"TD" is not a person but a team (Telly
and Deanna), who created an
award-winning Southern California
eatery. Telly started in the restaurant
business at the tender age of 4, when he
peeled potatoes at his Greek mother
Helen's famous place called, "Nick's."
Deanna, Telly's partner in business and
life, shares his love of the food biz,
having started out as a waitress at the
legendary Arthur's. She has lived in
four houses in Downey since the 1960s.
Together, TD sizzle because of their
knowledge of great local eats, their
chemistry in the kitchen and their
genuine love of customers--always taking
time to listen and truly care about
their guests. They listened to our
question, and even though there are many
fine food facilities in Downey, here's
what they said are 10 of their
favorites.
1. CHRIS & PITTS, 9243 Lakewood Blvd.
"The BBQ Pork Ribs & Top Sirloin Steak
are fantastic!"
2. EL TACO, 7665 Firestone Blvd.
"Best Quesadillas, red or green."
3. STOX, 9518 Imperial Highway
"Bacon and eggs; diced ham and eggs."
4. MAUI SUSHI & TERIYAKI, 9230 Lakewood
Blvd.
"Big Bear Roll and Downey Roll."
5. MARISA'S, 11949 Paramount Blvd.
"Beef & Bean Burrito"
6. PLAZA GUADALAJARA, 8200 Third St.
"Love the Wet Green Burrito"
7. GRANATA'S ITALIAN VILLA, 11032 Downey
Ave.
"Delicious Lasagna, with meat sauce,
ricotta and mozzarella"
8. DIPPITY DONUTS, 9512 Firestone Blvd.
"Bearclaws and Banana Nut Muffins"
9. PINA PIZZA, 11102 Paramount Blvd.
"Get the Pastrami Pizza with mustard,
pickles, tomato and cheese"
10. ARTHUR'S, 8813 Lakewood Blvd.
"'Arthur's OJ' with fresh squeezed
orange juice and homemade biscuits and
gravy"
Downey Dining
Downey is home to the the oldest surviving McDonald's building shown in photo, located at 10207 Lakewood Blvd. Built in 1953 as the third franchised McDonald's, it is on the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It was one of the first restaurants franchised by Dick and Mac McDonald and still has the original Golden arches and a 60-foot animated neon Speedee sign. Very cool!
Downey is also home to the first Taco Bell, opened by Glen Bell on Mar. 21, 1962.
Downey has one of three remaining Chris & Pitts BBQ restaurants. Once a larger chain, most outlets have closed.
Top 10 Food "Joints" in Downey, California