I don’t get back to LA as much as I’d like since moving to the OC (Orange County).  There are various reasons for it but we’ll refrain from getting into that and instead focus on the fun with friends and tasty chowder soon to be consumed.

“Hip” Art Deco Housing in Pasadena

I don’t think the OC has housing this cool even in North County.

Porto’s Bakery: Burbank, CA

My writer friend Larry and I meet at Porto’s Bakery & Cafe (portosbakery.com) for lunch.  This slow-roasted pork entree (a.k.a. “platos cubanos”) with black beans, fried plantains, raw onions and white rice is excellent.  The citrusy mojo garlic sauce is plentiful and the key to what makes this dish remarkable.  The pork is really moist and the rice has a slight oily sheen and has perfect texture.  Dipping the plantains in the extra mojo sauce hits the spot as an early dessert.

The “gourmet coffee” blend tastes fine and isn’t harsh but it isn’t anything special either.  I grab some cheese rolls (their best pastry) to go.  Their second best pastry are their dulce de leche shortbread besito “kiss” cookies.

Another perspective…

From A to Z this Cuban plate is perfectly executed and at $8.40 it works well as a lunch or an “early bird” dinner.

“Strind” Art Deco Style Table

I stop by the new IKEA (ikea.com) in Burbank, CA which is now the largest one in the United States at 456,000 square feet.  I’m fading out the craftsman look for more “art deco” or various modern decor pieces since it suits our condo and shared style more.  I purchase this “Strind” end table but now my two mica craftsman lamps must get sold so I may replace them with an art deco one.

Eagle Rock Italian Bakery and Deli: Eagle Rock, CA

I sort of planned my itinerary in a logical order with an end goal of being in Pasadena for dinner.  The “old skool” Eagle Rock Italian Bakery and Deli has the vibe I like.  I grab a “traditional cannolo” pastry and some pistachio cookies as well as almond cookies.

Pistachio Cookie and Almond Cookie

The pistachio cookie is much chewier in texture than I expected given its appearance.  It is a tad above moderately sweet.  There is a firm outer texture with fairly pronounced pistachio flavor.  It is a touch too sweet for me to eat many of these.  My rating = B+.

The almond cookie has a big toasted almond waft on the nose.  The outer texture is firm and the interior isn’t powdery nor chewy but is somewhat moist.  There is a taste of almond liqueur inside.  It is less sweet than the pistachio cookie and I prefer it.  My rating = A.

After departing the bakery I spot an interesting retro diner called Cindy’s in Eagle Rock.  I’m going to have to add this restaurant to my short list with items such as: Fried Catfish “Po Boy” Sandie, sweet potato biscuit, banana cream pie and carrot cake.

Just up the street from the bakery is the 134/210 freeway on-ramp so this is working out smoothly.

Peet’s Coffee: Outdoor Patio

I stop by the Peet’s Coffee (peets.com) South Lake Avenue location in Pasadena for an espresso so I can enjoy my cannolo pastry on their patio.  I opt for one that has vanilla syrup and hot milk.

“Traditional Cannolo”: Eagle Rock Bakery and Deli

The “traditional cannolo” has a maraschino cherry in each end and the ricotta cheese is very smooth with almond extract or some other nutty flavoring inside.  The sweetness is moderate or a bit more.  The shell is crunchy even though these are pre-made.  There are candied pistachio nuts in each end but unfortunately there isn’t the “sour tang” I cherish in a cannolo.  My rating = A-.

This espresso is alright but I should have selected the chicory espresso instead.

After enjoying my pastry and coffee I venture over to the Ross Dress for Less retail store to kill some time.  Their selection is much better than the ones in our hood.  Honestly the only Ross stores that don’t “blow doors” are in the real cities or upscale neighborhoods.  Inside their bathroom I observe the following…

Another thing I don’t miss about LA…

Craftsman Architecture: Pasadena, CA

Orange County is young but Old Town Orange does have mission/craftsman homes.

Pasadena, CA

Cool retro California apartment living…

Always loved the use of brick in Pasadena…

Mikey and I meet for dinner at Braise and Crumble (braiseandcrumble.com).  This compact establishment is known for their southern style cuisine and pie.  They are located near the Ice House comedy club.  Parking “blows doors” in this area but I recommend getting some exercise via street parking versus getting “raped in a rain forest” at the parking garage across the street.

Tasty southern eats on display…

Chicken “Po Boy”: Braise and Crumble

The Chicken Po Boy tastes good with a nice batter.  It can definitely use even more Siracha lime-aioli sauce since chicken which isn’t 100% dark meat has a tendency to get a bit dry.  Oftentimes it is in your best interest to select the items which are photographed the most on Yelp so our second choice is the Pulled Pork Sandie.

Pulled Pork Sandie:  Braise and Crumble

The pork is moist and delicious with tasty slaw.  It is a touch tastier than the Po Boy but then most moist meat lovers are taking pork over chicken (especially when white meat is involved).  It was a little overly sauced for my palate.

The coleslaw is very dill heavy in flavor and is finely chopped.  I’m not necessarily a dill fan but I appreciate that it isn’t mayo heavy and the finely chopped factor sits well with me.

Dill Slaw: Braise and Crumble

The pie flavors for tonight are “no interest” so I veto the idea.  Also, I believe I’ve hit my sweets consumption for the week or month already today.

After dinner Mikey and I take his ride over to the Congregation Ale House (congregationalehouse.com) in Pasadena, CA.  Set on a corner lot they either were formerly a church or at least they’re designed that way from head to toe.  My vote is the latter but their website doesn’t specify.  With this motif you will not be surprised to find a boatload of Belgian ales on their beer menu.  There are about 20-25 beers on tap and the remainder are available in a bottle.

Unfortunately, the specific brew on tap we came here for is already gone.  Ughh, and they took the Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout off their list as well.  I’m not sure how your beer list is updated the day prior to our arrival and you’re out by 5:30pm but so be it.  The Modern Times Oatmeal Coffee Stout Nitro Stout is second only to the Ballast Point Oatmeal Sextant Nitro Stout in my book.

Mikey and I first experienced “The Sextant” at a Slater’s 50/50 restaurant in 2012 and we’ve fantasized about a repeat “Sextant” experience ever since.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t find itself on many beer menu’s and those kegs don’t last long either.  And when I was at a Ballast Point Tasting Room in October they had 85 brews available that day, but “Sextant” was not one of them.

The service here is rather lackluster and extremely slow.  It took us nearly 15 minutes to be told the Modern Times was “gonzo” and it took another 10-15 minutes to “sniff in” on their house brew of “Dark of the Covenant” which is very pleasing with loads of dark chocolate and coffee, albeit no nitro creaminess.

We drink our brews, I solicit financial investment advice from Mikey “The Irishman” (that Leprechaun isn’t sitting on a pot of gold by accident my friends) and eventually we part ways.

This enjoyable day and time with good friends will hopefully serve as a good “kick in the corn” that I really should make this happen with my buds more often.  After all, “excuses are like b-holes, everybody has one.”

Excuse my language, but I am the author of a slang dictionary so you should be used to it by now.  🙂

THE END!!!