Agnes in Pasadena is every turophile’s fantasy come true
Words by ANUSH J. BENLIYAN
As Pasadena continues to amp up its culinary scene with the recent additions of U Street, Saso, HomeState and more, a buzzworthy newcomer is bringing a cheesy twist to the historic Old Town district.
Situated on Green Street — in a converted ’20s-era building that was once the local fire department’s horse stable — Agnes is a new full-service restaurant and cheesery from chefs/owners Vanessa and Thomas Tilaka Kalb. The two fine dining veterans (whose combined 30 years of experience includes stints at San Francisco’s Octavia and Flour+Water, where the pair met) are serving up inventive lunch and dinner plates rooted in classic American cooking. Think house-made loaded baked potato dumplings with roasted broccoli salsa; cornbread eclairs with chicken liver mousse; and wood-fired proteins from the hearth like blackened West Coast striped bass.
And while the nostalgia-tinged menu items — which might conjure up memories of Sunday family dinners — are worth the visit alone, it’s the cut-to-order cheeses that are the real lure. The cheesery’s impressive menu features an array of artisanal and locally made cheeses, curated with a focus on sustainable, biodynamic, organic and dry farming techniques, with standout offerings like creamy Capriole Piper’s Pyramid goat cheese, Shooting Star Creamery’s Alpine-style aged sheep’s milk cheese and many more.
“The cheesery’s impressive menu features locally made artisanal cheeses with a focus on sustainable, biodynamic, organic and dry farming techniques.”
“To balance it all, the sommelier will pair your selection with the perfect bottle of California vino.”
Naturally, you’ll also find the delectable cheese case goods peppered throughout the menu, from the fan-favorite crispy young cheddar cheese curds to the cheeseboard of three or five of monger Vanessa’s finest. And to balance it all, sommelier and beverage director Liz Kelso will pair your selection with the perfect bottle of California vino. 40 W. Green St., Pasadena, 626-389-3839.
September 23, 2021
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