61810 Tue Jul 27 12:16:47 -0700 2004 5 2 Los Angeles Area 0 328750 I live in the San Fernando Valley and I was planning to celebrate a birthday at a unique restaurant. I was thinking about going to the Amazon Bar & Grill but I've never been there. Does anybody know how the food is at AB&G, or have any recommendations? Tue Jul 27 12:16:47 -0700 2004 0 Tequila Worm 1 328751 Very mediocre. In that area, you would do better at Il Balcone (a few steps away)--a quite passable Italian restaurant. Tue Jul 27 12:40:32 -0700 2004 328750 0 brwencino 2 328884 I just looked up the number and called Il Balcone. The recording said that "Il Balcone is gone forever, but watch for a new restaurant opening in September." So they are no longer in business. Tue Jul 27 19:22:13 -0700 2004 328751 0 James Stevens 1 328787 The words about Amazon B&G are too kind. Truly gross. However, if Italian is of interest, even better IMO than Balcone is Oliva on Van Nuys Blvd., just north of the Shell station at Moorpark. Much better also than Fabs which is nearby. Your word "unique" also does not really convey exactly what you may have in mind, and thus any amplification of it would be helpful. Tue Jul 27 14:27:03 -0700 2004 328750 0 carter 2 328821 Sorry Carter, by "unique" I was refering to dining atmosphere. I had heared that AB&G was themed for a misty amazon forest. I was wondering if "theme" and good food go together in the SFV. (In this case, I'll settle for "good") Thanks, Tequila Tue Jul 27 16:16:17 -0700 2004 328787 0 Tequila Worm 1 328826 I love the food at Oliva but the patio at Spumante on a nice summer night plus their good food makes for a unique evening. I highly recommend it! Tue Jul 27 16:20:40 -0700 2004 328750 0 Hugh Lipton