Along with downtown Los Angeles, 15-minutes south, Pasadena continues to grow in vibrancy and corresponding nightlife and restaurants. For cocktails and an impressive charcuterie, Vertical Wine Bistro in Old Pasadena is ambiance latent and roomy enough to let your hair down. Located on the second story, the airy space offers views of the bustling street below and tasty libations along with an extensive wine menu.
First, your cocktail order. Three choices spring to mind. Changing seasonally, we enjoyed The Bee’s Knees, Huckleberry Gin Fizz and the Cucumber Vodka Cocktail. Each are balanced and a good lead into the oncoming charcuterie. The board arrives with fresh pork liver mousse, roasted hazelnut terrine, green peppercorn terrine, rabbit ballotine, garlic saucisson sec, salami, duck rillette. Cornichons, pickled onions, pickled baby red beets, pickled baby yellow beets, pickled radishes, and 2 kinds of homemade mustard support the ample choices. A perfect spot in Pasadena to enjoy date night or a gathering with friends.
