West Village Cafe Now Open at North Ranch Gateway in Westlake Village (Now Milad's Kitchen)

UPDATE Winter 2022: Milad’s Kitchen is now closed.

UPDATE Summer 2020: West Village Cafe is now called Milad’s Kitchen, serving delicious Persian cuisine.

miladskitchen.com

UPDATE 9/8/19: West Village Cafe is now open. Thanks to Christine M for the heads up. Learn more at westvillagecafe.net. They also sell Porto’s pastries and Lavazza coffee.

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Amelia S. has an eye for pointing out new eateries coming to the Conejo Valley. The latest is the West Village Cafe, coming soon to the North Ranch Gateway at the northeast corner of Lindero and Thousand Oaks Boulevard, 30869 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, across the parking lot from Dunkin' Donuts and next to Domino's Pizza.

This spot was formerly occupied by Teko’s Brazilian Grill in 2017.

Stay tuned for updates.

Mimi's Cafe Rebrands Itself as Mimi's Bistro & Bakery

Ani S. pointed it out via a CVG Facebook Page message that Mimi’s Cafe appears to have a new name, “Mimi’s Bistro & Bakery.”

She’s right.

Two months ago, Mimi’s parent company, Le Duff America, Inc., announced the change to strengthen the 41 year-old eatery’s connection with France.

Along with the new name, Mimi's is launching a Bites + Beverages menu with new Mimi's House Wine, made specifically for the brand from Bordeaux, France, cocktails and appetizers. The new House Red and House White Wine will be available for $6 per glass and $22 per bottle, accompanied by classic cocktails like the French 75, a fun twist on the classic, the French Mule and a martini selection. Appetizers on the menu include: Hummus & Crudités, Brochette Trio and Flatbreads.

Mimi’s has 77 locations in 16 states, including local Ventura County locations at 3375 E. Main Street, Ventura and 400 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks.

Probably not a bad time for a pivot for local Mimi’s locations, sporting 2 1/2 star and 3 star aggregate reviews at the Ventura and Thousand Oaks locations, respectively.

Learn more at www.mimisbistroandbakery.com.

County of Ventura Food Facility Closures in August 2019

The County of Ventura Environmental Health Division (EHD) protects public health and the environment by ensuring conformance with State laws and County ordinances pertaining to food protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, individual sewage disposal systems, land use, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, solid waste, underground fuel tanks and vector control.

The EHD publishes food facility closures at vcrma.org/food-facilities-closure-report-inspector-initiated.

The following facility closures (exclusive of mobile facilities) were noted in August 2019. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.

Sweetfrog Frozen Yogurt, 2306 Las Posas Road, Unit C, Camarillo;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 08/30/19; Date reopened - 09/01/19

Cagami Ramen,1855 Daily Dr. #B, Camarillo;
Sewage backing up under the three-compartment sink, repeated violations/continuous non-compliance and unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 08/28/19; Date reopened - 08/30/19

Francisco Mexican Food, 345 S. C Street, Oxnard;
Inadequate refrigeration resulting in unsafe food temperatures;
Date closed - 08/27/19; Date reopened - 08/28/19

La Tapatia, 1069 East Main Street, Santa Paula;
Inadequate refrigeration resulting in unsafe food temperatures, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 08/27/19; Date reopened - 08/29/19

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, 4726-2 Telephone Rd., Ventura;
Inoperable exhaust hood system, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 08/26/19; Date reopened - 08/30/19

El Taco de Mexico, 210 E. 5th Street, Oxnard;
Inadequate supply of hot water for hand washing and utensil washing, inadequate refrigeration resulting in unsafe food temperatures;
Date closed - 08/22/19; Date reopened - 08/22/19

Fresh Grill Ventura, 1876 East Main Street, Ventura;
Inadequate refrigeration resulting in unsafe food temperatures;
Date closed - 08/22/19; Date reopened - 08/23/19

The Sushi House, 1127 South Seaward Avenue, Ventura;
Inoperable hand washing sink and inadequate refrigeration;
Date closed - 08/22/19; Date reopened - 08/23/19

PC's Bar & Grill, 4250 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley;
Utensil washing and handwashing unavailable due to waste water discharging from the facility;
Date closed - 08/22/19; Date reopened - 08/23/19

Wendy's, 2010 N. Rose Avenue, Oxnard;
Inadequate supply of hot water for hand washing and utensil washing;
Date closed - 08/16/19; Date reopened - 08/16/19

Boney Mountain Pizza Company, 722 N. Wendy Drive, Newbury Park;
Sewage overflowing within the facility, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 08/13/19; Date reopened - 08/19/19

KFC, 191 West Gonzales Road, Oxnard;
No warm water available at hand washing sinks in restrooms;
Date closed - 08/14/19; Date reopened - 08/14/19

Hong Kong Inn, 435 East Thompson Boulevard, Ventura;
Unsanitary conditions, inadequate refrigeration resulting in unsafe food temperatures;
Date closed - 08/13/19; Date reopened - 08/15/19

Jamba Juice, 585-4 West Channel Islands Boulevard, Port Hueneme;
Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 08/12/19; Date reopened - 08/13/19

Yasubay, 1219 Saviers Road, Oxnard;
No means to adequately wash hands in the food preparation area, improper food handling;
Date closed - 08/07/19; Date reopened - 08/12/19

New China Wok Express, 592 West Main Street, Santa Paula;
Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 08/06/19; Date reopened - 08/09/19

McDonald's, 138 East Harvard Boulevard, Santa Paula;
Unsanitary conditions as a result of construction taking place;
Date closed - 08/06/19; Date reopened - 08/07/19

Thousand Oaks Oil, (food sales only), 3505 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 08/05/19; Date reopened - 08/06/19

Bobbi's Mexican Food, LLC, 302 N. Lantana St., Camarillo;
No means to adequately wash hands in the food preparation area, remodeling without approval;
Date closed - 08/05/19; Date reopened - 08/07/19

Jasmine Thai Restaurant, 1145 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura;
Unsanitary conditions as a result of construction taking place;
Date closed - 08/05/19; Date reopened - 08/06/19

Los Arcos Restaurant, 978 E. Main St., Santa Paula;
No means to adequately wash hands in the food preparation area, inadequate refrigeration resulting in unsafe food temperatures;
Date closed - 08/05/19; Date reopened - 08/07/19

J&R Fruit Stand, 2852 East Telegraph Road, Fillmore;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 08/01/19; Date reopened - 08/02/19

Mad Era Brewing Co. Coming Soon to Simi Valley

UPDATE 10/16/21: It’s been awhile, hasn’t it!? The latest from Mad Era is that the brewing tanks are being installed. Patience is a virtue… www.facebook.com/MadEraBrewing

UPDATE 9/9/19: Lots of progress has been made in construction and they are anticipating opening in the next few months.

UPDATE 1/8/19: Owners noted yesterday that they have submitted building plans to the City of Simi Valley for the 3rd iteration yesterday.. Timing of opening date TBA.

Original post 8/11/18:

The former Marie Callender's location at 20 W. Cochran Street in Simi Valley will soon be opening (as of mid-July they anticipated Fall 2018) as Mad Era Brewing Co.  Mad Era* is a production brewery and tap room that will also serve food.

* Perhaps you may note the cross street it is located at is Madera Road.

For updates, visit www.facebook.com/MadEraBrewing.

Camarillo Grove Park New Playground and Hiking Trail Re-Opening in Early October

New playground equipment has been ordered and will be installed in September at Camarillo Grove Park, 6968 E. Camarillo Springs Road in Camarillo. Construction is estimated to be complete in early October.

The Hill Fire of November 2018 raged through this park and destroyed the old playground, so it had to be completely removed. The fire also ravaged large sections of hiking trails and made them unsafe for the public to use. The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District has been working with FEMA to obtain additional funds to fix all the damage so that the entire park can be safely reopened to the public. The upper hiking trail loop has been closed for maintenance and should be re-opened by early September.

Camarillo Grove Park, a former stagecoach stop and home to the oldest tree in the district, is nestled in a rustic setting near the base of the Conejo Grade at the end of Camarillo Springs Road. The park has five areas that can be rented for groups and events ranging from 50 to 350 people, a perfect spot for weddings, birthday parties, charity events, anniversary parties, corporate and team building events, school field trips and more! Contact the District at 805-482-1996 for rental information.

Here’s a mockup of the type of playground going into Camarillo Grove Park.

More info at www.pvrpd.org/parks/park_list/camarillo_grove_park.asp.

Subway at Janss Marketplace Has Closed Its Doors

Kira K pointed out that the Subway at Janss Marketplace is now closed. A sign points out there's another Subway just 300 meters (or approximately 984 foot longs) in the Village Court strip mall at 440 North Moorpark Road, northeast corner of Moorpark Road and Brazil Street in Thousand Oaks.

Well this is a bummer for me personally as we did patronize this particularly Subway more than most.

Boney Mountain Tavern in Newbury Park is Now Boney Mountain Pizza Company

The re-branding of Boney Mountain Tavern at 722 N. Wendy Drive in Newbury Park is now complete. It is now the Boney Mountain Pizza Company, offering pizza, 25 beers on tap, wings, salads and more in a family-friendly setting.

This popular local eatery originally opened in the summer of 2016 at the former home of Magoo’s Sports Grill.

The World's Biggest Bounce House Comes to Santa Barbara August 23-25

The Big Bounce America, featuring the world’s largest bounce house, will be featured at Ellings Park in Santa Barbara Friday through Sunday, the weekend of August 23-25, 2019.

There are three featured attractions:

• The World’s Biggest Bounche House is the largest bounce house in the world, featuring ball pits, climbing towers, live DJs, confetti blasts and more.

• The Giant is a 900+ foot tall inflatable obstacle course.

• AirSPACE is a bouncy attraction with friendly aliens, spaceships, giant planets, moon craters and more.

Three hour access tickets are available for a timed session on The World’s Biggest Bounce House and unlimited access to the other attractions at thebigbounceamerica.com/family/tickets.

Options include a Toddler Session (ages 3 and under) for $16 (Friday only), Junior Session (ages 7 and under) for $25 (Sat/Sun only), Bigger Kid Session (ages 15 and under) for $25 (Fri-Sun) and Adults Only Session (ages 16+) for $30 (Sat/Sun only).

Must wear socks at all times.

Big Bounce America | 2019 Tour Promo (Fy) from The Big Bounce America on Vimeo.

County of Ventura Food Facility Closures in July 2019

The County of Ventura Environmental Health Division (EHD) protects public health and the environment by ensuring conformance with State laws and County ordinances pertaining to food protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, individual sewage disposal systems, land use, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, solid waste, underground fuel tanks and vector control.

The EHD publishes food facility closures at vcrma.org/food-facilities-closure-report-inspector-initiated.

The following facility closures (exclusive of mobile facilities) were noted in July 2019. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.

Jack in the Box, 2352 East Thompson Boulevard, Ventura;
Inoperable warewashing sink;
Date closed - 07/29/19; Date reopened - 07/29/19

2686 Kitchen, 2686 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura;
Inoperable warewashing sink, inadequate refrigeration;
Date closed - 07/26/19; Date reopened - 07/26/19

4 Way Meat Market #7 Hueneme, 541 W. Hueneme Rd., Oxnard;
Inoperable restrooms, inoperable walk-in refrigeration unit, remodeling without approval, fly infestation and unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 07/25/19; Date reopened - 07/26/19

Taqueria Caporales, 601 W. Hueneme Rd., Oxnard
Cockroach infestation and unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 07/25/19; Date reopened - 07/26/19

La Quinta Inn, 5818 Valentine Road, Ventura;
Inoperable warewashing sink, inadequate refrigeration;
Date closed - 07/22/19; Date reopened - 07/22/19

EMC Seafood & Raw Bar, 511 Town Center Drive #3015, Oxnard;
Kitchen is not fully enclosed, resulting in unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 07/19/19; Date reopened - 7/19/19

Burger King #7, 2500 S. Ventura Rd., Oxnard;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 07/18/19; Date roepened - 07/20/19

Garcia's Catering & Restaurant, 165 North Hayes Street, Oxnard;
No permit to operate;
Date closed - 07/18/19; Permit issued - 07/19/19

Player's Card Club, 6580 Auto Center Drive, Ventura;
Inoperable plumbing resulting in sewage overflowing outside of the facility;
Date closed - 07/17/19; Date reopened - 07/17/19

La Michoacana Azteca, 500 North Ventura Avenue, Ventura;
No hot water available at the facility;
Date closed - 07/16/19; Date reopened - 07/16/19

Don Lalo's 385 West El Roblar Drive, Ojai;
Power outage, inadequate refrigeration;
Date closed - 07/16/19; Date reopened - 07/17/19

Henny Penny Fish & Chips, 200 S. Ventura Rd., Oxnard;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 07/16/19; Date roepened - 07/22/19

Fratelli's Pizza & Brews, 1559 Spinnaker Drive, Unit 100, Ventura;
No means to adequately wash hands in the food preparation area;
Date closed - 07/15/19; Date reopened - 07/19/19

J&R Fruit Stand, 2852 East Telegraph Road, Fillmore;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 07/15/19; Date reopened - 07/17/19

Rosabella's Cafe & Bakery, 2705 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 07/12/19; Date reopened - 07/13/19

Spring Garden, 1795 S. Victoria Ave. #101-A, Ventura;
Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 07/08/19; Date reopened - 07/09/19

Ventura County Market, 116 South Mill Street, Santa Paula;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 07/02/19; Date reopened - 07/05/19