Today was picture-postcard perfect! Headed out to Old Pasadena from the hotel and moseyed down Colorado Boulevard, which forms part of the Rose Parade route. That's where we saw a sign summing up Pasadena's teenager curfew: "Hang Out After Ten, Think Again." That's also where we stumbled upon an alley lined with potted poinsettias and tony stores that include the Metropolitan Museum of Art Shop and a purveyor of fine beachware, which of course sells here year-round.

The crown jewel of this European-style walkway is The Fornaio, an Italian restaurant, bakery and coffeeshop. Eating lunch today on the walkway outside The Fornaio was sublime. The food featured a roasted eggplant and goat cheese sandwich on crusty bun, with fresh fruit and eggnog latte, all burnished to perfection by 80-degree sunshine. Is this how the Greek gods dined out? Well, maybe not the latte part. The alley is located . . . aw, you should find it yourself when you're out here - thrill of discovery, you know?

(From top to bottom: Old Pasadena storefront window; brunch at an outdoor cafe in Old Pasadena; and curfew street sign.)

More postcards:
Dec. 28: Westard ho!
Dec. 28: Thawing out
Dec. 28: LA scene
Dec. 29: Old Pasadena
Dec. 29: Roses HQ
Dec. 29: Petal pushers
Dec. 30: 90210
Dec. 30: 90210, cont'd
Dec. 30: A sea of red
Dec. 31: Venice Beach
Jan. 1: Rose Parade
Jan. 1: The Game
Jan. 1: The Game, cont'd
Jan. 2: P.S.

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Photos by Jeff Miller, text by Jeff Iseminger.