Mexican food has become as American as hamburgers and hotdogs in recent years, resulting in many foodies searching everywhere for authentic south-of-the-border fair.   The good news is that authentic Mexican food can be found at the 4 Don Cucos family-run restaurants in the Southern California area.  Don Cuco, the founder and patriarch of the self named Don Cucos Mexican Restaurants came to the USA in the late 50s and opened his first restaurant in 1969.  Using traditional Mexican spices and old family recipes, Don Cucos is a terrific alternative to the chain restaurants that litter nearly every street corner in Southern California.   We frequent the restaurant located in Burbank on Riverside Drive.  This location while small, is intimate and cozy and perfect for a first date or family outing.  Make reservations or be prepared to wait for a table, especially during the weekend.

Your menu choices at Don Cucos are not limited: the traditional tacos are delicious and I recommend everyone try them with the fish alternative.  The enchiladas Sonora are a real treat made with Jalapeo tortillas and fresh salsa.  Fresh fish and seafood are offered and the shrimp is tasty when combined with guacamole and salsa.  And lastly, dont forget about the fresh margaritas with dinner, theyre delicious.

Address: Don Cucos, 3911 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91505, 818-842-1143

D'Cache
This lovely Latin fusion restaurant features tapas at happy hour, rum tastings, and live flamingo music in the main dining area.

Address: 10707 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake.  Http://www.dcacherestaurant.com .

Hair:
Tamara Dahill Salon
Tamara's has been a fixture at 10216 Riverside Drive for many years now and her stylists are uniformly excellent.  Visit tdsalon.com for a complete menu of salon services including all hair styling services, facials, spa treatments and more.  Tamara herself trained at Vidal Sasson's school in London and began her career by specializing in men's haircuts.  Today, she's a hair color genius in addition to giving fabulous cuts and other styling services.  If you need Japanese straightening or thermal reconditioning, Alison Carroll is the person to see.  I've had my hair straightened by four separate, experienced stylists over the years and Alison is head-and-shoulders above any of the others in talent.  Although it sounds trite to say, she's changed my life!  Ask her about Mikey, her pet ferret.  Regardless of who at the salon you visit, you'll like the prompt service, the competitive prices, and happy, lively atmosphere.  Telephone 818-752-6567 or 818-285-4101.

Jewelry Repair:
Altobelli Jewelers
Client and friend Barbara Wise recently found a great jewelry store in North Hollywood (okay, my North Hollywood page is coming soon but Toluca Lake is close) called Altobelli Jewelers.  Barbara says they are top of the line for appraisals and repair as well as selection. Visit their website at www.Altobelli.com.

Doctor:
George S. Tabor, M.D. (Dermatology)
If you have skin problems or would like other cosmetic services, Dr. Tabor is the person to see.  Since 1971, Dr. George S. Tabor has been practicing in the same office in the Burbank/Toluca Lake area.  He graduated George Washington University Medical School, Washington, D.C., interned at LA County/USC, completed his dermatology residency at UCLA, and is a member of the Los Angeles County Medical Association, as well as a member and past president of the San Fernando Valley Dermatological Society.  I've known his expert assistants, Janine and Angie, for so long that I consider them friends!  The office is located at 3808 Riverside Drive, Suite 404, Burbank, CA 91505. Telephone: 818-845-8558.

Alternative Healing:
Melinda Utal-Martinez (HypnoCoach, Hypnotherapist, EFT Practitioner)
For those who seek alternatives to conventional behavior-modification therapies and the usual time-intensive (and costly) theraputic ways of changing thought patterns, hypnotherapy may be for you.  Hypnosis is a way to access the subconscious mind, which holds memories, drives habitual behavior, and maintains physical and emotional health. And holistic hypnotherapists don't come better than Melinda Utal-Martinez.  She can be reached at Melinda@FindYourTrueSelf.com and at 818-326-7213. Her website is www.FindYourTrueSelf.com and her blog address is: http://hypnosiscoaching.blogspot.com.