LA Times: Chefs, comedians and actors share their favorite Valley hangs
By Danielle Dorsey
Everyone has a Valley standby, a place they go when they want to feel at home, with little fuss, a reliable menu and friendly faces. For me it’s Tiki No, a neon-lighted bar that serves up flaming Scorpion bowls in North Hollywood. We reached out to some of our favorite Valley residents, from local chefs and cookbook authors to actors, a senator, record shop owner and podcast host. Some were born and raised in the area, while others are newer residents.
Alex Padilla, California senator:
“The San Fernando Valley food scene includes quality, authentic cuisine from around the world, but my comfort food favorites are still Mexican restaurants in the northeast end of the Valley. The handmade tortillas at Lenchita’s in Pacoima that my dad introduced me to years ago are as good as ever. El Tarasco in Sylmar is under new ownership, but they’ve maintained the same high-quality ingredients — many regulars think that some of the dishes and salsas are even better than before. But what I’m most excited about right now is being able to order El Mero Mero (Pacoima) on DoorDash. You can’t go wrong with any of the tacos, burritos, sopes or specialty quesadillas. Just make sure to ask for extra salsa — both green and red — because your mind and your taste buds will be blown.”
Read the full article here.