BY KAREN YOUNG
Taco wars will soon be happening in the Tujunga/Moorpark area of Studio City. As most people know, the beloved Henry’s Tacos left its landmark location of 51 years and moved a taco’s throw across the street, replacing Studio Sub at 4389 Tujunga Avenue. Former Henry’s cook, Omar Vega, and his brother, Gil, bought the restaurant from Janis Hood, whose grandfather founded the legendary taco stand, but the menu remains the same. Staking claim at Henry’s former haunt is Cactus Taqueria which is opening its third location (others are on Vine St. and Beverly Blvd.) and is currently under construction. Stay tuned.
It’s the 34th Annual FREE CONE DAY at Ben and Jerry’s tomorrow, Tuesday, April 9. Check the Scoop Shop Locator to find a store near you!
Nesmon Cafe in Sherman Oaks has added a substantial vegan menu, called Simplicity 18, to its repertoire. Choose from a selection of crepes, salads, soups, tartines, couscous and quiche. The menu is almost identical to the current regular menu except it is prepared specifically for the strictest vegan needs — without sacrificing taste, of course!
In celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month, The Counter Burger is offering specialty sandwiches throughout April with a different creation each week. All are priced at $7. This week, take a taste of The Kicker through April 14 — Tillamook cheddar, jalapeno jack, fresh jalapenos and tomatoes served on Texas toast with chipotle aioli. Upcoming: The Caprese (April 15 through April 21)— mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, julienned basil and balsamic glaze served on Texas toast; The French Onion (April 22 through April 28) —gruyere cheese and caramelized onions served on parmesan sourdough bread; and The Trifecta (April 29 and April 30) — Tillamook cheddar, American and provolone served on Texas toast.
The Veggie Grill opened last week in Encino (16542 Ventura Blvd.). The American style vegan/vegetarian fast casual chain offers a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, soups and more.
The Valley Inn in Sherman Oaks is offering a “Stimulus Package” through the month of April. On Mondays, they are serving up a family style chicken dinner (fried or roasted) for $29.95. It includes a whole chicken (8 pieces), large garden salad, mashed potatoes, vegetable medley and a choice of ice cream sunday or fruit sorbet. Tuesdays are no tax days on a $10 burger and $3 beer. Indulge in Steak and Wine Wednesdays for 50% off bottles of wine. It’s Lobster Day on fridays with a choice of garden salad or soup and two 5oz Maine Lobster Tails, potato wedges and cole slaw. For Saturday date night, enjoy a “dine and wine” three-course meal for $49.95 for two. Round out the week on Sunday with a three-course Prime Rib dinner with free corkage for $27 per person.
The LA Creamery/Adam Fleischman (aka Umami King) partnership is growing — and that’s good news for ice cream lovers in the 818 because you will be able to get pints locally instead of driving over the hill (which I recently did !). LA Creamery, which is based in Chatsworth, has been expanding at breakneck speed since Fleischman got involved and is now moving further to upscale grocery chains— Bristol Farms Inc., Lazy Acres, Albertsons Select Market and Gelson’s after May 1. Flavors offered by the pint include Salted Caramel, Honeycomb, Toasted Coconut, Chocolate Hazelnut, Pistachio, Salted Chocolate, Brown Butter Pecan and Peanut Butter Chocolate. The only place a taste of LA Creamery has been available in the 818 is at Umami (ice cream sandwiches) and Olive & Thyme.
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About Karen Young
