Pasadena is the ninth-largest city in Los Angeles County- and the second oldest (incorporating in 1886). It is home to the Tournament of Roses, ArtCenter College of Design, Caltech, JPL, many museums and artists (including the author of this post!). It is nestled below the San Gabriel mountains on the northeast side of Los Angeles. It feels more like an east coast town with big houses on wide streets canopied with trees. It is about 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and thus provides a low-key, suburban hideaway without losing any of the flavor of city life.
Coffee and Delicacies with a Touch of Honey and Lavender
Stunning art collection and gardens
Euro Pane is a Pasadena institution. There are now two locations a few blocks apart- and both are full every morning with the same regulars. Euro Pane (pronounced differently by everyone you'll meet) was started by the baker Sumi Chang, who worked with Nancy Silverton at La Brea Bakery. If you go for breakfast, I recommend the english muffins, which they make in-house (along with pretty much everything else). They are thick and spongey and unlike any other english muffin. At lunch they serve a variety of sandwiches on different types of bread (from loaves all baked that morning). I recommend the chicken salad sandwich on cranberry walnut bread and one (or six) of their colorful macarons on the side. #notgonnanot
