First Thursdays Gourmet Food Trucks at Plaza Park in Oxnard

The first Thursday of the month is Gourmet Food Truck Night in Oxnard's Plaza Park, 519 South C Street. Each event brings 8 to 12 of the hottest trucks in the south land. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with live music and local vendors. Plenty of free parking on street and in public lots. More information at downtownoxnard.org/first-thursdays.

Upcoming Dates: April 6

Sprinkles ATM Located at The Oaks Shopping Mall in Thousand Oaks

There is a Sprinkles “ATM” located on the first level of The Oaks in Thousand Oaks on the 1st level, east side next to the Starbucks stand. Yes, I know, technically it is not an “Automated Teller Machine,” but that’s what Sprinkles calls them and these cupcake vending machines are located at over a dozen malls and other places around Southern California.

Flavors include Red Velvet, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Sprinkles, Black & White, and Banana. So if you’re looking to fill that cupcake craving, you can conquer that quickly at The Oaks. Pricing as of March 2022 was $5.99 per cupcake. “Baked Fresh & Replenished Daily” is what they indicate.

More information at sprinkles.com/pages/location-the-oaks.

BAKERIES, DONUTS, CUPCAKES AND BAGELS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Followers Chime In On Favorite Dishes at Country Harvest in Newbury Park

With the latest Stay at Home Order shutting down inside service at local eateries in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura/LA Counties once again, we decided to take it upon ourselves to do a little something that would help promote local eateries and have a bit of fun.

Since mid-July,, we’ve been raising funds from Conejo Valley Guide social media followers and using proceeds raised to purchase gift cards at local Conejo Valley area eateries (that in turn were suggested by CVG Facebook Page followers). As of August 1st, we have raised over $1,900 from 113 individuals and organizations. If every social media follower gave a $1, we’d have well over $40,000 earmarked for local business!

To give to this fund, and every $1 helps, donate via credit card at bit.ly/CVG Fund or via Paypal at paypal.me/ConejoValleyGuide.

Our first gift card drawing was on July 22nd, for a $50 gift card at Country Harvest, 3345 Kimber Drive, Newbury Park. We asked folks to pick an item from Country Harvest’s menu to enter the drawing. Here’s a compilation of the responses for some food for thought (in no particular order):

• Fresh Garden Pita with Grilled Chicken and Avocado added

• Liver and Onions

• Chicken Marsala

• Eggs Benedict - mentioned 11 times (including Seafood Benedict, Bacon & Avocado Benedict, California Benedict)

• Steak Sandwich

• Cobb Salad - mentioned twice

• Turkey Dinner

• Breakfast Burrito - mentioned 8 times

• Belgium Waffles with Strawberries - mentioned 6 times

• Wahoo Fish Salad - mentioned twice

• Lemon Chicken Avocado Sandwich

• Chicken and Waffles - mentioned twice

• Meatloaf - mentioned twice

• Fish & Chips - mentioned 5 times

• Fried Chicken - mentioned twice

• Caesar Salad

• Shrimp Scampi- mentioned twice

• Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry - mentioned twice

• Country Fried Steak and Eggs - mentioned 7 times

• Steak and Eggs

• Hot Pastrami on Rye

• Country Skillet Breakfast - mentioned 4 times

• Tri Tip Sandwich or Dinner - mentioned twice

• Jumbo Shrimp Salad

• French Toast Platter - mentioned 3 times

• Burger and Curly Fries or Zucchini Fries - mentioned twice

• Pancakes, Bacon and Sausage - mentioned 7 times (including, banana, blueberry, walnut and granola)

• Chicken Waldorf Salad

• Cheesecake

• French Dip Sandwich - mentioned twice

• Philly Cheesesteak

• Club Sandwich - mentioned 3 times

• Country Biscuit Breakfast - mentioned 4 times

• Tuna or Turkey Melt with Avocado - mentioned twice

• Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

• Pot Roast - mentioned twice

• Patty Melt - mentioned twice

• Croissant Breakfast Sandwich - mentioned 3 times

• Strawberry Shortcake

• Chicken Salad Pita

• Blackened Salmon Caesar

• Bacon Swiss Burger

• Corned Beef Hash Breakfast - mentioned twice

• Avocado Toast - mentioned 3 times

• BBQ Chicken Wrap

• Health Nut Sandwich

• Garden Burger Platter

• Quiche

• Taco Salad

• Cilantro Chicken Salad

• Ham Steak Breakfast

As of August 1st, we have given away gift cards 11 days in a row on the CVG Facebook Page and this will continue until we have spent all funds raised. At this point, it will be at least another two or three weeks of drawings! Having some fun with this!

Learn more about Country Harvest, which has operated in Newbury Park since May 27, 2002, at www.countryharvest.restaurant or call 805.375.4598.

Camarillo Health Care District Hosts Free "Produce Day" 2nd Thursday of the Month

Camarillo Health Care District Hosts Free "Produce Day" in Partnership with FOOD Share

The Camarillo Health Care District, in partnership with FOOD Share, hosts a free “Produce Day” on the 2nd Thursday of each month, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at District offices located at 3639 E. Las Posas Road, Suite 117, in Camarillo.  Participants can select, at no charge, from a variety of seasonal produce items. Produce is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring bags (the flyer above says bags will be provided; but this has changed). There are no eligibility requirements. 

The District usually posts what produce is being offered the morning of each Free Produce Day event on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CamarilloHealthCareDistrict.

Health screenings and other services are also available in conjunction with this event, held every second Thursday of the month, at no charge. There are no eligibility requirements and produce is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call to register, (805) 388-1952, ext. 100.

The Camarillo Health Care District is a public agency formed in 1969 by the voters of the Pleasant Valley and surrounding areas to provide community health, wellness and safety services. Learn more at www.camhealth.com.

2017 Summer Meal Service Sites in Ventura County

If you know of folks with school aged children in need of a meal during the summer months, there are some useful tools available to help them. 

An example of what you receive when you text "food" to 877877. 

No Kid Hungry has made this simple. Just text “food” to 877-877 (or “comida” for a reply in Spanish). You will receive a prompt reply asking for your address or zip code. After submitting that, you will be given local meal site options. No Kid Hungry developed this system with the USDA.

Or you can visit www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks to find a meal site via on online map.

Lastly, you can also visit the California Department of Education website at www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sh/sn/summersites17.asp to find local meal sites throughout California. Or drill down specifically to Ventura County sites at www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sh/sn/ap/summersites.asp?year=2017&countyname=Ventura.

Generally the sites are open from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm but contact the specific site to verify. The Conejo Valley USD sites are open until 1 pm. There are no income parameters associated with this program. You just need to be between the ages of 2 and 18.

(Special thanks to Katrina R, who tipped us off to the handy No Kid Hungry text system.)

You Never Go Wrong With a Costco Hot Dog

Six years later (January 2017) and the Costco Hot Dog and drink is still just $1.50.

Originally Published February 24, 2011

For $1.50 I enjoy the simple enjoyment of a Costco hot dog and a soft drink. It is always a bargain, and for another $1, I love the huge churros that they offer, washed down with a $1.50 berry smoothie. Since I usually eat pretty healthy, this occasional splurge causes me no feelings of guilt.

This is one big hot dog, and the buns are always fresh, wrapped the same way they serve them at Dodger Stadium. And around the corner there is mustard, ketchup (ycchh, I'm hoping the ketchup is limited to kids' hot dogs under age 10), relish and onions.  I love the onion machine...you know, the one where you turn a crank and the chopped onions barrel out on top of the hot dog.

Ah yes, to live life to its fullest, one must stop by and dine on one of those $1.50 hot dog/soda combos at Costco.

3rd Annual Conejo Valley Restaurant Week Planned for April 21-25, 2013

Conejo Valley Restaurant Week is back for a 3rd helping this year from April 21st to 25th! Participing restaurants in the Conejo Valley and adjacent cities will offer special prix fixe (that means "fixed price" to English as Only Language types like me), 2 course lunch (NEW this year) and/or 3-course dinner menus to hungry people like you and me!

Meals will be offered at a minimum of 30% off the regular menu price. Gotta love that!

Lunch: two for $10; $10 and $15 pricing. Dinner: two for $15; and $15, $25 and $35 (tax, beverages and gratuity are not included). Participating restaurants include fast-casual and fine dining establishments.

Visit a favorite restaurant, try a new one or dine out every night of the week with family and friends. Prices do not include beverages, tax and tip. Visit www.conejorestaurantweek.com for more details and links to restaurant websites. The list will grow as we get closer to the dates of the event.

Several new local restaurants are participating, including Paul Martin's, Cinepolis, Burgerwerkz, DISH and Mulberry Street Pizzeria.

Bon appetit! (That means...ENJOY YOUR MEAL!)

Restaurants interested in participating can contact Danielle Borja at the Chamber: 805.370.0035 or dborja@conejochamber.org.