The Splichal's newest establishment, Pinot at the Chronicle, takes over the site of the former Chronicle Restaurant at 897 Granite Drive. Having opened more than 25 years ago, The Chronicle became a landmark in the Pasadena community and went unchallenged as the gathering spot and watering hole of three generations of Pasadena's social and business elite. Recognizing this, the Splichals's chose to include "The Chronicle" in the restaurant's new name in memory of this much-beloved restaurant.

Like the other Pinot restaurants, Pinot at the Chronicle has a distinctive French bistro feel. Designed and styled to have a "Turn of the Century" look, Pinot at the Chronicle features the art of such French masters as Toulouse Lautree, Pierre Renoir and Jules Cheret throughout the restaurant. Mahogany woods and cranberry velvet contribute to this feel, as do the polished brass and Aubusson-style carpeting.

The main dining room features a mural by artist Hollis Rhodes. The mural is a scene of cafe society in Paris at the Turn of the Century. It is celebrating the post-impressionist artists who were in Paris around 1910. The artists depicted include Leo and Gertrude Stein, Picaso, Modigliani, Balthaus and others. It was painted in a manner of Henri de Toulouse Lautree, who was a cafe society painter around the turn of the century.

The bar and lounge area utilizes the existing bar and is also reminiscent of the "Turn of the Century Parisian Cafe Society." Surrounding the bar, a lounge complete with wood burning fireplace and walnut tone hardwood floors, provide patrons a comfortable place to enjoy dinner or cocktails.

The architecture and design have allowed Pinot at the Chronicle to recapture the special ambiance of old Pasadena, while the menu reacquaints Pasadenans with the accessible and hearty flavors of French Bistro cuisine. The menu will continue the tradition of fine bistro fare started in Pinot Bistro. The wine list, compiled under the direction of Patina Restaurant's Sommelier Christopher Meeske, features wines from around the world, with a special emphasis on Napa valley wines.

Before joining Pinot at the Chronicle, Executive Chef Christian Schaeffer was Sous Chef at Pinot Bistro. He learned Joachim Splichal's style of fare in the kitchen of Patina restaurant where he worked for two years before transferring to Pinot Bistro. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Schaeffer learned to cook in a Venice-area restaurant, eventually earning a position at Remi in Santa Monica. He spent one year as an apprentice in Italy where he refined his skills.

Pinot at the Chronicle
897 Granite Drive
Pasadena, CA 91101

Reservations: 626-792-1179
Lunch Monday through Friday
Dinner Monday through Saturday
For Private parties, contact Nina Crowe (213)960-1762