To-Go TakesLos Angeles

Casa Vega’s Christy Vega Gets Everything From French to Greek to Pho Around The Valley

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To-Go Takes is Resy’s regular feature wherein we quiz the folks behind some of our favorite restaurants about all things related to takeout.

In this edition, we speak to Christy Vega, the chef and co-owner of the longstanding Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks. With all the pivots, plus losing her father (and founder of the restaurant) in the past year, Vega still has an upbeat attitude to see things through to the other side. From partnering with Dave Grohl for a special taco to raise funds for No Us Without You to opening a drive-thru for easy burrito pickups and frequenting her favorite restaurants around the Valley, she continues to support the industry and her community any way she can.

The restaurant is currently only open for takeout and delivery, but reopens outdoor dining on February 22, which also happens to be National Margarita Day. Make reservations here.


Restaurant: Casa Vega
Name + Title: Christy Vega, Chef & Owner

Resy: What’s your favorite dish from the Casa Vega takeout menu? 

Vega: These days, I’m loving the empanada burrito with chile verde. It’s my go-to meal when I’m stressed.

A full Casa Vega spread.
A full Casa Vega spread under the big top AKA the outdoor dining patio. Photo by Dave Schwep
A full Casa Vega spread.
A full Casa Vega spread under the big top AKA the outdoor dining patio. Photo by Dave Schwep

What about when you get takeout. Where are you going these days? 

Anything from Petit Trois, but I’m particularly addicted to the omelette. The crispy buttermilk fried chicken sandwich from The Local Peasant. The albacore with crispy onions from Katsu-ya. The best meat lasagna from Maria’s Italian Kitchen. The blue Mediterranean salad and avgolemono soup from The Great Greek. And the soul-warming chicken curry pho from Let’s Pho

What’s a tip someone can do to amp up your takeout? 

Try to eat it right away if you can.  I love how we can now get cocktails to go, too! I also love to see when customers put their drinks in real glassware at home and top it with the garnishes that come with it.  Same for your takeout. Plate it at home and have fun with it!

What’s your favorite place for to-go cocktails and why?

Claudine in Encino. I love their avocado toast and I always get it with a Bloody Mary. The packaging is so cute, and I love all the garnishes that come along with it.

Margaritas at Casa Vega.
Margaritas, margaritas and more margaritas offered for takeout and dining in. Photo by Dave Schwep
Margaritas at Casa Vega.
Margaritas, margaritas and more margaritas offered for takeout and dining in. Photo by Dave Schwep

What single restaurant dish would you walk miles for?

Oh, the oysters at République. Served with their mignonette. 

What was your first meal out when restaurants reopened? 

One of my first meals out when restaurants reopened was at Spago in Beverly Hills. I was so impressed. The food was fantastic, and they really did an amazing job with their outdoor setup.  Plus they have an amazing tequila cocktail that takes the stress away.

What do you miss most about restaurants being open?

I miss my restaurant the most. I miss the hum of a busy restaurant. The feeling when you walk in, the people chattering at tables, margarita glasses clinking, people smiling, people relaxing and most of all saying “yes” to customers, instead of having to be COVID-19 rule enforcers.  I love everything about restaurants, from working in them to dining in them as a customer. My father loved to dine at restaurants. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always been drawn to restaurants for a variety of reasons. But boy, do I miss them.


Casa Vega is open for takeout and delivery; order here. Make reservations here for outdoor dining when it returns on February 22.