As we heard a month ago, Public School 805 is opening at The Promenade at Westlake on Monday, June 17th. The restaurant/bar built from the ground up adjacent to The Grill on the Alley (same ownership) features craft beer and a chef-driven menu by Thousand Oaks native, Executive Chef Phil Kastel. I got a sneak pre-opening peek!

Very comfortable setting and a nice covered outdoor area. The decor is contemporary with touches of "old school" throughout.

Nice looking inside area looking towards the bar...you can see textbooks and a globe in the decor. (Photo provided by PS805)Looking up from our booth I saw a wall decorated with 25 old baseball gloves. Now that's old school!My wife was impressed that she was able to order both gluten and dairy free straight off the menu. We shared the Pan Seared Salmon with Cauliflower Couscous and the Pearled Farro and Brussel Salad. They were both delicious to both my wife, the self-proclaimed "Foodie" and myself. I don't eat cauliflower and brussels sprouts often but these were so good I'd dine on them anytime.

Yes I will eat cauliflower if served this way, with pan seared salmon at Public School 805Can't believe how much I enjoyed brussels sprouts in this pearled farro and brussel salad!

My wife didn't share the appetizer with me, mainly because I was off blabbering with a few people. It was the Heirloom Tomato Stack with ruby red grapefruit, balsamic reduction, basil and fire roasted pecans. She loved it and "could eat it every day."

But I got her back. Well, not really, though, as she said she was too full to share the Lemon Meringue pictured below. This was a fantastic finale that left a great taste in my mouth for the next hour. It was so good that I didn't even polish off the beer in front of me.

Other featured menu items include Dragoons Irish Stout Short Ribs, Colorado Lamb Burger, and Roasted Poblano with Quinoa. There's also Scrimshaw Fish and Chips, Chorizo and Shrimp Campanelle and woodfired pizzas among other items. On tap are craft beers from the U.S. and around the world. 24 on tap (16 rotating taps) and bottles and cans. Full bar with wine and cocktails also available.

Full lunch and dinner menus with most items in the $10 to $10 range, plus some great "Recess" (Happy Hour) specials for $4-$6 in the bar area from 4-7PM on weeknights. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

I get the feeling that this place will be very popular. Has a great look and feel. High quality, yet casual. My wife of course wants to come back...with her friends! :) Learn more at www.publicschool805.com.