Twisted Sage: A Refreshing Twist on Breakfast and Lunch

I am cheating this week because technically, Twisted Sage is in San Dimas. However, it is so close to the border of Glendora and too good a secret to keep to myself. This food defies geographic limits.

After a four-year struggle with city zoning limits, Jolyn & Richard Thompson have prevailed and unveiled their café, which “provides fresh affordable meals with a focus on classic Americana with a ‘twist’.”  I applaud their victory—which is quite a feat, since my hands are busy shoveling their food into my mouth.

The café resides in the new Spanish Mission-style business park across the street from Kosmos Burgers on Foothill Blvd.  The interior features an eclectic décor with a mix of rustic earth tones, contemporary flourishes and a hint of raw industrial edge.

My husband decided on the grilled chicken panini ($8.45), which came with a side selection of banana chips, root chips or salad. The sourdough was freshly pressed in a waffle maker and enveloped a marinated chicken breast, sun dried tomatoes and pesto with melted havarti cheese.  It was warm and satisfying; the only complaint was that there was not enough of it for his hearty appetite.

I opted for the half portion of seared ahi wrap with a cup of vegetable soup ($8.45). The soup was made with chunks of fresh squash, zucchini and tomatoes adrift in a soothing, clear broth.  The wrap was outstanding: peppery seared ahi tuna, crisp ginger sesame slaw and perfectly ripe avocado with cucumber wasabi dressing stuffed into a soft jalapeno cheddar tortilla.

Our kids enjoyed the kids’ meals ($3.25), which offered a choice of grilled cheese, PB&J, mini hot dog or Kraft mac and cheese with a side of fruit, soft drink and a mini Tootsie Pop. 

Twisted Sage not only serves fresh and delicious food, it does so with a clean conscience. Richard designed the interior by recycling various raw materials. Jolyn tosses ends of sliced vegetables in soups, bread heels in crumb toppings and day old scones in bread pudding. To-go cups are compostable and takeout materials are made from recycled materials and recyclable.  Their creative resourcefulness minimizes waste without compromising quality and freshness.

When we arrived, the indoor seating was plentiful.  By noon, though, there was a line out the door for dine-in and takeout orders.  Besides offering takeout, Twisted Sage also offers catering.  Considering its deserved popularity, that is probably a good thing. 

“Being born and raised here and now raising my own kids here, I know we fill a need in the area,” explained Jolyn. “We’d love to be that spot where people come and hang out.”  Offering free wi-fi is a step towards that vision, something that the Thompsons do not lack. They have grand plans for expansion into the neighboring space and outdoor seating, dreams of a bakery and hopes for extended hours with live entertainment. 

Now if only some folks from the “right” city department from a “certain” city would fall in love with their food like we have and help them out (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)…

Twisted Sage

Address: 433 E. Foothill Blvd., San Dimas, CA  91773
Business Hours: Monday – Friday 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone Number: (909) 305-0724
Price Range: $1.50 - $9.45
Type of Cuisine: American
Standout Dish: Seared ahi wrap