Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
dineLA October 2009: Cafe Bizou - Pasadena
Our first taste of DineLA week(s) was really a matter of practicality. It was lunchtime in Pasadena. What was convenient? The menu at Cafe Bizou was varied, appealing and reasonable. We arrived just as they were opening and the first impression was not good. It was an empty FrancoDenny's with a disorganized staff.
Within 30 minutes the place completely turned around. Soon the room was bustling. Bread was brought to the table quickly, the fries were hot and crispy and magic elves seemed to be refilling the iced tea. This team was on the ball.
The appetizers course offered an option of Soup du jour (vegetable noodle on that jour), Classic Caesar Salad, or Baked Mushrooms - stuffed with chicken and spinach mousse in a balsamic sauce. The mushrooms were a nice surprise. Entrees included Grilled Ahi Tuna Salad, Sesame Coated Salmon, and an 8oz New York Steak. New York steak is not exactly the most tender cut of meat, but it was cooked medium rare as requested, with an extremely peppery brandy cream sauce. The portion was large for lunch, and I was unable to finish it. The fries were outstanding, crisp on the outside, and hot as hell.
Dessert options were a Flourless Chocolate Cake, Homemade Tiramisu and a Trio of Sorbets. I intended to only take a picture of the cake, have one bite and run, but it was so delicious I could not stop eating it. It was a perfectly lovely lunch, and a deal at only $16. ($25 after iced tea and tip). So I guess the lesson of the day is don't judge a book by its cover.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
