Pasadena and Coffee

I found out a few days before Good Friday that I would have that day off from work — sounds like Great Friday to me!

The day began without any specific plans. I keep an ongoing list of things to do in LA — restaurants, coffee shops, parks, activities — so I consult that and picked my first stop: Awesome Coffee near the Metro station at Wilshire & Western. It’s blissfully empty upon my arrival and the decor is great.

I order an iced caramel latte and it’s delicious. I’m tempted to get an item on their dessert menu, as they feature liquid nitrogen ice cream… but since I haven’t eaten lunch yet I skip the sugar. Next time I’ll plan accordingly and order sweets.

Love this old-school blue desk. I set up shop for an hour or two, connecting to Wifi and enjoying my iced latte.

Next I hop on the Metro Purple Line to Union Station downtown:

Then I switch to the Gold Line en route to Pasadena in search of more caffeine. I’ve just read about a coffee place called Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar that has rave reviews. Sold!

I order a French Lavender Breve — a latte made with half-and-half instead of milk, so it’s sweeter — and it’s delicious. Other espresso items that catch my eye include the Honeybee Latte and Salted Caramel Latte. While in line I overhear other customers ordering a coconut latte that isn’t on the menu… if it weren’t already 4pm and my second coffee of the day, I’d be tempted to try another.

Afterwards I catch a bus to Old Town Pasadena for a quick photo walk. City Hall is such a fine piece of architecture:

I love this alley way just north of Colorado Boulevard near the iPic movie theater.

I end up at Il Fornaio, a fancy-looking Italian place that’s caught my eye for years. It’s currently Happy Hour and they have $6 menu items… sold! I order fried calamari and a pizza. It’s too much food so on my way out I give the leftovers to a homeless guy outside the restaurant.

I walk off dinner by strolling up and down Colorado Blvd.

21 Choices is a noteworthy frozen yogurt shop that I’ve frequented many times over the years. I MAY have cheated on my low sugar diet with a small cup of chocolate & peanut butter soft serve.