Thanks!

I don't have that much more detail than I've given. It was a non-chain (or at least not a chain we'd ever heard of) mexican restaurant. It opened sometime in the late 80's or early 90's. I don't remember when it closed, but it has been at least 10-15 years. I found an article yesterday (using the street address provided by wienermobile, thanks for that) referencing the lease of the space to "El Paseo Cantina." That was probably the name because the facts (timing/location) matched, but I have to admit it didn't set off any bells of recognition!

This is great history! I'm looking to see if anyone remembers the name of the mexican restaurant that took over the space after Acapulco (and before demolition).

It was on the West side of La Cienega between Santa Monica and Beverly (across from Coronet theatre) in a building that looked like it was designed as an Acapulco restaurant at one time. It's been closed for at least 10 years.

While The Federal has food, it is more of a bar atmosphere to me. The food at Eclectic is simple and pretty decent.

Spumante on Magnolia is walking distance. There is also a Pitfire Pizza (very casual). Finally, Bow and Truss is a modern tapas place within walking distance.

Not sure what you have in mind by "breakfast items," but there is a Corner Bakery Cafe in Encino, as well as a Panera. Both of them have baked goods, fresh fruit, breakfast sandwiches, etc. There's also a Western Bagel in Encino that has bagels, cream cheese, baked goods, etc.

Thanks for the update Prawn.

I was hoping for an eatery. The area does not need another Chase bank!

Construction is underway at the spot that used to be Roman's on Ventura Blvd. near Kester. Does anybody know what is going into that location?

The Good Earth has "air fries."

The Toluca Lake Sports Center has a lovely private room with catering. It's called Ramsey's at the Club. http://www.ramseysattheclub.com

It is frequently used for after funeral events for both Mt. Sinai and Forest Lawn.

I think it is excellent. Comes with cheese and carmelized onions, plus an aioli/remoulade, and a plate of fries. Quality is superior. Definitely one of the top burgers in LA.

At Short Cake in the Farmer's Market, they have a "buttercup" which is very similar to Kouign Amann.

Carney's has them!

Thanks! Do you know anything about the restaurant?

There is a McCormick & Schmick's in Burbank. They have an extensive selection of seafood.

Does anyone know the name of the restaurant at the corner of Sunset and Gower? It used to be eat on sunset. I think it might be a Mexican restaurant. Thanks!

I'm thinking of a small group dinner at Tavern on a Saturday night. A couple of the guests are older and dislike noisy restaurants. Can anyone who has been there advise on the noise level?

I, too, miss my Flaky Flix. The closest thing I've found was Keebler "fudge sticks." Admittedly, they aren't as good, but they're to next best thing I've found.

Prosecco is a small Italian cafe on Riverside. The food is quite good and it is appropriate for a business lunch.

You should consider Chili John's in Burbank. It's an old school place with a horseshoe shaped counter. The chili can be ordered straight or over beans. I like mine with beans. The kids like it over spaghetti. Onions and oyster crackers are plentiful, and cheddar cheese can be ordered. They close for a few months in the summer, but they generally re-open on Labor Day.

Since you're looking for recs on the west end of the SFV, I'd suggest Topanga Pizza & Cafe at 22994 Ventura Blvd. It's quite good and reasonably priced.

Krust is a small cafe with sandwiches on good bread, salads, and a few specials (e.g., turkey chili). They also have great baked goods. The location is strange, but the atmosphere is good - kind of like a living room. It has a much more similar vibe to Aroma than Porto's. Porto's is very large and bright - it really doesn't have any atmosphere. The food is good quality at Porto's. The more interesting things are the Cuban things (croquettes, meat pies, etc.). The sandwiches and salads are pretty ordinary. Their baked goods are good, and their prices are very fair.

The closest I can think of is Gennaro's in Glendale -- I never knew about until someone took me there for a celebration lunch. It's a semi-formal Italian place.

I'm fond of the b&c at poquito mas -- didn't know about the guac option -- do they put it inside or on the side?

I can't answer #1, but the neighborhood is great for strolling. Lots of shops and restaurants, but no real "nightspots." I love their chicken noodles, pad thai, panang curry, and their Thai BBQ chicken. Enjoy.

Spumante has been closed for months. A place called Risotto opened in its place, but I haven't tried it yet.

Studio Frozen Yogurt in Studio City (which used to be a Bigg Chill) is also serving "tart" flavors. They are made by Caribbean Chill, but they are different from Pinkberry in that they come in flavors (lemon, cherry, etc.). It should be interesting when the Pinkberry opens in Studio City in a couple of weeks.