A slow Saturday in La Cañada
The farmers’ market, Descanso, and the small shops and counters that make La Cañada Flintridge so great.
La Cañada Flintridge is more commonly called La Cañada, though the two distinct cities of La Cañada and Flintridge merged in 1976. Here you’ll find a small-town feel with tons of nature nearby in the mountains, Descanso Gardens, NASA’s JPL and highly rated schools with LCF’s own district. Fun fact: this is also where Shohei Ohtani called home, albeit momentarily.
Saturday farmers’ market
Rain or shine, the farmers and vendors still show up. Nicholas Family Farms is a forever favorite for peaches, citrus, and cherries. If you’re able to, stop by your local market; their livelihood depends on it.
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive, open daily. Our favorite place to explore, in every season.
Penelope’s Café
One of La Cañada’s best-kept secrets, and I say secret because I drove by for years without realizing what it was. From the outside it looks like a small cottage; inside is a warm dining room and a gorgeous tree-shaded patio. Consistently tasty food and drinks, and a team that’s been there for years.
Honeybird/Uncle Phil’s
I grew up with Chef/Owner Phil, and he and his wife Michelle are all about their community and putting out good food. My family’s order, every time: 8-piece fried chicken, two Honeybird sandwiches with housemade pickles and honey mustard, mac n’ cheese, chipotle macaroni salad, broccoli salad, coleslaw, orange chili roasted vegetables, Arnold Palmer. They do a great breakfast/brunch, too! Try their breakfast burrito. Uncle Phil’s has amazing smashburgers and beef tallow fries.
Quick counters on Foothill
Rice & Nori for onigiri, hand rolls and sashimi (they do not skimp on fillings); Sushi Nakata Express for the freshest sushi I’d had in a long time; Zeke Swirls for açaí bowls and smoothies; Handel’s for ice cream; Dragon Boba for tea and mochi.
The view up the hill
There’s a reason they call it Ocean View Blvd. Drive just up the hill and you see all of downtown and a glimpse of the ocean.
About the author
Jean shares local Foothills notes because she is always trying new places and doesn’t gatekeep. She is also a local real estate agent.
About Jean
