Posto 896 Italian and Hungarian Cuisine in Encino

July 25, 2024

Have you ever tried Hungarian food? Do you like Italian food? What if I told you one of the most highly rated restaurants in the San Fernando Valley offers both? Today on Eat Live Love, San Fernando Valley, we’re at Posto 896, Italian and Hungarian Cuisine in Encino. I’m really excited for this episode because Posto 896 offers a unique opportunity to try authentic Italian and Hungarian cuisine, a rare find in the San Fernando Valley, or even Los Angeles. We can’t wait to share their story.

Meet Peter: The Vision Behind Posto 896

Peter explains that Posto 896 was created to offer traditional Hungarian cuisine alongside traditional Italian cuisine. Hungarian food is mainly meat-based, with some meatless dishes like their sour cherry soup, which is part of a sweet, meatless meal tradition. They also offer classic Italian dishes from Tuscany to Sicily, including popular choices like lasagna and Spaghetti Bolognese.

A Unique Culinary Setup

One unique aspect of Posto 896 is that they have two separate kitchens for the Italian and Hungarian sides. Peter shares that the concept started 14 years ago when the last Hungarian restaurant was closing. His friend Lorenzo and he decided to open a restaurant together, combining their culinary traditions. They also feature native Hungarian and Italian wines to complement their dishes. Hungarian wines have a rich history, often overlooked in favor of Italian and Spanish wines. Peter proudly mentions that Hungarian wine production dates back over 800 years and that in 2017, they won the gold medal at the International Wine Tasting Contest in Bordeaux. They have that award-winning wine available at the restaurant.

Exploring the Kitchen: Chicken Paprikash

Let’s head to the kitchen. First up is the chicken paprikash. Peter explains that this traditional Hungarian dish starts by sweating onions and peppers, then adding chicken leg quarters and slowly cooking them with paprika. After the meat is cooked, they add sour cream and a secret thickening agent. The whole process takes nearly two hours, and they serve it with homemade dumplings called nokedli. Eastern European food, especially Hungarian cuisine, often requires lengthy preparation to achieve the right flavors. Peter emphasizes that it takes a lot of dedication and love to get it right.

Tasting the Dishes: From Soup to Pasta

We’re trying a variety of dishes today, starting with the Hungarian sour cherry soup. The aroma of cinnamon and cloves is amazing. This soup, which can be served hot or cold, combines fresh cherries, red wine, and lemon zest, creating a unique and delicious flavor. Next, we have the spaghetti pomodoro on the Italian side. This dish features homemade spaghetti pasta with cherry tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, and fresh basil. The freshness of the ingredients stands out, reminding me of authentic Italian pasta.

Curd Cheese Dumplings and Desserts

Back to the Hungarian menu, we have the curd cheese dumplings. These dumplings are served with sweet sour cream, bread crumbs, and powdered sugar, creating a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors. To finish, we’re having dessert. On the Italian side, there’s a generous piece of tiramisu. On the Hungarian side, we have somloi galuska, a sponge cake with chocolate and whipped cream.

Posto 896 is located in Encino on Ventura Boulevard. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian or Hungarian food, or if you’ve never tried Hungarian cuisine, this is a fantastic place to visit. The reviews speak for themselves, and today, we got to see the love and dedication Peter puts into his restaurant. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. See you next time on Eat Live Love, San Fernando Valley.

15615 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436

Follow them on their social media accounts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/posto896/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Posto-896-Italian-Hungarian-Cuisine-100087403163926/
Website: https://www.posto896.com/