Tucked into a cozy stretch of Green Street, Agnes in Pasadena is a warm and inviting spot that blends the charm of a Midwestern cheesery with the thoughtful curation of a modern California kitchen. I recently stopped by for an appetizer and was immediately drawn to their charcuterie board—and it did not disappoint.
The board was a showcase of balance and craft. It featured a creamy goat cheese from Wisconsin, firm sheep cheese from France, finocchiona salami, pork rillette, dried apricots, apricot jam, pickled red pepper, white grapes, Dijon mustard, mini pickles, corn chips, and an array of crackers. Every component had its place, and nothing felt out of sync.
The cheeses were the highlight: the goat cheese, delightfully spreadable and mild, played beautifully with the sweet notes of the apricot jam, while the sheep cheese provided a firmer, more assertive counterpoint. I typically steer clear of salami due to that all-too-familiar processed flavor, but the finocchiona here was a revelation—aromatic, savory, and free of that artificial tang. It easily beat the “deli meat allegations.” Similarly, the pork rillette was rich without being overwhelming, and most impressively, it lacked that unpleasant “swiny” aftertaste that often plagues pork spreads.
The board’s accompaniments were not afterthoughts. The pickled red pepper and mini pickles brought necessary acidity and brightness, cutting through the richness with confidence. The Dijon mustard added a sharp tang that elevated each bite.
To round it all out, I had a cucumber gimlet that was as refreshing as it was fragrant. Each sip was a crisp, cool reprieve—the scent of cucumber making each return to the board all the more enjoyable.
Agnes delivers on what it promises: thoughtful pairings, quality ingredients, and a setting that invites you to savor the moment. Whether you’re in it for a full meal or just want to graze with a cocktail in hand, it’s a spot that feels like it knows exactly what it’s doing—and does it exceptionally well.
9/10
FeastRow 