Tartine Pasadena

A light lunch at Tartine Pasadena was the perfect chance to eat a carrot with my sandwich. Yes, a literal carrot.

After a productive late morning of touring houses during the San Gabriel Valley Broker Open Houses, I was HUNGRY. So, after a lovely recent time at Tartine Sycamore, I decided to venture to Tartine Pasadena to compare locations.

Now, what I actually enjoy about Tartine locations is that each location has a different menu.

The Pasadena menu is notably different than the Sycamore location.

On a rainy day in Pasadena, I ordered the PRESSED HAM & GRUYERE SANDWICH (pickled tomatillo, jalapeño, dijonnaise, country sourdough bread) with a large cup of LEMONADE.

The ham and gruyere was tasty – with a bit of bite from the jalapeño. The layers of flavor were distinct, but overall added to the experience of each bite. I enjoyed how thick and delicious the sourdough bread was. The carrot was surprising – as I low key expected a pickle or a side salad. But, perhaps that’s simply the nature of things.

The lemonade was delicious. It was tart without being overly sweet. Truly, a pleasant hydration upgrade from just water.

To go, I ordered the 4″ LEMON CREAM TART (Lemon curd in our sweet pastry shell), because I absolutely loved it during my last visit to the San Francisco location, in 2015.

Sitting outside in the cool Pasadena weather was actually nicely refreshing. There is so much beauty in enjoying a rainy day. If you have a warm enough jacket, of course.

Overall, the location is small, with only outdoor patio seating. It’s a location that focuses more of coffees, pastries and lighter sandwiches, vs the chicken sandwich I had at the Sycamore / Hollywood location. I would suggest coming to the Pasadena location for grab and go.

Or, a light chat with friends after a yoga class at the neighboring studio.

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