Tasty Tidbits: Karen Young's Valley Restaurant Roundup

The Slaw Dogs just opened its second location in Woodland Hills and is celebrating with a grand opening party on Thursday, August 25, from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. with free samples.  This hot dog eatery that originated in Pasadena last year serves variations of up to 11 kinds of hot dogs starting at $3.49. If you're really hungry, you won't want to miss the Super Dog (aka "the Good Timer") — a 10" rippered dog, chili, cheese, bacon pastrami, fries, grilled onion, wrapped in giant tortilla with a fried egg upon request. At $8.88, this dog is the highest price on the list. Also on the menu—  salads, belgian fries, burgers, beer battered onion rings and a kids menu.

Learn to cook like a Top Chef with Fabio Viviani at Toluca Lake's Firenze Osteria this Sunday, August 28 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. The theme is Risotto and Sauces. $40 per person or $70 per couple. Coffee and a two course meal is included. Call (818) 760-7081 to reserve your spot.

Head east to Pasadena's Sushi Roku this Saturday and eat al fresco at their specially transformed "pop up" beer garden. Enjoy the music of singer/songwriter Katie Costello at 8 p.m. who is performing as part of  One Colorado's summer music series.  An exclusive Red Sun Saturday menu will be offered, featuring Sushi Roku favorites such as Kobe Beef and Bacon-Wrapped Cherry Tomato Robata Skewers; Baked Crab and Spicy Tuna sushi rolls; Yellowtail Sashimi with Diced Chilies; and more. The Red Sun Feast menu option offers a four-course taste of Sushi Roku for $40 per person with signature dishes including Salmon Carpaccio with Black Truffles, and the Ume Roku’s Signature-Style Six-Piece Sushi. For reservations, call (626)683- 3000.

Leo & Lily recently opened in Woodland Hills. This casual bakery/cafe with indoor and outdoor seating serves up an eclectic menu with European and Mediterranean influences and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu includes omelets, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, french toast, pastries, salads, burgers, sandwiches and paninis,  along with a selection of entrees. Open 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily. 

Universal CityWalk's latest entry, The Infusion Lounge, opened last week on the second floor of this amusement mecca. Highlights are deejay entertainment, daily happy hour from 6-9 p.m. and it's open until 2 a.m.

Calabasas' Sante Fe Cafe  now has a coffee bar — Cafe Ole. Stop by for specialty coffee and coffee drinks, hot and cold teas and baked goods. Hours: 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 5679 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas.

Karen Young is the Founder/Editor of MYDAILYFIND.COM, a lifestyle site with a free subscriber newsletter about where to eat, shop, play in the San Fernando Valley.