a/k/a Bistro celebrates grand opening in Pasadena

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After nearly two months of running a soft-open operation, a/k/a Bistro in Pasadena is celebrating its grand opening. a/k/a is owned by the restaurateurs behind Pasadena’ s more-than-2-decade-old Bistro 45.

Owner Robert Simon opened a/k/a Bistro after closing another incarnation of the restaurant, which was in Napa Valley. There he honed the seasonal, Wine Country concept that he’s brought to Pasadena. And with that concept comes chef Johnny Wiener, who put in time at Napa’s Etoile before joining the staff of a/k/a.

Simon, who has also worked with Alice Waters, is committed to using organic, sustainable ingredients, as is Wiener.

Menu items include beef tartare served with pickled Dijon mustard and egg yolk; charcuterie featuring housemade country pate, foie torchon, Parma prosciutto and handmade San Francisco salume served with mixed olives, pickled fennel and housemade mustard; crispy portobello fries with truffle aioli; grilled and sautéed Monterey calamari; all-natural Angus burgers; mussels with house-smoked Manila clams served with housemade chorizo; and Snake River Kobe flat iron served with steak fries, Blue Lake beans and a Cabernet reduction.

a/k/a cures its own pork and makes its own bacon, pickles, corned beef and cabbage.

Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard cut the grand-opening ribbon at the official celebration party, above. The restaurant is 4,500 square feet and includes a 12-seat rectangular bar as well as butcher-block tables, a cheerful patio and a glass-enclosed wine room that stores more than 2,000 bottles. Local craft beer is also available.

a/k/a Bistro, 41 Hugus Alley, One Colorado Plaza, Pasadena. (626) 564-8111; www.akabistro.com

-- Jessica Gelt