Rice & Beans in the Valley

[WestsideLisa]

I'm looking for take-out, family-sized Mexican rice & beans for tonight. Obviously, there are chains options such as Baja Fresh or Poquito Mas. But is there anything better than this somewhere in the Sherman Oaks/Van Nuys/Encino area?

[WestsideLisa]

Ended up at La Fogata, as it was geographically desirable and looked good. Just got some black beans and rice. Nothing earth-shattering, but everyone seemed happy with the food.

Thanks for the rec.

[GK in SO]

Well, they're beans. One wouldn't expect them to be "earth shattering". Just tasty and served HOT (or at least really, really warm...so many Mexican places serve their beans lukewarm. Yuk!).

However, La Fogata has some damn fine and tasty refried beans. Served with some melted cheese on top.

I never even knew they had black beans (and, I've been going there for over 10 years!!), but we usually get refried if available at Mexican restos and so would never order the black ones.

The question, Lisa, is would you order those beans and rice again? Or, try another recommendation?

[Servorg]

I think there is normally a much bigger quality/taste difference among the refried beans around town and black beans. I should have asked the OP which she was looking for because I had assumed she meant refried. Live and learn.

[WestsideLisa]

I would not only order the rice and beans again, but I want to go back to La Fogata to try the food. When I was waiting for my order, I saw the other food going by...and it looked good to me.

Refried beans, IMO, have more flavor than black beans. I had intended to get the former when I posted the question on this board. But when I got to the restaurant, the employee asked which I wanted. I decided to go with the more healthy/less flavorful option since I knew the people I was buying for were all watching their weight :-) But if it had been just for me, I would have chosen refried with the cheese!

Looking forward to going back sometime. I also noticed a place called Delimex near by...that might be interesting too.

[Bob Brooks]

I, too, am a fan of La Fogata. I think their best food is breakfast. Go try their ranchero omelette some morning. You'll be very pleased.

[GK in SO]

Try La Fogata on Van Nuys Boulevard near Magnolia.

Great, tasty refried beans and rice. My family goes crazy for their beans.

[boogiebaby]

Vallarta will do trays of rice and beans.

[WestsideLisa]

Thanks. I just need enough for 4-5 people...not a party tray or anything.

[Servorg]

Las Fuentes or their sister restaurant, Melody's would be good places for this as well.

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Las Fuentes
18415 Vanowen St, Los Angeles, CA 91335

Melody's Mexican Kitchen
6747 Reseda Blvd, Reseda, CA 91335