Tag Archives: Sherman Oaks

Show 480, June 25, 2022: Chef / Proprietor Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro, Sherman Oaks Part One

Posted on by
Aaron Robins of Boneyard Bistro

“For some 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of hands-on experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked just right.

“If adult beverages spark your fire then Boneyard has a vast selection of appealing beverages at the ready. They feature 42 taps of beer all focused on micro brews and specialty imports. Boneyard Bistro also has over 100 specialty brews in the bottle. When it comes to premium wine they feature at least 10 by the glass and will open almost any bottle you wish with a 2 glass minimum. Boneyard offers one of the largest Zinfandel collections in all of Southern California.” There is also an ambitious premium Whiskey program.

Join them on Mondays for their ever-popular Fried Chicken night. You can get your bird either Nashville Hot or Southern Style with no heat. They are also known for their unusual Kobe Style Beef Chili Filled Donuts with cheddar cheese, mustard, onions and pickles.

Dinner nightly with Lunch on Weekends.

Pitmaster and Chef Aaron Robins is our guest.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Show 480, June 25, 2022: Chef / Proprietor Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro, Sherman Oaks Part Two

Posted on by
Aaron Robins of Boneyard Bistro

“For some 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of hands-on experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked just right.

“If adult beverages spark your fire then Boneyard has a vast selection of beverages at the ready. They feature 42 taps of beer all focused on micro brews and specialty imports. Boneyard Bistro also has over 100 specialty brews in the bottle. When it comes to premium wine they feature at least 10 by the glass and will open almost any bottle you wish with a 2 glass minimum. Boneyard offers one of the largest Zinfandel collections in all of Southern California.” There is also an ambitious premium Whiskey program.

Join them on Mondays for their ever-popular Fried Chicken night. You can get your bird either Nashville Hot or Southern Style with no heat. They are also known for their unusual Kobe Style Beef Chili Filled Donuts with cheddar cheese, mustard, onions and pickles.

Dinner nightly with Lunch on Weekends.

Pitmaster and Chef Aaron Robins continues as our guest with a plate of slow-cooked Brisket in hand.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Show 477, June 4, 2022: Restaurateur Christy Vega, Casa Vega, Sherman Oaks Part One

Posted on by
Christy Vega of Casa Vega

“Casa Vega is an iconic Mexican restaurant that has been operating in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles for over 65 years. Casa Vega is located on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks and is one of the longest continuously family-owned restaurants in all of greater Los Angeles. Casa Vega’s roots go back to famous Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. Rafael “Ray” Vega opened Casa Vega in 1956 after being inspired by the success of his parents’ earlier restaurant, Café Caliente, which operated on Olvera Street throughout the 1930s. Casa Vega serves authentic, delicious food and drinks in a warm and festive atmosphere.

Founder Ray passed away in January 2021.”

“Today the Vega Family keeps the family legacy alive with Christina (Christy) Vega at the helm. Christina worked side-by-side with her father for over 15 years. Nothing made Ray prouder than knowing his family legacy would continue.”

This year The James Beard Foundation bestowed to Casa Vega, The America’s Classics Award. Each year since 1998 the James Beard Foundation Awards Committee has recognized our nation’s beloved regional restaurants as America’s Classics. Distinguished by their timeless appeal, they serve quality food that reflects the character of their communities. Casa Vega now joins the exclusive collection of L.A. area America’s Classics including Guelaguetza, Langer’s Delicatessen and Philippe the Original. Christy will be in Chicago on the evening of Monday, June 13th to accept the America’s Classics honors for Casa Vega at the 2022 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Show 477, June 4, 2022: Restaurateur Christy Vega, Casa Vega, Sherman Oaks Part Two

Posted on by
Christy Vega of Casa Vega

“Casa Vega is an iconic Mexican restaurant that has been operating in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles for over 65 years. Casa Vega is located on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks and is one of the longest continuously family-owned restaurants in all of greater Los Angeles. Casa Vega’s roots go back to famous Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. Rafael “Ray” Vega opened Casa Vega in 1956 after being inspired by the success of his parents’ earlier restaurant, Café Caliente, which operated on Olvera Street throughout the 1930s. Casa Vega serves authentic, delicious food and drinks in a warm and festive atmosphere. Founder Ray passed away in January 2021.”

“Today the Vega Family keeps the family legacy alive with Christina (Christy) Vega at the helm. Christina worked side-by-side with her father for over 15 years. Nothing made Ray prouder than knowing his family legacy would continue.”

This year The James Beard Foundation bestowed to Casa Vega, The America’s Classics Award. Each year since 1998 the James Beard Foundation Awards Committee has recognized our nation’s beloved regional restaurants as America’s Classics. Distinguished by their timeless appeal, they serve quality food that reflects the character of their communities. Casa Vega now joins the exclusive collection of L.A. area America’s Classics including Guelaguetza, Langer’s Delicatessen and Philippe the Original. Christy will be in Chicago on the evening of Monday, June 13th to accept the America’s Classics honors for Casa Vega at the 2022 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony

Christy Vega continues as our guest with Table-Side Guacamole at the ready.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Show 476, May 28, 2022: Proprietor / Executive Chef Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks Part One

Posted on by
Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai

Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks is a 40-year old neighborhood bistro serving up Thai specialties with a notable wine list. Chef Justin Pichetrungsi pays homage to his father, Chef Chavalit Pichetrungsi with his traditional recipes alongside his own creations using locally sourced, seasonal farmers market produce. Their unique Thai Taco Tuesday (TTT) is chef-collaboration driven.

Among recent honors for Anajak Thai are Chef Jason being named a semi-finalist for a distinguished James Beard Award for “Best Chef: California.”

In addition to his regular menu with rotating specials Chef Justin creates an Omakase menu (by reservation only) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. Optional supplements include a caviar pairing and a sommelier-selected wine pairing.

Standout dishes at Anajak Thai include Southern Thai Fried Chicken, Lab tot (fried pork & chicken meatballs with spicy Tamarind sauce) and Dry Aged Fish (sourced from The Joint Seafood Eatery) with chili-lime dressing.

Seating at Anajak Thai is either inside or outside along the wall of spiffed-up alley adjacent to the restaurant. It’s a true “Family Affair” as Justin’s Mom and Aunt work the floor.

Chef Justin Pichetrungsi joins us fish sauce in hand.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Show 476, May 28, 2022: Proprietor / Executive Chef Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks Part Two

Posted on by
Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai

Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks is a 40-year old neighborhood bistro serving up Thai specialties with a notable wine list. Chef Justin Pichetrungsi pays homage to his father, Chef Chavalit Pichetrungsi with his traditional recipes alongside his own creations using locally sourced, seasonal farmers market produce. Their unique Thai Taco Tuesday (TTT) is chef-collaboration driven.

Among recent honors for Anajak Thai are Chef Jason being named a semi-finalist for a distinguished James Beard Award for “Best Chef: California.”

In addition to his regular menu with rotating specials Chef Justin creates an Omakase menu (by reservation only) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. Optional supplements include a caviar pairing and a sommelier-selected wine pairing.

Standout dishes at Anajak Thai include Southern Thai Fried Chicken, Laab Tot (fried pork & chicken meatballs with spicy Tamarind sauce) and Dry Aged Fish (sourced from The Joint Seafood Eatery) with chili-lime dressing.

Seating at Anajak Thai is either inside or outside along the wall of spiffed-up alley adjacent to the restaurant. It’s a true “Family Affair” as Justin’s Mom and Aunt work the floor.

Chef Justin Pichetrungsi continues with us fish sauce in hand.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Show 417, March 20, 2021: Restaurateur Christy Vega, Casa Vega, Sherman Oaks Part One

Posted on by
Christy Vega of Casa Vega

Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks under the watchful eye of 2nd generation restaurateur Christy Vega has reopened again for full-service dining. Celebrating its 65th Anniversary in 2021 there will be a year of festivities honoring the late founder, Rafael “Ray” Vega, who passed away earlier in the year. Also new is a changing series of $5.00 Margarita Mondays served from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every Monday.

“The Foo Fighters taco has returned to Casa Vega through the end of April. Originally launched in December 2020 as the second installment of the restaurant’s charity band tacos (following the initial launch with Fall Out Boy in October), the special collaboration was cut short when the restaurant temporarily closed that month in response to new COVID restrictions. Now that Casa Vega has reopened for dine-in and take-out, the taco has returned as a special combo plate (Foo Fighters Especial) created by Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl—inspired by his passion for smoking meat—as well as a cocktail.” The libation is the Los Lucadores Foo with a shot of La Gritona resposado, fresh lime juice and Modelo Especial.

“The profits from each taco are donated to No Us Without You, a charity providing food security for undocumented back of house staff and their families created by Va’La Hospitality in the early weeks of the pandemic. As Casa Vega celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, expect more taco collabs and programming to be announced soon.”

Christy Vega is our guest with a Los Lucadores Foo in hand.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Show 417, March 20, 2021: Restaurateur Christy Vega, Casa Vega, Sherman Oaks Part Two

Posted on by
Christy Vega of Casa Vega

Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks under the watchful eye of 2nd generation restaurateur Christy Vega has reopened again for full-service dining. Celebrating its 65th Anniversary in 2021 there will be a year of festivities honoring the late founder, Ray Vega, who passed away earlier in the year. Also new is a changing series of $5.00 Margarita Mondays served from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every Monday.

“The Foo Fighters taco has returned to Casa Vega through the end of April. Originally launched in December 2020 as the second installment of the restaurant’s charity band tacos (following the initial launch with Fall Out Boy in October), the special collaboration was cut short when the restaurant temporarily closed that month in response to new COVID restrictions. Now that Casa Vega has reopened for dine-in and take-out, the taco has returned as a special combo plate (Foo Fighters Especial) created by Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl—inspired by his passion for smoking meat—as well as a cocktail.” The libation is the Los Lucadores Foo with a shot of La Gritona resposado, fresh lime juice and Modelo Especial.

“The profits from each taco are donated to No Us Without You, a charity providing food security for undocumented back of house staff and their families created by Va’La Hospitality in the early weeks of the pandemic. As Casa Vega celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, expect more taco collabs and programming to be announced soon.”

Christy Vega continues the conversation now with “The Tarantino” Margarita in hand. (It’s a festive salute to the Oscar-winning, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Show 373, May 16, 2020: Restaurateur Christy Vega, Casa Vega, Sherman Oaks

Posted on by

Christy Vega of Casa VegaThe enduring Casa Vega is a landmark Mexican restaurant that has been operating in the San Fernando Valley for almost 64 years. It’s located on the familiar Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks and is one of the longest running, continuously family-owned restaurants in greater Los Angeles. Rafael “Ray” Vega opened Casa Vega in 1956 after being inspired by the success of his parents’ earlier restaurant, Café Caliente, which was on Olvera St. and operated throughout the 1930’s. Casa Vega has recently reopened for take-out via advance order online or by telephone.

Casa Vega is now open from 12 Noon – 8 p.m. daily. Initially, guests can order directly by phone (818-788-4868) or online via the Casa Vega website. Guests can pick up from their cars – Casa Vega staff will place orders in the trunk or backseat as they wait in the restaurant’s driveway off Ventura Blvd.

Favorites on the take-out menu include Combination Plates and Street Tacos, both served with rice and beans, Taquitos de Juan (chicken flautas), Burritos, four different Family Trays, Chips, Guacamole, Salsa, Kids Meals, and more. In addition to beer and wine, Casa Vega offers its Classic Margarita in a single serving mason jar with ice, ready to drink for $7. Other margarita variations are available for $7-9. The Classic Margarita is also available in a half gallon size for $30.

“Over the years, Casa Vega has remained, at its core, much the same as my father’s original vision,” says Christy Vega. “The menu continues to reflect the offerings originally presented some 64 years ago with slight alterations that speak to today’s culinary tastes. From the menu, to the dim ambiance of the dining room, to the staff—many of which have been with our team for decades—Casa Vega is a testament to my father and the wonderful history he has created. I look forward to continuing to uphold his legacy of service, authentic traditions, and most of all, the love and adoration that emanates throughout every corner of the restaurant and inspires our clients to return time and time again.

Proprietress Christy Vega pours the Classic Margaritas for us.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Show 184, August 13, 2016: Chef Ted Hopson & Beverage Director Ann-Marie Verdi, The Bellwether, Studio City

Posted on by

Ann Marie Verdi and Ted Hopson of the BellwetherThe Bellwether is the debut restaurant (launched in early August of 2015) and bar from Executive Chef/Owner Ted Hopson and Beverage Director/Owner Ann-Marie Verdi. The market-inspired menu aims to capitalize on the abundance of California produce in order to showcase one-of-a-kind food and drink menus that feature family style shareable dishes, unique infusion based cocktails, and a hand-selected list of beer and wine.

Equal attention is warranted for the thoughtful beverage program created by Ann-Marie Verdi (also formerly of Father’s Office) who has worked closely with Chef Hopson to create complementary cocktails infused with much of the same seasonal produce found in the menu.

A weekend Brunch standout cocktail is Mama Betty’s Bloody Mary. It’s house-infused Habanero Vodka, house mix, bacon salt and topped with a cute mini-BLT.

“Our years of combined industry experience have impacted every decision we have made throughout this process and seeing our ideas turn into reality has been incredibly rewarding,” says Hopson. “We focused on creating the type of experience we would want as guests, and we couldn’t be more excited to be able to share that with everyone !”

Chef Ted and Ann-Marie are our guests.

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS