Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley

The Ranch Side Cafe – Where American, Mexican, and Ethiopian Cuisine Unite

For 28 incredible years, the Ranch Side Café has been a beloved breakfast spot for locals and visitors alike.  Nestled near the horse stables in Lakeview Terrace, this cozy café serves up hearty American?? and Mexican?? breakfasts that’ll leave you feeling satisfied and ready to conquer the day! But wait, there’s more! Ranch Side Café is the ONLY place in the San Fernando Valley to offer Ethiopian?? cuisine. Scott Himelstein visits this hidden gem on this episode of Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley.
Ranch Side Cafe
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The Ranch Side Cafe is where a unique culinary adventure awaits. This extraordinary restaurant brings together three diverse and vibrant cuisines – American, Mexican, and Ethiopian.

A Fusion of Cultures:

The story of Ranch Side Cafe is one of cultural fusion and community spirit. Zenashe, the restaurant’s co-owner with her sister, explains that their journey began with a focus on Mexican and American cuisine. However, encouraged by their mother, they introduced Ethiopian food to share their culinary heritage with their neighbors and community.

Embracing Ethiopian Cuisine

Ethiopian cuisine, a rare find in the San Fernando Valley, offers an explosion of flavors and a wealth of healthful options. With fresh vegetables, spices like cayenne, and the signature gluten-free injera bread, Ranch Side Cafe has successfully brought this unique cuisine to the Valley.

Ethiopian Chicken and Vegan Delights

The restaurant takes great pride in their meticulously prepared dishes. The Ethiopian Chicken, known as doro wat, is a labor of love, taking up to five hours to prepare. Caramelized onions and an array of spices infuse the dish with rich flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

For vegan enthusiasts, the Ethiopian vegan dish is a medley of plant-based goodness. It includes chickpeas, collard greens, lentils, split peas, and red beets, all cooked with aromatic garlic and ginger. The gluten-free injera complements the dishes beautifully, providing a soft and cushiony base for enjoying the delightful flavors.

Innovative Awaze Tips

Not forgetting their vegetarian patrons, Ranch Side Cafe offers a unique twist on the traditional Awaze Tips, typically served with steak. By substituting mushrooms and vegetables, the restaurant ensures that everyone can savor the mouthwatering flavors of this Ethiopian classic.

A Peek into the Kitchen

For those who want to witness the magic behind the dishes, the restaurant offers an intimate view of their kitchen. The vibrant colors and aromatic spices come together, creating an enticing and appetizing display. Every dish is made fresh daily, ensuring the highest quality and taste.

The Joy of Eating Ethiopian Style

Ethiopian cuisine brings a unique dining experience. Traditionally, the food is served on a large communal tray, encouraging shared meals and camaraderie. At Ranch Side Cafe, they have adapted this style to individual portions, accommodating their clientele who enjoy the outdoor activities in the area.

The secret to the Ethiopian experience lies in the injera. Using this spongy, sourdough-like flatbread, guests dip into various sauces, savoring the blend of flavors with their hands. While they provide forks and knives for convenience, the restaurant emphasizes that the true essence of the cuisine comes from the hands-on approach.

Ranch Side Cafe is a culinary oasis in the San Fernando Valley, where cultures collide, and flavors harmonize. Offering American, Mexican, and Ethiopian cuisines, this charming restaurant captures the essence of community, warmth, and delicious food. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a curious explorer, this unique dining experience promises to delight your senses and leave you with lasting memories. So, don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this flavorful adventure at the Ranch Side Cafe.

?11355 Foothill Boulevard, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342

Follow them on their social media accounts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranch_side_cafe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100031771493109
Website: https://ranchsidecafe.com/

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