Sous chef Kellen Woodcock, left, pantry chef Jeri Perlman, chef de cuisine Bryan Hankins and executive chef Claud Beltran light up the kitchen at Noir Food & Wine Bar in Pasadena. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
The exterior of Noir Food & Wine bar, on North Mentor Street next door to the Ice House comedy club in Pasadena. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Fresh burrata and sliced Bosc pears with walnut vinaigrette and parsley coulis. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Shrimp and sausage gumbo. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Pat Gallagher and friend Margaret Halpenny prepare to enjoy a glass of white wine at Noir Food & Wine Bar. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Blue-nose sea bass with braised sunchokes in red wine sauce. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Shrimp remoulade, poached gulf white shrimp in classic sauce and grilled treviso lettuce. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
The Farwell burger with tarragon, caramelized onions, remoulade sauce and melted pecorino sardo. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
Noirs wine list has more than 600 labels. Tom, left, and Margaret Halpenny and Pat Gallagher. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)