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Post by downtown news on Aug 5, 2005 7:15:41 GMT -8
Balzac Cafe closes its doorsI heard that their food was pretty good but that they never had stable hours. I don't want to drive down to a restaurant and find out that they are not open. My time is precious to me.
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Post by Bill on Aug 5, 2005 11:14:07 GMT -8
How can you afford stable hours when very few patrons go to your restaurant? Balzac was a good restaurant - we just need more people to go to the downtown. But, we also need more places there to draw people downtown. It's a catch 22 situation.
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Post by Consumer on Aug 5, 2005 18:17:18 GMT -8
Bill,
Hanging out in a restaurant with no customers probably pays no worse than sitting at home. Just too many small businesses out there that don't seem to have a clue.
Haven't eaten there, but it brings to mind Canyon City BBQ. It took them, what, 4 months before they even got a sign and took down the sign of the old place. And how about some windows? I would die of claustrophobia in a restaurant where I could not see out.
Azusa is not going to be anytime soon taking tenants away from Old Town Pasadena, that is for sure. Best to drive beyond the Azusa borders for our dining options.
Best nearby places...The Hat in Glendora, Petrillo's Pizza in Glendora, Pepe's in Covina (on Azusa Avenue, between Cypress and Arrow Highway).
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Post by food on Aug 6, 2005 9:20:52 GMT -8
My favorite restaurants in Azusa are:
- Max's (Rancho Las Magueyes), 248 W Foothill, (626) 334-9695
- Tulipano's, 530 S Citrus Ave # 15 - (626) 967-6670
- Aldolino's, 626-966-3249. 659 E Arrow Hwy Azusa
- I have also heard from several people that the food at the Canyon City BBQ is very good but I have not been their yet.
I think that it is important to support the best restaurants in town.
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Post by DavieBoi on Aug 10, 2005 17:32:41 GMT -8
Balzac Cafe appears to be reopening as a Japanese restauraunt. That will be a very refreshing alternative to the area - Sushi! Yum!
I also believe that if Balzac was more user friendly in its open days the business could have been successful. The place just never felt 'warm' or hospitable. Another coulda, woulda shoulda for Balzac would have been introductory information for us in MC - we are of the caliber that would have frequented the establishment had there been more insight to the culinary delights that may have existed.
So, with the new restaurant we as residents should be exploratory and support a new restaurant in our area. This could be the beginning of something very good.
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Spewing Coffee On my Keyboard
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Post by Spewing Coffee On my Keyboard on Aug 11, 2005 3:47:35 GMT -8
Balzac Cafe appears to be reopening as a Japanese restauraunt. That will be a very refreshing alternative to the area - Sushi! Yum! ..... Another coulda, woulda shoulda for Balzac would have been introductory information for us in MC - we are of the caliber that would have frequented the establishment had there been more insight to the culinary delights that may have existed.
As an MC residents who has several friends outside our gates (you know, those 'little people' out there, Davie), I've got to say your statement about Balzac formally introducing you to their business because of your so-called ''MC caliber'' sounds elitist and I'd even say delusional. I hope the rest of Azusa knows that we don't all share that mentality. Bring yourself back down to earth please and avoid thinking there should be a tailor-made catillion for you whenever something new comes up.
As for sushi, I'm interested in where you heard about that. While I'm optomistic for new businesses in the downtown, I think truly good sushi places, at least for my tastes, are very hard to come by. One of my coolest friends who !gasp! lives elsewhere in Azusa, is someone who truly knows what is good Sushi and where to find it better than most (and we've gone to some damn great places as a result!) Just saying that when it comes to culture or whose opinions really count, for the most part your address isn't everything.
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Post by chill on Aug 11, 2005 9:03:05 GMT -8
As an MC residents who has several friends outside our gates (you know, those 'little people' out there, Davie), I've got to say your statement about Balzac formally introducing you to their business because of your so-called ''MC caliber'' sounds elitist and I'd even say delusional. I hope the rest of Azusa knows that we don't all share that mentality. Bring yourself back down to earth please and avoid thinking there should be a tailor-made catillion for you whenever something new comes up. As for sushi, I'm interested in where you heard about that. While I'm optomistic for new businesses in the downtown, I think truly good sushi places, at least for my tastes, are very hard to come by. One of my coolest friends who !gasp! lives elsewhere in Azusa, is someone who truly knows what is good Sushi and where to find it better than most (and we've gone to some damn great places as a result!) Just saying that when it comes to culture or whose opinions really count, for the most part your address isn't everything. Lighten up ‘Spewing Coffee’. I live in Azusa as well…not within Mountain Cove. I did not interpret DavieBoi’s comment as thinking that he is better than me. I understand what DavieBoi meant by the comment. He meant that a lot of the residents in this city probably do not spend very much money on upper end restaurants because they do not have enough disposable income to go frequently enough. This is true for a lot, not all, of residents in Azusa, which also explains why this city has had such trouble getting new retail into the city. I’m one of the Azusa residents that do frequent nice restaurants. I’m hoping that with the new homes being built in the city, including the upcoming Rosedale project, that it will encourage new retail stores into this city. I can't wait to try the new sushi restaurant as well. |
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Post by We are warm in MC on Aug 11, 2005 9:47:21 GMT -8
Well, Chill, I don't know where you're really coming from with your post. Asking a venue to put on a special event just specifically for your neighborhood because you think you're of a certain "caliber" (and that's the key word) doesn't exactly demonstrate a strong sense of humility.
The word, caliber, suggests your place in society as it relates to others: your character, ability, and class. When used like it was here, it outright infers social superiority.
Your defense would make sense if DavieBoi were suggesting that Balzac Cafe had just done a better job of getting the word out to target customers in the city. But to publicly proclaim ourselves at Mountain Cove as being of higher caliber just because of where we live is egotistical and doesn't do us any favors in staying woven with the real whole of our community, Azusa.
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Post by adman on Aug 11, 2005 12:22:23 GMT -8
For any business to be successful, it must target its market. That is basic marketing 101. Among other things, the market must be large enough to allow the business to sustain itself. The business should also offer consistant service. In this case, Balzac failed on both parts in targeting its market and offering consistant service. Marketing is not about determining who is a better person, which in my opionion, there is no such thing. It is about determining where your target market is that will maximize your returns.
I do think that DavieBoi could has selected a better term, but mistakes happen.
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Post by DavieBoi on Aug 11, 2005 17:36:51 GMT -8
Dear Chill and Adman _
Thank you for your posts adding on to the future of what was Balzac Cafe.
Signed DavieBoi!
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Roll out the red carpet
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Post by Roll out the red carpet on Aug 11, 2005 19:15:45 GMT -8
Well but of course if that Sushi bar wants to be successful, they will be SURE that you receive that "special introductory invitation."  It's unfortunate that anyone would find even mild amusement in offending others. I guess there is such a thing as a superiority complex? |
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Post by IMO on Aug 11, 2005 20:05:56 GMT -8
Well but of course if that Sushi bar wants to be successful, they will be SURE that you receive that "special introductory invitation." It's unfortunate that anyone would find even mild amusement in offending others. I guess there is such a thing as a superiority complex? Why don't you get over yourself and stop judging other people. Stop trying to pin one person against others. Enough already! |
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Post by azusa518 on Aug 12, 2005 17:47:53 GMT -8
It is unfortunate that there are some people in MC who do think they are superior. And there are even some who wonder why many citizens in Azusa don't like many of you in MC. But here's the deal. You chose to move to MC, apparently not realizing it was a small part of Azusa. You come in here and you immediately start criticizing everything from the city council, the school board, the gun club, the traffic in the canyon, the people who hang out by "your" river, you don't even have much nice to say about the restaurants in town. Places like Aldolino's and La Tolteca have been here for years and they must have good food or they would have been out of business a long time ago. I'm afraid some of you have Beverly Hills tastes on an Azusa budget. Help support our local businesses. If you must complain, try using constructive criticism instead of putting everything down. Azusa could be like Monrovia or Glendora or Claremont in the downtown area, but we will never be Old Town Pasadena or Beverly Hills. Be realistic about where you live and what can/cannot be accomplished. Become a part of a community that has existed and will continue to exist long after you are gone. Sorry if I'm stepping on anybody's feelings, but the community is OURS, yours and mine, and we would appreciate a few good words occasionally.
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Post by DavieBoi on Aug 12, 2005 17:59:58 GMT -8
Sorry kids -
Why do many people 'feel' that my comment was 'superior' to other individuals? I was just really happy that a nice, different restaurant will be in our neighborhood. So, for those that enjoy pinning people and distracting, please go elsewhere for your fun. Thank you.
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Post by azusa518 on Aug 12, 2005 20:06:01 GMT -8
To DavieBoi: The answer to your question is in your own words:
"information for us in MC - we are of the caliber that would have frequented the establishment had there been more insight to the culinary delights". Forgive me if I have misinterpreted your meaning of the word "caliber". And if I may be so bold as to make a restaurant suggestion (fast food, of course), Country Barbecue Chicken and Ribs on Alosta has really great food (for us common folk at least, whose palates may not be as sophisticated as yours).
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Post by mydime on Aug 13, 2005 8:35:47 GMT -8
I think that it is dumb to get mad at someone just because they expect a beautiful atmosphere, consistent high quality service, clean restaurant, and excellent tasting food when they go to a restaurant. I would like the same. That is what I am used to getting when I go to a restaurant. There is not one restaurant in Azusa that fits this description. I think that it is important for the local restaurants to realize that their sales would go up if they worked on these things more.
I personally support some of Azusa's restaurants now, hoping that they will improve over time. I have not seen any change since I have been here but I keep hoping.
A couple of them do have good tasting food, but the atmosphere in them really needs a lot of work. Tulipano should relocate to the downtown. It is not very nice to have to walk my kids past a adult store to get to the restaurant. And the decor on the wall and flooring need imporving. Max's needs a larger location, with a nicer decor that fits the theme of the restaurant and more parking, Aldolino's should be put in a better location as well (the downtown would be a good place as well), Canyon City BBQ needs to keep more food in stock so that they do not close in the middle of their day. Hopefully La Tolteca will be nice when they finally move into their new building. I still don't understand how restaurants like Carmen's stay in business. That restaurant is disgusting. The chinese restaurant next to Kings Ranch market would do much better if it go rid of its take out warmer stuff and turned itself into a sit down/take out everything made fresh restaurant. It would also be nice if the local restaurants would cater more to their customers. I would personally like to see more healthier options on the menus. I like to eat out but I don't want to get fat doing so.
Wait until the peopler in Rosedale move in, they are going to want the same things that I'm telling you here. Why? Because that is what they are used to and have come to expect. Demanding quality is a good thing! We should not have to settle. It has nothing to do with Beverly Hills, I'm talking about a basic standard that can be found in almost every city in this valley. And, I'm looking forward to this standard coming to this city as well.
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Post by DavieBoi on Aug 13, 2005 10:33:54 GMT -8
Dear 518 -
And another thing....
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Post by azusa518 on Aug 14, 2005 15:03:33 GMT -8
I understand about wanting and enjoying quality restaurants. I look for that, too. But I also enjoy the little restaurants in Azusa that have been in business for years. No, they don't have any ambiance, but overall the food is good. I would agree that the food at Carmen's is going downhill. I'm not sure why, but I know they stay in business because the locals have been going there for years. I see people in there whom I've known for over 50 years. Let's hope Azusa is able to attract some high quality restaurants in the downtown area. But please don't tell me that the people of MC or those coming to the new Rosedale development will demand that type of quality. It is Azusa, after all, and many of us have waited a generation to see the downtown restored to what it was in the '50's. I'm just afraid it won't happen, but maybe I'll be surprised one day. I'll be moving north soon, out of Azusa and out of California. Hopefully when I come back occasionally to visit, I'll be surprised and delighted with the improvements Azusa makes. Have a good day!
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Post by Ash on Aug 15, 2005 11:35:21 GMT -8
Hello all,
I too live in Azusa, But I don't live in MC. I live across from Citus College in a small development called Citrus Cove. We grew up in Arcadia and both my parents and my Wife's parents live there now. We have grown to love Azusa, But we still can't find a decent place to eat at. We can't wait for all this new development to take place, and we are currently on the Interest List for the Rosedale Community and are eager to move there. I totally agree with the guest MYDIME with his response, everyone in azusa deserves great food and a clean atmosphere, or we will simply go somewhere else. I love Azusa, but if I can't get what I want from it, I will find somewhere where I can. And he is right about the people in Rosedale, they are going to expect nice places to eat, and I agree also that Tulipano's should Definitely try to go Downtown!!! That would be awesome!
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Post by Ash on Aug 15, 2005 11:37:03 GMT -8
One more thing,
THere is always Restaurant Row in Arcadia!!!
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Post by MtnCovR on Aug 19, 2005 5:39:18 GMT -8
Ok so we all know that the Mtn Cove people would love to see some new life come to Azusa. It sounds like most old time Azusan's feel the same way. The problem is where are they going to go? Unless the city is willing to spruce up the downtown it's never going to happen. The place is a wreck and the only new shops I see going in are real estate establishments and the like. As if that is going to draw visitors. Azusa is the only community left with a downtown you hate to mention. I hope the completion of La Tolteca will encourage other restaurants to head this way but dividing Azusa into "Azusa" and the "Cove snobs" won't get anywhere. I thought this message board would be a benefit forum to share information that would be helpful not be a place for everyone to %itch and moan about how everyone is or isn't better than others. Grow up people and put your energy to the cause of building Azusa into a place we can all enjoy regardless of our financial standing, our ethnic background or what have you. This is LA we are surrounded by diversity so why work so hard to tear it down. We all want the same thing so why not put some suggestions on ways we can all get involved and do something that would actually build toward improvement.
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Post by DavieBoi on Aug 19, 2005 7:00:07 GMT -8
Thank you, MtnCovR -- very VERY well said!
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Post by guest on Aug 19, 2005 7:46:22 GMT -8
:-*All of you should go in and open a restaurant together since you all seem full of good ideas.
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Post by resident on Sept 6, 2005 20:51:36 GMT -8
has the new Japanese restaurant opened yet? If so, has anyone tried it? I'm wondering if it is good.
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Post by Bill on Sept 12, 2005 7:51:40 GMT -8
My wife and I went out to eat Saturday night... in AZUSA!
I am no culinary wizard, but I think Arrigato was pretty good. I had teriyaki beef and tempura, my wife had teriyaki chicken and tempura. The beef was OK. The chicken was great. The tempura was great. The California roll I got was very good. The prices were modest. The atmosphere was GREAT! They have a full sushi bar with chefs that greet you with a very loud, gregarious, "cool saying in Japanese!" when you walk in the front door.
Excellent, excellent service.
We will definitely go again.
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Post by Ash on Sept 13, 2005 6:14:50 GMT -8
That is great to hear!! I will be going with four friends sometime this week!
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