POP Champagne & Dessert Bar is a sexy place for first dates, social gatherings, after-work drinks, or any night out on the town. Our simple yet elegant décor complements the historical architecture and culture of Old Town Pasadena.
Indulge yourself in our extensive selection of Champagnes, sparkling wines, dessert wines and artisanal beers, to be enjoyed with our full savory menu of delectable entrees, small plates, gourmet cheeses, caviar, charcuterie, and of course our house made desserts that will tantalize your taste buds.
At POP there is no need to feel intimidated by an endless list of wines when you can speak with our on-site certified sommelier. We are here to help you find the perfect pairing for your food or point you towards a new wine that may soon become your favorite.
With over fifty wines by the glass, ever-changing flights, and a growing bottle list, POP is the perfect place for novices and connoisseurs alike, to explore and play in the alluring world of Champagne and desserts.
Meet Our Staff
Yash Youssefi
Yash was born in the East and was raised on a small farm town in Maryland. He pursued his first year of college at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, all the while working in the food service industry. His parents moved back to his home country upon Yash’s acceptance into college. Yash visited his cousin in California a few times during breaks and decided to transfer to California. The weather attracted him the most. Yash worked his way up from support staff to a management position very quickly, all the while taking classes full time at California State University Northridge. In the limited time he had, Yash learned the importance of efficiency and organization in all aspects of his life. It was then when he had realized his passion for perfection of service and efficient management operations. Yash soon graduated with a Business Management and Marketing degree and has had proven success in all establishments he has managed: Four Seasons ‘Char Fasl’ Mediterranean Cuisine, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, and Citizen Smith.
Yash is a strong supporter of his employees and believes that they are the heart and soul of any establishment. Yash believes that “service” is an element that is completely within an establishment’s control. One of Yash’s goals is to have POP be known as the Bridal Shower & Bachelorette capital of the greater Los Angeles area.
Ray Vasquez
Ray, youngest of four boys, was born in east Los Angeles and has lived in the Los Angeles area all his life. Right out of high school, Ray took some time away from starting his career to take child development courses and become a preschool teacher and later operated an after-school day care center. Realizing that wasn’t his passion, he decided to finally follow his dream and attend culinary school at age 24. Right out of Cordon Bleu, Chef Ray moved to the Big Island, Hawaii, and worked at the Mauna Lani Hotel and Resort, working at every kitchen outlet, from the beach grill to The Canoe House, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. Chef Ray moved back to the mainland and has worked at The Ritz Carlton, (now the Langham) in Pasadena. Chef Ray has been with POP since its opening in 2008.
Rafael Sanchez
Rafael was born and raised in South Pasadena. The youngest of 5 children, wine was the last thing on his mind until he worked at The Raymond Restaurant. Here, under the guidance of the Sommelier at the time Steve Krikul, Rafael discovered a passion for the fine dining experience, food, and wine. Newly inspired, he began to seek out everything Champagne had to offer. This led him to Wine Expo, which is a retail shop with one of the largest selections of Champagnes outside of France, and then its sister store 55° Wine. Rafael's never ending thirst for Champagne ultimately led him to POP. A year and a half after POP opened it's doors, he was drawn away to work for well known wine critic James Suckling formerly of Wine Spectator. Rafael worked closely with him to launch his new endeavor, and in March 2011, returned to POP.
Rafael believes that the Champagnes made by independent growers are the ones that represent 'le Champagne' the best. Some of his favorite Champagnes are 2006 Cedric Bouchard 'Le Inflorescence', 1978 Drappier 'Carte d'Or', 2004 Cristal Rose, Laherte Freres 'Le Clos', Bereche et Fils 'Tradition', just to name a few. Rafael is happy to be back at POP, and eager to continue bringing some of the finest Champagnes to his hometown.
(Photo: Rafael with Patrick Le Brun Chairman of the Comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC) and President of Syndicat General des Vignerons (SGV).)