HiHo Cheeseburger Opened in Pasadena!

Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses. The newsletter dedicated to letting you know what’s happening around town.

Happy Hanukkah, Pasadena!

In Today’s News N’ Roses:

HiHo Cheeseburger Opened Yesterday
Pasadena Celebrates Hanukkah
Events this Wednesday & Thursday
Civil News
Restaurant Spotlight: Javier’s – There’s a New Kid in Town by Peter Dills, AKA LA Foodie
Live Music Lowdown

Let’s get to it.

—Matthew Ramirez

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🎅THE DIGEST

HiHo Cheeseburger Opened Yesterday

HiHo Cheeseburger opened in Pasadena yesterday, and it drew a crowd from the start.

There were long lines throughout the day, but many people said the burgers were really good and worth the wait. Even with the opening-day rush, the place stayed busy well into the evening.

The space will eventually be shared with Cheesesteaks by Matū, which is coming soon and adds another reason to keep an eye on the spot.

If you’re planning to go, expect a line, at least for now.

Pasadena Celebrates Hanukkah

Hanukkah began earlier this week in Pasadena with public menorah lightings and family events around town. Chabad of Pasadena held a community lighting at City Hall, and families gathered at Vroman’s for a Hanukkah storytime to start the week.

Hanukkah, the eight-night Festival of Lights, marks an ancient story of perseverance and renewal. It commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago and the tradition of a single day’s worth of oil lasting eight nights. Today, the holiday is observed by lighting a candle each night on a Hanukkiah, adding one more as the week goes on.

There’s still more happening. Menorahs & Martinis takes place tonight, and the Menorah Car Parade rolls through Pasadena on Thursday, ending with a community celebration.

🎁@NEWSN_ROSES

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☃️WHAT’S HAPPENING

Wednesday (12/17/25)

🩰 Holidays @ the Playhouse: Bob Baker’s “Nutcracker”: Experience this beloved marionette version of the holiday classic, filled with whimsical characters, intricate sets, and timeless seasonal magic. Sierra Madre Playhouse, Wednesday, December 17 at 4:30PM & 7:30PM.

🎄 Rebuilding Together: Altadena Chamber Holiday Mixer: Jingle and mingle with local business and community members during this festive, poolside holiday mixer. Altadena Town & Country Club, Wednesday, December 17 at 5PM.

🐶 Hidden Gems: A Pop-Up Dog Adoption Event: Meet lovable dogs looking for their forever homes during this weekly pop-up that gives long-stay pups a chance to shine. PetSmart Hastings Ranch, Wednesday, December 17 at 5PM.

🎄 LA Fire Justice Christmas Posada Celebration: Come together for a heartfelt Posada celebration with traditional festivities, shared meals, and community connection in support of families impacted by the Eaton Fire. La Fiesta Grande Restaurant, Wednesday, December 17 at 6PM.

🎄 Blair PTSA Holiday Meet Up: Connect with fellow Blair parents for a relaxed holiday gathering with drinks, bites, and good conversation at a neighborhood favorite. The Good Neighbor Bar (2311 Lincoln Ave., Altadena), Wednesday, December 17 from 6–9PM.

🧠 Game Night Live Trivia at Stone Brewing: Grab a drink and jump into fast-paced, game-show–style trivia with word jumbles, picture rounds, and plenty of chances to win prizes—no trivia mastery required. Stone Brewing Tap Room – Pasadena, Wednesday, December 17 from 6–8PM.

🍸 Menorahs & Martinis!: Celebrate Chanukah with martinis and mocktails, a collaborative art menorah, games, and festive food in this lively adults-only social. 1090 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, Wednesday, December 17 from 7–10PM.

🎭 Bacchus’ Kitchen Presents “Art” by Yasmina Reza: Enjoy a special benefit performance of the Tony Award–winning comedy in an intimate dinner-and-show setting supporting Friends of El Faro. Bacchus’ Kitchen + Wine Bar, Wednesday, December 17 at 8PM.

Thursday (12/18/25)

🚶 Walking Group: Enjoy a refreshing morning walk with friendly neighbors while getting some light exercise around the park and community. South Pasadena Senior Center, Thursday, December 18 at 8AM.

🖼️ Curator’s Tour | Cha-Rie Tang: 48 Years of Artistic Innovation in Pasadena: Join curator Cha-Rie Tang for a guided look at her decades-spanning work, from vibrant fused glass to architectural tile designs rooted in Pasadena. Pasadena Museum of History, Thursday, December 18 at 11AM.

🌲 Winter Wreaths with Forger Crafts: Get creative with fresh seasonal evergreens and fragrant winter touches during this cozy, adults-only wreath-making workshop. Crowell Public Library, Barth Community Room. Thursday, December 18 at 11AM.

🥬 South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Shop California-grown produce, grab dinner from prepared food vendors, and enjoy the relaxed, tree-lined vibe that makes this weekly market a local favorite. South Pasadena Farmers’ Market, Thursday, December 18 from 4–7PM.

🕎 Chanukah Menorah Parade & Celebration: Light up the night with a festive menorah car parade, public menorah lighting, kids’ crafts, and plenty of Chanukah treats for the whole family. Playhouse Village Park, Thursday, December 18 at 5PM.

🎤 Toastmasters Talk of the Town: Build confidence and sharpen your public speaking skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment with guided practice and coaching. Crowell’s Thornton Conference Room, Thursday, December 18 at 6PM.

✍️ Writer’s Block: Creative Writing & Meaningful Connection: Gather with fellow writers for relaxed free-writing, sharing, and supportive feedback in a welcoming space for all creative levels. Octavia’s Bookshelf, Thursday, December 18 from 6–8PM.

🎄 A Christmas Carol: Ring in the season with this beloved holiday tradition, bringing Dickens’ classic tale of redemption to life with music, warmth, and plenty of festive cheer. A Noise Within, Thursday, December 18 at 7PM.

🎶 Melodia Mariposa’s 2025 Holiday Concert: Celebrate the season with festive favorites and beloved classics performed by the Melodia Mariposa All Star Orchestra in this joyful annual holiday concert. Westminster Presbyterian Church, Thursday, December 18 at 7PM.

💃 LindyGroove Holiday Party: Dance the night away in a festive winter wonderland with DJ music, student performances, a holiday outfit contest, photo booth fun, and plenty of seasonal treats. Pasadena Masonic Temple, Thursday, December 18 from 8PM–12AM.

Save the Date

✨ Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens lights up after dark with immersive, walk-through installations, glowing art, and a magical holiday atmosphere. Descanso Gardens. Runs to January 4, 5:30PM–10PM.

🌼 Decorating Places – Float Viewing: Get a behind-the-scenes look at Rose Parade floats as teams add the final flowers and natural details before New Year’s Day. Rose Parade Decorating Facilities. December 28–30 (hours vary by day).

🎺 Bandfest: Catch a preview of the Rose Parade’s world-class bands as they take the field for spirited performances ahead of their New Year’s Day march. Pasadena City College. December 29–30 (multiple showtimes).

Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!

🔔CIVIL NEWS

Reconnecting Communities Advisory Group Meeting

Learn about ongoing efforts to reconnect neighborhoods and shape a future vision for former 710 corridor properties during this public advisory group meeting. Pasadena City Hall Council Chambers. Wednesday, December 17 at 6:30PM. For full agenda, click here.

❄️NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER

Wednesday

73 🌡️ 56 |☀️| 💨 N 5 mph

🌆 Air Quality Index: 78 (Moderate)

Thursday

77 🌡️ 58 |🌤️| 💨 NW 3 mph

Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler Radar.

🍖RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Javier’s – There’s a New Kid in Town

by Peter Dills, Local Food Dude ([email protected])
Listen to the ‘Peter Dills AKA LA Foodie’ podcast here.

Before stepping inside Javier’s in Pasadena, I thought I knew exactly what I was getting into. Swanky Las Vegas? Check. A luxury restaurant straight out of Cancún? Absolutely. Beautiful people, big energy, and prices that let you know—immediately—this is not your neighborhood taco stop. As the Eagles reminded us back in the ’80s, “there’s a new kid in town,” and Javier’s has arrived with the volume turned up.

The room buzzes from the moment you walk in. It’s polished, packed, and electric. This is dining as theater. People are dressed, engaged, and clearly here for more than just dinner. Javier’s isn’t trying to blend in—it’s trying to stand out, and on that front, it succeeds.

Let’s talk about the numbers, because everyone will anyway. A $20 guacamole? Fine—that’s the price of admission. Short ribs hovering around $45? Your call. Margaritas north of $25? You knew that going in. And if the owners are reading this, don’t be upset—those prices are part of your admission too. You’re selling an experience, not just a plate of food.

My first impression was a very good one, and I’ll be back—maybe as soon as next week. That said, even the new kid gets a little grace period. Service, surprisingly, bordered on too attentive. Yes, Peter Dills complaining about too much service.

At one point, there were so many bartenders orbiting our area I lost count. One mystery remains: why did the fifth bartender keep taking away our menus? We weren’t finished ordering. Yet—menu gone. Add in two servers forgetting the iced tea, then both remembering it at the same time, and things briefly slipped into controlled chaos.

These are small growing pains, not deal breakers. One server, one bartender, clear lanes—and problem solved.

Javier’s has the energy, the crowd, and the confidence. The new kid in town just needs to settle in. When that happens, Pasadena will be humming right along.

[Photo: Official]

Javier’s | Pasadena
One Colorado, 24 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 773-3579
Opens at 11:30 AM

🌟LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

🎶 Music in the Chinese Garden: Wander through the Huntington’s Chinese Garden while a live solo musician plays traditional, unamplified melodies that beautifully complement the serene landscape. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, Wednesday, December 17 from 1–3PM.

🎶 Tony Barba, Jakob Heinemann, Ethan Snyder + more: Catch an adventurous night of original compositions and improvisation as this genre-blurring trio makes its debut alongside special guests exploring jazz, experimental, and electronic soundscapes. Healing Force of the Universe, Thursday, December 18 at 8PM.

🎶 Swedish Nightingales at Old Towne Pub: Catch this late-night set from the Swedish Nightingales in one of Pasadena’s most tucked-away, classic pub venues—down the alley and into the music. Old Towne Pub Pasadena, Thursday, December 18 at 9PM.

🎄THANKS!

Thanks for reading News N’ Roses today. If you found something useful, share it with someone whose cat is now living under the Christmas tree. 🐈🎄

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HiHo Cheeseburger Opened in Pasadena!