I can't say enough good things about them - the caramel and truffle box is my usual gift - it is insanely good.

They deliver by courier as well.

As a long time Northridge/Porter Ranch resident, we find ourselves driving to Ventura Blvd way too often, however, we do have some local places we go to. These might not be the best you can find in the Valley but beat the local chain shops in our opinion (other than mentioned below).
-I don’t really have any special recommendations for awesome burgers or ice cream., but have gone a little past your specific areas of inquiry in case it helps.
- Pizza – Thanks to a Chowhound recommendation a few years back, we are going to Vincenzo's Pizza in Granada Hills (San Fernando Mission and Balboa). We only like their pizza which we order well done.
- We really like San Carlo Italian Deli at Mason and Devonshire in Chatsworth. I don’t think I have tried the pizza, but like the sandwiches, lasagna, cold cuts and you can buy their dough, sauce, meatballs, etc. to do things yourself. Very neighborhood business, with a wide range of customers and family owned.
-Although you didn’t ask, for Mexican, we like Hot’s Tacos at Devonshire and Reseda and Senior Sol at Reseda and Nordoff.
-Although a chain, we like Jersey Mikes in Granada Hills (Chatsworth and Lindley) and there is another by the mall. We always get turkey which is super fresh tasting with all of the toppings. We also go to California Chicken Café for wraps (Reseda and Nordoff). Also feels fresh tasting to us.
-We like Sevan Chicken (Mason and Devonshire) for Chicken and also their filet minion skewers. A Zankou is coming to Granada Hills, it will be interesting to compare.
-I haven’t had a burger at Frosty Queen in years, but they weren’t bad at all although they have thin patties which might be rectified by a double patty. This is our guilty pleasure place for chili fries (we order well done), chili dogs, and they have thick shakes made from soft serve. They have been there since I was a kid decades ago and are on Chatsworth and Shoshone.

Please don’t hesitate to ask for any clarifications or questions. We’ve tried many, many places in Northridge and nearby areas.

I also cannot recommend them high enough! The truffles and caramel box is insanely good, and I too ship them.

I forgot to mention that I have their chocolates shipped to my office out of convenience all of the time...completely easy and reliable.

http://www.valerieconfections.com/

I recently traveled to France and London with Valerie's chocolates for a several different people - truffles/caramels, toffees and the less expensive bags of treats. I had an ice pack in the suitcase with them just in case. Not only did they travel perfectly, I believe they were/are better than the chocolates I was gifted in return (Maison du Chocolat) and they were quite well received.

We're planning to go to Joel Robuchon in November. Does anyone anticipate a possible quality or experience difference between going on Saturday night or going on Sunday night? I am wondering if the potentially less busy Sunday may be offset by this being a typical night off for industry people (I don't know if this applies to Vegas but it does in other areas).

I'd appreciate all thoughts. Last year we went to Alex for our annual trip "big" dinner, and I am excited about this choice.

Thanks!

It is not as high end as CUT (prices and caliber/specificity of meats), but I have had a couple of enjoyable meals at BLT Steak on the Sunset Strip. I would rate BLT under CUT but def. above Mortons.

I think you've gotten really good feedback from others on other areas, so I won't comment other than to say I have never had a bad meal at Pizzera or Osteria Mozza whereas I though the service was great at Scarpetta, but the food quality varied over the courses and items.

Hope you enjoy your visit!.

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Osteria Mozza
6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Scarpetta
225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

LA Creamery is my current favorite as well.

I had some good gelato at Illy in Las Vegas on Sunday and was thinking while I ate it, this is good, but not as good...

Wonderful occassion to celebrate and as a long time Porter Ranch resident, I sure wish there were more things to recommend!. My first suggestion would be the patio at L'Affair although it is in nearby Mission Hills (On Sepulveda near 118) - I haven't been in a while, but it was a standby for my elderly parents and the patio was nice last time I was there. Buon Gusto in Mission Hills (on Devonshire near Sepulveda) might also be a suggestion - its family owned and they try hard to please. If it needs to be in Northridge proper, I might add Emele's to the mix - I don't think the ambiance is as nice as the above two but it sure seems to be popular with my parent's crowd (and others).

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L'Affair
11024 Sepulveda Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345

And even more fun if you stay. We've also done that with CUT and the Beverly Wilshire...

I really like Big Sugar Bakeshop in Studio City. Best chocolate/chocolate cupcake I know of (with a disclaimer that I prefer less sweet desserts). Very good cookies and brownies too.

Chiming in a bit late, but I went to BLT Steak for the first time on Valentine's day. Despite it being a traditionally "bad" day to go out for dinner, we thought it was excellent - both the food and service. We will absolutely go back.

I tried the rocky road and the mixed berry and really liked those a lot. The rocky road is not too sweet which is in line with my general preference. I also had tries of two other flavors from others in my group which I thought were good, but not as good (and probably why I can't remember them...) I honestly thought it was the best ice cream I have had in a long time, which included trying the Gelato Bar mentioned below. I will be quite curious to know if others thinks it is as good as we do.

I recently tried LA Creamery (in Westfield Topanga mall) and thought it was really, really good.

Cut is a great experience. If you haven't gotten your reservations booked, you may want to do so soon if your hotel does not have connections. You may also want to consider having some Mexican food; it is the one thing I especially miss when out of the country. Have a good trip!

First off, a thank you to uhockey -- I have read your reviews for Vegas for our trips each of the last two years and found them very discerning and helpful.

I am a dissenter on Nick & Stef's. I find it inconsistent iand generally falling in the range of okay to bad for the price point (and I have been in the last week). Based on its reputation, Water Grill is a good suggestion (I don't eat seafood so I can't vouch for it).

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Water Grill
544 South Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90071

We went to Todd English's PUB this weeekend and loved it. Mini Lobster rolls were killer. Chili was also very good and I am really picky with that. Fun atomosphere and lots of beers on tap. Not cheap, but tasty.

I live in the NW SFV and the within 30 minute drive choices are tough as you likely know. Although these are in the same vein as the places you mentioned, we go to Flemmings in Woodland Hills and have also been going to Larsen's Grill in Simi Valley which a bit more casual and less expensive. We always have a good/special occasion time at Flemmings even if not eating steak. I suspect there are some good/nice places to try along Ventura, but someone like Carter will have more informed/current opinions on those.

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Larsen's Grill
1555 Simi Town Center Dr. #565, Simi Valley, CA 91304

I am having the same issue.

This is probably late, but I went last night and we had an excellent time. Good food and drinks and not too crowded. Waits for food and drinks were from zero (usually) to maybe 10 minutes (twice). I would absolutely recommend it (as long as crowds do not become frustrating).

I was there on Friday too -- I think it was just a party of 6 (us), a party of 4 and a party of 12.

I more consistently liked/loved the food at pork night, but it was still great - absolutely fun night, great food - and will go again for sure.

I've looked at the participants listing and it looks promising...any thoughts on the event? I am wondering if the lines will be too long (thinking of going Friday night), and any other input would be appreciated as well.

2nd on San Carlo - it is my favorite of all places mentioned.

Has anyone been for poultry yet? I'd be grateful for a quick review as I have plans to go later this month...

Thanks in advance!

Flemings at Topanga and Victory might not be a bad choice for both wine and upscale feel, albeit a chain. If very wine centric is preferred, then Woodland Hills Wine Store's tasting bar could be an option although slightly past Topanga. Whole Foods Porter Ranch is a smaller and old store; definitely no wine tasting there.

Valerie's confections is my "go to" place for high end food gifts. The caramel and truffle box is awesome, and the gift sets are always very welcomed. Shipping is highly reliable.

http://www.valerieconfections.com/mai...

They told us that they were thinking of fish or shellfish, but weren't sure yet. Have fun on the 23rd! We swore we had pork hangovers on Saturday (more/richer food than we usually eat...)

After reading this review, I made reservations (super easy) and went last night. While the above review and previous meals at Mozza set our expectations very high, we were still amazed. Food, service, friendly setting in the kitchen, all was fantastic. I know I can't compete with the above high quality review, but I can tell you to go if you have the chance. I don't know what was the best item for me -- the antipasto, the 10 or 12 hour roasted pork, or the pig shaped biscotti and gelato that I ate even though I though it wouldn't be physically possible --- all I can say is that the dinner ranks high in our to best meals ever list. Thanks again for the review.

I've lived in Porter Ranch for 13 years now and I share your lack of excitment about chains. It seems to be getting harder to find local places as some have gone downhill. Its not fancy, but not divey - Hot's Cantina (Reseda and Devonshire) has really good food. Otherwise, it seems to be a 15 minute drive to elsewhere for us if we don't want order at the counter type places. Wish I could be more helpful...

I'm a huge fan of San Carlo...consistently find the people much nicer than the people at Italia also.