My aunt is the Thanksgiving chef of the family. And while year after year she gamely — and proudly, it must be said — prepares a turkey plus all the expected sides, she has remarked on more than one occasion, “Hours of work and it’s all over in 20 minutes.”
When I think of a sports lounge, I picture screens, functional but otherwise nondescript seating, a noisy atmosphere and pub grub of the not-so-upscale variety: wings and fries, burgers and dogs, nachos and potato skins. And lots and lots of …
For nearly 40 years, Vince’s Coffee Shop in Downtown Santa Paula was a beloved institution. The humble, somewhat tacky but cheerful space welcomed everyone — families, regulars, locals and out-of-towners alike — in for hearty, homestyle break…
A delicious cup of coffee with a nourishing meal is a great way to start any day. But when you can have all that in a sunny, serene environment, it’s even better.
Count Mai’s Cafe in Midtown Ventura as one of the restaurants that took advantage of the pandemic to give itself an upgrade.
What’s the best way to savor the flavor of Ventura County this month? By attending the Taste of Local Festival, of course!
Just one year shy of its 20th anniversary, Aloha Steakhouse continues to be a popular place for those looking for fine dining beachside.
PICTURED: Chicken club wrap served with chips. Photo by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer On the Alley at Brophy Bros. 1559 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura Harbor 805-413-4367 www.onthealley.com/location/ventura $6-20 Brophy Bros. at …
PICTURED: The Jarvis Family outside the former Salzer’s Video building. Photo submitted by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer The Jarvis family has been a part of the Ventura County cannabis industry for years. Long before most dispensaries were operati…
PICTURED: Ensalada Helene at Ojai Beverage Company. Photo by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com Ojai Beverage Company 655 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai 805-646-1700 ojaibevco.com $5-20 Ojai, a foodie desti…
PICTURED: Trois le Fou winery offers tastings in Ventura. Photo submitted by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com Trois Le Fou Winery 4522 Market St., Suite B, Ventura 805-701-7973 troislefou.com $25-55 How do you make a…
PICTURED: Sand along the Ventura promenade is constantly shifting. Photo submitted by Alex Wilson awilson@timespublications.com When Kiki Patsch visits the beach, she does not take sand for granted like some sunbathers and surfers might. Pat…
PICTURED: Ship built for carrying cars by Giles Pettifor and Adam Vega When “We Make Cargo Move,” we take challenges and turn them into solutions which translate into $2.2 billion in trade-related activity supporting 20,032 local jobs, makin…
PICTURED: Chef Andres Fernandez at the Copa Cubana in Ventura Harbor. Photo submitted by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer Few restaurateurs have as much on their plate as Andres Fernandez. The owner and chef of both 805 Bar and Grilled Cheese and the …
PICTURED: Andria’s classic fish and chips is always a solid bet. Photo by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Market 1449 Spinnaker Dr., Suite A, Ventura 805-654-05…
PICTURED: District Attorney Erik Nasarenko at an election night victory party. Photo submitted by Alex Wilson awilson@timespublications.com It’s rare for a June primary election to usher in so many new faces to countywide elected offices. V…
PICTURED: Port Hueneme councilmember Steven Gama’s dog Jackson on a legal dog beach in Morro Bay. Photo courtesy Steven Gama by Alex Wilson awilson@timespublications.com Port Hueneme City Councilmember Steven Gama loves walking his dog on the…
PICTURED: The Ojai Wine Festival will take place on June 18 at beautiful Lake Casitas. by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer Ojai Wine Festival Saturday, June 18, 12-4 p.m. Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Wadleigh Arm 11093 Santa Ana Road, Ventura https…
PICTURED: The crepes at Downtown Cafe. Photo by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com Between Xielo, BG’s Cafe and roughly a zillion amazing taco shops, there’s no lack of good eats in Downtown Ox…
PICTURED: East End Fruit & Flower Ale. Photo submitted by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com Ice cold beer and hot summer days go together like surfboards and the Ventura County coast. ’Tis the season for local craft b…
PICTURED: Winchester’s Grill and Saloon celebrates its 25th anniversary on Saturday, May 21. Photo submitted by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer Winchester’s Grill and Saloon 632 E. Main St., Ventura 805-653-7446 www.winchestersgrill.com J.R. Ford ope…
PICTURED: Voting equipment at the Ventura County Government Center. Photo by Alex Wilson by Alex Wilson rwilson@timespublications.com Traditional neighborhood polling places are officially a relic of the past in Ventura County. Assistant Regi…
PICTURED: Pretty in Pink: Ox Berry (bottom) and Coco Berry waffle sticks from Don Waffly at the Collection in Oxnard, April 2022. Photo by N. D. Lackey Shaffer Don Waffly 550 Collection Blvd., #170, Oxnard 805-485-1168 www.clover.com/online-o…
PICTURED: Patrons of SushiWay enjoying good times. Photo courtesy of Visit Oxnard by Alex Wilson rwilson@timespublications.com SushiWay 455 S. A St., Oxnard 805-247-0998 sushiway.com Gabriel Barajas has enjoyed a colorful career in the world …
PICTURED: Chicken karaage sandwich from Yume Japanese Burger Cafe in Ojai. Photo by N. Lackey Shaffer by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com Yume Japanese Burger Cafe 254 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai 805272-8963 www.yumejapaneseburge…
PICTURED: Cabo Seafood Grill serves up a variety of tacos. Photo by Alex Wilson by Alex Wilson Oxnard Taco Trail visitoxnard.com/blog/best-places-tacos-oxnard/ Arturo Garcia has served countless tacos at Cabo Seafood Grill and Cantina since o…
PICTURED: Wendell and Cathy Roberts enjoy Bloody Marys courtesy of bar manager Jacob Toth. Photo by Monica Karl by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com The Twist on Main 454 E. Main St., Ventura 805-41-0053 thetwistonmain.c…
PICTURE: Paul Delanges of Bread Basket and Cakes. Submitted photo by Alex Wilson rwilson@timespublications.com Couples planning to get married have more choices than ever when it comes to wedding cakes. While traditional, tiered wedding cakes…
PICTURED: Vegan donuts, clockwise from top right: Blood orange, strawberry with sprinkles, tiramisu, chai spice, chocolate mint and chocolate sea salt. Center: Chocolate sprinkle. by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer Hello Mai Darling 2855 Johnson Dr.,…
PICTURED: The $12 lunch special (available weekdays only) with loaded mac and cheese, Texas toast and barbecue chicken. by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer A Bar Called Country 211 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura 805-628-3966 www.facebook.com/ABarCalledCo…
PICTURED: Chicken salad sandwich with lettuce, tomato and red onions on wheat bread. by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer Surfers Point Cafe 204 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura 805-667-8000 surferspointcafe.com With its large patio, light-filled interior a…
PICTURED: Explore Wines’ Lisa Stoll (left) and Gretel Compton of Clos des Amis at South Mountain Winery. Photo by Gwendolyn Alley by Gwendolyn Alley After plentiful December rains, followed by unusually dry weather through winter, spring dres…
PICTURED: Cinnamon dulce creme, a specialty latte from Simone’s Coffee and Tea near Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com Simone’s Coffee and Tea 2848 Cabrillo Dr., Ventura 7818 Tele…
