Ernie's Celebrates 59 Years; Win a $59 Gift Certificate

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant at 4410 Lankershim Blvd. is celebrating 59 years in business today.

In honor of the anniversary, North Hollywood-Toluca Lake Patch is giving away a $59 gift certificate at Ernie's to the first person to email in the correct answer to the following question:

• What San Fernando Valley-based chain of hot dog stands, which is celebrating its 65th anniversary this weekend, used to have its original location in North Hollywood at the corner of Lankershim and Burbank boulevards?

Send your answers to craig.clough@patch.com

From Patch's for Ernie's:

Ernie's Mexican Restaurant has been serving North Hollywood locals since its opening night in June 1952. Its creator, Ernie Cruz, brought authentic Mexican cuisine to Southern California when the only option was a few taco stands scattered in the Latin communities. It provides great food with great service in a cozy Mexican restaurant setting. There is live entertainment on the weekends with a vibrant Mariachi band on Fridays and a softer, romantic jazz trio on Saturday nights. It is open for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant may be rented for private events, or you can reserve a private section of the restaurant for special occasions. It also does outside catering for its neighbors in the entertainment industry.