By Sue Stauffer
Father’s Day can be a real opportunity to treat the “chief backyard
BBQ’er” to a meal he doesn’t have to cook over the hot coals. Take Dad
out for a great dinner at a restaurant featuring his favorite kind of cuisine.
Here are a few suggestions:
Taylor’s Steak House (901 Foothill Blvd., La Canada Flintridge
(818) 790-790-7668; or 3361 W. Eighth Street, Los Angeles, 213-382-
8449) — This restaurant is definitely a man’s kind steak house. You can
depend on a delicious steak with all the right trimmings to go along at
either location.
Smitty’s Grill (110 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-792-9999) —
This is another excellent choice for a Dad’s Day celebration. The menu
is varied with a great selection of hearty dishes and comfort-style food.
There is a full bar and a good wine list so Dad can enjoy his favorite
adult beverage.
Tam O’Shanter Inn (2980 Los Feliz Blvd. Los Angeles 323-664-
0228) — The specialty here is roasted prime ribs of beef in the Lawry’s
tradition. The Scottish décor adds charm, making this a fun place to celebrate
with excellent food to enjoy. The menu will please any father!
Fu-Shing Chinese Restaurant (2960 E. Colorado Blvd.,
Pasadena, 626-792-8898) — This is a great place for a family dinner
featuring delicious Chinese cuisine. If Dad likes lobster, this is the place
to come as it is reasonably priced and prepared in a variety of ways.
Twin Palms Restaurant (101 West Green Street, Pasadena, 626-
577-2567) — This restaurant has a great new menu with a very eclectic
selection of dishes. There is a special brunch for Father’s Day, too.
Prices are reasonable and dining under the big tent is always novel.
El Portal Restaurant (695 E. Green Street, Pasadena, 626-795-
8553) — This is a terrific choice if Dad is a fan of Mexican beer or margaritas.
The atmosphere is casual, the food is delicious, and the family
can gather around the table in friendly surroundings to enjoy traditional
Mexican cuisine. Patio dining is available and mariachis serenade to
liven things up.
Taix French Restaurant (1911 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 213-
484-1265) — Taix is always special, being a long-time favorite with a
family tradition that is perfect for a Father’s Day celebration. Visit
www.taixfrench.com for more information.
Beckham Grill (77 W. Walnut, Pasadena, 626-796-3399) — The
restaurant is renowned for its delicious prime rib of beef au jus served
with traditional Yorkshire pudding, creamed corn and creamed spinach.
The onion soup topped with a crusty cover of cheese is delicious and the
chopped Stilton salad is always as hit. For an appetizer, the crab cakes
are some of the best ever.
Café Santorini (64-70 West Union St. Pasadena, 626-564-4200)
— The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean food and is reminiscent
of dining in Istanbul or Athens. The menu offers grilled meats, seafood
delicacies, an array of pastas and family-style appetizer platters. There
is indoor dining and outside patio dining year-round under the stars in a
rooftop setting. They offer a full bar and an extensive wine list. For more
information, visit www.cafesantorini.com.
Caravan Serai (39 South El Molino, Pasadena, 626-440-0444) —
The restaurant offers great Persian cuisine featuring excellent kabobs
served hot off the grill with rice, humus and pita bread for a Father’s Day
feast.
Parkway Grill (510 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, 626-795-
1001) — Parkway offers a sophisticated scene, acclaimed contemporary
cuisine and a philosophy of service that puts every customer first. Take
Dad out for a real treat at one of Pasadena’s most celebrated restaurants.
Minx Restaurant (300 Harvey Drive, Glendale, 818-242-9191) —
The innovative world cuisine of acclaimed chef Joseph Antonishek is
matched by the cutting-edge, indoor-outdoor design that takes full
advantage of its unique location and view. A lovely place to celebrate
Dad with a delicious meal.
Phoenicia Restaurant (343 N. Central Ave., Glendale, 818-956-
7800 — Spoil Dad with a Mediterranean feast in this lovely restaurant
where families can dine on a wide selection of Middle Eastern delicacies
that are well prepared and will surely please any father.
Divina Cucina (3730 N. Verdugo Road, Montrose, 818-248-3077)
— The restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal that is
traditionally Italian. From the pastas to the salads to the pizza and other
entrees, the whole family will enjoy dining at this restaurant.
Damon’s Steak House (317 North Brand Blvd. Glendale, 818-
507-1510) — The restaurant is a landmark with delicious steaks, hearty
salads, great French fries and terrific burgers or take Dad to a Mai Tai
Brunch (Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with your choice of Mai Tai or
champagne to celebrate his special day in a South seas setting.
Happy Father’s Day and enjoy a great meal to honor Dad!