A magical place that sells loads and loads of organic food, and the only one in the area that is TWO FLOORS HIGH… I present to you: Whole Foods Market in Pasadena!

Day 111 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena takes us on an adventure through the largest supermarket around Pasadena, or as I like to call it “food heaven”:  Whole Foods Market.

Whole Foods Market is located at 465 South Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena.  There is also another Pasadena Whole Foods Market on 3751 East Foothill Boulevard, but I really suggest heading to the first location because it is Whole Foods’ flagship store and has way more of a selection (it also just feels so high-tech and modern there ).

Whole Foods Market started out as one small store in Austin, Texas in the year of 1980, and now has spread to 270 various locations throughout North America and the United Kingdom.

How can a store that has been around for only 30 years be so darn popular and carry so many delicious items?  Well, I am going to explain the experience of shopping at one of these healthy, technologically advanced markets.

When you first enter the Whole Foods on South Arroyo Parkway, the bright and colorful fruits and vegetables are displayed beautifully and perfectly and are a feast for the eyes.  This is not your typical fruit/vegetable section at a regular supermarket (sorry Vons!)  There are fruits that you’ve only read about or never heard of before, along with unique and specialty items (a couple I have noticed include fresh guacamole/salsa and coconut juice in it’s original shell).

Oh, and did I mention they have a little cooking supply section in this area?  Yes, they even have some cooking tools for your convenience.

Moving along, you will find about 70 different types of dried fruits, nuts, and cereals combined in the area behind the fresh produce.  Our family favorite are the dried mango!  Next to this area, there is a smoothie and juice cart where you can pick up an organic drink while you shop for goods.

On the rest of the first floor there are about 50 different types of tea on display, organic shampoos/conditioners (lots of Burt’s Bees = yay!), and herbal supplements.

The first floor is great, but the second floor is my FAVORITE!

So, at this particular Whole Foods they have two escalators side by side… one for yourself and the other for your cart (so cool!).

When you get to the second floor, make an immediate left… why?  Because the bakery is calling your name.  Their bear claws and chocolate croissants are amazing and sold fresh daily (come in the morning, otherwise you might be too late).

Whole Foods sells really beautiful and intricate cakes (large and small), cupcakes, European and Artisan style bread loaves, and even Italian gelato!

The rest of the floor contains a specialized cheese and meat section with hundreds of different cuts, flavors, and intensities!  They have a pre-made meat section where you can buy some smoked wings (really good and always on sale – speaking from experience ), ribs, or chicken!  The rest of the aisles contain mostly more of the generic foods (Pirate Booty, snacks, drinks).

Helpful Hint:  if you have tickets for the Hollywood Bowl, go to their deli section and ask for their special sampler box.  You can select a variety of cold cuts , brie, and cheeses with fruit and french bread.  It’s a great way to try the wide variety of deli items and everyone at the bowl will be super jealous!  Don’t forget the wine!

The last section contains ice cream and frozen organic packaged food.  If you love ice cream and are ready to take it to the next level in the ice cream world… try a brand called Dadu.  I used to only be able to have Dadu ice cream when my dad went to the Russian store in Hollywood… now I can have it whenever I want with Whole Foods!

Basically, Dadu is a really tasty, but surprisingly light ice cream in a wafer cup.  Their vanilla ice cream does not taste like ordinary vanilla.  Trust me… I offered a friend one at my house one day, and now she will not stop asking me for more.  She describes Dadu ice cream as a “heavenly, cloud-like form of ice cream.”

One thing I did not mention was that on the second floor they have a salad bar, olive bar, and a sandwich section, sushi, soup bar ++++  There’s seating available if you want to have lunch there.

The last piece of advice I’ll leave you with is:  look for specials!  Whole Foods is a great store, and a lot of items are really affordable if you just keep your eyes open.  You are sure to walk out with quality food.

Have fun exploring Whole Foods Market.  It will change your life.  After all, we eat food 3-4 times a day… anything involving food can be life changing!

LOCATION:

465 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena

OR

3751 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena

Whoah…. what a day this Tuesday has been.  So… it’s almost 9 pm and I had a very, very busy day full of appointments.  Just got home and realized that day 110 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena has not been written nor has it been posted.

So… with my apologies, here’s a very short post for today and it’s dedicated to the Pasadena Freeway also known as the Arroyo Seco Parkway.  It is also known as the 110 Freeway, hence day 110!

Photo by KDashy

Did you know?

… that our very own Pasadena Freeway is the very first freeway built in California.  It was opened in 1940 and is also notable for representing the transitional phase between early parkways and modern freeways.

Here’s what Wikipedia has to say:

It conformed to modern standards when it was built, but now it’s regarded as a dangerous, narrow, outdated roadway. A 1953 extension brought the south end to the Four Level Interchange in downtown Los Angeles and a connection with the rest of the freeway system.

The road remains largely as it was on opening day, though the plants in its median have given way to a steel guard rail, and it now carries the designation State Route 110, not historic U.S. Route 66. Between 1954 and 2010, it was officially designated the Pasadena Freeway. In 2010, as part of plans to revitalize its scenic value and improve safety, Caltrans renamed the roadway back to its original name. All the bridges built during parkway construction remain, as do four older bridges that crossed the Arroyo Seco before the 1930s. The Arroyo Seco Parkway is designated a State Scenic Highway, National Civil Engineering Landmark, and National Scenic Byway.

Now… I’ve learned to drive on the 110 freeway.  And, going from 0 miles per hour to 55 miles per hour from a dead stop doesn’t phase me at all.  Maybe that’s the true sign of a Pasadenean!  However, friends visiting from other areas find this freeway challenging.

I’ve also learned to drive in the middle lane to ensure that the sharp curves in the stretch between Via Marisol and Figueroa don’t bring any unexpected surprises and there have been a few in the past that were close calls.

So… if you want to experience what a 1940 freeway feels like, take a drive down the Pasadena (110) Freeway.  Pay close attention to the Art Deco Tunnels and take in the Arroyo Seco scenic vistas.   You can stop by the Dodger’s Stadium, visit Elysian Park and enjoy a Peking Duck in China Town – all easy stops off of the Pasadena Freeway!

Banana, strawberry, and nutella all wrapped in a thin crepe with ice cream on top.  Doesn’t that sound delicious?  I think so!

Day 109 of  365 Things To Do In Pasadena is taking us to authentic French cuisine at a little restaurant right in the heart of Old Pasadena!

Located in a cute alleyway away from the rush in Old Town, Creme De La Crepe is the perfect place to sit down and indulge in a crepe with a cup of tea or coffee.  If you are looking for more of a meal, they also have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and fondue!

The exciting thing about Creme De La Crepe is that it is actually run by French people.  Creme De La Crepe is no fake!  The owners are French, speak French, and make great French food.

This restaurant makes over 12 different sweet and savory crepes that are perfectly crispy around the edges, and soft and thin in the inside with just the right amount of filling… oh and how can I forget that they put a generous amount of homemade whipped cream alongside the crepe!

Their servers are warm, friendly, and informative.  If you’re lucky, you’ll get a adorable French waiter with an interesting accent to take your order… the REAL DEAL!

This cozy restaurant has indoor seating as well as outdoor seating, a bar, and rustic, elegant decor all along the inside.

Creme De La Crepe almost reminds me of Europe with their outdoor seating (perfect for a warm day), and easy-going atmosphere:  one that you can sit, talk to your company, and enjoy the food for hours without noticing the time go by!

You can find street parking on Green Street or in either of the two large Old Town parking lots including De Lacey or Raymond (each off the south side of Colorado).

So bring a friend, eat a French crepe, and relax at Creme De La Crepe in Old Pasadena!

By the way, it’s right down the street from our Burke Williams Spa.

LOCATION:

36 W Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105

Day 108 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena is focused on romance.  Okay, I know that it is not Valentine’s day, however, there are some places that scream romance and are perfect spots to get away to with your special someone.

I wanted to start with the Azalea filled Japanese Garden and it’s lovely red bridge at the Langham Hotel.

Tucked away beyond The Picture Bridge (see below),  just steps from the famed Langham Dining Room and hidden away from the pool is the Japanese Garden.  It was established in 1911 by William Hertrich who also designed San Marino’s Huntington Library gardens.  Many a wedding has taken place here and many a bride has crossed the red bridge to take her vows.  It is truly a remarkable place.

Japanese Garden Langham Hotel

Private and intimate, it has an almost mystical beauty about it.  Take a moment for reflection and enjoy the terraced ponds with gently flowing waterfalls.  It is truly amazing…

The Picture Bridge has gotten its name due to the paintings of the California scenes that you can find throughout it.  Built in 1913 and scenes painted by Frank Moore in 1932, The Picture Bridge is surely a historical treasure and deserves a leisurely stroll in itself.

Oh… and when you’re there, don’t forget to check out The Langham Spa!

Picture Bridge courtesy of A writers Afoot

Location:

The Langham Hotel

1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue

Pasadena, CA  91106

Panda Inn, Panda Inn… if you automatically thought of Panda Express when you read the title you are partially right for thinking this way.

Here is a little history behind the similar names… Panda Inn was founded in 1973 by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng.  This gourmet Mandarin restaurant became super popular, so the owners decided to create Panda Express – a more affordable restaurant chain with similar Chinese regional flavors and tastes.  That is how Panda Inn and Panda Express relate to one another!

Day 107 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena takes us to the ORIGINAL Panda Inn located right here in Pasadena on 3488 E. Foothill Blvd.

Panda Inn is a really delicious, solid restaurant.  I have been there many times, and have tried plenty of items off the menu.

They have THE BEST Hot & Sour Soup, Panda Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Tea-Smoked Duck.

Their Hot & Sour Soup has the perfect balance of ingredients, and is very good to warm you up!

The Panda Beef happens to be one of their signature dishes.  It has ginger, garlic, and a sweet peppercorn sauce over tender beef.

The Honey Walnut Shrimp has plenty of shrimp and walnuts coated by a delectable glaze. Yum!!!  I give this dish 10 out of 10 stars.

And last but not least, the Tea-Smoked Duck is juicy duck meat served with wheat buns, shredded cucumbers, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

Parking is never a problem!  They have a relatively large parking lot.

The interior is modern traditional with red walls, deep booths and plenty of interesting decor.

It is a very busy restaurant, so there might be a bit of a wait.

They have private rooms in the back for large parties and groups.  They even have doors to close off the rooms from the rest of the restaurant.  It is quite nice!

Service is usually very good, organized, and fast.

At the end of the meal they give fortune cookies… one of a kind fortune cookies that is! They are white chocolate covered fortune cookies.  They do not hog the white chocolate!  They are very delicious, and perfect with a cup of tea.

LOCATION:

3488 E. FOOTHILL BLVD
Pasadena, CA 91107

Wednesday afternoon at just before 2:30 pm, I found out that one of my dearest friends Laurie Manny is no longer with us.  She was taken from us suddenly and unexpectedly.

Laurie was a New Yorker

Even though Laurie has made her name as the queen of Long Beach real estate, the reason I start with this, is because when you think of all the fire and energy that New Yorkers have, you’ll understand a bit of what it was like being around Laurie.

• She had passion and strong convictions, especially when it came to the real estate industry.
• She had the desire and will to change the world.
• She wanted to do what was right.
• She wanted people to think, not follow blindly.

Laurie was an extremely loyal friend

I could always count on Laurie to be there for me whether it was just a quick chat to say hello or to lend a helping had and provide advice on issues that I was dealing with.  She was a bit of a mother hen… always wanting to make sure that everyone was fine.  And, I knew that she always had my back.

First time I met Laurie at Long Beach on Active Rain's 1st Anniversary. From Left: Ana Connell, Laurie Manny and I.

Laurie was a connector

Laurie had a knack for bringing people together.  Interesting, as I reflect on the last several years and the trials and tribulations that she, I and a group of other real estate friends went through with starting our real estate blogs, Laurie was always the one sending emails, asking questions and prodding us along to make the right decisions.  She had a special relationship with each of us and was able to bring us all together time after time after time.  There was not a month that would go by without her connecting with us and reminding us that we had each other to fall back on.

Laurie was a mentor

Laurie in power red with Ricardo Bueno and Ana Connell

Laurie was always learning, sharing and teaching.  She was the one that truly helped me along with my blogging efforts at the very beginning and every day since…  Not only did she share with me, but she shared with the entire real estate community.  I remember when she stopped by the REBarCamp in Pasadena that I was organizing last year and made a passionate closing session speech about our industry, where it is going and how we need to be in charge of our own destiny.  The picture above is from the evening after the REBarCamp when we were all relaxing in Old Pasadena.

There is just so much to say about Laurie and it is so hard to write right now… Laurie will be forever in my heart…

Laurie was one of a kind…  Laurie was Laurie…

A unique and strong voice in a sea of anonymity.

And… I’m lucky to say that she was my friend…

Laurie, I will miss you dearly… Rest in peace girlfriend.

UPDATE: If you’d like to send a card to Laurie’s family, please send it to the address below:

Manny Family
c/o Colleen Kulikowski
Keller Williams Realty
4955 N. Bailey Avenue Suite 100
Buffalo NY 14226

On a scorching summer day like today, a good strawberry lemonade is in order.  And, Lovebirds Cafe is by far the only place that I know of that makes the best strawberry lemonade in town.

So Day 106 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena is dedicated to Lovebirds Cafe and its ability to quench my thirst without overloading my system with artificial flavors or a ridiculous amount of sugar.

A friend introduced to to Lovebirds when they had their first cafe in Alhambra off of Main Street behind Tony Roma’s and since then they have added a couple of locations in Pasadena.  One is on Colorado Blvd not too far from the Pacific Asia Museum and the 2nd one opened on Walnut across the street from the Lake @ Walnut condos that I frequently visit… makes it ultra-convenient!

I believe that they’re also opening one up in the Pasadena Convention Center.

Of course, they have a wonderful menu to choose from with fresh salads (and yes… it’s the only place I know that tries to make their version of Olivier Salad – a Russian style potato salad – not quite the way I make it, but heck you have to give them an A+ for effort and creativity) and a nice selection of sandwiches.

Whatever you choose to order, do not forget to ask for that Strawberry Lemonade.  That will round out a beautiful meal.

They also have a great selection of desserts, many with fresh fruit.  If you’re in the area, whether it is Alhambra or Pasadena, check them out.

Locations:

Alhambra
10 S 1st St
Alhambra, CA 91801

Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green St
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: TBA

Lake @ Walnut
921 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 583-8888

What have you tried at Lovebirds Cafe?  Share your favorites Lovebirds order items with us!

Heirloom Bakery & Café anyone?  This small place is located in South Pasadena right next to the Gold Line Station.  And yes… we do venture out of Pasadena once in awhile.

Day 105 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena brings us to a small bakery & café that really serves QUALITY food.

In the artsy Mission West district of South Pasadena, this colorful café features breakfasts, quiches, salads and pizza, plus freshly baked breads and scones.  Personally, I have to say this is one of the best places to go for a fresh variety of country-style food.

They have the most delicious home-made Hostess cupcake!  Heirloom’s Hostess cupcakes have just the right amount of velvety chocolate ganache on the top and creamy marshmallow at it’s core!

With the variety of sweets and treats, it really is difficult to pick which dessert to have!  Oh… and did I mention that you absolutely have to try the carrot cupcake – to die for!

I started with the cupcakes because I cannot resist them.  They are truly the best I’ve ever had.  But for breakfast and lunch they have really delicious and filling food as well.

For breakfast I tried thier breakfast sandwich filled with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, and deliciousness!  I LOVE how they make COUNTRY BREAD every day.  It just makes a sandwich so much better when the bread is thick, tasty, and soft all at once.

I also have had lunch at Heirlooms a couple times, and the meals have been excellent!

The downside to Heirloom Bakery & Café is their prices.  Yes… they are very, very pricey at times!  Cupcakes run at around $3.50 and meals between $10-$12.  BUT! Don’t get discouraged… and come in for a treat.

Also, because Heirloom is so popular, sometimes there’s quite a wait so be prepared.

There is no official parking, but street parking is available on Mission.

Come for the food!  You won’t regret it!

LOCATION:

807 Meridian Ave
South Pasadena, CA 91031

Get ready for Fashion’s Night Out in Pasadena!  This event will be celebrating the world of fashion.

Day 104 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena takes us on a night out in the One Colorado shopping and dining district in Pasadena.

Fashion’s Night Out at One Colorado is a FREE EVENT FOR THE PUBLIC! Enjoy an evening full of runway fashion shows, special-in store events, and special prize drawings!

Fashion’s Night Out was established in New York City last year in a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York.

The purpose of this special event is to put the fun back in shopping with special discounts on clothes, along with free delectable desserts from specific companies (while supplies last).  And of course this event should open our eyes to the most current, hottest fashions around the globe!

Around the world, and led by fifteen international Vogue editions (Australia, Britain, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey), each country will celebrate Fashion’s Night Out on one night between Sept 7 and Sept 16, 2010.

We are so lucky to have the Fashion’s Night Out event in our backyards!  Old Town is a large part of Pasadena’s culture, and every Pasadenean walks through this shopping district one time or another.  So, I advise you to take part of this special event for our city, and to view the artistic fashions of the world!

The event is taking place between 6 P.M. and 11 P.M. on Friday, September 10.  Get there on time to fully enjoy the special activities provided!

One Colorado FNO (Fashion’s Night Out) guests will receive V.I.P. Passports to use in special store events, and to be eligible for the prizes that are valued over a $1000!  Wow… what an opportunity to have a fun time!

Here is a list of stores that will be at Fashion’s Night Out:

A.B.S.
Free chocolate and champagne—plus a free make-up and hair consultation.

Akbar Restaurant
A free dessert with any entrée purchase.

Crate & Barrel
Demonstrations and food sampling featuring the latest products for entertaining and cooking. Learn to design stunning tablescapes for fall dining and parties.

Dots Cupcakes
Free mini-cupcake (while supplies last) and a special FNO flavor for one-night-only.

Elisa B.
Shopping incentive with donation of a clean, gently used coat. OneWarmCoat.org will distribute coats to those in need. Refreshments plus special FNO fun.

Gap
Gap staffers will reveal the “six fits” of their new black pants and offer an incentive for purchasing during FNO. Enjoy refreshments while visiting the in-store soothsayer.

Gold Bug
Resident designer Jason Anderson of Anachroni will demonstrate his fully functional rotary and bluetooth cell phones.

Il Fornaio Restaurant
A complimentary dessert with every entrée purchased.

In SoHo
Limited-edition jewelry and special pricing at the Tat2 Designs trunk show. The celebration continues all evening with Brazilian food, music, and Mardi Gras masks.

J Crew
Light refreshments and a special shopping incentive.

Juicy Couture
Two hunky Juicy boys serving refreshments. Special shopping incentives.

Jumping Jellyfish
Refreshments, snacks and a live DJ. Free photo shoot and a 5×7 photograph for the little ones from 6 to 9 p.m.

Kate Spade
Free style consultations to discover your signature look.

Leonidas Chocolate Café
Complimentary premium Belgian chocolate.

Place Vendome
Try on jewelry that best reflects your style, then smile for the camera and  Place Vendome will email your photo to you—or your significant other.

Russell’s Restaurant
Complimentary wine and cheese.

Scarpa D’Oro
Refreshments and live entertainment.

Just looking over the list makes me excited!  So many distinguished brand stores, cute boutiques, and sweet treats are going to be putting their best forward!

I am really looking forward to this event, and will definitely try to catch it for a couple hours.  Go out to the heart of Old Pasadena, and enjoy the view… it is going to be a one of a kind event!

Day 103 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena takes us to the first landmark district in Pasadena – Bungalow Heaven.  If you love character homes, you’ll be in hmm… “heaven!” due to its abundance of Bungalows!

What is a California Bungalow you might ask?

It’s charming and practical and is an offshoot of the Arts and Crafts movement.  The designs emphasize the horizontal link between the house and the land around it.  The us of natural, local materials and colors also reinforce this home-earth relationship.

You’ll recognize a bungalow by these features:

* – One or one-and-a-half stories
* – Low, sloping roof either gabled (front or side) or hipped, often with wide overhangs
* – Exposed roof structure (beams, rafters)
* – Exterior proportions balanced rather than symmetrical in arrangement
* – Modest front porch
* – A front stoop is a common element
* – Focus on a garden, even if small
* – Open, informal floor plan
* – Prominent hearth
* – Wood details inside
* – Built-in furniture common throughout the house

Here’s a video that Laurie March of Improvemental.com and I put together on one of the bungalows that came up for sale as a foreclosure recently. It will give you a wonderful sense of the beauty of these homes.

Most of the California Bungalows in Bungalow Heaven were built between 1900 and 1930s.  There is a collection of about 800 intact bungalows for your viewing pleasure.

Many of the bungalows here were built from kits – often at a cost of $1,000 – and delivered to Californians eager to build the low-slung, often single-story homes with the deep verandas and overhanging eaves that protect them form California’s powerful sunshine.

There are so many beautiful bungalows here that it’s impossible to point out just one or two. Take a walk through the neighborhood and explore it yourself.

Take a look at Bungalow Heaven website for more information and history of the neighborhood.

Bungalow Heaven is located between Washington Blvd (north) and Orange Grove (South) , Lake Avenue (West) and Hill (East).

So, if you are ready to explore one of the more famous Pasadena neighborhoods, stroll along the beautiful tree lined streets of Bungalow Heaven.