Sora Handroll Bar is Coming Soon to The Lakes at Thousand Oaks

Sora Handroll Bar is coming soon to The Lakes at Thousand Oaks. According to The Lakes, "Sora is a modern handroll sushi bar that blends Japanese tradition with a fresh, contemporary dining experience. Focused on simplicity, quality and craftsmanship, Sora serves made-to-order handrolls using the finest fish, warm seasoned rice and crisp nori. Guests enjoy an interactive counter-style experience where rolls are prepared right in front of them, highlighting both freshness and hospitality."

Sora operates at a rooftop location at The Grove in Los Angeles - "LA's first rooftop temaki experience." Learn more at www.sorarestaurant.com or check them out on IG at @soralosangeles

City of Thousand Oaks Public Hearing on August 25th to Consider Application from Raising Cane's

The City of Thousand Oaks Planning Commission will host a public hearing on Monday, August 25th, to consider an application from Raising Cane's to make some changes to the former Amy's Drive-Thru eatery space in the Best Buy Plaza at 400 N. Moorpark Road. The proposal is for a 12% reduction in parking spaces, landscape changes, and other matters. For more info on this and other public hearing notices, visit the city's website at toaktoaks.org..org.

RED O Taste of Mexico Opens August 18 in Westlake Village

RED O Taste of Mexico, the acclaimed upscale Mexican restaurant known for its bold flavors and vibrant atmosphere, will open its fourth location at The Promenade at Westlake on August 18, with limited hours and reservations. Merging elevated cuisine, immersive design, and warm hospitality, RED O offers more than a meal—it delivers an experience.

Designed by internationally renowned designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the space channels the relaxed sophistication of a bohemian beach town, using caba cloth, woven rattan, rope-wrapped elements, and antique Oaxacan textiles to create a setting that’s both exotic and inviting. Guests enter through a dramatic tequila tunnel lined with glowing bottles, emerging into a space that features a rope-wrapped bar, lush greenery by The Living Canvas, a custom lantern-lit plaster tree, original Mexican artwork, and a bespoke boho mural.

The kitchen, helmed by Corporate Executive Chef Armando Martinez and Executive Chef John Pigott, takes the same elevated approach. The menu starts with Oaxacan-style cooking, and brings in flavors and techniques from all over Mexico.

Signature dishes include:

  • Surf & Turf Tablita – 32oz tomahawk steak, 1 lb lobster tail, house guacamole, red rice, beans, and fresh-pressed tortillas

  • Branzino Zarandeado – Whole grilled branzino with chile-citrus soy butter and heirloom tomato

  • The Cocorita – A tropical margarita served in a fresh young coconut

  • Alacrán Margarita – Featuring housemade serrano chile agave

Beyond the plate, RED O Westlake Village will feature lunch, dinner, happy hour, Taco Tuesdays, and weekend brunch, all delivered with the brand’s signature hospitality and elegance. Guests can look forward to live music, exclusive pop-up dinners, seasonal specials, and a rotating calendar of curated events that cater to modern diners' craving for experience as much as flavor.

Details for the official Grand Opening celebration will be announced in the coming weeks. Learn more at www.redorestaurant.com.

Fishbone Seafood Restaurant Grand Opening in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, August 16th

Fishbone Seafood Restaurant is opening August 16th in the Palm Plaza, 2709 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. Fishbone Seafood offers southern style seafood specialties, such as grilled or fried red snapper, filet of sole, catfish filet, salmon, oysters, jumbo shrimp, and more. From noon to 3pm on the 16th, they will be giving out free samples and there will be a DJ on hand. Learn more at fishboneseafood.com.

Inca Kingdom Peruvian Cafe Now Open in Thousand Oaks

The Inca Kingdom Cafe recently opened in the Sun Plaza at 670 Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks, serving Peruvian dishes such as Lomo Saltado, Arroz con Pollo, and specialty dishes from the Andes. Adjoining the cafe is the Little Sedona Market, which has an assortment of crystals, jewelry, gifts, and some Peruvian grocery items. This location was previously occupied by Garden India Restaurant & Grocery. Learn more and see their menu at littlesedona.com.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Le Macaron French Pastries of Thousand Oaks on August 8th

Le Macaron French Pastries, a boutique-style French pâtisserie concept known for their French delicacies, announces the grand opening of its newest location in Thousand Oaks. The celebration will take place on Friday, August 8, at Janss Marketplace, 205 N Moorpark Road, Suite E. (next to the children’s playground).

Elizabeth (Liz) Carpenter, owner of Le Macaron French Pastries of Thousand Oaks, has called California home for over 25 years, and after many years of experience in customer service, was ready for a new challenge and opportunity. As a wife and mother of two, Liz was drawn to Le Macaron’s family-operated organization, elegant European aesthetic, and variety of products.

The café features authentic French macarons in over 20 flavors, including bestsellers and bold varieties like Sicilian Pistachio and Lavender White Chocolate. The macarons served are made from authentic ingredients, with each flavor offering a unique pastry experience. Hand-crafted using a traditional French recipe and authentic French patisserie chef, they provide a sweet indulgence at only 80 calories per macaron.

In addition to macarons, customers can enjoy artisan gelato, rich European style coffee and signature pastries, such as éclairs, tarts, and meringues. The cozy boutique also offers curated gift boxes and luxury packaging, perfect for celebrations like birthdays, baby showers, and weddings.

For more information, visit www.lemacaron-us.com or www.facebook.com/lemacaronthousandoaks.