Skipping the sun: Belgian Fest and soccer at Luckys

I choose Belgian beer

Its like summertime today in Southern California, but am I taking advantage of the gorgeous weather?

No. I'm watching soccer at Lucky Baldwins and participating in Belgian Fest, which goes on through at least Feb 28. Love watching the European football fans, but I could care less who wins.

Anyway, I'll probably finish my LB trip out on the patio so I can enjoy the weather a bit before heading back to the office, where I'm sure I'll be oh so productive.

There a lot of great beers on tap at LB's, but if you are not familiar, just start out with the Maredsous 10, and everything else will fall into place. Trust me. I'm a doctor, or at least I've played one for Halloween.

Lots of fun at Old Town Pub - Nightlife Hot Spots

No charge!

Stopped by the Old Town Pub in Old Town Pasadena Sunday night. What perfect timing.

Several interesting musical performances. A few magic tricks. And two almost naked girls dancing.

What more do you want?

Rate your favorite nightlife hot spots and photos

Great fish and chips

This is my comfort food

As I was a bit tense after leaving the dentist, I decided to stop by Lucky Baldwins for a few quick drinks. And, once I could feel the left side of my mouth again, I realized I hadn't yet eaten much today, and I ordered some fish and chips.

I'm not a big fan of the food at LBs, but the fish and chips is always good. In fact it was the best fish and chips I've had in some time!

Suddenly I'm feeling so much better.

Lunch and more at Lucky Baldwins

Thank you Kenigshoeven

Maybe that's not the way you spell it, Keningshoeven, but its the reason I am now in serious trouble.

Still, gotta love Lucky Baldwins. By the way, LB's Belgian Fest starts on Nov. 13.

Rolling at Barneys Beanery

YT ain't done yet

Obviously the day can only go down hill from here. So I'm parked here at Barney's Beanery.

Texas and Alabama getting down at the 35er

Having a little fun together

We can all get along together, at least the Texas and Alabama fans could today at the 35er. We'll see about tomorrow.

The importance of urinal ads

That means you!

Typically, when I go pubbing I take the train. Old Town, Little Tokyo, East LA, LA LIVE, Hollywood, etc. - without any driving - via LA's Metro subway? (Yes a train to West LA and the Ocean would be killer, but....)

Until then, when out hitting your favorite bars, clubs and restaurants - too intoxicated to drive - dial up #TAXI from your cell phone.

I don't know what it is........but sitting in the back of a cab is always a little bit more fun the back of a squad car. But maybe that's just me.

High roller happy hour at the 35er

The king of Wednesday happy hours?

All day tomorrow Old Town Pasadena's 35er is running a special on 2.00 glasses of Miller High Life. That's not just a happy hour special, it's a happy day special.

The 35er is just a few short blocks from the Metro Goldline's Memorial Park station for all you Metro riders in search of a good deal. And there's free popcorn!

The first person in that mentions this post gets a free High Life. Just tell Deb YT sent you.

Music at the Old Town Pub

Bad picture but great music

Enjoying some angry woman music at the Old Town Pub here in Old Town. And I mean angry. Ill try to get the name later.

Anyway, the Old Town Pub is one of the best places to catch the local music scene in Pasadena. It's small, quaint. Personal. And the Pub usually offers a great vibe, even if there isn't any band playing.

Oh, yeah. And the pub is also just a short walk to the Metro Goldline.

Best happy hour on the Red Line - Snow White Cafe

34 ounces of Stella for 7.00

Damn, just spent 7.00 for my last pint of beer. Of course, I didn't compain. This is Hollywood. Still, if only I had checked out the Snow White Café first.

I've been to the Snow White before. Its one of those odd places just perfect for Hollywood. Pictures of dwarfs and Snow White everywhere. Even the bar makes you feel like a dwarf.

Still, im not here for the godamned décor. Im here for 34 ounces of beautiful happy hour. Any 34 ounces of beer that Snow White has on tap for only 7.00!!

How can you go wrong? Plus, that happy hour is offered from 1 to 7, SEVEN days a week.

And if you're a Metro rider, then the Hollywood and Highland Red Line station is only a block away. So have two, take the train home, and call me in the morning.

Lunch at uWink, happy hour later

A glimpse of the cocktail future?

I'm here at Hollywood and Highland - kicking it like a tourist. But, lets get real for a second. If you coordinate your life around the Metro, then Hollywood and Highland is pretty cool, even if you're not a tourist.

Anyway, I've got some shoes to find, so I thought I'd stop by uWink, located on the fourth floor of the mall, for lunch.

OK. I'm lying. I'm here for a quick one, but I've not yet had any luck finding shoes.

Anyway, you can't get a whole lot closer to the Red Line, and there are screens everywhere for you to order food and drinks, to watch the big game, or to play games.

I was not the big zillionaire winner today.

Even if you come by yourself you can still play group games. I know. I'm here and it still sounds corny. Yet, a few drinks are the perfect goggles for such elitism, especially if a few hotties are drinking next to you.

And, they have a happy hour, where almost everything is 4.00. Sure, it isn't the greatest happy hour ever, but this is Hollywood.

Anyway, YT and Wong Will have to come back for a happy hour trip to see what the crowd is like then.

Malagueta at happy hour

Almost happy

Stopped by Malagueta's for happy hour, but it wasn't really that great of a happy hour. Its not bad, especially on Monday and Tuesday, when Malagueta offers happy hour all day. Still, there are better deals to be had throughout Pasadena.

So, after a beer, YT and Wong made a quick exit for a few 2.00 beers at Mai Kobe's happy hour. Oh yeah, and before that we stopped by La Grande Orange for the infamous 1.00 first beer with a Metro pass.

Ill probably stop by Malagueta's again in the future, but it will definitely be on a Monday or Tuesday before any other happy hours get started. But I'll be going to that happy hour more for the food, not the drink specials.

Irish pub fun in Pasadena for the U2 concert

YT and Wong at Dullahans

Ever since Wong returned from his trip back home to Ireland, he's been particularly, well, Irish. In fact, he returned back to Pasadena on a mission, to turn Dullahans into more of an Irish pub.

Wong hasn't had much luck yet, but he's still a regular there nonetheless. Why? Friendly service and the best overall happy hour in Pasadena.

Still, as part of Wong's desire to help Dullahans find its Irish religion, Wong is trying to set up a YT and Wong Irish Special at Dullahans in honor of U2's concert in Pasadena.

Even better, Dullahans is just a short walk from the Metro Goldline, the closest Metro rail stop to the Rose Bowl. So, an Irish pub, near the Rose Bowl and on the Goldline? Are you kidding me? What more could you possibly want?

I know. A YT and Wong drink special. Stay tuned on that one, but I guarantee there will be some special in honor of the U2 concert in Pasadena.

Futbol in Pasadena: Dullahans

F Barcelona

YT and Wong went out to catch Barcelona knock of United. Enough said about that.

Nonetheless, there is a nice little crowd here at Dullahans, another great spot off the Metro Goldline in Old Town Pasadena.

Dullahans offers one of Pasadena's best happy hours. When it comes to Happy Hours, this is an Old Town Pasadena, Metro Goldline top spot.

Happy hour at McCormick & Schmicks

Ok, if you're hungry

Stopped by McCormick & Schmicks for happy hour after the Yardhouse. Cool building, but the specials aren't all that special, especially if you are looking to drink.

However, the half pound cheeseburger and fries for 2.95 is one hell of a deal. So, if you are seeking some cheap happy hour food in Pasadena, then McCormick & Schmicks might work for you.

La Grande Orange rules the Goldline

A great stop for Metro riders

Wong and I heard a rumor about cheap happy hour beer at La Grande Orange, which is located right next to the track on the Goldline's Metro station.

Until further notice stop in with your Metro pass and your first beer or glass of wine is just ONE dollar.

Come in for happy hour which is almost all the time for 3.00 beer. Limited beer selection. Anyway, check out these happy hour times.

Monday - Friday 3 - 7, 9 - 11; Saturday 9 - 11:30, Sunday 5 - 9.

For goldline riders, La Grande Orange is a must stop. Shortest happy hour walk from the train on the Goldline. This is a YT and Wong Best Pick for Goldline travelers.

Thank god for LA's Metro

Not my fault

So, I stopped by Barney's Beanery in Old Town Pasadena to wait for Wong. Well, Wong never showed up, but he did eventually call and check in - no YT and Wong until tomorrow.

Anyway, so Gary - another barfly in Old Town recently - showed up and kept me company. And Keith, the bartender just made it too hard to leave.

I guess I'll have to wait a few more days for my shoes. I need to get home before 420 and do at least a few more hours of work. OK, at least an hour.

Finding a morning drink in Old Town

Screw driving

Took the train up to Old Town to meet Wong and to buy these cool hemp shoes I saw the other day. Since I arrived early, I thought I'd check out some early morning drinking holes in Pasadena's Old Town.

First stop Barney's Beanery. 7 days a week you can stop here for a drink starting at 7:30AM. Barney's also has a huge menu, so you can grab a little bite to eat if you're into more than just liquid meals.

The french toast is my favorite.

Just around the corner is another great early morning drinking hole, Lucky Baldwins. However, you can't have a screwdriver at Luckys, which specializes in beer. Still, if you want some beer, bangers and mash, and to watch some European soccer league action, Lucky's is the place to be in the wee morning hours.

Ehhh, hoser. A Belgian Canadian?

Blame Canada?

Holy Jesus. Blame Canada for brewing up a pretty incredible Belgian.

The Trois Pistoles is a serious Belgian Ale. Its strong, but you don't taste it. Instead, its a very complex, spiced and fruity ale that is perfectly balanced, as any great Belgian should be.

I recommend the excellent Yardhouse happy hour for this fantastic Belgian alone.

Damn. YT needs to go to Canada!

Cinco de Mayo starts today

Don't just wait for Tuesday

Old Town Pasadena's 35er is starting their Cinco de Mayo festivities today.

Cerveza anyone?

YT and Wong getting Irish

Irish pubs in Pasadena

So YT and Wong are on the streets today in Pasadena looking for an Irish pub to go to before the U2 concert in October.

So far were leaning towards Dullahans.

Quick lunch at the Yardhouse

Pizza and salad

Having a little lunch combo at the Yardhouse. Pizza and salad. Not bad for less than 9 bucks. Sure its not as cheap as Sbarro but its better. And they great beer on tap.

And great service. That might not mean much to you, but it means a lot to me.

Still,im really out because its 4/20 and I WEAR WEED, and I wanna see if my t-shirt leads to any 4/20 conversations. Unfortunately, I won't be out when most heads finally get out of bed.

Wake and bake fellas! Wake and bake. Then go buy some hemp clothing at IWEARWEED.COM.

Happy hour at 5 stars bar

Down and dirty on Main Street

YT and Wong stopped by the 5 Stars Bar on Main Street in downtown LA. They have a happy hour that runs from noon to 7, 7 days per week.

We'll be back.

Back at the Yardhouse

But only for 1

Thought id have a quick one at the Yardhouse before heading to Belgian Fest.

Yes, I was here last night for dinner, and it was the best meal I've had there in several trips. Pizza, calamari, and the spicy tuna roll - all shared.

Im getting fat, but not that fat.

Crowded at the Yardhouse

Its a recession?

Its Wednesday. Nothing major going on. Yet the Yardhouse is packed. That's gotta be a good sign for the economy.

Its a work fest at Luckys

Happy days

This morning I hated where I live. I was ready to move anywhere, even Alaska, after all the police activity, amongst other things. I need a change of venue.

However, as I sit on the patio outside of Lucky Baldwins, working away on my notebook, sipping a a Maredsous 10, I'm feeling renewed.

Of course, the real trick is sustained productivity. We'll have to wait and see how that goes today.

Gotta work on a new Yt design. Maybe YT can dance.

A Cardiac at the Bucket

An Eagle Rock lunch

Years ago I was a regular at the Bucket in Eagle Rock. Now on its fourth owner - I think - since then, and I've become a visitor again.

I've pretty much given up burgers, the Bucket's specialty, but the onion rings are pretty damn good. And, if you like good burgers, everyone says this is the place to go.

The Cardiac Burger - and I was there, owners ago, when this burger was invented - is becoming a local legend.

Still, the original is the Julio, a favorite amongst mustard lovers.

I always came for the beer and the friends. I don't have as many friends here today, but the beers are better than ever.

Tried Widmer's Drifter Pale Ale today. Not bad, at least on tap. Much better than the Widmer heff. Not my favorite pale ale, but not bad. I'm more inclined to IPAs anyway.

Just another boring day in YtsWorld, I wonder how Wong is doing.

Designs - YT at the 35er and more

Home away from home

Added a few new sketches to the YTsWorld t-shirt designs.

What do you think?

I think it still needs some more details - a lot more details.

Have any design ideas, upload them now.

At the boat

But what city am I in?

I'm at Clearman's galley, aka The Boat, having some burgers, onion rings and a little red cabbage salad.

Anyone whom has ever driven east on Huntington Drive through San Marino towards Arcadia, knows what I'm talking about. Or remembers.

Well, its back.

The Boat used to be on Huntington, until Kohls took it over. Now its just around the block on Rosemead Blvd in San Marino, or Temple city, or wherever the hell I am right now.

Regardless, this is a San Gabriel valley classic.

I recommend the burgers, chili, and the tamale plate, in addition to the red cabbage salad.

Good selection of tap beer as well.

Urinal ads rock!

Check this out

How funny is this? So, you're a guy at a bar. You go to the restroom, start pissing and you look up; and straight in front of you see this ad.

Isn't that just the perfect location for a Bally's ad?

Laughed my ass off.

New lunch menu at Yardhouse

Soup and pizza

Stopped by the YardHouse for lunch. They have a cool new lunch menu. Sandwiches and pizza with soup or salad. Definitely more recession-friendly.

Still, I'm feeling fat today. Must be all the Belgians!

Can you have a bumpy Y? because I need to put a beer belly on YT.

I guess if I'm going to carb-load like this I'm going to have to start working out. Damn! I guess Rosie isn't enough.

Hanging out and loving beer

Kicking it with Travis

So, I was partaking in Belgian Fest. Had some great beer and I ran into this super cool cat. Travis, pictured above, is one bad ass home brewer.

Travis just doesn't brew his own beer, he pretty much grows everything that goes into his beer. Or, he picks it in the hills around his house. This isw local, green beer brewing.

Anyway, YTsWorld is hoping to have a tour of Travis's home brewery soon.

Patio productivity at Luckys

All by myself

Sitting in the outdoor patio of Lucky Baldwins. Laptop is on and I'm working on some YT sketches, but I'm having a hard time finding an influence.

Anyway, I am enjoying the Leffe Bruine that I'm consuming - and all you beer snobs thought I only drank Miller Lite.

Man, do I want some fish and chips, but beer and fish and chips? That's too much for my workout.

That's the sketch I'm going to do right now. YTs workout.

Later.

Damn. Grimbergen double

Fricken yum

I am at least containing myself. I'm only on my second beer, but its a fricken beauty.

Grimbergen double.

If you love beer and you live in Northeast LA, you owe it to yourself to check out Belgian Fest at Lucky Baldwins. And, if you love football/soccer, and you haven't hit Belgian Fest yet, then you're a poser.

Poser!

Hijacked at Belgian Fest

Can I keep myself out of trouble?

I got up early this morning, about 4:20, after working late last night. In fact, all I did was work yesterday.

By 11:00 I was hungry and ready to throw the computer out the window. So I decided to get out for lunch and remembered that it was Belgian Fest at Lucky Baldwins.

I'm into my first beer, the Urthel Hop IT, after almost puking up the Mariage Parfait Boon, a hand-pumped beer. But with a frisky crowd watching the Manchester United Fulham game, you never know. This is just too entertaining.

YT and Wong at Dullahans

First gathering since DooDah

YT and Wong hooked up for Happy Hour at Dullahans in Pasadena.

Dullahans is an interesting place. Great TVs. Great place to watch sports. Tried the sliders. Pretty good. Id like to try other things on the menu as well.

Absolutely fantastic customer service and a pretty cute waitstaff for the male pigs out there.

Anyway, both Wong and I agree. This place is worth another visit.

Ran into Clayton on the way out, and we were treated to homemade brownies - a perfect way to finish the evening.

YT hits the Outback

Shopping for a dryer, but lunch now

My dryer blew up last night. So I'm out checking into new dryers today.

This sucks. I'm going to have to blow a wad right now. And just yesterday, I was considering a mini vacation.

There goes the vacation.

So, I'm sucking down a few beers at Outback SteakHouse in Burbank. And, even better, it's happy hour. I love day time happy hours.

Unfortunately, the fillet I got from Outback wasn't worth the money. I'd do better on my own BBQ. It's not that my steak sucked. It just wasn't cooked exactly the way I like, but this isn't the place to complain. Next time I'll get a burger. They looked better than the steak anyway.

Still, one cool thing. When I was at Lowes checking out dryer prices, Jaime, the guy helping me was really into my IWEARWEED t-shirt.

Dinner at El Arco Iris

No more music, for now

OK, that isn't totally true. There is some Mexican music on in the background here at Arco Iris.

Obviously, I've left the 35er, and im picking up a few burritos to take home. Love the rainbow when it come to burritos.

Love it!

Jessies Extra Special with carnitas! You can't go wrong! Although you also have to check out the huevos rancheros with chile verde.

OK, the chicken mole burrito is also very good in terms of burritos.

Thursday at the 35er

A fool yet again

Yes, I'm at the 35er again. So what, that's the way Yt rolls. Still, believe it or not, I've actually been working.

Did a bunch of YT sketches. I'll upload them soon.

Lunch at Crocodiles

My old spot

Back when I used to work on Lake and Green, I used come to the Crocodile Café regularly. Several years ago it was one of the few bars you could find Stella on tap - long before Paseo and the YardHouse.

So, I'm back for lunch today.

I like almost everything on the menu. Some extreme favorite: I like the taquitos for an appetizer, and the onion rings. The Ahi and shrimp salad. The ahi sandwhich, the cheeseburger and the flank steak.

The Crocodile also uses top quality ingredients , and the customer service is usually quite good. In fact, on this trip the service was really good - which doesn't surprise me.

YT and Bruce at OutBack

5 hours until dinner

Bruce and I getting crazy for our 420 meeting. Unfortunately, dinner isn't until 8:30 tonight.

I guess we aint seen crazy yet.

Working at the 35er

But im not getting much done

So I'm driving to Vegas tomorrow morning. I don't really need to be there until 8:30 PM, but I hate driving to Vegas when there is traffic.

Thus, I'll be heading out by 10. That combined with my uselessness this week has me at the 35er trying to work, trying to change my mood.

Unfortunately, I've been here about an hour, but I've only done about 10 minutes of work. And I think Im going to do some work when I get to Vegas!!!

If you are in Vegas, I'll be at Treasure Island and MGM most of the time. Look for me in a YTsWorld or IWEARWEED t-shirt. Also, if you have some great photos or memories of your favorite Las Vegas experiences, show us or tell us about them. 

Rate your favorite Las Vegas experiences.

YT pulling a nooner at Weilands

Next stop for YT, the wagon?

As I finished up at the Farmer's market, I thought id stop by Weiland Brewery in the basement of the Arco building - if its still called that.

They don't brew here, instead they contract Firestone for that service. Nonetheless, descent IPA. The manager also gave me a taste of The Duchesse de Bourgogne, a very interesting Belgian beer.

Anyway, had a good time. Great customer service from everyone from the manager on down. I think ill come back again and eat next time.

If you are in downtown LA, give this place a try, especially if you are near Bunker Hill.

If you do eat when you are here, the bartender highly recommends the Sonoma grilled cheese and the burgers.

Have you tried Weilands Brewery in downtown LA?

Doo dah pregame at Luckys

At Luckys getting ready for Parade

I'm here at Luckys getting lubed up. Speaking of Lucky Baldwins, Belgian Fest starts Feb 14.

I know I'll be there at least once (per day).

Ready for DooDah Parade

Last meal before DooDah

Getting ready for DooDah, one of Pasadena's most interesting events. Tomorrow ill be on a liquid-only diet starting about 8:30 AM at Lucky Baldwins. Ill be wearing an IWEARWEED shirt.

Ill be reporting live all day. Unfortunately, I'll be dependent upon my mobile phone, and its crappy camera, for posting (although video will eventually be available).

If you see me, say "I wanna wear weed", and it could be worth a free IWEARWEED t-shirt.

Friday afternoon at the 35er

Bad boy today

So, I made it to the 35er today. Stayed longer than I wanted to. I always do.

Anyway I was talking to Deb, a bartender at the 35er. Deb has this really cool art. You can check her out at lalunasol.com.

Anyway, she has interesting skull art. Shes into dia los muertos kind of stuff. Frida. And she wants to put it on urns.

I think its a fantastic idea. Day of the dead influenced art on urns?

Is it just me, or is that just perfect?

What better medium? Tombstones?

Anyway, check her art out and check out the 35er if you are ever in old town, pasadena.

Also, have some cool art? Show us.