First Swanking - January 28, 2007 - Pasadena

[Not Afraid]

Short recap of the day:

We met at the Gamble House is Pasadena. Our group pretty much needed it's own tour slot, so we were scheduled for 1:00. We had some time to kill, so I bought a copy of the self-guided neighborhood tour in the bookstore and we went off to see some other magnificient houses in the area. We discovered quite a few houses that would be just PERFECT to the LoT Commune!

We met our guide at the Gamble House at 1:00 for our tour. Our guide was incredibly informed, articulate and had a lovely English accent that enthralled all of us. I was not aware that the architects were involved in EVERY aspect of the house from overall layout to specific interior design including stained glass, furniture design and wood carving designs. The effect was one of incredible unity and we are very lucky to have most of the house preserved as it was originally intended.

Off to the Norton Simon Museum for a look at this fantastic collection. The Norton Simon has something for everyone. It is really an incredible collection of art from early Renaissance through the 20th Century including a wonderful collection of photography which was on exhibition on the lower level. I have been to the NS on many occasions but the photography was all new to me, and I loved seeing their growing collection.

We all reached a state of "doneness" at about the same time and decided to head over to La Maschera for cocktails before dinner. We discovered that Xiomara, a location of a past swanking and the home of the BEST mojitos, was around the corner from La Maschera, so we headed over there for our pre-dinner Mojitos. (8 mojitos and one Faux-hito please.)

We stumbled (well Gus Gus did) back to the restaurant for our 6"30 ressie. Our waiter was charmingly French (El-las-keen Al-e-bot) and we were the only party in the reataurant at that time, so we got to have some extended fun. The menu offers a lot of really unique and delicious combinations of food, wine, cheese, sausage, and appetizers all Italian in flavor with a Tunisian twist. I ordered the Wild Boar & Harissa Ravioli with Organic Lentils and Lima Bean Broth. WOW! It was an amazing combination of flavors and textures, beautifully presented and absoultely delicious.

After dinner, we shared Chocolate Mousse and Tiramisu and relaxed around our table satisfied and happy.

[€uroMeinke]

Okay, my pics are up here

[wendybeth]

Cool, cool place. I'll have to read up on it- I am fascinated by the history of these sorts of homes. Ty!

[Snowflake]

Great photos! Another one here sorry to have missed the swanking, look slike a great time had by all.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by €uroMeinke

Okay, my pics are up here

Nice mangos.

[Babette]

Sunday was a beautiful day with perfect weather for wandering outdoors and touring indoors. Warm sun with clouds rolling by just in time to stay cool. Gorgeous day! I really enjoyed the Gamble House and surrounding neighborhood. I, too, did not realize the detail and craftsmanship for the interior and the Green brothers' hands-on involvement. Maybe I can afford a stucko house with an arts & crafts view?

That was my first time at the Norton Simon (as far as I can remember). I enjoyed the 20th Century wing and a few pieces in the other wings. A nice overall collection, but I was not blown away by anything. The Budda atrium and decor was beautiful.

While driving around the block looking for parking for dinner, NM found the mojito place. We had been told all this time it was way too far across town. You could have literally drilled a hole through the back Xiomara wall and see La Maschera behind it! Gracias Señor Kevy para los mojitos. (Sorry iSm! We will have to make a special trip some time just for you. Any consolation I am home sick from work today.)

It was a swanky day and good times were had by all. BTW - I don't like chocolate.

[innerSpaceman]

I'm sure I missed the pleasure of your, everyone's, company for a few more hours than I did the mojitos. I'm thrilled that the sacred mojito bar was a spit's throw away ... and even more happy that Kevy got stuck with the bill.

[Kevy Baby]

I FINALLY got my pictures posted here.

[Not Afraid]

That was a fun read. Great captions!

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Thanks Kevy. Group shot was great.

I've got pics stil. Sometime next week.