Vertical Wine Bistro, Pasadena, CA

Just got back from having a martini at the Vertical Wine Bistro on North Raymond Avenue in Pasadena, California.  The bistro is a well appointed wine bar located up two flights of wrought-iron stairs in a narrow, glassed over corridor between two buildings (there’s an elevator for the less ambitious).  Once upstairs, the lighting and dark paneling will make you feel like you’ve found a home away from home; the atmosphere is great.  There’s an extensive wine list (duh) and a short list of specialty cocktails.  It was a great place to get together with a group of friends from the meeting I was in town for.  The liquor list was pretty much top shelf (at least what was on display behind the bar).  I ordered one of their specialties, a Vertical Martini, made with 42 Below Vodka and garnished with a Point Reyes blue-cheese stuffed olive.  A friend wanted a desert cocktail and ordered a Chocolatini made with Stolli Vanil, Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur, and Crème de Cacao.  Both drinks were excellent, and we were pleased to see the bartenders pre-chilling the glasses.  All in all, a great place for a quiet cocktail with friends.