Best Take- Out & Delivery / Lunch

I have to be honest with you- I'm a little conflicted about writing this post. As the self proclaimed "Mayor of The Valley," I feel as though it's my job to seek out the absolute best places the valley has to offer and share them with you. I truly believe Healthyca is one of those places, but it comes with a fair warning. (More on this later)

I absolutely love the food at Healthyca (pronounced Hel-the-ka) it's super delicious and about as close as the valley gets to a health conscious eatery. I crave their quinoa and will drive out of my way to go get it at least once a week. The Albacore Tuna Salad (adorned with roasted beets, white beans, black olives,tomatoes, potatoes, and a perfect hint of tarragon) is my absolute favorite thing on the menu- and I can't say enough about their homemade salad dressings! (Lemon olive oil, low fat citrus, lime cilantro) YUM.
Healthyca offers a wide variety of sandwiches, hot chicken & fish dishes, and they have a ton of veggie & vegan options. Another plus-- freshly made to order juices and the most delicious green tea I have ever tasted. The food here is unique and introduces your taste buds to exotic flavor combinations-- I HIGHLY recommend you give it a try.

BUT you must be warned...the people who work here are not warm & fuzzy. You will not be greeted with a "hello" or a "how are you" or a "F*ck You" - for some reason they employ workers who have zero personality and who appear to want to put a bullet in their temple. Believe me, I have TRIED to get these people to warm up to no avail- it's futile.

Just call, order your food to-go or have it delivered, and then get the hell out of there. Trust me.

Healthyca
4724 Lankershim Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 91602-1804
(818) 505-1035

Best Strip Mall Sushi

The valley is known for having some of the best sushi in the city- there are hundreds of options to choose from on Ventura. I have many favorite sushi joints, but Sushi Don in Studio City is my favorite hole in the wall, get in and get out, no waiting for a table type of restaurant.
Sushi Don is the little brother of Sasabune in West Los Angeles. Just as fresh, just as delicious as its counterpart but with a price tag you can feel good about. No fancy seared tuna rolls or baked crab with scallops- just fresh Nigiri, Donburi (rice bowl) heavenly miso soup, simple rolls sans icky mayo, and of course, the ever present California Roll.
Keep in mind, this is not a romantic date night type of place. If you are looking for ambiance or sake, this is not your place. It's simply sushi with a limited menu- but don't let that scare you away! I promise it will become your new favorite take out and lunch spot!

Sushi Don Sasabune
4816 Laurel Canyon Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91607
(818) 762-8720

Best Manicure/Pedicure

I have always been a freak about my nails, you will never see this Valley Girl with a chipped manicure or unpolished toes. After many years of searching I truly believe that I have found the best.

I have decided to break this post into two parts....my first pick is a no frills spot that simply gets the job done, the second place is the whole shebang complete with a glass of champagne.

Hands down (pun intended) the best and most consistent manicure/pedicure is @ Sweet Dreams in Sherman Oaks given by Linda Vu. I have been going to her for years and she is incredible. No joke, your manicure will last for an entire week or more and the pedicure results seem to be endless.
Don't forget, this is my no frills pick- that means, no fancy chairs, no massage, no flower designs, etc. Linda gets you in and out in an hour and only charges $35.
Let's keep this valley secret between us, I'm worried I won't be able to get an appointment;)

Linda Vu @ Sweet Dreams
(818) 331-8328
13528 Ventura Boulevard,
Sherman Oaks, CA

Now, for the ultimate girl experience...The Painted Nail has all you want and more.
It's the kind of place that you want to hang out at all day even after your nails are painted pretty. Owner Katie is super adorable and is very attentive to all of your needs. (She also makes a mean cocktail called Scooby Snacks which is to die for!!!)

The Painted Nail has a variety of delicious scrubs and lotions to choose from and they don't use those icky spa chairs. (Which may appear glamorous but are just a breeding ground for nasty bacteria--GROSS) They provide you with your own nail kit to avoid cross contamination, free Wi-Fi, free parking, as well as a mini bar offering mixed drinks, champagne, coffee, tea etc.

They also have a fantastic party room that is available for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, or just a fun girls night out. (Editors Note: I have in fact had a party in this awesome room, and it was soooo much fun! I mean, they have karaoke-- need I say more??)

The Painted Nail
(818) 783-2022
13327 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks
CA
91423

Best Cupcakes

These days it seems like cupcakes are everywhere. Bakeries are popping up on every corner. People lose their minds for this cakey treat.
Being a self proclaimed dessert expert, I have tried and tasted many different varieties (for this blog of course;) and nothing stands up to Yummy Cupcakes in Burbank.
These gourmet cupcakes are baked from scratch daily and contain wholesome, quality ingredients (no lard, trans fats or preservatives) and Yummy Cupcakes has some of the most delicious, exotic flavors to choose from. (Ummm... Egg Nog or Fluffernutter anyone?) For those of you who won't be ordering the Pancakes n' Bacon cupcake (I kid you not) they also have a full vegan menu so you can enjoy dairy free versions of these little gems.
But the real shinning star (in my humble opinion) is the Old School cupcake. A decadent version (Think: chocolate ganache & vanilla bean buttercream) of the Hostess cupcake complete with a vanilla squiggle on top. Yummy:)

Yummy Cupcakes
2918 West Magnolia Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91505-3038
(818) 558-1080

Best Eyebrow Shaping

Over the years, ladies far and wide have been on the search for the perfect eyebrows. I have made the trip to Anastasia (eh) as well as many other celeb endorsed salons but I was never satisfied with the results.
Well, the search stops here friends.
Staci Sarkisian @ Bree Salon in Studio City is the Valley's eyebrow goddess! Every single time I leave her chair, someone compliments me on my brows. (without fail!) She also tints my lashes the perfect shade of blue/black so I can ditch mascara whenever I want.
Another bonus: She has her own line of cosmetics called Ladybug! It's absolutely incredible. I'm obsessed with the cherry lip stain and shimmer powder. The options are endless....you will never leave empty handed!

Bree Salon
(818) 824-6896
12180 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604

Best Wax

Ahhh waxing...I detest you so. You are not any girls favorite pastime but something we all must do. (Unless you prefer the natural look;)

After years of practicing this hideous beauty regimen, I still dread every appointment and it never seems to get easier. On most occasions you can find me sitting in my car contemplating driving away. That is, until I met Jenny & Jennifer (adorable matching names) at Strip.

Located in the heart of trendy North Hollywood (or NoHo as some dorks may call it) Strip is an incredibly clean little spot that specializes in full body waxing. The secret is in the European Blue Hard Wax and Strawberry Cream wax, their ingredients make your waxing virtually pain free. More importantly, there is no double dipping- so you leave hair free and STD free as well. (ALWAYS a plus.)

Strip Waxing
5217 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 761-4411

Best Workout

Being a self proclaimed foodie isn't always easy on the ass, so I must balance it all out with a good ole fashioned sweat. Let me start by saying I have tried it all: Cardio Barre, pilates, power yoga, Dove's Bodies, Piloxing (yea that really exists!!) etc...

None of these workouts compare to the peaceful and wonderfully intense Lotus Kitty Yoga & Spin. If you are looking for the valley's answer to Equinox you will be disappointed, LKYS (cool valley kids call it that) is a fuss free environment that simply gets the job done.
Owner Vanessa Giorgio teaches the perfect union of yoga and spinning and ends all of her classes with a touch of yummy essential oil to clear your mind post workout. Classes fill up so call ahead to reserve a spot!

Lotus Kitty Yoga & Spin
12080 Ventura Place
Studio City, CA 91604-2632
(818) 980-8455

Best Strip Mall Mexican

Marcelino's Pizza Connection has a very delicious next door neighbor called Tony's Mexican Grill. Healthy mexican specialties that are prepared sans lard, MSG, microwaves and preservatives. Their guacamole is made fresh daily and is out of this world. Tony's is definitely more of a takeout or lunch spot. Don't expect to come here for margaritas and tequila shots. It has an authentic no frills vibe that adds to its charm.

The best part about Tony's is that they deliver- only cool 818'ers flock to Tony's, a true valley find!

Tony's Mexican Grill
12910 Magnolia Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423-1662
(818) 769-5754

Best Pizza

I know what you are thinking...all pizza in Los Angeles is terrible. I would like to debunk that myth (ahem, are you listening New Yorkers?) and introduce you to Marcelinos Pizza Connection.
Tucked away in a dingy strip mall off of Magnolia, this pizza parlor is a real treat. Not only is it family owned and operated, but their pie has no trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils, lard or added sugar. Legend has it the water is imported from NYC but I have no proof of that theory. Each slice of this heavenly pie contains 3.8 grams of fat, 166 calories, 11 carbs and 3 Weight Watchers points! Now you can enjoy a sinful meal without all of the guilt.
I must also mention their house italian salad dressing. Ask for extra because you will want to drink this stuff!!! Service is friendly and delivery is speedy.

Marcelinos Pizza Connection
12910 Magnolia Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 505-1111

Best Bang For Your Buck

Gone are the days of a Barney's shopping extravaganza, an impromptu Chanel purchase or a Louboutin store raid. We have all been tightening up our wallets while we wait for our country's money woes to subside.

Well recessionistas, do I have the place for you! Weekendz Only (not a typo- they really spell it with a Z) in Toluca Lake is the perfect antidote for all of your shopping needs. They carry all of the essentials: dresses, bags, sweaters, jeans, adorable tops, belts and some of the cutest jewelry I've ever seen. The best thing? Most items at this valley find are under $50 dollars. The jewelry is generally priced around $15 dollars!

A few weeks ago, I attended a wedding in Ojai where the temperatures were going to be over 100 degrees. I searched every single store looking for the perfect dress that was both fashionable & comfortable that would also keep me from sweating my you know what off. After going to every store in the Greater Los Angeles area (yes, I branched out of the valley for this massive undertaking) I walked out of Weekendz Only with a $30 dollar dress! Not only was it $30 dollars but it didn't look it and I received many compliments throughout the wedding.

If you are really itching for a bargain, get there early on Fridays. Every Friday they send out an email telling you what the color of the day is....pick whatever you want in that particular color and you get 20% off of EACH item! They also serve wine & cheese so I think it's a win win situation.

Weekendz Only
10139 Riverside Dr
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
(818) 752-3695

Best Coffee Shop

My first post had to be about my all time favorite valley spot, Lulu's Beehive. I have frequented this quaint valley gem since high school and it's still my go to place for lunch or just a delicious cup of coffee or tea latte. I'm not the type of girl who craves coffee shop food (you will never see this Valley Girl eating one of those icky Starbucks sandwiches!) but the food here is beyond delicious.
The vegetarian sandwich is truly the star item on the menu...I have seen even the biggest carnivores devour this thing. It includes a mound of veggies, cheese, avocado and the perfect amount of pesto. If you are watching your carbs, then I recommend the tuna salad served with the house dressing. (To die for!) On a cold valley day (so... never) I like to enjoy a cup of turkey chili served with all the fixings. Lulu's also makes a sugar free pumpkin spice latte which will make you forget about all of the other calorie filled versions that are out there. The service is always friendly, the WIFI is free AND so is the parking.

Lulu's Beehive
13203 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 986-2233

Introduction

Welcome to Don't Hate The 818! Convincing people that the San Fernando Valley is the ultimate has been a dream of mine for many years. We have all crossed paths with a "hate one eighter." FINALLY there is a forum in which we can prove those naysayers wrong. Check back often cuz the Valley just keeps getting better!
xo
Valley Girl