NeoMeze: Elements of Harmony
“Happiness is not a matter of
intensity but of balance and
order and rhythm and harmony.”
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
