06/30/09

Rest in Peace Randy

by derbydanxx

I was extremely saddened to learn that Randy Hoffman, the owner and originator of Chili My Soul had passed away recently. The restaurant is currently closed and it's future seems uncertain at best.

I was a frequent visitor to Chili My Soul in it's early years, and hardly a week would go by where I wouldn't enjoy a meal from there at least three times. After I moved out of the valley, my trips became less frequent, but I still went whenever I could.

As the restaurant grew, the prices became very heavy (finally was $12.95 for a bowl of chili and $6.95 for a side of frys), and I stopped going entirely. As good as the food was, I couldn't justify paying that much for chili.

Even though I haven't eaten there in a number of years, Chili My Soul always was a special place for me, and Randy was passionate and enthusiastic about his craft, and truly had created something special in Encino.

Thank's for everything Randy, you'll be missed!

Dan - The "IW" guy

• Pros: Best chili ever.

08/16/08

Disappointed and overcharged

by spartanbill

The following email I sent to them last weel says it all. I called and confirmed that I had the proper email address. The person who answered the phone was aware of the email and assured me the owner would get back to me, so far he hasn't.

I brought a friend into your shop on Saturday night 8-9-08 about 645 or 700.

First, I want to point out that the chili was excellent and my friend reported the knockwurst was good too. Also, the lady at the counter was friendly and helpful

Now for the negatives. The restaurant was FILTHY! There were dirty plates on some of the tables that remained there the entire time we were there. There were also dirty plates at the pass through window that sat for almost the entire 30 minutes we were there. There were no clean spoons on the service bar, we had to ask for clean silverware. And their were spilled French fries from a previous customer at out feet.

Also, my garlic bread and my friends roll that the knockwurst was on were both stale and possibly freezer burned.

To make matters worse, it appears we were overcharged.

Since know menu prices were posted, I did not realize it until I got a chance to look at your website today.

We ordered the following-1 Bowl Texas Pride Chili w/ the 3 toppings only 9.95

1 Knockwurst plate with chili and cheese but no add-ons 9.95-1 soft drink 1.65 (my friend had water)

That totals 21.55 and by my calculations the tax should have been 1.78-

Which should have totaled 23.33. We were charged 30.47. I was not given a receipt so I don?t know what I was actually charged for.

I can tell you that my friend will never go back there again. Since I sometimes work in Encino; I would like to, but I really don?t want a repeat of aturday night. What are your thoughts on the matter?

• Pros: decent chili
• Cons: filthy seating area, prices are 30 % higher than the website shows they are

02/18/08

Amazing Comfort Food...

by lindseyholbrook

This jazzy joint is amazing to say the least! They have at least 15 different and unique chili flavors every day including 2 vegetarian chili choices. And it's all healthy! Low in fat and sodium, but extremely high in flavor. It's like walking into your favorite ice cream palor without the fear of gaining extra pounds. You can sample any and all of the chili they have for the day!

And there is more than just chili - chopped salad, homemade cornbread, fresh torilla chips, hamburgers and hotdogs, baked potatoes, something they call "The Folded", and they have the best fries anywhere in L.A.!

The service has always been friendly and they have always made me feel valued. I was there one night they had live music and was told that Thursday and Sunday are live music nights.

I was forced into trying this place by a friend. I hated chili before I tried Chili My Soul. I have no doubts that anyone going there for the first time will be back for more and those that know this place know exactly what I'm talking about!

Heaven in a bowl and it warms your belly from the first spoonful...