ISO Birthday Lunch for Fussy Mom

[djquinnc]

Mom does like nice things, but sees an expensive menu and flips out. I think she still eats a fried egg or grilled cheese sandwich every day as her main staple. She pretty much hates all meat EXCEPT pork, believe it or not - loves bacon, ham, pork chops. And here am I, her son - the foodie. Within these parameters, do any of you have any suggestions on where I can take her to lunch for her 58th b-day? She lives in Van Nuys/Valley Glen and I live in West Hollywood. Thanks!

[J.L.]

Hmmm... intriguing... Pork AND inexpensive... How 'bout taking Mom out to try a bowl of Japanese ramen? The broth is all porkalicious! And it won't break the bank.

Santouka (Centinela, in West LA)
Chabuya (Sawtelle)
Daikokuya (Little Tokyo)

[Diana]

Your mom sounds like a Southern Gal! Is she?

In Sherman Oaks, she might like:
Cafe Bizou
cafe Cordiale
Stanley's
Marmalade Cafe
Max
Boneyard bistro (GOOOD BBQ pork-is it open for lunch? take her to dinner!)
Il Tiramisu
LA Frite
Bistro Garden
ca Del Sole (hide the menu!)
Aroma Cafe in Tujunga

In West Hollywood
Angeli caffe
All"angelo

In the area near there
Comme Ca
The Foundry

Heck, take her to Grace if you can, the Pork there is supposed to be good.

I love the Valley in, but it is sorta stuck in a steak house time-warp. But I love it for that.

[sharkgirl88]

The Valley Inn?

I've been there once and I remember the pork chops to be good. By the way, your mom has good taste -- I could eat chops everyday (if i could!)

I hope she has a great birthday :)

The Valley Inn
4557 Sherman Oaks Ave
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-3011
Phone: [phone]

[Fru]

How long ago were you at the Valley Inn? It was a mainstay in the Valley forever but several years ago it changed hands and not for the better. Maybe it was just my experience. Based on $$ I would highly recommend Cafe Bizou. I love Bistro Garden as well for atmosphere but you should check out the menu $$ first. I haven't been in years but Rive Gauche had a very nice garden atmosphere. La Frite in Woodland Hills might be an options too.

[Servorg]

We tried the Valley Inn not too long ago out of nostalgia on my part. Suffice it to say, I am now completely over my nostalgia and will not make that mistake again.

I think your Bistro Garden recommendation is a good one. Rive Gauche also is a very nice setting with acceptable food.

[Debbie W]

How about Ca' del Sole in North Hollywood/Univ. City? If her birthday is coming up shortly, the weather is projected to be very nice for the next several days and their garden is a lovely spot for al fresco dining. I'm thinking there would be pastas to your mom's liking, some with pork products, and enough variety for you to eat well too. Plus, it's not overly expensive.