Pasadena’s Modern Mexican Movement Ramps Up Yet Again

Pasadena nets another one

Serial restaurateur Jesse Gomez is opening up a Pasadena location of his mini Mexican empire Mercado, in the former Seco space off Lake Avenue. He and chef/partner Jose Acevedo already have a handful of Mercados from Santa Monica to Hollywood, including a brand new taqueria up in Studio City.

According to Gomez, this will be the first Mercado to serve both lunch and dinner, with its menu of casual Mexican favorites. The location is also particularly important to him, as Gomez grew up in South Pasadena and worked for the previous owners of the space back when it was Crocodile Cafe. Look for an opening in January.

Dog-friendly delights

There’s a dog party happening at FrankieLucy Bakeshop in Silver Lake on Sunday. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. expect the BenAddictz truck, $1 coffee, and pets for adoption — plus all the usual drinks and Filipino-leaning fare.

A Valley flip

Ventura Blvd. Magazine is on the case of Artisan Cheese Gallery’s recent switcheroo, as the restaurant aims to become a nighttime destination. Now known as Artisan Cheese & Wine, the shop is doing more wine pours and an expanded post-6 p.m. menu.

Tony’s helps out

Valley staple Tony’s Darts Away is doing a give-back dinner on Saturday with Shared Plates, in an attempt to give some cash to local charity LA Kitchen. The $30 a head event features several casual courses and a beer, with two seatings available.

Urban dining

Rossoblu is hosting an “urban dinner party” with the Fashion District Business Improvement District. It’s going down on Thursday, October 12, and costs a cool $120, with guests dining at a communal 120-foot table and eating/drinking across multiple courses from chef Steve Samson.

One more time

The final Nomad Truck chef collaboration is happening next month with Nancy Silverton. This last chicken burger round will be offered with mint yogurt, zhug, and cilantro, with proceeds going to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Launch party is October 2 outside Chi Spacca on Melrose.