THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Madeleines Restaurant & Wine Bistro

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Madeleines Restaurant & Wine Bistro Restaurant Review:

This seductive restaurant occupies Pasadena's historic Cheesewright Building, where Albert Einstein roamed the halls when the building served as a secret military facility in the 1940s. Madeleines' dramatically appointed main dining room showcases a high-beamed ceiling, massive limestone fireplace and a sultry palette of dark red, mustard and gold leaf accents. Generously spaced candlelit tables and booths make for a relaxed setting in which to enjoy a sophisticated contemporary cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian accents. Down the hall is an intimate patio and cozy wine bar, offering flights of wine and a bistro menu in addition to the regular fare. The cooking here has suffered noticeably since chef Claud Beltran departed. Starters might include caramelized sea scallops with saffron risotto and a prosciutto crisp, or crab and Japanese cucumber salad with miso-truffle vinaigrette. A pan-seared New York steak is accompanied by a potato-tarragon cake, and roasted Jidori chicken is served with fried cheese grits and a maple-vinegar sauce. The eclectic wine list features a global orientation and refreshingly reasonable prices; in addition, about 50 selections are offered by the glass. The intense chocolate terrine makes a satisfying finale, and the restaurant provides a modest cheese plate as well.