Best Gourmet Cafe

Yes you read that right, the 818 has its very own take out/eat in gourmet cafe. (Take that Joan's on 3rd!)

I must admit, after checking out the menu online (i.e. drooling all over my keyboard) this foodie had some very high expectations for Sweetsalt Food Shop in Toulca Lake.

Upon arrival, I was instantly greeted by owners and adorable husband and wife team Alex Eusebio & Sara Mann and before I knew it- I was sipping on daily soup samples. (Roasted Fennel with Truffle & Wild Mushroom)

As I approached the counter to order my lunch, my palms began to sweat...what do I order? So many delicious options to choose from...

Do I go with the Roasted Vegetable Salad with Goat Cheese & Pulled Herbs, the Sweetsalt BLT made with roasted pears & chevre, the Grilled Cheese Panini with cheddar, gruyere & manchego (what??!!?) or the Short Rib Roll complete with onion confit, goat cheese, roasted garlic & arugula on a brioche bun??? Clearly they weren't kidding around with the whole gourmet thing.
I decided on the Organic Grain Salad (quinoa, couscous, haricot vert, roasted fennel & parsley) although my inner fat girl just wanted the Charcuterie Plate (3 cheeses, choice of protein, fig paste, and baguette) & Chocolate Carmel Bread Pudding.
My flavorful salad did not disappoint and I'm sure it was just as satisfying as the Croque Monsieur. (ok maybe not- but it was super delicious!)

All of the dishes are reasonably priced and the portions are just right. I would suggest checking this place out before a line out the door starts to form!!

SweetSalt Food Shop
10218 1/2 Riverside Drive
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
(818) 509-7790
www.sweetsaltfood.com
*Closed on Sundays*

Best Auto Body/ Repair Shop

I must admit, this Valley Girl is not the best driver. In fact, in the past 2 years- I have had 3 MAJOR run ins with inanimate objects. (Where the hell did that pole come from??) Sometimes I even amaze myself with this talent of constantly having my passenger door replaced. (Twice, thank you very much)

Enter Gerado of Shakas Auto Body in Van Nuys. In my humble opinion, Gerado is truly the valley's best kept secret. He has done some of the most amazing work I've ever seen and for a third of the price of most body shops.

Gerado is a total sweetheart and even picked my best friend up at the scene of her accident and drove her to the rental car place. No job too big or small, he really does it all and in a timely fashion so you don't waste hundreds of dollars on a rental. He wants you to get the best deal so you keep coming back and refer your friends.

Gerado - Shakas Auto Body
7004 Van Nuys Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91405
(818) 782-0821
Cell: (310) 597-6194

Best Brazilian Blowout

"Life Changing," "Best money I ever spent," "How did I ever live without this?" ... these are just some of the statements people are making about the Brazilian Blowout. (No, not THAT kind of brazilian silly;)

If you have frizzy, processed or damaged hair- this beauty indulgence is a must but it comes with a hefty price tag. Depending on the length of your hair, a Brazilian will cost you anywhere between $350-$600. Not exactly a recessionista bargain.

Sabrina Silvers at Bree Salon in Studio City is your new best friend forever ladies.
Not only is she beyond adorable with an infectious loveliness to her, but she will give you the best most thorough Brazilian Blowout and won't charge you Beverly Hills prices. A Brazilian with Sabrina (formaldehyde free- which is the ONLY kind you should be getting) will run you about $250 and results will last 4-6 months.

Now you don't have to deal with those snobby over the hill prices or attitudes. Did I just say that?

Sabrina Silvers
Bree Salon
12180 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604-2517
(818) 508-4500

Best Frozen Yogurt

Much like the cupcake, frozen yogurt is everywhere. Its popularity is almost out of control. Yogurtland, Menchies, Coldstone, Yogen Fruz, Pinkberry etc...
Personally, I still long for the days of O.G yogurt shops but that's just me. (TCBY or Penguins anyone?)

Humphrey Yogart (yes, pun intended) is BY FAR the best yogurt in Los Angeles. Not even just the 818, the entire Los Angeles area!
I have been frequenting this unpretentious spot since junior high school- (so umm...a long time;) and let me tell you, those other fancy fro yo joints pale in comparison.
All of their yogurt is put through a special mixing machine that will perfectly blend any combination of toppings. (They have hundreds to choose from.) You can also bring them your favorite mix in (in a sealed box of course) and they will blend it up just to your liking.

Another plus? They are SUPER considerate in the diet department. They offer soy yogurt for your vegan and lactose intolerant friends, and low carb options for your friends who like extra chemicals in their dessert:) Humphrey Yogart even has a tart and green tea option for you Pinkberry diehards.

Oh and none of this self serve business, which makes this germaphobe ridiculously happy.

Humphrey Yogart
4574 Van Nuys Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403