WHY On a coolish day there’s nothing better than a big bowl of Jinya’s aromatic tonkotsu ramen, laden with toothsome noodles and sliced pork belly. WHAT A Jonathan Gold rave put this ramen house on the foodie map, despite its location in a dark corner of a Studio City strip mall next to Marshall’s. The [...]
March 21, 2012 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY The best Mexican food in the Valley—with margaritas, to boot. WHAT Chef Jimmy Shaw of the original Lotería Grill in the Farmers Market and its successful spinoff in Hollywood now rules the second floor of the strip mall at Ventura and Laurel Canyon. In an airy space decorated with blowups of vintage lotería cards, [...]
February 8, 2012 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY Because darts, vegan sausages and beer go well together. Even in Burbank. WHAT A neighborhood pub with more than 40 draft beers, Tony’s has a no-bottle policy—all beers, wines and sodas are served on draft. The multi-animal/no-animal sausage menu comes with the de rigueur selection of über toppings, and a nice chili comes ‘sin [...]
December 23, 2011 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
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
Discoveries |
Read More »
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
Discoveries |
Read More »
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
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY Café fare of a quality never before seen in the Valley, at prices that are more Brentwood than Burbank. WHAT This spacious new place from neighbors and restaurant investors Melina and Christian Davies satisfies all cravings, offering Intelligentsia coffee, breakfast pastries and desserts from Valerie Confections (the salted caramel croissant is flaky bliss; the [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
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
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY Our new favorite chicken soup in town, plus quality, classic deli fare and tasty, affordable wines and beers. WHAT Robert Moore serves straightforward deli fare in a concrete-floored, order-at-the-counter, diner-style spot. We’re not crazy about the corned-beef sandwiches, but we love the poached eggs on toast, hearty chicken soup, veggie salad and peel-and-eat shrimp. [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »
WHY To savor impeccably fresh sushi and terrific rolls. WHAT A sophisticated hideaway in upscale Toluca Lake, Sushi Yuzu boasts a loyal following of diners who appreciate top-quality seafood and creative flavor combinations. The specials list is a treasure-trove of temptations, from cold and hot appetizers, to nigiri sushi made with warm rice, to exquisitely [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
Discoveries |
Read More »