I am not good with showing my emotions, especially passion. Maybe I wasn’t hugged enough as a child, maybe too many of my goldfish died, or maybe I am afraid to wake up one day and lose it all. Maybe I am being dramatic but thankfully there are people like Paul Rosenbluh and Carl Weintraub who don’t mind sharing their passion. We spent a short Sunday morning with them at their restaurant, Firefly Bistro in Pasadena, California. Thanks to their passion, the trinity of food, music and booze can come together and create Fooboosic. Yes, I coined a term. Come on Merriam-Webster!

This Is Personal

I wasn’t consciously aware Los Angeles had many live musical brunches to offer. I wasn’t aware of Chef Paul’s love for chosing nonconforming beers. I didn’t know co-owner Carl would accompany Blues guitarist and singer Barry “Big B” Brenner for a song.

Seven and three-quarter years ago they opened Firefly Bistro. It is more than a career for Chef Paul; it’s a whole lifestyle because this restaurant is run by family. The menu is constantly changing, including unique plates for the meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. “I have a short attention span,” he says. Though Paul himself likes to eat animals, he avoids the same boring pasta plates and steamed veggies. He creates original dishes like the grilled Indian cauliflower, or the popular spicy butternut squash doughnuts.

Chef Paul Talks About German Beer Samichlaus ABV 14%

The Blues

I enjoy being musically accompanied while I eat. One-man band Big B Brenner knows how to play four different guitars, which he calls his ladies, and has a percussion section called tap shoes. Come back on Thursdays nights for the ‘Blues, Beers, and Burger’ and knock back great beers while chowing down on Paul’s burger concoctions like the Cajun or Potato Herb burger with butternut squash chips. All this goodness while Barry serenades you; it’s like music to my gut. I might just smile a little.

Interviewing Big B and a Brief Performance (With Carl)








Where?
Firefly Bistro
1009 El Centro St.
South Pasadena, CA 91030

When?
Sunday Brunch
10am – 2pm

Blues, Beers, Burgers Thursday Nights
6pm – 9pm

Additional information
http://www.eatatfirefly.com/