WHY Satisfying French bistro fare without having to go over the hill. WHAT Chef Gordon Ramsay’s stem-to-stern redo of this Sherman Oaks mainstay (39 years!) resulted in a trimmer, more modern menu that focuses on what the kitchen does best: simple French bistro food and savory and sweet crèpes. Don’t miss the onion soup, the [...]
November 22, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Terrific, refined Italian fare without having to go over the hill. WHAT Florentine native and sometime actor Armando Pucci has created a delightful spot for fans of light, sophisticated Tuscan food. We are slaves to the chalkboard daily specials (the pappardelle with Dungeness crab and cherry tomatoes is sublime), but the regular menu has [...]
November 6, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For the chance to explore the rich flavors of authentic Portuguese cooking. WHAT Known for its traditional Portuguese pastries, Natas now has a full-on restaurant. You could be in Lisbon—the charming room, entirely lined in crisp blue-and-white tile, is one of the few places in town to sample dishes like caldeirada, a seafood stew, [...]
October 30, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Relaxed neighborhood bar with an uncommonly good beer selection and premium burgers. WHAT If you’ve ever wished your favorite craft beer bar served decent food, you’re finally home. The burgers are large and messy, made with high-quality stuff, and they’re a buck or two cheaper than they’d be at most self-proclaimed gastropubs. Can’t decide [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Well-prepared Honduran baleadas (fat quesadillas), marinated chicken and conch soup served by non-English speakers in a spotless and attractive storefront restaurant. WHAT Overmortgaged on your Van Nuys house? Then come to El Katracho for one of the $6 lunch specials, and you’ll be fed for the day—and then some. Honduran cooking is rich and [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY A vibrant range of prepared dishes, salads and baked goods to take out. WHAT This Valley branch of the Marmalade mini-empire is an eat-in café but also has loads of tempting choices for takeout. Salads range from herb chicken ravioli in pesto to roasted beets with oranges and candied walnuts in rosemary vinaigrette; panini [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Nice people, good organic coffee, smoothies and chai, copies of the L.A. Weekly and free WiFi. WHAT A bright yet soothing space done in earth tones makes for a comfortable spot to sit with a cappuccino or an iced chai latte. Interesting art-for-sale, too. WHO Writers, artists, friends meeting to chat quietly and assorted [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY A reliably good and well-run French bistro with an elegant decor, a proper bowl of onion soup, excellent steak frites and a perfect chocolate soufflé. The steak tartare has a loyal following. WHAT Stick to the brasserie classics served in this wood-paneled, chandelier-lit French spot and you’ll be as happy as everyone else who [...]
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 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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