Fiamme Restaurant in Thousand Oaks Closed Its Doors on December 11, 2012

Fiamme Restaurant, which was located at 3731 E Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks for the last 4 years, closed its doors on December 11, 2012. Fiamme, known for its very good Italian food and entertainment such as "Dueling Pianos" and live comedy, indicated it could not come to agreement with lease terms and has no plans to relocate at this time...but you never know what lies ahead.

Love Phò N' Mor Opened in Camarillo in Mid-September

We announced in mid-July 2012 that the Basil & Mint Vietnamese Cafe would be opening later this year, and it did, on November 10th. Somehow, though, we missed yet another new phò (pronounced "fuh" according to my more learned Vietnamese noodle devouring friends) restaurant opening in Camarillo.

Love Phò N' Mor opened in mid-September at 341 Arneill Road and serves up a nice range of Vietnamese cuising. Nice looking inside too based on photos on their Facebook page. This is a sister restaurant to Phò Oxnard at 722 N. Ventura Road.

I've now been to Love Phò N' Mor and it was great! That's phò sure!

Jinky's Cafe Coming to Oakbrook Plaza in Thousand Oaks This Fall

Final Update: Jinky's Cafe Thousand Oaks opened on Wed, December 26th!

Update 12/14/12: Jinky's Cafe Thousand Oaks at the Oakbrook Plaza is opening REALLY soon. Here's a nighttime view of the soon to be opening eatery! Visit www.facebook.com/JinkysCafe for updates.

Original Post 9/12/12: Jinky's Cafe will be opening a second Conejo Valley location sometime this fall in Thousand Oaks! Jinky's will be in the space previously occupied by Kohinoor Cuisine of India at the Oakbrook Plaza, 1724 E. Avenida de los Arboles, Suite A, Thousand Oaks. This 3,700 sq ft space is located just south of Cisco's Mexican Restaurant.

Jinkys specializes in breakfast, with a full range of freshly made pancakes, crepes, waffles and their speciality flaky french toasts. Jinky's also has over 20 flavors of chili, burgers, sandwiches and large salads, as well as pizza, pasta and dinner specials. Jinky's started out in Sherman Oaks in 1992 and has since expanded to four (soon five!) locations in Santa Monica, Studio City and Agoura Hills. The Agoura Hills location opened in early 2011.

My Agoura friends love this place! Visit www.jinkys.com for more information. Already hungry? Try Jinky's Kanan Cafe at 29001 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills (just north of the 101 freeway, east of Kanan). Their phone is 818.575.4216.

(Thanks to CVG Facebook visitor Scott B for the heads up!)

New Family Indoor Fun Facility "Scooter's Jungle" Coming Soon to Simi Valley

Update 12/20/12: Scooter's Jungle opened its doors today.

Update 12/1/12: Scooter's Jungle Simi Valley is opening very soon. Check their website at www.scootersjungle.com/simi-valley.php for schedule.

Update 10/16/12: Anticipated opening date is in the mid-November time frame! Scooter's Jungle Simi Valley is now accepting job applications at www.scootersjungle.com/job_opportunities.php?location=5!

Scooter’s Jungle is Coming Soon to Simi Valley!!  

By late summer, Scooter’s Jungle Simi Valley will be your neighborhood destination for private family fun in a safe, clean and creative environment with over 12,000 square feet of fun!

Scooter’s Jungle will have huge, custom-made inflatable jumpers and permanent structures that include the tallest and longest indoor inflatable slide. At Scooter's Jungle, play equipment is right-sized for kids and parents to play, together ensuring an active, memorable and fun-filled experience.

Featuring both open play and private events including birthday parties, fundraisers and team gatherings, Scooter’s Jungle is a wild good time for everyone. free table games and a DJ‑quality music system will add extra energy and excitement to your experience.

The Simi Valley Scooter's Jungle location will be at 2250 Union Place, Unit B (just around the corner from Strathearn Historical Park).

For updates, like us on Facebook at Scooter’s Jungle Simi Valley and visit the Scooter's Jungle Simi Valley website at www.scootersjungle.com/simi-valley.php.

Here is a video with additional information about Scooter's Jungle. The next closest location to Ventura County is in Valencia.

Thousand Oaks Police Department Seeks Public's Help Re: Catalytic Converter Thefts

The Thousand Oaks Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance regarding recent thefts of catalytic converters.  A catalytic converter is part of a vehicle’s emission control system.  It is located underneath the vehicle, near the muffler.  The thefts have occurred in both residential and business areas, during the late night to early morning hours. Thieves have primarily targeted trucks and sport utility vehicles.  Investigators believe that thieves steal these items in order to sell them to recycling centers.

There were several thefts of catalytic converters in the first half of the year.  The thefts stopped in the fall, but since the beginning of November, several additional thefts have been reported in the Thousand Oaks area.  The Thousand Oaks Police Department is concerned the trend may start up again.  Therefore, we are requesting the public’s assistance in solving these crimes. 

In order to steal a catalytic converter, thieves must climb underneath the victim’s car and utilize tools to remove it.  Experienced thieves can complete the theft in just a few minutes.  Investigators have found that these thieves often work in pairs, having one act as the look out. 

The best way to prevent this type of theft is to park your vehicle in the garage.  When visiting shopping centers, park your car in a well-lit area.  Also, try to park near building entrances or near heavily traveled areas. 

Anyone with information regarding these crimes is encouraged to contact Detective Ryan Shoden at (805) 494-8225.  We also request that you keep a watchful eye on your neighborhood and report any suspicious activity by calling (805) 654-9511, or in an emergency, call 911.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for these crimes.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).