Where can you find a classic breakfast diner with local history? Look no further than VIP’s Cafe in Tarzana, where we’re visiting on the latest episode of “Eat Live Love San Fernando Valley.”
VIP’s Cafe was founded in 1998. It’s a traditional, American breakfast restaurant that serves both breakfast and lunch. After Paul Ma took over the restaurant, he added several Chinese lunch options.
VIP’s is a staple in the community, and legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden came to VIP’s almost every day for breakfast and often brought former players like Bill Walton and Mike Warren along with him. Coach Wooden’s typical order was No. 2 on the breakfast menu: an assortment of bacon, scrambled eggs, and an english muffin. He’d also order a hot tea to go along with it.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis last year, VIP’s Cafe was forced to close for about two months due to the stay-at-home orders. When they reopened in May, they were doing takeout only, and it was extremely difficult to catch up on all the lost revenue. The community showed their support by starting a GoFundMe page to help this beloved small business out, and they were able to raise over $12,000 to save the restaurant!
There are three dishes that perfectly describe the kind of cuisine you’ll get at VIP’s. The first was pancakes made from scratch. Paul told me that VIP’s is famous for its pancakes. The next is a salmon asparagus eggs benedict with a homemade hollandaise. Finally, Paul introduced me to loco moco, a Hawaiian dish made from hamburger, white rice, and brown gravy. Paul was actually introduced to the dish by a customer of his and realized that he had all the ingredients to make it in his kitchen already!
The eggs benedict I sampled were fantastic. The hollandaise sauce was nice, creamy, and tangy. It blends so naturally with the egg and salmon. I highly recommend it.
If you’re looking for a great breakfast in the SFV, come out to VIP’s Cafe in Tarzana. You’ll get great food, great service, and a great atmosphere.
If you have any questions for me or suggestions for future restaurants to spotlight, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
