Dining at 118 Degrees Tarzana
Recently I was invited to attend a preview of the new Tarzana location of 118 Degrees. I could not make it but was lucky enough to have my friend Mary of the blog Along Comes Mary cover it. Thanks Mary!
Something Los Angeles is certainly not lacking is trendy restaurants. Angelinos are all about vegan diets, raw foods, kale and gluten-free. Add in some Kombucha, and we are one of the most health conscious cities around. Being guilty of following these trends myself (Gluten free due to allergy, and I only eat fish as far as meat goes), I am always excited when a new eatery opens up. When Melanie asked me to cover the media preview of Tarzana’s 118 Degrees on the infamous Ventura Boulevard, I was thrilled to see what they had to offer.
With easy parking (a rarity around here) at next door’s Whole Foods, 118 Degrees is an intimate restaurant with a bistro vibe. Patio seating that includes booths with “grass” (astro turf) on the seats and an array of dishes that are all organic, vegan and cooked under 118 degrees (hence their name), which means that their food falls under the raw meal plans and is macro-biotic. I am a fan of such cooking and am glad cafes like 118 Degrees is showing patrons that ‘raw’ does not have to mean ‘uncooked’.
Starting off our sampler feast were their popular drinks. First their non-alcoholic Electrolytes Lemonade, that boasts lemon juice, agave and coconut water. Not being a huge coconut fan, I let my partner in crime (and hubby to be), Michael, have at the concoction. Next time? I might take them up on their advice to spice it up with some cayenne. While most know I love me a good cocktail, it is probably not a surprise I went back for seconds of their Kombucha drink that has sake in it. Top it off with a gorgeous flower, and I had myself a delicious drink that passed as healthy with plenty of flavor. Yum!
If it’s a bold red or a light white glass of wine you’re after, 118 Degrees has you covered. All house wines are organic, and the Cabernet I tried had a great, strong fruit zest to it that I search for with my cabs.
With a plentiful of munchies and bite size samplers to try, I really enjoyed the Fried Avocado Mini-Tostada and the Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms. While I do not have too much experience with Empanadas, I was a bit disappointed with theirs as there was not much filling and although it was a gluten-free crust, it was very dough-y. One of the signature dishes, The Verde Tacos, also lacked flavor to us both; This dish comes on a large wedge of Napa cabbage with spicy peppita cheese, cucumber, corn, carrots, chopped spinach, tomatillo salsa and spicy peppitas. While the fillings were there, I felt the salsa over powered what could have been a very flavorful, unique dish.
With a large menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner, I am sure I will return to 118 Degrees to explore further. Because, one thing is for sure: I like sake in my kombucha!
Mary Lansing is the Editor of the popular LA lifestyle and travel blog, Along Comes Mary. When she is not keeping busy with her Social Media Managing business, you can find her out exploring all Southern California has to offer, or off on a trip! Visit her on Twitter (@Maryfarquhar), Instagram (Alongcomesmary26) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/alongcomesmary26).