P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO… “Springing Forward With New Menu Items!”

Posted on March 26, 2013 by savo0429

If you’ve been to one the nearly 200 existing P.F. Chang’s locations, you know that you’ve also been more than once, or you’re planning to return again in the future. With the use and combination of fresh ingredients, bursting flavor from each dish that’s prepared, and a flavorful spin on Asian favorites, Shanghai-born co-founder and culinary consultant, Philip Chang and consulting Chef Yuji Iwasa conglomerate on ideas and inspirations for dishes that please and satisfy the palates of their numerous customers. Newly created dishes now available at this widely popular restaurant offer inspirations inspired by the spring season with savory Southeast Asian influences.

The interior decor at the Sherman Oaks Galleria P.F. Chang’s location is Asian with modern enhancements. A beautiful spacious dining room allows for patrons to enjoy an intimate lunch or dinner without feeling overcrowded, while an expansive lounge and bar with a see-through partition allows for viewing of the restaurant’s culinary theatrics in the kitchen. Personable bartenders await your requests and impress with flavorful concoctions, crisp wines, and other desirable selections.

Main Dining Area, The Arched Lounge & The View Over The Bar

Inspirations for the new menu additions include all the favorites most loved about spring…bright colorful fresh vegetables, flavorful tastes that are both refreshing and enticing, and a wholeness of flavor just waiting to give you even more reasons to keep returning to this Asian bistro chain.

Vietnamese Prawn Rolls

One of several new features on the spring menu at P.F. Chang’s is the Vietnamese Prawn Rolls appetizer. Served with refreshing chilled leaves of Bibb lettuce, delicately fried and presented with a flavorsome toasted sesame-soy sauce and Thai basil, fresh mint, and cilantro, these crispy and succulent starters will kick off the perfect sensation of flavors on your taste buds while you’re deciding what to order for your main course.

Thai Beef & Noodle Salad

Bursting with flavors of the Orient and the fresh tastes of spring corn kernels, juicy grape tomatoes, savory caramelized beef, colorful greens, egg noodles, tangy sweet mango, creamy avocado and cucumber, this new salad addition will please anyone’s craving for Southeast Asian cuisine. The additional essence of Thai basil and fresh mint mixed into a seasoned citrus vinaigrette dressing and a subtle hint of spice is then crowned with chopped peanuts and bright green cilantro.

Sea Bass With Tropical Salsa

Here’s an entree for the record books…try the Sea Bass With Tropical Salsa. The sweet meat of the Sea Bass is gently enhanced by the Sriracha sauce (a type of hot sauce named after the coastal city of Si Racha, in Eastern Thailand), which is then garnished with a compilation of flavorful tropical fruit salsa and micro greens atop a bed of grilled asparagus. This striking dish is then drizzled with a sweet chili sauce to complete this creation. A dazzling display, but more importantly, an amazing sensation of flavors as well.

Also a new addition to the menu, the Thai Basil Sambal Noodles entree ($12.95-chicken, $14.95-shrimp, or $13.95-combo of both, not pictured), provides a gluten-free option with rice noodles, fresh veggies and fragrant Thai basil gently tossed in a coconut sambal sauce with a spicy enhancement. We didn’t try this item, but it sounds absolutely delicious!

We must not forget to highlight P.F. Chang’s Happy Hour. Named Triple Happiness for it’s celebration of street fare favorites, hand shaken flavorsome libations, and the restaurant’s popular dim sum offerings, this is quite the event Monday through Fridays, with double Happy Hours Monday through Thursdays in addition later in the evening. Below are just a few of the tantalizing selections from the Triple Happiness menu, which we have thoroughly enjoyed…

Chang’s Spare Ribs, Ahi Crisps, Asian Street Tacos, & Steamed Shrimp Dumplings With A Mixture Of Sauces

The Steamed Dumplings are a huge hit with us. We’ve enjoyed all three versions of the pork, vegetable and shrimp options, but our favorite by far is the shrimp selection with shrimp, ginger, carrots and green onion (3 for $4), we keep going back to those time and time again. The Asian Street Tacos are another savory item on the Triple Happiness menu. Served two per order ($4.95), we favor the traditional beef version, which is a braised Korean beef treat encompassing all the flavors you can imagine it would possess and then some! If you enjoy a little spice in your Happy Hour, try the Ahi Crisps ($5 per order), which are created with diced Ahi and scallions, then mixed with a sesame-soy dressing with fresh sliced avocado atop crispy wontons. I indulged in this spicy crunchy dish, despite the mild heat it offers. Not too much heat, but just enough. The Chang’s Spare Ribs are another delightful appetite resolution. Basted in an Asian BBQ sauce and seared in a wok, these delectable ribs literally fall off of the bone they’re so tender. Every one of these (and many more options on the menu) will make you realize that your “triple happiness” starts at P.F. Chang’s!

Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Above, we wanted to share another favorite of ours…the Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps ($8.95). These are a signature presentation of P.F. Chang’s, and are comprised of chicken that has been wok-seared, water chestnuts, green onions, and mushrooms combined into savory goodness, then served over crunchy rice sticks and offered with chilled crisp lettuce cups. Sounds great, doesn’t it? That’s why it’s a signature dish. And that’s why we keep ordering it!

Dragon Martini, Chinese 88 Martini, Chardonnay, Organic Agave Margaritas & P.F. Chang’s Mai Tai

Some of the tasteful cocktails on the Triple Happiness Happy Hour menu include the P.F. Chang’s Mai Tai ($6) served in a tall glass with a fresh pineapple wedge garnish, the Organic Agave Martini for an easy $6 (made with Patron Silver Tequila and organic agave nectar with a splash of fresh lime juice), the Dragon Martini (one of my favorites!), and the Chinese 88 Martini (crafted with Plymouth Dry Gin and shaken with fresh lemon juice then topped with sparkling wine for $6.) All sensational options, all delicious down to the very last sip! Above, we also sipped a couple of glasses of the Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay ($11/glass).

INSIDER’S TIP: Don’t forget to sign up for P.F. Chang’s Warrior Rewards. This dining rewards card is complimentary and presents you with discounts on the tempting fare you enjoy at the restaurant!

A terrific cozy location inside the Sherman Oaks Galleria, an amazing friendly staff to guide you and offer suggestions about drinks and eats, and a relaxed modern Asian ambiance to enjoy it all in. Just some of the reasons we keep returning!

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: The decor is Asian with nicely-appointed modern touches everywhere in the restaurant. Statues of noble horses await the arrival of patrons right outside the main entry, while inside, the space offers an expansive dining room, an elegantly finished lounge and bar, and a private event room adjacent to the lounge area.

FOOD / DRINK: Fresh, consistent, flavorsome, expertly prepared, and keeps us coming back for more.

LOCATION: This particular P.F. Chang’s is located at 15301 Ventura Boulevard in Suite P inside the Sherman Oaks Galleria in Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.

SERVICE / STAFF: The staff at the Sherman Oaks P.F. Chang’s location is proudly overseen by Manager Jaque Flattery, who impresses her patrons regularly with her superior management skills and great rapport with employees and visiting customers alike. Danny, Levon, Rolando, and Travis at the bar astound with their festive libation creations and delight with their outstanding personalities.

PRICE / VALUE: Great value for what is presented, especially during the Triple Happiness events Monday through Friday.

CORKAGE FEE: $10 per 750mL bottle.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (818) 784-1694, Website: www.pfchangs.com

PARKING: There is ample parking in the Sherman Oaks Galleria parking structure. P.F. Chang’s offers a 2-hour complimentary validation. Just present your parking stub to your server, and they will be more than happy to validate your ticket.

PRICING: Our final bills have been varied depending on what was ordered, but we’ve never surpassed $50 (including tax) for appetizers during Happy Hour or for dinner and cocktails at the bar.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

* SPECIAL THANKS: We would like to congratulate Manager Jaque Flattery for the amazing job she does every day overseeing the operations of the restaurant. We would also like to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation for her generosity and the genuine hospitality she shows us every time we visit.

GARDEN BAKERY CAFE… “The BEST Pizza Crust Ever!”

Posted on February 6, 2013 by savo0429

Here’s an interesting coffeehouse concept…a coffeehouse PLUS a pizza kitchen! We’re not kidding! Garden Cafe in Sherman Oaks, California is a full service restaurant and coffeehouse which offers an intimate outdoor wrap-around patio, free Wi-Fi, some of the BEST pizza we’ve ever remembered enjoying so much, and a private complimentary parking lot for customers. Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s not. Our several occasions visiting this newer haunt in the area proved that Garden Cafe will be around for a very long time in upcoming years.

Coffee, coffee drinks, espresso, iced and hot teas…and now serving select wine and beer, Garden Cafe has sprung forth into the bustling neighborhood community of Sherman Oaks with gusto. Inside, a soothing Mediterranean and almost Tuscan decor relaxes the mind and soothes the soul. On the patio, bright red and green canvas umbrellas block the sun’s rays when trying to read the latest best seller, strategically placed comfy sofas, patio tables and benches allow for a comfortable and spacious dining experience, and potted plants and fruit trees are accompanies by growing ivy that climbs up arched trellises that greets patron into this intricate and romantic atmosphere.

Hot Green Tea, Steaming Espressoo & the Garden Cafe Menu

So, what about those pizzas that we have been talking about? Well, here are three of the flaky, light doughy creations topped with vibrant colored toppings bursting with interesting flavors…

Pulled Short Rib Pizza

The pizza crust at Garden Cafe truly is artisan. Hand-crafted and wood-fired, baked-to- perfection crusty gems are seemingly baked with a touch of magic. The Pulled Short Rib Pizza ($14) is made with a unique goat cheese sauce with grilled onions, spinach and arugula is a phenomenally beefy flavor experience. We appreciated the edible decor on top of fresh baby arugula and hand-shaved Parmesan cheese. Simple, gooey-cheese-laden, and a magnificent gentle crunch with every bite.

Margherita Pizza

The Margherita Pizza ($8) is a refreshing taste of Italy with its eye-catching tomato sauce and fontina cheese base, fresh Parmesan cheese, and tomato slices. Atop all of this cheesy tomatoey goodness sits slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and bright green fragrant basil. An excellent choice for sharing or ordering for one with leftovers for later!

Forest Mushroom Pizza

After some debate, and many slices of pizza at Garden Cafe, we’ve decided that the Forest Mushroom Pizza ($12) is our favorite of the three we’ve had. Crafted with a garlic-goat cheese sauce with wild mushrooms, roasted garlic, arugula, and a signature cheese blend, a truffle essence is also added to enhance the experience. After our first time indulging in the Forest Mushroom Pizza, we’ve had a hard time going back to the others. The earthy flavor from the mushrooms really offers a sensational flavor enhancement.

Here’s another delicious spin on that traditional round dough-based favorite we all love…how about prosciutto and fig on your gourmet pizza?

Prociutto & Fig Pizza

Thin sliced colorful prosciutto, goat cheese, brilliant green arugula, a sweet and savory fig spread, and The Garden Bakery Cafe’s signature cheese blend make this creation a sensation sure to suit anyone who tries it. We loved how this version encompassed sweet and salty tastes so perfectly.

Chicken Minestrone Soup of the Day With Buttered Garlic Toast

On a chilly day, or any day for that matter, Garden Cafe’s soup selections will certainly hit the spot creating a cozy warmth deep within. I enjoyed the Chicken Minestrone Soup ($6), which arrived in a ceramic soup tureen atop a long presentation platter with garlicky butter graced toast points. This was a hearty soothing liquid with its bright green field peas, fresh sliced carrots, steamed broccoli and shredded white meat chicken swimming in an unforgettable tomato emulsion. Pure delight with each spoonful, this was a thoroughly satisfying selection.

Turkey Club On CIabatta With a House Side Salad

My husband enjoyed the Turkey Club Sandwich ($12) on an artisan ciabatta bun. This enjoyable compilation was assembled with oven roasted turkey, jack cheese, fresh chunks of avocado, smoked bacon, tomato, pickled shallots, and a zesty pesto aioli. The ciabatta bread was excellently toasted, and held together quite nicely throughout the duration of the meal without crumbling or allowing its ingredients to escape. A pleasant chilled house side salad with ample squares of feta cheese, cucumber slices, iceberg lettuce and cherry tomato halves complimented this item with ease.

Homemade Turkey Meatball Soup

Here’s a treat worth trying for a simple $6…the Homemade Turkey Meatball Soup. This ‘Soup of the Day’ favorite was hearty without being too heavy. Nicely flavored with healthy vegetables and lentils, this guilt-free treat will keep you warm on a chilly day, or satisfy your craving for a hot bowl of homemade soup any other day of the year.

Smoked Salmon Artisan Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The Smoked Salmon Artisan Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($13.50), was savory and full of satisfying smoked salmon, melted provolone cheese, fresh sliced tomatoes and crisp arugula on sourdough bread. If you’re a grilled cheese fan, this is the place to turn up your senses when it comes to two slices of bread and cheese…Garden Bakery Cafe amplifies that much loved sandwich by adding additional tastes including the above smoked salmon, tomato and basil, pastrami, and even…SHORT RIBS! Take a look at the below Spicy Short Rib Artisan Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and tell us if your mouth isn’t watering right now!

Spicy Short Rib Grilled Artisan Cheese Sandwich

The Spicy Short Rib Artisan Sandwich ($12) is compiled of sweet grilled onions, fresh spinach, jack cheese, red bell peppers, and a spicy aioli on a ciabatta bun. This sandwich option gives the word mouthwatering an entirely new meaning with it’s tender, juicy pulled short rib meat mixed with perfectly grilled veggies and the most delicious ciabatta bun ever!

And you just cannot forget about the Chinese Chicken Salad. Crafted with chilled Iceberg lettuce, freshly cut cabbage, refreshing carrots, scallions, and tender white meat chicken chicken gently tossed in a ginger-sesame vinaigrette then topped with crunchy wonton strips. Um…is anyone getting hungry about now?

Chinese Chicken Salad

We cannot end this article without telling you about Garden Bakery Cafe’s burgers! Below, the flavors of savory melty American cheese, chunky avocado, pickled jalapeno, onion, Romaine lettuce leaves, mayo, tomato, savory bacon, and 1/2 pound of Angus beef cooked to your specification on a brioche bun left us speechless. (Except for the “oohs” and “ahhs” being yelled by our taste buds with every bite!) Served with perfectly prepared steak fries (those were pretty darn good, as well!), this dish is a hearty and filling selection that would make a terrific meal any time of the week…

Club Cheeseburger

A fantastic meeting place for having coffee with friends, enjoying the company of family over breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even just indulging in a pizza on date night with a bottle of wine…the possibilities are endless. And the Garden Bakery Cafe staff will welcome you into their culinary home with a smile on their faces and a full kitchen of delectable menu items to whet your appetite and keep you satisfied

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: A patio courtyard-style coffee shop that in inviting, welcoming, and spacious both indoors and outdoors.

FOOD / DRINK: Hand crafted artisan pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and homemade savory soups with fresh flavorful ingredients prepared by Chef Michael, refreshing iced beverages, coffee drinks, and a wine and beer selection in addition.

LOCATION: Garden Cafe is located at 4351 Woodman Avenue in Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.

HOURS: Garden Cafe is available for service daily from 8 AM to 8 PM for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Please call ahead for any changes in times due to holiday closings or private parties.)

SERVICE / STAFF: The staff at Garden Cafe are wonderful. Friendly, informed, and happy to explain anything about the cafe or the menu, you’ll be in good hands. Emily, Jennifer, and Valerie will steer you in the right direction!

PRICE / VALUE: We have never seen any issues with overpricing for the items we have enjoyed. All seems fairly priced for the quality presented.

CORKAGE FEE: $10 per 750mL bottle.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (818) 788-3700 , Website: www.gardencafeshermanoaks.com

PARKING: The restaurant provides a complimentary private lot in front of the establishment. If the lot fills, there is also metered street parking available.

TOTAL BILL: For parties of two and three we have been a part of on past visits, our final bills have averaged around $30 to $45 depending on what was ordered.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

BLUE DOG BEER TAVERN… “Burgers & Brews In a Dog-Friendly Atmosphere!”

Posted on January 25, 2013 by savo0429

We’re not huge beer fanatics, but we found a spot that caters to the beer lover that also crafts pretty phenomenal burgers as well. Blue Dog Beer Tavern opened in 2009 after being birthed from a remodel of a 1940s California bungalow-style building originally erected to house a physician’s office. Years later, someone got the great idea to turn that structure into Blue Dog Beer Tavern, a neighborhood hangout for locals and visitors from afar who are lucky enough to be ‘in the know’ about this friendly local canteen.

During the renovation of this now popular haunt, original beams were left exposed to showcase the intricacy of the authentic construction of the building. It’s quite impressive when you enter the tavern. Patrons can literally see ‘through’ the walls inside. It certainly makes for a terrific conversation piece while dining or enjoying a refreshing beverage while watching a favorite sports game on one of several monitors near the bar. Another fun sight is the collection of framed photos of canines everywhere one can look inside. Have a furry friend? Bring in a photo and Blue Dog’s staff will frame the image and hang it somewhere inside the tavern!

With eight beers on tap, over 25 bottled brews, and a decent selection canned as well, there’s an ale here for every beer lover. There are also a few select wines available in addition.

How about those burgers? Blue Dog Beer Tavern was listed by CBS as one of the best burgers in the valley, while L.A. Weekly voted the eatery one of the “best sports bars in Los Angeles”. Powerful comments from such strong sources. But frankly, we feel that Blue Dog deserves the recognition.

Blue Dog Burgers, Fries and Purple Cabbage Slaw

From the root beer BBQ sauce to the artisan potato buns to the 1/3 pound house-ground brisket/chuck compounded burgers crafted by hand, the kitchen at Blue Dog knows what they’re doing when it comes to satisfying hungry customers an leaving them happily returning. Try the Fire Starter burger loaded with jalapenos, the Black ‘n Bleu Burger with it’s Cajun spices and bleu cheese, or maybe the Italian Supermodel with provolone, meaty pepperoni, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese and a phenomenal marinara sauce. Lots of flavors to chose from, and many more sandwiches an menu options as well.

Crisp Mouthwatering Salads and Cole Slaw

If you’re not in the mood for one of Blue Dog’s mouthwatering burgers, there’s always one of several colorful crisp salads to please those hunger pangs. Try The Sherman with chicken breast meat tossed in root beer BBQ sauce mixed with bits of yellow corn, hearty beans and crunchy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, bibb and green leaf lettuces and shredded cheddar cheese. Or the vegan Spa Salad containing a variety of beans, dried cranberries, almonds, avocado and just for fun (and flavor), Blue Dog’s house-whipped pear-vanilla dressing!

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Exposed beams throughout, framed photos of canines covering nearly every inch of the interior, fun and lively atmosphere.

FOOD / DRINK: Spectacular burgers, fresh tasty filling salads, a variety of beers and a few wines available.

LOCATION: Blue Dog Beer Tavern is located at 4524 Saugus Avenue in Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.

HOURS: Blue Dog Beer Tavern opens its door for business Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 11 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 11 PM. Happy Hour is presented Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 6 PM, offering select beer and food items from $2.99 – $4.99.

SERVICE / STAFF: We’ve always experiences kind, courteous service by the staff at Blue Dog.

PRICE / VALUE: Exceptional value for what’s ordered at this location. We’ve enjoyed Blue Dog’s incredible burgers and refreshing salads on multiple ocassions with no complaints about the prices.

CORKAGE FEE: No outside alcohol is permitted inside the restaurant.

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (818) 990-2583, Website: www.bluedogbeertavern.com

TOTAL BILL: Our bills have never gone above $35 for the two of us.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

M STREET COFFEE BAR & ART GALLERY… “The Perfect Eco-Friendly Neighborhood Coffee House!”

Posted on December 24, 2012 by savo0429

My husband is constantly in meetings that require a lot of his time. Of course, I tend to benefit from accompanying him on his away-from-home trips and wind up writing about those experiences in the process. For the the last eleven months, he has had meetings with clients in Studio City, CA where in between, before, and after crucial meetings, we have met at M Street Coffee, among other establishments, on the corner of Moorpark Street and Longridge Avenue to spend time together. We usually enjoy M Street Coffee’s Berry White Iced Tea in the warm afternoons, or the hot version in the as-of-late cooler evenings, and my husband always enjoys the consistently fresh blueberry muffins. He eats the muffins…I may take a bite now and then. They’re really good. I especially like the Almond Croissants….sinfully delicious and equally beautiful to the eye as well!

Longridge Avenue, which runs along the side of M Street Coffee is lined with towering palms, while carefully cared for lemon trees in large planters create a calming outdoor feeling when sitting at any of the cafe tables along the sidewalk. I especially love the engraving in the concrete right outside the side door of the venue (see below). Owner Andrea McClain has really devised quite a spectacular venue for the community here at M Street Coffee. Overseeing the smooth and seamless coffee shop and gallery, she has proven that simple coffee house pleasures are attainable here. That easy afternoons sitting with someone you care about over a couple of cups of a favorite coffee or tea are reachable in this crazy and unforgivable world we live in. That even if just for a few moments in time, one can in fact stop for a few minutes and realize that moments in life like this are precious and should never go unrealized or unforgotten.

M Street coffee and its staff pride themselves on their Eco-friendly nature. Caring for the environment we live in is a step everyone can take and additionally benefit from in many ways. The process of taking advantage of recyclable products that are used at M Street Coffee, organic coffees and teas, and other such items make an impressionable mark on the world we live in. Besides the Eco-friendliness here, the coffee is what brings people in the droves to this quaint neighborhood coffee bar with organic coffee beans. Whether you’re in the mood for Cafe’ au Lait, Espresso, Machiato, Latte, Cocoa, Matcha Latte, Chai Latte, Blended coffee drinks, Whole leaf tea Latte, brewed black, green, white, Oolong or herbal varieties of tea, fruit smoothies or loose leaf teas, M Street Coffee has what you’re looking for.

About those blueberry muffins my husband loves so much at M Street Coffee…well, here’s a photo of that below along with pictures of some of the other locally baked tempting sweet treats. Oh, and there are several gluten-free and vegan treats available as well…

Blueberry Muffin

Pop Tart

Windowpane Sugar Cookie

Lemon Pound Cake

I usually work on articles for SavorHour.com, or work on my writing, or just read something that takes me away from the daily grind (no pun intended!) On many occasions, my husband has completed business deals on the phone while sitting in front of me…which I love watching. It gives me inspiration for my writing! M Street Coffee offers a 2-hour free window of Wi-Fi access with a simple code that is printed out when you purchase your favorite coffee, tea, smoothie, soda or other delectable item from the main counter inside the establishment.

Almond Croissant

We have enjoyed sitting indoors on many occasions when we first discovered this refuge from the real world. Over time, we started seating ourselves outside at one of the several umbrella-shaded bistro tables along the sidewalk. After about 1 PM, the Longridge side of the building is shaded from the harsh rays and heat from the sun and a gentle breeze offers a substantial refreshing coolness as the day transforms from afternoon to evening.

Pineapple Mango Smoothie

Space rental is also available at M Street Coffee for filming, business meetings, parties, piano concerts, gallery showings, fundraisers and acoustic music presentations just to name a few. There are several events ongoing, however, that you should know about. Meditation classes are held at the coffee shop after hours for $10 per person on Mondays from 7 PM – 8 PM. Poetry readings are held every third Thursday of the month, and the sessions are aptly titled “The Spoken Poem”, where fans of open mic night for poets and musicians can come together and share their craft. Area artists’ works are also showcased inside the establishment, and there is a rotating featured gallery on the inside walls as well. To see which artist is being featured at any given time, take a peek at M Street Coffee’s website to view who is being showcased.

DRY Cucumber Soda

So maybe the ‘M’ in the name of this delightful coffee shop stands for Moorpark, or maybe it’s the owner’s last name. We think it stands for “Mmmmmmm…”, and “More, please!’”, and for the memories that are made there and remembered for a lifetime.

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Inside, this neighborhood coffee shop welcomes patrons with several seating options as well as outdoor availability at bistro tables shaded by towering palm trees and umbrellas overhead.

FOOD / DRINK: Fresh delectable muffins, croissants and other baked goodies from area bakeries as well as organic coffees and teas.

LOCATION: M Street Coffee is located at 13251 Moorpark Street (on the corner of Longridge Avenue and is one block east of Fulton Avenue) in Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.

HOURS: Monday through Fridays from 7 AM – 6 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 AM – 5 PM.

SERVICE / STAFF: Andrea, Jennifer and Christine are always kind and generously assisting with anything one may need. These baristas know a thing or two about coffee and tea!

PRICE / VALUE: Great prices for organic local coffee beans and teas, fresh baked temptations, fruity smoothies, and other unique items inside at the counter.

CORKAGE FEE: No outside alcohol allowed here. It’s a coffee house!

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (818) 907-1400, Website: www.mstreetcoffee.com

PARKING: Metered parking is available along Moorpark as well as Longridge Avenues. Several regulars also ride their bicycles to the coffee bar and lock those up at the available post just outside M Street Coffee.

TOTAL BILL: It’s a coffee house, so it just depends on what you’re ordering. Our bill for a couple of cups of tea and a couple of snacks is usually around $12 per visit or around that amount.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

LA FRITE CAFE… “Sister Locations Serving Up Exquisite French Cuisine!”

Posted on September 23, 2012 by savo0429

If you know about La Frite Restaurant in California, then you know about great French cuisine at a reasonable premium in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere. With two locations in separate cities within the San Fernando Valley, these establishments are serving up some pretty spectacular French fare and at the same time providing pretty spectacular service as well. I was so excited to finally write this article. It took a little while to get this written and posted because I wanted to include the Woodland Hills La Frite Cafe in addition to the Sherman Oaks locale to show just how great they both are. I’m happy that I am finally publishing this now.

In Sherman Oaks, customers are silently greeted by a cutout of a smiling swine suited in a tuxedo holding a menu wearing a black cap exhibiting the name of the restaurant on the front. Outdoor covered patio seating is also available at this location in addition to indoor dining. The vibrant yellow and black La Frite sign is also situated atop the eatery and displays a chef flipping French crepes out of a skillet…

La Frite Cafe’s sister property, located in Woodland Hills, CA prominently shows off the same classic yellow and black colors on its canopy welcoming patrons to dine inside. Below, indoor seating in the front dining room, tables in the lounge area in the back of the restaurant and a view of the comfortable booth lining a wall across from the bar…

Cocktails at both locations will leave a satisfied smile on your face. Below are a few of the cocktails we’ve enjoyed on numerous occasions…

Above, a Lemon Drop Martini, the potent Cantaloupe Martini and a couple of classic La Frite Cafe Bloody Marys we enjoyed at the Sherman Oaks property were creative, cold and spirited. Below, at the Woodland Hills location, we indulged in the Blueberries Wild Martini (top left photo below). Stoli Blueberry, Three Olives Cake Vodka with a graham cracker rim and fresh wild blueberries…it was as thought someone had liquefied a blueberry muffin and served it to me in a martini glass…with a kick, of course! You simply MUST try this martini if you enjoy the flavor of blueberries. Additionally, we sampled a couple of tastings of the Coconut Dream Martini (top right photo below), which was incredibly sinful with Smirnoff Coconut and White Chocolate Godiva. Are you kidding! My husband and I appreciated the flavor of the islands in those as well. On another visit, we were highly pleased with the Apeachy Cosmopolitan, a Cantaloupe Martini and a straight Blueberry Martini (lower photos below), which were equally savory…

Now that we’ve covered a few of the liquid assets of each La Frite Cafe, let’s get down to the business of fine French cuisine. At the Sherman Oaks location, we have happily devoured such items so tasty and incredibly fresh that we could have sworn we were whisked away to a little cafe somewhere in France. Take a look below at the numerous offerings we thoroughly enjoyed…

Baked Brie with Provencal Herbs Served with Garlic Bread and Marinara Sauce

Above, the Baked Brie with Provencal Herbs (served with garlic bread and marinara sauce for $17.50) was baked to exquisiteness. Coated with Provencal herbs and deliciously creamy and melty when cut into, this starter was a truly divine beginning to any French meal. Another highly enjoyable appetizer we recommend is the below Mousse De Canard, which is a homemade duck liver mousse with sherry gelee, cornichons, cherry mustard and a sliced toasted baguette…

Mousse De Canard

Epinarde Et Artichaut Crepe

La Frite Cafe is known for their extraordinary crepes. So I had to try at least one. I chose the Epinarde Et Artichaut, which is their crepe filled with spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and herbs. Can I admit that I was momentarily transported to a small cafe in Paris…a table for two outdoors as the light of the day was fading into evening…a full bright moon rising overhead and the loving gaze of my husband focused on me and where we were together alone as we seemed to be closing the eatery down being the last patrons there….

…oh, sorry…did I do that again? That’s definitely a sign that the cuisine at La Frite Cafe is significant, I suppose. When a mere taste of something you’re eating does that to you, there MUST be something to it.

Spinach Salad Et Pould

Here’s one scrumptious salad…the Spinach Salad Et Pould ($12), which is comprised of tender grilled chicken breast, chilled fresh avocado, baby red and yellow tomatoes, roasted crunchy croutons, shaved red onions and a Champagne vinaigrette that you will fall in love with at first bite. Healthy and guilt-free, this salad is a perfect selection for a hearty meal that won’t leave you feeling overstuffed. I have it frequently and always enjoy it.

The bread offering at La Frite Cafe is exceptional. If you really want true French Bread, this is the place to get it. The soft, tender excellently-baked dough just screams to be eaten. I didn’t even add butter to it. It’s just that good!

We took advantage of the Woodland Hills La Frite Cafe Happy Hour one afternoon. The menu above shows what terrific deals were presented to us. We also appreciated the long-stemmed roses in tubular glass vases on the tables weighted by clear and blue floral marbles. So simplistic, yet such a statement!

Happy Hour Caprese Salad

We started with the Caprese Salad ($6). Chilled creamy buffalo mozzarella and fresh sliced tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette then topped with shredded basil and served with crostinis.

Did things get a bit out of hand with the next item we ordered? Perhaps. But if there was a specific item we enjoyed on this particular visit that just wowed our taste buds and heightened our senses with flavor and excitement (and lots of butter), it was the Escargot Stuffed Mushrooms ($5) below. We got a little nuts and after the mushrooms were devoured, we started dipping pieces of hot French bread into the buttery colorful sauce! It was so incredible, I think we temporarily lost our minds (in a good way!)…

Happy Hour Escargot-Stuffed Mushrooms

Happy Hour Ground Top Sirloin Sliders

Craving a little heavy cream sauce on your burger? Try the above Chateaubriand beefy bites, and I guarantee you’ll think you’ve escaped this world and gone to heaven. The Ground Top Sirloin Sliders ($7), are prepared with garlic, mushrooms, and slivers of crisp bacon. This pair of tasty beef sliders gets two thumbs up from SavorHour.com!

On another trip to the Woodland Hills La Frite Cafe, we experienced more French cuisine happiness…

Chopped Smoked Chicken Salad

The Chopped Smoked Chicken Salad ($13) is refreshing and nearly enough for two people. I couldn’t finish it myself, even after giving a portion of it to my husband to eat. There’s a lot of food in this menu option. Freshly-chopped smoked breast of chicken is gently tossed with lettuce, fresh tomatoes, chilled ripe avocado, red onion, feta cheese and pine nuts in a house vinaigrette dressing. I actually took about a third of this salad home with me because it was such a generous portion for lunchtime.

Big Boy Blue Sandwich

The Big Boy Blue is another famous menu item at La Frite Cafe ($13.50 at the Woodland Hills location.) A large handmade lean ground sirloin burger smothered in melted blue cheese served open-faced on French bread accompanied by shoestring French fries. My husband ordered this. He has always enjoyed this sandwich in the past, and this time was no exception to that record. How can anyone not like anything covered in melted blue cheese, right? But add that to La Frite Cafe’s outstanding burgers and their phenomenal French bread, and you just cannot go wrong.

Whether for Happy Hour over creative savory chilled martinis and tastes of France off of the small bites menu, or for a full meal at Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner, there is definitely something for everyone at either one of the La Frite Cafe locations in the San Fernando Valley. We certainly will continue to sing the praises of the flavors of France every time we visit.

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Both establishments are noticeable for their black-and-yellow striped canopies and quaint cozy exterior look. Inside, they each welcome diners in with a classic traditional French motif and comfortable seating which includes booths, individual tables as well as bar seating.

FOOD / DRINK: Spectacular authentic French cuisine available at both locations that you will not soon forget. A fantastic restaurant for revisiting time and time again for entertaining family and friends or business associates, taking some time for yourself to relax and enjoy amazingly-prepared authentic French cuisine and cold refreshing cocktails. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Ask your server about those when you stop in.

HOURS: Sunday – Breakfast and lunch is available daily from 11AM to 4PM, while dinner is served every evening from 4PM to 10PM during the week and from 4PM to 11PM Friday and Saturday nights. You can also enjoy a great champagne brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 4PM.

SERVICE / STAFF: We’ve never had a bad experience at either of these restaurants. We’ve been to both on several occasions at different times of the day, and the customer service and dedication shown has never appeared compromised in any way.

PRICE / VALUE: No problems with prices at La Frite Cafe. The prices will satisfy you just as much as their fine French cuisine.

CORKAGE FEE: $7 per 750ml bottle at both locations.

CONTACT INFO: Woodland Hills Location – Phone: (818) 225-1331, Sherman Oaks Location – Phone: (818) 990-1791. The website for both locations is www.lafritecafe.com

PARKING: The Sherman Oaks location offers patrons complimentary parking next to the building, while there is Valet Parking available at the Woodland Hills restaurant. Metered street parking is also available in front of both locations alternatively.

TOTAL BILL: We have spent varied amounts at both locations of La Frite Cafe. I think the most we’ve ever paid was close to $200 for a party of four after a business meeting. On most occasions, my husband and I never could total more than $35 for two entrees and a few cocktails for the two of us in a single sitting. We’re very satisfied with the resulting prices for such terrific and rewarding cuisine.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

LA FRITE CAFE… “Sister Locations Serving Up Exquisite French Cuisine!”

Posted on September 23, 2012 by savo0429

*** As of 1/01/2013, the Woodland Hills La Frite location was renamed ‘The French Connection’. Still featuring the same great menu.

Cocktails at both locations will leave a satisfied smile on your face. Below are a few of the cocktails we’ve enjoyed on numerous occasions…

Baked Brie with Provencal Herbs Served with Garlic Bread and Marinara Sauce

Mousse De Canard

Epinarde Et Artichaut Crepe

Spinach Salad Et Pould

Happy Hour Caprese Salad

We started with the Caprese Salad ($6). Chilled creamy buffalo mozzarella and fresh sliced tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette then topped with shredded basil and served with crostinis.

Happy Hour Escargot-Stuffed Mushrooms

Happy Hour Ground Top Sirloin Sliders

On another trip to the Woodland Hills La Frite Cafe, we experienced more French cuisine happiness…

Chopped Smoked Chicken Salad

Big Boy Blue Sandwich

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Both establishments are noticeable for their black-and-yellow striped canopies and quaint cozy exterior look. Inside, they each welcome diners in with a classic traditional French motif and comfortable seating which includes booths, individual tables as well as bar seating.

FOOD / DRINK: Spectacular authentic French cuisine available at both locations that you will not soon forget. A fantastic restaurant for revisiting time and time again for entertaining family and friends or business associates, taking some time for yourself to relax and enjoy amazingly-prepared authentic French cuisine and cold refreshing cocktails. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Ask your server about those when you stop in.

HOURS: Sunday – Breakfast and lunch is available daily from 11AM to 4PM, while dinner is served every evening from 4PM to 10PM during the week and from 4PM to 11PM Friday and Saturday nights. You can also enjoy a great champagne brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 4PM.

SERVICE / STAFF: We’ve never had a bad experience at either of these restaurants. We’ve been to both on several occasions at different times of the day, and the customer service and dedication shown has never appeared compromised in any way.

PRICE / VALUE: No problems with prices at La Frite Cafe. The prices will satisfy you just as much as their fine French cuisine.

CORKAGE FEE: $7 per 750ml bottle at both locations.

CONTACT INFO: Woodland Hills Location – Phone: (818) 225-1331, Sherman Oaks Location – Phone: (818) 990-1791. The website for both locations is www.lafritecafe.com

PARKING: The Sherman Oaks location offers patrons complimentary parking next to the building, while there is Valet Parking available at the Woodland Hills restaurant. Metered street parking is also available in front of both locations alternatively.

TOTAL BILL: We have spent varied amounts at both locations of La Frite Cafe. I think the most we’ve ever paid was close to $200 for a party of four after a business meeting. On most occasions, my husband and I never could total more than $35 for two entrees and a few cocktails for the two of us in a single sitting. We’re very satisfied with the resulting prices for such terrific and rewarding cuisine.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

SWEET BUTTER KITCHEN, CAFE & MARKETPLACE… “How Sweet It Is To Lunch At Sweet Butter!”

Posted on June 19, 2012 by savo0429

A couple of times a month, I meet some of my girlfriends that live in the Sherman Oaks area for a long lunch to catch up on the goings on in our busy lives. Over the last several months, our latest spot for lunching has been Sweet Butter Kitchen on the corner of Ventura Boulevard and Matilija Avenue. Since we have been regular patrons, I cannot imaging there NOT being a Sweet Butter. In fact, I really don’t quite know how I got along without it’s existence before we started going there.

Leslie Danelian and husband Rick Berge have really outdone themselves since opening Sweet Butter in November of 2010. If you’re either from the area originally, or if you’ve lived here for a number of years, you’ll probably remember Leslie’s Sweet Somethings Catering Company in Sherman Oaks. If you don’t, or haven’t lived here long enough to remember it, don’t worry, because Leslie has taken her twenty years of culinary and planning experience and created Sweet Butter! (Thank you, Leslie!) Having become the hot spot to lunch with friends, enjoy Brunch and Breakfast, or a bottle of wine from home with a 6 PM early dinner, Sweet Butter is THE place to relax, enjoy and just indulge in what Leslie and her staff have to offer.

Designed by talented creative artist, Carrie Vose, the eatery offers seating outside along the front of it’s light-yellow-with-chocolate-brown-accents exterior on Ventura Boulevard and continues around the corner along the side of the building on Matilija Avenue. Complete with heaters for chilly evenings and built-in misters for warmer days, I don’t think the owners of Sweet Butter could have put more thought into the comfort of their customers. With sizable bistro tables surrounding the restaurant’s perimeter and a cozy courtyard for additional dining, Sweet Butter offers even more surprises when you walk into their market to place your order.

As you enter the main entrance through a beautifully crafted wrought iron gate with the letters “SB” conveniently positioned on them, you feel as thought you are entering a quaint indoor garden. There are fresh herbs growing from unique hanging baskets, encouraging statement signs everywhere you look, little notes written on small chalkboards with inspiring messages, an enormous chandelier hanging from the rafters over the interior courtyard made of fastened branches with tiny white lights, and all of the walls… exterior and interior…are a calming light yellow hue…the same color of sweet butter.

There’s so much fun inside the Sweet Butter market! The photos below show the menu inside the Sweet Butter market handwritten in chalk and posted on one wall, their hand-selected artisan items, themed pastas, books, candies, Sweet Butter logo tote bags, bottled soda, and other little tidbits will make you smile along the way, or make someone else’s day when you present them with a Sweet Butter gift carefully wrapped by the staff!

Above, the massive framed chalk-written menu board hangs on a wall inviting customers to ponder what they are in the mood for, while individual laminated menus are also available in the courtyard foyer as well as in a holder on the wall beside the chalk menu. Selections include such delectables like sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, pastries, muffins, incredible savory breads, and so much more. Most items are served all day, then some only until 10:30 AM. Only the freshest ingredients are used when preparing meals for customers at Sweet Butter, so sometimes, some of the standard fare won’t be available every day. But most of the time, it is. Sweet Butter’s Breakfast menu offers such delicious selections as omleles, scrambles, breakfast burritos, and parfaits. Starting at 11 AM, the eatery serves lunch, which includes such fare as their crispy fried chicken, sliders, grilled chicken, and afternoon snacks for kids (and adults, too!) There are even boxed lunches available for twelve dollars! Take-out orders are convenient, and the team at Sweet Butter is available for catering jobs as well (that’s not a surprise with Leslie at the helm!) And there’s a Weekday Menu as well as a Weekend Menu. Oh no…no more Meatloaf Sandwiches??? Hopefully they’ll return again soon. Until then, you can satisfy your cravings with any of the below items I’ve personally experienced, or any of the other delicious items on the Sweet Butter menu…

Grilled Turkey and Fig Jam Sandwich

The Grilled Turkey and Fig Jam sandwich, above, was dressed with St. Agur Bleu Cheese and Mozzarella on Rustic Country Bread served with an Arugula Salad on the side.

Sweet Butter Kale Chopped Salad

The Sweet Butter Kale Chopped Salad comes with Sopresatta Salami or Roasted Chicken, Provolone, Garbanzos, Roasted Red Peppers, Celery, Red Onion and pepperoncini over Kale with their Italian vinaigrette. I chose to get half salami and half roasted chicken on this delectable and beautiful salad!

Half-A-Sandwich & a Cup of the ‘Soup of the Day’

Above, the Half-A-Sandwich with a Cup of the Soup of the Day was filling and healthy. My friend chose a half of the Sweet Butter BLT and a cup of the Kale & White Bean Soup…

Close-Up of the Kale Soup and the Sweet Butter BLT Sandwich

Above, a close-up of the ingredients in the Kale Soup (carrots, potatoes, fresh kale, white beans, onions and a savory broth unlike anything else), and the Sweet Butter BLT.

Turkey & Guacamole Sandwich With House-Made Lime Tortilla Chips

The above and below photos are of the Turkey & Guacamole Sandwich with Pepper Jack Cheese and Tomato on Ciabatta Bread, accompanied by Sweet Butter’s house-made Lime Tortilla Chips. How brilliant is that…GUACAMOLE ON A SANDWICH!

Close-Up of the Turkey & Guacamole Sandwich

Turkey & Grafton Cheddar Cheese Sandwich

Above and below, the Turkey & Grafton Cheddar Cheese Sandwich (Heirloom Tomatoes, Little Gems Lettuce and Dijon Aioli on Country White Bread with a Mixed Baby Greens Salad.

Close-Up of the Turkey & Grafton Cheddar Cheese Sandwich

I always get Sweet Butter’s iced tea when I visit. Refills are complimentary, and the tea is refreshing, cold and wonderful on a warm afternoon.

Sweet Butter Iced Tea

Don’t forget Sweet Butter also offers a solution to your sweet tooth as well. Have your pick from their amazing array of options like their scones, cookies, layer cakes, candies and other delectables! And if you love Afternoon Tea, Sweet Butter offers Afternoon Tea Time between 2 PM and 6 PM by reservation.

The attention to detail at Sweet Butter is obvious. Below, simple napkins and dining utensils are held by steel cut oatmeal cans (I always thought those were such beautiful tins myself), and instead of just giving patrons a “number” to put on their table for servers to locate them when their food is sent from the kitchen, Sweet Butter hands customers a spice, or an herb, or a vegetable. They’ve just thought of everything here down to the very last detail!

If you haven’t yet been to Sweet Butter and experienced the level of unmatched customer service, friendly neighborhood vibe and incredible edible offerings, it’s definitely time to do so. You’ll be happy that you did. And maybe you’ll leave with a little something special for yourself or for someone else from the Sweet Butter market!

ESTABLISHMENT / DECOR: Professionally designed by artistic consultant, Carrie Vose, Sweet Butter has the essence of the perfect neighborhood bakery, eatery and marketplace. Calming yellows, rich chocolate brown highlights and intricate wrought iron and other details enhance the already near-perfect establishment. Charming and fun, you won’t be disappointed with what you find here.

FOOD / DRINK: Simply exceptional! Our group hasn’t has a meal we haven’t liked since our first time at this establishment. We don’t know how they do it! Wonderful refreshing iced tea with complimentary refills in addition! Give the staff at Sweet Butter a call to learn about their daily specials!

LOCATION: Sweet Butter is located at 13824 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.

HOURS: Sweet Butter is open 8 AM to 7 PM seven days a week (summer hours), unless otherwise stated. Be sure to give them a call before you stop by in the event of early closings for special events or private parties.

SERVICE / STAFF: Friendly, genuinely happy, helpful and professional staff at Sweet Butter. Very impressive no matter what day of the week we visit…always consistent!

PRICE / VALUE: Incredible ambiance, terrific friendly neighborhood vibe and amazing gourmet cuisine at this quaint cozy establishment. Very happy to be a regular here!

CORKAGE: NO CORKAGE CHARGE at Sweet Butter any time of day! We were so delighted to find this out! Bring your wine from home or your wine locker and Sweet Butter will welcome your libations either inside their courtyard area or at any of their sidewalk tables!

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (818) 7p88-2832, Website: www.sweetbutterkitchen.com

TOTAL BILL: There’s nothing on the Sweet Butter menu over $13.95, and most of the entrees are well below that cost. The sandwiches and salads are large enough to share. I usually end up taking half of my sandwich or salad home with me. Great portions, loaded sandwiches and delicious iced tea with free refills!

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

CAFE BIZOU… “The Jewel of the Valley!”

Posted on May 6, 2012 by savo0429

Cafe Bizou has been a favorite love of ours for many years. We find ourselves driving over the hill a few times a month just to have a romantic dinner there together. It brings back fond memories, allows us a chance to catch up on old times and always welcomes us back no matter how long ago our previous visit may have been.

Cafe Bizou’s scrumptious French cuisine will make anyone’s mouth water, senses heighten and heart skip a beat. Despite the fact that there is no Happy Hour at Cafe Bizou, this eatery is still high on our Savor Hour list. For starters, their corkage fee is $2. TWO DOLLARS! And that’s EVERY NIGHT! (Time to take a trip to the wine locker)! This not only makes the bill much easier to handle, but it also allows for more room to enjoy the items on the menu. We usually bring our own wine to dinner there. When we do, we also bring two of our large Riedel wine glasses as well to enjoy our wine. It’s just something we stared doing a couple of years ago, and it sort of stuck. You can always order a glass of wine off the menu, of course, as well. Ranging from $7 to $10 per glass, there are several options available if you don’t bring a bottle in to have corked.

Once evening approaches, all of the candles are lit on the tables, restaurant lights are lowered giving the entire establishment a romantic feel, and orders of culinary excellence begin pouring out of the kitchen by the smiling waitstaff, soon to be devoured and enjoyed by dining patrons. There is an option to seating areas as well. Multiple dining rooms offer an elegant experience either inside the restaurant at tables draped in white tablecloths and a wall of mirrors, or inside their front enclosed “patio” area, which offers a less formal, yet very comfortable “booth” seating alternative. Both are lovely and offer different views and feels. Personally, we’ve dined in both areas and recommend them both.

Hand-Shaken Refreshing Chilled Martinis

High quality martinis and other cocktails can be ordered from the bar. Their House Martini list offers eight martinis for $8 each. If you’re not in the mood for bringing in a bottle of wine to go with dinner, you can always opt for one of these divine adult beverages. Offerings include their Cosmopolitan, Sour Apple Martini, the Lemon Drop, the Bikini Martini, the Chocolate Martini, the Key Lime Martini, as well as the Red Delicious and Pomegranate Martinis. A nice variety of flavors at a very desirable price. Two of my favorites are their Lemon Drop Martini and the Bikini Martini. The Lemon Drop, made with Absolute Citron shaken with fresh lemonade served with a sugared rim. It’s the perfect amount of tart, an ample supply of sweetness. Delicious! The Bikini Martini is prepared with Malibu Rum, vodka, pineapple juice, and a splash of Grenadine then garnished with a maraschino cherry in the bottom. SO INCREDIBLE! Then there’s Cafe Bizou’s creative take on the traditional apple martini…the Red Delicious Martini, which literally tastes like you’re biting into a Red Delicious apple! I honestly do not know how they do it!

Let’s discuss what else is great besides the smiling staff, incredible cocktails, and romantic, cozy environment at the Sherman Oaks Cafe Bizou. Let’s talk dinner! To begin, a bread basket and glasses of ice water are delivered to your table shortly after you’re seated. (We always ask them to toast our bread because we like it warm, which they are more than happy to do). Soft, full of flavor and tempting enough that on more than one occasion, the two of us finished off the entire basket and started on a new one! The bread is delightful and delicious and comes served with a porcelain container of individually-wrapped butter.

Tuna Tartare

To make matters even better, Cafe Bizou’s appetizer list astounds with quality, variety and flavorful options. The Tuna Tartare and the Baked Mushrooms are two of our favorites, but if you don’t like tuna or mushrooms, then there are the Chicken Potstickers, Lobster and Salmon Ravioli, Crab Cakes, Veal Sweetbreads, the Seared Sesame Ahi Tuna, the Ginger Jumbo Shrimp and also a Combo Plate, which includes Baked Mushrooms, Lobster and Salmon Ravioli and Tuna Tartare. Speaking of Tuna Tartare, it is one of the most delectable Tuna Tartar appetizers anywhere in the Valley. Crispy thinly-sliced toast accompanied by slices of smoked salmon topped with heaping mounds of fresh Tuna Tartare, then finished with a cucumber slice garnish and lemon in the center. Refreshing, flavorful and a true value for the price, this one is a classic signature of the restaurant. One sure to not disappoint.

Soups Of the Day – Tomato, Potato Mushroom and Vegetable Tomato

Another highlight of Cafe Bizou’s menu is their option of having a bowl of their Soup of the Day or Romaine Salad with a Dijon honey mustard dressing for just $1 with any entree purchase. (Above, the Tomato Soup, Potato Mushroom Soup and the Vegetable Tomato soup.) You can kick that up a notch and order their Caesar Salad for just $2 with any entree as well. TWO DOLLARS! And it’s not a side salad. This is a very nicely-portioned Caesar Salad for a mere two dollars. Add that to your entree and it’s just sublime.

$2 Caesar Salad With Entree

Another recent treat that has been brought back to the menu is the escargot appetizer (photographed above.)Incredibly tender, luciously buttered and the perfect amount of garlic in the sauce. If you haven’t had Cafe Bizou’s escargot, you simply must try them soon. If you’ve never tried escargot, then this is the place to break yourself in! You can’t go wrong with these. Served six to an order, they’re just perfect.

Escargot

Cafe Bizou’s entree selection choices are rather extensive. Ranging from Entree Salads to their Prix Fixed Menu to the Daily Specials and other delectable features including seafood, grill items, pasta dishes, and many others. I’ve added a link to their website where you can see their menu in detail, but I would like to highlight a few of our favorites below. (Okay, maybe several)!

Alaskan Sand Dabs Sauteed In a Caper Butter Sauce with Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Vegetables

Lake Superior Whitefish with Linguini Pasta, Tomatoes, Mushrooms and Basil in a Lobster Sauce

Lamb Shank

Shrimp and Slipper Lobster Tails with Mushroom Risotto and Fried Leeks in a Red Wine Lobster Sauce

Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Salsa Accompanied by Grilled Eggplant and Vegetables

Sesame Coated Salmon Served on a Bed of Potato Pancakes and Mushrooms in a Red Wine Sauce

Alaskan Halibut with Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes in a Tomato Garlic Sauce

Grilled New York Steak Salad with Romaine, Endive, Watercress, Tomato, Blue Cheese and Grilled Red Onions in a Honey Mustard Dressing

Chicken Balsamic with Sauteed Chicken Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus and Pearl Onions in a Balsamic Sauce

Crispy Potato Scaled Salmon with Spinach, Mushrooms and Tomatoes in a Port and White Wine Sauce

Grilled Salmon Salad with Papaya, Grilled Red Onion and Passion Fruit Dressing

Steak Frites with Grilled Tomatoes, Asparagus and French Fries in a Burgundy Wine Sauce

Hungry yet? Well, be sure to leave room for dessert, because Cafe Bizou offers a varied selection of sweet indulgements such as their Flourless Chocolate Cake, Creme Brulee, their Profiteroles and others to tempt you. We’re not big dessert eaters (most of the time), but two of our favorites here in the past have been the Flourless Chocolate Cake and the Profiteroles.

Profiteroles

Trio of Sorbets – Raspberry, Mango, Pineapple

Fourless Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Ice Cream

Cafe Bizou in Sherman Oaks has ample delicacies and flavor sensations to please whatever your culinary desires may be. If you haven’t been to this fine palatable institution for some time, it’s time to revisit. If you’ve never been to this French cafe, then it’s time to try it out. Abundant portions, mouth-watering options, stellar service and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere make this a plus for Savor Hour!

DECOR / ESTABLISHMENT: Charming, romantic and captivating. This French Cafe will romance you as well as your taste buds all the way through your meal from beginning to end.

FOOD / DRINK: Fresh French cuisine prepared in style, luscious and memorable dishes to suit any cuisine connoisour, and incredible hand-shaken cocktails from the bar will make anyone a return customer!

LOCATION: 14016 Ventura Boulevard San Fernando Valley, California 91423

HOURS: Cafe Bizou is open for business for Lunch Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 PM – 2:30 PM, for Dinner nightly from 5 PM – 10 PM, and for Saturay and Sunay Brunch from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM.

SERVICE / STAFF: From the moment you call for a reservation, the voice on the other end of the line is welcoming and polite. (If you get Liz, you’ll see why we love her so much)! Upon arrival, you are greeted with a smile, shown in and seated, as glasses of water and fresh bread are brought to your table. The servers are happy to see you and delighted to take your order, then deliver your meal with elegance and grace.

PRICE / VALUE: Two thumbs up! (Make that four if you include both my husband and me)! Desirable setting, diverse menu selections, generous portions and an efficient and professional staff.

CORKAGE: $2 CORKAGE!!! EVERY NIGHT!!! (What more needs to be said)?

CONTACT INFO: Phone – (818) 788-3536, Website - www.cafebizou.com

PARKING: You can park at any of the available metered parking spaces on nearby streets, or take advantage of the Valet upon your arrival to the restaurant.

TOTAL BILL: $48.77 (Including tax), for a bottle of excellent wine, the $2 corkage fee, a bowl of the delicious Soup of the Day, a plate of scrumptious escargot in a buttery garlic sauce, the Sesame Coated Salmon entree and the Shrimp and Slipper Lobster Tail entree. Incredibly reasonable expenditure for such a delectable and appealing involvement!

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

TOWNHOUSE KITCHEN + BAR… “Reverse Happy Hour Every Night!”

Posted on April 28, 2012 by savo0429

UNFORTUNATELY, THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED.

Nestled in the Sherman Oaks Galleria Mall sits a cozy, modernly-designed restaurant called Townhouse Kitchen + Bar. On the way to an evening function with friends that live in Sherman Oaks, my husband and I elected to leave early and stop in and see what they had to offer before meeting our friends.

To our contentment, the eatery was very appealing to the eye when we entered. Sage-green leather booths lined the walls of the dining areas of the restaurant portion, while natural colors warmed the expanse of the entire establishment. Wood-paneled walls give the place a cozy feel, while lighted candles are places all around the bar. Speaking of the bar, it is huge. In fact, the bar takes up nearly half of the establishment. It’s black granite wrap-around counter top provides many seating options for patrons.

Townhouse Kitchen + Bar presents their regular Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4-7PM. Then, every night, from 11PM to closing, they start their Reverse Happy Hour (for us night owls). Yay! And it’s a great Happy Hour. For $5, you can choose from FOURTEEN cocktails! Such liquid splendors include the Pomegranate Martini, the Decadent Chic Martini, the Cucumber Martini, the Fire and Ice Martini, the Dirty CEO Martini, the Pear Martini, the Mojito, the Berry Mojito, the Coconut and Lime Mojito, the Whiskey Peach, the Townhouse Margarita, the Pomegranate Margarita and the Diva.

We tried the Pear Martini, which includes Absolut Pear, St. Germaine liquer and pear juice garnished with a slice of crisp pear. We especially loved the short martini glasses they served our drinks in. Modern and not so easy to tip over (we’ve all had THAT happen a time or two), these drinking vessels offer a uniqueness to any martini. We also ordered the Fire and Ice Martini, which was really interesting: Absolute Ruby Red, jalepeno juice and fresh lemon…and of course garnished with a slice of jalapeno pepper! Surprisingly, not as fiery as we expected. I even ate the slice of jalapeno pepper when I was finished with the concoction with no trouble. The Cucumber Martini is also quite refreshing. Made with Smirnoff Melon, muddled cucumber, simple syrup, fresh lime and garnished with a slice of cucumber, we appreciated the simplicity and flavor of this special drink. Oh, and there are also eight $5 Happy Hour wines to take advantage of. And for you beer lovers out there, there’s $4 Draft Beer and the $3 Beer of the Month!

Townhouse Kitchen + Bar’s Coconut Lime Mojito is also very refreshing. Not too sweet, this spruced-up classic Cuban concoction was a winner with us. Made with Malibu Rum, Bacardi Limon, lime juice, muddled mint leaves, simple syrup and garnished nicely with a straw-sized stalk of sugarcane, anyone would enjoy this tasty mixture. It’s light emerald color is also a sight to admire!

Now that we’ve covered a few of Townhouse Kitchen + Bar’s incredible cocktails, it’s time to get into the Bar Bites. Like their Happy Hour libation menu, the appetizer list is quite comprehensive. That list includes the Margherita Flatbread, Crispy Calamari, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Steak Quesadilla, Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Potato Chips & Dip, BBQ Chicken Flatbread, Warm Pretzel Sticks, Cheeseburger Sliders and BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. All for just $5 each! We indulged in a couple while we were there. We tried the Steak Quesadilla and had to try the Cheeseburger Sliders because Townhouse Kitchen+ Bar was named “Top Burger Restaurant” in the Los Angeles area by Haute Living! (It would have been silly to not try their award-worthy burgers). And they did deliver without disappointment…

The Cheeseburger sliders were juicy, not overcooked and smelled incredible. Served with fried onion strings, these mouth-watering baby beef temptations are prepared with apple-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles and are served on toasted mini buns with ketchup on the side.

The Steak Quesadilla below, with its Pepperjack cheese, avocado, and tender steak is accompanied by a flavorful mango salsa and topped with a drizzle of chipotle sour cream on top. We did not find these spicy at all by any means, despite the chipotle sour cream and the Pepperjack cheese inside the dish. Just tender beef, oozy cheese and a tortilla covering that was tender and crisp.

On the back of the Happy Hour menu, you will find Townhouse Kitchen + Bar’s “House Rules”. They’re simple, comprehendable and to the point: “LIFE’S SHORT. DRINK GOOD WINE. NO SMOKING INDOORS. OUTDOORS? OK. SAVE WATER. DRINK BEER. FEEL FREE TO TALK TO STRANGERS. INTOXICATED? WE’LL CALL YOU A CAB. NO COVER CHARGE.”

In short, we liked the open space in the bar and dining areas. We enjoyed the friendly service our bartender Larry paid us. And we were happy to find another late-night spot where we can go to grab a drink and a bite or two. And we appreciated the fact that anyone can get a lot for under $50 (including tax).

Also, if you leave your vehicle in the Galleria parking garage, be sure to have the hostess validate your parking ticket. They will validate up to 2 hours at this restaurant.

DECOR / ESTABLISHMENT: The natural colors, wood-paneled walls with brick detail, modern style and spacious dining and lounge areas were great to see. At the start of the Reverse Happy Hour, (especially on Friday nights), the feel is of that in a hip nightclub with feel-good, heart-pumping music and an eclectic crowd.

FOOD / DRINKS: The quality of the appetizers was outstanding, while the cocktails were tasty, chilled and rejuvenating! We’ve never seen such an extensive list of Happy Hour appetizers AND cocktails!

LOCATION: 15301 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks CA 91413 in the Sherman Oaks Galleria Mall.

HOURS: Townhouse Kitchen + Bar is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM – 2 AM, and Sundays from 11 AM – midnight.

SERVICE / STAFF: Larry was our bartender, and not only was he courteous, but he had a great attitude and impressed us with his bartending skills and multitasking excellence. We’ll definitely make sure he’s working the next time we return.

PRICE / VALUE: Reasonable prices for the value and quality of the food and bar offerings.

CORKAGE FEE: $15 per bottle every day in the restaurant or bar areas.

CONTACT INFO: Phone – (818) 453-9900, Website: http://www.restaurants-america.com/restaurants/6-townhouse

TOTAL BILL: $37.06 for the Cheeseburger Sliders, a Steak Quesadilla, three Happy Hour martinis an a Coconut Lime Mojito.

* Menu and prices subject to change without notice.

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