Bone Kettle: Old Town Pasadena has welcomed Bone Kettle with open arms as brothers and Partners Eric Tjahyadi and Executive Chef Erwin Tjahyadi have transformed beloved Indonesian dishes into a modern dining experience that ignites the taste buds, creating a very unique and special place for Date Night. Guests can enjoy Executive Chef Erwin Tjahyadi’s homemade Bone Broth, using time-honored cooking techniques and fresh, ingredients reflective of Southeast Asian traditions, is made by boiling beef for 36 hours in filtered water with onions, garlic, ginger and a specific to Bone Kettle mix of dried spices; the Oxtail Dumplings made with oxtail, seasonal mushrooms, leeks, San Bai Su, or the Spicy Papaya Salad prepared with green papaya, mangoes, tomatoes, chili, cilantro, green beans, peanuts, and bay scallops adding just the right amount of zest for the perfect night. The sharable plates and unique desserts, along with Bone Kettle’s specially curated Wine, Sake and Beer List, will nourish your mind, body and soul, making this your new go-to Date Night spot! Bone Kettle is open for Dinner every Monday through Sunday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm; 67 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103: 626.795.5702; www.BoneKettle.com
Celestino Ristorante: A true Pasadena staple, Celestino Ristorante, is the epitome of where to go to impress a date. The perfect combination of Old School flare with just the right amount of Pasadena sophistication, this Drago establishment has you covered with delectable Wines from Italy, as well as authentic and highly regarded Italian cuisine from Owner and Executive Chef Calogero Drago. Whether you begin with the Prosciutto & Melon or the Jumbo Scallops, be sure to also enjoy one of Celestino Ristorante’s Homemade Pastas like the Spaghetti Alla Vongole, spaghetti with clams, or go for the delightful Risotti Porcini e Mascarpone, risotto with porcini mushrooms and Mascarpone cheese, and do not forget to leave room for the Cannoli and an Italian Grappa to make this Date Night one for the books! Celestino Ristorante is open for Dinner every Monday through Thursday from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, every Friday from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm, every Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 5:00 pm to 9:45 pm; 141 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101; 626.795.4006; www.CelestinoPasadena.com
Mi Piace: Head to an Old Town Pasadena classic, Mi Piace, where modern Italian cuisine takes reign in this contemporary, yet homey establishment. The food will delight so take your time and start the evening off with the Escargot, prepared with imported Burgundy Escargot baked with Pernod liqueur, garlic, shallots, fresh parsley and herb butter, served with grilled Ciabatta crostini, or opt for the Cozze con Chorizo, steamed Prince Edward Island black mussels topped with Pamplona Spanish Chorizo, cherry tomatoes and lobster cream sauce. Continue the extravagance with the Osso Bucco di Vitello to share, a 16-ounce slow braised veal shank served with mushroom risotto, or try one of the handmade pastas such as the Pork Ragu Papperdelle made with a slow-braised Moroccan spiced pork ragu and topped with homemade lemon zest ricotta and a touch of Fleur de sel. The Cocktails are not to be forgotten with the sweet and savory Oi’Pas, made with vodka, St. Germaine, strawberry preserves, rose orgeat and fresh lemon juice. Just when you think the night could not be going any better, end an evening of Italian fun with a Chocolate Soup, Mi Piace’s signature bittersweet Belgian flourless chocolate soufflé served with a side of Chantilly cream. Vita Amorosa! Mi Piace is open every Monday through Thursday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, every Friday from 11:00 am to 12:00 midnight, every Saturday from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight and every Sunday from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm; 25 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.795.3131; www.MiPiace.com
The Raymond 1886: For over 40 years, the iconic Craftsman Cottage that is The Raymond 1886 has been delighting diners with both its delicious dishes and refined Old-World charm. There are three beautiful patios; the South Patio with an especially cozy fireplace; the Main Dining Patio, and the Wisteria Patio that each offer a perfect dining experience for a lovely Date Night. Soft lighting, warm flames and a delicious new menu from new Executive Chef Jon Hung include Micro Farmed Oysters with champagne mignonette; Roasted Chicken with creamy truffle polenta, Maitake mushrooms, fried capers and preserved lemons, or the house favorite Strozzapreti prepared with a short rib ragu and citrus gremolata. Executive Chef Hung’s real-life and professional partner new Pastry Chef Alexa Clark could not be any sweeter and her Peanut Butter Mousse with Nutella cremeux, honeycomb, cinnamon condensed milk and lime gel is an absolute must. Any selection from the mouthwatering new menu will pair perfectly with one of 1886’s Handcrafted Cocktails, so try The Forbidden Peach prepared with Cognac, peach purée, peach bitters and rosemary simple syrup, or sip and savor a special selection from the Wine List, making for one truly memorable Date Night at The Raymond 1886 in Pasadena!
The Raymond 1886 is open for Dinner every Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 to 10:00 pm. 1886 is open every Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 12:00 Midnight, every Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 2:00 am, and on Sunday from 11:30 am to 12:00 Midnight; 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626.441.3136; www.TheRaymond.com