WHY It’s a delicious ’80s-era time warp—noisy, pricey and crowded—with desserts worth sticking around for, like the dim sum dessert box and the crème brûlée trio. WHAT It’s been a quarter-century since Wolfgang Puck opened Chinois on Main, and not much has changed—which, oddly enough, turns out to be a good thing. It all works: [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Jay Fiondella has passed on, but his eponymous beach shack remains an oasis in a sea of gentrification, complete with a peanut-shell ‘carpet.’ WHAT This tiny shack festooned with Christmas lights is the only unchanged element amid the upscale hotels and overpriced restaurants that now dominate this strip of Ocean Avenue. Chez Jay still [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The only place by the beach for traditional, down-home soul food. WHAT Aunt Kizzy’s offers a comforting menu of smothered pork chops, fried chicken, meatloaf and jambalaya, all generously served with the requisite okra, corn, red beans and collard greens. Best bets: mac ‘n cheese, corn muffins, braised oxtails, fried catfish and peach cobbler [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY To treat a special kid or grandkid to waffles or a big ol’ ice cream sundae, but only if your wallet isn’t easily offended. WHAT Dripping with old Beverly Hills panache, this 20-seat 1949 diner counter is overpriced, of course, but you’re paying for the setting, and it’s a great one. Splurge on the [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Lovely breakfasts and lunches made from quality organic ingredients. WHAT Next door to the affiliated Coffee Roaster, this bright, modern café has a short menu of very good food: organic steel-cut oatmeal, chorizo scrambles, a rich salami and brie sandwich and great blueberry pie. WHO A quiet crowd of local regulars. 13565 Ventura Blvd., [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Roasted on-site beans sold by the pound, and robust coffee drinks to take away or drink in the tiny café. WHAT This longstanding Valley shop roasts beans to sell both retail and wholesale. That’s its main business, but it also makes lattes, mochas and brewed blends. 13567 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818.905.9719, thecoffeeroaster.net. Mon.-Sat. [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY A lovely, relaxed neighborhood hangout, and good cinnamon streusel, too. WHAT We wish the coffee were better, but we forgive Priscilla’s any faults. It still has a lot more personality, not to mention better coffee, than Starbucks. Free WiFi, amusing industry eavesdropping and good coffeehouse snacks. WHO TV writers, production people, beautiful actress/moms—the usual [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Breakfast, and a good one at that, served all day, along with good American coffee and personal service. WHAT The parking stinks, but that keeps the crowds at bay, so the wait’s not too bad for a table in this fine mom ‘n pop diner in the Cahuenga Pass. Generous omelets, a delish pancake [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Because breakfast is served all day, either out on the patio or in among the photos of celebrities, some of whom actually come here. WHAT An all-around good vintage coffee shop, no more and no less. You can hang out on the patio or in a booth with a screenplay and some scrambled eggs, [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For a satisfying American breakfast (delicious scrambles and omelets, carrot muffins, truly crisp hash browns) and a well-made cup of coffee. WHAT Pass on lunch and dinner, but don’t miss the chance for breakfast at this honest, old-school diner. There’s a wait on weekends, but it’s worth it. WHO Regular Van Nuys diner folks—it’s [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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