Lost in Pasadena
30 Jan
If there was ever such a contest, I would probably win the award for the person with the worse sense of direction. Am I the only person who can’t read a map? I usually have to repeat Never Eat Shredded Wheat a few times before I can figure out which way to go. And when I finally figure out which way to go? It usually ends up being the wrong way.
Back when I lived at home my lack of direction would drive my dad crazy. He’d tell me how to get somewhere and say something like, “Exit the freeway and go North.” Of course I’d ask, “Is North left or right?” And he would literally go berserk! Finally, he put a Thomas Guide in my car and called it a day. I never opened it. Because I can’t read a map!!
Today my friends and I met for lunch in Pasadena. Naturally we got lost! So despite leaving my place at 12:45 we didn’t get to the restaurant until 2pm. Getting lost on my own is one thing but even sadder is when I get lost with three other people in a car armed with a GPS and two iPhones giving us directions. I think I am hopeless.
Luckily lunch was worth the 20 minute detour. A total of five of us met at The Raymond Restaurant. The restaurant used to be part of a hotel which, if I understand correctly, shut down during the Great Depression. The caretaker’s house was later turned into the very cute restaurant where we ate today. Our table was outside on the patio:
The tables were beautifully decorated with flowers and silver salt and pepper shakers, sugar bowls, etc. Very old school and charming.
By the time we ordered it was about 2:30 and I wanted to order one of everything. I was starving!
My friends ordered a couple of scones to start, which I obviously had to forgo.
baked daily and served with strawberry jam and clotted cream
Am I selfish if I admit that I wasn’t disappointed when I heard the scones weren’t very good?
The birthday girl ordered the Thai Steak salad:
I couldn’t find a description on The Raymond’s website but I think it had mango, peanuts, steak, and veggies. It looked delicious.
Another friend had the Ahi Tuna Salad:
Again, no description on the restaurant’s website but the plate seems pretty self-explanatory. I loved the unique presentation.
Two other entrees included Eggs Benedict on Avocado and a Veggie Omelette:
I had the Salmon Salad:
organic mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a lemon dill vinaigrette
And a few of the Sweet Potato Fries that I ordered for the table:
These fries were seriously the star of lunch! I don’t think I’ve had fries in about 5 years…but these were definitely worth the wait.
The restaurant was nice enough to bring out a dessert for the Birthday Girl:
chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, bananas, chocolate fudge and a cherry
I had a bite of the chocolate fudge and then reverted to my usual decaf coffee:
Lunch was great! I highly recommend this restaurant for it’s good food, friendly service, and classy decor. Definitely check out The Raymond if you are ever in the area.
Just be sure not to ask me for directions.
