Union

Union Restaurant Review:

Just off Pasadena’s main drag, Union reveals its passion for farmers markets with a giant blackboard listing where you can buy fresh produce every day of the week. There’s plenty on the menu, too, as the salads are veritable confetti explosions of color, texture and flavor. One features a combination of red and golden roasted beets punctuated with thin, pretty shavings of raw Chioggia beets. Animal products feel the love as well. Generous servings of beef bone marrow include two troughs of pure, silken goodness bedecked with roasted grapes, Moroccan olives, parsley and croutons. Toothsome house-made tagliatelle nestled in rich pork ragù reminds diners never to underestimate the pleasures of a bowl of pasta and red sauce. Chiffon-light olive oil cake, flanked by honey gelato and topped with almonds and orange slices, is an ideal finish. The wine list embraces Italian and California vintages.