Chicago's Finest Restaurant Deep Dish Pizza Opened in Ventura in December

Chicago's Finest Restaurant "Home of the Original Deep Dish Pizza" opened at 1780 S Victoria Ave, Suite C, in Ventura (Ralphs Shopping Center) last month, serving up authentic Chicago style deep dish pizza, thin crust pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, sandwiches and more. CVG Facebook page follower Jennifer U. is a fan and said that one large, delicious deep dish pizza fed her entire family of five and three others! Visit www.chicagosfinestrestaurants.com for more information.

Petra Mediterranean Cuisine Opening Soon in Westlake Village (Opened 2015; Closed 2019)

UPDATE: Petra opened in the spring of 2015 and subsequently closed sometime in early 2019.

We were driving in the Melting Pot/Stonefire Grill strip mall and I looked up and saw something new - Petra Mediterranean Cuisine at 3731 E Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks in the large eatery previously vacated by Fiamme Restaurant two years ago.

According to their website at www.finediningwestlakevillageca.com, they are opening soon: "We've based our interior space on the famous temple of Petra, creating a variety of spaces suitable for large parties and private dining. A banquet hall is available for particularly sizable groups or business meetings. Whether dining in a group or with intimate partners, you'll enjoy our exemplary Mediterranean cuisine surrounded by splendid, authentic decor."

Karma Baker Opened in Westlake Village in October

On a recent visit with the kids to the only remaining Lamppost Pizza in the Conejo Valley, I noticed the Karma Baker sign at 1145 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village, in the Pavilions Plaza at the southwest corner of Lindero and Kanan.

Karma Baker offers organic, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free and gluten-free baked goods, including carrot cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, cookies, muffins, tarts, seasonal pies and more.

Owner Celine Ikeler has a passion for baking vegan, gluten-free with her own flour blend that, unlike most store brands, does not include beans, nuts or soy. She has partnered with vegan ultra-endurance athlete, best-seller and motivational speaker Rich Roll and his wife Julie in establishing this bakery.

Bakery hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Although their website at www.karmabaker.com indicates "by appointment" on weekends, their Facebook page indicates 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.

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Cigale Cafe in Oak Park Closed in October; Margarita's Mexican Grill Coming in 2015

The owner of Cigale Cafe at 704 Lindero Canyon Road (at Kanan) announced in October that this French eatery would be closing its doors after a successful five year run. This was sad to hear as its 4 1/2 star Yelp ratings indicate it was enjoyed by many.

Coming soon to this location will be Margarita's Mexican Grill, which recently posted mock-ups of restaurant signage on its Facebook page. Margarita's is targeting a January/February launch at its new Oak Park location. There's a sign on the front door indicating they are looking to hire experience staff on Mondays through Wednesdays from 1-5pm.

Margarita's is a family-owned eatery that opened its Santa Clarita location in 1998, where it offers breakfast, brunch, buffets, authentic Mexican food, seafood, vegan/vegetarian specialties and more. Visit www.margaritasmexgrill.com.

Adolfo Grill to Open in Camarillo in November

Adolfo Grill and The Daily Bar (formerly The Grill Restaurant & Bar (previously California Grill) recently opened at the Las Posas Plaza at 67 East Daily Drive, Camarillo.

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. I see items like paella, filet mignon, braised beef short ribs, five cheese herb crusted mac and cheese, grilled ravioli and other great sounding items on their menu.

Visit www.adolfogrill.com for more information.

Lovi's Delicatessen Slated to Open at Former Home of Red Robin in Calabasas in December

The former home of the Calabasas Red Robin at 24005 Calabasas Road in Calabasas is slated to become Lovi's Delicatessen, Bakery, Restaurant and Baron Monday, December 15, 2014. The Lovi family has decades of experience in the restaurant business, including The Country Deli in Chatsworth, Agoura's Famous Deli and most recent Pickles Deli in Newbury Park (I'm a fan). For updates, visit lovisdeli.com.

Larsen's Grill Opens at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on December 8th

Update to the previous post dated 5/8/14: Today, December 8th, Larsen's Grill opens its doors at The Collection at RiverPark.

Larsen's Grill will be opening its second Ventura County location at The Collection at RiverPark in the Fall of 2014. In a recent comment on its Facebook page, Larsen's indicates a September time frame. Larsen's will be located next to the Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, adjacent to an interactive water fountain.

Larsen's offers prime, aged, slow-cooked steaks, as well as BBQ, chicken, sushi, sandwiches and more. The other Ventura County location is at the Simi Valley Town Center. Visit www.larsenssteakhouse.com to learn more.

Sprinkles Ice Cream and Cookies Coming to The Promenade at Westlake

Sprinkles Cupcakes Westlake Villageannounced on its Facebook page that the reason its current store at The Promenade at Westlake is closed is that it is re-opening this Friday, December 5th, at a larger location a few doors down (at the former home of Menchies Frozen Yogurt, which closed several months ago). And the new store will carry not only cupcakes, but Sprinkles Ice Cream and Cookies! Just in time for the holidays! Follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SprinklesWestlake for updates.

Smashburger Announces Grand Opening of Camarillo Location on November 26th

Smashburger, the nation’s fastest growing “better burger” restaurant, today announced that it will open its first Camarillo location at 660 East Ventura Boulevard (Camarillo Premium Outlets at "The Promenade") on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. The restaurant will open at 10:00 AM. 

Smashburger offers a broad menu of handcrafted burgers, chicken, salads, signature sides and handspun shakes. This new Camarillo Smashburger will feature a menu created with regional flavors and tastes, including the SoCal Smashburger and chicken sandwich with fresh avocado, cilantro, pepper jack, lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream and chipotle mayo on a telera roll served with a wedge of lime.

Smashburger burgers are made with 100% fresh, never frozen, all-natural Certified Angus Beef that is smashed on a 400 degree flat grill to sear in the juicy flavor. Burgers are served on toasted artisan buns and topped with a selection of the freshest produce, real cheeses, and highest-quality condiments.

Customers can also enjoy a selection of tender marinated grilled or crispy sandwiches and fresh-tossed signature salads, along with a variety of irresistible sides including rosemary and garlic–seasoned Smashfries, Haystack Onions, and Veggie Frites (flash-fried and seasoned carrot sticks and green beans). The restaurant will also serve a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages ranging from handspun shakes, root-beer floats in frosted mugs and beer.

This 2,530 sq ft Camarillo Smashburger has dining room seating for 72 guests and patio seating for 16. Regular restaurant hours will be 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily. Call the restaurant directly for holiday hours at (805) 482-5400.

This is the 2nd Smashburger in Ventura County, joining the Thousand Oaks location that opened in July 2012.

Local fans are also encouraged to join Smashburger’s Smash Club.  Smash Club members receive the latest news, tastiest promotions and exclusive coupons. For more information on Smashburger, visit www.smashburger.com or check them out on Facebook and Twitter.