Dining Al Fresco: The Valley's Best Outdoor Patios

It's summer and we're in Los Angeles!  What does that mean?  Dining outdoors (al fresco) of course.  Since we mostly focus on gems in the San Fernando Valley, I'm going to list some of our favorite restaurants here in the valley with enchanting outdoor patios and stellar food!  There is nothing like sitting outside with a warm summer breeze, your favorite cocktail or drink, music and those special people in your life!  It just gives you such a wonderful sense of well being - I love it!

1.   Chablis Food + Wine Restaurant (Website) (map)

*Well this place is super cute! The inside is elegant and homey but it's their courtyard patio that makes this place special to me.  You walk in from the back parking lot through a gate covered in lovely greens.  The patio can easily transport you to a different place in time! They have live performances inside, a great ambiance and small plates that you can share if you like!

2.   Vino Wine & Tapas Room (Website) (map)

*This place is amazing and they have so many wonderful small plates that I love.  They've grown since we first started coming here and now have a back patio with a fire pit and a private tent.  It's is like a mystical Moroccan get away.  They usually have live music inside. Love, love, love this place!

3.   The Red Room Food & Wine Bar (website) (map)

*The food is fab and the outside is super cute.  In colder months, they have a tent that extends from the restaurant and it is so cute and reminds me of a cafe you would find in the province of France! There is also live music here too and the staff is super friendly!

4.  Rive Gauche (website) (map)

*The ultimate French experience the outside patio is spectacular and when the lights that are strung from above are on it is stunning! The food is great and it is perfect for a night out with that special someone underneath the valley stars!

5. Firefly (website) (map)

*It is easy to get entranced when walking into this patio and to feel like you have stepped into a crazy new world.  I love when I go to a restaurant and there is an experience along with my food.  Yes the food is great, but when I feel mystified by my surrounding I know that it was a great day!

6. Ca Del Sole (website) (map)

* The food is great and the surroundings are awesome! There is not one moment that you don't feel relaxed and ready to unwind! The outside patio is enchanting and the food is superb.  Don't miss this gem!

7. Inn of the Seventh Ray (website) (map)

*The only words that come to mind when I think of this place is a fairyland that is magical.  This is one of my all time favorite places and is not like anything I have ever encountered before! There is water streaming, lights and delicious food.  It is hands down a once in a lifetime experience, Whenever you are there it feels as if you have been transported to a fairyland far away and that kings and queens run the land!

8. The Villa (Website) (map)

*Chic, fun, and beautiful. This place is all kinds of classy, exciting and like a hidden away forest filled with fabulous food and a great atmosphere! Love this place and the great outdoor patio is to die for!

9. Lakeside Cafe (website) (map)

*This patio is so beautiful, and sitting by the man made lake is simply gorgeous. This restaurant was in my top breakfast places so you know it is really tasty as well as fantastic atmosphere!


10. And Finally...3 Old School Gems that I have to mention

-94th Aero Squadron (website) (map)

*94th Aero Squadron is adjacent to the Van Nuys Airport.  I have been here multiple times and the outdoor patio never gets old watching planes and helicopters taking off and landing! It is never a dull moment.


-The Odyssey (website) (map)

*The view from the patio is glorious - you can see the valley from one end to the other.  The food is great (especially their brunch) but seeing the valley in both the daytime or all lit up at night offers something no any other restaurant in the valley does!


-Saddle Peak Lodge (website)(map)

*This outdoor patio is pretty fabulous and looks like something right out of life and style magazine! It is such a cool and unique place...and the food is delish too!


How lovely are all these places? I think its simply amazing that in our own backyard - we have these trendy restaurants and perfect places to enjoy and savor! Each place is magical in its own way and offers a sparkle to any night out in the valley! I hope you enjoy these places as much as I do...sit outside under the lights and enjoy your night in the SFV!  See you around!

~Madison

America The Beautiful: Favorite Patriotic Songs

Happy Fourth of July to America, what a wonderful country to be living in. Every Fourth of July all Americans have a tradition, whether it be a bbq with friends and family, going on a trip, or setting up a chair and watching the fireworks.   Also, two days before the Fourth we always go to the Hollywood Bowl for the Fourth of July Spectacular.  If you have never been to the Hollywood Bowl on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th to celebrate America's independence  - do yourself a favor - it's wonderful!  There are so many fun activities around the Fourth of July, however one of my favorite things are the songs. I love the America (hoorah) anthems. So, as a very patriotic person, I am going to countdown seven patriotic songs, in celebration of the Fourth of July. RED, WHITE, AND BLUE BABY!

1. The Stars and Stripes Forever (song)
 (Written by-John Philip Sousa)

*My favorite lyrics are:

The red and white and starry blue
Is freedom’s shield and hope.

The reason why I love this song so much, is that this is the finale at the Hollywood Bowl while the fireworks explode the Philharmonic plays "Stars and Stripes Forever." People in the crowd are on there feet waving flags, and it gives such a feeling of patriotism and brotherhood.

2. God Bless America (song)
(Written by-Irving Berlin)

*My favorite Lyrics are:

God bless America,
My home, sweet home.

This song was published in 1918 and Berlin revised it again in 1938.  It is in the form of a prayer, and is often used in public settings -sporting events. Kate Smith had an enormous hit with this song.  I like this song because it makes me feel like a nation connected and unified.   

3. The Star-Spangled Banner (song)
(Written by-Francis Scott Key)

*My favorite Lyrics are:

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.



I like this song because it is one of those anthems that we sing a lot and is well known. Francis Scott Key wrote this song after witnessing the bombing of Fort McHenry by British ships in Baltimore Harbor in the war of 1812. It was written as a poem however we now sing it!   We can all come together as Americans and sing a song that no matter who you are or where you come from, we all know this song!
It is a story of the bravery of Americans who fought the battle of Fort McHenry and refused to let the fort and their flag fall to the British.   Francis Scott Key was being held on a British ship while trying to negotiate the release of a prisoner of war.  You see he’d overheard the plans for the attack and could not be released.  He was powerless to do anything but observe and when he was rowed ashore after the battle he was moved to pen these words

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thru the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

4. America the Beautiful (song)
(Written by-Katherine Lee Bates)

*My favorite Lyrics are:

America! America! God shed His grace on thee,

This song always makes my eyes water because the words are so majestic.  It really paints a picture of America that is although quoting the song simply "beautiful." The lyrics were done by a woman who was a teacher at Wesley and was taking a cross country trip to Colorado to teach. Several sights on her trip inspired her to write this song!

5.  Yankee Doodle (song)
(Written by-Dr. Richard Schuckberg)



*My favorite Lyrics are:

It makes a noise like father’s gun,
Only a nation louder.

I like this song, however not as much as Connecticut because this is their state's anthem.  I like how fun the song is an how upbeat it is.  My aunt Pat would always take the tune and put different words in it for every occasion (i.e. An anniversary, birthday, birth, engagement ect..) 

6. This Land is My Land (song)



*My favorite Lyrics are: 

This land was made for you and me


This song was published in 1945 by Woody Guthrie and is known as a famous folk song. There are a couple of variations to this song, and in 2002 is was chosen by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry.  The reason why I like this song is because it is really about everyone, we need to take ownership, and own this country together. 


7. God Bless the U.S.A (song)

*My favorite Lyrics are:

And I proud to be an American, Where at least I know I'm Free! And I won't forget the men who died and gave that right to me and I gladly stand up next to you! 

Originally released in 1984, it became a big hit during the Gulf War in 1990/1991 and then got bigger after 9/11.  It's a more modern song celebrating our Country and we don't have many of patriotic songs being written at the present time. It is heard every Fourth of July.  


Put your politics aside to the 5th - put some hot dogs on the grill, grab anything red, white, and blue, and sing some of these songs!  It'll be a fun time, and great way to celebrate America! See you around, and Sing loud for all to hear! I will leave you with a quote....Happy Fourth of July!!(America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.)

Top Five Totally "Beachin" Beaches Close to the Valley

Well, as of June 21 SUMMER is officially here, and you know what that means...its time for the beach! What greater way to escape the heat of the San Fernando Valley then to take a trip to the beach! I have been visiting the beach almost two/three times a week during my summer vacation! I am in love with the smell of the ocean, the sand between my toes, and the coolness of the summer winds coming off the waves!  I guess you could say I'm a mermaid, therefore as part of my mermaid duties, I am going to count down my favorite beach destinations!

1. El Matador Beach (map)

Wow, when I tell you that this beach is spectacular it would be understatement...It's usually not too crowded like many other beaches, however there is still a good amount of people occupying the beach, to people watch! Last time I was there I was watching a swimsuit photo shoot, it was so cool, and was like the quintessential L.A. type thing to happen! Also I recommend staying till the sunset its absolutely breathtaking.

2. Leo Carrillo Beach (map)

I recently was just here to snorkel, and when I tell you that it was so cool, I am not lying.  There are these cute little coves and private beach parts that makes you feel like you are on your own private island! Also the waves are real nice and fun to play in.  There are a good amount of people not over packed but usually a handful of children and families!

3.  Zuma Beach (map)

Zuma is one of the staple beaches in Malibu, it is usually always crowded, with surfers, families, friends, you name it! Its a great beach, clean, and has great waves! I love coming here and running in the waves, the sand is soft and there are hardly any rocks that hurt your feet.  And to make things even more fabulous, there is a bus that will take you from Thousand Oaks to Zuma Beach.  Click here for details on the bus.

4.  Santa Monica Beach (Map)

I Love this beach its super nice, and of course Santa Monica Pier is right there and is an L.A. staple! It chill, and has awesome people, great for people watching.  Also third street promenade is awesome and right there! So, you can make a day out of it!  There is a bus called "from the valley to the sea" that runs during the summer and will take you from Topanga to Santa Monica.  Click here for details:

5.  Venice Beach (map)

I was just at Venice (for research of course) *insert winky face~ When I was there it was amazing, so much fun, and real cool! There are many stores bordering the outskirts of the beach, and there are interesting people everywhere! Also right there is a shopping area called Abbot Kinney, and that is awesome! Another place to make a day trip out of it!

So, with all these awesome beaches neighboring our SFV hometown, how can you be bored? Also the beach is lovely, so much fun, and a great way to spend a day just relaxing.  The beach is one of my favorite places and these fives beaches each have something enchanting about them!! Hope you enjoy as much as I do, and see you around....maybe even in the water (mermaid joke yet again).

Best Pizza in the San Fernando Valley

I was going to say that with the warm months approaching, it's getting too hot to cook and it's fun to go out to eat but if I'm being honest, I really don't ever need an excuse to eat Pizza. Its warm, doughy crust with lots of gooey cheese topped with everything from meat, vegetables, herbs, eggs and fruit is one of those foods that almost everyone loves. And with the advent of the build your own pizza places, everyone has their favorite toppings and pizza places are getting more and more creative on the ingredients they use to top their pizza.  Here are some of my top pizza places in the San Fernando Valley- in no particular order.

1.  Pitfire Pizza (map) (website)

Wow, this place has a real chill atmosphere, you can dine outside close to a firepit with family and friends, or that special someone. The pizza menu is extensive,the crust is nice and crisp. I usually order the burrata pizza, grab an outdoor table and enjoy. Last time I was there, they had a live DJ. A total winner and a great time!

*Favorite pizza is the burrata pie, and the Margherita!

2. Garden Cafe (map) (website) 

One of my absolute favorite places, I go there a few times a month. There is a small patio area with couches and tables, over head lights are strung to give it a festive feel. There is a wide menu which includes pasta dishes, however, I go for the pizza. The Prosciutto and Fig is unique and tasty,  its also a good choice if you want to go sauceless. Food is delicious and it is so much fun sitting outside under the lights giving it a cute cafe ambience.

*My favorite pizza is the Prosciutto and Fig

3. Chi Chi's (map) (website)

My family and I have been coming here for years and we've had many family celebrations here.  The time flies but the taste of the pizza has stayed classic! It gives me such an old time feel inside, from the booths to the waiters and waitresses, many I know by name.  The pizza is of course amazing and the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. I like my pizza - crisp, but not burnt and they do agood job with that.

*My favorite pizza is the cheese or the meatball pizza!
































4. Barone's (map) (website)

So, for those of you Angelinos who have been around the valley forever, you already know that this used to be the location of the German restaurant "The Matterhorn Chef at Old Heidelberg Restaurant." however it is now the location for Barone's a classic old time Italian restaurant that spent a many years on Ventura Blvd.  Classic Italian from the red booths to the square thin crust.  This is old school style and one of the Valley's oldest and best places for pizza. Straight up cheese is what everyone loves, but if you want something different try the shrimp pizza.

*My favorite pizza is the Shrimp pizza!

5.  Casa De Pizza (map) (website)

This place opened in 1961 as a Family owned and operated Pizza restaurant, it is still family owned. It's located on San Fernando Road in Granada Hills - get a table in the Sinatra Room, order your type of pizza pie and enjoy.

*My favorite pizza is the Pizza Rustica or the Pizza Bianco
























6. The Pizza Cookery (map) (Website)

Well, as any pizza lover knows the crust is one of the most important things a pizza has to offer.  The crust at the Pizza Cookery is criminal its so good! Huge fan of the atmosphere and the family friendly environment!

*My favorite pizza is the cookery works pizza!

7.   Vincenzo's Pizza (map) (website)

The different sizes that Vincenzo's offers is one of the perks I like most about this pizza place! You can get a little or a lot.  My first slice here was at a U8 soccer party - the pizza was very good and so was the atmosphere - especially when you are throwing a Pizza party for a bunch of kids!  There are usually video games at most of the Vincenzo's locations.  The crust is always crispy, but not burnt! Just how I like it.

*My favorite pizza is the Islander Pizza!

8. Nikki's Pizza (map) (website)

*My favorite pizza is the huge Cheese Pizza yes, it is plain, but its a classic and so good a cooked to utter perfection! With just the right amount of cheese! 

9. The Pizzeria Factory (map) (Website) 

*My favorite pizza is the "Favorite Factory Pizza" it has a boat load of items that are delicious. 

10.  Cutter's Pizza  (map) (website) 

*My favorite pizza is the the Swedish pizza and this place is know for their specialty pizzas like this one!

11. Blaze Fast-Fire'd Pizza (map) (website)

*My favorite pizza is the BBQ pizza! (however it is build you're own) So have fun, go crazy, and make a yummy creation!

12. Mulberry Street Pizzeria (map) (website)

*My favorite pizza is the artichoke pizza! It is super yummy and a family friendly pizza place!

13. Uncle Tony's Pizzeria (map) (website)

*My favorite pizza is the White pizza! This place gives such a home feel, and brings me back to a little pizzeria I visited when I was in New Jersey!

14. Leaning Tower Pizza & Pasta (map) (website)

*My favorite pizza is the Pineapple and bacon!  I love the name and the pizza is pretty cool too!

15. Danielle's Wood Fired Pizza (map) (website)

*My favorite pizza is the Pepperoni pizza.  I am such a huge fan that the pizza is cooked in the wood fire style! It always taste amazing!! 

16. Angelino Pizzeria (map) (website)

*My favorite pizza is the meatball pizza! This place is super cute and the pizza is of course tasty! 

17.  Osteria Mozza (Map) (Website)

(BONUS) Technically this is not in the SFV, however it is one of my all time favorite pizza places so I have to list it. From the location to the inside everything is classy, fabulous, and I am utterly obsessed.  The pizza is light but filling and the inside is classic, but with that Melrose twist! I am the biggest fan and every chance I get down to the West Side, I try to get a reservation (even though they are usually packed)

*My favorite pizza is the Prosciutto pizza or the white pizza!

*How delicious do all these pizza places sound...? Amazing right!  I hope you enjoy all these pizza places, and I will see you around the Valley!