Show 681, May 30, 2026: Hello, You’re Welcome, Pasadena with Gigi di Bernardo

Gigi di Bernardo of Hello You're Welcome Bakery

Hello, You’re Welcome is a (female-owned) neighborhood specialty café and bakery located in the heart of the playhouse district of Pasadena, CA, where neighbors and visitors gather for specialty coffees, teas, and baked goods. There is always something for all eaters – including gluten-free and vegan options. They feature their famous breakfast biscuit Sammie to fuel your morning and sammies on house-baked bread for lunch. They prioritize clean ingredients and partner with responsible growers, roasters, and tea farms that embrace the same ethos of sustainable-regenerative growing practices!” Second generation co-proprietress Gigi di Bernardo joins us with her whisk at the ready.

“Hello, You’re Welcome takes great pride in working exclusively with coffee and tea purveyors that source through a direct trade model. This commitment to quality and sustainability was inspired in part by the founding sisters – Deborah, JoJo, Chef Leah, and Chef’s daughter, Gigi Rose, who recently joined their female family business.”

“Hello, You’re Welcome believes that what you put in your cup matters. It matters for the farmers who grow the beans, the roasters who craft the perfect blend, and the community that enjoys the final product. They are passionate about what they do, and are committed to making a positive impact on both their customers and the environment.”

“At Hello, You’re Welcome, the journey started with a simple idea: to offer damn good coffee, unique baked goods, and clean food that everyone can enjoy. They emphasize “everyone” because it’s surprisingly difficult to find gluten-free and vegan baked goods that are delicious and made with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and respect the planet.”

Show 563, February 3, 2024: Executive Chef Doug Rankin, Bar Chelou, Pasadena

Doug Rankin of Bar Chelou

Bar Chelou is Pasadena’s first true neo-bistro, a casual, convivial space that is both a distillation of Chef Doug Rankin’s broad gastronomic interests and a deeply personal expression of his individualistic style. ‘Chelou’ (French slang for ‘strange’ or ‘unexpected’) is both the name and unifying theme of the restaurant, which draws from a range of culinary traditions and service styles to create something personal, novel and fun. The restaurant is located within the historic Pasadena Playhouse complex.”

Standout dishes include “Carrots,” a salad with coconut dressing, lime leaf, peanuts and shoestring potatoes, and Rainbow Trout with corn rice and garlic chive pil-pil.

Chef Doug Rankin takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

Show 438, August 14, 2021: Chef & Partner Dominique Crisp, Saso, Pasadena Part Two

Dominique Crisp of Saso

Saso in Pasadena, (launched earlier this year) draws inspirations from three coast regions treasured by Chef Dominique Crisp: his home in Los Angeles, his upbringing in the Pacific Northwest, and his travels within Basque Country. Throughout the menu, his dedication to the slow-food movement shines with hyper-local ingredients and French-taught cooking techniques.”

“At Saso, a passion for coastal cuisine is met with Dominique’s deep appreciation and understanding of farming. Born on his family’s vineyard in Wren, Oregon – raising livestock, fishing, and harvesting has always been an essential part of his life. A respect for the land, sea, and supporting those who are sustainably harvesting the bounty is an integral ethos that flows through Saso.”

“Dominique’s goal is to emphasize the relationships he’s built with artisanal purveyors to continually develop Saso’s narrative. Not entirely a “Basque restaurant,” Saso aims to bring the energetic nature of Basque Country dining to Los Angeles with a foundation of sustainable Pacific coastal cuisine.”

“Diners can expect rotating local whole fish options, a variety of niche oysters, dramatic bar creations, flaming Spanish coffees, and an extensive reserve wine list sourced from all over the globe.”

“Saso’s bar program features a wine list highlighting rare txakolinas from the Basque Country alongside natural wines from Lumos Wine Company (the vineyard where Dominique was born). Guests are in for a spectacular happy hour with top notch imported ciders, wine and beers on draught along with a blend of classic and signature cocktails drawing inspiration from Los Angeles to Portland to San Sebastián.”

“Housed in the century-old Pasadena Playhouse, Saso’s dining room and lounge area add a contemporary touch to the building’s historic architecture, including a large-scale, custom 40ft mural from renowned LA-based artist Tim Biskup.”

“On the patio diners can enjoy a breezy, socially distanced meal in a courtyard shared with the Pasadena Playhouse, adorned with string lights and an ornate water fountain.

On August 24th (Tuesday) Saso will be serving Dinner nightly Tuesday through Sunday. (Closed on Monday.) Lunch is Friday, Saturday and Sunday with Happy Hour on the menu those same days.

Chef Dom takes a break from prep in his busy kitchen and continues with us.