The Ritz-Carlton Becomes The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa
The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa was officially rebranded as The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa on January 8, 2008.  The hotel is now owned by Great Eagle Limited, a Hong Kong-based company that owns 12 luxury hotels in North America, Asia, Australia and Europe .  The company plans to put $25 million in upgrades into the historic 392-room property, including improvements to its spa and cottages.  Set on 23 sprawling acres, the AAA Five Diamond hotel has been a Pasadena landmark since 1907. 
(626) 585-6434, http://pasadena.langhamhotels.com/

The Huntington's Chinese Garden
The 4.5-acre first phase of the Garden of Flowing Fragrance at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens will open on February 23, 2008. Visitors will stroll around the 1.5-acre lake bordered by Tai Hu rocks and enjoy a landscape that includes five hand-carved stone bridges, a stream, and a canyon waterfall connecting to the Japanese Garden . The entire $18 million Chinese Garden, which will be one of the largest classical Chinese gardens ever built outside of China, will include four specialized areas canvassing 12 acres. Development of future phases will continue over a period of years. 
(626) 405-2140, www.huntington.org  

The Gamble House Celebrates its Centennial
The Gamble House is celebrating  its 100th anniversary in 2008 with a series of special events.  The Gamble House is considered to be one of the best pr eserved examples of Craftsman-style architecture.  The home was built by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble (Procter & Gamble).  The Gamble House completed a $3.5 million exterior restoration in 2004. (626) 793-3334 ext. 10, www.gamblehouse.org

Pasadena to Host 2008 Amgen Tour of California Grand Finale
The 2008 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling road race will finish in Pasadena on Sunday, February 24. Already considered cycling's most important and successful road race held in the United States, the event's  third running will cover more than 700 miles (increased from 650 miles in 2007) over the eight days Taking place February 17-24, the race will visit 12 host cities in California for official stage starts and finishes.  The seventh and final stage on February 24 will feature a Santa Clarita to Pasadena road race, concluding with a circuit race in Pasadena . Presented by AEG, the 2007 race drew more than 1.8 million spectators, setting records for a single sporting event in the state of California , as well as any cycling event ever held on U.S. soil.  The race also has generated $100 million in economic growth for the state each year. 
(800) 307-7977, www.amgentourofcalifornia.com

Pasadena Shopping Tours
The Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Urban Shopping Adventures have launched new Pasadena shopping tours.  Shoppers can choose from two exciting tours led by a shopping expert possessing in-depth knowledge of the stores, vendors and merchandise. The "Shop Paseo Colorado " package includes a guided tour through the urban village and the surrounding Colorado Boulevard area.  The "Shop Old Pasadena" package uncovers the hidden gems and trendy hot spots in Old Pasadena. Tours are $36 per person and are available Monday through Saturday with advanced reservations. Customized tours and transportation options are also available. Pasadena shopping tours can be booked through the Pasadena CVB's Web site at www.pasadenacal.com. 
(800) 307-7977, www.pasadenacal.com

The Huntington's Gallery Renovation
The Huntington Gallery, formerly the home of Henry and Arabella Huntington, is undergoing a two-year renovation.  Built in 1911, the building is undergoing extensive electrical, seismic and plumbing repairs.  While the gallery is closed, visitors can see "Pinkie," "Blue Boy" and other favorite works of British and French Art in the Erburu Gallery, which opened in 2005.  The collection will move back into the Huntington Gallery when the $20 million renovation is completed in summer 2008.  (626) 405-2140, www.huntington.org

Pasadena Convention Center Expansion
On September 27, 2006, the $121.6 million Pasadena Convention Center expansion project broke ground. When completed in spring 2009, the state-of-the-art Center will feature 85,000 square feet of exhibit space, 28 breakout rooms, and a new 25,000-square-foot ballroom. The Convention Center will remain operational throughout the expansion process with its conference building, East Pavilion exhibit hall and the renowned 3,000-seat Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
(800) 307-7977, www.pasadenacenter.com

Pasadena City Hall Retrofit and Restoration
Pasadena City Hall , which was built in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has completed a $117 million restoration. The project included seismic strengthening, restoration of architecturally significant spaces and tenant improvements.  The project began in June 2004 and was completed in A pr April 2007.  Built by Bakewell and Brown, City Hall features a tiled dome that rises more than 200 feet. Using the style of the Italian Renaissance period, the architects - who also designed San Francisco City Hall -  created a structure that is three dimensional, bold and dominant in scope. 
(626) 744-4755, www.cityofpasadena.net

Pacific Asia Museum's Renovated Courtyard Garden
Pacific Asia Museum 's galleries surround an authentic Chinese courtyard that has served for decades as both a quiet haven for museum visitors as well as the locale for exhibit openings and parties, wedding receptions and community festivals.  Following a three-month closure in late 2006 for an intensive renovation and redesign process led by Pasadena landscaper Thomas Batchelder Cox, the courtyard garden has been restored to its original grandeur.  The garden features a tranquil pond and many lush Chinese trees, bamboos and shrubs.
(626) 449-2742, ext. 12, www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Pacific Asia Museum's Korean Gallery
A new Korean Gallery opened at Pacific Asia Museum in early 2007.  The new space is dedicated to the boldness, vigor and vitality of the arts of Korea , which has always occupied a pivotal position in the transmission of artistic styles and innovations within Asia . The gallery features sculpture, paintings and decorative objects. (626) 449-2742, ext. 12, www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Restaurant Happenings
Pasadena has more than 500 restaurants featuring cuisine from every region of the world.

      Located in the upper Fountain Court of Paseo Colorado, Paseo Cantina features authentic Mexican cuisine.  Happy hour rocks with an exquisite selection of spirits and five LCD televisions.  Specialties include handmade tortillas and guacamole prepared tableside.  Live performances by mariachis and folklorico dancers are offered Thursday through Sunday. 260 E. Colorado Blvd., (626) 683-3100

Tani serves a wide variety of Japanese cuisine.  With sleek decor and a prime location in Old Pasadena, the restaurant offers sushi, sashimi, tempura and more.  Specialties include Alaskan king crab legs in miso ginger glaze, Kobe filet mignon toban-yaki and Chilean sea bass with black bean sauce. 58 E. Colorado Blvd., (626) 578-9493

Il Capo Deli & Cafe offers large portions of Argentinean fare, including grilled meats, pasta dishes and buttery-crusted empanadas.  The charming deli offers a wide selection of groceries and wine. 1001 E. Green St., (626) 795-1001

As the latest addition to trendy Old Pasadena, NeoMeze combines small plate Mediterranean fare with lounge music and contemporary design. The sophisticated lounge environment features a relaxing indoor-outdoor bar that is open year round and an adjacent dining room that is spacious and inviting. A combination of banquette and lounge seating makes this a comfortable place to gather with friends or enjoy an intimate dinner for two. 20 E. Colorado Blvd., (626) 793-3010

Located in the Playhouse District, Japon Bistro is Pasadena's premier Sushi and sake bar.  With its sleek decor, the restaurant is home to modern Japanese cuisine and is touted as one of the few sake pairing establishments in Los Angeles . Enjoy fresh market sushi and an unrivaled world-class sake menu featuring Oni No Shitaburui (Honjozo), Ichinokura (Junmai), Momenya (Junmai) and Okunomatsu (Tokubetsu Junmai). 927 E. Colorado Blvd., (626) 744-1751

Housed in a chic-second floor spot in Old Pasadena, Vertical Wine Bistro pairs small-plate bistro fare with a dazzling selection of 250 wines from around the world.  The creation of acclaimed oenophile Mike Farwell and film producer Gale Ann Hurd, Vertical features the food of noted chef Sara Levine.  Levine's previous credits include Zax, Aubergine and Opus Bar & Grill. 70 N. Raymond Ave., (626) 795-3999

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