Playhouse District Projects

Rendering of Union Village, courtesy of Mack Urban

Oh no! The Playhouse District is stealing Old Pasadena's thunder!  Actually, for the last two years for anyone who's traveled the stretch of Colorado Bl. from Lake on west can't help but notice the changes going on in the PD.  New restaurants started springing up and lots of people started coming in.  The cherry on top is Urth Cafe's opening last year and the crowds just keep on coming.

But the bigger picture is the way Pasadena is moving in the right direction with regards to density planning and design.  That's not to say that there were no hurdles when proposals were first submitted to raze the old furniture store on the corner of Colorado and El Molino, because there were many (the first proposals were nothing like what is currently being erected on the site).  It was good to see the Playhouse District association and Pasadena Heritage play a role in making sure the new building was in keeping with the area's charm and feel.

I was fortunate enough to attend a Downtown Pasadena Neighborhood Association several months ago where representatives of Mack Urban spoke to our group on the plans for the site that will become Union Village.  To say that my jaw dropped-in a good way-is an understatement: good, sensible planning with a gorgeous design was presented and I could not wait for this project to start.  Not only will this blend nicely to the existing condo complex, Granada Court, but the architects made sure that a connection to Vroman's and thus Colorado Bl would be integral to the design of the new complex.  And the design: wow!  It'll be in the Mission Revival style: so Pasadena!

• 2 Pasadena Projects Give Nod to 1920's [LA Times]

Old Pasadena Farmers Market: Coming Very Soon!

From our friends at Downtown Pasadena Neighborhood Association:

RESIDENTS LOOKING FORWARD TO NEW FARMERS MARKET IN OLD PASADENA AFTER LONG DELAYS

The much anticipated Old Pasadena Farmer’s Market is on the horizon and is expected to open on August 4, 2013 on Holly Street between Fair Oaks and Raymond Avenue. Southland Farms operates eleven markets in the Southern California area, including the widely attended Santa Monica market. Through the tenacious efforts of Steve Mulheim and the business owners of the Old Pasadena Management District the market is a much-anticipated addition to the Old Pasadena Area. All three of the business districts (Old Pasadena, Playhouse District and South Lake) will now have their own markets. If you happen to miss this market the other markets are:

• Villa Parke Farmer’s Market, Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Villa Street and Garfield
• South Lake Pasadena Farmer’s Market  Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. at the Corporate Center on South Lake
• Playhouse District Farmer’s Market, Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Union Street and Madison

We can't wait!!

Development Watch: Urth Cafe

Urth Cafe construction, Colorado Blvd. & Madison Ave.

The construction of the Urth Cafe building on Colorado Blvd. is coming along nicely.  It's Spanish Mission influences already evident with tiles and beams throughout and that curvilinear gable over the main entranceway.  This is going to be one beautiful building, blending in nicely with the Playhouse District buildings.  A wonderful example of infill done right (remember the shoe repair place before it?)  Bring on the (organic) coffee!

Pasadena: Foodie Mecca?

Trattoria Neapolis restaurant on Lake Ave

Pasadena is finally getting some recognition from the rest of Southern California for it's burgeoning restaurant scene.  And there's one underlying theme for this renaissance: good food.  That's it.  As some of you remember there was buzz before regarding Pasadena's restaurant scene, highlighted by Jennifer Lopez's Madres and Kevin Costner's Twin Palms.  Both have since been shuttered.  I guess diners finally realized that celebrities and a "scene" don't make a restaurant - great chefs and great food does. 

Pasadena's geography also makes the city an opportune locale.  As the gateway for the San Gabriel Valley and it's heavy Asian cuisine influence, proximity to downtown LA and it's growing residential population and hipster-yuppie-fication of neighboring Highland Park and Eagle Rock can only make Pasadena's dining scene lively and exciting for years to come.

• Pasadena Heats Up As Culinary Hub [LA Times]

Marion Cunningham, 1922-2012

photo: NY Times

If anyone has read 'The Fannie Farmer Cookbook" they quickly discover that it is one of the quintessential American cookbooks.  Writer Marion Cunningham was a huge proponent of simple, basic foods that can be prepared by anyone.  But more than that she stressed the sense of family and community that food brings together.  Upon reading about her death this morning I couldn't help but think about the new South Lake Farmers market and how it represents so much more than just a place to buy fresh food and produce.  A Farmers market is about community.  It's a place where people share new ideas, brings the small farmer and local merchant directly to the consumer and opens our eyes to regional specialties grown at (or near) our own backyards.  It brings inspiration as to what we can create for the table and to better families and communities.  Marion Cunningham reminded us what a true home-cooked mean was all about.  We Pasadenans needn't look far in getting started.

It's Better Fried

It's National Fried Chicken Day!  Which begs the question: where in Pasadena is the best fried chicken served?  I'll venture to guess that many will say (in unison): Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles.  What about the chicken at Big Mama's Rib Shack?  Bills Chicken in Altadena?  Though, I don't want to include chains like KFC and Church's I do have to suggest Louisiana Fried Chicken which has, I believe 2 locations in Pasadena.  And for a more upscale version everyone seems to ooh and aah over La Grande Orange's Dixie fried chicken.  I consider myself a pretty healthy eater but it looks like I'm gonna have to do serious eating...all in the name of research, of course.

Party on the Bridge!

The preservation group, Pasadena Heritage, will be holding their 35th birthday on the Colorado St. Bridge on Saturday July 14.  For many years Pasadena Heritage has worked tirelessly to preserve historically and architecturally significant buildings, landmarks and neighborhoods in Pasadena.  Recently, they've worked hard on the city's acquisition and future plans for the Julia Morgan building and the ongoing reviews for the All Saints Church property. 

There will be lots of food, a variety of entertainment and partying on one of the most beautiful bridges in America!  Should be a fun event for all!  Tickets can be purchased on their website.

• Pasadena heritage 35th Birthday Party on the Bridge [website]

San Pedro's Crafted

This past weekend marks the opening of San Pedro's highly anticipated arts and crafts marketplace, Crafted.  The city of Los Angeles and San Pedro in particular have a lot riding on this and could pave the way for future rehab and development in the area, including Ports O'Call.  I'm hoping to make a trip down there in the next few weeks and pick up on some ideas Pasadena might be able to use to enhance its existing visitor and shopping experience.

• Crafted at the Post of Los Angeles [website]

Coming Not Soon Enough: Trattoria Neapolis

I'm not sure what's yummier, the delicious interior of this restaurant or what's going to come out of the gigantic wood oven at the center of the restaurant.  From what I hear, the drinks/wine list is going to be top-notch.  Soft opening begins July 10.  Score one for the South Lake area!

• Trattoria Neapolis, A Grand New Addition to Pasadena [Eater]