Burlington Coat Factory Opened at Janss Marketplace in September

National retailer Burlington Coat Factory opened at the Janss Marketplace in the former 85,000 sq.ft Mervyn’s building the last week of September. The Thousand Oaks store features a wide variety of the latest trends in ladies’ dresses, suits, sportswear, maternity and accessories; top name men’s suits and sportswear; quality, name brand shoes for men, women and children; famous label clothes for kids of all ages, and of course – COATS – the largest selection of coats in the nation with over 5,000 to choose from. The store also includes Home Décor and Baby Depot Departments.  For more information about Burlington Coat Factory, visit www.BurlingtonCoatFactory.com.

Scrumptious Mouth Watering Treats at The Bread Basket in Camarillo

The Bread Basket is a tiny little bakery located at the Las Posas Plaza Shopping Center at 83 East Daily Drive in Camarillo. It is easy to miss in a corner location across the parking lot from Taco Bell. But step right in and you are presented with a stunning array of unbelievably decadent pastries, cakes and other baked delicacies, many of which are packed with fresh fruits like strawberries, blackberries and other seasonal local grown produce. In fact, several times I've personally witnessed The Bread Basket staff unload fresh produce off a truck into the store.

We have purchased The Bread Basket birthday cakes for our family and office parties from time to time and they are out of this world mouth wateringly delicious...the cake, the creamy fillings, the fruits and the luscious frostings. You will not go wrong here for an amazing cake, breads and other baked goods.

But let's not stop there! The Bread Basket has delicious sandwiches made on their fresh breads. Every sandwich I've tried there I've like. Recently, I've been quite impressed with this healthy and substantial veggie sandwich featuring cheese, avocado, lettuce, sprouts, carrots, tomato, cucumber, sunflower seeds, etc. Quite filling and simply good to the last bite. They also have turkey, roast beef, ham and the other usual suspects.

A veggie sandwich you can really sink your teeth into at The Bread Basket

You can also order a "box lunch" with a sandwich, side salad, fruit and a decadent chocolate morsel. These are really, really good. I believe the cost of these box lunches is just under $10 (as of November 2010).

There is no space to eat inside The Bread Basket (heck, there's barely room for 8 people to stand) but there are a number of small tables outside (if you don't mind eating 5 feet away from parked cars). You won't be sitting there long though because the food is so good!

The Bread Basket website (www.breakbasketcake.com) was not functioning at the time of writing this but you can call them at 805.482.1337. Check em out!

Cholada Thai in Newbury Park Recently Closed

My family enjoyed that place though every time we went it was like 10% occupied. Apparently it closed in the last month or two (we were last there in the summer). The good thing is that there is a newer location in Thousand Oaks as well as the original location in Malibu. Visit www.choladathaicuisine.com for more information and phone numbers.

Loehmann's in Newbury Park is Closing! :<

As I was stopping PetSmart in Newbury Park to pick up goldfish food for my 5 year old's recent addition to his pet collection on Saturday, October 30th, I noticed a lot of "40% to 80%" signs along the road. Much to my wife's chagrin, we discovered that the Newbury Park Loehmann's is closing its doors. In fat, they are even selling store furniture and fixtures...pretty much everything except the walls. My wife asked me scope it out for her and there's stuff in there, but a fraction of what used to be. The pickins appear to be getting slim. Last day the store will be open is Sunday, November 7th.

There ain't any other Loehmann's close by here in Ventura County. The next closest stores are in Reseda, Burbank and Beverly Hills.

Gino's Bistro - Hidden Italian Gem in Newbury Park

Note: Gino retired and the restaurant closed its doors in December 2015.

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I'm a pretty easy to please guy when it comes to food. I'll eat pretty much anything as long as it isn't overloaded with fat and creamy sauces. But I do know good food when I taste it.

Gino's Bistro in Newbury Park is one of those places where I know I'm getting something special...old school Italian food. While I enjoy taking the kids to Presto Pasta and other budget restaurants, sometimes I like to kick it up a notch.

Gino, the namesake, had previous restaurants for many years in Agoura and somewhere else (place escapes me). You immediately get the sense that Gino loves what he does and is proud of his food. I've been to Gino's several times, one time on a weeknight where he served me himself. He and his wife were very friendly and gracious. The other time the restaurant was packed with people enjoying a wine tasting paired with their food. I brought my Italian mother-in-law to Gino's and he stopped by to say hello.

Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti BologneseThe food was delicious. The salmon was perfectly cooked and served with pasta in marinara sauce. I loved the homemade manicotti (pasta stuffed with fresh ricotta and spinach). The Spaghetti Bolognese was mouthwatering and my kids split the leftovers for lunch the next day (nice portion). The bread is to die for...soft on the inside, slightly crunchy on the outside...served warm and fresh. And the house salad was also excellent...love the garbanzo beans in it.

How did I first hear about Gino's? From a CVG fan! You know who you are! This source enjoys the Penne Arrabiata and Liguine with Spicy Clams.  He notes that Gino is old school..."what do you want...if i got it back there, I'll make it for you."

Gino's has a comfortable, not overly fancy, yet still nice feel to it. You can get away wearing jeans or shorts or something more dressy. Either way, no doubt you will enjoy the food, casual atmosphere and warmth of Gino's.

Gino's is located at 1620 Newbury Road in Newbury Park, in the strip mall where the Post Office, Jersey Mike's and In N' Out Burger are located. You will not regret your authentic Italian meal at Gino's. Phone is 805.498.3188. No website.