Please The Palate |

Añejo Cantina & Grill Is Spicing Up Ventura Blvd.

I was told that this restaurant had table-side guacamole on the menu and I was anxious to try this. This is another of the new restaurants to open along Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks. Located on the second floor of a building, Añejo Cantina & Grill is an upscale Mexican restaurant that opened this past summer and is offering authentic Mexican cuisine to valley dwellers. It is a big place with a big menu. With 11,000 square feet, space is not an issue. There is the indoor dining room where live music can be heard (or danced to), a large outdoor patio with a fire pit as well as private event space. The best seats in the house are on the outdoor patio that overlooks Ventura Boulevard. Even on a cool night, the patio is warm with the table-side heaters and blankets the restaurant is happy to provide. Once settled in, get ready to eat because the portions are big. The danger at any Mexican restaurant is filling up on chips and salsa. So, we did not waste any time and ordered the tableside guacamole. I just love the the taste of fresh avocado mashed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro and fresh lime.

21 December, 2015

Time for Sunday School! Brunch at Public School 818

Remember Sunday School? No matter your religion, you may have spent your childhood mornings in a classroom. Now the classroom is the dining room at Public School, a chef-driven gastropub with a focus on “An Education in the Art of Food & Beer.” Time to head back to the classroom and spend your Sundays at Public School 818 for brunch, which scores high marks. Sunday Brunch Grades: Location: A Centrally located on the corner of Ventura Blvd and Sepulveda Blvd, Public School 818 is easily accessible from either end of the San Fernando Valley or a quick drive up the 405 from the city. With no traffic on Sundays, this is an easy A.

Decor: A+

15 December, 2015

Downtown Johnny’s – Grab a Cocktail at The Valley’s Newest Drinking Spot

Downtown Johnny's is the valley's newest drinking spot but it's not as new as one would think. Located on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, Downtown Johnny's is the new incarnation of Murph's. The space has transformed from a garage-y cocktail spot to an old-school "throwback" bar.

Still owned by Richard DiSisto, who owns both the Tunnel Bar and Tipple & Brine next door, Downtown Johnny's looks like a weathered pub. It is a warm and inviting space that is just somewhere to get a good drink, some food and have a great time.

21 May, 2015