The Coronavirus Pandemic is in full swing, and while they have been trying to open everything back up, Los Angles has just had all of it's bars re-closed because after opening the bars there is such a big upswing in LA County.
We personally have not been going out at all. After open heart surgery, I just catch everything. Heck I managed to catch a cold a while back while socially distanced and only going out to walk the dogs with a mask on, so I am not going to go out to eat, and don't even like picking up food.
We have really moved to food delivery, which is bad for restaurants because the food delivery services take such a big cut, but I really don't want to go out and chance things. So we have done quite a bit of food delivery and then wiped everything down and washed our hands before eating.
And when we did go to one place to pickup as it didn't do any of the delivery services we were so disappointed. The food was not the same quality, like it had the sauce but wasn't cooked in it. Now I am not saying what restaurant it was, but with the food quality down why would I go back until they are open and back to normal?
The thing is there really should have been not only personal, but business rent forgiveness, they should have shut down the economy for the period of this lockdown, so that restaurants and property owners could just pause during this period of global panic, but instead businesses are expected to pay their rent when making so much less money.
And when things start to come back can restaurants survive if they can't have as many people in them? Some will survive, but not many, and how much worse is that going to be for the economy?
I don't have any answers, but I know I don't want to catch covid-19 so I am going to be cautious, and until their is a vaccine I just wish the federal government was doing more to help everyone besides the big companies that don't pay taxes anyway.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Saturday, December 28, 2019
FurnSaj Bakery, Lebanese Food, Granada Hills, CA
-
11146 Balboa Blvd.
- Granada Hills CA 91344Sometimes you go to a place that you have seen for years and are just blown away, finding an absolute gem that you wish you had been to years ago. Well FurnSaj bakery is just such a place. When we went it was packed with many Lebanese peoe there too, which is always a good sign! And it is inexpensive with huge portions!I got a beef shawarma plate with humus and french fries , though I wanted rice. The portion as huge with big picckled turnips and a huge flat bread and the meat was just awesome!My wife got a Kafta with cheese which meat onions and cheese, and it was phenomenal, not a pizza but so tasty of a tad greesy on top, but well worth it especially for $5.49!
And my mom got a lamb gyro wrap with huge pickles! Omg this was just fantastic. And she got 2 as they cut it in half, but each half was huge!
Might take a litte while, but so worth it! Just awesome!
Friday, June 14, 2019
Indigo Cafe, Nitrogen Gelato, Sorbeto and Ice Cream as well as Panini and Boba, Encinco, CA, so incredibly great! A must try!
Indigo Cafe
17200 Ventura Blvd Suite 223A
Los Angeles, CA 91316
(424) 342-8916
Open 11A-11PM
I have not been keeping up my restaurant reviews (as Yelp reviews get seen more), but for this place I had to post!
Was looking for an Ice Cream place on Ventura in Encino, and decided to try this when I saw they were Nitrogen Gelato! And I could not have been happier.
Not only do they do nitrogen gelato and sorbeto, they have regular ice cream, crepes, bobas, smoothies, milkshakes, and mani paninis!
And the have so many flavors! I so want to try the honeydew, lemon lime and date flavor, but I had to go for the pomegranate gelato, and my wife went for oreo cookies and cream. It is so much fun watching them use nitrogen to freshly make your gelato, and then the taste! This is so smooth and delicious from the nitrogen.
Honestly I had gelato all over Europe when we went on our cruise, and not one of them came close to this! THE GELATO IS AMAZING! A MUST TRY!!! I mean it, so damn good! I was blown away, not just by the flavor, but by the texture!
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND TRY THIS PLACE OUT!!!!
And they were very nice! The only problem is the name! It doesn't sound like a Nitrogen Ice Cream place!
17200 Ventura Blvd Suite 223A
Los Angeles, CA 91316
(424) 342-8916
Open 11A-11PM
I have not been keeping up my restaurant reviews (as Yelp reviews get seen more), but for this place I had to post!
Was looking for an Ice Cream place on Ventura in Encino, and decided to try this when I saw they were Nitrogen Gelato! And I could not have been happier.
Not only do they do nitrogen gelato and sorbeto, they have regular ice cream, crepes, bobas, smoothies, milkshakes, and mani paninis!
And the have so many flavors! I so want to try the honeydew, lemon lime and date flavor, but I had to go for the pomegranate gelato, and my wife went for oreo cookies and cream. It is so much fun watching them use nitrogen to freshly make your gelato, and then the taste! This is so smooth and delicious from the nitrogen.
Honestly I had gelato all over Europe when we went on our cruise, and not one of them came close to this! THE GELATO IS AMAZING! A MUST TRY!!! I mean it, so damn good! I was blown away, not just by the flavor, but by the texture!
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND TRY THIS PLACE OUT!!!!
And they were very nice! The only problem is the name! It doesn't sound like a Nitrogen Ice Cream place!
Friday, February 16, 2018
Rosarito Fish Market, Mexican, Seafood, Ceviche, Fish Tacos, San Fernando, CA
Rosarito Fish Market
1534 San Fernando Road
San Fernando, CA 91340
818-361-7227
1534 San Fernando Road
San Fernando, CA 91340
818-361-7227
The Fish Tacos
The Camaron Tostada
The Ceviche Tostada a must have
I saw the reviews of this place
here on yelp, so my wife and I just had to try it. And it was so
mindblowingly good we took my mom when she came out.
Now it is in a pretty sketchy looking stip mall with ample parking, but not very nice looking. And the places decor is only so so, but the food, oh the food.
The ceviche tostadas are literally amazing! As are the fish tacos! I mean you would never expect that this place would have such a great high quality of food, but it does! Just amazing! Now the tostada cameron was not as good, as it is just standard shrimp, but the ceviche and fish are just fantastic.
Now it is in a pretty sketchy looking stip mall with ample parking, but not very nice looking. And the places decor is only so so, but the food, oh the food.
The ceviche tostadas are literally amazing! As are the fish tacos! I mean you would never expect that this place would have such a great high quality of food, but it does! Just amazing! Now the tostada cameron was not as good, as it is just standard shrimp, but the ceviche and fish are just fantastic.
Now I recommend when you get the Ceviche tostada quickly pull the crispy tortilla from under the ceviche, so you have 2 to break up and eat the Ceviche on! That is what I saw other people doing and it is the perfect way or the tortilla underneath will get soggy from all the lime juice!
This place is really a must try. It is that good! The food is just so tasty and clean and delicious that everyone should try it!
This place is really a must try. It is that good! The food is just so tasty and clean and delicious that everyone should try it!
Impossible Burger at Umami Burger, Hamburgers, Pasadena, and Various Location, CA
Umami Burger
49 East Colorado Blvd,
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 799-8625
So I have reviewed Umami Burger before and was just not blown away. A little too fru fru for my pallate, but I wanted to try the Impossible Burger. It is a completely plant based burger that bleeds and is supposed to taste just like a burger, so I had to try it.
So my mom and I went to try it and got 2 burgers, an order of fries, an order of onion rings and drinks and it was over $50 dollars, which is really pushing it for a burger.
49 East Colorado Blvd,
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 799-8625
So I have reviewed Umami Burger before and was just not blown away. A little too fru fru for my pallate, but I wanted to try the Impossible Burger. It is a completely plant based burger that bleeds and is supposed to taste just like a burger, so I had to try it.
So my mom and I went to try it and got 2 burgers, an order of fries, an order of onion rings and drinks and it was over $50 dollars, which is really pushing it for a burger.
The burger is decent, and does taste mostly like a hamburger, but honestly it tastes like a fast food burger, and not a great one (not 5 Guys Level for sure). A cheap tasting fast food burger, which has no meet in it, and costs about $25 a person. Hmmm. Not quite there yet.
Yes I would have one once in a while I guess, but it just didn't blow me away like I was hoping. I could use the no cholesterol burger.
And I even got it in it's non-began form with cheese (I usually like my hamburgers without cheese, probably because I am lactose intolerant and have a milk allergy), but I wanted the whole experience and it probably needs the cheese because it isn't quite a hamburger, so you need to cover the flavor a bit.
The burger has 2 patties, caramelized onions, American cheese (bleck) miso-mustard, house spread, dill pickles, lettuce and tomato, and it is the toppings that make it. Maybe it would be better with out their fru fru ketchup and mustard? I don't know. I wanted a burger I could have anytime, but at this price and this taste it just isn't there. If it was cheaper I would honestly have them more often, but it just isn't there yet.
Szechuan Place, Chinese, Sichuan, Northridge, CA
Szechuan Place
9250 North Reseda Blvd, Ste 8
Northridge, CA 91324
818-280-5355
OMG! This place is fantastic! I saw an article on thrillist about the 23 essential Chinese Restaurants in Los Angeles and was blown away that a real Szechuan place had opened in the San Gabriel Valley, so we had to try it. And we were blown away! Now I know their has been a big Sichuan food renaissance in Los Angeles, and I love Sichuan food, but I still have to go to Yunchuan Garden in Monteray Park at least once a year because it is just so good (and it is still great).
It is in a corner shopping plaza with ample parking and has very nice decor and a very friendly staff.
Szechuan Place is great! So great I might not be driving out to Monteray Park for my Sichuan food anymore!
The food is spicy, but has the perpercorn numbing of Sichuan food, so it isn;t that bad. In fact the biggest problem is that we order so much food because it is all so good! I mean their Dan Dan Noodles are great, but so are so their Dan Dan Dumplings. And the Fish in Hot Oil (I forget what it is called on the menu) is amazing and just the flavor I love in Sichuan food! The chicken is great! Everything we have had is amazing! I love the cold dishes from the counter (especially the potato strips, but also the chicken gizzard and mushrooms, in fact I just love all the food!
And it is reasonably priced and you get so much food! The food is awesome!
And the best part if that they give you a big bottle of ice water! I need alot of water when I eat Sichuan food and used to just suffer in San Gabriel, but the locations means white people will go too, and I need ice water, and they provide it!
We have already been twice, and I am thinking at least once a month I can get my Sichuan fix! WOOHOO! THIS PLACE IS JUST AWESOME!
9250 North Reseda Blvd, Ste 8
Northridge, CA 91324
818-280-5355
OMG! This place is fantastic! I saw an article on thrillist about the 23 essential Chinese Restaurants in Los Angeles and was blown away that a real Szechuan place had opened in the San Gabriel Valley, so we had to try it. And we were blown away! Now I know their has been a big Sichuan food renaissance in Los Angeles, and I love Sichuan food, but I still have to go to Yunchuan Garden in Monteray Park at least once a year because it is just so good (and it is still great).
It is in a corner shopping plaza with ample parking and has very nice decor and a very friendly staff.
Szechuan Place is great! So great I might not be driving out to Monteray Park for my Sichuan food anymore!
The food is spicy, but has the perpercorn numbing of Sichuan food, so it isn;t that bad. In fact the biggest problem is that we order so much food because it is all so good! I mean their Dan Dan Noodles are great, but so are so their Dan Dan Dumplings. And the Fish in Hot Oil (I forget what it is called on the menu) is amazing and just the flavor I love in Sichuan food! The chicken is great! Everything we have had is amazing! I love the cold dishes from the counter (especially the potato strips, but also the chicken gizzard and mushrooms, in fact I just love all the food!
And it is reasonably priced and you get so much food! The food is awesome!
And the best part if that they give you a big bottle of ice water! I need alot of water when I eat Sichuan food and used to just suffer in San Gabriel, but the locations means white people will go too, and I need ice water, and they provide it!
We have already been twice, and I am thinking at least once a month I can get my Sichuan fix! WOOHOO! THIS PLACE IS JUST AWESOME!
CF Food Kitchen, American, French, Cajun/Creole, Granada Hills, CA
CF FOOD KITCHEN
16205 Devonshire Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 363-5781
My wife and I had been meaning to try this place for a while, especially with all the great reviews and the fact that it is so close to us in the Valley, but were sorely disappointed in just how long it took. Now it was Valentines day and a special Price Fixe menu.
It is in a little strip mall with a very small parking lot, though we did get a spot easily.
My wife made our Valentines day reservation very early, in fact they said we were the first reservation that anyone had made, and we made it for 8 PM. On the night we went and got their by 7:45 to see a bunch of people outside and waiting, which was not a good sign. The place was nuts, and we waiting a little over an hour from when we got there until we were seated. We had thought that people were just not leaving, but it turns out that was not the issue.
Once we got seated the waiter was awesome, and the food was great, but it took so long! It was a special Price Fixe menu, though similar to their multi course menu, and they had either 4 or 5 items, 2 or 3 appetizers a main dish and dessert, with many choices for each 3 or 4 apps for each choice and about 5 dinners and 5 desserts. The problem is that getting the food just took so long!
We didn't get out of there until 11:30 and the table next to us had been seated when we got there and only left a little before us, not because of waiting, but because it took so long for the food to come! They obviously did not factor in the time it would take to cook in the reservations they took! And obviously the Chef needed more help for the amount of reservations that they had. The food just took so incredibly long!
The food was great! I had the crab cake with remoulade and fruit , and it was awesome (the remoulade was good, but with the fruit it was amazing), as was the Duck confit, which was perfect and the Beef Wellington was some of the best I have ever had. And the Key Lime Pie and Cheese Cake were both great.
The food was awesome! My only complaint about the food was that bread was only OK, and my wife liked her seafood pasta, but didn't love it like I loved the Beef Wellington. Still it was all very good, but the Chef took so long! I think they just took too many reservations for the time it took to cook all those meals. Maybe with the Price Fixe menu they should have had less choices so it would take less time?
And the waiter though incredibly busy was great! He had a great personality and did a great job! I had constant refills on my water (I do drink allot of water).
The wine was decent and not too expensive, and they had a good selection and some beers you can get as well, though we didn't.
Honestly I would like to try some of the more creole dishes some time, but after the wait for the food it left a sour taste in my mouth and I am just not sure if we will be returning.
16205 Devonshire Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 363-5781
My wife and I had been meaning to try this place for a while, especially with all the great reviews and the fact that it is so close to us in the Valley, but were sorely disappointed in just how long it took. Now it was Valentines day and a special Price Fixe menu.
It is in a little strip mall with a very small parking lot, though we did get a spot easily.
My wife made our Valentines day reservation very early, in fact they said we were the first reservation that anyone had made, and we made it for 8 PM. On the night we went and got their by 7:45 to see a bunch of people outside and waiting, which was not a good sign. The place was nuts, and we waiting a little over an hour from when we got there until we were seated. We had thought that people were just not leaving, but it turns out that was not the issue.
Once we got seated the waiter was awesome, and the food was great, but it took so long! It was a special Price Fixe menu, though similar to their multi course menu, and they had either 4 or 5 items, 2 or 3 appetizers a main dish and dessert, with many choices for each 3 or 4 apps for each choice and about 5 dinners and 5 desserts. The problem is that getting the food just took so long!
We didn't get out of there until 11:30 and the table next to us had been seated when we got there and only left a little before us, not because of waiting, but because it took so long for the food to come! They obviously did not factor in the time it would take to cook in the reservations they took! And obviously the Chef needed more help for the amount of reservations that they had. The food just took so incredibly long!
The food was great! I had the crab cake with remoulade and fruit , and it was awesome (the remoulade was good, but with the fruit it was amazing), as was the Duck confit, which was perfect and the Beef Wellington was some of the best I have ever had. And the Key Lime Pie and Cheese Cake were both great.
The food was awesome! My only complaint about the food was that bread was only OK, and my wife liked her seafood pasta, but didn't love it like I loved the Beef Wellington. Still it was all very good, but the Chef took so long! I think they just took too many reservations for the time it took to cook all those meals. Maybe with the Price Fixe menu they should have had less choices so it would take less time?
And the waiter though incredibly busy was great! He had a great personality and did a great job! I had constant refills on my water (I do drink allot of water).
The wine was decent and not too expensive, and they had a good selection and some beers you can get as well, though we didn't.
Honestly I would like to try some of the more creole dishes some time, but after the wait for the food it left a sour taste in my mouth and I am just not sure if we will be returning.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Jumpink Dak, Korean Gang-Jeong Chicken, Buena Park, CA
Jumping Dak
7550 Orangethorpe Ave, Ste E100
Buena Park, CA 90621
(714) 739-1999
Kelly and I went to the Animaniacs Live Show in La Mirada, and needed a place to eat quick near there, and this Korean fast food place jumped out at me. Figured it would be fast and decent, but what a surprise, it was amazing!
REALLY AMAZING! Possibly the best fried chicken I have ever had! And inexpensive!
It is a fried chicken place with 3 sauces, so you can get plain, sweet, spicy and very spicy. I got spicy and Kelly got a small order of sweet with a side of delicious (not at all mayonnaise-ey) cole slaw!
The sweet is very tasty with nuts on it, and the chicken is crisp on the outside and moist inside.
I got the meal with fries and pickled radish, and the spicy has a kick but is easy to take.
It also comes with a biscuit though it was a bit dry, but the fries were great.
The chicken is fantastic, and inexpensive, and I was there was one of these right near me, but unfortunately thee is only the one!
SO GOOD!!!
7550 Orangethorpe Ave, Ste E100
Buena Park, CA 90621
(714) 739-1999
Kelly and I went to the Animaniacs Live Show in La Mirada, and needed a place to eat quick near there, and this Korean fast food place jumped out at me. Figured it would be fast and decent, but what a surprise, it was amazing!
REALLY AMAZING! Possibly the best fried chicken I have ever had! And inexpensive!
It is a fried chicken place with 3 sauces, so you can get plain, sweet, spicy and very spicy. I got spicy and Kelly got a small order of sweet with a side of delicious (not at all mayonnaise-ey) cole slaw!
The sweet is very tasty with nuts on it, and the chicken is crisp on the outside and moist inside.
I got the meal with fries and pickled radish, and the spicy has a kick but is easy to take.
It also comes with a biscuit though it was a bit dry, but the fries were great.
The chicken is fantastic, and inexpensive, and I was there was one of these right near me, but unfortunately thee is only the one!
SO GOOD!!!
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Trejo's Tacos, Gourmet Mexican Food, Los Angeles, CA
Trejo's Tacos
1048 S. La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 938-TACO
M-Sun 11a - 9p
http://www.trejostacos.com
My wife and I love Tacos and, I have been a fan of Danny Trejo for a long time (I love the Bad Asses series!). So i have been waiting for Trejo's Tacos for some time.
Parking is a bear, but there is valet parking that costs $3, or you can download an app for your phone, and pay with Apple Pay for $3.30.
The place is small, with only about 4 tables inside and outdoor tables with benches and overhead heaters. And the line is outside and moves slowly as everyone chats when ordering, especially asking when Danny Trejo shows up. Which sounds to be often. They do hand out menus in line to make ordering easier. Tacos are $4-6 dollars.
We wanted to try allot, we got the guacamole with chips and street corn and pickled onions, jalapeños and carrots for appetizers, and got the tofu, steak asada, pulled beef brisket, slow roasted pork tacos, and a black iced tea which was very strong and flavorful. They also have a water station with cucumber and citrus infused water and pretty tasty, though not very hot red and green salsas.
The guacamole is good, with onions, jalapeño, lime and pistachios. It is thick and tasty, though could use a bit more lime, and cones with a decent amount of chips.
The Street Corn or elote is superb, the best thing we had! Fresh off the cob, roasted corn with spuces, chipotle cream and popcorn. This is delicious, i just wish it was a bigger portion! So good!
The Tacos all had a decent spicy kick which I liked.
The Black Pepper Tofu taco was OK. Fried Tofu chunks with caramelized shallots and pickled onions was a bit too sweet for my taste. And not enough Mexican flavors.
The Pulled Beef Brisket Taco with pico de gallo, crunchy tortilla strips and cotija cheese was good, though not amazing.
The Slow Roasted Pork Taco with red onion and fermented red chili hot sauce. Again was good.
The Steak Asada Taco with toasted pepita pesto and cucumber slaw was the best taco I had, though I like my own better (yes I make pretty good asada tacos).
All pretty good, and very gourmet, and pricy, at over $40 for lunch. And I can honestly say I prefer $1 street tacos! They aren't gourmet, but I do love traditional tacos, though my own tacos I do top with my own variation on mexican slaw. The Street Corn was fantastic, but really not worth the trip.
Good, but not great like I wanted!
1048 S. La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 938-TACO
M-Sun 11a - 9p
http://www.trejostacos.com
My wife and I love Tacos and, I have been a fan of Danny Trejo for a long time (I love the Bad Asses series!). So i have been waiting for Trejo's Tacos for some time.
Parking is a bear, but there is valet parking that costs $3, or you can download an app for your phone, and pay with Apple Pay for $3.30.
The place is small, with only about 4 tables inside and outdoor tables with benches and overhead heaters. And the line is outside and moves slowly as everyone chats when ordering, especially asking when Danny Trejo shows up. Which sounds to be often. They do hand out menus in line to make ordering easier. Tacos are $4-6 dollars.
We wanted to try allot, we got the guacamole with chips and street corn and pickled onions, jalapeños and carrots for appetizers, and got the tofu, steak asada, pulled beef brisket, slow roasted pork tacos, and a black iced tea which was very strong and flavorful. They also have a water station with cucumber and citrus infused water and pretty tasty, though not very hot red and green salsas.
The guacamole is good, with onions, jalapeño, lime and pistachios. It is thick and tasty, though could use a bit more lime, and cones with a decent amount of chips.
The Street Corn or elote is superb, the best thing we had! Fresh off the cob, roasted corn with spuces, chipotle cream and popcorn. This is delicious, i just wish it was a bigger portion! So good!
The Tacos all had a decent spicy kick which I liked.
The Black Pepper Tofu taco was OK. Fried Tofu chunks with caramelized shallots and pickled onions was a bit too sweet for my taste. And not enough Mexican flavors.
The Pulled Beef Brisket Taco with pico de gallo, crunchy tortilla strips and cotija cheese was good, though not amazing.
The Slow Roasted Pork Taco with red onion and fermented red chili hot sauce. Again was good.
The Steak Asada Taco with toasted pepita pesto and cucumber slaw was the best taco I had, though I like my own better (yes I make pretty good asada tacos).
All pretty good, and very gourmet, and pricy, at over $40 for lunch. And I can honestly say I prefer $1 street tacos! They aren't gourmet, but I do love traditional tacos, though my own tacos I do top with my own variation on mexican slaw. The Street Corn was fantastic, but really not worth the trip.
Good, but not great like I wanted!
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Shredded Tacos, Home of Jean's Famous Salsa, Mexican, Granada Hills, CA
Shredded Tacos
10224 Balvoa Blvd
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 435-6559
We saw this new Taco place near Raplh's and decided to try it. It is a stand, where you get food and eat outside, and just has tacos, salad and drinks.
They are crispy tacos in either beef or chicken, Quesadillas and salads.
We had beef tacos, which come in a box with chips. I had 5, and these are very good American style tacos, made great by Jean's Famous Salsa which is not hot, but incredibly tasty! It makes this. I would buy it in a store for sure.
This is the box with chips
And my taco.
Quite delicious and we will certainly go again.
If only it wasn't closed on Sunday like all the rest of our favorite restaurants around here!
•••
UNFORTUNATELY SHREDDED TACOS HAS CLOSED ALREADY AND BEEN REPLACED. Haven't tried the new place yet.
10224 Balvoa Blvd
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 435-6559
We saw this new Taco place near Raplh's and decided to try it. It is a stand, where you get food and eat outside, and just has tacos, salad and drinks.
They are crispy tacos in either beef or chicken, Quesadillas and salads.
We had beef tacos, which come in a box with chips. I had 5, and these are very good American style tacos, made great by Jean's Famous Salsa which is not hot, but incredibly tasty! It makes this. I would buy it in a store for sure.
This is the box with chips
And my taco.
Quite delicious and we will certainly go again.
If only it wasn't closed on Sunday like all the rest of our favorite restaurants around here!
•••
UNFORTUNATELY SHREDDED TACOS HAS CLOSED ALREADY AND BEEN REPLACED. Haven't tried the new place yet.
Chios Peruvian Grill, Peruvian, Van Nuys, CA
Chios Peruvuan Grill
7755 Sepulveda Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91405
(818) 849-5071
We have been passing by this place a lot when taking our dogs to their vet.
The weirdest part is the parking, which is stacked, and there is not much of it, so we parked on the street,
We sat outside, which is nice, though not in the best part of sepulveda, though the interior is nice enough.
I had Tacu Tacu Con Lomito, with was a bean and rice and olive oil, served with tender beef.
The beef was pretty tasty, though the beens and rice was just OK, but not that much meat for $15.
Kelly had the 1/4 de Polli con Dos Combinaciones with plantains (which were amazing) and a salad which was also good.
It was pretty decent, though I would certainly go for something else if I went again. A little too expensive and not in the best are, was hoping for it to be a little better.
7755 Sepulveda Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91405
(818) 849-5071
We have been passing by this place a lot when taking our dogs to their vet.
The weirdest part is the parking, which is stacked, and there is not much of it, so we parked on the street,
We sat outside, which is nice, though not in the best part of sepulveda, though the interior is nice enough.
I had Tacu Tacu Con Lomito, with was a bean and rice and olive oil, served with tender beef.
The beef was pretty tasty, though the beens and rice was just OK, but not that much meat for $15.
Kelly had the 1/4 de Polli con Dos Combinaciones with plantains (which were amazing) and a salad which was also good.
It was pretty decent, though I would certainly go for something else if I went again. A little too expensive and not in the best are, was hoping for it to be a little better.
Nacho's Restaurant, Mexican, Granada Hills, CA
16825 Devonshire Street,
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 368-8182
This is just what it purports to be, American friendly Mexican food. Greasy with large portions. Kind of like Tito's tacos. Not authentic, but good.
I had been wanting a chimigunga for a while, and this just really hit the spot.
Sloppy and delicious covered in decent hot sauce, cheese, with guacamole and sour cream.
And Kelly got some delicious shredded beef tacos.
Well worth going for an American Mexican fix that is quite cheap.
••••
I THINK THIS PLACE HAS CLOSED. Kind of sad actually.
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 368-8182
This is just what it purports to be, American friendly Mexican food. Greasy with large portions. Kind of like Tito's tacos. Not authentic, but good.
I had been wanting a chimigunga for a while, and this just really hit the spot.
Sloppy and delicious covered in decent hot sauce, cheese, with guacamole and sour cream.
And Kelly got some delicious shredded beef tacos.
Well worth going for an American Mexican fix that is quite cheap.
••••
I THINK THIS PLACE HAS CLOSED. Kind of sad actually.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Dos Arbolitos, Mexican, North HIlls, CA
9034 Woodley Ave
North HIlls, CA 91343
(818) 891-6661
I can't believe I haven't already reviewed this place, as it was one of the first places Kelly and I tried when we moved up to North Hills 6 years ago and we loved it! Big Portions, Great Food and Good Prices, with the only complaint being only bear and wine, no margaritas!
The funny part is that when we first came we just got the Tortas. Tortas are delicious Mexican sandwiches, and the Tortas Barbocoa with the amazing beef in a pit barbeque is beyond amazing. Other than that I also had the great burritos and tacos, and they have many delicious meats including a great carne asada. With that we were pretty much happy for years, but we were so very wrong.
North HIlls, CA 91343
(818) 891-6661
I can't believe I haven't already reviewed this place, as it was one of the first places Kelly and I tried when we moved up to North Hills 6 years ago and we loved it! Big Portions, Great Food and Good Prices, with the only complaint being only bear and wine, no margaritas!
The funny part is that when we first came we just got the Tortas. Tortas are delicious Mexican sandwiches, and the Tortas Barbocoa with the amazing beef in a pit barbeque is beyond amazing. Other than that I also had the great burritos and tacos, and they have many delicious meats including a great carne asada. With that we were pretty much happy for years, but we were so very wrong.
Carne Campestre
This is the carne campestre, which is tender cuts of pork marinated overnight in a tangy red sauce. It is claimed to have been voted by food critics to be among the top ten best dishes in southern california, and honestly after eating it, I believe it. THIS DISH IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! One of the tastiest I have every had! And it come with a couple of tortillas, which you an make little burritos out of, and there is tons of pork for $11.95! This is one of my favorite dishes I have ever had, Absolutely delicious! WOW, WOW, WOW!
And Kelly had Costillitas En Salda De Tomatillo, with is pork short ribs slow roasted in tomatillo and chile sauce. And this was also amazing, maybe not as good as the Carne Campestre, but it is amazing!
This place is an absolute must try!
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Ameci Pizza & Pasta, Pizza and Pasta, Italian, Granada Hills, CA
Ameci Pizza & Pasta
16858 San Fernando Mission Blvd
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 363-0484
Honestly Kelly and I ended up here because it was Sunday and that was when we realized that JeJe Chicken was closed, but Kelly had heard it was good, so we gave it a try.
The food was alright. Huge portions, but not that great, just alright, nothing I would care to try again.
I had a peperoni calzone, with Ricotta and Mozzarella and sauce on the side.
`````
It was decent, and tasty, but nothing too special. The marinara sauce didn't stand out, nor were there any spices that seemed special. Big, but just OK.
Kelly got a meatball sub sub with marinara.
Again, big portions, but nothing to make it stand out either.
Decent enough, but nothing I would seek out or try again.
16858 San Fernando Mission Blvd
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 363-0484
Honestly Kelly and I ended up here because it was Sunday and that was when we realized that JeJe Chicken was closed, but Kelly had heard it was good, so we gave it a try.
The food was alright. Huge portions, but not that great, just alright, nothing I would care to try again.
I had a peperoni calzone, with Ricotta and Mozzarella and sauce on the side.
`````
Kelly got a meatball sub sub with marinara.
Decent enough, but nothing I would seek out or try again.
Matt & Tony's Submarine Sandwiches, Sandwiches, Mission Hills, CA
Matt & Tony's Submarine Sandwiches
10710 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills, CA 91345
(818) 365-2310
I do love subs, and Kelly and I were hungry and it was Sunday so Defranko's was closed, so we saw this place and decided to give it a try. It was alright, but nothing too special for the price, and likely would not go again.
It is a strange little place with a deli counter and some tables, but not much else.
I got the Pepper Steak on soft bread with everything (onions, tomatoes and pickles). The meat was the best part, tasty and not oily, but the sandwich needed something else.
Kelly got a turkey with mustard and it was much the same, not bad, but nothing special.
They also have a hard bread which we didn't try and should have.
OK, with a small selection of chips, and they were out of some of the soda in the soda fountain, and the place seemed a little sketchy. With strange parking in back, and not well lit, though it was clean.
Might be OK for a Sunday since DeFranko's is closed, but any other day I would hit the perfection that is DeFranko's.
10710 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills, CA 91345
(818) 365-2310
I do love subs, and Kelly and I were hungry and it was Sunday so Defranko's was closed, so we saw this place and decided to give it a try. It was alright, but nothing too special for the price, and likely would not go again.
It is a strange little place with a deli counter and some tables, but not much else.
I got the Pepper Steak on soft bread with everything (onions, tomatoes and pickles). The meat was the best part, tasty and not oily, but the sandwich needed something else.
Kelly got a turkey with mustard and it was much the same, not bad, but nothing special.
They also have a hard bread which we didn't try and should have.
OK, with a small selection of chips, and they were out of some of the soda in the soda fountain, and the place seemed a little sketchy. With strange parking in back, and not well lit, though it was clean.
Might be OK for a Sunday since DeFranko's is closed, but any other day I would hit the perfection that is DeFranko's.
Umami Burger, Hamburgers, Santa Monica and Various Locations, CA
Umami Burger
500 Broadway,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-1300
Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sun 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
I am a huge burger guy, and have been my whole life. I just love a good burger, but my needs are pretty simple and many frou frou burgers leave me cold. There are of course exceptions, like the amazing Pug Burger at Hungry Cat, but Umami Burger is not an exception for me, as I was not at all impressed.
This Umami Burger is in Fred Segal in Santa Monica with ample parking and some outdoor seating.
I am not one for Cheese on my hamburger, as I am allergic, but I wanted to try it how it was supposed to be, so I went for the Manly Burger with beer-cheddar cheese, bacon lardons, smoked salt onion rings, house ketchup and mustard
And honestly to me the truffle oil completely overpowered the meat and made it taste to me like a portabello mushroom. Not bad, but not too burger-y!
The shoe string fries were good and I enjoyed the different ketchup and dips to try, though the ketchup seemed too sweet to me.
After all the hype I had heard I thought I would like it more, but I was not too impressed. Too frou frou for me.
Give me grilled onions, lettuce, dill pickles, ketchup and mustard and I would be happy (though a good guacamole burger is great sometimes).
500 Broadway,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-1300
Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sun 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
I am a huge burger guy, and have been my whole life. I just love a good burger, but my needs are pretty simple and many frou frou burgers leave me cold. There are of course exceptions, like the amazing Pug Burger at Hungry Cat, but Umami Burger is not an exception for me, as I was not at all impressed.
This Umami Burger is in Fred Segal in Santa Monica with ample parking and some outdoor seating.
I am not one for Cheese on my hamburger, as I am allergic, but I wanted to try it how it was supposed to be, so I went for the Manly Burger with beer-cheddar cheese, bacon lardons, smoked salt onion rings, house ketchup and mustard
And honestly I was not impressed. Between the cheese and the huge bacon chunks the burger was way too salty and I lost the taste of the burger itself. Not horrible, but not someone I would try again.
Kelly had the Truffle burger with Truffled Aoili, truffle cheese and truffle glaze.
The shoe string fries were good and I enjoyed the different ketchup and dips to try, though the ketchup seemed too sweet to me.
After all the hype I had heard I thought I would like it more, but I was not too impressed. Too frou frou for me.
Give me grilled onions, lettuce, dill pickles, ketchup and mustard and I would be happy (though a good guacamole burger is great sometimes).
JeJe Chicken, Mediteranian Food, Granada Hills, CA
JeJe Chicken
16970 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Suite C1
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 832-5252
Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
I have been a huge fan of Zan Kou chicken for many years, and was so happy when one opened near me, but after eating at JeJe Chicken I will likely never eat at Zan Kou Chicken again. JeJe Chicken is that much better!
This place is fantastic in fact! Great food, just so darn tasty!
The first thing I tried was the Chicken Shawerma Plate ($11.99) which is what I always get at Zankou, and it was just so much better. The chicken was so moist, and I love their garlic sauce, and the salad.
Kelly got the Shish Kebob plate, which was also fantastic! The meat was juicy and perfectly spiced!
On my second trip I tried the JeHe Chicken Plate, which I had a second time with Kelly. It is awesome. The cilantro sauce is delicious, and even my cilantro hating wife like it, just lemony and good., and the bed of Pita chips, though they get soggy in the sauce work wonderfully well, and the chicken is so tasty.
On my next trip I went for the Chickan Kabob Plate, and wasn't dissapointed with the delicious chicken, huge and fresh pitas. Wow!
Kelly got a Fish Crisp with Fried Swai, tamarind Sauce, cabbage and tomato in a pita! Delicious!
We also tried their seasoned fries with home made ketchup and garlic sauce, and their tasty baklava.
You really can't go wrong on this place, and I like it so much I plan on trying everything on the menu! They also have lunch specials with wraps, salad and a drink and falafel wrap specials on wednesday and friday and fish crisp wrap specials on Tuesday and Thursday!
This place is a must try! It could not be better!
•••••••
Unfortunately JeJe's has been taken over by new management and my wife and I were not at all impressed. Nothing nearly as good as it was. Now I have already changed my review on yelp and the restaurant has recently contacted me to try out some free dishes to see what I think and if I will update my review. I have not gone and tried it again.
16970 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Suite C1
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 832-5252
Mon-Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
I have been a huge fan of Zan Kou chicken for many years, and was so happy when one opened near me, but after eating at JeJe Chicken I will likely never eat at Zan Kou Chicken again. JeJe Chicken is that much better!
This place is fantastic in fact! Great food, just so darn tasty!
The first thing I tried was the Chicken Shawerma Plate ($11.99) which is what I always get at Zankou, and it was just so much better. The chicken was so moist, and I love their garlic sauce, and the salad.
Kelly got the Shish Kebob plate, which was also fantastic! The meat was juicy and perfectly spiced!
On my second trip I tried the JeHe Chicken Plate, which I had a second time with Kelly. It is awesome. The cilantro sauce is delicious, and even my cilantro hating wife like it, just lemony and good., and the bed of Pita chips, though they get soggy in the sauce work wonderfully well, and the chicken is so tasty.
Kelly got a Fish Crisp with Fried Swai, tamarind Sauce, cabbage and tomato in a pita! Delicious!
We also tried their seasoned fries with home made ketchup and garlic sauce, and their tasty baklava.
This place is a must try! It could not be better!
•••••••
Unfortunately JeJe's has been taken over by new management and my wife and I were not at all impressed. Nothing nearly as good as it was. Now I have already changed my review on yelp and the restaurant has recently contacted me to try out some free dishes to see what I think and if I will update my review. I have not gone and tried it again.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex, Japanese Ramen, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tsujita LA Artistan Noodle ANNEX
2050 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 231-0222
11am-12am (11:30 PM Last Order) 7 days a week
It has been years since I have eaten on Japanese food on Sawtelle, and it sure has changed a whole lot. Kelly and I wanted to have something special for our wedding anniversary, so we wanted to try something great, and I kept reading reviews of Tsujita and especially of it's annex.
When you get there, neither will be hard to find as there are huge lines for both and they are across the street from each other. At the annex, it is in a little parking lot where they have setup chairs to wait. There are no reservations, no takeout and it is cash only. You put your name on a list, an they wait a while, then when they are getting ready they come over to you and take your order, then you wait some more and get brought in. We waited for a little over an hour, and people just kept coming, but some people do leave, so sometimes you will move up the list quickly!
The inside is quite small, though not packed, with a sushi style bar with the chefs behind it, and a couple of tables (which we sat at) and traditional Japanese music playing.
Kelly and I both wanted to try the Tsukemen, which is Ramen with the noodles cooked, but seperate for dipping into your bowl of delicious pork bone broth. We both got Tsukemen with Char siu (pork) though I got a large. You get the same sized boll with broth, which comes with garlic and Onikasu (red Spice, though you can get it without, and there is ample more at the table) and a perfectly cooked soft boiled egg. In the broth is some pork that is melty delicious, and some more cold pork in with the noodles that you put in the broth to heat up.
I was so excited to eat that I was late taking a picture, so this from their menu, and then after I had eaten quit a bit.
Prepare to get messy, as you could use a big with all the dipping and slurping, of which there will be a lot. The broth is fatty and salty and vinegary and delicious, and the Onikasu is not too spicy at all but perfect.
This will make you realize what is so special about Ramen. It is so damn good! Just incredible! This is absolutely amazing food!
Honestly my only complaint is it is a bit too salty for my pallet, but then post my heart surgery I really stay away from salt even more that I used to, and is so good it is worth the extra salt to try this delicious dish!
Man this place is good!
2050 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 231-0222
11am-12am (11:30 PM Last Order) 7 days a week
It has been years since I have eaten on Japanese food on Sawtelle, and it sure has changed a whole lot. Kelly and I wanted to have something special for our wedding anniversary, so we wanted to try something great, and I kept reading reviews of Tsujita and especially of it's annex.
When you get there, neither will be hard to find as there are huge lines for both and they are across the street from each other. At the annex, it is in a little parking lot where they have setup chairs to wait. There are no reservations, no takeout and it is cash only. You put your name on a list, an they wait a while, then when they are getting ready they come over to you and take your order, then you wait some more and get brought in. We waited for a little over an hour, and people just kept coming, but some people do leave, so sometimes you will move up the list quickly!
The inside is quite small, though not packed, with a sushi style bar with the chefs behind it, and a couple of tables (which we sat at) and traditional Japanese music playing.
Kelly and I both wanted to try the Tsukemen, which is Ramen with the noodles cooked, but seperate for dipping into your bowl of delicious pork bone broth. We both got Tsukemen with Char siu (pork) though I got a large. You get the same sized boll with broth, which comes with garlic and Onikasu (red Spice, though you can get it without, and there is ample more at the table) and a perfectly cooked soft boiled egg. In the broth is some pork that is melty delicious, and some more cold pork in with the noodles that you put in the broth to heat up.
I was so excited to eat that I was late taking a picture, so this from their menu, and then after I had eaten quit a bit.
Prepare to get messy, as you could use a big with all the dipping and slurping, of which there will be a lot. The broth is fatty and salty and vinegary and delicious, and the Onikasu is not too spicy at all but perfect.
This will make you realize what is so special about Ramen. It is so damn good! Just incredible! This is absolutely amazing food!
Honestly my only complaint is it is a bit too salty for my pallet, but then post my heart surgery I really stay away from salt even more that I used to, and is so good it is worth the extra salt to try this delicious dish!
Man this place is good!
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Horseless Carriage Restaurant @ Galpin, Diner, American, Breakfast, North Hills, CA
Horseless Carriage Restaurant
15505 Roscoe Blvd.
North Hills, CA 91343
(818) 892-3707
7am - 9 PM
Kelly and I had wanted to try this place for a long time, as we had heard good things, and we had tried before, but the parking is pretty limited, but we finally made our way here.
The place is tiny, with a counter and a row of booths and some seats outside, where we sat, as we didn't want to wait for a booth.
The service was good, and so was the food. Decent diner food.
I had a very decent diner hamburger, the Galpinburger which was a large 1/2 pound burger with fries, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato and pickles. A bit pricy at $10.95, but as I said a decent diner burger.
Kelly had some sort of crab eggs benedict, which was delicious and huge, and quite tasty.
And we got a hot fudge sunday for desert and they split it into 2 dishes for us, and it was heaped with fudge above and below the ice cream.
Enjoyable, though a pain to park with decent food and a huge menu.
15505 Roscoe Blvd.
North Hills, CA 91343
(818) 892-3707
7am - 9 PM
Kelly and I had wanted to try this place for a long time, as we had heard good things, and we had tried before, but the parking is pretty limited, but we finally made our way here.
The place is tiny, with a counter and a row of booths and some seats outside, where we sat, as we didn't want to wait for a booth.
The service was good, and so was the food. Decent diner food.
I had a very decent diner hamburger, the Galpinburger which was a large 1/2 pound burger with fries, coleslaw, lettuce, tomato and pickles. A bit pricy at $10.95, but as I said a decent diner burger.
Kelly had some sort of crab eggs benedict, which was delicious and huge, and quite tasty.
And we got a hot fudge sunday for desert and they split it into 2 dishes for us, and it was heaped with fudge above and below the ice cream.
Enjoyable, though a pain to park with decent food and a huge menu.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Kountry Folks Restaurant, Breakfast, American, North HIlls, CA
8501 Sepulveda Blvd.
North Hills, CA 91343
(818) 895-2385
6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
My wife Kelly and I had passed this place many times, and since she loves breakfast we thought we should give it a try, and honestly I wish we had passed. The best thing I can say is it is really inexpensive, but the food was mediocre at best and so was the service.
Not only that, but the place is kind of dark and dingy. And we while the waitresses were very busy, we really waited a while to even have someone come by and take our orders.
As I said the best thing was price, as Kelly got a 2+2+2+2 special for $4.99 with 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon and 2 sausage links. She wasn't too hot on the pancakes which were not very fluffy and the eggs weren't too special.
I went for a hamburger with fried and a salad. The salad was basically iceberg lettuce with Italian dressing. The fries seemed previously frozen, and burger though a decent size was nothing special at all.
Overall I would skip this place completely, unless you really need a cheap breakfast and that is the only criteria.
North Hills, CA 91343
(818) 895-2385
6:30 AM - 9:00 PM
My wife Kelly and I had passed this place many times, and since she loves breakfast we thought we should give it a try, and honestly I wish we had passed. The best thing I can say is it is really inexpensive, but the food was mediocre at best and so was the service.
Not only that, but the place is kind of dark and dingy. And we while the waitresses were very busy, we really waited a while to even have someone come by and take our orders.
As I said the best thing was price, as Kelly got a 2+2+2+2 special for $4.99 with 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon and 2 sausage links. She wasn't too hot on the pancakes which were not very fluffy and the eggs weren't too special.
I went for a hamburger with fried and a salad. The salad was basically iceberg lettuce with Italian dressing. The fries seemed previously frozen, and burger though a decent size was nothing special at all.
Overall I would skip this place completely, unless you really need a cheap breakfast and that is the only criteria.
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