The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks Celebrates 9 Year Anniversary with New 10 Year Lease

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks Celebrates Nine-Year Anniversary with New Menu, New Ten-Year Lease and Planned Remodel

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks, a fondue restaurant located at 3685 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, reaffirms its commitment to serve the Conejo Valley as it celebrates its nine-year anniversary by signing a new ten-year lease.

The locally owned and operated restaurant plans to introduce a new customizable menu on March 25, 2014.  It will feature per person pricing, more unbundled and à la carte selections, some tasty new fondue options and premium dippers to provide more flexibility and variety for guests.  In addition to the revamped menu, the 4,900-square-foot  restaurant’s look will also be updated within the next few years for added comfort and convenience.

The Melting Pot of Thousand Oaks offers a unique fondue dining experience in a relaxed atmosphere with private tables and customizable menu options that allow guests to enjoy one, two, three or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrées and chocolate fondues.

For reservations or more information visit www.meltingpot.com or call 805-370-8802.

About The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.

With more than 135 restaurants in North America, existing locations in 35 states, Canada and Mexico and more than 25 locations currently in development, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. is the premier fondue restaurant franchise. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot continues to be a memorable dining experience. Guests enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées combined with dipping sauces. The menu also includes cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts.

Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie Celebrates 4th Anniversary and Co-Founder Nouzille Elected to Board of Brewer's Association

LADYFACE ALEHOUSE & BRASSERIE CELEBRATES 4th ANNIVERSARY

Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie celebrates its 4^th Anniversary with a week of events in January.Sunday the 19th, all taps at the award-winning Agoura Hills brewpub begin pouring Ladyface ales and, over the course of the week, guests will be able to enjoy special releases, archived vintages, barrel-aged brews, collaborations, and casks.

One of those special releases is Ladyface 4th Anniversary Ale, a Belgian dark strong ale. This year’s theme is Flores et Fructus, the traditional flowers and fruit offering for a 4^th anniversary. Limited-edition 4th Anniversary glassware, with a year-long discount program, go on sale when Ladyface opens Monday, January 20^th at 11:30am.

Over the course of the week, there will be a Brewery Hangout with Brewermaster David Griffiths, a reservation-only Brewmaster’s Dinner, Barrel-Aged Beer Night, music and more. Event details can be found on the Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie Facebook page and at www.ladyfaceale.com.

And in other Ladyface news, Cyrena Nouzille, Ladyface Co-founder and General Manager has been elected to the Board of Directors of the national Brewers Association to serve a three-year term. The Brewers Association is a nonprofit trade association and is the largest organization of brewers in the United States with more than 1,900 brewery members and 38,000 American homebrewers.

Nouzille, a resident of Agoura Hills and former Planning Commissioner for the city, currently serves on Brewers Association’s Brewpub Committee.  Ladyface Ale Companie is also one of the founding members of the Los Angeles Brewers Guild and Nouzille will be serving on its 2014 Events Committee.

Ladyface Ale Companie was established in late 2009 along with its restaurant Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie. Named the Best Brewery an international RateBeer.com Best Brewpub in 2011 and 2012, and LA Weekly’s 2013 Best Brewery in LA, Ladyface is known for their award-winning Belgian, French and American style ales.  La Blonde, La Grisette, Blind Ambition Abbey Ale, Trois Filles Tripel, and seasonal ales such as La Trappistine® Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Bluebelly Barleywine and Dérailleur® Bière-de-Garde are brewed onsite. Ladyface is one of Los Angeles County’s first modern day microbreweries, and the first brewpub in the Conejo Valley. Visit www.ladyfaceale.com.

Ventura Restaurant Week at Over 30 Local Eateries Planned for January 13-19, 2014

Ventura Restaurant Week is planned for January 13 - 19, 2014. enjoy great food and a special 20% discount at over 30 participating Ventura restaurants with purchase of an entrée.

Also the first 300 customers who submit a Restaurant Week survey will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate from one of the participating restaurants.

To see participating restaurants, visit www.cityofventura.net/rw.

Mexican Cuisine in the Conejo Valley and Surrounding Areas

There is no shortage of local Mexican cuisine in the Conejo Valley and greater Ventura County. Here are a number of choices along with opinions/observations when available. This list includes everything from fast food take out to sit down with a margarita, and everything in between. Only requirement is that burritos are available! Have an addition to this list? Contact us!

Adobe Cantina is at 29100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (818.991.3474). CVG reader Stephanie says the Adobe is her favorite Mexican place in town and really loves the ribs and wonderful outdoor seating. www.adobe-cantina.com

Agave Maria's is located at 106 S. Montgomery Street, Ojai (805.646.6353). This restaurant was newly renovated and re-opened in 2010, having been a Mexican restaurant since the 1960s (I believe it used to be called Antonio's Mexican Cantina). Have heard nothing but good things but haven't been there yet myself. Visit www.agavemarias.com. Also in Camarillo at 710 Arneill Road.

The Alamo Mexican Grill is at 2311 Borchard Rd., Newbury Park (805.498.3115).  Also at 5617 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (818.889.5092). Good, traditional Mexican food. This is a comfortable, casual sit down restaurant. Reasonably priced. www.thealamobarandgrill.com

Baja Fresh locations in the area include 595 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (near Janss Marketplace) (805.778.0877), 888 New Los Angeles Avenue, 1-A, Moorpark (805.523.2143), 1464 Madera Road, Simi Valley (805.520.7301), 2679 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley (805.581.6001), 5021 Verdugo Way #101, Camarillo (805.484.6731), 1855 Daily Drive, Camarillo (805.383.6884), 23697 Calabasas Parkway #100, Calabasas (818.591.2262), 4726-2 Telephone Road, Ventura (805.650.3535) and 2350 Vineyard Avenue #1, Oxnard (805.988.7878). 

Baja Fresh is the granddaddy of local Mexican take out. It originated in Newbury Park in 1990. Today there are 300 locations around the country. I’ve always loved this place and I feel that I am eating healthy when I’m there. The kids meals are great…quesadilla, rice, applesauce and a drink.  www.bajafresh.com

Bobbi's Mexican Food is at 302 N. Lantana, Camarillo (805.484.0103).  I know people that swear by Bobbi's food and others that aren't as thrilled, but they have been around since 1974 so that must tell you something.  I have not tried the BBQ'd tri tip but it sure smells good! They have large portions here I've also discovered. bobbismexicanfood.com

Chipotle Mexican Grill make your own meal style Mexican food that is extraordinarily popular in my household has locations in Newbury Park at 935 Broadbeck Drive, Westlake Village at 5754 Lindero Canyon Road, the Simi Valley Town Center, Oxnard at 369 W. Esplanade Drive and Ventura at 1145 S. Victoria Avenue and 488 S. Mills Road. www.chipotle.com

Chuy's Mesquite Broiler is at 590 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Moorpark (805.523.3184), 1397 E. Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley (805.582.4897), and 5840 E. Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley (805.520.7424). The décor is really funky and fun to look at. Food is not particularly memorable for me but this is a fun place to go.

Chipotle Grill is at 935 Broadbeck Dr., Newbury Park (805.499.3561), 1263 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley (805.584.0514), 1145 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura (805.650.6627), 488 S. Mills Road, Ventura (805.654.0143) and 5754 Lindero Canyon, Westlake Village (818.597.1603). I know some people that swear by Chipotle, including my wife and kids. For those not familiar, Chipotle gives you many choices for your burritos and other Mexican cuisine so that you can customize your own food...kind of like a Subway. High quality ingredients, tasty, HUGE burritos! My 16 year old loves the beef burrito and I enjoy the veggie burrito.

Cisco's Mexican Restaurant is at 1712 E Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805.497.3959). Cisco’s serves reliable traditional style Mexican fare. It has been awhile since I’ve been there but as I recall the food is pretty good. Margaritas are good there too as I recall.

Del Taco is at 591 North Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park (805.499.4439), 848 Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark (805.552.0654), 1408 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley (805.527.1939), 2000 N. Rose Ave., Oxnard (805.988.7500) and 4393 E. Main Street, Ventura (805.642.2145). I personally don’t see much difference between Del Taco and Taco Bell but they both serve a need. Quick, cheap, fast food.

El Pescador Restaurant is at 1305 W. Ventura Street in Fillmore (805.524.9999). My family has been here and it was very authentic and enjoyable. I loved the tortilla soup and a fish dish. My kids and wife all cleaned their plates. We also enjoyed some flan afterwards.www.elpescadorinfillmore.com

El Pollo Loco locations in the area include 2750 Camino Dos Rios, Newbury Park (805.480.9050), 591 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (near Janss Marketplace) (805.370.0330), 399 North Las Posas, Camarillo (805.482.4009), 5050 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (818.706.0766), 1111 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley (805.522.6363), 2780-A, Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley (805.581.4884), 3155 Saviers Road, Oxnard (805.385.9800), 200 Vineyard Blvd., Oxnard (805.382.9975) and 1722 S. Victoria, Ventura (805.654.1723). Want really inexpensive, decent fast Mexican food? Can’t beat EPL’s $1 “Loco Value Menu.” The food is sometimes hit or miss but overall I can’t think of a better value for your dollar. But you can’t compare the food here to the “higher end” Mexican fast food chains. This is a top choice for VALUE. www.elpolloloco.com

El Sancho Loco Taqueria opened at 2272 Michael Drive in Newbury Park in Summer 2010. To quote my neighbor, "This place rocks! Homemade tortillas!" My family has enjoyed the food here several times, including tacos, tacos and more tacos...but also chilaquiles, chile rellenos and a burrito or two. All good! You'll get very authentic Mexican grub here!

El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is located at 2498 Erringer Road, Simi Valley (805.522.6882) and 1720 E. Ventura Blvd., Oxnard (805.485.4887). While I want to dislike this place because they are not as “authentic” as the Alamos and the Lupes' of the world, that doesn’t stop me from stopping by every so often and enjoying a large, varied menu and good, filling food. Can’t go wrong here, especially after a margarita or three. Thousand Oaks location closed on 1/24/12.

Chapala Mexican Restaurant (formerly Familia Diaz) at 245 S. 10th Street, Santa Paula (805.525.2813) has been around since 1936. Old style sit-down Mexican family restaurant that you just have to visit if you are stopping by Santa Paula. Decent food. www.chapalamexicanfood.com

Freebirds World Burrito has locations at 5752 Telephone Road in Ventura (805.477.0174), 29125 Canwood St, Agoura Hills (818.874.9171) and 2490 Sycamore Dr, Simi Valley (805.581.1689). They make your burritos to order and a lot of folks I know really like them. www.freebirds.com

La Paz at 4505 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas and serves Mexican food Yucatan style.  www.wix.com/lapazmexicanfood/1

The Latigo Kid relocated from Whizins Shopping Center to 5617 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills in March 2014.  Several CVG visitors have indicated they enjoy Latigo Kid's traditional Mexican food with large portions and mighty margaritas.

Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant is at The Promenade at Camarillo Premium Outlets, 630 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1217 (805.987.4000). It opened in December 2009. Family owned restaurant in business since 1999, with locations in Santa Barbara and Montecito. You order at the counter than eat at the indoor/outdoor tables or take out. This is NOT fast food Mexican...a step above. Pricier but if you like quality, it is worth it. I tried the special of the day, the chicken enchiladas in mole sauce, served with rice and beans. Delicious. My friend dines there once a week and loves the enchiladas and pretty much everything Los Arroyos serves...consistent quality. They serve beer and wine too.

Mariscos El Pulpo is at 3550 Saviers Road in Oxnard (805.247.9221). I've never been here but my friend and his Peruvian wife have, and often. They enjoy the food here so much that I've posted one of his photos of their food below.

Money Pancho Mexican Restaurant is at 3661 Las Posas Road, Camarillo (805.484.0591). Located next door to the Camarillo Police Department. I have dined there and enjoyed my "old school" Tacos del Mar plate...2 delicious soft fish tacos, rice and beans preceded by old school chips, salsa and pickled cucumbers, carrots and such. I liked it all. 

Olas Mex Grill at 1860 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo has consistently good traditional mexican food (burritos, enchiladas, tamales, etc.) served in large portions.  Bring cash as they charge a fee for using credit cards. Quite a popular little place. www.olasmexgrill.com

Rubio’s is at 2121 N. Rose Avenue, Oxnard (805.485.8603), 2916-B Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley (805.522.1504), 1788 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura (805.642.2644), 3301 E. Main Street, Ventura (Pacific View Mall) (805.658.6712) and 2751 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park (805.948.6475). Rubio's is a decent choice for low budget, solid and consistent Mexican food. My kids always seem to like it here.

Sabor Cocina Mexicana opened at The Lakes in Thousand Oaks in August 2010. Delicious high-end Mexican a bit on the pricey side. The margarita was huge. The portions moderate at best.   www.saborcocinamexicana.com 805.497.2457

Sharky’s is located at 1930 Newbury Rd., Newbury Park (by Kohl's) (805.376.1404), 111 S. Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village (southwest corner of T.O. Blvd/Westlake Blvd intersection) (805.370.3701), 2410 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley (805.522.2270), 26527 Agoura Road, Calabasas (818.880.0885) and 4960 Telephone Road, Ventura (805.339.9600). Another healthy choice for Mexican take out. Sharky’s has been around since 1992 with its first store in Sherman Oaks. I put Sharky’s on a par with Baja Fresh. I definitely enjoy the food there though I do feel that something is given up in taste in order to stay organic and healthy. So at least one does not feel guilt when dining at Sharky’s! www.sharkys.com

Snapper Jack's Taco Shack is at 4850 Verdugo Way, Ste A, Camarillo (805.384.0334) and 5100 Telegraph Road, Ventura (805.642.5111). We have been to the Camarillo location, where you walk up and order and grab a table.  They offer up beer and wine along with traditional, fresh Mexican fare.  Fun atmosphere. I was too busy running around after the kids to remember how the food tasted to be honest! But vaguely remember enjoying the fish tacos between gulps of beer! www.snapperjackstacoshack.com

Taco Bell locations include 791 N. Wendy Drive, Newbury Park (805.499.1316), 1330 North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks  (805.557.0248), 25 Rancho Road, Thousand Oaks (805.495.1709), 1928 E. Avenida de los Arboles (805.492.9572), 5589 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (818.991.8268), 95 Daily Drive, Camarillo (805.389.3283), 1505 Flynn Road, Camarillo (805.383.3355).  I’ve never been a big fan. One positive is that they are open late in case you need a grease fix.

The Sea Casa is located at 1014 South Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village (805.374.1921). When I worked in Westlake Village this place was a staple for me at least one time a week. Very tasty food with a healthy bent. Excellent service. They kick butt at lunchtime. The guy who manages the place is really on it. Boy oh boy did I always enjoy the fajita burrito there. My mouth is watering. Solid value. Really small place inside but there are also tables outside.

Taqueria Tepatitlan Authentic Mexican Cafe is located at 362 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura (805.653.0508). I haven't been there but I hear they serve draft beer in ice cold schooners! 

3 Amigos Fresh Mexican Grill (www.3amigosonline.com) has 2 locations, 139 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park (805.499.7200) and 365 E. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805.493.1033). Excellent fast food Mexican. A small place with good, quick service. Really nice people work there so I enjoy stopping by every so often. 10/22/08 UPDATE: Last night the kids and I went there and I ordered the Chicken Tortilla Soup. This soup was awesome! I think it was the best CT Soup I've ever had! Served hot, large portion, homemade with nice chicken, flavorful broth, some onions and tortillas! I ordered it as a side dish and instead it became my entire meal! I'm practically slobbering on the keyboard thinking about it. The kids loved the quesadilla, rice and beans and the portions were quite large. One thing I don't like there is the shredded chicken. 

Yolanda's Mexican Cafe has 4 locations, including 86 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo (805.389.9922), 590 East Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley (805.306.9933), 1601 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard (805.985.1340) and 2753 E. Main Street, Ventura (805.643.2700).  Yolanda's serves traditional Mexican food in my favorite style...LARGE portions! One CVG reader states they enjoy the enchiladas and margaritas here. Another reader says "The food was superb and the service was great. I just loved my chicken enchilada! The place was clean and looked brand new."

Yolies Fresh Mexican Grill is located at 138 W. Main Street, Ventura (805.652.0338). They have a buffet lunch Mon-Fre, Sunday Champagne Brunch, heated outdoor patio, etc.

Closed:

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant was at 1710 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks Closed in August 2017.

Casa Escobar was located at 2809 Agoura Road, Westlake Village (805.777.7747). Closed in September 2016.

Chronic Tacos was located at 6593 Collins Drive, Suite D4 in Moorpark (across from Moorpark College) (805.529.4422).

Chuy’s: Agoura location is no mas...Ladyface Alehouse is now there. Thousand Oaks location on Moorpark Road closed sometime in 2011. Chuy’s Camarillo closed in 2017.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Tifa Chocolate and Gelato in Agoura Hills

My wife used to rave over the gelato at Tifa Chocolate and Gelato in Agoura Hills when it was located near Ladyface Alehouse and Islands. She still raves about Tifa after its move in May 2013 to a new, larger location at Whizin Market Square, 28888 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills.

On a recent foray to Paramount Ranch with the kids, I stopped by Tifa afterwards for a treat. You will see the Tifa store sign facing the 101 Freeway. Park either on Roadside Drive or in the Whizin's Square. Access Tifa on the Whizin's Square parking lot sign (it will be obvious when you get there).

As you walk in the door, here is what you greeted by:

They have some great gelato flavors as well as a selection of coffee, tea and expresso drinks. Plenty of indoor tables. Kind of a neat coffeehouse flair to the place. Right across the parking lot is The Canyon Club, making Tifa a perfect pre or post concert hangout.

I would have posted pictures of the gelato, but was too busy salivating and didn't want to ruin the camera with slobber. The kids and I (or is it me and the kids, I dunno), enjoyed the following flavors in our most recent visit: Cookies & Cream, Dark Chocolate, Mint Chip, Lemon Cookie, Salted Caramel and Lemon Sorbeto. My youngest is a big lemon fan.

Visit www.tifachocolate.com for more information or call 818.879.0685.

Grand Opening of Public School 805 in Westlake Village is Monday, June 17th

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.

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.