Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Playhouse Elements

I'm not an insider when it comes to the Pasadena Playhouse or to Elements Kitchen, but I'm charmed by the sight of the Elements tables set up for lunch at the Playhouse Plaza on a hazy day.

The reviewers gush over the food at Elements Kitchen. (A better word might be "slobber.") I haven't eaten there, so I can't give you a personal recommendation, but one of these days I mean to do so (eat there and tell you about it).

I can't tell you what's going on with the Pasadena Playhouse, either. For a while it looked like this grand old institution wasn't going to make it through the recession. But they've got a fall season coming up and it looks interesting. Let's hope the reviewers gush, and use their napkins.

13 comments:

Mister Earl said...

It's been years since I've eaten oatmeal out of a bucket.

Petrea Burchard said...

You can't fool me. That was Mister Ed.

Katie said...

Very inviting location for a meal! It would be fun to dress up in a pretty Shell frock and eat a shrimp & lobster roll with chive aïoli followed by Peach Melba Mousse Cake (yes I checked the menu).

mark said...

I agree with Katie. I say we all meet there for an early dinner and then take in a performance.

Anonymous said...

It's got a stellar history. All the greats played there -- David Niven and William Holden spring to mind.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

I like those chairs. But for the sake of Elements I hope they don't show up on the curb (wink wink)

Petrea Burchard said...

The menu makes my mouth water, Katie.

Mark, I like your idea. Are you buying?

Hiker, you can include current greats like Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne and Linda Hunt on your list.

PA, you made me laugh.

pasadenapio said...

I have been to Elements for one meal with friends and one party hosted by the mayor. The food was creative and delicious at both events. I highly recommend it!

The Pasadena Playhouse is coming back, financially leaner and with hard lessons learned. I love that the management is opening it up for community events from time to time as well.

Mister Earl said...

My major recent forays to Pasadena Playhouse included their "final" fundraising benefit; Baby It's You, the story of the Shirelles and the woman who signed them to Scepter Records; and Side by Side by Sondheim with a special appearance by Barbara Cook.

Ms M said...

Love the scene, and glad to hear the playhouse is putting on a fall season. It looks like it would be a marvelous evening out -- dinner and a play.

Bellis said...

This could have been a Zen Monday picture - wait till the couple find out that their romantic dinner by candlelight is right in the way of the Playhouse crowd.

I'm glad the show's going on.

Petrea Burchard said...

"Financially leaner" sounds good. I hope this means tickets will now be affordable for those of us who make fewer than a million dollars a year.

I'm glad the show's going on, too.

Amy said...

I've been to Elements once for dinner and oh. my. It was an amazing, inventive, delicious meal. I really can't say enough good things about the food. The atmosphere is a little loud - but really, the food is worth it. :)