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January 22, 2007

A new Boloco burrito

I tried the Summer burrito at Boloco, my new favorite burrito joint.

The Summer (yeah, it's winter -- what's it to ya?) features black beans, mango salsa, melted cheese and rice. Of course I got it with brown rice, tofu and the whole wheat tortilla.

Excellent.

This time Ilene and the kid met me right at noon, and there were tables aplenty. Not so much at 12:30 to 1, but earlier is better for the Westfield Shoppingtown Topanga food court.

While I'm at it, DON'T IGNORE THE WESTFIELD LINK above, since it's NOT FROM WESTFIELD, but from Wikipedia. Yes, malls have their own Wikipedia pages.

Even Boloco has a page on Wikipedia. What I learned: Boloco began life as The Wrap. Who knew?

Posted by Steven Rosenberg at 1:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 18, 2007

Leonor's Vegetarian Mexican

The original Leonor's in North Hollywood put vegetarian Mexican food on the map in the Valley, and since then outlets have sprung up in Studio City and now Valley Village.

I've been a longtime happy customer of the Studio City location (yes, I have the phone number memorized) despite a harrowing parking situation (Have I "tapped" another car in the too-small lot? I have.)

Just last night I got some takeout at the newish Valley Village restaurant in a larger mini-mall (with parking still hard to come by but not as treacherous) at the corner of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Magnolia Street -- that's catty-corner (or is it kitty corner?) from the now-shuttered Dutton's Books of what used to be North Hollywood.

I got my usual -- Mike's Special quesadilla, which consists of Leonor's great non-dairy cheese (the best soy cheese you'll ever eat), veggie chicken and whole wheat tortillas ... with a killer guacamole to go on top. The only difference I detected was a little more tomato in the guac -- and I heartily approve. Also: The green salad -- at $3.50, a towering bargain -- will make you fall in love with fresh beets. Doesn't even need dressing (but it's there if you want it).

The Valley Village location has a bit more seating but otherwise keeps the same green-booth color theme of its Studio City sister.

For those unfamiliar with Leonor's, it's famous for its "Forever Young whole wheat pizzas," featuring a crust made with soy oil, molasses and honey, topped with soy cheese and a host of available extras, including veggie meatballs and sausage, should you decide to go that route.

Also great are the burritos (made with steamed pinto beans), the Wendy's Special quesadilla (corn tortillas, soy cheese, broccoli, soy bacon and guacamole) and the Joy's Golden Nugget sandwich (avocado, soy cheese, sliced soy chicken and "Forever Young Sandwich Stuffing" (and no, I can't remember what that stuffing is at this very moment).

They also make fresh carrot juice with a giant industrial juicer and a very sweet flax seed tea-- drink up!

They offer tamales on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and they'll also sell you that great soy cheese by the pound.

Leonor's Vegetarian & Mexican Only Restaurant
5217 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Valley Village
(818) 769-6315
or
12455 Moorpark St.
Studio City
(818) 762-0660

Posted by Steven Rosenberg at 5:43 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Salvadoran specialties at El Taco Loco in Canoga Park

I was getting a lock rekeyed, and Canoga Park is the perfect place for such a task -- there are two locksmiths within a couple of blocks. I stopped in at El Taco Loco, 7144 Owensmouth Ave., (818-992-5559), which is much more than its name suggests, sporting a menu with many Salvadoran specialties, including pupusas and a large selection of fruity blended drinks.

I ordered Casamiento, which is described as "stir-fried beans, rice and vegetables," and is a well-spiced blend of black-bean paste and rice. There was a bit of green pepper on the top, and there could've been some other veggies in there, but it didn't appear so. Anyway, it tasted great, though at $4.50 I'd expect a little something side-dishy.

Other Salvadoran items that look worth trying are dishes made with cassava root (not sure of the spelling there), fried plantains, and even stewed hen soup (is that chicken??). If you have at least a rudimentary knowledge of Spanish, it helps considerably in reading the menu. There are plenty of traditional Mexican-style combination plates, as well as burritos and a whole bunch of breakfast options.

The restaurant's motto (besides "under new owner") is, "We are more than tacos." That is true. El Taco Loco is definitely worth a try.

p.s. The locksmith services at Jay-Jay Lock & Security, 7138 Canoga Ave., Canoga Park, 818-346-7803, were top-notch, so to speak. If you need some keys copied, grab some pupusas at El Taco Loco while you're at it.

Posted by Steven Rosenberg at 5:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Vegan Yum Yum, indeed

Ilene hipped me to this site, Vegan Yum Yum. Great pictures ... and recipes, if you're so inclined.

Posted by Steven Rosenberg at 5:04 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 9, 2007

Boloco at Topanga-- My new favorite burrito joint

We were at the Topanga mall over the weekend and got a couple of burritos at Boloco. The Mediterranean. With brown rice, whole-wheat tortilla and tofu. (Relax, you can get everything there with white rice, steak or chicken, and a white tortilla).

Great.

Best burrito in L.A.

Love the black bean hummus, the way they spice the tofu, the spicy salsa that came on the side -- the whole damn shebangy. And they had a "cheese wrap" that the little girl loved. Also for kids: PB&J wrap AND Nutella wrap.

And just about every burrito they have (all available in "regular: and "large" sizes, as well as in bowl (and tortilla-free) form. The menu is on a plasma screen -- pretty damn cool, too.

The place looks like they really know what they're doing -- it's all clean looking (you can see them make your food).

This is Boloco's sole L.A. location. The only other one in California is in San Diego's Horton Plaza. There are a bunch in Boston, and some in a few other states (check the Web site). But for Angelenos, Topanga Mall is the place to have the best damn burrito I've had in I don't know how long.

Posted by Steven Rosenberg at 5:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack