Marla's Cafe, Venice

As her catering and party-planning career neared its 20th year, Marla Barreira felt ready to lead a dining space of her own. At Marla's Cafe, she crafts dishes that draw on her favorite American, Italian, and Latin flavors, from shrimp tacos to chicken lasagna. In one specialty, Filet mignon gets doused with a wild mushroom reduction; she also whips up more than five housemade soups, including spinach cilantro. Feel free to enjoy your meal in the cozy front dining room or on the heated patio right off Victoria Street, or immediately spoon it into a duffel bag and eat it at home.