Morsels
By Carl Kozlowski 06/26/2008
Life on the menu
Especially in these tense times in the world, it’s always nice to hear about average citizens who break down barriers just by being good neighbors.
One such story today is that of Jahanshah and Jahansooz Jomehri, two Iranian émigré brothers who run the five-location Lovebirds Café chain in Pasadena, Alhambra and Monterey Park and are making a tremendous impact in their adopted community.
The Jomehri brothers came to the US as high schoolers and after college the duo opened a restaurant in Alhambra because they felt it was a secure and stable business even in troubled economic times. Their five-restaurant empire has proven them correct.
The brothers always vowed they would give back to the community if they succeeded, and they’ve kept that promise in spades. They regularly give food to homeless shelters and sponsor numerous community activities, but now they’ve decided to go the extra mile and established a scholarship fund that’s about to help send four area students to college.
The students, who have all studied under artistic director Yin Yin Huang at the Acevedo Music and Art Education Foundation, are: Evan Acevedo, who will study civil engineering at Carnegie Mellon University; Marion Aguas, who will study music at UCLA; incoming Stanford University student Brenda Ou, and high school senior Evelyn Hsu. What made the four stand out to the Jomehri brothers was their deep devotion to performing music at charity events for such tragedies as the Taiwan earthquake, 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina.
“We’re just happy to make a difference in the lives of young people who care so much about the lives of others,” says Jahanshah Jomehri.
Lovebirds’ Pasadena location is at 921 E. Colorado Blvd. Call (626) 583-8888 or visit www.lovebirdscafe.com.
Moving munchies
The Holly Street Bar & Grill, which combined a warm atmosphere with cool jazz and a delectably diverse menu, has long been a local favorite.
But after more than two decades in business, they’re deciding to shake things up. On July 1, the Holly Street will relaunch as the Eden Garden Bar & Grill.
Teaming up with the popular Eden Garden restaurant in Glendora, the new partnership will have more seating capacity on its patio area, with new design elements like waterfalls and an outdoor fireplace. Longtime Chef Humberto will add to his already extensive repertoire by adding new items celebrating the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Help celebrate by enjoying a meal starting Tuesday at 175 E. Holly St., Pasadena. Call (626) 440-1421.
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