California is known for its wine, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Temecula, Simi Valley, and even Orange County.  As a result Californians know a thing or two about wine, so it is no surprise that wine bars are growing in popularity.  Combine great wine with creative Californian cuisine and you have a match made in heaven!

Here are three of our top picks for wine bars and tapas/small plates near your Encino apartment.

Vino Wine & Tapas
18046 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316
http://vinowinetapas.com/

The Red Room Food and Wine Bar
17499 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316
http://www.redroomencino.com/

Peasant Wine Bistro
19100 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356
http://www.peasantwinebistro.com/

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The once humble pancake has been delighting breakfast lovers for years, but lately inspired chefs have been changing it up and offering delicious and healthy versions of a breakfast staple.  Check out these restaurants located near your Encino apartment for some of the best pancakes in the area.
 
More Than Waffles
17200 Ventura Blvd #109, Encino, CA 91316

More Than Waffles is a homey little restaurant with inside and outdoor seating and long(ish) lines on the weekend.  They serve a full breakfast and some deliciously creative pancakes and waffles.  Try the Strawberry Nutella Crepe, Chickens on a Waffle, Pumpkin Spice or Organic Oat Bran pancakes.  You can also try Hot Apple, Organic Gluten Free Buckwheat, Almond Joy, or Pumpkin Pecan pancakes. 
 

Du-Par’s Restaurant & Bakery

16120 Ventura Blvd
Encino, CA 91436

(818) 766-4437

For old-fashioned pancakes and breakfast 24/, stop by Du-Par’s Restaurant.

Cici's Café
18912 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356
There are over a dozen creative choices for pancakes.  Here are just a few that should get you grabbing your keys and heading to the door!
 
Nightrider (red velvet pancakes, bananas, whipped cream and Nutella drizzle), Tiramisu pancakes, Green Tea pancakes, Red Velvet pancakes, Apple Roulette and German Chocolate pancakes.
 

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Happy Easter!

More than Waffles
17200 Ventura Blvd #109
Encino, CA 91316

Delmonico’s Lobster House
16358 Ventura Boulevard
Encino CA 91436
Sunday 
Easter Brunch 10am-3pm 

If you decide to cook brunch in your Encino apartment, Ralph's has a number of great specials and full-prepared meals.  They open early on Easter.

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Just because you are planning your Valentine’s Day date in Encino, California late, doesn’t mean that it cant be fantastic and romantic. All you need is a little guidance as to where to go and what to do and you will be able to give your date a night to remember. Get to know a few of the possible date locations for you last minute Valentine’s Day in Encino.

Delmonico’s Steak and Lobster House

Delmonico’s Steak and Lobster House is an Encino, California mainstay. This restaurant serves a wide variety of seafood, lobster, steak, and chicken dishes as well as specialties like osso bucco as well as extensive dessert and wine menus.

http://www.delmonicossteakandlobsterhouse.com/

16358 Ventura Boulevard
Encino CA 91436

Pinot’s Palatte

If you are looking for an evening of more than just dinner, you can give Pinot’s Palate a try. This is a paint and drink venue in which you and your date can create beautiful paintings together while having a few glasses of wine.

http://www.pinotspalette.com/encino

17401 Ventura Blvd.Encino, CA 91316

Red Room Food and Wine Restaurant

If you are looking for one of the best wine lists around and delicious gourmet food to accompany the wine you choose, then give Red Room Food and Wine Restaurant. This unique restaurant will be sure to wow and delight your date.

http://www.redroomencino.com

17499 Ventura Blvd
Encino, CA 91316

With these ideas in mind, you can begin planning your last minute Valentine’s Day date as soon as possible.

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Take advantage of the last few days of dine LA 2016.

Check out these participating restaurants near your Encino apartment.

• Lakeside (American) has both a $20 and a $39 special.
• Red Room Food & Wine Bar (American) has a $29 special.
• Scratch Bar & Kitchen (American) has a $39 dinner special.
• Vino Wine & Tapas Room (Spanish) has a $29 dinner special.

Enjoy these great restaurants and these great special menus featuring 2 or 3 course meals from now until Sunday, January 31, 2016.

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If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to try new things in 2016 and you haven’t eaten sushi before, then you are in luck.  Encino, CA has some great sushi restaurants and we have some tips on what to order and how to eat it.

There are several types of sushi:

Sashimi – this is a thin slice of meat (typically raw fish) served with a dipping sauce and wasabi paste.

Maki  – this means rolled sushi typically wrapped in Nori (seaweed), but you can also find soy paper, cucumber or other wrappings.

Nigiri  – this is thinly sliced meat (usually raw fish) draped over a mound or ball of rice and is typically served with a dipping sauce, wasabi paste and ginger.

Chirashi – this means scattered and is typically fresh fish served on rice with other ingredients including vegetables.

Specialty Rolls (Maki) – these creative and artistic rolls typically include more than one type of fish, a sauce or two, sometimes are cooked and sometimes topped with roe.

To start you can try a California Roll (no fish) or a Crab Roll (cooked or imitation crab).  Tuna or spicy tuna are a good beginner sushi, since sushi grade tuna is mild in flavor.  Don’t let the chop sticks scare you off, you can ask them to tie with an elastic band or ask for a fork or even eat it with your hands.

The sauce usually includes soy sauce and the wasabi can be mixed with the sauce (very American) if you like hot and the ginger can be eaten with the sushi or after to cleanse the palate.  OK, now you are ready, try one of these top rated sushi restaurants only minutes from your Encino, CA apartment.

Dancing Wasabi

Okumura Restaurant

Katsu-Ya

Makoto Sushi

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One of Encino’s finest restaurants has been cleverly dubbed the “Hidden Gem of the Valley”. The Red Room Food and Wine Bar at 17499 Ventura Boulevard offers a pleasant combination of neighborhood dining and contemporary lounge access, making it the go-to place for couples. Boasting a selection of over 60 rotating wine selections and premium beers from all over the globe, The Red Room has a menu of delectable flat breads, salads, and entrees like Roasted Scottish Salmon, Tandoori Chicken Brochette, and American Kobe Beef Sliders.

Exclusive food specials throughout the week, live jazz performances, and regularly scheduled wine tasting events are also offered at The Red Room. Plush seating and earthy, contemporary decor accompany a custom-designed fire pit in order to create a relaxing atmosphere from Tuesday to Saturday. Reservations for dinner are available by phone, email, online at redroomencino.com or through social media (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram). Group and meeting accommodations are also available.

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