THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED aka An American Bistro
626-564-8111
Casual Old Town bistro offering a menu with wide-ranging appeal.
Openings: Lunch & Dinner daily
Features
- Valet parking
- Dress code: Casual
- Full bar
- Kid-friendly
- Outdoor dining
- Private room(s)
- Reservations suggested
THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED aka An American Bistro Restaurant Review:
Robert Simon, one of Pasadena’s premier restaurateurs (Bistro 45), has created this casual American bistro in Old Town, a concept he first experimented with in Napa Valley. With its big booths, lively bar and hand-blown glass chandeliers, a/k/a’s cavernous space is not particularly warm, but the patio is pleasant and the prices are agreeable. Ideal for sharing are addictive portobello “fries” --- a cone of lightly battered sliced mushrooms served with a snappy truffle aïoli. Other starters include a duck confit salad or albacore sashimi with avocado mousse. Crispy-skinned salmon is always a worthwhile dish, regardless of its seasonal accompaniments, while cassoulet provides soulful comfort. More informal meals might revolve around burgers (with aïoli, bacon, pickled jalapeños and fried shallots) or an upscale Reuben. As expected from any Simon-owned establishment, the wine list is notable, offering bottles from boutique wineries around the globe, many priced in the $30 to $50 range, and more than 40 poured by the glass. For dessert, there’s salted butterscotch-brown sugar pot de crème or profiteroles.
|