Message: | The northwestern boundary of Pierce College is Victory Boulevard and DeSoto Avenue in Canoga Park. From that intersection, walk, drive, bicycle, or skate one block north to Vanowen Street. In a little strip mall just east of DeSoto sits Uncle Mike's Italian Restaurant, an unpretentious formica table joint at 20844 Vanowen. Rolly-polly Uncle Mike usually sits at a table right inside the front door, presiding over his harem. The college students and staff have been munching there for years. Mike's awesome Italian Sandwiches have kept me driving there for his simple and comforting food from a distance of 25 miles away for as long as I can remember. My favorites are the steak Italiano, the fried sausage, onions, mushrooms & peppers, and the steak pizzaiola sandwiches. Each of these monster creations, dripping with olive oil from the frying griddle, cost a little over $6. The menu is extensive, crammed with southern Italian dishes (shrimp fra diavolo, chicken cacciatore, pastas) but I invariably go for the sandwiches. Uncle Mike lost his beer & wine license, so either bring your own or get the soft drinks. |