BY KAREN YOUNG
Beginning June 11 and running through July 11, 32 nations will gather at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. Sports bars and restaurants all over Los Angeles will be opening their doors for special viewings. For residents of the San Fernando Valley, here’s a list of multi-cultural eateries that will be showing the games — with some opening at 6 a.m. or closing after the 2:30 a.m. game. Also, check out some of these My Daily Find sports bars in the 818. Go to www.fifa.com for a schedule of games and get ready to cheer on your favorite country or team!
ARGENTINA: Buenos Aires Grill
The games will be playing all month with special emphasis on the Argentinan games at this Woodland Hills restaurant. They’ll be open early on June 12 (6 a.m.) and June 16 (4:30 a.m.) for morning games. Call the restaurant for more times. In addition to the grill cuisine, they’ll be serving special breakfast items, such as Argentinian pastries, eggs, omelettes and more to accompany the game. 22458 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills, Ca. (818) 444-4699 www.bsasgrill.html
BRAZIL: Sampa Grill
Take an early lunch break at this Brazilian churrascaria in Encino. They’ll show the 11:30 a.m. game live and then play repeats throughout the day. Check out their new a la carte lunch menu with hamburgers and salads that brings the price way down from the traditional buffet. 16240 Ventura Blvd. (Libbit Ave.) Encino, 818-981-8818 www.sampagrill.net
ENGLAND : The Fox and Hounds
This fave haunt for British ex-pats in Studio City is taking reservations for all World Cup games. Some games don’t require tickets, while the $10 ticket price for others will be taken off your tab during the game. See www.thefoxandhounds.com for the full schedule. 11100 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, Ca, 91604 (818) 763-7837
ENGLAND: The White Harte Pub
Whether you want to watch the 2:30 am game or the 6:30 am game, you can watch it at this traditional English pub in the West Valley. They even have souvenirs for purchase that you can take home. Enjoy English fare like fish and chips and a burger with an egg on top. 22456 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills, Ca. (818) 224-3822 www.whitehartepub.com
FRANCE: Wine Bistro
This Studio City bistro is kicking it up with live games and special events, including a Champions Lunch for $20 which includes an appetizer, main course and a glass of wine or beer. Be there Friday, June 11 for the 6:30 am game and a French breakfast. Oui. Check out the website for event and game watching schedule. 11915 Ventura Boulevard Studio City, Ca. (818) 766-6233 www.winebistro.net
IRELAND: Ireland’s 32
Van Nuys’ own Irish pub will have the 11:30 a.m .viewings. Get in the spirit with a traditional Irish breakfast– bacon, sausage, grilled tomatoes, wheaten bread, eggs, baked beans, black and white pudding. 13721 Burbank Boulevard Van Nuys, Ca. (818) 785-4031. www.irelands32pub.com
ITALY: Cafe Aldente
This neighboorhood Italian restaurant in Studio City will show the 11:30 a.m. games. Get into the Italian spirit with pasta, pizza, tiramisu and a cappucino. My Daily Find readers receive 15% off the bill. 12215 Ventura Blvd. #112 Studio City www.cafealdente.com (818)985-8055. Open 10 am – 9 pm Mon-Sat. Closed Sunday.
MEXICO: Loteria Grill
The regional cuisines of Mexico fill this Studio City restaurant. They’ll be serving special tacos for the countries playing each day starting at 11am. If want to jump start your day, the Hollywood location will open at 6:30 a.m. for the morning games. 12050 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, Ca (818)-508-0300 www.loteriagrill.com
SOUTH AFRICA: Springbok Bar and Grill
This South African owned bar and grill is as close as you can to Johannesburg without jumping on a plane. Enjoy regional favorites such as Boerewors (sausage, but better), Monkey Gland sauce (in name only) and curried samosas. Open at 6 a.m. for the 6:30 am games. Check out the full schedule at www.thespringbok.com. 16153 Victory Blvd Van Nuys, Ca (818) 988-9786
Karen Young is the Editor/Publisher of MY DAILY FIND. Questions? Suggestions? Just want to say “hey?” Email: karen@mydailyfind.com.
About Karen Young
