SPECIAL BITE: Apparently the best part of eating beef brisket is the “burnt ends” which are rubbed, double-smoked and surprisingly tender and flavorful. Smoked and served with BBQ sauce, the ends are dubbed “meat candy.” Alex Benes, who is hailed as the "Sultan of Smoke" for his role as culinary director and partner at Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill, says he discovered that when he made them as a treat for a gathering at one of the restaurants.

"The reaction was off the hook," explains Alex. "Since we’re always looking to introduce new ways for our guests to enjoy different iconic BBQ items, we thought we’d share with everyone.”

Alex is now testing them every Wednesday from 4 p.m. until they sell out, with three different dishes: burnt ends with Carolina slaw and choice of original, chipotle cherry or habanero peach BBQ sauce ($11.95); burnt ends sandwich served on sesame seed bun ($13.95); burnt ends mac & cheese ($16.95). 

Find Wood Ranch locally in Agoura, Northridge and The Grove. woodranch.com

GREAT DEAL ALERT: The Six in Studio City and Calabasas offers “neighborhood Mondays”—just tell your server you’re a "neighbor" and receive 25% off your bill. thesixrestaurant.com