Original Pancake House - Review

Ana and I started Ana's birthday off right by taking a trip down the 57 to Anaheim for the Original Pancake House. The restaurant was housed in a cozy, A-frame house amidst a slew of nondescript buildings. The interior was decked out in wood like a log cabin. The hostess told us we could sit wherever we wanted, which was nice considering the many reviews I've read of people claiming twenty minute waits. We got a couple cups of cold coffee and ordered our dishes:

49'er Flap Jacks

Sheer pancake perfection. Go and order this dish as soon as you possibly can. Crispy on the edges and soft and "gooey" in the center as the description on the menu proclaimed. The best flap jacks we have ever feasted on.



Potato Pancakes

Slightly resembling a Florentine cookie, these crunchy, finely grated and fried potato clusters were a delight needing not even a touch of sour cream or apple sauce. Near perfect with a dash of salt. Ana's favorite potato pancakes thus far.



Dutch Baby

A massive saucer of a pancake. Eggy, doughy and sprinkled with powdered sugar. The crusty edge mimicked the dough of a cream puff. Complementing this dish was a side of sliced lemons and powdered sugar. Although tasty, our Dutch Baby seemed slightly undercooked in the center and a touch too eggy for Ara's taste.


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Service

We were seated promptly, coffee was served instantly, and the waitress even cracked a few jokes at my expense.

Atmosphere

It is what it is; a cozy, A-frame house. Unassuming yet full of the character found in a house out in the country.

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Would we recommend it?
Definitely. We are going back very very soon to try all of the other house specialties including Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, the Belgian waffle (to see if it holds a light to the real thing) and the Apple pancake.

Euro Pane Bakery - Review

Instead of trekking with my bike to my much-frequented lunch spot, Pasadena Sandwich Co, I decided to take the lazy route to Euro Pane which is only a few blocks from my home. The place was packed for lunch at noon which was a good sign. I proceeded to gaze at all the colorful baked goods in the counter; scones, lemon bars, cakes and custard tarts which all whetted my palate. I waited at the counter for a few minutes until someone finally came to take my order - I empathized, they were busy and understaffed. I ordered:

Lemon Bar

Scrumptious. Gooey and buttery. The lemon filling packs a subtle kick complemented well by the thick crust. Decent-sized.

Egg Salad Sandwich

Presentation was there with diced scallions atop the eggs and sun-dried pesto sauce on a toasted, rosemary currant bread. But nonetheless, it was mediocre in taste. Maybe my expectations were high from all the glowing reviews.

Quiche

They heated it up but it came out semi-cold. Not bad, just not good. At all. Finished half.

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Service

It was heavily trafficked with only a couple staffers, but they could have been a touch more receptive and courteous. Didn't bus my dirty table. No fork and knife with my dishes and when I asked where they were they said they'd get it. I then waited about ten minutes with my food staring at me until they brought them.

Atmosphere

Modest, nice decor. I sat outside which was pleasant, but tables weren't bussed with crumbs and pieces of leftover lunch stranded all over them.

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Would I recommend it?
Only for the baked goods; Lemon Bars, Croissants, Croissants with Sweet Cream Cheese (which I have yet to try - they were out) and the Euro Pane Granola at the counter that my girlfriend Ana bought. We've come once before and ordered a couple sandwiches: smoked salmon and a veggie.. nothing to write home about.

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Euro Pane Bakery
950 E Colorado
Pasadena

626 577 1828