Foodie "Haven"

   

   After our trip to the Arboretum, J suggested that we should check out this Gastropub in Pasadena that he'd heard about: Haven. We were definitely hungry, and J knew that I wanted to still be able to watch the World Series, so a Gastropub equipped with big screen TVs and a decent beer and wine list sounded like a great idea. 

    When we arrived, they happily seated us at a table near the TV, and I was excited to see that the game had just started. We spent a decent while pouring over their beer and wine lists. They have a drink menu, but they also have the beer and wine lists featured above the bar on inverted screens that they are able to automatically update accordingly - so simple, but so genius. The interior is kept dark, with all dark wood floors and tables, and stone walls, but the overall vibe is still inviting. They had a beautiful chandelier (don't know why I always seem to notice these) hanging above the dining area, and a glass wall behind which you can see where they do their brewing (a must for breweries). 

    The service was fantastic - our waiter was super friendly and attentive and was ready with suggestions when needed (which is something I always look for in a restaurant), and kindly let us linger and watch the game. 

    Not being much of a beer fan, I ended up getting a wine flight, which featured three different white wine varieties that I had yet to try, as well as a white wine blend that wound up being my favorite. 

    J ordered a beer flight, making sure to sample the in-house brews.

Our waiter brought around the menus and informed us that they had, in fact, just changed their menu. Not having eaten here before, we weren't too concerned, and the options were all mouth-wateringly enticing. J ordered the Lamb shank - braided in red wine served on wild mushroom polenta with shaved parmesan and jus. 

The meat quite literally fell off the bone.

I ordered the Pork Chop - served over a barley apple risotto (which was amazing) with a cranberry gastrique and herb salad. 

Pork Chop - I only wish there had been more sauce!

    The food was delicious, as was the wine (and beer), and we both agreed that we would be coming back, perhaps for lunch when they apparently have a mini shop set up called Burger Haven.

http://havengastropub.com/

Also, on a side note, the Giants won the World Series!!! This weekend was awesome :)