Over the decades, Pasadena has been home to many important and famous individuals. From Albert Einstein to Sally Field, our town has welcomed names recognized all over the globe. One of our favorites was author and celebrity chef Julia Child.

Born in Pasadena in 1912, Julia Child studied to become a chef after she and her husband moved to Paris in 1948. She authored a handful of books and starred in several television shows over the course of her career, even inspiring one of SNL’s more famous skits. Our native celebrity died in 2004 at the age of 91.

To kick off the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce’s SIP-tember event, restaurants across town are paying homage to our favorite chef with a toast on her birthday. This Saturday, August 15th don your favorite 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s attire, grab a fancy new cocktail, and toast Julia at 7 p.m.

“We try to encourage people to just go out and have a good time,” says Paul Little, the Chamber of Commerce President. “In a way this is to call attention to the fact that she grew up here.”

Julia’s birthday celebration is just the beginning of Pasadena’s SIP-tember Cocktail Challenge. This is a fun competition to see which local eatery has the best cocktails around. A healthy list of Pasadena dining establishments participating in this event with special entries just for the contest, so even if you visit a favorite haunt you’ll get to try something new!

Starting August 15th you can visit www.pasadenarestaurantweek.com to view the brackets, the entries, and vote on your favorite cocktail. Past year’s winners for Pasadena’s Favorite Cocktail include the Broad Street Hurricane from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the Cucumber Skinny-tini from Toro Sushi and the Vin de Pomplemousse from Green Street Restaurant.

“This event especially is all about highlighting Pasadena as a fun place to come and have a good time,” says Little.

The winner of the SIP-tember Cocktail Challenge is chosen at the Taste of Pasadena in the Rose Bowl, during The Grand Taste-off. Last year over 400 people were in attendance when the winner was chosen, so don’t miss out this year.

What was Julia Child’s cocktail of choice, you might be wondering?

“She used to drink what she called the upside down martini, which is more Vermouth than gin,” reveals Little. If you really feel like channeling your inner Julia, be sure to try this creation at your favorite cocktail spot.

All entrants are members of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. A few returning participants are Bistro 25, Green Street Restaurant, The Otis Bar at Le Grande Orange, The Tap Room at the Langham Huntington Pasadena, Bar 1886 at The Raymond, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Pop Champagne and Dessert Bar.

Joining new for 2015 are Alondro Hot Wings, Del Frisco’s Grille, Dusit D2 Constance Hotel Pasadena, Madeline Garden Bistro plus Magnolia House and White Horse Lounge.

SIP-tember runs until September 24th, so you’ll have plenty of time to try every entry on the bracket. So get out there and get to voting!

To vote, visit the bracket here: http://www.pasadenarestaurantweek.com/vote/