GAJA

This place is pretty legit when it comes to their "okonomiyaki." Ever since I've moved back to the states from Japan I've been craving this comfort food. I've found restaurants where you can order some sort of version from their menu but without customizing and making it yourself it loses it's appeal.

I ordered the "tako" and threw some kimchee into the mix and that stuff was "cho oishii." Their servings are pretty large as well. You can make about three good sized pancakes with the mixture they provide.

The other items on the menu were pretty good however I wasn't a fan of their versions of "takoyaki." Their parfaits on the other hand, are OUT OF THIS WORLD delicious. If it wasn't too far from where I lived, I would keep coming back for their parfait selection alone.

When checking this spot out make sure to leave room for a parfait in the end. For first timers, I'd suggest going with the cream puff eclair one.

Or... you can be like me and start with dessert first. Remember, you can always box up and take home an entree but that theory doesn't work as well the other way around.

Location: Gaja

2383 Lomita Blvd
Lomita, CA 90717

M CAFE DE CHAYA

For what it is to me - a vegan/vegetarian cafeteria influenced by Japanese cuisine, I'd consider this establishment more than okay. Though the food won't quite get me to do my dance the meal is satisfying to say the least.

It appears that they make everything fresh the day of however, it would be advisable not to go during dinner. It's a great place for lunch when you can do most of your people watching and the "inari" isn't too stale from sitting out too long, but if you must come here for dinner I'd advise to have an early one so the food doesn't taste too flat.

Location: M Cafe de Chaya

7119 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036

PORTO'S BAKERY

These must be the gates to heaven since the line here is always so long. If not, then I hope they serve Porto's in hell.

Everything is so good that it has to be bad. Do NOT skip out on the sandwiches and just head for the sweets. Definitely recommend this place for brunch. Despite the long line, it moves rather swimmingly. Just make sure you know what you want by the time you get to the front to be courteous to those behind you.

I tend to eat with my eyes here since everything looks so sinfully delicious. As an advocate on life and living, everything bad is at least worth one try.

Location: Porto's

3614 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91504

FAB HOT DOG

The ripper is an explosion in your mouth that will have you coming back for more!

Tried this place for the first time earlier this year after reading about it in LA Weekly. This place does not disappoint. All the condiments they offer along with the smorgasbord of additional toppings will have you returning just to try out new combinations.

A little hole in the wall that definitely NEVER goes unnoticed. It's pretty mom and pop's which adds to the overall charm of the place. If you're ever in need of a clogged artery, this place will hit the spot.

P.S. don't forget the tots.

Location: Fab Hot Dog

6747 Tampa Ave
Reseda, CA 91335

OMINO

I LOVE this place! I kid not, but every time I have a s%@#y day at work I have one remedy, a bottle of ORION, amazing sushi, and my favorite sushi chef. Hence why I always end up at OMINO. The sushi here is good enough to convert those non-sushi eaters.
I know, "gasp!" Who knew such people existed, right?
Though it is quite costly, one must remember high prices go hand in hand with good sushi. The sushi here is amazing and the overall ambiance is quite "natsukashi" of my time living in Japan.

I recommend sitting at the counter. Though at first the sushi chefs may seem unbending, after a few visits it becomes a place where they know your name and even offer recommendations tailored to your taste buds.

Will definitely keep coming back for more. Definitely one of the few hidden gems within the SFV. I only hope I can find a place as uniquely homey and inviting when I move to NY.

Location: Omino

20959 Devonshire st
Chatsworth, CA 91311

NORDSTROM'S CAFE / BISTRO

Fancying something sweet and nostalgic I updated my FB status to state that I was craving some bread pudding. All the while thinking to myself, "Who in their right mind will respond to this?" Seeing that bread pudding is not something typically sought after, I was surprised by the few responses I received. So compelling and simple was a response from one old friend. "GO TO Nordstrom's cafe - it's BOMB." that I decided to get dressed and headed out the door.

As I entered the mall I was flooded by the urge to shop but as I gazed lustfully at store windows, a little voice in my head reminded me "Never shop on an empty stomach." Brought back to earth by my conscience, I marched my way into Nordstrom and asked the closest clerk if said cafe existed. Pointed in the right directions, I marched up the escalators to find myself at the entrance. I quickly perused the menu, found the item I was searching for and ordered myself the WHITE CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING.

FINAL VERDICT - the bread pudding here is BOMB!

As I waited patiently for my FRESHLY BAKED dessert, I took a few minutes to glance over the menu and check the overall ambiance of the cafe. Though nothing else really stood out in memory, I did make a quick mental note that if I ever have a sudden compulsion to go on a shopping binge to stop by this place to curb my appetite for spending.

Location: Nordstrom Cafe

21725 Victory Boulevard

#341

Canoga Park, CA 91303