No Dairy Queen

Every once in awhile I will be driving in the beautiful 818 and a newfound spot will catch my eye. (Note: this is very rare, because duh - I know everything.)

So when I spotted KindKreme on Ventura Boulvard the other day, I figured it was just another Pinkberry knock off. Once I took a closer look I couldn't believe my judgmental eyes... was I really seeing a vegan, raw, organic dessert shop in the Valley?! I just HAD to pull over and check this place out.

I know what you are thinking. Vegan ice cream = barf. You must trust me on the deliciousness of this place! Not only does KindKreme not taste like ass, but they have some of the most incredible flavor options. (Ginger Basil, Beet Ginger Grapefruit, Loquat Carrot Lemon) The Dirty Chai instantly caught my eye (intentional rhyme) and it did not disappoint. What makes it dirty you ask? Espresso:) I truly did not miss the dairy one bit. (As you know by my previous cheese post- dairy and I are pretty tight.)

They also offer Banana Splits, Sundaes, Smoothies, Cold Pressed Coffees, Fresh Juices, and Shakes made with their house made almond milk. (I mean, house made almond milk!? Can this place get anymore amazing?)
Topping options include: Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Raw Caramel Syrup, Dagoba Chocolate Chips, Newman O's & Raw Cacao Nibs. Everything at Kindkreme is hand crafted daily in small batches in their on site kitchen.

I am so grateful to have found this non dairy frozen heaven before the valley summer heat kicks in!

KindKreme
3701 Cahuenga Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 308-6758
kindkreme.com

Hours
Mon - Thurs: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

New Format

The Valley is just too good--- instead of calling certain places "The Best" I'm going to just keep you in the loop and let you know what you shouldn't be missing out on. Good? Good.

Best Cheese Shop

My job as the valley's resident blogger is to bring you the hidden gems that are generally off the beaten path. We all know that Nozawa has delicious sushi, Aroma Cafe is an awesome breakfast/lunch spot, and that Casa Vega is a dark enough venue to be drunk and unrecognizable - so there really isn't any point in me blogging about them.

But I literally couldn't sleep at night knowing that I haven't given a shout out to the Artisan Cheese Gallery. I mean, this place holds such a special spot in my triple cream heart- I just can't ignore it any longer.

Proudly displayed on Ventura Boulevard, Artisan Cheese Galley is a crack den for cheese and food lovers alike. Yes, their cheese selection is extraordinary and the service could not be friendlier- but let's get serious here and talk about their insanely yummy sandwiches. Dilly Egg Salad, Prosciutto & Brie, Duck Confit, Garlic Roasted Lamb, Bacon & Cheddar....the list is endless. Although, the star of the show in my not so humble opinion is the ACG Muffaletta. This delicious creation is filled with salami, spicy capacolla, mortadella, fresh mozzarella, olive relish & dijon mustard. (Excuse me, you're drooling) Top that off with a glass of Pinot Noir (yes, they serve vino) and you are not allowed to complain about anything, ever.

If you are having a dinner party or just a people who want to eat cheese party, I highly recommend their incredible platters adorned with nuts and dried fruit. You surely can't step foot in the Hollywood Bowl this summer without a basket of goodies from The Artisan Cheese Gallery.

Artisan Cheese Gallery
12023 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 505-0207
www.artisancheesegallery.com

**Check their website for information on monthly cheese & wine tasting events**

Best of Everything Doggie

If you know me, you are well aware of my complete and utter love of animals. I must admit, I generally like them more than most people. (I kid;)
My dog Coco is a rescue and was abused before I got her- so I can't just drop her off at any dog groomer or dog park because her social anxiety and fear truly get the best of her- so I'm extremely picky and research the heck out of a place before I make an appointment. Many of you have asked me for the best places to take your little guys, so I have decided to compile a list of my favorite doggie/cat destinations. Enjoy!

Best Vet:

Sherman Oaks Veterinary Group:
13624 Moorpark Street
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423-3792
(818) 784-9977

Excellent vet- very helpful and they truly care about your animal. They even offer acupuncture and holistic options in lieu of uncomfortable procedures. PLEASE wherever you go- at least Yelp your vet to make sure they have a good reputation.


Best Doggie Day Care & Grooming:

Sam's Play It To The Bone
11736 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, California 91604
Grooming: 818-754-0900
Day Care: 818-763-2904

Owner Sam is the nicest man on the planet and they will treat your dog like royalty.

Best Mobile Groomer:

Sophistidog@yahoo.com
www.sophistidog.com

They come to your door (will travel as far as San Bernardino) and use eco friendly grooming products. Spent over an hour with Coco and she looked stunning!! (see picture if you don't believe me:)

Best Pet Supply:

Rusty's Discount Pet Center
11672 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604-2613
(818) 769-9085

Great selection, extremely helpful and you're supporting a fantastic local business instead of shopping at Petco or Pet Smart.

Best Shopping Spree:

Maxwell Dog
12336 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604-2508
(818) 505-8411

Most adorable collars, leashes, and doggie outfits. They will even make your dog a cake on their birthday!

Best Animal Rescue:
Pet Orphans of Southern California
7720 Gloria Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 901 - 0190
www.petorphansfund.org

Rescuing an animal will be the most rewarding thing you ever do- and they will be forever grateful to you for doing so!

Best Facial

Skin care is something I'm super passionate about-- ever since I was a little valley girl, I have been completely obsessed with beauty products and I am always searching for the latest and greatest ways to keep my mug in tip top shape.

I have been to the fanciest of estheticians and the highest of the high end spas. If you were featured in a magazine or have your own line of skin care products, you have most likely given my pores a squeeze or two.
After hundreds of wasted dollars and a medicine cabinet full of products that barely work, I have officially found my final destination in skin care.
Leave it to the good old 818 to really hook a girl up!

Founded by Kristy Swailes Konopka, KLS Skin Care in Toluca Lake is the kind of gem you want to tell all of your best girlfriends about. Seriously. Kristy's approach to skin is completely personalized and she believes that no two faces have the same needs. She will take in all of your wants and concerns and create a regimen that is best suited for you. Side note: she does all of this and throws in a wicked massage that will leave you drooling on the table.

The good news- you won't find a store front or a cranky receptionist here- the facility is completely secluded in your own private oasis. (KLS won't even give you the address until your appointment is booked.)
Another plus- Kristy has a gentle, holistic approach to skin care and only uses the best natural products that are free of toxins and nasty parabens. Each facial is customized and a 75 minute one will run you about a hundred bucks.

Best News Ever: Mention Don't Hate The 818 and Kristy will take 20% off your first treatment. Tell your friends, spread the word because before you know it- appointments will be hard to come by.

KLS Skin Care
www.klsskincare.com
Kristy@klsskincare.com
(818)647.1394

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