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Dining

Kiki’s serves up soothing sustenance

Kiki’s serves up soothing sustenance

  • By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer

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.

In Good Taste: Mai goodness

In Good Taste: Mai goodness

  • By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer

Count Mai’s Cafe in Midtown Ventura as one of the restaurants that took advantage of the pandemic to give itself an upgrade.

In Good Taste: Local flavor
top story

In Good Taste: Local flavor

  • By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com

What’s the best way to savor the flavor of Ventura County this month? By attending the Taste of Local Festival, of course!

In Good Taste: Aloha means indulgence
top story

In Good Taste: Aloha means indulgence

  • By Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer

Just one year shy of its 20th anniversary, Aloha Steakhouse continues to be a popular place for those looking for fine dining beachside.

IN GOOD TASTE | The easy-going sibling

IN GOOD TASTE | The easy-going sibling

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 …

IN GOOD TASTE | No fad, Still rad

IN GOOD TASTE | No fad, Still rad

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…

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IN GOOD TASTE | Fools gold

IN GOOD TASTE | Fools gold

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…

IN GOOD TASTE | Keeping it fresh for 40 years

IN GOOD TASTE | Keeping it fresh for 40 years

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…

IN GOOD TASTE | Libations lakeside

IN GOOD TASTE | Libations lakeside

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…

IN GOOD TASTE | Things will be great when you’re Downtown

IN GOOD TASTE | Things will be great when you’re Downtown

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…

IN GOOD TASTE | Summertime brews

IN GOOD TASTE | Summertime brews

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…






IN GOOD TASTE | Dessert on a stick

IN GOOD TASTE | Dessert on a stick

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…

THE NEW HOT SPOTS | SushiWay

THE NEW HOT SPOTS | SushiWay

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 …

THE NEW HOT SPOTS | Yume Japanese Burger Cafe

THE NEW HOT SPOTS | Yume Japanese Burger Cafe

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…

THE NEW HOT SPOTS | Oxnard Taco Trail

THE NEW HOT SPOTS | Oxnard Taco Trail

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…

 THE NEW HOT SPOTS | The Twist on Main

 THE NEW HOT SPOTS | The Twist on Main

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…

IN GOOD TASTE | Piece of cake

IN GOOD TASTE | Piece of cake

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…

IN GOOD TASTE | A Darling of a tea shop

IN GOOD TASTE | A Darling of a tea shop

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.,…

IN GOOD TASTE | A Country for all

IN GOOD TASTE | A Country for all

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…

IN GOOD TASTE | Easy break at Surfers Point
Dining

IN GOOD TASTE | Easy break at Surfers Point

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…

IN GOOD TASTE | Sip in serenity at Simone’s
Dining

IN GOOD TASTE | Sip in serenity at Simone’s

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…

IN GOOD TASTE | Go Mediterranean at Meridians
News

IN GOOD TASTE | Go Mediterranean at Meridians

PICTURED: Spicy shrimp pasta, a specialty of Meridians Cafe in Ventura. Photo by N. Lackey Shaffer by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com Meridians Cafe 2417 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura 805-676-1756 www.meridianscafe.com $5-17…

IN GOOD TASTE | Fueling up before heading out
News

IN GOOD TASTE | Fueling up before heading out

PICTURED: Healthy and delicious açai bowl from Sandbox Coffeehouse. Photo by N. Lackey Shaffer by VCReporter Staff The staff of the Ventura County Reporter is made up of individuals who vary widely in their lifestyles and interests, but we do…

IN GOOD TASTE | Romance in the glass
Dining

IN GOOD TASTE | Romance in the glass

PICTURED: Far Niente’s famous Dolce dessert wine, known as “liquid gold” in the industry and available at Ventura Wine Co. for $73. by Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer nshaffer@timespublications.com Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and resta…