Rouana Dunbar
If you’re sick of going to the same old fast food chain restaurants that you’ve been going to since you were in high school, I can sympathize with you completely.
That’s the main reason why I decided to try something new.
The ate18 café was the perfect adjustment to the boring and repetitive places in the valley to eat.
This café/restaurant, with its meditative atmosphere and Israeli-American fusion-cooked entrees, was like a breath of fresh air.
When first entering the quiet café on Saturday afternoon for lunch, I felt a sense of calm come over me.
It’s unlike the frantic, normally overcrowded places we have become accustomed to attending for a day out with friends.
With all the daily stressors college students experience it’s really pleasant to be able to relax while your eating a meal for once.
The neutral, feng shui accents and the enormous sofa-like booths bring a sense of comfort and relaxation from the moment you enter.
The shaded outside patio is also ideal for the wonderful weather we are currently experiencing here in sunny California.
With prices ranging from 10 to 20 dollars it’s fairly affordable for the average college student who has a love for food like I do.
Their menu items include classic Israeli dishes such as hummus and falafel for $9.95 to Italian sandwiches and pastas at around $12.
They even have the classic American house hamburger plate for only $8.50, and yes, it comes with fries too.
Now this may sound a bit pricey but their portions are huge and ideal for sharing or taking leftovers to go.
Did I mention the dangerously sinful desserts such as their most popular Grand Marnier Chocolate Lava Cake for $9, that are made fresh from scratch right there in the caf√©’s kitchen.
“The owners describe [the caf√©] as eclectic,” explained Laurel Shaffer, waitress/hostess.
She also mentioned that customers are usually pleasantly surprised by the amazing taste combinations presented in most of the dishes served here.
Shaffer described the caf√© as “a great place for a date night but also perfect to sit for hours and talk with your friends.”
The Ate18 café, cleverly named for its location here in the valley, has only been open for about six months and is the only one of its kind.
It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight and serves their delicious breakfast until 3 p.m. daily for those who like to sleep in after a long night of studying or partying.
The Ate18 café is located on Ventura Blvd. just one block west of White Oak, coming from Pierce College.
Live music is played Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for those special occasions that need to be perfectly romantic.
They also cater to your private party needs, with help on menu selection, and hold them quite often.
Ate18 Café is privately owned so customer satisfaction is a must along with the warm welcoming attitude of the staff.
My helpful hint for those students struggling with money, pick up their to-go menu and take advantage of the discount coupons on the back.
The Ate18 café gets an A for quality, taste, appearance and service.
17620 Ventura Blvd.Encino, CA 91316www.ate18.com818-728-1212