Citywide Celebrations for Julia Child Today, Plus a Pasadena Toast

By Lesley Balla

Happy Birthday, Julia! Yes, the doyenne of American French cooking was born on this day in 1912, right here in Southern California. In addition to a slew of special menus around town, several restaurants and bars around Pasadena, where Child was born, will have a simultaneous toast at 7 PM.

Clink glasses of champagne and fancy cocktails at places like a/k/a: an American Bistro, Magnolia Lounge, POP Champagne and Dessert Bar, The Tap Room at the Langham Huntington Hotel Vertical Wine Bistro and Bar 1886 at The Raymond. You can even dress up in 50s or 60s garb, or even better, as Julia herself. (Here's the full list of participants.) Before you go, please enjoy this fabulous PBS remix of Julia for inspiration. "Bon appetit!"