When 3 times is a charm and when it isn't

I had dinner with an old friend this past Monday. Since he was coming to me in Pasadena, I let him choose the cuisine. Mexican or Italian are his old standbys. I opted for Mexican and sought the best Mexican restaurants in Pasadena.

My search rendered me 3 options: Mijares, El Portal, and El Cholo. I had been to Mijares and El Cholo before so I was hoping to go to El Portal. Lo and Behold... it was closed. My friend opted for Mijares instead.



I wasn't going to argue. I led us both to a dead end and I just wanted a resolution to abdicate me of any guilt. But here's the thing, I had been to Mijares twice before. Once for another dinner with an old friend a few years ago and again for my high school reunion. The only thing memorable about my time there in the past was an unexpected reaction to their margaritas during my reunion.

We both ordered the Bistec Picado a la Raul. He got a regular margarita; I tried the spa margarita (only 125 calories!).

The food wasn't bad... but it certainly wasn't good. It was more of a Mexican version of sweet and sour beef with cafeteria rice and beans. For the best Mexican restaurant in Pasadena, I was hoping for a better experience. The tastiest part of my meal should not be the chips and salsa solely because it is really hard to fuck up chips and salsa.

Please do not go to Mijares to eat unless you don't care about quality or caloric intake. Mijares should only be visited for their margaritas, especially if you are hoping for a cheap date. They are surprisingly strong, simply because they taste SO good. Just one will surely kick you in the knees. And the spa margarita packs a lot of punch for so few calories! Honestly there is no reason to go other than that.



The following day I willingly visited Pete's Cafe in Downtown LA. There is no reason to not go. This is my third visit and each one has left me smiling. The food isn't fancy, but it is simply good. Everything I have tried, I've loved.




Last night I got the asparagus risotto and split their chipotle fries with a friend. This was one incredibly cheesy meal. When I ordered the fries, I somehow expected that to mean they'd be sprinkled with chipotle dust not cheese and parsley. I can't say I tasted the smoky jalapeno, but who can argue with deep fried anything smothered in cheese?!

The risotto was far cheesier than I expected, but the crab was fresh and the cheesy indulgence was perfectly cut by the bits of lemon flesh that was mixed in it. The lemon was definitely a pleasant surprise.

Other things I've tried and recommend: Crispy oyster spoons, roasted beet salad, strip steak served with blue cheese fries, and the beef short ribs. I actually haven't met a dish there I didn't like.

Pete's Cafe is that go-to place for classic favorites when you don't want to think, but want a meal that feels like a hug of goodness.



Mijares Mexican Restaurant
2.5 star rating
Category: Mexican
WHY GO: to get sloshed or remember what dorm food was like
145 Palmetto Drive
Pasadena, CA 91105
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 792-2763



Pete's Cafe & Bar
4 star rating
Categories: American (New), Bars
WHY GO: Because every dish is worth it
400 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Neighborhood: Downtown
(213) 617-1000

The first thing you need to know

Schneider Bixby III of Chesterton

If there is anyone to meet.... anyone to please.... first and foremost, it is Sir Bixby.

This, my friends, is my stomach. It's true, I have named my tummy. Not only does my stomach have a name, but it is male. If you got to know Schneider, you would learn he has a personality. He will make it known when he needs to be fed (he's actually a bit of a screamer, which to an untrained ear may sound like gurgles or growls). He nearly doubles in size after a hearty meal and can handle pretty much anything you dish. Trust me, Schneider can and WILL eat nearly anything.

I pat Schneider every now and then to make sure he is okay and assure him that food is bound to come his way. The most important thing is that I take care of him, lest he messes my reputation with his other friends (known to normal folk as my other body parts).

Should you choose to invest your time in my perspectives on the palatable, you should be warned:

1. I don't eat pork (so neither will Schneider).
2. I also don't eat carrots, cute animals, or creatures I have seen whole
3. Seafood is the exception to the whole animal rule, although if a fish looks like it was screaming right before its death, Mr. Bixby doesn't get a bite of it, either.
4. I live for spice.
5. And yes, I did name my stomach.

If after all this, you're interested... grab a fork and let's get eating!