Ceramics Studio in Oxnard is New; Ceramics Studio in Camarillo is Adieu

Recently, Paintin' Place vacated its location at 330 N. Lantana in Camarillo in the Paseo Camarillo Shopping Center. Sorry to see them go. In the meantime, a new Color Me Mine Paint it Yourself Pottery location opened at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard last November. So net/net we are "even" in terms of paint-your-own-pottery places around town.

Click the image for a link to various ceramics studios in and around Ventura County.

Seven New Eateries Set to Open at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard in 2013

The Collection at Riverpark outdoor shopping center in Oxnard has no less than seven new eateries set to open in 2013. In addition a new Menchie's Frozen Yogurt opened on February 9th.

In spring 2013, Gandolfo's New York Deli, Gen Korean BBQ and Famous Dave's BBQ are planning to open. Gandolfo's is indicating a grand opening date of March 28th. Additionally, a new Starbucks (hey they have food so you could consider that an eatery, right :).

More recently The Collection announced that that Yard House, Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill will open later in 2013.

Yard House offers American fusion cuisine featuring appetizers, salads, pastas, sandwiches, street tacos, grilled burgers, individual-size pizzas, seafood, steaks and ribs. Yard House is also known for its wide selection of imported, craft and specialty ales and lagers—more than 100 different types on tap.

Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana will open its fifth location at The Collection. Settebello’s Pizzeria specializes in wood-fired Napoletana-style pizza, which is a softer crust pizza that cooks very quickly at high temperatures. Whenever possible, the ingredients are imported from the Napoli region of Italy, and when importing is not a possibility, they find the highest quality comparable American products.

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill will bring its unique country vibe to the center, along with a guitar-shaped bar and “live music, whiskey girls, and beer in mason jars.” Toby Keith’s also offers a family friendly lunch and dinner menu, so feel free to bring the kids. Toby Keith’s also brings in live country-western bands, live-band karaoke and free line dancing lessons.

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Darryl's Couch Craft Beer Pub Opened in Camarillo in Late 2012

Darryl's Couch Craft Beer Pub opened in the latter part of 2012. It is located at the bottom of the Conejo Grade off the the Camarillo Springs exit at 795 Camarillo Springs Road, Suite E, Camarillo. This is a craft beer lover's dream watering hole, featuring 11 rotating draft beers and another 30 or so bottled selections. While they don't serve food at the bar, you are welcome to bring your own or stop by the Village Greens Market next door.

Owner/manager Darryl Levi is a beer connoisseur who regularly treats customers to a new "Mystery Beer" that are subsequently shared on the bar's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/darryls.couch. Stop by and enjoy a relaxed environment and enjoy a game of pool. Visit www.darrylscouch.com or call 805.389.8947 for more information.

California Kettle Corn Retail Store Recently Opened in Newbury Park

California Kettle Corn recently opened what I believe is the only kettle corn retail shop in the area. Located at the Wendy/Kimber Plaza at 3321 Kimber Drive in Newbury Park (directly adjacent to the tantalizing N' Awlinz Bistro). I stopped by on a recent visit to Tony's Pizza and purchased several of the ten or so different flavors for my family's crunching pleasure. Needless to say, I didn't get to try any because my wife and kids devoured it.

Kettle corn flavors currently offered by California Kettle Corn includes bacon and cheddar, cheddar, chocolate, caramel, chocolate/caramel, hot jalapeno, grape, blue rasberry, pink strawberry and sweet corn. In addition, they serve specialty lemonades and shaved ice.

Learn more at cakettlecorn.com or call 805.715.1500.

Could It Be That a New Drive-Thru Starbucks in Newbury Park Coming in Early 2013?

Update 1/18/13: The Newbury Park Drive Thru Starbucks opened today.

Update 1/10/13: Starbucks employees indicated today that the drive-thru Starbucks across the parking lot will be opening on January 17th! Next to it is a Sprint store (there's also a Verizon store and AT&T store at The Village at Newbury Park.


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New Family Indoor Fun Facility "Scooter's Jungle" Coming Soon to Simi Valley

Update 12/20/12: Scooter's Jungle opened its doors today.

Update 12/1/12: Scooter's Jungle Simi Valley is opening very soon. Check their website at www.scootersjungle.com/simi-valley.php for schedule.

Update 10/16/12: Anticipated opening date is in the mid-November time frame! Scooter's Jungle Simi Valley is now accepting job applications at www.scootersjungle.com/job_opportunities.php?location=5!

Scooter’s Jungle is Coming Soon to Simi Valley!!  

By late summer, Scooter’s Jungle Simi Valley will be your neighborhood destination for private family fun in a safe, clean and creative environment with over 12,000 square feet of fun!

Scooter’s Jungle will have huge, custom-made inflatable jumpers and permanent structures that include the tallest and longest indoor inflatable slide. At Scooter's Jungle, play equipment is right-sized for kids and parents to play, together ensuring an active, memorable and fun-filled experience.

Featuring both open play and private events including birthday parties, fundraisers and team gatherings, Scooter’s Jungle is a wild good time for everyone. free table games and a DJ‑quality music system will add extra energy and excitement to your experience.

The Simi Valley Scooter's Jungle location will be at 2250 Union Place, Unit B (just around the corner from Strathearn Historical Park).

For updates, like us on Facebook at Scooter’s Jungle Simi Valley and visit the Scooter's Jungle Simi Valley website at www.scootersjungle.com/simi-valley.php.

Here is a video with additional information about Scooter's Jungle. The next closest location to Ventura County is in Valencia.

A 99 Cents Only Store Appears to Be Coming to Old Roller Dome Thousand Oaks Spot

UPDATE: The 99 Cents Store chain closed all stores, including this one, in the spring of 2024.

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Over two years ago, the Roller Dome indoor roller skating facility at North Oaks Plaza, 950 Avenida de los Arboles in Thousand Oaks closed its doors. Recently a CVG Facebook follower alerted us to what appears to be a future new tenant at this location, a 99 Cents Only Store. There are other 99 Cents Only stores in Camarillo, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura (2). Stay tuned.

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Evolution of the Former El Torito in Thousand Oaks Through the Holiday Season

The former Thousand Oaks El Torito on 449 N. Moorpark Road closed on January 24, 2012. Chick-fil-A is said to be considering the location for a sit down restaurant. In October it became "The Best Halloween Store Ever!" And now, beginning November 29th, the Christmas Store, specializing in Christmas decor. fresh wreaths, decorated trees, custom centerpieces, garlands and potted poinsettia, will open for the upcoming holiday season. Phone is 805.494.5300. For over 100 upcoming Conejo Valley and Ventura County area holiday season events, CLICK HERE!

Latest temporary occupant of the old El Torito in Thousand Oaks

Latest temporary occupant of the old El Torito in Thousand Oaks

This Halloween Store occupied the Former El Torito spot during October

This Halloween Store occupied the Former El Torito spot during October

And in memory to the prior occupant of this space. We miss your margaritas, El Torito!

And in memory to the prior occupant of this space. We miss your margaritas, El Torito!