Alfredo's Mexican Food

One of my favorite small Mexican places in Burbank (el Mexicano) closed their doors earlier this year and my favorite machaca tacos became no more.  In it's place, a new Mexican place opened up - Alfredo's Mexican Food.

The whole place has changed from it's family-run stand -- the menu is no longer hand written but typed and printed, the tables and chairs have been updated, the kitchen was gutted and fixed, they have a bathroom and most importantly, they take credit cards now.

The reviews on Yelp are incredibly favorable even though there aren't many and every single one of them calls out the Carne Asada Fries.  In recent years, ever since food trucks became popular and gourmet, carne asada fries have been THE thing.  So I ordered them even though they were $8.  We also tried the carne asada tacos, cheese enchiladas, and carnitas taco.

The carnitas taco was super dry even when I piled on the salsa (green is spicier than red), I wasn't able to finish the taco.  The carne asada was just okay, it didn't have any particular flavor but it was tender, tasted like plain steak to me.  The Super Fries were huge. Easily enough to share or to feed two for a meal. They have carne asada, creme, guacamole and cheese.  I liked these but they weren't super amazing. They needed something more like jalepenos but the fries stayed crispy and the sour cream and guac really made it.

I am interested in going back and trying something else--like maybe the machaca or the chiliquiles but I don't think I'll be heading back anytime soon, there are many better places for tacos.





Alfredo's Mexican Food
911 N San Fernando Blvd
Burbank, CA 91504

Giamela's

Pastrami sandwiches aren't really a thing I was much familiar with before I moved to Burbank.  But right when I got here my father-in-law told me I must try one at the best place in town Giamela's.

I've been there lots of times since but I've never reviewed the restaurant!  I used to go to the place almost every weekend to get my pastrami fix.  We then switched gears and started going to Giamela's competitor Santoro's for sandwiches due to there being more variety.  While Santoro's does make a good sandwich, if I'm getting pastarmi I'm partial to Giamela's.

Giamela's sandwiches are huge. The small can easily be shared by two people.  The sandwich is best with everything except I don't usually get onions anymore if I'm going to be with people.  Everything includes a hearty white roll, cheese, mustard, a large helping of pastrami, tomatoes, pickles, a vinaigrette mix and some salt, pepper & spices.

I love how the cheese melts under the piping hot meat and becomes that texture between cooked and uncooked. The pickles have a certain bite to them that makes the sandwiches and they are cut in a large chunk adding a nice texture.  The meat is seasoned perfectly and it all goes so well together.  Eat it fast before the juice soaks into the bread. Don't even think about taking your sandwich to go.

Giamela's
216 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91502

Cash Only

Another Broken Egg Cafe

A few months ago I noticed a new breakfast restaurant in town, Another Broken Egg Cafe had taken over the failed 3rd & Olive restaurant.  I put it on my list to try it and finally today, a super rainy Sunday morning and a cancelled softball game led us to breakfast.

We waited about 10 minutes to be called and were led to a sparse dining room with windows opening into the back wall and the lobby of the office building in which it resides.  The restaurant inside is sparse and not the least bit homey.  It feels like a restaurant in an office building.  It is very cold feeling.

We were seated and offered drinks but no silverware.  A few minutes later we ordered.  Then we waited. And waited. And waited.

Eventually our food came.  We ordered three totally different items--Huevos Rancheros, Baconado Omelet and Bananas Foster French Toast.  The FT only comes with FT, no sides except for an added cost.  The Eggs dishes both came with potatoes and the omelet also added an english muffing (with butter only and no one mentioned jam).  The tables aren't equipped with salt and pepper so you have to request it.

The food was good, but not spectacular.  The Bananas Foster French Toast was gigantic.  The plate was covered in toast, bananas and sauce. It was pretty sweet but also pretty good-although not amazing and not worth ordering a second time.  The Bacon, Avocado & Cheese omelet was $2.50 more than the regular bacon and cheese omelet and the only difference was that it came with some slices of avocado on the top.  Sure they were nice but I was hoping they'd be inside the omelet.  I was hoping the cheese would be inside too--it wasn't.  The cheese was just on top and the saturation of bacon and egg was a little over the top.  I didn't really eat the English muffin because I filled up on the crispy potatoes--which were likely the most excellent thing any of us had.  The huevos rancheros were a crispy tortilla topped with beans, medium-fried eggs and cheese with a little salsa.  This dish also came in a skillet piled with potatoes.  Good but not as good as other restaurants.

We left the restaurant shortly after noon and it was still hoping.  Our meal for three came out to about $40 including entrees and drinks--about $10 per entree.  The amount of food was certainly enough but the service was extremely slow--we were there waiting for our food much longer than wanted.

Between the cold atmosphere, the slowness of the food to come, and the just average food I might go back to Another Broken Egg Cafe but I want to find the thing on the menu that is their specialty--and see if they make that more amazing.

Another Broken Egg Cafe
250 E. OLIVE AVE #110
Burbank, CA 91502
Map

Which Wich

There is a new sandwich shop in Burbank. It made it to the San Fernando Strip earlier this year and I've been wanting to try it ever since. The problem is that I already have a favorite sandwich shop in Burbank, and a second favorite, and there's a third one I kind of like...so I just haven't had room for another sandwich place in my life. But finally we decided to try it this afternoon.

Like The Counter, this sandwich shop has a bunch of brown bags on display where you pick your sandwich, bread and toppings before you get to the register. The bags are ordered by protein and then you use the provided red sharpies to add your bread, cheese toasted or not and other toppings and sauces.

I got the concept pretty quickly of filling out the bags but it seemed like a lot of people who came in for the first time were a tad confused by the system.

All of the sandwiches at the restaurant are the same price by size unless you add something extra like bacon or avocado. However, if you get a special sandwich like bacon, turkey and tomato combination that is listed on the bag the bacon comes with the bacon for free for the regular price.

I decided to start off by getting something I'd have at any other sandwich shop so that I could easily compare although I was very tempted by the Cuban specialty sandwich. I ordered turkey with avocado, cheese, tomato and deli mustard. I thought I also put on pepperocinis but I honestly don't remember if they were on there or not. The avocado was $1 extra but they made it worth my while by really piling it on the top.

I got the sandwich un-toasted and I thought he bread tasted fresh and chewy. My husband tried a sandwich that was toasted with ham, bacon and cheese. It won him over and he plans to take the sandwich card back there sometime and work his way up to 10 for a free one! This is a good substitute for Subway or Quiznos with some more fun options and lots of choice.

Which Wich is a small chain so if you live somewhere else in Southern California or in Arizona you should seek out your local branch for your next sandwich.

Which Wich
302 N San Fernando Blvd
Burbank, CA 91502
Map

Olive & Thyme

In the middle of winter even if you live in California, it is almost impossible to go to a restaurant and order something that serves a sweet ripe tomato. Oftentimes they are slightly green, crunchy and flavorless. It is awful. All you want is a great tomato and you're stuck in a rut until late summer.

Olive & Thyme have somehow jumped the hurdle of the bad tomato and even in the dead of winter are able to get delicious, ripe and sweet heirloom tomatoes that taste like they are right out of the garden. These tomatoes, the perfectly ripe avocado, and the flavorful thick cut bacon on lightly toasted sourdough made for an outstanding sandwich. I loved how my sandwich was served with those tiny pickles on a cutting board.

My dining companions both got salads off the menu (as opposed to from the case). The Cobb salad had a beautiful layout and a great slightly spicy dressing, the same ripe tomatoes, gourmet blue cheese, perfectly cooked eggs and chicken. The Chinese chicken salad also had a nice flavorful vinaigrette (although after tasting the Italian dressing I wished I had a salad), grilled chicken, a salad mix and carrots with sliced almonds. All the ingredients were fresh and delicious.

While waiting in line, I noticed a jar of cookies on the counter. The cookies were chocolate chip with sea salt and cocoa nibs. I knew I had to have one but didn't order it right away. Instead, while one person saved the table we took turns walking around the restaurant and looking at all the food and pastries for sale. There were a variety of pastries (salted caramel croissant? Tell me more!), cakes and chocolates. Today being valentine's day probably influenced the selection. They also sell bread, cheese and a variety of spices and honey and things.

Olive and Thyme takes up an unassuming store front on Riverside drive that they've turned into a beautiful cafe and store. There are cases of salads (everything from beats and bulgar to potato), the cheese for sale, a marble topped bar to help the overflow of diners, a communal table and small tables around the edge. If you have a big group you will have to split up unless you can score a spot at the communal table. The only thing Olive & Thyme is missing is outdoor seating, but the way the restaurant is situated it is not allowed on the sidewalk. Otherwise, this is a perfect place for a healthy gourmet lunch for a reasonable price with fresh ingredients.

Olive & Thyme

4013 Riverside Dr

Burbank, CA 91505

Map

Moore's Delicatessen

A new Deli moved into Burbank at the end of 2010. It took the place of Ben's Delicatessen on the corner of Third & Orange in downtown Burbank. We saw the building change before our eyes into a sleek modern gray with black script sign. I knew I had to try it as soon as it opened. I read about it on all the blogs and learned that the couple who opened the place also own a bakery and now were trying something new. Moore's is now serving breakfast and lunch. It seems like every time I go there is a crowd.

I have only had lunch at Moore's but breakfast looked delightful when I saw the half finished plates cluttering the tables of other earlier diners. The deli offers classic sandwiches with a twist of gourmet. To get the twist of gourmet the food takes a long time to come out of the kitchen to the table. If you go with a group I highly recommend waiting for everyone to arrive before ordering or else you will be getting your food sometimes 10-15 minutes before the others.

The first time I went to Moore's I ordered the corned beef sandwich. The flavor was there, the texture was perfect and the bread was fresh. Each sandwich comes with a tiny potato salad side which is a nice change of texture. The sandwiches are big and I could easily be sustained on half but I of course ate the whole thing.

The second time I went to Moore's I ordered the curry chicken salad sandwich with apricot chutney. It sounds weird...but I thought it would probably be delicious...and it was! I am a big fan of curry chicken salad and this sandwich did not disappoint me.

My fellow diners encourage you to skip the pulled pork (a little bit tomatoey with a strange flavor that isn't delicious) and go for the beef dip sandwich instead. Succulent roast beef with a rich au jus on fresh bread.

I will go back to Moore's but only when I have time...this place makes gourmet food slowly and encourages you to sit at your table and chat while you wait.





Moore's Delicatessen
271 E Orange Grove Ave
Burbank, CA 91502
Map

Caminiti's

For years there was a small restaurant on the corner of Mariposa & Burbank Blvd called The Place For Steaks. The dark and tiny restaurant looked expensive and I never made it there. Recently, new owners bought the place and turned it into a friendly neighborhood pizza & sports bar.

Caminiti's has everything a sports bar needs--Flat Screen TV's on every wall, beer, wings, pizza, burgers and even a few pasta and salad dishes for the ladies.

We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon and happened in on a Chiefs vs Raiders game. The restaurant crowd was rowdy but during the football game my table was too busy watching to engage in much conversation.

I ordered the meatball sub and my dining mates shared a Hawaiian Pizza and one started with a small side salad. The salad had the house dressing which needed a few more spices to put it apart from typical oil & vinegar.

The food came and the owners encouraged us to eat slowly and stay to watch the game. My meatball sub was big--there were at least 4 meatballs on it, and I got the small sandwich! It was on a crispy roll smothered in marinara and melty cheese. I wish it had maybe a little oregano or chili flakes on it, but it was still delicious. I should not have eaten the whole thing. The pizza was a very thin crust pie. It also needed a little flavor kick with spices, but otherwise was good.

On their website, Caminiti's suggests a daily special for each day of the week. Unlimited wings is one such special and I hope to go back the night that event is happening!

Caminiti's

1220 West Burbank Boulevard

Burbank, CA 91506

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Thai Room Garden

Ever since I moved to Burbank, I have been interested by the dive-style Thai restaurant on Hollywood way near Clark. My dad is famous for spotting great restaurants that to the average eye look like total dives and I like to think I have a little of that charm too.

The Thai Room Garden is just what it says it is--a 1-room + garden patio dining area for a quick and cheap Thai lunch or dinner. I went for lunch with a friend on a weekday. There was a smattering of people in the garden area. The seats aren't comfortable, but fine for a short lunch. The traffic noise is obvious but there is always the room inside.

The lunch specials came with entrée, rice and salad for around $6.25. The dinners though are only about $6.95 for a bigger portion and $1 more for rice. Sodas are canned but water is free. I ordered the panang curry entrée with chicken and white rice. It could've easily made two meals--but I made it into one big meal. This particular curry is my favorite and I was not disappointed. It tasted strikingly similar to the Thai Room's nearby upscale competitor Gindi Thai.

My dining companion ordered one of the lunch specials which looked like a beef stir-fry, rice and salad. It was a good portion for lunch. There were some ingredients in the dish that are uncommon in the dish elsewhere--such as mushrooms.

I had a good experience and would go back to this place for a quick meal--it was delicious and fast and ridiculously cheap.

Thai Room Garden

821 N Hollywood Way
Burbank, California 91505

Map

Apollo Burger

Above the mall on Magnolia is a large run-down building that boasts Hamburgers in giant letters across the top. Being a big fan of burgers, that place has always interested me. Today, we decided to stop in and give it a try.

The menu ranges from breakfast deals and burgers to sandwiches and teriyaki. I got the #1 deal which was a cheeseburger, fries and a 16 oz drink for $6.40. My husband got a hamburger, grilled cheese sandwich and a drink.The prices were pretty good for the amount of food we got.

I thought the burger was a little overdone but otherwise fast-diner tasty. The pickles were actual dill which was a nice change from some of the ones you get elsewhere. The fries were hot and plentiful. The grilled cheese sandwich was also quite large but nothing too special.

There isn't much ambiance in the small dining area but there are some outside tables too. I would go back here if I was looking for a quick lunch. Cash only.





Apollo Burger
401 N Glenoaks Blvd
Burbank, CA 91502
Map

CiaoCristina!

Today we decided to go out for some Italian food. Instead of relying on our old favorites, we decided to try someplace new. CiaoCristina! won the coin toss. It is located across from Warner Brothers Studios on Olive right next to the Bank of America. The place looks tiny from the outside but there are actually 10 or so tables inside, a full bar, and what seemed like a lucrative take-out business.

When we arrived there were a couple of other groups at the tables but it was nearly impossible to tell that people were there on the drive in...it isn't the kind of place that you'd just walk into with nobody else there. I think if it was empty I would've considered going somewhere else.

We were warmly welcomed and seated immediately and offered drinks. 3/4 of us ordered water and our other member ordered diet coke...which turned out to be a slightly pricey no-refill natural diet soda.

It took us quite a while to look over the menu. I think it was the layout that really took me awhile. On the front cover were Salads, Appetizers and Paninis, inside pasta and meat dishes, and on the last page pizzas. I think maybe if it was a cover and then 3 pages in the center it would be easier to read.

Our food took a long time to come. While waiting, they serve a glass of crispy and flavorful breadsticks. We wished for more as we devoured them and continued to wait while two take-out orders and another table who was there first were filled. I think there may have been only one chef on duty but assume that weekday lunches have a quicker turnaround time. When our food did arrive, it really wasn't hot. The pizza was room temperature as was my sandwich. I didn't inquire on the pasta, but it wasn't steaming.

I ordered the CiaoCristina! Panini which is homemade focaccia with marinated tomatoes, roasted peppers, fresh mozzarella, basil and a pesto spread. It comes with choice of chips or salad. My compatriots ordered a 16" pizza Margaretha with prosciutto to share with two, and a vodka sauce linguine dish.

For the pasta and pizza the prices were a tad high. The ingredients seem to be fresh and natural which may boost the price. The neighborhood the restaurant caters too is a little bit more upscale than our normal area so the prices may not seem too outlandish, but a plate of pasta (average portion size) without bread or salad for $12-15 is a little steep. The pizza wasn't particularly flavorful, the prosciutto seemingly too large and flimsy for a pizza and a serious lack of cheese. The pasta wasn't memorable either.

The sandwich, however, was the best deal. My sandwich was really large and came with chips (or salad). The chips were homemade. The sandwich had a lot of great flavors and textures and enough mozzarella to beat the price. The sandwich was $8 which I think is average price for a gourmet-style sandwich.

As it turns out, the sandwiches seem to be the only reason to go back to CiaoCristina! So, if you work nearby and just want a gourmet Italian sandwich, I recommend dropping by. If you get there and think a $3 slice of pizza sounds better, think again, and get the sandwich.





CiaoCristina!
4201 W Olive Ave
Burbank, CA 91505
Map

Larry's Chili Dog

Larry's Chili Dog sign is a little dog lying in a bun with his tail wagging. This lit sign sparkles alone on Burbank Blvd at night. Every time I pass by I think, "That is just the kind of place my dad would go, I should try it."

Finally, after years of not going, I decided to eat there for lunch today. And oh what a glorious treat!

Larry's Chili Dog stand has a posted menu and walk up and order mentality. There are several picnic tables with umbrellas in the patio secluded by potted plants.

Influenced by the advertisement, I chose the #5 value meal which consisted of a chili cheese dog (something new for me), fries and a soft drink for $5.25. There were lots of other things on the menu that caught my eye though, including gyros, the kraut dog, the Chicago dog, the cheeseburger, taquitos, a chocolate malt, battered onion rings--ok so I wanted one of everything.

Our meals were served to us by the lady running the counter on paper lined trays. The hot dog was all beef and delicious on its own. The french fries were crisp and hot. The chili was a nice flavorful addition and reminded me of Tommy's.

The food was great, the prices were great, the atmosphere was nice--this is a classic hot dog stand and I will gladly return.






Larry's Chili Dog
3122 W Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505
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Yummy Cupcakes

For Jenny's birthday, we decided to get cupcakes spur of the moment. We knew already that Jenny's not a fan of chocolate, so we went to Yummy Cupcakes where they promised us a variety of flavors.

There are two cupcake places in Burbank that I know of, and they are completely different even though they are on the same street. Yummy cupcakes has inventive flavors in a more average sized cupcake and they have a "right in the bakery" feel when you go in. It sort of reminds me of that bakery from that movie Stranger than Fiction. Yummy recently expanded into a second storefront adding a retail store that sells all sorts of cupcake memorabilia.

The prices for cupcakes vary depending on the cake. If it is something really special it is more expensive. However the prices are still pretty reasonable compared to their competitors.

We arrived at Yummy Cupcakes near the end of the day and were surprised to see cupcakes available in almost every flavor. We got a dozen cakes of all sorts of flavors. For Jenny, we chose the apricot cupcake. I think we got one of each flavor. They have different flavors every month and then certain flavors daily. There are a few that are always there, but there is always something new and different. I had something that was chocolate filled with chocolate ganache and it was delicious.


The cakes were well packed to avoid running into each other or sliding around by putting a dab of frosting on the bottom. The service was very friendly and they also sell other essentials like candles and drinks. There is nowhere to sit at the bakery but it seems like most people were taking boxes to go anyway.

The service was spectacular. When we ate the cupcakes they were also delicious. They tasted good for 2 days after and then started to go downhill. The cake was moist and flavorful. The frosting was buttery and delicious but not over sweet.

I will return to Yummy Cupcakes sometime soon.





Yummy Cupcakes
2918 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505
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Taste Chicago

Being a Chicago transplant, it is hard to be in LA without all of my favorite foods. I crave Chicago-style hot dogs and pizza and devour their tasty home goodness whenever I get the chance. A couple of years ago my parents took pity on our hometown losses and sent us pizzas on dry ice to enjoy in the safety and warmth of the golden state.

As luck would have it, Taste Chicago, a restaurant devoted to all things Chicago resides on a corner just blocks from my apartment. I've been there once or twice but this time it felt like a new restaurant to me.

Owned by actor Joe Mantegna, this quick-serve restaurant has just moved up in the world with the addition of more seating and decoration. The restaurant has its own parking lot (a plus), refillable drinks (plus) and a real connection to Chicago food.

The other day we decided to give Taste Chicago another chance. We walked in and noticed immediately that the prices were a little high. Luckily nobody noticed us just yet and we were able to evaluate the menu before making a decision. We considered leaving, in fact, because the prices seemed a little outrageous.

We prevailed, however and ordered a Chicago-style deep dish pizza with pepperoni and 3 drinks. It took a while to make the pizza but I still feel like they don't do everything right on site (although I could be wrong). While we waited we were able to watch the football game on TV.

The pizza came with paper plates that were a little flimsy for the heavy pizza and sauce and plastic silverware. I think an investment in plates would be a good one.

The pizza, however, was good. It was a little salty with the pepperoni, and if you aren't already craving Chicago's finest you might think it's worth it. But if you are, then I recommend it for a special treat. The sauce is like home, a thicker chunkier sauce that is more similar to something you'd have with pasta. The pizza is deep dish and the cheese and pepperoni are mixed together. Think of it as an icebox pie. I think I would have liked it better without the chunky pieces of pepperoni which made the pizza way too salty. If only they offered spinach...

The crust was really what got me going. It was perfect, with a crunchy edge and a dough center it was just what I wanted. I think if they just gave me the crust the taste of home would come with it.

I will be going back to Taste Chicago. I hear great things about the Italian beef and the Chicago style hot dogs looked excellent and large.






Taste Chicago
603 N Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505
Map

El Tapatio

As it turns out, a lot of taco places close their doors on Sundays. Go figure. After a wild search for tacos, we ended up at an old favorite - El Tapatio on Alameda.

There is an outdoor patio where you order at the window and eat as well as an indoor dining area where you sit down and they bring you a menu. I think you could also order at the window and sit inside, but why be confusing?

Yesterday it was freezing outside (like mid-60s!) so we headed indoors. The tables are covered in comics under glass providing easy entertainment. The menus are immediately followed by a basket of chips and a spicy salsa.

The best deal is the Four taco combo that comes with a drink (although some people nearby got some delicious looking plates of sopes and gordittas). We all ordered the taco combo with a variety of meats--al Pastor, Carne Asada, Carnitas.

The tacos came quickly with salsa, onions, and cilantro on top. The carne asada was fine. It was nothing to write home about. The carnitas, however, are spectacular. It seems that they my fry the meat slightly and roast it. The carnitas aren't shredded, instead they are cut into large chunks--sometimes even big slices. The carnitas along with the warm tortillas, salsa, and onions were just the melt in my mouth treat I wanted that Sunday afternoon.





El Tapatio
926 S. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502
Map

Pauline's Handmade Brittle

I pass by Pauline's Handmade Brittle at least two-three times a week, and I have never gone in. I have never gone in because from the outside it looks like it is always closed with these dark black windows. Crunched between two nondescript stores, this place just didn't look inviting to me.

Today though, I casually pointed it out to Jenny (who also passes it all the time and never noticed it before) and she insisted that we go in. So I parked and cautiously exited the car. I dragged back so that Jenny could enter first. I don't like going into small stores much because then I feel forced to buy and I have to talk to the person there...it's a lot of work. But it was time.

We walked in to a tiny space with a circular table and chairs in the middle, a case off to the side full of brittle, a couple of sauces, fillings and dessert mixes. A small hallway led to the back of the store where the kitchen is.

We had a chance to browse the store before the owner came in from the back. Pauline, we surmised immediately offered samples from the case of the original pecan brittle. I don't usually love brittle, but it was absolutely delicious! We talked to Pauline for some time and she offered us more samples of some of her other varieties as she talked about her business.

Pauline seemed a little down in the dumps but was excited about the upcoming week when they were filming her store for a makeover show called Peter Perfect. She told us that this show makes-over a struggling business and there will be a grand re-opening on Saturday next week with the new look of this sweet shop. I'm excited to see it after it is revamped.

And why am I telling you? Because the brittle was delicious. The brittle was SO delicious that I am recommending that you take a trip over to Pauline's and buy some. After a couple of samples, I decided on the dark chocolate brittle. It is a thick layer of good-quality dark chocolate on top and marbled with a thick layer of brittle dotted with pecans. Pauline also makes marble chocolate, white chocolate, and mint chocolate varieties.

I left the store excited to go back, but a little bit discouraged by the dent in my wallet. If you are in the mood for a sweet treat or a gourmet gift, stop in, and you will not be disappointed by the flavors melding together in the delicious pecan brittle.

****UPDATE****
I drove past Pauline's today and it looks absolutely spectacular. I highly recommend that you stop by and check out her new look. Her shop now has gone through a total transformation. I can't wait until I finish my first pecan brittle so I can go back and see the new store in person. Now all they need is to update the website to match the new look of the store.





Pauline's Handmade Brittle
1926 W. Olive Ave.
Burbank, CA 91506
Map

Victorio's Ristorante

The Clipper, a coupon magazine, often mentions Victorio's Ristorante and yet, I have never tried it. Tonight, after listening to a book on CD on my drive home that discussed Italian food, I decided it was time to try something new. I was craving pasta.

Three of us went to Victorio's in Burbank. There is also a location in North Hollywood which intrigues me. Victorio's is tucked into a corner of a strip mall. The restaurant has a full bar and a couple of oddly arranged tables. The red walls and mint green booths don't really match, but that doesn't hurt the family feel.

The waitress was new and incredibly friendly and swift, but the owner was also on the premises. The menu is large covering a full range of pastas, pizza and sandwiches. I wanted pasta and from the pictures on the website, I knew I was in for a treat.

I ordered the cannelloni which is a baked meat and spinach filled pasta roll covered in sauce and cheese. It comes with french bread and for $5 you can add on a salad and dessert. Or you could add just a salad if you want. I decided to just have the pasta and bread. The cannelloni was popular at our table, ordered by 2/3 diners. The other diner ordered a pepperoni, cheese and salami sandwich. The soft drinks are cheap here--and they come in what looks like a 40oz cup. Gigantic. I didn't need refills once on my water.

The food came in a reasonable amount of time. The cannelloni was piping hot in the casseroles they were cooked in. The flavors melded together deliciously. The pasta was cooked to perfection in several layers and the meat and sauce added. I didn't feel the need to add anything extra and my mouth is watering for more. The portion was also a good size. I was neither hungry or stuffed afterwards. The sandwich ordered by the other diner was huge--10 inches and wide and apparently delicious.

I am going to make Victorio's one of the family favorites.





Victorio's Ristorante
520 S. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502
Map

Jalepenos

Jalapeños is a storefront Mexican restaurant in a strip mall filled with other fast food choices including Subway and McDonalds. Jalapeños is a dark restaurant inside which is surprising since the front wall is all windows. The menu spans all the typical fast Mexican dishes from tostadas to tacos to burritos.

I wanted the al pastor but unfortunately, at noon on Saturday it wasn't ready yet. That was a disappointment, so instead I ordered the carne asada. I ordered three mini tacos with rice and beans. I think everyone else I was with also got tacos, but someone might have gotten a tostada. The food took awhile to be ready--it seemed like there was one cook and one cash register attendant. There wasn't another group in the restaurant, so I'm worried that when they are busy that my food would take even longer. While we waited they got us our drinks and some chips.

The salsa is in a salsa bar near the counter. Looking at the salsa bar, I didn't know what to get--none of the salsas looked to me to be interesting or unique from each other. So, I chose all of them. And waited. And ate a lot of chips.

So by the time my three tacos came, I decided that I probably should have gotten only two tacos. For street tacos, these tortillas were packed with meat. Unfortunately, the meat wasn't that good. It was crispy where it shouldn't have been and full of fatty pieces that I had to leave to the side. The beans and rice were nothing special. The lack of a good salsa really ruined the deal for me. Sure the portions were big and the prices were OK, but the flavor just didn't cut it against all the rest of the Mexican food choices in the area.






Jalapeños
916 West Burbank Blvd
Burbank, CA 91506
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Hill Street Cafe

The Hill Street Cafe can only be described as an All-American restaurant destined for an elderly crowd. Sure, there are families there and college kids, but most of the crowd is over 55.

Normally, I'm not interested in going to this restaurant ever because I don't find the food particularly delicious--but perhaps I just order the wrong thing EVERY time. This time though, I suggested the place--for breakfast. I am under the impression that it is really hard to ruin breakfast, so I am willing to try out almost anywhere.

It was a Sunday "morning" dangerously close to noon. The restaurant was relatively crowded with after-church folk, but we were seated immediately. Our waitress, however, did not come to our table immediately, and, although there were people eating lunch, we were only offered a breakfast menu.

The menu had a large variety of breakfast choices but I was immediately drawn to the omelet. While my Dad makes a mean omelet, I am not so good at doing it myself and therefore am constantly craving them. I ordered the vegetarian omelet with the addition of ham. It came with choice of potatoes (o'brien or hash brown) and choice of toast. I got the hash browns and the biscuit. I also ordered coffee. I was with two others and they ordered the 2,2,2 (pancakes, sausage, eggs) and the other person got the huevos rancheros.

My meal was the best deal by far and way too much food. The omelet was good except that it had broccoli in it--uncooked broccoli. That addition to the omelet was the only thing that made it not amazing. Otherwise it had a good mix of cheese and filling. The biscuit was a mistake. It was a heavy baking powder biscuit with no flavor. I can make those myself (and better), so when I get a biscuit at a restaurant I expect a flaky cakey rich buttermilk biscuit. The hash browns were nothing special but when I saw the O'brien potatoes I was sad I hadn't chosen those.

The breakfast was good, but it wasn't amazing or totally unique. Next time I'm craving breakfast, I think I'll go somewhere different--with a hipper, younger crowd.

***Update***I have gone here again a couple of times and my new favorite is the Huevos Rancheros. Delicious! I will go back for these for sure.





Hill Street Cafe
3301 N Glenoaks Blvd
Burbank, CA 91504
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Chozo Mama

Chozo Mama opened a couple of years ago right across from NBC studios. It took over a restaurant spot that had apparently changed hands almost yearly. I stopped by right away to try out the Peruvian food, always looking for a new experience. The food was a hit to me right away. I went back one more time and then I didn't go for awhile. Meanwhile, they turned the covered patio into an enclosed room.

When I went to the restaurant yesterday evening, I was really craving the Peruvian experience. I hadn't seen it since the construction was finished, and the place looked really nice. The main kitchen and ordering is done in the original building and there are lots of tables and even a TV. The people who work there are nice. It's really quite a small business because instead of having one cook and someone special as a cashier, the cashier often makes the meal himself.

I ordered the Chicken Saltado. It is a chicken dish cooked to order in a sauce served with onions on top of french fries. The dish came complete with two sides. I got the lentils and green salad. I didn't have time to stay, but I did sit in the dining area to wait. It was very comfortable inside. The chicken saltado takes a little longer to make than the other dishes because it is made fresh.

It is worth the wait. The food was delicious, flavorful, and still piping hot by the time I got home. It was made for one but I ate it for two meals. The menu is varied with all sorts of dishes--there is really something for everyone.





Chozo Mama
At the intersection of W. Alameda Ave and W. Olive Ave across from the Tonight Show at NBC Studios and Weinershnitzel

East Coast Dogs & Deli

The East Coast Deli is really close to my house, but it never appears to be open so it has always intrigued me. I walked past it the other day and noticed the hours were weekday hours--eight to four Monday through Friday. No wonder it always appears to be closed!

I was working from home on Friday, so I thought I'd check out the place. Being from Chicago, I am always jonesing for a good hot dog. I noticed right away that this place was advertising Vienna Beef dogs. In Chicago, a hot dog just isn't a hot dog unless it says Vienna Beef. I was surprised when we walked in the little red and white storefront to find an extensive menu with sandwiches and salads and only a tiny hot dog menu. I started wondering why I thought this was a hot dog place in the first place, and it can only have been the Vienna Beef sign, I must have seen it from the street.

While the salads looked pretty good, I opted for the Chicago Style dog. One thing I know about LA is that when they say "East Coast" it could be anywhere east of the Mississippi River, so maybe they were masters on Chicago flavor. My fiance was with me and he ordered a polish sausage with fries. The fries usually come with garlic and basil but he chose plain to go with his plain mustard and KETCHUP hot dog. Honestly, who puts ketchup on hot dog?

The fries took a long time to be ready, so in the meantime they let us pay and sit down. There are only a couple of tables but it seemed like the majority of their business was to-go business anyway from the hospital and studios surrounding it.

My Chicago dog was a fake. I am surprised they even risked giving it the Chicago name. The hot dog itself seemed huge and was good, but I shouldn't have ruined it with all the toppings. The hot dog was in a hard roll, topped with red onion, regular pickle relish, chopped tomatoes, mustard and a couple of slices of bread and butter pickles. I was very full at the end because the two salads that came with my meal filled the plate.

I would probably go back to this place if I happened to be around when it was open again and I wanted a quick meal. I think next time though I will skip the hot dogs and go for a sandwich or a salad. I think I would also bring my own drink, because all you can buy bottled drinks at inflated prices.





East Coast Dogs & Deli
2609 W Olive Ave
Burbank, CA 91505
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