Amy Satainian greets guest with a warm and happy smile.

Let’s Eat Out
At
Corfu Restaurant
48 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre
(626) 355-5993

Sierra Madre is a charming small community just north east of Arcadia.  It is probably best know for the annual Wisteria festival held in the spring when busloads of visitors come to see the largest blossoming plant in the world (Guinness Book of World Records) and one of the seven horticultural wonders of the world that was planted in 1894.  But that is not the only reason to visit Sierra Madre,  the Sierra Madre Playhouse is also well known by theater goers for their fine productions which is one of the main reasons my husband and I frequent the community.  Recently I dined at Corfu Restaurant which is owned bny Vic and Amy Satainian. (Amy’s mother, Rose is a familiar face at La Canada Flintridge Bank of America where she works as a teller) Corfu serves delicious homemade Mediterranean food all day as well as offering traditional American  breakfasts including Belgian waffles, pancakes, omelets, eggs Benedict and oatmeal from 7am to 11am,Tuesday–Friday and until 1pm  on the weekends.  Lunch  services is from 11 am – 4 pm and features a lovely variety of hot or cold sandwiches, salads, and soups.  The special lunch plates served with hummus, tabbuleh, onion-parsley mix, rice pilaf and pita bread include such entrees as beef, lamb, or chicken kebab, pastitso (macaroni casserole with ground beef), moussaka (eggplant casserole)and stuffed cabbage. The dinner menu features a nice assortment of Mediterranean appetizers including dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), cheese boreg (pan fried cheese in pastry) Kofta (minced beef, onions and pinenuts in a crushed wheat crust) and Spanakopita (spinach pie in baked filo dough). The combination platter gives you a wonderful sampling of assorted appetizers and is always a good way to become familiar with the Mediterranean cuisine. This serving is so generous that add a nice Greek salad and you will have a delicious light meal.  The salads at Corfu are also interesting and not the usual offerings.  The Fattoush Salad with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, parsley, fresh mint, and toasted pita bread is delicious.  The Raya’s salad is a combination of diced chicken, lettuce, cheddar cheese, scallions, corn and avocado served with a salsa and Greek house dressing and fresh and exciting.  The wonderful homemade main entrees (all made to order) include pastas, seafood, poultry, and meats.  My favorite is the Lula kebab with seasoned ground beef but I also like the flame broiled filet mignon kebab that is tender and succulent.  The shawarma ( marinated beef, broiled and served with onions, tomatoes in a tahini sauce) is also hard to resist.  For lamb lovers, don’t pass up the rack of lamb. Also delicious is the chicken with pesto and for cheese lovers, try the Roquefort chicken.  For a fish entrée, consider the poached mussels, blackened snapper or the shrimp Diane.  To finish you meal, enjoy the Greek coffee that is so rich and flavorful.  There is a variety of homemade fresh pastries for dessert to compliment your coffee.  At Corfu you can eat in or take out.  They also cater.  There is a back room for private parties.  I enjoyed the homemade food at this restaurant and appreciated that it was all prepared to order not pre-made and reheated as is so often the case.  I also enjoyed the friendly service and the warm welcome from the owner, Amy.  If you venture to Sierra Madre, plan to eat at Corfu Restaurant and enjoy some delicious home-made Mediterranean food.  The restaurant is small so I advise reservations.  Call (626) 355-5993 to make reservations or for more information on catering or take out visit the website at
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Let's Eat Out!
By Sue Stauffer

Restaurant Reviews in and around Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

Updated every two weeks with new recommendations.
Let’s Eat Out For Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is coming on Tuesday, February 14th.  This is a popular holiday for dining out so it is important to make reservations at restaurants early to avoid being disappointed and frantically searching for a place to go at the last minute.  Here are a few suggestions of places that are romantic, offering both good service and delicious cuisine. Contact them or visit their websites to see what specials they have for Valentine’s Day.

Maison Akira, 713 East Green Street, Pasadena (626) 796-9501 presents Japanese French fusion cuisine with a flare prepared by the reknown chef Akira, Hirose.  A quiet elegant restaurant with a romantic atmosphere perfect for Valentine’s Day. www.maisonakira.com

The Raymond Restaurant,1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena. (626)441-3136 The building that houses the restaurant was once the caretaker’s cottage for the grand Raymond Hill hotel. The cottage has been restored with high-backed wooden booths, fireplaces in several rooms, lace-curtained windows, and beautiful flower garden patios.  This is dining traditional Pasadena style with fine cuisine and a cozy ambiance. www.theraymond.com

Stoney Point Restaurant, 1460 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 449-9715 specializes in Continental cuisine and is always a good choice.  Offering amazing food, outstanding service and piano entertainment, this restaurant is consistently a winner. Visit the website at www.stoneypointrestaurant.com.

The Parkway Grill, 510 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, (626) 795-1001 has been the most honored on the Pasadena dining scene for over two decades. Its sophisticated scene, acclaimed contemporary cuisine and excellent service sustain the reputation of one of the area’s most celebrated restaurants.  Visit the website at www.theparkwaygrill.com.

Café Bizou, 91 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena, (626)792-9923. has an extensive menu featuring Continental Cuisine. Bring your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy as there is a $2 corkage. www.cafebizou.com

Villa Sorisso, 168 W. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena (626) 793-8008 offers Italian cuisine with seafood and steaks. You can also enjoy the nightclub atmosphere at the popular Zebra Lounge for a more romantic evening.

Café Santorini, 64 W. Union Street, Pasadena, (626) 564-4200. The menu offers grilled meats, seafood delicacies, an array of pastas and appetizer platters with a Mediterranean flare.  There is indoor dining and outside patio dining year round under the stars in a rooftop setting.  They offer a full bar and an extensive wine list. www.cafesantorini.com

Phoenicia Restaurant
, 343 N. Central Ave. Glendale, (818) 956-7800 will have a special Valentines Dinner, Lebanese style with authentic cuisine, good wine and traditional music. www.phoeniciala.com

The Scarlet Tea Room, 18 W. Green Street, Pasadena (626) 577-0051, is so much more than just a place to enjoy afternoon tea.  The décor brings some old world charm and elegance that is truly a beautiful with fine china adorning the tables, fresh flowers, and an elegant glass sculpture chandelier in the dining room made by the famous northwestern glass artist, Dale Chihuly. This is a full scale restaurant that features an extensive lunch and dinner menu as well as the elegant Scarlet Tea Ceremony. www.scarlettearoom.com

Bashan Restaurant, 3459 N. Verdugo Rd. Glendale, 818-541-1532 The food like the space is elegant and unfussy emphasizing that simplicity is key if the flavors of the high quality ingredients are to really dominate the dish.  Chef/Owner Nadav Bashan has created a special Valentine’s menu that is a winner. Visit the website at www.bashanrestaurant.com. to view the menu.

Tam O’Shanter Inn, 2980 Los Feliz Blvd. Los Angeles (323) 664-0228
Specializes in roasted prime ribs of beef in the Lawery’s tradition. The Scottish décor adds charm making this a fun place to celebrate with excellent food to enjoy. www.lawrysonline/tamoshanter.com

Taix French Restaurant, 1911 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, (213) 484-1265 opened at this location in 1962 and remains faithful to the famed tureen of soup, sourdough bread, and abundant portions of French country cuisine at affordable prices. There is an extensive wine list from which to choose the perfect vintage for a Valentine celebration. Visit www.taixfrench.com for more information.    

Roy’s Pasadena,641 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena,Phone: (626) 356- Nowhere else will you find a culinary experience quite like the flavors, textures and colors found in Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine. Combining the freshest local ingredients with European sauces and bold Asian spices, each creation leaves you with the feeling that you've just found paradise. This lovely restaurant is a perfect place for a Valentine’s Day celebration “Island style.” www.roysrestaurant.com

Beckham Grill, 77 W. Walnut, Pasadena (626) 796-3399 offers a cozy traditional English atmosphere with excellent prime ribs of beef as the featured entrée.  This is a lovely restaurant where one could get cozy by the fire and enjoy a Valentine’s celebration. www.beckhamgrill.com.

Agave Bar and Grill, 9401 Foothill Blvd., Sunland, (818) 951-8771 is a lovely restaurant overlooking the foothills and the lovely Angeles National Golf Course.  For Valentine’s Day, a special evening is planned with a pre-set menu and jazz entertainment.  A lovely romantic setting for a special someone.www.angelesnational.com

Celestino Ristorante, 141 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena (626)795-4006
Gourmet Italian Cuisine in a very traditional setting.  Excellent  cuisine with an Italian flare. www.Celestinopasadena.com

Prosecco a Trattoria 10144 Riverside Dr. Toluca Lake, CA 91602,
(818)505-0930, Lovely ambiance with an excellent menu creating a romantic atmosphere. www.proseccotrattoria.com

Yujean Kang’s Chinese Restaurant, 67 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (626)585-0855.  
Gourmet Chinese from a top chef makes this Valentine Day special and unique.
www.YujeanKang.com

Bistro 45, 45 South Mentor Ave., Pasadena, (626)795-2478,  French inspired menu that is always memorable . www.bistro45.com

Cheval Blanc Bistro, 41 De Lacey Street, Pasadena. (626) 577-4141. French bistro cuisine in a lovely setting reminiscent of your trip to France. www.Chevalblancbistro.com


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