Derek's Bistro & Dickenson West Fine Catering

 

5

66

Hugo S.

Pasadena, CA

If they took the damn foie gras off the menu, this would be getting five stars.  If you're vegan, call a day or two in advance, and they will make something splendid for you.  Superb wine pairings, a great atmosphere, and one of the most consistently romantic places to eat in Pasadena.

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0

7

Jason K.

Pasadena, CA

I stumbled upon Derek's by a real quirk of geeky fate many years ago. (Feel free to skip ahead to the real review if you feel that I'm not making sense!) I was a graduate student at Caltech, and was getting my usenet news groups set up. Naturally, I accepted all of the caltech.* newsgroups, and I was clearing them out I took a look at caltech.test. In that forum someone had posted some comments about local restaurants. It started with an semi-indictment of Bistro 45 being overrated and too expensive and I was intrigued because I felt pretty much the same way. He then mentioned that Derek's was actually the best place to eat in Pasadena. That was good enough for us, and my girlfriend and I went there the next Friday night.

I remember having the Beef Wellington, while she had a rack of lamb. They were both superb and before we knew it we had come back to try different dishes. Sometimes the pris fixe menu, sometimes just entrees, and one time I remember that we both had three appetizers and dessert but no actual main course! Once we got a fantastic Thanksgiving take out for about a dozen people.

We were never disappointed with the food, service, or ambiance. More over, we became very fond of the people too. Job was our original favorite, then it was Michael. And who could resist Derek? I very much appreciate the way he floats through the place, saying hello, asking if the food is ok, talking about food and wine...it is just great!

Oh, and did I mention that they catered our wedding? We went with heavy hors d'oeuvres and had purple potato with creme freche and bacon, beef tenderloin on brioche, a cheese plate, sweet potato waffle chips with a bit of lamb, crue d'ete, wild rice salad, golden and red beet salad, and chocolate cupcakes for dessert. Years later people still bring up how amazing the food was.

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Elite '08

143

228

Linn H.

Long Beach, CA

My Valentine's dinner review!

Plus
-A romantic bistro known only to locals
Minus
-Tiny lot parking, had to park on the streets and trek in heels

Plus
-Beautifully lit with Xmas lights and flowers exterior. Warm interior decor with eclectic mix of art
Minus
-Weird art & music. Imagine show tunes mixed with international folk music.

Plus
-Shared a intimate room with two other couples
Minus
-After requesting a table change from one in the hallway by the toilets

Plus
-The BEST foie gras I'd ever had!
Minus
-I had the endive salad and it was lacking. Next time, order the foie gras.

Plus
-The Valentine dessert was cute and so yummy! I especially liked the big strawberries in tuxedo designed chocolate!
Minus
-Had to wait over 45mins for filet mignon main course which was good but not great

Plus
-Had great red wine from France
Minus
-none, it's booze.

Plus
-Good service and I got a long-stemmed rose after dinner.
Minus
-no foil swan souvenir. hehe!

Excellent restaurant, worth coming back!

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150

41

Jason C.

Altadena, CA

"I'll have a Pinot Noir with that Plastic Surgery"

O.K. I have long been meaning to write about one of my favorite spots in Pasadena. Dereks Bistro. First, let me get rid of the conversation fit for a broken record.

- Yes, it's in a funky mini mall location.
- Yes, it's pricey.
- Yes, some Reviewers have not been happy.  
- Yes, they have been ranked by Zagat, Michelin, etc. plus many high rolling magazines.
- Yes, they have one of the biggest wine selections in L.A.
- Yes, they have great wine dinners.
- Yes the Beef Wellington is stunning, and their Salmon Wellington is unique, and their Pasta with Truffles is worthy of killing over.
- Yes they bake their own great bread on premises.
- Yes they have their own pastry chef who makes desserts that make me cry.
- Yes, they have extra parking in a huge lot behind the building.

O.K. So are we done yet? Good. Now l want to talk about plastic surgery. Why? Because I had dinner at Dereks last night with some friends, one of whom is a well established Plastic Surgeon who drove ALL the way from the West Side to have din-din with me and my wife.  And yes! The conversation was hilarious and completely inappropriate for fine dining. Or any dining for that matter.  Hilarious.  No. I'm not going to out any famous people.  As a matter of fact, I couldn't anyway. My friend is about as HIPPA compliant with privy info as Fort Knox is with gold (what a professional).   I wouldn't respect him otherwise. Which brings me to my first point. This guy is about as humble and down-to-earth as a Monk who opted for a life as a custodian. At a monastery.  While raising rescued puppies.  We're talking humble. So, you can see my point. The irony. Here's a guy who works in a profession that defines superficiality, yet he's as humble as apple fricken pie. What gives? Well, that's why I like him. He's honest, yet complex. Hey! That's me. But the funny part is when his suppressed superficial-side pops out for a peek. Such as making conversational comments about someone who looks tired, and therefore (very matter of factly) needs eye work.   Or, when another friend dragged the conversation deep into the sophomoric level by chatting about his digestive gas. During dinner. Then, my doc friend proceeds to whip out 4 minutes of detailed clinical medical explanations about "bootie music" for lack of a better word.  O.K. O.K. We try and respect Derek's patrons and keep the laughter to a dulled giggle, but you just can't resist such childish humor when you're surrounded by high brows who inflect their words whenever they say "stocks" or "property values".  Arguably, we helped lower the bar to a more human level.  Ahh. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it.

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6

36

claudia g.

Los Angeles, CA

This restaurant is a hidden little gem for you and a special date, a decadent b-day celebration or fancy dinner party.  Yes- there is nothing casual about Derek's except the parking in a strip mall.  The minute you walk in through the courtyard you will notice the table linens, comfy yet elegant chairs, fresh flowers, carefully selected and placed artwork, neatly dressed staff and perfect ambient lighting.

Menu consists of classic dishes, contemporary fare and everything is made with fresh produce.  Very nice wine and champagne selection with cocktails or port to polish off a nice meal.

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3

11

Tricia E.

North Hollywood, CA

Can be pricey but worth it. I had the fillet mignon, red cabbage salad paired it with red wine. I normally don't eat red meat but Derek's has made a believer out of me. What was I thinking? Great ambiance and they have these small rooms(big parties/family) that are separated by glass so you still have a full view of the entire restaurant. They play jazz and blues music. The chef is from Switzerland so needless to say his food is diverse and very robust in flavors.

How I was introduced to Derek's - I went to a wedding and they catered it. PHENOMENAL!

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6

15

Calvin K.

Monterey Park, CA

Derek's is a casually elegant restaurant renowned for superb California contemporary cuisine. The restaurant's a-la carte menu offers a wide variety of dishes prepared in the tradition of classic French cooking. French cooking. Executive chef Juan Dominguez takes advantage of the seasonal local produce and fresh seafood, fine meats, game and poultry. He creates exotic appetizers, entrees, and special offerings. A Chef's tasting menu is also served. The menu includes adaptations of classics like Derek's Beef Wellington, Rack of Lamb with Bordelaise sauce, Muscovy Duck breast in Port reduction, Swordfish in lemon caper sauce, as well as seasonal specialties.

By the way, Foie Gras is EXCELLENT here!

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7

19

Larry V.

Pasadena, CA

It's not what you'd expect from a strip mall. Yes, a strip mall. Nestled into the corner of Glenarm and Marengo, this restaurant is definitely off the beaten path. But once you screen out the personal fitness store next door, you really do enter a dining retreat. The decor of Derek's is inviting and soothing. The food is some of the best in Pasadena, with a menu that changes frequently and a wine list that makes you want to try more than one bottle. As much as I love this place, there have been visits when the service staff was a bit, how shall I say this politely ... affected. You can end up at a table with a server who's attitude is as large as the strip mall parking lot, but you can usually get past it because the food is just that good.

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