Stanley's in Sherman Oaks: Ventura Blvd. Salad Hangout

If you are looking for a pleasant cool place to have brunch, lunch or dinner, roll up to Stanley's on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. Stanley's is a family type restaurant that as been around forever. But it has a new California style. The cool patio setting, rich bright yellow walls, the airy interior make for a pleasant California dining experience. This is far from a chain restaurant as you'll get for these prices.

Stanley's is the place to order a great sour cabbage salad, a great artichoke dip with chipotle mayonnaise, or angel hair or penne pasta in light onion cream sauce with chicken. You'll be surprised who you'll run into. There is valet because it's right n busy Ventura blvd. and Stanley's is in a convenient "middle" spot for meetups.

Starters include grilled swordfish and coconut shrimp with papaya salsa. Just an order of appetizers can fill up the table before or after clubbing or a concert. Bruschetta or soft tacos or fresh vegetables in spinach dip make Stanley's a good vegan and weight watching choice. Most local people "know" about Stanley's.

Vegetarians can eat comfortably at Stanley's without suffering for choice. Imagine a pizza with spinach, tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella & feta cheeses in vinaigrette. Stanley's is a good choice for clean, palatable after-workout food. Or try the sun-dried tomato pizza. The salad menu is very fitness conscious. Stanley's works well for a light palate with a health conscious bent.

Stanley's can be a good choice when the party is mixed kind of eaters. Baby back ribs, New York steak, salmon, turkey meatloaf, and vegetable kabob make for a variety of choices no matter who is in your party. Chicken can be ordered sautéed in capers, parsley, artichoke sauce, and with lemon, or in the celebrated rotisserie manner.

A sandwich menu includes turkey meatloaf on a French roll, a pan fried rosemary chicken sandwich, smoked turkey, tuna melt, and a veggie burger. This is with white beans, lentils, rice, carrots, mushrooms, sunflower seeds and almonds. Stanley's a great place to get home or group luncheon ideas. Or order a salad sandwich of your choice.