With Pita! Pita! being one of my favorite restaurants a few years back while it was still in Old Town Pasadena, I was curious as to how the "new" location on Colorado Boulevard would compare. One day, I dropped by for lunch to check it out.Changes were obvious right away. This second rendition had a much more casual ambiance than its predecessor and the wait staff was replaced by counter service. None of this phased me because the quality of the food is far more important than the restaurant atmosph
ere. As for my meal, it consisted of a side of hummus, pita bread as well as my main entree, a spicy chicken dish.I was fine with the hummus, but not as happy with the fried pita bread. It was a little burnt and also a little hard. Considering that the name of their restaurant is Pita Pita, I would think they would have taken more care in how their namesake is served.
When it came to the spicy chicken dish, which was almost like a stew or soup, I was definitely a much happier camper. The restaurant was generous with their chicken pieces, which I appreciated. The chunks of tomato and onion added additional flavor to the already tasty broth and I liked how that soup had just the right amount of heat and kick.
As for the sides, they were almost expendable. The tabbouleh needed a bit more tartness. I found to the rice to be a little watery and as for the beans, I couldn't quite understand why they were even included on my plate. I kept on wondering where the franks were.Overall, you can't compare the old vs. the new based on just one meal. I'd say that for the most part, the delicious spicy chicken reminded me why I used to enjoy dining at the old location so much. However, the sad sides that accompanied that chicken makes me want to turn the clock back to tastier times.
In general, I wouldn't go out of my way to have a meal at this Pita! Pita!, but if I were in the neighbornood, I'd be more than happy to try other things on their menu.
To see pics, go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/la_addict/sets/72157602212294685/
Pita! Pita!
927 E Colorado Blvd # 101
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 356-3099
you should try Good Times Pita Kitchen on Arroyon Parkway and Fillmore (right across TJ's). The lady emphasized that everything in the menu is a "time-honored family recipe".
ReplyDeleteNever had lighter (shade and texture) Falafel in my life.
I've heard of Good Times Pita. I'll definitely give it a try the next time I'm in the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThanks for review, I've been curious about this place when I was heading to Japon Bistro a while back.
ReplyDeleteI really should expand my pita palate more, most of my experiences thus far have been home cooked (/w store-bought pitas).
Hopefully, when you visit, you won't get "burnt" pita bread. I liked that it was fried, but it was way too overboard.
ReplyDelete