Bite by Bite

Beckham Grill  (English Pub, Steak, Seafood) *6.5 out of 10* $$

Old School English Dining in Pasadena with big portions and reasonable prices.  Located just north of Oldtown, Beckham Grill is comfy and away from all the commotion.   The décor is very charming.  In the front of the restaurant sits an antique red phone booth and a restored old car nestled within the flowerbeds.  Inside, you’re encompassed by heavy dark wood and dim mood lighting.   And I can’t forget to mention the personalized metal charger plates with the Beckham logo engraved upon them! 

My friend and I shared everything.  We had the very mediocre Shrimp Cocktail to start, and then we had the Crab Cobb Salad which was a total disappointment.  The crab was not fresh and the salad was so over-dressed that it was soggy.  Thank goodness the cheese-bread was good. 

Our main course was the Crown Cut Prime Rib that came with creamed spinach, creamed corn, and Yorkshire pudding.  The prime rib was a bit dry, the creamed corn was a little too runny and sweet and the Yorkshire pudding is not something I am a fan of.  But the creamed spinach was really tasty, the au jus was spot on, and the fresh and creamed horseradish was excellent!  All in all, I must say that I did enjoy my dining experience comforted by the ambiance of good ‘ole English charm while sitting in a comfy armchair.   

And of course we finished off the meal with some warm raisin bread pudding with a they-don’t-mess-around whiskey sauce.

Beckham Grill Restaurant
77 W Walnut St
Pasadena, CA 91103
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 796-3399
http://www.BeckhamGrill.com

Restaurant Review : Houston’s (steak, American) Pasadena, CA *9 out of 10*

Houston’s is the marker to what all American chain restaurants should strive to be.  They have good quality ingredients, great service and are always consistent.  I have never been disappointed here. 

Everything on their menu is prepared with thought, surprisingly, even their sushi!  

My favorites: 

For dinner…
-Prime Rib : Big, tasty, and juicy.  Solid horseradish, good au jus.  $28
-BBQ Rib : Falls right off the bone with good sauce.  $27
-Hawaiian Rib Eye : Big, meaty, robust.  $31

For lunch…
-Thai Steak and Noodle Salad : Fragrant, fun, filling. $15
-Flying Tuna Platter : Ahi tuna served rare. Fresh and healthy $21

Additionally their seasonal vegetable sides for $5 are something that I enjoy and adding to my meal.