FROM DEREK'S DESK

Summer is around the corner and the graduation parties have begun. A time when the youth around us take center stage, and effortlessly manage to emphasize our increasing lack thereof! Once I would have been as carefree (maybe more!) as they, when donning my Speedo and heading for the beach. Now, I find at the great age of 35(!) I am just a little more conscious of when and where I show off my gorgeous physique.

With this in mind, I find myself considering those of us who are ‘in our prime’ and wish to stay there! Since we all live to eat (not eat to live), and would find it a challenge to pass up on a glass of wine or enjoyable meal at the end of the day, I thought I should move toward adding some lighter dishes to the menu at Derek’s. Thus, we too may enjoy the sun, sand, sea and surf without becoming shrinking violets.

Congratulations to all those who are graduating this season, and to all those that have in the past. I hope I may see many of you, as you celebrate success in the coming months. Whether it is a result of your scholarly endeavors or just a celebration of life. So don’t spend all your time at the beach! A votre santé. D.

Celebrate Father’s Day, Saturday June 17th at Derek’s

Bring in Dad for an early treat and let us get the evening started with Derek’s Orange Martinis... with our complements for all Dads. Follow it with our Special Father’s Day tasting Menu, or you may prefer to choose from our Á la Carte menu. We are featuring a real treat, Snake River Farms Kobe Beef. Reserve early, so as not to miss out... 626-799-5252

1st
Prosciutto Salad, Zesty Organic Arugula, Shaved Bartlett Pears & Aged Grated Parmesan Reggiano

2nd
Maryland Crab Cake with Papaya Basil Relish

3rd
Snake River Farms, Kobe Rib-eye Steak
Blue Cheese, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Pômmes Frites, Bordelaise Reduction

4th
Summer Berry Cocktail with Amaretto Sabayon Cream, Chocolate Shards

Father’s Day Tasting Menu $105 per guest. Wine Pairing $30 per guest. 1 complementary martini for all Dads in your party. Tax and gratuity not included.

The beauty of Snake River Farms American-style Kobe beef is its simplicity. It has been naturally raised from the finest stock in the best environments for an intense and succulent beef flavor to be savored and enjoyed.

"Prime," the highest U.S.D.A. grade for beef, cannot define the quality of Snake River Farms. The Japanese rating system includes several marbling scores higher than U.S.D.A. Prime. Meeting Japan's exclusive marbling requirements means that Snake River Farms American style Kobe beef far exceeds the quality of all other U.S. beef brands.

A New Zealand First: Craggy Range Wine Dinner, Tuesday June 27th at 6.30pm

A most extraordinary wine dinner all the way from New Zealand, this is one dinner not to miss! We’ve been lucky enough to be introduced to Steve Smith, owner and winemaker of Craggy Range Winery. He is the only person in the world to be both a “Master of Wine” and a specialist viticulturist. So, don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to meet and talk to one of the most prominent figures in the New Zealand Wine Industry.

Reservations: 626-799-5252

On arrival
Craggy Range, Sauvignon Blanc, 2005

1st
Heirloom Tomato Salad, Burrata & Organic Basil, Balsamic Reduction
“Le Beaux Cailloux” Chardonnay, 2004

2nd
Tempura-style Ahi Tuna, wrapped in Seaweed
Pinot Noir, 2004

3rd
New Zealand Lamb, Mint-infused Lentil Salad & Grain Mustard
Merlot, 2002

4th
Derek’s Tiramisu, Valrhona Chocolate, Rum & Espresso
“Le Sol” Syrah, 2004

Wine Dinner, Friday July 28th at 6.30pm—Summer Sizzlers

Take a step off the beaten path and join us, as we discover and sample some fun and flavorful wines that are perfect for those lazy Sunday afternoons (or evening barbecues with family and friends). Hosted by a returning favorite, Paul Young, a true wine enthusiast and importer. Join us for an evening of indulgence, starting with a great little white from Gascogne in the South of France, Domaine Cassagnoles, 2005. Plus, take home some of our Achiote marinade, perfect for your summer barbecues.

1st
Spinach Salad, Avocado, Toasted Pine nuts & Miso Dressing
Mourgues du Gres Galet Rose, 2005

2nd
Pan Seared Ono, Orzo Pesto Pasta and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Belle Pente Pinot Noir, 2002

3rd
Achiote Chicken atop a Grilled Vegetable Timbale
St Damien Gigondas, Old Vines, 2003

4th
Mixed Berry Summer Pudding, Chantilly Cream in Tuile Cups
Bella, Late Harvest Zinfandel, 2005

Price is $95 per person. Tax and gratuity not included. All wines featured will be available for purchase through Mission Wines in South Pasadena.

Coming Soon in August

Watch our web site for details ... Special Summer Tasting Menu.
Wine dinner with Chuck Demerie

PERFECT PARTY PLACES
Private rooms at Derek’s from 6 to 40 guests.
Catering – Let us do the work! Dickenson West Fine Catering

DEREK'S—181 EAST GLENARM STREET—PASADENA—626/799-5252—WWW.DEREKS.COM