Tantra Indian Cuisine & Bar Coming Soon to Oak Park

UPDATE: Now open!

There’s a sign up at the former home of Charhouse BBQ & Grill in Oak Park (closed in January 2018…and prior to that, Nico’s Cafe), indicating Tantra Indian Cuisine & Bar is “coming soon.”

At this point in time, we have no additional information regarding Tantra (the restaurant, that is). but we will certainly stay tuned. Location is 706 Lindero Canyon Road (at Kanan).

According to a Wikipedia article, tantra literally means "loom, warp, weave." Tantra is not to be confused with tantrum, which is typically characterized by stubbornness, crying, screaming, violence, defiance, angry ranting, etc.

Westlake Shake Shack in Thousand Oaks to Open Its Doors on Tuesday, October 23rd

We made it to Westlake! Shake Shack® is thrilled to announce it will open the doors to a new location in Westlake Village on Tuesday, October 23th, 2018.

The Westlake Shack will be situated at 120 Promenade Way, Suite A, Thousand Oaks in The Promenade at Westlake,

Shake Shack is a critically acclaimed, modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and griddled flat-top dogs (no hormones or antibiotics – ever), fresh-made frozen custard, crispy crinkle cut fries and more. A fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal, Shake Shack has earned a cult-like following around the world.

In addition to the classics, the Westlake Shack will be spinning up a unique selection of frozen custard concretes:

• Pie Oh My: Vanilla Custard with a slice of Cake Monkey Bakery seasonal pie

• Snap, Crackle Crete: Vanilla custard, marshmallow fluff and crispy crunchies

• S’more Please: Chocolate custard, Mast Brothers Chocolate chunks, graham cracker and marshmallow fluff

The menu will also feature the Los Angeles-exclusive Roadside Double, a double Swiss cheeseburger topped with Dijon mustard and onions simmered in bacon and beer.

Guests can wash their burgers down with local brews from Angel City Brewery, Bootlegger's Brewery  Barley Forge Brewing Co. and Lagunitas Brewing Company plus Shake Shack’s exclusive Brooklyn Brewery ShackMeister® Ale. Wine lovers can enjoy a glass of Shack Red and Shack White wine from the Gotham Project.

As part of Shake Shack’s mission to Stand For Something Good®, The Westlake Shack will donate all proceeds from soft opening, as well 5% of sales from the Pie Oh My concrete throughout the life of the shack to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that provides low-income children, ages 0-12 years, with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves.

The 3,482 square foot Shack will feature an outdoor patio and ample seating for guests. In keeping with Shake Shack’s commitment to green architecture and eco-friendly construction, the Westlake Shack’s tabletops will be made by CounterEvolution using reclaimed bowling alley lanes; chairs will be designed by Uhuru using sustainable materials; and booths will be crafted by Staach using lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Sweet Treats! When doors open at 11AM, the first guests in line will receive a free Pie Oh My concrete- on us!

Shake Shack is now hiring full-time and part-time team members – no previous experience required! Apply online at ShackCareers.com

SoLé SoupS to Open Location at Oakbrook Plaza in Thousand Oaks

SoLé SoupS is opening a location in the Oakbrook Plaza on Avenida de los Arboles in Thousand Oaks in the next few weeks, next to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, on the DMV side of the plaza. They currently and will continue to operate at their Agoura Hills Soup Studio at 28708 Roadside Drive, Ste H, Agoura Hills as well as at the Calabasas Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings.

With origins in Italy, the SoLé family has been making premium soups, stews, sauces and more since 2012. Crafted daily in Agoura Hills from local produce whenever possible, all-natural elements and grass-fed, free-range meats. Their soup formulas contain: no preservatives, no soy, no fillers and no sugar-added.

SoLe’s soup offerings include yellow split pea, tomato, “Green Detox,” carrot-ginger, beef bone broth, hearty turkey chili, hearty beef stew, claim chowder, cauliflower, butternut squash, lentil and more.

SoLé also offers fresh-frozen soups made daily.

Learn more at solesoups.com and stay tuned for grand opening date.

Shake Shack Westlake Village Looks to be Opening Soon

No official date as of yet but from the outside, it looks like the new Shake Shack at The Promenade at Westlake is in the final stages of construction. Looks pretty good to me!

They are in recruiting mode. Applicants may stop by for on the spot interviews at the Homewood Suites, 28901 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills, weekdays from 9am to 5pm or can apply online at THIS LINK. Or visit www.shakeshack.com.

MythPoint Bistro Now Open in Westlake Village

MythPoint Bistro opened this week in the North Ranch Plaza, 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Westlake Village. This restaurant was opened by a family who moved here from Turkey about 15 months ago, with substantial restaurant experience in that country.

Serving Greek and Turkish inspired recipes, including sauteed spicy chicken, steak and kofte (meatball) sandwiches and plates, sausage sandwiches and more.

When I went in late on Friday night, they had sold out of most items, but they gave me a meatball to sample. I was immediately sold. mythpoint.com

Mejico Grill & Tequila Lounge Recently Opened in Agoura Hills

2021: The building caught on fire on February 20th and has been closed ever since. No signs of re-opening as of January 2022. www.facebook.com/mejicogrill

Mejico Grill & Tequila Lounge hosted its grand opening on Saturday, September 22nd at 29008 Agoura Road in Agoura Hills. Mejico serves authentic Mexican food seven days a week. Salads, chile rellenos, quesadillas, fish specialties, tacos, enchiladas, burritos and more.

Previous occupants of this space on Agoura Road include Treehouse Tavern (November 2016 to late 2017) and Padri Restaurant & Martini Bar.

To learn more and see the menu, visit www.mejicogrill.com.

Stout Burgers and Beers Looks to Open Ventura Location

There’s a notice on the window at “The Hamilton Building” in Downtown Ventura at 328 E. Main Street indicated Stout Burgers and Beers intends to occupy this location at some point. More on Stout at www.stoutburgersandbeers.com.

Da Hickory House BBQ Opened at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on September 1st

Da Hickory House BBQ opened at The Collection at RiverPark on September 1st., located in the former home of Gandolfo’s New York Deli on the far east side of the marketplace.

As one might expect, their menu includes items like pork ribs, beef ribs, chicken, tri-tip and links in on plates, sandwiches and salads. The place smells delicious.

www.facebook.com/DaHickoryHouseOxnardCollection

Cake Monkey Bakery Opening August 31st at The Village at Westlake

Update Fall 2019: Well after 13 months, the owners announced they are closing Cake Monkey Bakery.

Update 8/30/18: Anticipated grand opening on Friday, August 31st.

"Known for the ultimate in delicious desserts and pastries, we make everything from mini layer cakes to nostalgic favorites such as El Rollos, Cakewiches and Pop Pies."

Posted 4/29/18:

Cake Monkey Bakery is located at 7807 Beverly Blvd in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, offering cakes, individually-sized treats and coffee.  Gluten-free items are available too.

Well guess what...Cake Monkey Bakery is soon opening a location at The Village at Westlake, Agoura Road and Village Glen, in the former home of Tonino's Place Pizzeria.