Local Buzz covers new businesses, restaurants, closures, local politics, goings on around town and other buzzworthy items in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County. Have a lead? Contact us. Click here for an archive of Local Buzz postings.
Local Buzz covers new restaurants, closures, local politics, goings on around town and other buzzworthy items in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County. Have a lead? Contact us. Click here for an archive of Local Buzz postings.
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Another update: CINQO closed in late 2017. That sure didn't last long!
Update: Opened the week of January 22, 2017
Thanks to Nadia F. via the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page for pointing out that a new restaurant is coming to the Oakbrook Plaza on Avenida de los Arboles and Erbes Road (near Vons), CINQO Fresh Mexican Eatery. We have no other details at this point but stay tuned.
Photo credit: Nadia F.
Update: Pokeland opened in early January.
Photo credit: Christopher Newton
Thanks to Christopher N. via the CVG Facebook Page that Pokeland is "coming soon" to the Conejo Valley Plaza, 1396 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. It will be situated in the former Subway location that closed earlier this year.
Poke is definitely a growing trend around town, with Honeyfish Poke and Big Fish Poke opening this year in Westlake Village and Poke Tiki opening soon at Janss Marketplace. Not to mention, Pokistop Poke & Roll in Simi Valley and Pokeland Ventura, which opened this summer. Also, Vintage Grocers has a poke bar that sells poke by the pound in Westlake Village.
Thanks to Craig M. for highlighting the fact that the Exotic Thai Bistro at the Simi Valley Town Center, Suite 770 transitioned into the Coconut Crab Restaurant last week.
Their menu is posted at their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coconutcrabrestaurant. There are a variety of dishes offered, including pan roasts (fresh seafood cooked in a chowder and served with steamed rice), Pad Thai, Thai Basil Chicken, Grilled Salmon and other delicious sounding dishes.
There's also something unique on the menu. A five step meal involving 1) selection of a seafood (ranging from shrimp to clams, lobster tail, crawfish, etc.), 2) pick a sauce, 3) indicate level of desired spiciness, 4) selected side dishes (sausages, corn on the cob, rice, garlic noodles, etc.) and 5) select a 3 lb family combo if desired.
UPDATE: The Westlake Village Dunkin Donuts will be opening on Tuesday, December 6th at 30895 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard (at Lindero). Thanks for the heads up, Agoura Hills Mom!
The first guest in line gets a $100 DD gift card and a DD travel mug and $2 perk cards go out to the first 50 to order. I believe the location opens at 5 am but do check first to be sure. That's way too early for me, even with the possibility of $100 in free donuts!
Update 11/16/16: The signs are up and most of the equipment inside appears to be installed. No specific date but Dunkin Donuts corporate indicates "by year end."
Christopher N provided this shot of Dunkin Donuts with newly installed signs up.
Local area blogger Agoura Hills Mom got the word out that the Conejo Valley will see its first Dunkin' Donuts sometime later this year or early 2017 at the North Ranch Gateway, 30895 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Westlake Village.
Dunkin' Donuts will be located in the building at the corner of Lindero and Thousand Oaks Blvd. The entire North Ranch Gateway is currently undergoing extensive renovations.
There's a sign up indicating they are now hiring.
Photo credit C. Reyes via CVG Facebook Page
This is the first of what is anticipated to be eight or so Dunkin' locations in Ventura County and adjacent areas that was announced two years ago.
Another Dunkin' WAS in the works at the Simi Marketplace in Simi Valley - but now that location will be a Presto Pasta location.
Visit www.dunkindonuts.com for more information.
The grand opening of Pizzscotti Trattoria & Bakery Bar takes place at the Simi Valley Town Center, Suite 290 (behind Jamba Juice) the weekend of December 2-4, 2016. Pizzcotti offers homemade Italian cuisine, delicious pastries, beer and wine and more. Visit www.facebook.com/pizzscotti911 for more information.
UPDATE: Opened in late June 2017. www.cafebizou.com
Cafe 14 closed its doors in July at 30315 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills. Opening soon at this location will be Cafe Bizou, which has other locations in Sherman Oaks and Pasadena, serving up French and American style food. Seafood, steaks, pasta, sandwiches, salads and more.
Update: Pokistop is now open as of late December.
All signs indicate a new eatery, Pokistop Poke & Roll, 1263 Simi Town Center Way, Suite H-5, in the space previously (and quite briefly) occupied by Cre8 Pizza. The signs are up though and a "doing business as" filing was published on October 26th. So stay tuned.
Update: Habanero Mexican Grill opened in mid-February.
Sign indicating a transfer of a alcoholic beverage serving license has been applied for. It is definitely a must to have a cold beer or margarita with your fajitas.
A new Mexican eatery called Habanero Mexican Grill is coming in the near future to the Thousand Oaks Marketplace, 520 N. Ventu Park Road, near Walmart Neighborhood Market, Walgreens and the Drive-Thru Starbucks. This new eatery will occupy a space of approximately 2,800 sq ft. Stay tuned for more information.
Janchi is now open. With 35 booths and tables, Janchi is a self-grill restaurant with individual grills where diners can select and cook from marinated beef short ribs, brisket, beef tongue, shrimp, scallops and other items. There's also a grilled in the kitchen menus featuring marinated meats and seafood.
Update 11/19/16: Was told at 10:45am today that grand opening has been pushed to this coming Wednesday but a portion of the restaurant will be open for a "soft opening" until then
Update 11/17/16: An email came in at 1:41 PM today from Kevin L of Janchi Korean BBQ and Bar. He indicate that Janchi will be having its grand opening on Saturday, November 19th (yes, that's just two days from today) with limited seating. Hours of operation are 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5pm to 10:30pm. He indicates the bar is currently beer and wine only. Their phone is 805-370-1777.
Update 10/9/16: Still no specifics on timing but they have the permanent Janchi Korean BBQ signs up!
Originally posted 6/5/16:
A public notice of application to sell alcoholic beverages has been made at the former homes of TGI Fridays and the short-lived DISH Restaurant (that vacated the space on November 14, 2013 after a 14 month stint). The name of the business is Janchi Korean BBQ and Bar. No other information at this time, but stay tuned.
What does janchi (잔치) mean in English? "Feast" or "banquet." And there ya have it. For now, at least.
Thanks to Hilary A for the heads up on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page today.
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