On November 5, I was invited to join Teddy Bedjakian at his reborn Mills Alley establishment in Old Town Pasadena. Equatorwas a coffeehouse in the “Beverly Hills 90210” days. Bedjakian bought Equator in 1999 after it had become a hookah lounge. Now it’s a coffeehouse in the morning and an Asian restaurant at night, with chef-partner Jack Zhang in charge of the menu. The revamped space features high ceilings, exposed wood beams, brick walls and plenty of Buddha imagery.

Zhang’s Pan Asian dishes include Spicy Tuna over Crispy Rice ($8), a Baked Crab Hand Roll ($6), Spicy Seared Albacore ($8) topped with crispy onions, Tuna Tartare ($11) with spicy tuna and avocado on crispy wontons, Equator Basil Mignon ($15) – filet mignon in a basil and black pepper sauce, Honey Glazed Shrimp with Walnuts ($14), and Curry Pineapple Fried Rice ($12) with chicken, shrimp and cashew nuts with peas and carrots. Zhang also concocts nightly specials. Tonight, that meant seared ahi with with yuzu, jalapeno, red peppers, and a mound of mashed potatoes with a curry center.

On weekends, Chef Zhang’s mother prepares dim sum, including stand-bys like shrimp siu mai, pan-fried pork dumplings, and baked B.B.Q. pork buns.

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This entry is filed under Chef Changes, LA Culinary Compass, Menu Changes.