The Melt in Westlake Village Recently Closed

CVG Facebook Follower Micki J tipped us off today that The Melt at The Promenade at Westlake closed its doors recently.  Now that was a surprise! The Melt opened to much fanfare on Monday, May 18th of this year, marking less than 7 1/2 months in business.

Sorry to hear the news, though if you look at the 65 Yelp reviews showing an aggregate rating of 2 1/2 stars, perhaps it is not a complete surprise. From a personal standpoint, I had mixed experiences at The Melt, some good, some not so good.

Joe's Crab Shack in Ventura Closed in September 2015

Joe's Crab Shack at 567 Sanjon Road in Ventura closed its doors in Ventura in mid-September. Joe's had operated there since 2003. Prior to that it was occupied by The Chart House since it was constructed in 1981. The site is likely to become luxury apartments in the future.

All that's missing from this table is you. Now serving #crawfish ya'll. #nofilter needed. #whatwecaught

A photo posted by Joes Crab Shack (@officialjoescrabshack) on Mar 17, 2015 at 11:55am PDT

Butler's Pizza Now Open in Former Home of Mulberry Street Pizzeria in Thousand Oaks

A couple weeks ago, Mulberry Street Pizzeria at 1655 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks changed ownership and became Butler's Pizza, a family-owned pizza parlor.  I called them (same phone number as before 805.379.1121). Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Butlers-Pizza-1388453068128799.

Mulberry Street originally opened at this location in April 2013, about a month after the previous occupant, PizzaSalad, closed its doors after five years in business.

Thanks to Alison F for the heads up!

$2.00 slices and $1 sodas with a local student ID BUTLER'S PIZZA

A photo posted by Butler's Pizza (@butlerspizza.to) on Nov 2, 2015 at 12:22pm PST

Gino's Bistro in Newbury Park Indicates Gino to Retire in the Coming Months

Gino's Bistro (circa 2010)

Gino of Gino's Bistro in Newbury Park has announced he will be retiring in the coming months, with an anticipated closing date likely the first week of January 2016. (FOLLOW-UP: Gino's last day of operation was December 31st.)

Gino has been in the restaurant business over 40 years and has owned a number of restaurants, including Gino's Bistro (since 2008), Di Gennara in Woodland Hills and Dolcetto's in Agoura Hills.

He is hosting what looks to be his last wine tasting dinner this Sunday, November 1st. 

On a personal note, I've enjoyed Gino and his food over the years and I know many others that have too. He will be missed, but we hope he enjoys retirement!

Gino's is located at 1620 Newbury Road in Newbury Park, next to Cronies. Phone is 805.498.3188. 

ginosbistro.com

(Note: Thanks to Julie Freedman of Newbury Park, who gave us the heads up.)

Musical Sushi Bars in the Conejo Valley

The Ventura County Star reported earlier today that Bada Sushi in Thousand Oaks has closed its doors. Thanks for the heads up goes out to CVG Facebook follower Jessica J.

Buh-bye, Bada Sushi ... with your broken windows, termite-infested window frames & skeevy parking lot #ThousandOakspic.twitter.com/3zGQPZ84qu

— Lisa McKinnon (@805foodie) April 22, 2015

One sushi bar is gone, but another one is coming soon to the Shoppes at Westlake Village. Q Sushi will be opening there. Visit qsushibar.com for updates.

Update 1/1/16: Q Sushi's countdown clock at www.qsushi.com indicates it will be opening in about a week.

Update 4/7/16: Q Sushi now indicates they will be opening to the public on April 14th!

Pizza Man Dan's to Open This October at Camarillo Village Square

Pizza Man Dan's has announced it is coming to the Camarillo Village Square at the corner of Los Posas and Arneill in Camarillo. It will occupy the former home of Me-n-Ed's Pizza.

Pizza Man Dan's was created in July 2012 by the former president of Rusty's Pizza.  It now has locations in Ventura, Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Moorpark. Offering specialty and make your own pizzas, California hot wings, hot subs and more.

Learn more at www.pizzamandans.com.

Custom Melt in Moorpark Closed Its Doors in Late August

Custom Melt, which opened its doors in May 2012, announced on August 31st that it has closed. The owners continue to operate Custom Pie next door at 6593 Collins Drive in Moorpark.

VC Star Reports Vitello's Trattoria in Thousand Oaks to Close This Sunday

The Ventura County Star reported at www.vcstar.com/business/vitellos-trattoria-enters-final-days-of-business-at-thousand-oaks-location yesterday that Vitello's Trattoria in Thousand Oaks will be closing after dinner service this coming Sunday, July 26th.  The restaurant came to the end of its five year lease but opted not to extend the lease, though the owner indicated they may seek a new location. www.vitellostrattoria.com

Posted by Vitello's Trattoria on Thursday, April 11, 2013

Simply Fish Grill in Agoura Opened in April

Update: Simply Fish Grill closed in January 2019. Its new tenant will be the Cuckoo Rooster, serving up hot fried chicken and wings.

Simply Fish Grill at 5653 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills a few months ago. It is located next to the Italia Deli. Serves up fresh fish including salmon, mahi mahi, tilapia, mussels and more. No website or phone number handy but their Facebook page is www.facebook.com/pages/Simply-Fish-Grill-Casual-Eatery/984214264936127.