June 16th, 2009 by Paul Kittlaus
“All material shapes should be seen by perfect intuitive wisdom as it really is.” Siddhartha Gautama
We wanted to provide our faithful readers with an update on Inside Local’s development as well as our philosophy behind the site redesign.
Inside Local’s original format was simply a blog where we could share our personal dining and lounging experiences with others, connecting you with sophisticated venues offering a relaxing ambiance, delicious dishes and must have drinks. As we started sharing these experiences through our blog, we realized a host of additional features that we could add to enhance the information we were providing. We reviewed other websites that feature restaurant reviews and came away largely disappointed. Some websites have individual features that are well executed, but other elements of these sites leave much to be desired, detracting from the overall experience. This is why we ultimately decided to take some time to go back to the drawing board and design our ideal website for sharing our dining and lounging experiences, while providing others with the opportunity to share their experiences as well. The new Inside Local will be our “take” on how restaurant reviews should be done.
Now, on to features and development.
Interface. We are investing a great deal of time and thought into the overall site interface, as well as the method in which information is displayed on each page. One of our greatest gripes with many restaurant review sites is a poor interface or a tsunami of information drowning the user when they arrive on the page. Visitors come to restaurant review websites or similar webpages to search for useful information to help them make a decision or discover a new place to try. It takes time to process information and determine if it is useful or not. When content and information is scattered across the page in a confusing manner, trying to discover the information the user is seeking becomes even more difficult. Our team is carefully experimenting with the placement of content on each of the primary site pages so that you can discover exciting new places and experiences with ease. The overall site interface is mostly in place and we are making slight adjustments to it while we experiment with the layout of each page.
Social Features. The new Inside Local will offer social networking features. Before you groan and say “not another social networking site,” our plan is to utilize “social” features to connect you with personalized information as well as a vehicle for ensuring relevant content is easy to access. Many social sites today (especially those related to food and restaurants) offer an experience that is akin to stepping into a noisy and crowded bar. The conversation becomes drowned and distorted, your ear catches single words or broken phrases from loud people, and you have difficulty finding your friends amidst the cacophony. On Inside Local, our goal is to eliminate the “information clutter” that is so prevalent on social sites today and provide structure to the social dialogue so you can easily step into a conversation, or simply observe the conversations of others. We have a whole host of “social” features on the drawing board which we hope to integrate into the site design soon. Once Inside Local launches, we will implement your comments and recommendations into the site’s social platform. A website is a living, breathing, and evolving beast. We want to ensure that our users are happy.
We are also discussing ideas to make the overall experience “fun.” While we’re not quite ready to divulge our plans for this, we can say that we’re very excited about the ideas we plan to incorporate into the user experience, and look forward to sharing this with you soon.
Inside Local will be entering a private, closed beta test once we are further on in development, and we will keep you apprised about any beta test news. We have been quite tardy in releasing updates, but this is because we are dedicating a great deal of our time and energy into crafting the site. Thank you for your patience as we realize the new and improved Inside Local!
The Inside Local Development Team
March 9th, 2009 by Paul Kittlaus
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Chinese proverb
It has been some time since we released an article on Inside Local and we wanted to provide you with an update on upcoming developments with the website. After the launch of Inside Local in October 2008, the Inside Local team has been busy brainstorming ideas and new features to enhance your experience on our website. We are committed to building a vibrant online community while providing engaging, quality content to connect you with the most appealing local venues and events. We have a host of new features and added functionality in the works that we are currently implementing in a completely overhauled site interface. Please continue to check back in the coming weeks for additional updates on the development progress. We value your input and would appreciate any thoughts or comments you may have regarding features you would like to see on Inside Local. Together, we can transform Inside Local into an exciting community and online experience!
The Inside Local Development Team
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December 9th, 2008 by Paul Kittlaus
“To the ruler, the people are heaven; to the people, food is heaven.” - Chinese Proverb
Overview
Manna Korean BBQ serves up nothing short of an exciting experience that overwhelms the senses. This restaurant located in the heart of Korea Town offers curious locals an introduction to the delicious cuisine of Korea. While there are many other Korean BBQ alternatives located around the Los Angeles basin, Manna is an accessible gateway into the international food scene thanks to its high energy atmosphere and simple menu that allows first time Korean BBQ goers to easily sample the food of this wonderful country.
Ambiance
Strolling up to the entrance of Manna on a summer evening, I was greeted by the savory aroma of grilling, marinated meat and pulsating music that sounded straight out of a club. The venue was brimming with excitement, as diners were busily conversing, sipping beer and soju, a Korean alcoholic beverage, and grilling meat at their tables as waiters hurried from patron to patron. It felt as if I had stepped into the middle of a celebration. While the noise level was a bit elevated, we were quickly ushered to a wooden table with two integrated gas grills.
After sitting down with my friends, I had a better chance to survey my surroundings. Manna is not a place for a quiet date. The restaurant was filled with many different people seated at long, wooden tables for gathering of 15 to 20, and tables for smaller parties that seated 6 to 8. The main seating area at the restaurant is actually a large patio-like space that is covered by an enormous tarpaulin to allow smoke from the grilling meat to dissipate. For quieter gatherings, there is limited secluded seating at the back of the restaurant building.
During my dining experience at Manna, there were several times when the tempo of the music increased, reverberating throughout the restaurant as party goers popped champagne. The restaurant is a popular location for birthday parties, so be prepared to join in and cheer with the crowd as the champagne pops. Just be aware that you may be caught in the crossfire.
Cuisine
Manna differentiates itself from many other Korean BBQ restaurants by offering an “unlimited” portions option, allowing diners to eat as much (or as little) as they prefer in addition to a regular menu. For meat lovers, the unlimited option is an excellent opportunity to sample a variety of Korean dishes. Waiters will provide banchan, or Korean appetizers, before your main meal arrives. The banchan include kimchi, the renowned Korean spicy pickled cabbage dish, various noodles, vegetables, and gyeram jjim, or steamed eggs that are eaten with a spoon.
When the meat arrives at the table, it is uncooked. This is where the experience of Korean BBQ begins. Using the gas grill at the table, diners grill their own meat until it is cooked to their personal preference. Popular dishes include chadol, paper thin, frozen strips of beef brisket that cook extremely fast, and are dipped in accompanying Korean sauces, galbi, a thicker beef cut, which can be wrapped in provided rice noodle wrappers or lettuce, and the extremely savory bulgogi, which arrives in a unique marinade that stimulates the senses when grilled. Manna also offers other pork, chicken, beef and seafood dishes.
As a compliment to the spicy and savory nature of Korean cuisine, consider sampling a cold bottle of Hite, a pale lager from Korea. Manna also offers several varieties of Korean wine, including Bohae Bokbunjajoo, a sweet black raspberry wine.
Recommendations
Manna is ideal if you are seeking a thrilling, interactive dining experience and don’t mind a little noise and grill smoke. The restaurant fills up rapidly, especially on the weekends, so consider making reservations before arriving. Manna’s crowd mainly includes college students from nearby USC and UCLA to individuals in their late 30s. Generally, several large Korean families will be hosting a party at Manna, and other individuals from Los Angeles’ diverse population can be seen at the restaurant as well. I would highly recommend not wearing your best apparel as it will have a lingering aroma of smoke and grilled meat once you leave the restaurant. Parking is available adjacent to the restaurant.
Los Angeles has many options available if you are interested in sampling the cuisine of Korea. Nearby Chosun Galbee is another popular location for first time Korean BBQ visitors, and offers a more sophisticated and orderly atmosphere. Expect to pay a bit more money, but the meat quality and service you receive are definitely worth the few extra dollars.
Summary
Price: $$
Dress: Casual
Parking: Valet (several dollars) or streetside if you are feeling adventurous
Noise Level: Loud
Perfect For: Groups of friends, parties
Inside Tips
- Be sure to make reservations well in advance of your meal. The restaurant is generally full, so even if you made reservations, you may have to wait some time for an available table
- If this is your first time to Manna, it may help to go with someone who is familiar with the Korean language or Korean cuisine, but this is not a necessity
- Your clothes will certainly smell of smoke and grilled meat once you leave the restaurant - don’t wear your best threads
- Cook your food well. Some dishes cook faster than others. If your grill becomes too charred, ask the waiter for a new grill. A clean grill is essential to enjoying the Korean BBQ experience
Manna Korean BBQ
3377 West Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 733-8516
November 6th, 2008 by Nick Sanchez
“Without atmosphere a painting is nothing.” - Rembrandt
Overview
Villa SORRISO can be described as being nothing other than a supremely sophisticated Super-lounge where space and light meet luxury. It is a late night local hotspot restaurant, club and lounge located in old town Pasadena which is accompanied with elegantly preserved architecture, delicious Italian food and a warm and welcoming dining experience. It is a stunningly modern and stylish Mediterranean villa restaurant, Lounge and Martini Bar that confidently blends success and sophistication into an entirely holistic, consummate rewarding night of entertainment. Owners Karen and Jack Huang, former aerospace engineer and investment banker, have found their perfect niche in the southern California community by utilizing a harmonious use of space and light throughout their indoor and outdoor facilities. Their spacious outdoor lounge will surely impress you. Between the huge leafy trees, glaring fire pits, cascading fountains and private cabanas, Villa SORRISO creates a unique night club atmosphere which cannot be easily matched.
Ambiance 
Smoking a Fuente Fuente Opus X Cigar with a few friends in the outside cabana, I was impressed to see the spacious and airy dining rooms inside. The subtle lighting and glowing candles set the perfect mood for intelligent laid back conversations. With live entertainment, laid-back dancing, up-beat DJs and a late night outdoor bar and patio, Villa SORRISO is too legit for its own good. As an ultimate lounger and fine cigar smoker, I was also impressed by the quantity and quality of their high-backed, elegantly upholstered lounge sofas. Lounging with friends on a sumptuous multi-seated black leather sofa, my eyes were rewarded with elongated high-ceiling artistry, blended exotic hardwoods and surrounding plush furnishings. In addition to the generous portions of lounge-space, I enjoyed the luxuriously inviting and dramatic presence of the classic and modern mix of smooth and romantic jazz ensembles. At the peak of my lounging experience, I felt attuned to subtleties of musical rhythm, sights of beautiful women, warmth of fire, taste of wrapped Rosado tobacco leaves and the presence of sophisticated, productive friends.
Zebra Lounge 
After relaxing in the indoor lounge and in the outdoor cabana, treat yourself to the notorious Zebra Lounge where comfort, complexity and style unite together. Located on the second floor of the Mediterranean Villa, you will surely discover that this will be the main event of your ultimate lounging experience. As private clubhouse for the sophisticated and stylish, the Zebra Lounge is fashioned with luxurious, deep leather couches and ottomans, plush draperies, exotic hardwood coffee tables, an intimate private bar with windows and a smoking balcony overlooking Colorado Boulevard; an experience that will surely give you a sense of ownership and prestige throughout the night. In addition to all this, Zebra Lounge members are provided with the finest amenities which include: A Computer workstation, Broadband wireless internet access, Multi-Media capable plasma television platforms, State-of-the-art audio visual equipment and a monthly parking passes upon request. To be blunt - The Zebra Lounge is an outrageous measure of gratifying, complex pleasures.
Cuisine 
Villa SORRISO prides itself in having an extensive menu of quality dishes for various tastes. Looking at the menu, I discovered the usual mix of pastas, chops, pizzas, but what really impressed me was their wholesome list of fresh seafood. If you are a seafood lover, you will be enticed. Villa SORRISO offers an enticing oyster bar, hot and cold seafood platters, grilled lobster, king crab legs and daily fresh fish specials. I particularly enjoyed their garlicky oven-roasted mussels. For seating arrangements, there are many options. For those who like to eat inside while also watching the outside scene, you can dine near various large glass windows found throughout the restaurant which allows for a more spacious, overlooking view. For a more cozy, romantic dinner for two, you must try the secreted outdoor patio which consists of a splashing fountain, overflowing with flowers.
Recommendations 
Villa SORRISO appeals to many target groups. For the appreciative restaurant connoisseur, this is classic Italian done right with heavy portions and a rewarding ambiance. For the ultimate lounger, this is a dreamy haven of eventful leisure and relaxation. For the romantic dater, this is an impressive, elegant night of intimacy that will surely be remembered later that night. For the business professional, this is all necessities provided and all senses amused. For the everyday fine cigar smoker, this is a perfect mid-morning smoke with a friend and a local hotspot to remember. For those looking to enjoy an environment which compliments a professionally modern and elegant style of good taste, Villa SORRISO it your space of luxury.
Villa SORRISO
168 W. Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91105.
(626) 793-2233
“At a Glance”. Villa Sorriso restaurante and bar . 11/05/2008 <http://www.sorrisopasadena.com/at_a_glance.html>.
November 3rd, 2008 by Nick Sanchez
Ambiance 
Casa 425 is a modern luxury local hotspot that speaks sensible energy and intelligence. It is a stylish boutique hotel and lounge which opens onto a tranquil courtyard in the heart of the historic Claremont Village in Southern California. Smoking a Camacho Corojo 10th Anniversary cigar, I arrived first from the outside courtyard on 2nd street were I soon noticed the artistic energy of objects and systems preserved with smooth shape and warm elegance. Lounging with a friend on a Saturday night, I found that the fiery fountain courtyard was a perfect venue for intimacy and warm conversations. Hungry, we moved to the inside bar and lounge where I was amazed to see sophisticated modern furnishings such as the centrally located geometric fireplace and the raised film screenings on the above white wall. In addition to the pure and energetic feel, there was quality service where all amenities were provided.
If staying at the hotel, such complementary amenities include wireless access to internet, European Style Breakfast, Fresh Fruit, bicycles and a Movie Library. Additional accommodations include over sized tubs, fitness rooms and same day dry cleaning. If traveling by business, Casa 425 prides itself in being a relaxing venue for meetings, board retreats, presentations, networking, receptions, private parties and weddings. Casa 425 offers a fully wired, fully loaded system of service where all necessities are tranquilized; where all boredom is amused. In essence, Casa 425’s unique fusion of historic Spanish and New England architectural styles combined with its calm personality made me feel at ease with laid back comfort.
Cuisine
Once in the inside bar and lounge, you will find an extensive menu of savory and sweet appetizers as well as any drink you can conjure up. From fruity cocktails to traditional martinis, from rich wines to savory Cognac, you are bound to find your drink of choice at the charming and welcoming bar. With appetizers mostly ranging from $12-15, the price was a little steep, but with all the great service and accommodations, it is well worth the experience. While there, I ordered a classic 425 ‘Casa’ dilla which consisted of grilled chicken, green chili, sliced mango and Monterrey jack cheese. I particularly enjoyed the fine flakey crust that dissolved on my tongue. Portion wise, I was delightfully surprised. Although I had my doubts at my initial sight of the layered Mexican treat, it was enough for two. With a fine selection of international wines offered by the glass and an extensive list of alcohol, I certainly can see myself coming back to relax near the outside fire pits with close friends.
Community and Culture
After enticing yourself to a nice appetizer and peaceful lounging experience in the outside courtyard, reward yourself to the nearby pleasures found in the Claremont Village where intelligence meets humility. Visit the stylish boutiques, the reflective galleries and the welcoming cafes where comfort and sophistication merge together as one. Watch a movie with a date in the new Laemmle Theater, a five-screen cinema showing the best in independent and major Hollywood movies or order the finest mint hookah tobacco with a best friend at Casablanca’s Bar and Grill. If you’re looking for a more night club scene, then you must visit Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue to enjoy a big band type of musical ensemble where improvised jazz combos of sweet and romantic melodies will cause you to get out of your seat and dance. No matter what you ultimately decide to do, just be sure to bring a close friend or a beautiful date as you will want to share all your warm memories and loungeful experiences together.
Casa 425
425 West First Street
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 624 CASA
“Modern Luxury in Historic Claremont Village”. Hotel Casa 425. 11/03/2008 <http://www.casa425.com/home/>.
October 20th, 2008 by Nick Sanchez
“Be soft in your practice.
Think of the method as a
fine silvery stream, not a
raging waterfall. Follow
the stream, have faith in
its course. It will take you.”
Sheng-yen
History
Open since 1992, Equator is a hidden gem in Southern California. Equator Restaurant and Café has become a local favorite of mine that keeps me coming back for more. It’s an ambient Asian Fusion styled restaurant and lounge located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena that provides a beautiful assortment of dreamy soundings and cares-of-the-sun relaxation. Having traveled to cities and countries such as China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Vietnam, I must say that Equator has provided me with an entirely unique South East Asian experience that cultivates inner peace and harmony.
Ambiance
Before walking in on a late Saturday night with a friend, one of the first things I noticed was the ambient, down to earth crowd in the relaxed outdoor café-like lounge. Smoking a Padron 7000, I felt at home as others enjoyed fine cigars and rewarding cocktails of their choice. Upon entering the indoor scene, I was immediately rewarded with an explosion of simplistic, gratifying patterns of artistry and Zen creativity. The geometrically placed ruby-red brick walls topped with vast 19th century Victorian oil on canvas paintings put me into a spiritual state of meditation and unrivaled leisure.
Complementing the sophisticated, gilded Romanticism seen on the walls were the robustly padded sink-in-your-seat lounge king sofas. This long array of lavishly red sofas and accompanying moon-grey pillows gave me an inviting and modern atmosphere that spoke comfort, décor and contemporary elegance at its finest essence. Upon sitting in the sensually curved and softly cushioned sofa, I was immediately told that it would withstand the length and intensity and seriousness of my laid back lounging experience for hours to come. The seated portion of my lounging experience was outrageous and in fact…out of hand.
I must also mention the underlying display of various compassionate Buddha’s within this local hot spot. Such Compassionate “Dhyana Mudra” Buddhas which are known for their deep meditation, purity and inner transformation are elements to which I believe Equator hopes its customers can achieve from their ambient and enjoyable experience alone or with friends alike.
Music
Equator’s musical scene provided me with a juxtaposition of continuous up-down beat tempos consisting of congruent rhythmic sound effects, sweet female vocals and beautiful undertones of drum and bass lines that simply made me smile and laugh out loud out of pure appreciation. Equator provides a Jazzy contemporary vibe that resonated deep within my heart and soul. If you are into the relaxing and ambient down-beat genre of music, this place will impress you.
Cuisine
After looking at their large assortment of Black, Green and Herbal Teas which are poured into traditional heavy weight Japanese tea pots, I shared a refillable pot of Furmosa Silvertip Oolong Green Tea with a friend for only $3.00. The Furmosa I enjoyed was one of the best I have tried yet. Coming from Taiwan, the honey colored Furmosa provided me with a lasting Oolong Aroma that was rich in earthed-toned nuances. It was rave and rich; smooth and complex. It is an exclusive tea rich in aroma and flavor which I can only describe as being an enlightening orchestra of herbal delight, sweetened by the kisses of the sun. The warm rich flavor of the Oolong was so complex and welcoming that it made me first want to understand before being understood. Their teas of light and happiness lead to the path to the Buddha Zen.
Following our complex and rewarding Oolong, I then enjoyed the “Zen Roll” appetizer which consisted of Blue Fin Tuna, Cucumbers, Basil and Yama gobo. It was the Zen Roll of wars past - a feat in itself. The topped basil guided me to some wild darling that breathed a life of flavor into me. The fine wasabi combined with the precisely cut tuna closed the door of ignorance and opened up the window of festivity. When it was all over, the teas and music compete - but there is no winner.
Recommendations
For those seeking to find an Ambient Asian Fusion lounge hot spot with traditional roots to South East Asian cuisine, Equator is your remedy to ultimate lounging with beautiful people and a peaceful setting. Personally, I believe Equator is the type of restaurant and bar where I can bring my closest friends to and feel confident that their experience will be enjoyable, relaxing and deeply reflective. For me, Equator is a place where I can unwind after a long day’s work or for a time to enjoy a nice pot of traditional Chinese tea. It’s a place of harmony and inner peace, of reflection and meditation. It is a restaurant that does not try to fit in or follow, but rather has faith in its own course of practice and unique method.
Equator
22 Mills Place
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 564-8656
Sun-Thu: 8:00am-1:00am
Fri-Sat: 8:00am-2:00am
October 18th, 2008 by Daryl Auclair
If you haven’t heard the news yet, we are now entering into the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation’s annual Fall Toast Across America event. Tobacconists and cigar enthusiasts across America will soon be enjoying an evening of cigar tastings, fine dining and entertainment.
Each year, two very rare cigars are given to attendees, the Fuente Fuente Opus X and the Diamond Crown MAXIMUS. Each are rare blends which are not available on the open market. For a typical donation of about $50, you can enjoy each of these cigars in a special commemorative cigar coffin packaging.
The Toast Across America will take place throughout the Fall 2008 months (September to December) and is only offered at select cigar retailers, shops and lounges in the United States. All proceeds are donated directly to the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation to provide humanitarian impact to communities in the Dominican Republic. I will be attending my local Toast Across America event on October 25th at Azucar Cigar Lounge in Corona, California.
Visit the events page at the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation website or ask your local retailer for specific Toast Across America dates in your area. Don’t miss out on this special event, two very special cigars and the opportunity to help those in need.
October 9th, 2008 by Nick Sanchez
“Happiness is not a matter of
intensity but of balance and
order and rhythm and harmony.”
- Thomas Merton
History
First there were bars. Then there was nightclubs. Now, spreading like Southern California Wildfires, there are lounges. NeoMeze is a must visit. Located in Old Town Pasadena, it’s hard to believe from its widespread popularity that NeoMeze Bar and Lounge is a fairly recent addition to the Pasadena community, opening in December of 2006. It’s trendy and harmonious surroundings reflect an attitude of intelligence which is not so uncommon to local Pasadena residents. Much of its success has originated from its complemented blend of inspiring global cooking techniques and ingredients from its husband and wife culinary team of Nick Roberts and Brooke Williamson. [i] Chef Doug Weston has modernized the ancient Mediterranean cuisines-of-the-sun to appeal to a twenty-first-century palate through his creation of new or “neo” Mediterranean style tapas.
Ambiance
After initially walking through the long entrance corridor from Colorado Blvd., I soon realized that the visual elements of design adopted by NeoMeze were entirely unique and appealing to all of my immediate physical senses. After walking in on a Sunday mid-afternoon with a business partner, I could not help but notice the wholesome artistic balance and collision of geometric shapes, earth tone colors and a harmonious use of space. Smoking a Padron 3000 cigar, I requested to sit in the outside lounge where I soon noticed the modern features of a relaxing indoor-outdoor bar that is open year-round. It should be noted, however, that while cigarette smokers are allowed to smoke in the inside bar and lounge, cigar smokers are required to stay outside. All in all, the blended burgundy walls, leather-topped tables, comfortable sofas and richly cushioned plush furnishings allowed me to have the gratifying feelings of warm elegance and peaceful harmony at its highest essence.
Musical Style
Personally, I believe music is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of the overall lounging experience. With different DJs present every day of the week, NeoMeze has its musical composition down to a science. During my time there on a Sunday mid-afternoon, I enjoyed a more ambient, downbeat feel that consisted of jazzy instrumentals, suitable use of noise effects and buildup-breakup chordal electric patterning that made my time all the worthwhile. NeoMeze’s rhythmic laid back musical arrangements are great catalysts of creativity for causal business conversations and ultimate lounging with friends.
Cuisine
NeoMeze provides modern American Cuisine rich in American tradition with global influences in ingredients, techniques and presentation. While there, I did not have the opportunity to try some of the highly recommended Mediterranean tapas or one of the seventy offered wines priced from $6 to $40 per glass or $24 to $160 for bottles, however, upon my next visit, I will certainly allow my senses to entice themselves. From what I have heard from others, the food is excellent. Particularly, I hear that the “Gemelli & Goat Cheese” consisting of Black Currants, Bread Crumbs and Pine Nuts is a house favorite.
Recommendations
NeoMeze is a great place to lounge for anyone looking to have a warm atmosphere with an added sophisticated edge. It’s a perfect meeting place to unwind and relax after a long day’s work or to follow up with deals from clients over appetizer-like Mediterranean tapas. Whether you are interested in the bar scene or not, NeoMeze provides comfortable arrangements allowing for all type of serious loungers to achieve what they desire most—happiness and internal harmony.
[i] “NeoMeze”. October 9 <http://www.neomeze.com/>.
NeoMeze
20 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 793-3010
October 9th, 2008 by Daryl Auclair
Pan Dulce fresh from the bakery
Saturday morning’s mild weather was a refreshing sign of the coming season. Crisp cool air prompted me to jump out of bed with the realization that, “life awaits.”
This was the perfect opportunity to share a great cigar with a close friend. We enjoyed Hoyo De Monterey Dark Sumatras as we made our way through downtown Pomona’s 2nd Street Antique Row. It looked as though others got the memo, as we saw numerous people out walking their dogs or just taking a stroll.
Our leisurely morning presented us with El Merendero, a local Mexican bakery. As I walked into the bakery, I was immediately surrounded by the sweet aroma of fresh baked bread. Colorful murals covered the walls and smiling faces could be seen all around.
Pan Dulce, a delicious sweet bread, is one of El Merendero’s specialties. We grabbed a tray and a pair of tongs and went to work. El Merendero has a wall to wall display of Pan Dulce. You can choose from Lima, Bigote, Chilindrina, Ojo de Buey, Polvoron, Picon and Conchas to name a few. At about 50 cents each, you can fill your tray and not go broke. There are no preservatives in Pan Dulce, so you must enjoy them on the same day.
I selected a Bigote con Crema and an Elotito accompanied by coffee with cinnamon to drink. Paying at the counter brings me back-in-time to an old town feel. A light breakfast for about $2.50 was a great start to my day. We selected a table in the dining room next door, the El Merendero Restaurant, which was already filled with regulars enjoying brunch.
Pan Dulce and Café
As I bit into the soft, sweet Bigote I was filled with delight. The Bigote had just enough sweetness to it with its lightly glazed outer layer and its modest amount of sweet cream inside. Next, I dove right into a sugar coated Elotito. It had a sweet flakiness that went great with my coffee with cinnamon. I immediately found the urge to dunk the baked treat into my large cup of coffee, which I did. It was light, sweet and delicious.
In Spanish, El Merendero means “The Picnic” and I definitely felt that sort of ease and comfort you get when you are enjoying a relaxing picnic. They have another location in La Verne just minutes away. I have not yet experienced their array of tacos, burritos and traditional Mexican dishes, but I will make it a priority to revisit soon. The comfort and flavor of the bakery was enough to keep me coming back for more. Pan Dulce and coffee from El Merendero—I highly recommend it.
El Merendero Bakery
240 S Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91766
(909) 622-2430
October 2nd, 2008 by Daryl Auclair
Since I will be interviewing a cigar shop this weekend, I decided it would be appropriate to start with a cigar review for the CAO Brazilia Gol!.
Appearance
The CAO Brazilia has definitely been one of my long time favorites. I consider all CAO’s to be a ‘go-to’ cigar for quality, pleasure and price, but the Brazilia definitely takes the top. It comes presented in a dark, oily Brazilian maduro wrapper with a smooth and solid feel that makes you want to carry it around with you all day. The distinctive yellow, green and dark blue band sporting the CAO diamond logo gives it a high-class athletic appeal. You can almost tell that you are in for a treat by just looking at it.
Construction
Cutting the cap of my Brazilia with a sharp Xikar cutter is a pleasure in itself. The clean, crisp snap tells me that I have a great cut that will provide for the start of a great smoke. The thick, shiny wrapper leaf holds well and does not flake or crumble like some cigars. Slowly toasting the foot brings a nice glowing red amber with ease, a sure tell sign of the even burn that is to follow throughout the life of the cigar. An effortless draw and a solid light-gray ash is what you will expect as you enjoy your smoke.
Flavor Profile
CAO Brazilia Gol!
The Brazilia has a sweet grassy aroma at the foot pre-light. The creamy smoke provides a flavorful long finish on the palate that makes you long for your next puff. As I continued with my Brazilia, I was pleasured by the powerful, ample puffs of smoke that are credited to the strong Nicaraguan binder and filler combined with the almost candy-like Brazilian maduro wrapper. Undertones of earth and hay are accompanied by sweet spice and buttery textures. The Brazilia is a great smoke to the finish.
Dislikes
Overall, I give the CAO Brazilia a rave review. However, through my (fortunate) experience smoking many CAO Brazilias, I have found an occasional cigar with draw dilemmas. CAO uses trusted draw testing devices at the factory, but sometimes I find the draw of the Brazilia to be too tight. When this happens, I find myself battling for a substantial puff of smoke, which can ruin the whole experience.
Solid construction and appearance
Over-humidification can also prove to be a misfortune. When overly moist, the Brazilia can plague you with an uneven burn and hot smoke from the steam that is created, possibly contributed to by the oily wrapper. I almost like to leave my Brazilia sitting out of the humidor and out of its cellophane wrapper for 15 minutes before smoking it to be sure that the cigar is dry and ready to smoke.
Conclusion
The CAO Brazilia Gol! is a medium to full-bodied smoking delight. Quality construction and a distinctive and pleasing flavor are apparent to the last drop. Like all CAO’s, the price is unbeatable for what you are about to experience. Grab a few CAO Brazilias and a few close friends and enjoy the fruits of life—you are in for possibly one of the best cigars you have ever smoked.
