review - Blue Dog Beer Tavern: Breakfast AT BLUE'S

Blue Dog Beer Tavern

4524 Saugus Ave, Sherman Oaks

818-990-2583

Fantastic news for San Fernando Valley residents! Blue Dog Beer Tavern in SO is now open for breakfast Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. I was excited to attend the breakfast grand opening Saturday September 19 and particularly thrilled to be invited to sit with co-owner Tony Kouba and his friends. Also on hand to greet us was co-owner Paul Scrivano. Both were exceedingly warm, friendly and helpful in choosing which of Blue's scrumptious breakfast dishes we should try. It seems that their success in the last six years for lunch and dinner boils down to a good old sense of community philosophy that, according to Scrivano, is to give the customers what they want. "If they come in over the next few weeks and ask for something that is not on the menu like lox and bagels, then that's what we'll include." Don't try to change the customers by giving them what you want; satisfy them! Judging from the crowd inside and out on the ample porch, it works. The restaurant seats about 90 people inside and out, and it was filled to capacity. The food was uber delicious.

My friend Jim and I savored the Breakfast Toast items. I had the fried egg, Applewood smoked bacon and avocado toast; Jim had the fluffy, soft -scrambled eggs with chives... and the blueberry compote on housemade ricotta cheese. All were plentiful servings and really delicious. A word or two about the blueberry toast. The fruit is a good-sized portion and ultimately juicy, and in combo with the ricotta, the taste is unique and flavorful. Tony ordered another blueberry compote and insisted on sharing it as well as a toast with caramelized cinnamon apples and whipped cream (picture below). Mmmmm! If you have never had dessert for breakfast, well try this one; it's the next best thing to total bliss. If I had known the portions were as big as they were, I would never have ordered Sunshine Sammy, a lightly grilled potato bun filled with bacon, cheddar, avocado, chipotle aioli and topped with a sunny side egg. Wow! And it was served with housemade fries too! According to Tony, only the freshest ingredients are used, and all potatoes and meat are made and ground on the premises. Bread comes in from the outside, but is cut to their own specifications in house. All the breakfast items are reasonably priced at $8/per item. There are also a morning quesadilla, and a Taco' the Morning To You for only $7. Paul mentioned that French toast is planned, and they are open to unlimited suggestions. Mine would be to probably add omelettes and some kind of breakfast potato like hashed browns or cottage fries. Waffles would also be nice, especially with that blueberry compote/ricotta spread on top!

with Tony Kouba

On the beverage side, there are fresh squeezed orange juice, fab mimosas, a house Sungria, a Pinot Noir with OJ, sprite and cut fruit for a mere $8/per glass. To top all that off, there's deliciously brewed Stumptown coffee from Pennsylvania, including flavors like cherry and toffee and fudge for a mere $3/per cup + refills.

with Paul Scrivano

For the health-conscious eater, there's also  Bowl o' Granola and a Savory Breakfast Risotto served with a sunny side egg, grape tomatoes, all blended with pesto sauce and spinach in a salad bowl, for only $9.

Service at Blue's is friendly and uber fast. And the atmosphere is so laid back and comfortable with a big screen TV for sports watching. The walls are handsomely adorned with many, many pictures of dogs of every breed. Bring the kids, and you and your pets will be accommodated on the porch! It's my kind of hangout. I'll be back!

review - The Melt in Westlake Village

The Melt Westlake
180 Promenade Way
Next to Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas
Westlake Village, CA
805-228-4658

Westlake Manager Miguel Vargas Aims to Please.

Hardly your average burger palace, The Melt, founded in San Francisco in 2011 by Jonathan Kaplan, is a unique chain of family oriented fast food restaurants with an emphasis on healthy food, food that contains all natural ingredients...and lots and lots of cheese. Simple food like grilled cheese sandwiches, cheeseburgers, BBQ bacon chicken sandwiches, and tomato basil soup have never tasted this good, this fresh. And it's all offered in a clean relaxed atmosphere and at affordable prices.

The newest store in the chain is The Melt in Westlake Village, open since May of this year and run by Miguel Vargas, an affable lad who waits on tables taking customers' orders, spreading cheer in whatever way he can. He is there to serve and does a pretty damn good job of it. He was there on Monday July 6 after the holiday weekend for my visit and was more than eager to fill me in on the details of what makes The Melt different from your typical burger joint. It stresses family dining, putting an extra special emphasis on kids as well as adults. The menu  provides great economical meals for kids like a cheeseburger, grilled cheese, mac n' cheese or chicken caesar salad, served with a sliced apple and including a drink like milk or house-made lemonade all for slightly over $5. Amazing offer!

On the adult side of the fence there are burgers such as the original with aged cheddar, lettuce and tomato with melt sauce on a potato bun, or the spicy mission with Monterey Jack, charred jalapeno, avocado and pickled onions with house-made spicy ketchup - organic with no fructose corn syrup utilized. There's also the 'Shroom with fontina, mushrooms, fresh spinach and grilled onions on a wheat bun or the bacon BBQ with aged cheddar, double bacon, grilled onions and tomato with BBQ sauce on a potato bun. All of these burgers, by the way, range in price from $4.95-$6.95. There is also quite a variety of fries: naked, sweet potato and well dressed that includes russets, cheddar, fontina, and jack with bacon and crispy onions. $2.45-$3.95. My friend and I had the BBQ bacon burger which was absolutely delicious. I also chose the Trio Mac n' Cheese, made from scratch with creamy aged cheddar, fontina and jack with crispy onions. Yummy! My friend chose the T-Mac with truffle,with fontina, provolone, and mushrooms with parmesan. $3.95-$5.95. I also tried the artisan crafted Two Tomato Basil Soup, a delicious puree for only $2.95. The soup also  makes a great dipping sauce for the various kinds of fries. Sweet Corn Tortilla Soup is another option.

The wall says it all about what Jonathan Kaplan started in San Francisco back in 2011.

Miguel was quick to point out that all natural ingredients are used in all the food, including the soft serve ice cream which is truly scrumptious. For those with a big, big appetite, there are s'mores topped with soft serve vanilla bean ice cream. And... homemade milkshakes: vanilla bean, double chocolate, cappuccino, cookies & cream, mint chocolate chip and snickerdoodle. On my next visit this will be a must, as I cherish the taste of a good milkshake and, based on my sampling of the soft serve, I'm sure these are fabulous, for a mere $4.95.

For the salad lover, there's a caesar, field greens, chopped cobb and a smaller version on-the-side of either caesar or field greens for half the price. There are also four different kinds of grilled cheese sandwiches including the classic, the Italian Job on spicy garlic bread, the Mac Daddy with macaroni and bacon and the Truffle with two cheeses and fresh spinach. $4.95-$6.95.

It's nice to see a sense of humor in advertising, and I love the suggestion on the napkins: "Wipe that cheesy grin on your face" and their fun wall posters "Holy Macaroni" and "We have Nice Buns." Makes for a delightful experience all around!

I like a fast food restaurant only if it's spotlessly neat and if the servings are of ample size... and of course reasonably priced. The Melt meets my needs. It merits 5 stars. That mac n' cheese is to die for and so is the soup. Customers are flocking in, because they obviously appreciate good food. You will too. Stop by the Promenade in Westlake, or in Burbank or if you're in Hollywood, visit The Melt on Sunset, and simply enjoy!

review - The Twisted Oak Tavern, formerly The Lab, Has Grand Reopening end of March

30105 Agoura Road

Agoura Hills, California  

(818) 735-0091

feedback@twistedoaktavern.pub

As one sits enjoying a burger and homemade beer in the spacious dining room of The Twisted Oak Tavern, there are two things that catch your eye, the humongous cylinders at the end of the aisle where beer is made, still referred to as the Lab Brewing Co., and the twisted oaks outside the large window, whose breathtaking view infuses the establishment with an atmosphere of warmth, homeyness and nature-made fun. Formerly known as the Lab, the Twisted Oak Tavern reopened with its new name in January of this year, but next week commencing March 26 and ending on April 2 The Twisted Oak tavern will celebrate an official grand opening with an entire week of events. We'll talk about these further in, but first, let's talk food and beverage, what makes the Twisted Oak extra special.

I was exceedingly enthusiastic, of course, with the spaciousness of this restaurant and the view of the oak trees, but I had heard from many a source that the beer was incredible and the food was really first-rate. So, it was such a pleasure to meet award-winning brewmaster Roger Bott who was on hand to greet us and make us feel right at home. He suggested that we try an assortment of beer and food, and since I like just about everything, I was more than game.  Our affable server Matt started us off with candied bacon strips and from the bar, my favorite nonalcoholic drink - ginger beer, made quite differently from what I was accustomed to drinking. It was prepared with fresh ginger… and lemon, which added a real sparkle, and needless to say, when anyone puts smoked bacon in front of me at any time of day, I am in heaven. After some picture taking and pleasant conversation with both Roger and Matt, we were served a small batch brew session, which included a blonde ale called Honey I'm Home, real savory; Belgian Pale; Belgian Breakfast Brown, a mild ale; Take Her Home Tripel - my favorite, and Cold Fusion. The beer samples, plus the delicious ginger beer put me in a terrific mood to appreciate the platter of food which Matt delivered to our table. We were given a Twisted Oak burger, a chicken diablo sandwich with house fries, and a dinner serving of Lobster Risotto. It was lunch time but the chef was ever so nice to prepare us a dinner entree as well. Let me tell you, my friend and I raved about the risotto, as we are both fans of pasta and seafood. Scrumptious, to say the least! If that were not enough, they prepared us a special smoked salmon salad, consisting of baby kale, shaved Brussels sprouts, lemon dill crouton, red onion, house made ricotta cheese, house smoked salmon, and truffle dressing. There were so many incredibly wonderful flavors to savor that every bite was a true adventure. For dessert, my friend ordered the Dulce De Leche Lava Cake, and I chose the homemade Apple Cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Both were delectable. What impressed me about the kitchen at the Twisted Oak Tavern is that everything is made in house. Not only do they brew their own beer, but grind their own hamburg for the burgers and make the bread for the flatbread pizzas as well. I purchased a sausage pizza to take home and it was de...licious! Returning to Grand opening week March 26 to April 2, every night of the week will feature something different, the most important being Thursday the 26th which will be ribbon cutting and the release of their barrel aged imperial stout named Boris. Friday the 27th will include a performance by the popular musical group Acoustic Saints. Saturday the 28th is charity night where food proceeds benefit the local animal shelter. Sunday the 29th is collaboration Sunday, where the staff will be brewing on a small pilot system on the patio with Enegren Brewing. The public is invited to hang out and participate. A new beer co-brewed with them a few months ago will be released called Big Dose, a barrel aged Belgian quad. Sounds like fun, so join in and help roll out the barrel for The Twisted Oak Tavern in Agoura Hills.

Those spacious booths! Can fit up to 8 people!

http://www.labbrewingco.com/about.cfm

review - Pizza Cookery for BREAKFAST!!!

The Original Pizza Cookery

6209 Topanga Canyon Blvd (at Erwin Street), Woodland Hills

(818) 887-4770

If you are a fan of The Original Pizza Cookery in Woodland Hills on Topanga Canyon- and who isn't? - they are now open for breakfast 7:00 am to 10: 30 am daily, serving a unique variety of delicious breakfast foods. There are hefty omelettes, pancakes, divine French toast, large breakfast sandwiches including the breakfast burrito and much, much more.

The first item we were served was a breakfast pizza. If you like your breakfast hearty, with indescribable homemade flavor think: eggs, meat, cheese, and potatoes all blended together on a thin cracker crust. You get all the great tastes of these food items you love cooked to scintillating perfection as only a pizza oven can accomplish. When I took my first couple of bites, all I could say was "Mmmm...it's like eating a terrific omelette, potatoes and toast... only much better. Delicious!" And you can't beat Pizza Cookery's low price of $9.95. Each pizza contains eight slices, so there's definitely enough food for two. Besides the original pizza, which contains scrambled eggs, choice of bacon, sausage or ham with home fries, tomato, red onion, mushrooms, cilantro, mozzarella cheese and topped with fresh parmesan cheese, there are also the Greek Pizza, the Veggie or you may create your very own. 

Next our super friendly and consistently conscientious waitress Lynn served us a scrumptious skillet scramble. A skillet scramble consists of scrambled eggs with hash browns layered in a cast iron skillet, topped with mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone cheese and served with your choice of toast or an English muffin for a mere $10.95. We chose the Topanga with spinach, sausage, mushroom and red onion. It was richly satisfying. Also available are the original with your choice of bacon, sausage or ham with tomato, onion, mushroom and cilantro. For vegans, there is also the Veggie with mushrooms, red onion, black olives, tomato and green pepper. You may create your own scramble and substitute egg whites for a mere $1 charge. Amazing tastes all blended into one super awesome concoction that is totally unto itself!

The French toast was truly delightful, served with maple syrup, butter and fruit garnish. Also on the bill are pancakes, a Belgian waffle and specialties like bagel, lox and cream cheese. You may order eggs any style, a lox and onion scramble as well as scrambled eggs and onions. There are also a smoked salmon platter and a whitefish salad platter. For those who prefer cereal, it is offered both cold and... hot oatmeal. Bakery items include freshly baked muffins, cinna-mini for the ultra-sweet palate, croissants, bagels, English muffins and toast all nicely priced under $3.

Side orders include home fries as well as hash browns, bacon, ham steak, sausage links, sliced tomatoes, cream cheese, salsa and pure maple syrup. Beverages offered are apple or orange juice, low fat milk, iced tea or hot tea, coffee, cappuccino, latte and espresso, all under or close to $3. There are plenty of refills on coffee, and each guest gets a homemade cinna-mini with every breakfast order. And they are far better than those  tasteless pull-aparts you get in fast food restaurants.

Everyone loves The Original Pizza Cookery for its fine Italian fare and all I can add is their breakfast selections are the greatest. There is ample food prepared just the way you like it and service with a smile. Stop by 7 days a week from 7:00 am to 10: 30 am and enjoy a lovely breakfast experience!

visit them online at:

www.pizzacookery.com

review - Fresh Brothers, Encino

Fresh Brothers

Pizza.Salad.Wings

Encino 

(Ventura at Woodley)

(818)528-2100

Founded by three brothers from Chicago Adam, Michael and Scott Goldberg, Fresh Brothers had its first opening in Manhattan Beach in 2008. Boys from Chicago know a thing or two about pizza, and Adam and his brothers started using the finest, freshest ingredients within their very own recipes to attract customers. It worked, to be sure, because at this point in time, there are 14 stores, if you include the stand at LAX, in LA, OC and the Valley... and the business keeps on growing with several openings planned from 2015 onward.

The Encino store that I visited on Veteran's Day is a small, casual space with totally up.to.date features. It opened in April of this year and within my hour and a half stay, there was a steady stream of customers, including a mother with her children (see photo below). Kids are most welcome. In fact, on Saturdays there is a Kids' Club where kids come in and while eating their pizza, may participate in face painting and making things out of pizza dough. That's right. The operators of the store give pizza dough - which, by the way is handmade in their kitchens every day - to the kids, who mold it like clay, keeping them active and happy while they are on the premises. As if eating pizza were not pleasant enough!  There are 10 full TV screens - two on each wall - where you can watch your favorite channel ...great for Monday night football, soccer matches, Olympic games, etc. But what about the food?

Well, pizza is not the only attraction at Fresh Brothers. There are also luscious salads, like the delicious Caesar I had...and an abundant number of appetizers, like Buffalo wings, chicken tenders, even gluten-free, mozzarella sticks, fresh knots - garlic bread tied in tasty knots and dusted with parmesan and served with marinara sauce on the side. There are also vegan tenders and savory fries served with your choice of six homemade dipping sauces: hot, mild, BBQ, roasted garlic BBQ, super hot and sweet chili. Sound yummy? Well, indeed, they are. And...the piece de resistance, a meatball slider to die for, served on a King's Hawaiian roll and topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella. The sliders come in an order of three and you will want to gobble them right up, they are sooo scrumptious. But, save room for the pizza!

You may try a favorite or build your own on thin crust, skinny crust - half the dough means half the carbs - or deep dish for just a mere $2.50 extra. My friend is vegan so he chose the vegan pizza which had an ample amount of green olives. He raved about this! I had the original sausage pizza, with a full layer of sausage underneath the cheese. Yes, uber delicious! There are Hawaiian style, Old School - meatballs layered with pepperoni and smothered with spicy Giardiniera, cheese only, fresh vegetable, BBQ chicken, margherita, and Da Works with sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and onion. Sizes are medium, large and extra large, all ranging in price from $16 to under $25. A steal!

You may add an Isabella's chocolate-chip cookie or a vegan brownie, if you dare! The food is fantastic; the service ultra friendly. Manager and cook Scott Davidson spoke with us frequently, stopping by our table to make sure everything was just right. Yes, sir, it assuredly was! Fresh Brothers may be small, but iis big on flavor, fresh ingredients and easy on the purse-strings.  You can dine in or take out, and there is delivery. Fresh Brothers also caters your favorite party or social event. It's great and I'll be back!

Encino:
call 818-528-2100!

review - Coral Tree Cafe

17499 Ventura Blvd, Encino
818-789-8733

Along the lines of Mendocino Farms, Coral Tree Cafe is a big, wide open comfortable space with a high barn-like ceiling, in which to sit and relax while you're having breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Open from 7 am to 10 pm daily, you may order breakfast until 3 pm. Their menu offers quite a nice selection of omelettes and other egg dishes - organic eggs - salads, homemade soups and sandwiches, all with a healthy slant on life. They also have a wonderfully delicious bakery section with muffins, scones, cookies and a dual, white and black, chocolate mousse pie that is absolutely scrumptious.

If I have a choice between breakfast and lunch, I will 9 times out of 10 opt for  breakfast. I was torn between the Applewood omelette with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and sauteed mushroom, or the eggs benedict. I chose the omelette, which with organic farm eggs is not only healthy but ultimately fresher in taste. Served with it are cafe potatoes and a house made baguette. You may substitute baby field greens for the potatoes if you wish. All moderately priced at about $12, the omelettes included are: turkey chorizo, the Mykonos, chicken sausage, arugula pesto, porto bello and for vegetarians, the Brentwood kale and farmers market vegetable. Other egg specialties of the house are huevos rancheros, natural pastrami hash, Spanish rice skillet and vegetarian benedict, a lox plate, eggs bruschetta and a hi-pro breakfast of grilled chicken breast, and scrambled organic egg whites served with brown rice. The menu also includes cereals, oats and grains as well as various pancake and waffle dishes. I had fresh squeezed orange juice. At $5.50 it was a delicious treat and definitely worth it.

From the lunch menu my friend and I shared a Chinese chicken salad which was first rate with little tangerines and nuts substituted for crispy noodles, also nicely priced at only $12.95. My friend ordered penne al forno which consists of pasta, chicken, Italian bacon, spinach, roma tomatoes, roasted peppers, mushrooms, parmesan, fresh basil and a touch of cream. He loved it... a hefty portion for a mere $12.95. We were served an additional kale salad and two sandwiches, one of which was truly delectable, with turkey meatloaf served on a rustic ciabatta roll. Sandwiches are quite big and range from $10 to $12. Also on the sandwich menu are grilled steak, veggie wrap with house made hummus, tuna, roast turkey and curried chicken.

On the menu it is specified that all meat and poultry are antibiotic, hormone and nitrate free. And only the highest quality extra virgin olive oil and canola oil are used. All panini breads are baked in house as well as the cookies and a delightful chocolate pudding cake that I sampled, called bread pudding, which is excessive and regal to the taste buds. For beverages, there are coffee, signature expresso and tea drinks as well as fresh fruit smoothies.

If you wish a casual lunch which includes breakfast food and sandwiches, soups and salads all prepared with the freshest, highest quality ingredients, go no further. Coral Tree Cafe will suit your needs, and there's plenty of room to stretch out and just unwind or relax with your friends or business associates. And remember you're eating healthy! The fresh juice bar is so tempting, not only with its fresh squeezed orange juice, but also everything else under the sun with a drink called The Garden Salad which has carrot, tomato, celery and fresh basil and The Everything Nice with watermelon, apple and lemon. There's even a Farmer's Daughter with apple and strawberry. Now that's originality!

Coral Tree Cafe is also located in LA at 11645 San Vicente Blvd and offers catering as well as online ordering for your convenience:

www.coraltreecafe.com

review - Vino Tapas and Wine Bar

18046 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
info@vinowineroom.com

Tel: 818-343-2525

This is a revisit. Read my original review from November 2013 here: http://howtoeatheartily.blogspot.com/2013/11/vino-wine-and-tapas-bar.html

with owner Alla Volk

18046 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, CA 91316
info@vinowineroom.com

Tel: 818-343-2525

Vino Tapas and Wine Bar in Encino has some very exciting news to share. Beginning July 1, this one of a kind establishment will be open for lunch from 11 am to 3 pm daily. Owner Alla Volk was on hand to greet me June 24 and was so ecstatic about extending her hours. Alla plans a special paella and sangria day, most likely Sundays, shortly after the lunch schedule starts up. The deliciously authentic wine, sangria and tapas Vino has to offer are praised by everyone who stops by and now there are more opportunities to spend time there....and the cuisine is authentically Spanish, which has a lot to say for a Russian owner. Ole, ole! Yes, Alla prides herself on her Spanish chef and her selection of genuine Spanish-style tapas, which include albondigas and tortilla espanola. When she puts the special paella day into full swing, she intends to offer not one or two different kinds of paella but perhaps six or seven to match the menu of Spanish restaurants in Spain where she has eaten and savored every morsel. With this kind of passion for her art, Alla is a true restaurateuse par excellence, and you know you are in good hands when you visit Vino Tapas and Wine Bar. On this second visit, my desire was to try several things that I had not eaten the first time, so I ordered calamares fritos, crisply fried squid served with romesco and aioli side sauces  and my friend, higadillos salteados, pan seared chicken livers with garlic, paprika and thyme served in a sizzling cast iron plate. The calamari were absolutely yummy tasting and those chicken livers were so deliciously prepared. I know it requires a special taste, but both my friend Jim and I were brought up on the exquisite flavor of liver so we truly appreciate it in all of its forms. Of course, who can resist the potato croquetas, crispy mashed potato croquettes filled with chicken and served with tomato aioli, the patatas bravas, crispy potatoes with spicy aioli sauce and the slider, that scrumptious mini burger with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, bleu cheese and tomato aioli, served with fries? This is one of the very best sliders I have ever tasted! Jim also tried the delicias, bacon wrapped dates filled with caramelized walnuts and bleu cheese and the gambas al ajillo, shrimp sauteed in garlic, herb and white wine sauce. He simply raved about both, especially the dates wrapped in bacon. We both savored more than one glass of the luscious homemade sangria. For my main course - or big tapa - I ordered short ribs, which are braised over night with spices and herbs, and served with green beans, tomato confit and mashed potatoes. I had had the filet mignon on the last visit and must admit it's a toss up for me between the filet and the short ribs, as they are both beautifully prepared and succulent...and just enough, after devouring so many tapas. For dessert, I tried the bread pudding with cranberry and vanilla ice cream and Jim, the banana bread with bruleed banana and chantilly cream. Que rico!, as the Spaniards say...and who am I to disagree? I came to be satisfied… and I certainly was! I rarely talk about presentation, which, in my book, is 50% of a good restaurant meal. For me, it's the food that counts most, but yes, presentation makes the food more appealing. Vino Tapas and Wine Bar present all of their small and big tapas and desserts in fine artistic form. I particularly enjoyed seeing the short rib dinner on the bed of mashed potatoes and vegetables delectably protruding from the hole in the center of the large plate, drawing immediate attention to it. What is also utterly unbelievable about Vino Tapas and Wine Bar apart from the great food, presentation, service and warm atmosphere with Spanish paintings on the walls, are the moderate prices. At happy hour from 4 pm to 7 pm, the tapas are only $5, and the big tapas - filet mignon and short rib dinners - only $15 each. It is not everywhere that you may order authentic Spanish food, get lovely guitarra music later in the evening, and do not have to complain about spending too much money. And now that Vino Tapas and Wine Bar will be open for lunch...what a double deal! Que suerte (luck) for us all!

Grade: A+