California’s San Fernando Valley (a.k.a. The Valley) has long been known for its Spanish architecture, movie studios and strip malls. But more recently, it's been recognized for having produced She Wants Revenge, a self-proclaimed dark-wave rock band laden with wide-ranging '80s influences including Joy Division, The Cure, Suicide and Depeche Mode - the latter with which the duo, comprised of Justin Warfield and Adam Bravin, toured last year.

As of last month, the band's at it again – bringing their latest LP, This is Forever – to a city near you. We caught up with the band about a third of the way through their time on the road, and asked for a first-hand guide to their stomping grounds in the Valley. We were off to a good start when Bravin responded with an exclamatory, “I’m all about the valley!” In his own words:

How’s the tour going so far?
We’re in Denver right now; playing tonight at the Gothic Theatre. We just started - we’ve played about six shows. It’s so nice not only to be back on tour but to play all the new material too.

What do you two get homesick for first when you’re on tour?
Definitely our favorite food. Well, for Justin, it’s probably his new baby. For me it’s my bed and my favorite food spots. In the Valley it's Henry's Tacos.

What do you order there?
I usually get three ground beef tacos and one bean, rice and cheese burrito. I’ve been going there most of my life.

How would you describe the Valley to someone who’s never been?
They should watch Valley Girl, because it’s pretty much exactly like how it is. For people in LA, it’s totally another world… as much as I love the Valley they’re kind of one step behind everybody else, but it’s a great, homey place with a lot of great people.

There are quite a few stereotypes of Valley dwellers. What are the biggest misconceptions about people who live in the valley?
People think that valley people speak like valley girls from the '80s; not everybody goes around going, ‘oh my god!’… although some do.

What are the best local spots to see live music?
Live music in the valley is kind of tough. There’s The Baked Potato– it’s a little bar/club where bands play. We would love to play a show in the valley, but there aren’t really any places to do it. We’ll probably do a free show at North Hollywood High. I went to high school there. Justin wanted to do this benefit that we played recently, so it’s my turn to choose the next one. So when we have time I want to do a free show at my high school.

Do you two have any staple dive bars?
Lucky Chimney Sweep, we used to go there all the time. It’s a typical dive bar - great jukebox, people that have probably been drinking there all day. It’s really nice. I used to live a couple blocks away. There’s a place called Starlight, right next to Henry’s Tacos. It’s another great dive bar.

What about other great valley restaurants?
Casa Vega is another amazing Mexican place. The food is amazing; the atmosphere is amazing. They serve sangrita, which only a couple places in LA have. It’s a tomato-based tequila back – you do a shot of tequila and then you drink this kind of chaser… almost like a bloody mary mix that’s fresh and spicier. I don’t’ even think they have it on the menu you just have to know about it.

What about for fine dining, say, if your label was footing the bill?
There are a million great places to eat in the valley. Smoke House- Justin and I go there all the time when we want to get a good steak. Morton's, a really amazing steakhouse in Burbank, is always good. And the best sushi is in the valley for sure. There are two places that are my two favorite sushi places in the world -- one is called Katsuya. It is the original one. I’ve been going there for 10 years, so we became friends with Katsu and would go out with him. And then right up the street there’s a place called Nozawa – which is known as the sushi Nazi. If you sit at the counter you can’t order. Chef Nozowa has a sign that says, “Trust me.” So you just order the special and he just gives you what ever he makes and it’s the best. I recommend it, just don’t pull out your cell phone or you’ll get kicked out. The best BBQ is at Doctor Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ. They have the most amazing BBQ ribs ever. I’ve been to Tyler, Texas and it blows Tyler away. I’ve been going there since I was a kid so I might be a little biased, but everyone I’ve taken there is like, “wow!” Carney's has the best burger in the valley. And the best falafel and Mediterranean spot is the Pita Kitchen. They have the best chicken schnitzel and the best hummus. We don’t’ go to the valley that often anymore, but when we do go it’s usually to eat.

I know you DJ in LA quite a bit. Have you ever spun in the valley?
Growing up I did but not really at any clubs, because I was too young. But I did all the high school parties.

Are there any particularly great hotels?
There’s a great hotel where, whenever my mom comes into town, that’s where she stays. It’s called Graciela. It’s small - not the type of hotel you’d expect to find in the valley. They’re really nice there, the rooms are great, and since my dog has become my mom’s dog it’s rather difficult finding a hotel that accepts pets. They always give her the same room and they allow pets and the food there is great. Once you stay there you always want to go back.

Would you say that San Fernando has significantly influenced you and Justin, in terms of music or anything else?
Absolutely with the music – we grew up in the valley listening to KRock. Everything we were learning as far as music was concerned, we were listening to the radio… especially with what we’re doing now with She Wants Revenge. We wouldn’t know about Depeche Mode, the Cure, and so many other great bands without it. Just being a valley boy, riding skateboards, listening to K-Rock, we’re still the same kids.

~Alisa Gould-Simon

Go There:
Carney's, 12601 Ventura Blvd
Lucky Chimney Sweep, 11433 Ruggiero Ave, Sylmar CA
Morton's Steakhouse, 3400 W Olive Ave, Burbank
Sushi Nozawa, 11288 Ventura Blvd
Doctor Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ, 8136 N Sepulveda Blvd
Pita Kitchen, 14500 Ventura Blvd