Public School 805 Coming to The Promenade at Westlake in Summer 2013

UPDATE: Public School 805 closed its doors on June 17, 2018.

Update 5/13/13: Public School 805 indicates on its website that class will be in session in June. They are currently hiring. Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/publicschool805 for more information.

Posted 1/26/13: Public School is a new gastropub style full-service dining concept that is preparing to open in early summer of 2013 in Westlake Village at The Promenade at Westlake, next to The Grill on the Alley. As you can see from the photos below, Public School 805 is "An Education in the Art of Food and Beer."

There are currently two other Public School locations, the Public School 612 flagship location next to the Daily Grill in Downtown Los Angeles and Public School 310 in Culver City. I'm looking at the dinner menu at Public School 310 as I type this and see interesting things like Jidori Brick Chicken & White Bean Ragout, Sliced New York Strip with Chimichurri and Mustard Glazed Scottish Salmon. I'm also seeing dozens of unique draught and bottled craft beers and a large variety of other beers and wines. This should be a worthy addition to the Conejo Valley.

Grill Concepts, the owner of Public School, also owns and manages The Grill on the Alley and Daily Grill. The Grill on the Allley originally opened in 1984 in Beverly Hills and now has seven restaurants in four states. The Daily Grill began operations in 1988 and today has 21 locations in eight states.

You can actually own a stake in these restaurants. Grill Concepts is based in Woodland Hills and trades on the Over the Counter "Pink Sheets" market under symbol GLLC. While I love their food, at 33 cents a share and with sparse publicly available financial information, I'd steer clear of the stock.

Public School 805 is being built directly adjacent to The Grill on The Alley

Oxnard Police Department Launches "Stay in Touch" Program for Local Residents

The Oxnard Police Department recently introduced "Stay in Touch," a service that emails you notifications about public safety issues and crime activity in your specific neighborhood in Oxnard. To sign up, you simply provide your email address and name and selected your neighborhood. Learn more and sign up at stayintouch.oxnardpd.org.

Ventura County Public Health Reminds Residents to Avoid Wildfire Smoke

Ventura County Health Officials Warn Residents to Avoid Wildfire Smoke

Smoke and ash from the Camarillo Springs fire are affecting air quality in Ventura County. Due to the combination of high winds and the spreading blaze, smoke and ash are currently present in the air and may pose a health threat for some individuals.

Smoke and ash irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may be harmful to breathe but, according to Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) officials, not everyone who is exposed to thick smoke will have health problems.

“The level and duration of exposure, age, individual susceptibility, including the presence or absence of pre-existing lung or heart disease, and other factors play significant roles in determining whether or not someone will experience smoke-related health problems,” said Dr. Robert Levin, Ventura County Public Health Officer.

In areas near or downwind from the fire that are impacted by blowing dust, smoke and/or ash, VCPH officials urge people to exercise caution and remain indoors. Residents should stay inside their homes, bring pets inside, keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioners on the recycle or re-circulate mode and avoid vigorous physical exertion both indoors and outdoors. At the first sign of discomfort, individuals should relocate to another area that is smoke-free.

Residents who develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, exhaustion, lightheadedness or chest pain with decreased activity are advised to stop all activity and seek medical attention. This is important not only for people with chronic lung or heart disease, but also for individuals who have not been diagnosed previously with such illnesses. Smoke can “unmask” or produce symptoms of such diseases.

The onset of the California fire season reminds us that it is important to have enough food, water and medication on hand to last five days. Foods stored for use during the fire season should not require cooking, since cooking can add particles to indoor air. 

For more information about the health impacts of wildfire smoke, go to: http://bit.ly/17zRtXm and for Ventura County air quality reports, visit www.vcapcd.org.

Thousand Wok Asian Bistro & Sushi & Pho Recently Opened in Thousand Oaks

A new eatery called Thousand Wok Asian Bistro & Sushi & Pho opened recently n the space previously occupied by Chin San Asian Bistro (and prior to that Paradise Sushi & Grill) at 450 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (Village Court Shopping Center  The name kind of reminds me of the name Sushi Oaks in Newbury Park. Except I'm wondering why Wok isn't plural "Thousand Woks." I dunno. Thousand Wok serves up Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese food. Their phone is 805.494.7788.

Eatery "Salad Gourmet" Recently Opened at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

Health-conscious Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page follower Marilee gave the heads up that Salad Gourmet very recently opened its doors in outdoor food court section of Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks. Merilee commented "Great salads, paninis and wraps. 3 people asked me where I bought the Chinese Chicken Salad I was munching on. Delish. And soon, they'll deliver! Great addition to the meal options available."

Sounds pretty good to me! I see over 20 "quick toss gourmet salads" and 16 different "gourmet artisan sandwiches" and paninis on their menu. Salad Gourmet is located in the space previously occupied by Burger King...next to Subway. For more information and hours, call (805) 379-1980.

Shave It Looks To Be Opening a New Location in Camarillo

Given the photos below, it would appear that a Shave It frozen treat location will be located at 455 Carmen Drive, Camarillo, in what used to be Cucina Isabella. I contacted Shave It Thousand Oaks and they did not have any specifics at this point...probably because Shave It franchises other locations.

The original Shave It opened in 2006 and has been a personal favorite for me and my family. I love the Hawaiian style shave ice and enjoy it with ice cream on the inside and the "sourade" powder on the outside. Yes, I risk becoming diabetic due to you, Shave It, but it's worth it! :) Stay tuned. It's good that a 24 Hour Fitness is located next to the new Camarillo Shave It, isn't it...?

And of course...for over 80 places around Ventura County specializing in satisfying our frozen sugar teeth cravings with frozen yogurt, ice cream and other ice cold treats, check out this list.

Simply Healthy Smoothies and Nutrition in Newbury Park Opened Saturday, April 27th

As alluded to in this previous post, "Simply Healthy"opened its doors this past Saturday, April 27th. I stopped by the first time last night and ordered up a chocolate peanut butter smoothie, which came with an iced tea and shot of aloe juice which had me zipping along with renewed energy. Tasted great. They have several dozen flavors to choose from, but of course I had to go with the chocolate.

I was too busy chatting with co-owner Randy, pictured below, to even jot down their phone number or ask about their hours. But I do know they are located at the former Golden Spoon location at 796 North Wendy Drive, Newbury Park, just southwest of the 101 freeway.

These shakes have Herbalife products in them and are considered meal replacement drinks. But if you still have room afterwards, you can visit the McDonald's or Newbury Donuts flanking Simply Healthy. Or ignore my advice and listen to theirs as they do provide nutritional programs and advice!