Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Followers Chime In On Favorite Dishes at Country Harvest in Newbury Park

With the latest Stay at Home Order shutting down inside service at local eateries in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura/LA Counties once again, we decided to take it upon ourselves to do a little something that would help promote local eateries and have a bit of fun.

Since mid-July,, we’ve been raising funds from Conejo Valley Guide social media followers and using proceeds raised to purchase gift cards at local Conejo Valley area eateries (that in turn were suggested by CVG Facebook Page followers). As of August 1st, we have raised over $1,900 from 113 individuals and organizations. If every social media follower gave a $1, we’d have well over $40,000 earmarked for local business!

To give to this fund, and every $1 helps, donate via credit card at bit.ly/CVG Fund or via Paypal at paypal.me/ConejoValleyGuide.

Our first gift card drawing was on July 22nd, for a $50 gift card at Country Harvest, 3345 Kimber Drive, Newbury Park. We asked folks to pick an item from Country Harvest’s menu to enter the drawing. Here’s a compilation of the responses for some food for thought (in no particular order):

• Fresh Garden Pita with Grilled Chicken and Avocado added

• Liver and Onions

• Chicken Marsala

• Eggs Benedict - mentioned 11 times (including Seafood Benedict, Bacon & Avocado Benedict, California Benedict)

• Steak Sandwich

• Cobb Salad - mentioned twice

• Turkey Dinner

• Breakfast Burrito - mentioned 8 times

• Belgium Waffles with Strawberries - mentioned 6 times

• Wahoo Fish Salad - mentioned twice

• Lemon Chicken Avocado Sandwich

• Chicken and Waffles - mentioned twice

• Meatloaf - mentioned twice

• Fish & Chips - mentioned 5 times

• Fried Chicken - mentioned twice

• Caesar Salad

• Shrimp Scampi- mentioned twice

• Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry - mentioned twice

• Country Fried Steak and Eggs - mentioned 7 times

• Steak and Eggs

• Hot Pastrami on Rye

• Country Skillet Breakfast - mentioned 4 times

• Tri Tip Sandwich or Dinner - mentioned twice

• Jumbo Shrimp Salad

• French Toast Platter - mentioned 3 times

• Burger and Curly Fries or Zucchini Fries - mentioned twice

• Pancakes, Bacon and Sausage - mentioned 7 times (including, banana, blueberry, walnut and granola)

• Chicken Waldorf Salad

• Cheesecake

• French Dip Sandwich - mentioned twice

• Philly Cheesesteak

• Club Sandwich - mentioned 3 times

• Country Biscuit Breakfast - mentioned 4 times

• Tuna or Turkey Melt with Avocado - mentioned twice

• Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

• Pot Roast - mentioned twice

• Patty Melt - mentioned twice

• Croissant Breakfast Sandwich - mentioned 3 times

• Strawberry Shortcake

• Chicken Salad Pita

• Blackened Salmon Caesar

• Bacon Swiss Burger

• Corned Beef Hash Breakfast - mentioned twice

• Avocado Toast - mentioned 3 times

• BBQ Chicken Wrap

• Health Nut Sandwich

• Garden Burger Platter

• Quiche

• Taco Salad

• Cilantro Chicken Salad

• Ham Steak Breakfast

As of August 1st, we have given away gift cards 11 days in a row on the CVG Facebook Page and this will continue until we have spent all funds raised. At this point, it will be at least another two or three weeks of drawings! Having some fun with this!

Learn more about Country Harvest, which has operated in Newbury Park since May 27, 2002, at www.countryharvest.restaurant or call 805.375.4598.

Compilation of Restaurants Offering Take-Out and Delivery Service in Ventura County During the COVID-19 Emergency

Many of you have asked for a compilation of local area eateries that are open during the coronavirus Stay Well at Home order for either takeout or delivery. We have compiled a list of links to such eateries that have been compiled by local cities.

We’ve highlighted a number of open eateries in the Conejo Valley on the CVG Instagram page at www.instagram.com/conejovalleyguide - if you scroll down you’ll find many of them.

City of Moorpark: www.moorparkca.gov/910/COVID-19-Restaurant-Guide

Greater Conejo Valley Chamber list at THIS LINK

Agoura takeout and delivery at www.conejochamber.org/restaurants---agoura-hills

Thousand Oaks takeout and delivery at www.conejochamber.org/restaurants

Westlake Village takeout and delivery at www.conejochamber.org/restaurants

City of Agoura Hills list at www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us/novel-coronavirus-information/restaurant-information

Camarillo: www.cityofcamarillo.org/business/covid-19_open_for_business_list.php

Simi Valley Chamber list at www.simivalleychamber.org/restaurants.html

Ventura Chamber of Commerce list at venturachamber.com/restaurants-open-and-offering-to-go-and-delivery

Oxnard Chamber of Commerce list at www.oxnardchamber.org/covid-19-food-delivery-and-takeout.html

Santa Paula Chamber list at santapaulachamber.net/2020/03/20/santa-paula-restaurant-information

Local Food Delivery Services:

www.doordash.com

www.grubhub.com

www.ubereats.com

Barone's Pizza of Westlake Village is Moving to Its Thousand Oaks Location Effective February 18th

Barone’s Pizza of Westlake announced today that its last day at its Westlake Village location is this coming Monday, February 17th but delicious Barone’s pizzas and other specialties will continue being served up at its newer Thousand Oaks location in the Northstar Plaza, 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

Barone’s Westlake has been in operation since April 20, 2015 for a nearly five year run at this location across from Lure Fish House.

That said…Barone’s indicate in a comment on the CVG Instagram post at www.instagram.com/p/B8mZrlIgiqH/ that it has a new Westlake Village location and is working towards a late spring opening.

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato Now Open in Calabasas

The Calabasas Tifa Chocolate & Gelato opened this week at 23655 Calabasas Road, across the street from The Commons at Calabasas. The gelato looked and tasted fantastic today! tifachocolateandgelato.com/calabasas-ca

Hatch Cafe & Market in Agoura Hills - Named Agoura Hills 2019 Business of the Year

Hatch Cafe & Market is a neighborhood eatery project serving rustic California fare from Restaurateur Mark LaValle and his wife Stylist Jordan. This popular eatery, which opened in mid-2017, recently received the honor of City of Agoura Hills 2019 Business of the year.

The masterwork of LaValle, Hatch Cafe & Market serves as a community dining destination and is a welcoming addition to Agoura Hills. The family owned shop offers a carefully curated breakfast and lunch menu, a wide variety of artisan products.

The space--which features a chalkboard menu, communal dining table and gallery walls filled with autre china plates and vintage mirrors--is designed around comfort, representing the family’s commitment to offering a gourmet dining experience with ease. The market shelves, curated by Lane, are stocked with local favorites including SQIRL, Ojai Olive Oil Company, Jacobson Salts, as well as limited-edition custom designed aprons, napkins and tablecloths. Completely customizable gift baskets for all occasions are available year round.

Everything served at Hatch is made on site, using the best quality ingredients and farmers-market produce. The cafe turns out a range of items including gourmet salads, creative sandwiches and wraps, gluten and grain free selections, modern egg dishes, and delightful options for kids. The menu changes regularly with the seasons, so that guests can enjoy local favorites year round including Gluten Free Green Tea Pancakes with matcha maple syrup, the House Chopped Salad with spicy crispy chickpeas, Isla’s Fried Chicken Sandwich with a chili-ponzu slaw and of course house made Organic Lemonade. In addition, many of the baked goods and dessert recipes come directly from Jordan’s personal recipe book.

Perfect for a day at the beach or concert in the park, Hatch also offers curated picnic baskets stocked to the brim with everything needed for the perfect meal-on-the-go. And with a variety of catering services, ranging from daily office orders to private on and off site parties and events, Hatch Cafe & Market stands behind its mission of bringing family and friends together, one meal at a time.

Located at 30651 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Agoura Hills at the northeast corner of Thousand Oaks Blvd and Lake Lindero Drive.

Visit www.hatcheatery.com or call 818.575.9000 to learn more.

Hours: Open 7 days a week from 8am-3pm

Instagram: @hatcheatery

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

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.