The Crepe Vine, Pasadena

I had an amazing lunch at The Crepe Vine Bistro & Wine Bar in Oldtown Pasadena today. The stroganoff crepe was incredible! A thin, tender buckwheat crepe filled with cubes of seared tenderloin steak and cheese, all smothered in a creamy sherry sauce and topped with more beef cubes. The sauce, of course, was what put this over the top for me--a perfect balance of sweet sherry and meaty graviness. The server suggested a half glass of Trefethen Double T Bourdeaux Table Wine. It was one of those rare pairings that made even my relatively untrained palate dance.

Here's the reason I was in Pasadena--bridal hair and makeup trial. I'm not loving this hair. The general style and height is okay, but it's too busy and borderline promy. I thought I wanted this 'do, but maybe I need to opt for a more grownup style. I also need to grow out my hair. My bangs paired with this up-do is ridiculous.

Coincidentally, I saw this dress at FCUK and bought it for my sisters to try on as bridesmaid dresses. It's exactly the shade that they've been telling me they want, the ugly brown beads are very loosely sewn on and can be removed to reveal a pretty pleated satin band, and the dress is made out of a very nice silk. The wide sheer straps dangle down the back, can be tied straight or halter style, and can be pulled down over the arms to look like a kimono top. It's a fun piece they could certainly wear out and not scream "bridesmaid." I also lucked out at ABS with a trendy little red reception dress for myself, but it needs to be taken in and it's a SECRET! :)