WHY The best old-school stand burger in the Valley. WHAT 84-year-old Bill Elwell has been making burgers on his vintage grill in this dumpy part of Van Nuys for decades, and something about the seasoning of the grill and Bill’s technique makes for the perfect fast-food burger, complete with orange cheese and a grilled white [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Excellent and authentic Argentinean classics: empanadas, milanesa, white fish, huge platters of sizzling meat, mashed potatoes and bread pudding, all at more than reasonable prices. WHAT At this quirky café in the middle of a deli and meat market, patrons cheer their soccer team on TV or simply kibitz while munching on sandwiches slathered [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Pure, unadulterated Peruvian flavors (puro sabor means ‘pure flavor’) in a sweet Valley spot with modest prices. WHAT This isn’t the most scenic neighborhood in Van Nuys, but inside is a cheerful, spotless café that showcases the accomplished cooking of chef Juana Paz, a bank teller from Peru who succeeded in achieving her twin [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For the cemitas poblanas, like a hefty burger, only better. WHAT This shop next to a laundromat draws big crowds for its cemitas poblanas, astonishingly large and delicious sandwiches that sell for just $4. The basic sandwich starts with a large, toasted round bun layered with avocado, creamy fresh panela cheese, the meat of [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY A huge array of home and professional gear and accessories, at middle-of-the-road prices but with high-end service. WHAT Need a proofing cabinet or a panini grill? Make the trek from Van Nuys to Star, and plan on spending at least a couple of hours browsing the mouthwatering array of appliances, gadgets, tools, tableware, furniture [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Perfectly respectable Illy coffee drinks (lattes, americanos), teas and chai in a part of the Valley that is woefully short on indie hangouts. WHAT A fine, all-around coffeehouse with the usual offerings: coffee drinks, smoothies, bagels, panini, free WiFi and, for an extra treat, Belgian waffles. 14310 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys, 818.785.6593, javagroovecoffee.com. Mon.-Sat. [...]
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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WHY Mezze good enough—and generous enough—to make an entire meal. WHAT The ginormous bowl of pickled vegetables and tower of pita that show up as soon as you sit down sets the tone for the staggeringly generous portion sizes that are to come. Arrive hungry, or go with a group and share. Muhamara (crushed walnut [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY All-around excellent fast food: tender, tasty gyros; crisp falafel; savory souvlaki; pita or regular burgers; good fries. WHAT This long-established dive serves great, cheap Greek-Medi-American comfort food, and it serves it fast. Hours can be inconsistent, so don’t be shocked if it’s closed. 16045 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys, 818.780.4041 B, L & early D [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Well-executed versions of South Africa’s culinary hits: curries, chile sauces, meaty barbecues, a subtly spicy Naidoo’s Durban curry, and tasty kebabs called sosaties. WHAT Because this is L.A.’s only South African restaurant, you might envision a modest, family-owned spot where you could sample a few of those wonderful South African wines and explore a [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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