Marston's Restaurant

I know, another pancake face! This Picasso-version is courtesy of Marston's Restaurant in Pasadena, and they were fantastic. These are the 7 Grain Pancakes with the artfully placed banana and strawberry slices (there was a bowl with more fruit cropped out of the shot). Note the thick-cut bacon hovering like a beret overhead. Oh, and I can't forget the hot chocolate with whipped cream to wash it all down. Deeeelish!

Marston's is on Walnut Boulevard, between Fair Oaks and Marengo. If you haven't eaten there, you've probably noticed the lines on weekends. I'm telling you now, it is totally worth the wait. I'm looking forward to my next visit and the French Toast crusted in Corn Flakes. Oooh la la!!

Click here to go to Marston's Web site.

Von Bach at Fremont Centre Theatre

Looking for a wacky horror-esque play? Check out Von Bach at South Pasadena's Fremont Centre Theatre (FTC). As a bonus detail, the FTC building was once a funeral home. Does that motivate you, or what?!

Dr. Von Bach is a Dr. Frankenstein-type character who focuses on bringing the dead back to life. Also like Dr. F, Dr. VB's story has been the fodder for many movies with multiple retellings, including Von Black (featuring a black Von Bach), VB2K (Van Bach 2000), and a luchador version. A new Von Bach version is being filmed, and our play interweaves "clips" from prior films to catch us up on the story. FTC did a fabulous job of fabricating those past flicks, complete with the movie posters on the lobby walls.

The difference this time? Dr. VB is himself reanimated before the film can wrap. Now you've got a ticked-off undead mad scientist with much to say about how he is portrayed! I won't ruin the story, but it is quite amusing and entertaining how it all comes together. Go while you still can!

Click here for FTC's Web site.

Oak Tree Inn

Today, I'm celebrating Chinese New Year. It's now the Year of the Snake, marking a shift towards transformation, steady progress, focus and discipline. I'm also catching up with a friend I haven't seen for awhile and sharing stories about all the changes in our lives. We realized we hadn't really talked in more than six months, as she didn't know about my braces and was totally surprised to hear the details around getting my cat.

We decided to go the Oak Tree Inn, on Fair Oaks in South Pas. We'd each been before with other chums and fondly recalled the string beans. Remember my post on Bamboo's string beans from September 2010? Oak Tree's dish had ground pork for a different twist. And, their Kung Pao Chicken was super-spicy and flavorful. Both were delish! They also end the meal with a fortune cookie dipped in white chocolate. Wow! My fortune: "Your charm is quite irresistible." Perfect springboard for the Year of the Snake!

Oak Tree Inn doesn't have a Web site. Street address is 1315 Fair Oaks Avenue in South Pasadena 91030. Phone (323) 682-2882.

Heirloom Bakery and Cafe

It's one of my Sundays off (yay!!), and I've already scored on some Lusterware dishes and Ginger Cake at the Pasadena City College flea market (see February 2010 post). How to keep the streak going? Heirloom Bakery and Cafe in South Pas, by Buster's and the Mission Gold Line station.

This is their caprese pressed sandwich with oven roasted tomatoes, pesto, mozzarella and arugula on the country bread. Wow, absolutely delicious! I also tried the garbanzo/kidney bean salad, and it was tasty, too. The pastry case had some appealing selections for a try next time. They have a nice outdoor patio for people watching and catching some dappled sunshine. Let's go!

Heirloom doesn't have a Web site. Street address is 807 Meridian Avenue, Suite C, South Pasadena 91030. Phone (626) 441-0042.