Entering Tarzana from the east there is a strip shopping mall on the cross streets of traffic filled Ventura Boulevard and Wilbur Avenue, where CiCi’s Café is located.
CiCi’s has a small dining room and it has a vibrant atmosphere that makes it seem a “hip place.” It was a bit cramped because of the crowd and noise. If you’re the type of person that does not like crowds, CiCi’s has a few seats outside if you prefer.
It’s a breakfast and lunch type of place with bric-a-brac and awards of recognition from the local legislator for decorations on the walls.
Be ready to flip through 20 pages of awe with the extensive menu. From eggs Benedict, waffles, and a variety of pancakes, such as tiramisu and coconut, the list is impressive. And, yes, they even offer burgers under the title “The Good Old Days.” “The Oldie”, is exactly what you get, a good old fashion burger, char-grilled juicy ground beef on a white bun. It is half the size of the 10-inch plate it sits on. Garnished with tomatoes, onions and crisp lettuce, the beef is cooked to order.
Under the title “Fields of Green,” the cranberry chicken salad consists of sweet cranberries, celery, caramelized walnuts, and chicken salad on red cabbage, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts and mixed greens. The bowl that the salad comes in is about 14 inches in diameter and beside all the greens it is heaped with chicken salad. The menu advertises cranberry and chicken, but the cranberries are sparse. The chicken is juicy, not dry, with just a touch of mayonnaise that makes it quite appetizing. Its bright colors have a mouthwatering effect.
CiCi’s portions are generous. To go with the meal, there’s a regular cup of Joe or a specialty drink such as cappuccino, mocha latte, green iced tea and the list goes on. So. . . if breakfast or lunch is your thing and you’re in the mood for traditional American cuisine stop by. As the famous Yogi Berra once said, “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded”
CiCi’s Cafe
18912 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91356
(818) 881-6704
Hours: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
Price Range: $11 to $30 Credit Cards accepted children welcome
