37 Union Street, Pasadena, CA 91103
We love this restaurant for special occasions! We sat at the Chef's table for dinner just before I proposed (I truly don't remember anything about that meal lol). A special highlight is the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe and Mushroom Polenta, however everything we'd had is incredible! If you don't already know this about us, we love Italian food!
412 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
A very early and serendipitous date for us was here, walking down Fairfax some evening together probably shopping for a job, Jill pointed out Jon & Vinny's and how hard it was to get in. I convinced her to ask the hostess if there was any room and she told us a party left early and if we could be up and out in 45 min, two seats at the bar were ours! This is definitely the busiest of their locations, the Slauson or Studio City one is probably a better bet for a walk up, however I always say that one of LA's last secrets is their breakfast/brunch is even better than their dinner!
112 West Main Street, Alhambra, CA 91801
Within a couple miles of the Wrensmoor, this is always a first mention whenever asked for recommendations in SGV! We can really only enjoy their Brunch menu since we don't eat meat but have heard great things about their dinner. The Mochi Pancake on the Brunch menu is an absolute must!
935 South Glendora Avenue, West Covina, CA 91790
This long standing Thai restaurant has been a staple in Daniel's life for almost 15 years. He would come here occasionally after football games in high school and then much more often while volunteering at Bridgetown DIY which was essentially down the street. He was anxious to get Jill's opinion on it when they first started dating, however it passed the test and is our go to for great Thai food in SGV!
22411 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, CA 92313
A hidden gem tucked in the small town of Grand Terrance, between Riverside and Redlands, owned by an extended family member of Jill's. She had spent a lot of her childhood visiting after school. The summer going into her junior year of high school she started working there as a server (her first job ever!) and worked there for 6 years until she moved to LA. Anytime Jill and Daniel visit the IE, they always make sure to stop by for the pad thai!
Rancho Cucamonga, CA / All over LA
We know Nick through our friend/Daniel's groomsman Andy and he has come to be a friend of ours as well! Incredible sourdough pizza with some great and creative choices in toppings. He is currently only a pop up, but he does service all over the LA/OC/IE area (from Costa Mesa, to Upland, Highland Park and beyond!)
425 South Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016
This has been our go to for coffee since we first started dating and really what started Daniel down the coffee rabbit hole. Alondra the barista, all the Cooks, and their espresso tonics have all been regular figures in our time together. A bit of fun trivia is the inside/building of Grey & Cash (then the Monrovia Coffee Company) is shown in the very beginning of 'Never Been Kissed' starring Drew Barrymore (plus a few other Myrtle Ave. businesses soon after).
5458 Whittier Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90022
Another Andy mention/rec here: the best bag of churros you'll find in LA, plus fried plantains and more. Many vendors set up here so don't be intimidated by the crowd. Even if there is a long line, it goes quick!
380 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
Located in the Burlington Arcade, a recreation of the famous shopping mall in Mayfair, London, this tiny coffee shop blew up very quickly for being an instagram moment. However, they serve some of the best coffee in the area, focusing on asian coffees/drinks/flavors that don't get much love in the third-wave coffee world. Expect to wait at least 15 min to get in, however we've definitely waited longer during busy times!
59 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91105
Never too busy ice cream shop in Old Town Pasadena, our favorite is the Mango Sticky Rice, which happens to be vegan!
141 East Colorado Boulevard, Monrovia, CA 91016
A very early breakfast date for us! Order the cornbread as your toast option split & grilled!