The Vault, Pasadena

The city of Pasadena holds an array of charms, but until you’ve experienced a
meal at The Vault Pasadena, you’ll not know how charming it can be.

The Vault Pasadena restaurant is a charming restaurant in the area, and we had
the pleasure of also meeting one of the owners; Hunter Bastrmadjian, who
was kind and invited us to have a wonderful dining experience that
I truly recommend to those who enjoy great food!

The restaurant proper offers a comfortable vibe, with several large TV monitors, music, comfortable bar in the back, while a separate restaurant bar is a gathering
place for locals, with an outstanding wine selection and a renowned happy hour.

The thing about The Vault Pasadena is that it has two lives. First, it is a casual fine-dining restaurant, with a menu so creative, a chef so committed, and ingredients of such quality that it's worth a drive from anywhere in the county. But second, it
serves as a neighborhood gathering place, a friendly nightclub with
specials and an affordable selection of casual bar fare
that makes it a favorite among locals.

Top Shelf Margarita Raspberry Margarita

As we take a seat for lunch on a Saturday, our friendly server brings
at our request, “great cocktails” from the bar including
their signature margaritas, simply divine!

Myself and my guest had a chance to taste a variety of things on the menu. The
service was truly excellent and the staff was very attentive. This place is very
classy and the decor is very unique and attractive.

The menus arrive, but my attention first turns to the
wine list, which is hand-selected by our server. For a
Wine-Spectator-recognized list, the selection is surprisingly approachable,
just long enough to offer variety but not too long to overwhelm. The list leans red,
with about 10-25 options for each common varieties as well as a short list of
more eclectic reds and whites. Selected wines are also available by the half
bottle, but we are enticed by the by-the-glass selection, thanks to the
excellent descriptions that accompany each wine on the list.

The Chef is inspired by local, organic produce, sustainable seafood and amazing steaks. The selection of appetizers start coming up, and they are simply the
best, all the dishes that we sampled were wildly creative and
somehow also seems ordered and calculated.

Appetizer Sampler

As far as the appetizers, we tried their amazing Appetizer Sampler that included
your choice of tree: Popcorn Shrimp, Chicken Strips, Tempura
Shrimp, Buffalo wings and Fried Calamari.

The Popcorn Shrimp are draped across the plate, fresh flavor unmasked. Unmasked, that is, until the flesh comes into contact with the wildly diverse flavors on
the rest of the plate, wonderful appetizers that were great!

Also the Filet Mignon Skewers was fabulous, with piquant flavors that lend a
tangy finish between bites. Tender cuts of marinated filet mignon and served
with a cilantro jalapeno pesto, but then a rush of bursts flavors
reminding me this is still the first course.

Ahi Tuna Nicoise

We could not pass without trying their amazing salads; the Ahi Tuna Nicoise, with Fresh Ahi Tuna seared rare over mixed greens, kalamata olives, red potatoes, red onion, asparagus tips, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes tossed in lemon herb vinaigrette. Delicious and refreshing and enough to be served and shared for 3 people, easy!

Chilean Sea Bass

As far as our entrees, we had a selection of amazing choices, and mine was the Chilean Sea Bass is another creative but calculated creation, a delicate union of
rich ingredients. A large filet of sea bass sits beneath a witty layer of fresh vegetables. While my instinct would be to avoid pairing white fish and mashed potatoes they
seem a little too similar in both texture and color Chef The Vault Pasadena not
only pulls it off, he shows why they deserve to be on the same plate.

Miso Glazed Ahi Tuna

We could not leave without trying their famous Miso Glazed Ahi Tuna,
fresh Tuna seared rare served with wasabi mashed potatoes,
grilled baby bok-choy & ponzu sauce.

Sorbet

Absolutely the best, I have no words to say how much we all have enjoyed this
dinner. All of the desserts at The Vault Pasadena are made in house. The Sorbet
is as rewarding as a house-made dessert can be. Like every dish that precedes
it, the flavors are forward and real, the carefully selected components
combined in such a way to bring out the best of each of them.

The Vault Pasadena doesn't just serve up quality food, it pays homage to it. Each dish is a tribute to its ingredients, put together in a way that elevates each component to
its highest potential. In a world increasingly full of restaurants each day, it is
refreshing to find one that prioritizes quality ingredients and simple
presentations that showcase the best that our earth has to offer.

For map and location click Here!

For more information please visit their website at www.thevaultpasadena.com

Today is: Thursday, November 21, 2024