Sidecar Restaurant in Ventura to Close Its Doors After 10 Years on Tuesday, May 14th

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Acclaimed Ventura Restaurant is Going Out With A Roar During Its Final Months Of Business March-May 14, 2013

Sidecar Restaurant is honoring its departure with a new lunch and dinner menu, Easter and Mother’s Day brunch reservations

The 1910 Pullman railway car that houses Sidecar Restaurant is blowing its whistle to announce its closing due to the end of their ten-year lease.  “Although the circumstances are less than ideal; we did our best to renegotiate our lease,” says Executive Chef and Owner, Tim Kilcoyne. “However, we are not disheartened and instead, we are commemorating Sidecar’s decade of success with two new menus, as well as Easter and Mother’s Day Brunch.”   The Sidecar will close its doors after the popular, and final, Grilled Cheese & Jazz Night, on Tuesday, May 14th.

New Lunch Menu (Tuesday-Friday: 11:30a.m.-2p.m.)

True to Chef Tim’s simple, seasonal and fresh culinary style, while keeping local favorites in mind, midday menu offerings include: Fried Chicken Sandwich with Tabasco aioli, blue cheese slaw, and pickles; Sidecar Burger and Fries with California grass fed beef, lettuce, pepper marmalade, burger sauce, on a brioche bun; Fish Tacos with cabbage, avocado crema, cotija cheese and lime; or Olive Oil Poached Salmon Nicoise with anchovy, potato, red onion, beets, capers, olives, egg, and a red wine vinaigrette. 

New Dinner Menu (Wednesday-Sunday: 5p.m. - Close)

If you have a preference for gourmet pastoral fare, you will enjoy the market-driven and favorites-inspired dinner menu.  Featuring mouthwa

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County of Ventura Food Facility Closures January Through Mid-March 2013

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The County of Ventura Environmental Health Division protect public health and the environment by ensuring conformance with State laws and County ordinances pertaining to food protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, individual sewage disposal systems, land use, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, solid waste, underground fuel tanks and vector control.

The EHD publishes food facility closures at www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/community-services/consumer-food/closures.html.

The following closures were noted for the period January 1, 2013 through March 15, 2013. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.

MARCH 2013

Ameci Pizza & Pasta, 1941 N. Rose Ave. #660, Oxnard;
Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 03/14/13; Date reopened - 03/15/13

7-Eleven, 2099 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura;
No water for hand washing, utensil & equipment cleaning, & employee toilets due to water main break;
Date closed - 03/13/13; Date reopened - 03/14/13

Los Tacos Locos, 1854 Cochran Street, Simi Valley;
No hot water for utensil and equipment cleaning or hand washing;
Date closed - 03/13/13; Date reopened - 03/13/13

Adar Chevron, 983 E. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula;
No hot water for utensil and equipment cleanin

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County of Ventura Food Facility Closures During Months of November, December 2012

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The County of Ventura Environmental Health Division protect public health and the environment by ensuring conformance with State laws and County ordinances pertaining to food protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, individual sewage disposal systems, land use, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, solid waste, underground fuel tanks and vector control.

The EHD publishes food facility closures at www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/community-services/consumer-food/closures.html.

The following closures were noted for the months of November and December 2012. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.

DECEMBER 2012

Angel Donuts, 320 E. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula;

Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 12/20/12, Date reopened - 12/21/12

Akrey's Tavern, 1228 Newbury Rd., Newbury Park;

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Authentic New York Pizza at Greco's New York Pizzeria in Thousand Oaks

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That's what the wife says! She had never actually been to Greco's New York Pizzeria, located in the food court section of Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, until today. While I slave here over a hot keyboard, she's out entertaining the kids on winter break. My wife is a self-proclaimed "foodie" and is very picky about what she eats. She's also a full-blooded Italian who spent summers in New York as a kid.

Last summer she raved about the pizza in New York. Today she raved about the authentic New York style pizza at Greco's. She was so excited about the taste and authenticity of this pizza that she emailed me this picture. That is quite a large pizza. I just hope she doesn't eat the entire thing on her own! The kids and their friends are apparently helping out.

This is a 28 inch Greco's pizza, allegedly (and I believe it) larger than 3 large pizzas!

I was unable to find a website for Greco's but they can be reached at 805.777.7271.

5th Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival Announces Top Tamales in 2012

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The 5th Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival took place on a wet Saturday, December 1, 2012. This year's overall, and now two-time winner is BG's Cafe, 428 South A Street, Oxnard. If you're looking for a great tamale, BG's apparently is where it's at! Visit their website at www.bgscafe.com or call 805.487.0700. They are open 7 days a week.

BG's Cafe has been in business for over 40 years. Originally founded by Bill and Gloria Stuart (hmm, their initials are B and G, I wonder if that's a coincidence) in 1971 and was sold to Jose and Veronica Rodriguez in 2004, who have expanded the menu and added catering services.

Top 3 savory and sweet tamales at the event as determined by a panel of hungry judges:

Savory Tamale:

  • First Place; Frias Catering of Oxnard
  • Second Place; El Taco De Mexico of Ventura
  • Third Place; Panaderia La Mexicana Bakery of Oxnard

Sweet Tamale:

  • First Place; BG's Coffee Shop and Deli (aka BG's Cafe) of Downtown Oxnard
  • Second Place; Sugarbeets Restaurant & Bar of Downtown Oxnard
  • Third Place; Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales of Pacoima

This year's tamale tasting judges included: Hon. Steven Hintz, Ventura County Treasurer/Tax Collector, Catherine Hintz, Wife of Hon. Steven Hintz, Hon. Mark Lunn, Ventura County Clerk/Recorder,, Hon. Fred Bysshe, Ventura County Superior Court, Joe Mulrooney, Treasurer of Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs Association, John Ragan, ARC of Ventura County, Chef Gerard Turbush, Chef Paul Tavakoli, Nakita DiGuardi, Toni Valdez, Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters Ventura County, Chef Henry Patey of the Oxnard College Culinary Arts Program and Terrel Harrison, Director of Oxnard Police Activities League.

Stay tuned for next year's 6th Annual Oxnard Tamale Festival at www.oxnardtamalefest.com or by following their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oxnardtamalefestival.

Proceeds from the Oxnard Tamale Festival supports local non-profits and recreation projects that benefit local youth. Community grants have supplemented programs for at-risk youth, veterans, prevention of homelessness, cancer research, food pantries, recreation centers and mentally disabled individuals. Past recipients have included Oxnard City Corps, Oxnard Police Activities League, Food Share of Ventura County, ARC of Ventura County, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts Troop #228, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Santa Clara Church, American Cancer Society, and Oxnard College Veterans Club.

County of Ventura Food Facility Closures in September/October 2012

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The County of Ventura Environmental Health Division protect public health and the environment by ensuring conformance with State laws and County ordinances pertaining to food protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, individual sewage disposal systems, land use, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, solid waste, underground fuel tanks, and vector control.

The EHD publishes food facility closures at www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/community-services/consumer-food/closures.html.

The following closures were noted as of Thursday, October 25th. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.

OCTOBER 2012

 

El Oaxaco, 335 W. 4th Street, Oxnard;
Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 10/30/12; No reopen date

Bienestar y Emergia, 1023 Ventura Road, Oxnard;

No hot water for utensil and equipment cleaning, no warm water for employee handwashing;

Date closed - 10/29/12; No reopen date


El Rio Oxnard Market, 2585 Vineyard Avenue, El Rio;
Sewage backing up into the facility, no operable toilets or plumbing, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 10/25/12; Date reopened - 10/25/12

Domino's Pizza, 2581 Vineyard Avenue, El Rio;
Sewage backing up into the facility, no operable toilets or plumbing, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 10/25/12; Date reopened - 10/25/12

Sun Donuts, 2575 Vineyard Avenue, El Rio;
Sewage backing up into the facility, no operable toilets or plumbing, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 10/25/12; Date reopened - 10/25/12

Carl's Jr., 1745 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura;
Sewage overflowing from the facility, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 10/25/12; Date reopened - 10/25/12

Barrelhouse 101, 1067 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 10/24/12; Date reopened - 10/25/12

Quiznos Sub, 1780 S. Victoria Ave. C, Ventura;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 10/23/12; Date reopened - 10/24/12


La Cita Nightclub, 441 Hueneme Road, Oxnard;
Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 10/18/12; Date reopened - 10/22/12

Grab N Go Bistro, 2646 Palma Drive., Ventura;
No valid permit to operate;
Date closed - 10/18/12; Date reopened - 10/19/12

Arco Iris #1, 610 S. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard;
Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 10/18/12; Date reopened - 10/21/12

The Tavern, 211 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;

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Great Harvest Bread Co. - Newbury Park

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2/25/19: The owners of Great Harvest have announced they will be closing their doors on Saturday, March 2, 2019.

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Great Harvest Bread Co. in Newbury Park is a great place to go for fresh baked, delicious bread in the Conejo Valley.

The bread here is outstanding.  Always fresh.  You get there in the morning and there is a large selection of all sorts of breads, from their signature Honey Whole Wheat to the fancier breads that those, like me, with sweet tooths enjoy...we're talking pumpkin breads, banana breads, chocolate chip breads and the like.   There is a detailed menu of breads prepared daily at www.conejobread.com.

The people here are just incredibly nice and also very supportive of the local community.  I see them serving free bread samples at events all over town.  The owners are Jim and Lupe Costello.  They both left careers at large companies to open this awesome addition to our town.  They are extremely friendly.  Walk in and soon you will be offered fresh bread samples.

Great Harvest is extremely clean and you can see them baking the breads.  Everything is made from scratch.  No preservatives are used.  They even make their own whole wheat flour daily.  The bread stays fresh for up to 7 to 10 days, but you won't have to worry about that because in my household as  the bread is usually devoured within a day or two!

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Independent bakeries are a dying breed as the large grocery stores and Costco's of the world have commoditized fresh baked goods.  You may pay a small premium for the moist, warm, mouth-watering breads at Great Harvest but it is well worth it.

Great Harvest also serves up sandwiches during lunchtime hours. I had just a basic chicken salad sandwich on whole grain bread and it was delicious.  Bread really "makes" the sandwich and since the bread here is so good, the entire sandwich is excellent, even down to the last few bites of bread.

Great Harvest Bread Co. is located at 2092-H Newbury Road, Newbury Park (Vons/Longs shopping center to the left of Vons) (805.376.0111) www.conejobread.com

Presto Pasta is My Kids' Favorite Pasta Place

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Hands down, Presto Pasta is my 4 and 6 year old boys' FAVORITE place to eat.  Literally they ASK to go there.  This may be hard to believe, with McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell and all the other fast food places offering up toys with their meals, but it's true!  And I'm very happy about it! Why?

  1. Not just the kids love the food there!  I do too!  I love the simplicity of the menu...pick a pasta, pick a sauce, pick an "add-in" and pick a size.  And we've never gone wrong with the food at Presto Pasta!
  2. The quality of the food at Presto Pasta is very consistent.  I usually order tortellini with tomato meat sauce and by golly, it tastes good every single time I eat it!  For another $3 or so I get a combo meal with a salad and drink.  Of course we're not talking fancy here, so don't expect a gourmet fancy meal. But this is the place to come for a quality, budget meal out.
  3. The kids usually order rigatoni with butter and parmesan and again, the quality is always solid and they enjoy it.  The combo kids meal costs less than $5 and comes with pasta, bread, drink and a cookie!
  4. Presto Pasta is always clean, the staff always smiles and service is quick.  We order, sit down and I attempt to entertain the restless troops, and thankfully within 5 minutes we usually have our food.  Suddenly it gets really quiet at the table (trust me, this is a very rare event)!

I can feed my family a healthy, enjoyable meal from Presto Pasta for only $20 to $25.  Gotta love that!

Angel Hair Pomodoro. Not fancy but hits the spot. Chunks o' garlic abound, so be careful!

Angel Hair Pomodoro. Not fancy but hits the spot. Chunks o' garlic abound, so be careful!

Visit the Presto Pasta website at www.prestopasta.com. Ventura County locations are at 1025 Broadbeck Road, Newbury Park (805.498.7737), 5722 Telephone Road, Ventura (805.658.2898) and 1701 Daily Drive, Camarillo (805.445.7737).  Camarillo location also has drive-thru!

Hooters of Thousand Oaks "Moms Eat Free" Grand Opening Celebration on May 13th

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We have received word that the new Hooters of Thousand Oaks will be making its premiere on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13th. And in conjunction with that, they will be offering a Moms Eat Free deal that day. The flyer sent to me today indicates the Moms Eat Free deal is all day and applies to any menu item up to $9.99.

Hooters of Thousand Oaks will be open from 11am to 1am with the kitchen closing at midnight.

We've seen plenty of Kids Eat Free deals around town but this is the first Moms Eat Free special we've encountered! :>