THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Vertical Wine Bistro Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Vertical Wine Bistro Restaurant Review:

This handsome, second-story establishment in Old Pasadena features an intimate, contemporary dining room with a prominent fireplace, separated from a lively bar by a floor-to-ceiling glass-ensconced wine cellar. David Ziegenfuss assumed ownership in 2015, and has maintained a strong wine focus while adding a craft beer emphasis. The extensive wine list features 400-plus labels from around the globe, including 36 selections by the glass and fun, interesting flights. The kitchen turns out classic dishes; small plates were phased out in favor of a more traditional Cal-French menu. Starters include octopus and burrata with wild arugula and tomato vinaigrette. Main courses are heartier, with options like Pacific Northwest steelhead with charcoal wheat berries, Pecorino, fava beans, fresh peas and fried egg. You might also find a very well-executed yet tiny portion of risotto with wild East Coast shrimp and wild mushrooms. Seafood towers are available Thursdays through Saturdays and feature rarely seen items like bigorneaux sea snails and crevette grises, tiny, wild Portuguese shrimp. A nice cheese selection may accompany the wines.