It seems like quality food always comes at a price: not measured in dollars, that is, but in friendliness. Derek's, however, bucks the trend. Hosted in a Pasadena mini-mall, the California-French restaurant offers notably personable service to go along with its spectacular food. Flavorful starters include seared foie gras with caramelized mango and frissee, and a salad of watercress, roasted pecans, apples and Gorgonzola. Main courses like the rack of New Zealand lamb and the roasted muscovy duck dazzle the palate. When you finally finish your meal with a dessert like figs in port or warm brioche bread pudding, it's clear why everyone here smiles, even as they loosen their belt a notch or two.