Firefly Bistro

Firefly Bistro in South Pasadena is always an enjoyable time. The tented dining room is one of the prettiest, most relaxing dining experiences in town. Recently I went there for brunch with my parents, my brother, and my friend Elizabeth. Every Sunday they have a "blues brunch," featuring Barry Brenner. I had seen him a few years ago at Frank & Joe's Southern Smokehouse and he is phenomenal. He plays acoustic 6 string and 12 string blues. (From his website: "Big B performs the real Country Folk Blues music from Mississippi Delta, Texas Plains, Piney Woods, Piedmont Seaboard, Louisiana Bayou and of course...Chicago's South Side.")

Both of my parents had omelets. I did not try them but they looked good, although not terribly exciting. My brother and I had cheeseburgers; Firefly makes one of the best restaurant burgers in the Pasadena area. Elizabeth had "donuts" - fried balls of dough stuffed with ham and cheese and served with a red pepper aioli. I tried these, and they were as decadent as any food I can remember eating in years.

I've never been a fan of brunch - especially the kind that have only 5 items on the menu, none of which you would ever order for breakfast or lunch - but this is my favorite around. If you like blues music and good food, you should come here at least once.