Thursday, April 12, 2012

Le Petit Vendome

In yesterday's Guest Author post, Tara Samuel mentioned Le Petit Vendome in Pasadena. She and her partner Jon Rannells had done staged readings of their film scripts there. I didn't know exactly what Le Petit Vendome was.

O.
M.
G.

Ouzo
Merlot
Gin

and everything else, wines and liquors from all over the world, rows, tiers, piles, stacks--the good stuff, not the everyday brands from the grocery store--all nicely laid out so you get to gaze over it as though you were gazing over the cargo of a high-end cruise liner.

Cindy, the proprietor, welcomed me inside and allowed me to take pictures while she talked to a customer. Later we chatted; she remembered Tara and Jon and their readings. She's friendly and knowledgeable, the kind of person you feel like you could hang out with all day.

Le Petit Vendome is in the cul de sac at 906 Granite Drive, off of Lake. They'll be moving soon, perhaps as soon as the end of this month. Of course you must and should go for the grand opening at the new location at 102 South Lake Avenue. I'll let you know as soon as I have the info. Cindy promises tastings soon after that--not just of wines, but of scotches and tequilas and other fine liquors as well.

But go now before they move, because Granite Drive is such an interesting spot. And buy a few bottles so Cindy won't have so much to pack.

12 comments:

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Correct me, but is Le petit Vendome an off shoot of Vendome Wine and Liquor? Back in the 70's it was a huge chain of wines (especially) and liquor... there is still one store left in Westwood area.

Susan Campisi said...

Nice photo! Looks like LPV is off the beaten path, a hidden gem. It'll make a big splash at the new location.

Petrea Burchard said...

Kalei, I can't answer your question. You know more about it than I do. I remember a Vendome Liquors in Toluca Lake but I don't know if it's still there. Probably is.

I think it'll make a splash, too, Susan. I'm not much of a drinker (not for lack of trying) but I admire fine spirits from a distance.

dive said...

Thirsty now, darn it.

Bellis said...

I yearn for a glass of that red wine, but I'm babysitting tonight and can't pop out to the shops. Glad to know they're stil in business. It's in a charming but hidden cul de sac, and I haven't gone down that way for ages. A location on S. Lake wil be much better. Seem to remember they had good cheese as well.

Petrea Burchard said...

Pop out and pick something up for Bellis, will you, Dive? She's not too far from you.

Bellis, there was a big cheese cabinet near the front door. Enticing. They've got everything we need.

TheChieftess said...

Do they deliver to Mammoth???

Katie said...

I like your definition of OMG. LOL! (Which of course now means Lots Of Liquor.) Looks like a great shop and tastings are always a good way to discover new things you might like.

Ms M said...

Looks like a great shop!

Margaret said...

And you can stop by Pie n Burger too!

Petrea Burchard said...

Chieftess, I didn't ask if they deliver to Mammoth but it's a high-end shop so you never know.

Katie, I've never been to a tasting but I like the idea. Probably not tequila. Scotch, though, and definitely wine.

Ms M, I hope you're adding this to a future Pasadena agenda.

Margaret. So elegant, and it's right in the neighborhood. Do they charge a corking fee?

TheChieftess said...

LOL!!!

(I'll leave it to you to decide which definition!!!)