Best Sandwich

Joey Tribbiani and I have one thing in common...our complete and utter love of the sandwich. I'm not talking Subway or Quizno's, I'm talking about a real deal Italian style sandwich with delicious bread complete with a yummy array of toppings.

In my opinion, the best sandwich on earth (yea that's right- EARTH) comes from Bay Cities Italian Deli in Santa Monica. Nothing beats that place with its perfect italian market and I pray everyday for a valley location, but I digress...

Over the years, I have been on the search to find a sandwich shop in the 818 that will curb my BC craving until I travel to the other side. (Which is not often!)

Let me introduce you to DeFranko's Submarines in Van Nuys. Literally tucked away near the Van Nuys Airport, DeFranko's is very easy to miss. The entire family owned establishment is the size of a closet but what you will find inside will amaze you. Extremely large sandwiches filled with your choice of meat, cheese, pickles, tomatoes, onions, italian seasoning, italian oil, and salt/pepper- served inside a massive italian style sesame seed roll. (Trust me on this, the large is not for the faint of heart....order the small it's plenty!!!)

Another important note: this joint blows up and there is often a line out the door. There are no tables, only 5 barstools that are almost never open, so I suggest you get your order to go.

There is no replacement for the ultimate sandwich but when you don't have time to wait in an hour long line and you want to stay in the heartland, head over to DeFranko's, you can thank me later.

DeFranko's Submarines
7532 Woodley Ave
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 780-9556
www.defrankos.com

Best Breakfast

I take breakfast very seriously. After all, it's the most important meal of the day!

The Valley definitely has its fair share of breaky options (Jumpin Java, Cici's, Good Neighbor) but Nat's Early Bite in Van Nuys holds the key to my greasy heart.

If you are looking for an old school hole in the wall spot with large portions and small prices- Nat is your man.

Nat's menu has all of the usual breakfast suspects- omelets, scrambles, pancakes, french toast, waffles, biscuits & gravy etc...but what sets this neighborhood goodie apart from the impostors? Everything at Nat's is homemade- including their delicious baked goods and fresh fruit jams. Another plus- the coffee is strong (and my cup is always full) which in my humble opinion, is the key to a perfect breakfast experience. They even have vanilla coffee creamer- I mean, come on!

Some of you (me) are going to complain about the parking and the long wait on the weekends because yes it sucks. So let's just know that going in-- get there early and take some deep breaths.

Nat's Early Bite Coffee Shop
14115 Burbank Blvd
Van Nuys, CA 91497
(818) 781-3040