Tasty Tidbits: Karen Young's Valley Restaurant and Food Round Up

Sherman Oaks (Ventura Blvd. just east of Noble) is the home of a new Thai restaurant — Kao Cafe, serving up homestyle Thai food in a very casual environment. Lunch specials run $7.95-$12.95. Eat in, order out or free delivery with a $15 order within three miles. Free parking in back. 

Guido's, a longstanding Italian restaurant in West LA has taken over Gaetanos in Calabasas with a whole new menu, but if you're a fan of certain Guido's or Gaetanos menu items, they can try and make it for you. The change just happened, so the website hasn't been updated yet.

Hugo's Restaurant in Agoura (not Studio City) is offering a new menu option from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. The IN-TER-MIS-SION menu offers $5 appetizers, including: flatbread pizzas (gluten-free, vegan options), sliders (vegan, vegetarian options) asian spring  rolls, mac and cheese and green tamales. Cocktails are also $5. Choices include: cosmos, margaritas, mojitos and well drinks.

The Daily Grill is now offering  Simply 600 Menu made up of meals that are 600 calories or less. Choose from salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, seafood, chicken, meat and pasta dishes.  “The Simply 600 menu items are designed for people who want to enjoy great food without the guilt,” said Vice President of Culinary Phil Kastel. “Our Simply 600 menu offers lower calorie options for lunch and   dinner, but you’d never guess that you’re limiting your caloric intake.” The menu items range from 318 calories to 590 calories. 

The Valley Inn in Sherman Oaks is offering $15 chicken entrees every Wednesday in January. Come Sunday, there's a full 12 oz. Prime Rib special for $26.95 with a choice of garden salad or homemade soup of the day, served with Au Jus, creamed horseradish sauce, mashed potatoes, a vegetable medley and an ice cream sundae. Also, in January — 25% off bottled wines and free corkage.

Not in the 818, but this news must be marked.  After 27 years, Evan Kleiman, restaurant owner/chef and KCRW "Good Eats" host, is closing her Melrose cafe, Angeli Caffe. Kleiman, who has made an indelible mark on the L.A. food and restaurant scene, said the last day would be January 8. However, since the announcement, the restaurant has drawn nearly 200 diners a night who have rushed to get the last bite of Kleiman's sophisticatd, yet rustic Italian cuisine. The closing date is now set for January 13.

Also, not in the 818, but if you are thinking to see Cirque du Soleil's Iris, check out the special  “Dine On Us” pre-show meal deal at The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa's Twist Restaurant  for the “Dine On Us” package. Enjoy a brunch or dinner before seeing the show at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. It's a $50 value. Available Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm, and Sunday from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

About this column: Find out what's in, what's out and specials around town in this roundup of restaurant news around the San Fernando Valley. Karen Young is the Founder/Editor ofMyDailyFind.com, a lifestyle site with a free subscriber newsletter about where to eat, shop, play in the 818.