Photo credit: Real Food Daily (realfood.com)
Last week, Real Food Daily (RFD) formally opened its doors to the local community in Pasadena, CA. Most restaurant openings are precluded by the typical renovations, decorating and food preparation. For this restaurant, things were quite different as they prepared for their opening with a “dress rehearsal”. Much like a Broadway musical, RFD has a story. The founder, Anne Gentry opened the doors to their first location in 1993 after serving clients through her catering business for over 5 years. What’s different about this former caterer? Her menu is completely vegan …and it’s delicious.
Anne’s story continued despite a few setbacks including an earthquake that followed rebuilding her first location. Through this process, she remained committed to her mission; to create a restaurant with a 100% vegan menu that is healthful, delicious and supports locally grown foods. RFD is the only restaurant in the area that serves a 100% vegetarian (vegan) menu and one of the few that uses foods grown exclusively with organic farming methods. Since her humble beginnings, Anne has come a long way, opening her second and now third location. RFD has also been featured in some the most nationally recognized publications and TV shows, including the NBC evening news, “Bon Appétit” magazine and more publications than I can mention.
Even if you enjoy meat, this restaurant is sure to delight with a menu that features some amazing entrees such as” Tac-o-town“ and “Pizza Ya Can Eatza.” Forget Chinese take-out, you can order from RFD online and have it delivered. With a selection of amazing sandwiches, wraps and even reinvented TV dinners, you can’t lose.
The innovation and entrepreneurship that has come together to create beautiful, healthy whole foods from sustainable and local sources is nothing short of admirable. We are in awe of the business success Anne has created, nurtured, and grown through this idea while remaining committed to her mission. It is certain that this is not the end of Anne’s story and the many acts to follow.
Real Food Daily Pasadena, CA
899 East Del Mar Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 844-8900
Vinnie recently joined the team at Wine and Food Travel as Editor in Chief. We are very excited to have her culinary experience and artistic background to draw from here at WAFT. Vinnie brings a wealth of experience in the culinary arts, professional writing and marketing. Her passion, expertise and her willingness to share her learnings with readers is a welcome contribution to the WAFT team. Vinnie also maintains a food blog where she shares many of her recipes, food experiences and adventures, 
In my usual Monday morning readings of online magazines, blogs and everything in between, I came across a wine boutique that is local, but in location only. Larchmont Village Wine and Cheese is anything but local in its selections of wine, cheeses and even its sandwich menu. Global taste with local ingredients seems a better way to describe this family owned and operated wine boutique that has been in business since 1995. Known for their incredible selection and knowledge of wine, you can stop by and ask any question about their selection and be assured that Simon, "the sommelier of sommeliers" will probably have the answer. If you are a collector or just need a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio for dinner, they offer everything from rare vintages to local favorites and "inexpensive but great finds" 