunt N. ordered Golubty – meat and rice stewed in tomato sauce and stuffed in cabbage. She had nothing but praise for it.
Vareniki
Mom ordered Vereniki, one of the signature dishes. Dumplings stuffed with meat and fried onions. Served with sour cream. She thought it was out of this world.
The service was slow and disjointed. There were some miscommunications and questions were met with blank stares before answered with limited English. Prices of some entrees were a little more than I would pay, but the majority was decently priced. While the food went down deliciously, it sat a bit heavily in our stomachs, though this was also due in part to the heat of the day. Next time, I’ll keep the weather in mind and go during the cooler months.
Ultimately, I would return to Roxolana because the food is comforting, unique and, most of all, damn good.
Roxolana
34 S Raymond Ave
Pasadena, CA 91105 website
Last Friday I attended the first of three outdoor concerts put on by Pasadena Entertainment Group, Summer Soundzz. The Fab Four – unarguably the most recognized Beatles tribute band – was first on the line-up. Though not overwhelmingly packed, the crowd was enthusiastic, responsive and very much into the spirit of The Beatles. A large crowd gathered at steps behind the Paseo Colorado shopping center across the street and even on the balconies of the condos high above.
Paul, John and George
I never forget Ringo!
The Fab Four are some of the most engaging, funny, and upbeat showmen I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. The audience was always closely behind the music, with friendly banter and shout outs aplenty. This wasn’t so much a concert as it was a journey through time, with The Fab Four giving us a musical tour of The Beatles’s discography, complete with costume and personal style changes that evolved with the music.
I took along my friend Annie, her mother (easily the most hardcore Beatles fan I ever met) and her mother, Annie’s grandma. Three generations of women enjoying the same songs that have touched millions of people for nearly half a century. Here is a not-quite complete (but nearly) playlist:
Hold Your Hand
All My Loving
Hard Days Night
Love Me Do
8 Days a Week
Can’t Buy me Love
Help
Yesterday (Paul solo)
Day Tripper
She loves you
I saw her standing there
Twist and Shout
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band / Billy Shears
Help from my friends
When I’m 64
Yellow Submarine (Ringo!)
Day in the life
Got to get you into my life
Imagine (John)
Here comes the sun
Get Back
Revolution
Hey Jude (with extraordinary help from the audience, of course)
Speaking as someone who has only really learned to appreciate the music of The Beatles in the last two or so years, this concert – along with the concert at the Los Angeles Arboretum – was like being told a fable of universal, timeless legends of love and peace. The Fab Four are modern day bards passing on the messages of real-life jukebox heroes.
My good friends at Pasadena Entertainment asked me to give a special shout-out to the Summer Soundzz concerts going on here in Pasadena. I will be attending The Fab Four with my friend Annie and two others. I’m extremely sad that I’ll be out of town when The Spazmatics perform! You don’t have to miss out, though.
Friday July 29th – The Fab Four
The Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ songs, the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing. This incredible stage show includes three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles ever-changing career. Hear record-perfect live performances of such classics as Can’t Buy Me Love, Yesterday, A Day In The Life, Penny Lane, Here Comes The Sun and Hey Jude. Buy Tickets Now!
Thursday, August 4 – Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Big Sam’s Funky Nation is a driving force of urban funk. The band is led by trombone powerhouse, Big Sam Williams, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who the San Francisco Chronicle calls “the top man on the slide trombone in the birthplace of jazz.” Big Sam refuses to let the audience sit still. Between the band’s solos, Big Sam’s signature dance moves and his distinctive trombone riffs, the energy level is high voltage when this band takes the stage! Buy Tickets Now!
Friday, August 12 – Spazmatics
Seeing The Spazmatics brings you back to the days of rollerskating and lip synching, using your brush as the microphone. If you are a fan of 80′s music then pull out those old parachute pants, grab your pocket protector and get ready for the most rockin’ 80s new wave show in the world, The Spazmatics! Buy Tickets Now!
WHERE: The sprawling outdoor plaza in front of the Civic Auditorium at 300 E. Green Street TIME: Concerts start at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. BUY: Single ticket prices for table seats range from $20 to $75. Tickets can be purchased by calling Pasadena Entertainment at (626) 304-0333, Ticketmaster (links provided with each act) or the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Box Office on Fridays.
I will be honest with you because honesty counts for something. Or so I’m told.
When I first received my media invite for this event all I read was “cocktails” “fundraiser” “appetizers” “Kings Row” and I knew I would be there. I knew the beneficiary/host, Five Acres, had something to do with helping children, but I otherwise went in relatively blind.
About forty minutes in I pulled aside a Five Acres representative and asked her what it was really all about. She told me her story of being in the foster care system since she was 7 years old. Being shuffled from house to house. How she finally emancipated at age 17 and how she has dedicated the last decade of her life to the cause of Five Acres, whom she considers her true family.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to continue being nosy and ask her all about her life. It was plain to see how essential Five Acres had been in shaping this young woman’s life…and continued to do so. The message she was saying with only her dedication was clear: Our system is broken. Programs like Five Acres need to be supported so that more children can have every opportunity to thrive.
Beginning as an orphanage in 1888, Five Acres offers an array of services including a residential treatment center, a non-public WASC-accredited school, mental health services, foster care, adoption services and domestic violence prevention.
This is right up my alley of personal interests. As some of you may know, I look forward to one day adopting a child as I have no intention of having biological children. While I am nowhere near reaching this stage of my life, I personally look forward to pitching in with Five Acres other than this meager blog post. There are so many ways to volunteer – including throwing birthday parties and organizing fun events for the kids. Steffie and I let out a collective gasp when a representative from Five Acres spoke of these opportunities.
The Summer Solstice event included a mini fashion show featuring garments from KODI Boutique, hair and makeup from the Joseph Rene Salon, appetizers & specialty drinks from Kings Row that included Fosselman’s Ice Cream, and live music. I met many giving individuals, including some ladies from The Pasadena Jaycees, a program that builds leadership through community service. It was a packed house with everyone coming out for a worthy, humanitarian cause.
Five Acres
The Boys’ and Girls’ Aid Society of Los Angeles County
760 W Mountain View St.
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 798-6793
I was invited out last Sunday to attend the California Philharmonics art and wine fundraiser Treasure Trove. There was live jazz music, wine tasting, gourmet finger food and lots of artwork, one-of-a-kind jewelry, prize packets, gift baskets, and wine at the silent auction and raffle. Oh, did I mention the wine? Yeah. There was lots of wine.
Yeah. Seriously, right? It’s a wine lovers paradise, even Jewel Staite would be satisfied (I kid because I love). Here were some of the other non-boozy goodies up for auction:
This copper, leather and pink Swavorski crystal bracelet was made by Irina, one of the violinists from the California Philharmonic. She and her lovely son Sebastian were at the event and I was eyeballing this bracelet the whole time. Me wants the precious.
Let’s not forget the gourmet finger food I mentioned. How about an impressive cheese and fruit spread along with some tasty fillers like chicken skewers, stuffed mushrooms and, my favorite, spicy sushi and sprouts on a crisped wonton.
Come to mama, little fishies
I got to catch up with Lauren and the gang from point08 and meet the Maestro himself, Victor Vener. He was awesomesauce. I also got to walk away with a little treasure of my own:
I couldn’t let her go. She was too pink and coppery and beautifully made, plus the money went to maintaining the arts.
My mother was the highest bidder on this very cool gift basket filled with wine and 5 CD sets of classical music, handpicked by a member of the Cal Phil:
All in all it was a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon and do good for an organization that makes such beautiful music.
You need to get to Pasadena. You need to get here.
You’re all very, very lucky that I was smart enough to have photographic & written evidence of everything I consumed last Thursday, because honestly? You don’t want to miss out on Point08 Bar in Pasadena. It has all of the right ingredients for a successful bar: cozy indoors, bar for the chatterboxes, tables for the snugglers, live music, vamped out VIP room, large patio, solid above-the-bar food, premium quality drinks, and bad ass bartenders.
Mister J is positively spoiled with a food/travel writer girlfriend, but point08 would be wasted on him as he does not imbibe. So, I invited my brother out with me instead. Point08 is around the corner from redwhite + bluezz, up the quiet one-way Green Street. We were greeted by manager Will and asked if we’d prefer the bar or dining area. Be near the mixology action or the live music?
Point08 – Bar, image courtesy of L. Lewis
Maybe we should sit in the dining room to have a better view when the Jacques Lesure Trio and Jam Session begin to play?
Dining Area, image courtesy of L. Lewis
Or maybe I should be a greedy monkey and ask for seating in the totally decked out VIP room, which I already had the privilege of viewing?
VIP Room, image courtesy of L. Lewis
Spying a cocktail in the works, my brother quickly grabbed a seat at the bar, thus making the decision for me. There at the bar we met liquid chef Thomas Howard, who proceeded to positively spoiled my brother and I with more than a dozen customized, one-of-a-kind drinks.
This concoction is what pulled my brother to the bar. Cazadores tequila, seven blackberries, habanero, pinch of mint (muddled). I took one sip and nearly burped fire out of my nose before cautiously passing it back to my brother. I like spice, but holy firewater Batman, that was intense.
Chef took pity on me and mixed me up a sweet and refreshing drink using basil, honey water, and Partida Tequila. Refreshing! Being Cinco de Mayo (not a deliberate move on my part) tequila was going to be the star of most of our drinks that evening and Chef began to tell us a bit about the history and regulations of tequila before we moved on to talking a bit about whiskey. And whisky. You’d get that if you were privy to our conversation. Or just happen to be in the know.
On the topic of whiskey, Chef brought out this:
House Spirits Whiskey is from the House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon. Founded by Ryan Magarian, this whiskey has notes of caramel, a bite of pepper and is smooth as satin. My brother fell in love.
Having worked with such heavy hitters of the culinary world as Jose Andres (The Bazaar) and Lucas Paya, Chef gave us a real taste of his schooling in molecular gastronomy with the Chipolte Olive, a deconstruction and reconstruction combing the blending down of a sea algae bath, olive brine, olive juice. It tasted like breakfast, I loved it.
“This is Star Trek food.” – Brother
Time for another drink. Bring out the liquid nitrogen!
I apologize for the fuzzy picture, but I was too busy enjoying the snow like texture of the Blood Orange Margarita, which used Herradura tequila. There is a signature cocktail at point08 similar to this one called Mexican Snow. This one was made special for us.
Salt-Air Margarita is precisely what a margarita should taste like, and Chef is a expert at pulling apart the layers of a margarita and putting them back together, separate but harmonious in tiers of sweet and salty.
It was about this time that we decided to get some food in our bellies to help absorb the copious amounts of alcohol we had already consumed…and have yet to imbibe. None of the entrees caught my attention, but the entire starters list is a treasure trove of delicious, gourmet bar food.
Stuffed Fried Green Tomato: heirloom green tomato, burata mozzarella panko crust, house-crafted green goddess.
If you listened to the debut of my podcast (and if not, why haven’t you?) I talked about comfort food and my favorite indulgences. Fried green tomatoes top my list of favorite fried foods and the point08 spin takes the basic treat to dizzying heights. I especially loved to top a slice with the particularly tasty thick and rich burata mozzarella and sprouts.
The Big Cheese Plate – Smoked Gouda, Derby Sage, and Cheddar with quince paste, prosciutto, blueberries, nuts and crustini’s. Believe it or not, I was going to pass up on this but Chef insisted and who are we to refuse cheese?
Oops, getting behind on some drinks here. We’ll come back to the food in a bit.
Chef named this on the spot, but I was too busy shoving equal amounts of food and drink in my gob that I did not write it down. I distinctly recall “apple” being part of the moniker, so I’m calling it Sweet and Salty Apple for the brim of this drink, which was coated with salt on one side, sugar on the opposite. Notes of apple, lemon and lime tickled my taste buds and it was one of my favorite drinks of the night.
As was this…
Rosemary Lemonade
As well-versed in the alcoholic arts Chef is, he can whip up a refreshing virgin beverage that makes me think there is alcohol in it. My brother set me straight, though, but only too late to confirm with Chef himself. I guess I could have called Chef, but I don’t want to look like a drunken jackass who wasn’t doing her job. I’m telling you, he was just too fast for my pen, and if I wasn’t keeping it up I’d bring shame on the house of point08. Luckily a quick visit to the point08 website set me straight that this is indeed a virgin delight (stop it, you dirty birdies).
Pepper Delicious. I took one sip of this peppery drink and slid it along the neon blue-lit counter to sit expectantly in front of my brother. “This one is all about you, man.” If there is one relatively common ingredient I don’t indulge in, it’s bell peppers. They just don’t sit well with me. My loss is my brother’s gain, though, because he loved it.
Time to get back to some solids, don’t you think?
Kobe Beef Sliders with Tater Tots – cheese, lemon basil bacon aioli, arugula, caramelized onions, King’s Hawaiian bread, truffle tater tots. If tater tots and French Fries went to war, I don’t know whose side I’d be on. Yes, those are the kind of thoughts that plague me late at night. Long gone are the days when tater tots were only confined to public school cafeteria’s; they’re making a strong impression on the world of gourmet pub grub and make the perfect companion to these fist-sized scrumptious sliders.
Chef decided it was time to switch it up a bit and let us try out some of the point08 signature cocktails. Behold, the Rum-a-Sutra:
Rum-a-Sutra: flora de cana rum, fresh strawberry, mint, basil, orange & lemon. This is a cocktail after my own heart. I let my brother take a couple of sips, but I kept this drink pretty close at hand. Don’t feel sorry for him and scold me for my gluttony, because look what Chef whipped up for him instead:
Moscow Mule: Ginger ale, fresh ginger, homemade ginger syrup, Tito’s vodka, fresh lemon juice served in a pewter cup. Made from yellow corn and distilled six times, Tito’s Vodka is a multi-award winning base for any premium cocktail. Big brother was totally digging it.
Uva Bella: Aviation gin, st. Germain elderflower, muddled muscat green grapes, fresh lemon, Fee Brother’s orange bitters, simple syrup, lemon. OK, I won’t lie: I totally mistook the grape for an olive and tried to call dibs on it. The men laughed, proclaimed I was too drunk but in truth I was not. It was just exceptionally dark at the bar. That is my story and I am sticking to it. Whatever the case, I am a sucker for elderflower and this drink was an exceptionally delicate and floral treat.
We should probably have another bite of food.
Lobster Corn Dogs: Crispy battered lobster tails, sweet chili gel spicy ,whole grain mustard and fresh greens. I’m a big fan of pairing fried food with fresh greens because it tricks my brain into thinking I am having a well-balanced meal. Plus, a little roughage helps the fry go down. I dug the sauces, but I think I’d like to taste a different approach eventually. Maybe a play on garlic-butter, which seems to be paired very well with lobster? Either way, these were delicious and I’d order them again.
Chef suddenly handed us a shot each, and egging me on as I tried to ask questions, demanded I just down it. So I never got the picture of the “Halle Berry” shot but you can use your own imagination of my reaction as I downed a shot of habanero and blackberries. HOLY HELLFIRE, BATMAN. That drink completely Shanghaied me and had the men rolling with laughter as I clutched my glass of water and sucked it dry. The night was winding down and it was time for our last drinks…
Pimm’s Cup: Gin (I believe Chef used Aviation rather than Pimm’s, but I cannot be 100% about that), muddled citrus, lemon, lime & orange wedges, fresh strawberry, mint & cucumber. This was my brothers last drink of the night. A modern spin on a classic, my brother is a big fan of cucumber and loved this drink.
Rose and Gin – I had been eyeballing the bottle of rose syrup behind Chef all evening and finally bugged him enough to give in to my love for all things rose flavored. Sweet like a bouquet of roses, this drink was the perfect ending. Bonus points for the slice of lime!
This night was amazing and could not have happened without the enthusiasm with which Thomas Howard puts forth in all of his mixtures and creations. He lives by the advice of his grandfather, “Find something you love to do and you’ll never work again.”
I wholeheartedly agree!
point08
95 East Green Street
Pasadena, 91105
626-792-4441 website
Thank you to Lauren Lewis, Will J. and Thomas Howard for making this point08 review possible. While experience given for consideration, all opinions are my own.
When I try a new restaurant there are always feelings of anticipation mingled with a little nervousness. What if I don’t like the food? What if it’s too salty? Will this be a big waste of money? This was definitely not the case when Kings Row Gastropub invited me back to dine on their regular menu. The invitation was only met with eagerness and a voracious appetite giving way to indecision as I studied their menu days before my reservation. My friend Steffie joined me after work, and after having a rough start to her week, was happy to kick back and nosh on gourmet pub grub.
Though one could snack on the starters and appetizers all evening long (and I will be returning to do just that), Steffie insisted we go the traditional route of a three-course, sharing our starter and dessert. We began our meal with something that had caught my eye since I first read the menu – “Bubble and Squeak” – chef Thomas Jesse’s adaption of the British dish classically consisting of skillet-fried leftovers. He surprised us with the accompaniment of the braised kale with bacon and pine nuts.
Bubble and Squeak
This Bubble and Squeak – smoked salmon, asparagus, fingerling potatoes topped with a fried egg – was best when that egg yolk was running and mixed well. Take a fork fill of bubble, make room for some kale and get a taste of Nirvana (the place, not the band). Salty and savory, crunchy and squishy, this is one of those rich dishes that proves everything should be topped with a fried egg.
Braised Kale with Bacon & Pine Nuts
Now that we had some food in our stomachs, we felt good to order our first drink. Curiosity finally got the better of me and I strayed from the highly praised Fig in the City, opting for Bittersweet Jack – Jack Daniels, peach schnapps and apricot puree. Steffie joined in. It was a little too strong for a weakling like me, but definitely recommended for those seeking a stiff drink.
Bittersweet Jack
It was time for our mains – or as I like to call it, the Meaty Feast of Meats! For her main, Steffie went for the Organic Wood Grilled Hanger Steak – accompanied by steamed asparagus and thin cut garlic fries with aioli. I couldn’t keep my hands off of her fries – “potato” being one of my personal basic food groups – and the steak was cooked to Steffie perfection.
Hanger Steak
Chef Thomas Jesse was there to personally take the order for our mains and when I mentioned the oxtail Osso Bucco, his eyes lit up with excitement only a seasoned chef possesses, and a smile broke out on his face. He said that if he had to recommend only one dish, it would be the oxtail – definitely something “not to miss.” With the chef’s personal blessing, how could I go wrong? The only way to satiate my curiosity was to order it.
Satiated I was! Are there words to even describe this dish? Melting off the bones, so juicy and supple I never wanted to taste another red meat again, because how could one top such carnivorous perfection?
“This is divine,” I told a proud Chef. By the time the bulk of the meat had been eaten, I couldn’t take it anymore – I picked those bones right up and sucked them dry.
Don’t look at me like that, the chef approved.
Oxtail Osso Bucco with turned potatoes & carrots in red wine Bourguignon
For dessert we split an order of Donut Poppers, piping hot balls of dough coated in cinnamon sugar with a dark Belgium chocolate sauce for dipping. Worlds beyond the greasy stuff from your generic doughnut chain, this item is true blue comfort food as it was placed on the menu in honor of the chef’s grandmother, who would fix them for him as a treat.
Donut Poppers
As we began to wind down, two familiar faces came over to the table – Steffie’s friend Armando and my pal George, one of the dudes who run Comics Factory in Pasadena (my preferred comic book source). They had just enjoyed their own mega meal (I believe duck sliders were involved) and as we swapped food suggestions it became abundantly clear just how far Kings Row has come in a very short period of time. It hasn’t been a month yet and here are four locals genuinely enthusiastic over the food they have just gorged on. If that isn’t a recipe for success, I don’t know what is.
Kings Row Gastropub
20 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 799-3010
Gracious thanks to our server Natalie, general manager Rob Rice, Lauren Lewis and chef Thomas Jesse for a wonderful, delicious evening. Meal comped for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Bless me food gods, for I have committed food sin. I’m going to confess something to you right now. Come closer, I’m ashamed. Closer. Closer. AH! BACK UP, WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO, look up my nostrils? OK, that’s better. Ready? I used to hate Mexican food. gasp, shriek, faint Yes, I know. I have no true reason to have ever disliked Mexican food, other than perhaps a sudden sensitivity to peppers. One greasy enchilada lingering in my memory? Too much white-washed, Americanized cuisine confusing my palate? My bizarre on-again-off-again love/hate relationship with chicken? Who can say, except that somehow or another, I finally got over it and Mexican food has been a top favorite of mine for most of my adulthood.
There are two rules I abide by when it comes to Mexican food:
(1) Taco Bell, Del Taco, El Pollo Loco and of the like should never be placed in the same category as true Mexican food
(2) Mexican food should never be put in a fancy restaurant with a dress code and accessorized with a matching fancy price tag.
Luckily for residents and visitors of Pasadena, Norma’s Tacos on Green Street does not find itself committing any Mexican cuisine faux pas, instead shining out like a beacon of exemplary standards by which I dare say most Mexican eateries, great and small, should follow.
Situated in a gas station dating back to 1924, Norma’s Taco opened just over a year ago under the name Taco Station (which I like, but have no overall preference). Owner Norma prides herself on her handpicked fresh vegetables and handmade tortillas.
Mister J was extraordinarily hungry the day we ventured off to run some errands and as the clock ticked on, our tummies growled. Determined to make Cherry On Top one of our essential errands, I grumbled that I wanted real food and told him about Norma’s Tacos – a mere block away from the dessert mecca. Mister J said perfect! and ordered a double-whammy with a chicken quesadilla and a chicken chimichunga:
Verdict: Can’t talking. Eating. No, seriously, he really loved both of these items. I don’t believe one of them came with chicken, but the good folks at Norma’s Tacos were happy to accommodate him and his childlike tastes. Bonus points for keeping the guacamole, sour cream and salsa to the side since he’s not much of a fan of two of those things and I got to enjoy the majority of the guacamole. Least to say, he was a happy camper.
Three Crispy Tacos – $5.75
I ordered three crispy tacos. The choice is between potato and shredded beef tacos. I ordered two beef tacos, one potato. The potato was too thin and creamy for me; I’m used to making my own with beans in the potatoes. The beef was out of this world. Tender, juicy and simple. The three tacos are laid on their side and covered in a bed of shredded lettuce, fresh sliced radishes, onions, queso fresco, and a light beef broth. So simple, so straightforward and so tasty. I’ve been thinking about the next time…and how can I just stop at one plate? Six tacos! Nine tacos! Twelve tacos! Tacos forever! (warning: levels of deliciousness may cause temporary insanity and religious fever)
