Where: Los Angeles
What: San Fernando Valley Food PlaceList
Who: Valley native and chef Aaron Robins of 11-year-old BBQ powerhouse Boneyard Bistro (and the forthcoming SOCA) knows his SFV eats. The chef compares the transformation of Silver Lake’s food scene 10 years ago to the current budding food revolution in the San Fernando Valley. “The Valley has grown from the land of mediocrity to the home of small ethnic restaurants and ‘Sushi Row’ (Ventura Blvd) and now more chef-driven restaurants,” says Aaron. The Valley finally seems to be getting her Cinderella moment and Aaron’s here to show us where to start.
Aaron Robins courtesy of Boneyard Bistro
Image courtesy of Arden Shore
Boneyard Bistro
Sherman Oaks, $$
Aaron Robins: We cover all the basics. We’re everything wrapped into one: you can eat, drink and relax while having an upscale night at the bar. You must try the Kobe Beef Chili Filled Donuts, Boneyard’s Famous House Cured & Double Hickory Smoked Bacon Building Blocks, Fried Mac N’ Cheese, “The Wedge” Iceberg Salad (a truly stand out dish), and of course, BBQ. Those are some of the classics that have been on the menu for very long time. If you can sneak in one of our burgers you will be thankful. What I’m most proud of though is the people who work here. Most have been here a long time and we all share the common goal of producing the best possible experience for our customers.
Taqueria El Tapatio #1
West Hills, $
AR: They have unbelievable carnitas. I always opt for a burrito or tacos el pastor.
Bill's Burgers
Van Nuys, $
AR: This is as old-world of a burger as you can possibly get in Los Angeles. They are cooked on a griddle that has to be somewhere between 65 to 70 years old, which makes the burgers taste like yesteryear. When you eat one, you’ll want another one.
Oi Asian Fusion
Canoga Park
AR: Though they recently opened another location in East Hollywood, I go to the Oi Asian Fusion by Canoga Park. My son and I always stop by when we’re in the area for baseball. They are a tiny place with cheap eats, offering really interesting Filipino fusion food such as pork belly Tacos and rice bowls.
DeFranko's Submarines
Van Nuys, $
AR: Dru has had that sandwich shop for as far back as I can remember, at least 40 years. She has some of the best subs in Los Angeles, with diced pickles, tomatoes, and onions that offer a unique and different take on the classic sub.
Cricca Italian Deli's Subs
Woodland Hills, $
AR: They just changed ownership, but are as good as always with their killer subs.
Carney's
Studio City, $
AR: When my children say they want to go to “the hot dog train” this is where we go. We love the chili dogs.
Mistral
Sherman Oaks, $$$
AR: This place is a restaurateur’s restaurant, that speaks to the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” There are not enough good things I can say about Henry and his team. They do what they do exceptionally well and have done so for the past 30+ years. I strive to be the restaurateur that he is.
The Local Peasant and Black Market
Sherman Oaks and Studio City
AR: The Local Peasant is a quick escape from Boneyard Bistro, whereas Black Market is a late date night spot. The food is creative and fun, and both spaces have good vibes and nice staff.
Augustine Wine Bar
Sherman Oaks, $$
AR: Another escape from Boneyard Bistro. Matt and his crew have not just created a place that does great food and drink, but a place that makes you feel welcome. Their team will come into Boneyard and vice versa. It is always good to reciprocate when you have such close neighbors.
Bacon Building Blocks. Image courtesy of Boneyard Bistro
Taqueria El Tapatio. Image courtesy of @ibmasons_dad
Bills’ Hamburgers. Image courtesy of @ken.arutyunyan
Pork Belly bowl. Image courtesy of @oiasianfusion
DeFranko's Subs. Image courtesy of @motochopshop
Image courtesy of Cricca’s Deli & Subs
Carney’s. Image courtesy of @sammyspiegs
Image courtesy of Mistral
The Local Peasant. Image courtesy of @forkknifeandspoons.
Image courtesy of @augustinewinebar
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Header image courtesy of Boneyard Bistro
