Karma Baker Opened in Westlake Village in October

On a recent visit with the kids to the only remaining Lamppost Pizza in the Conejo Valley, I noticed the Karma Baker sign at 1145 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village, in the Pavilions Plaza at the southwest corner of Lindero and Kanan.

Karma Baker offers organic, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free and gluten-free baked goods, including carrot cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, cookies, muffins, tarts, seasonal pies and more.

Owner Celine Ikeler has a passion for baking vegan, gluten-free with her own flour blend that, unlike most store brands, does not include beans, nuts or soy. She has partnered with vegan ultra-endurance athlete, best-seller and motivational speaker Rich Roll and his wife Julie in establishing this bakery.

Bakery hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. Although their website at www.karmabaker.com indicates "by appointment" on weekends, their Facebook page indicates 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.

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Cigale Cafe in Oak Park Closed in October; Margarita's Mexican Grill Coming in 2015

The owner of Cigale Cafe at 704 Lindero Canyon Road (at Kanan) announced in October that this French eatery would be closing its doors after a successful five year run. This was sad to hear as its 4 1/2 star Yelp ratings indicate it was enjoyed by many.

Coming soon to this location will be Margarita's Mexican Grill, which recently posted mock-ups of restaurant signage on its Facebook page. Margarita's is targeting a January/February launch at its new Oak Park location. There's a sign on the front door indicating they are looking to hire experience staff on Mondays through Wednesdays from 1-5pm.

Margarita's is a family-owned eatery that opened its Santa Clarita location in 1998, where it offers breakfast, brunch, buffets, authentic Mexican food, seafood, vegan/vegetarian specialties and more. Visit www.margaritasmexgrill.com.

Adolfo Grill to Open in Camarillo in November

Adolfo Grill and The Daily Bar (formerly The Grill Restaurant & Bar (previously California Grill) recently opened at the Las Posas Plaza at 67 East Daily Drive, Camarillo.

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. I see items like paella, filet mignon, braised beef short ribs, five cheese herb crusted mac and cheese, grilled ravioli and other great sounding items on their menu.

Visit www.adolfogrill.com for more information.

Community Marketplace Indoor Swap Meet Opened in Moorpark in October

Effective September 3, 2015, the Community Marketplace Indoor Swap Meet in Moorpark is closed. 

The Community Marketplace Indoor Swap Meet opened in Moorpark on Halloween. Housed in a 253,500 sq ft building, it is the largest venue of its kind in the local area. Currently (as of December 2014) there are 80 vendors selling items ranging from plants, furniture, clothing, shoes, vintage items, jewelry, lots of handmade items, electronics and much more, as well as a home improvement area where you can find local service providers.

Community Marketplace is a "permanent" indoor mall open year round on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. This December it is also open weekdays through Christmas Eve. Operators are looking to bring in three gourmet food trucks in the future.

Located at 709 Science Drive in Moorpark, near the junction of the 23 and 118. From Thousand Oaks, take the 23 north to New Los Angeles Avenue and turn left. Then turn right on Science Drive.

Learn more at www.shopcommunitymarketplace.com.

Lovi's Delicatessen Slated to Open at Former Home of Red Robin in Calabasas in December

The former home of the Calabasas Red Robin at 24005 Calabasas Road in Calabasas is slated to become Lovi's Delicatessen, Bakery, Restaurant and Bar on Monday, December 15, 2014. The Lovi family has decades of experience in the restaurant business, including The Country Deli in Chatsworth, Agoura's Famous Deli and most recent Pickles Deli in Newbury Park (I'm a fan). For updates, visit lovisdeli.com.

Larsen's Grill Opens at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on December 8th

Update to the previous post dated 5/8/14: Today, December 8th, Larsen's Grill opens its doors at The Collection at RiverPark.

Larsen's Grill will be opening its second Ventura County location at The Collection at RiverPark in the Fall of 2014. In a recent comment on its Facebook page, Larsen's indicates a September time frame. Larsen's will be located next to the Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, adjacent to an interactive water fountain.

Larsen's offers prime, aged, slow-cooked steaks, as well as BBQ, chicken, sushi, sandwiches and more. The other Ventura County location is at the Simi Valley Town Center. Visit www.larsenssteakhouse.com to learn more.

Flu Vaccine Required for Ventura County Health Care Workers Beginning Jan 1, 2015

January 1, 2015, all health care workers (HCWs) in Ventura County hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, ambulances and other licensed health care facilities are required to receive an annual influenza immunization or wear a protective mask while in contact with patients.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza infection affects 5-15% of the U.S. population every year, leading to an estimated 3.1 million days of hospitalization and 31.4 million outpatient visits. Influenza accounts for an estimated 36,000 excess deaths in the U.S. each year, 90% of which are in persons ages 65 years and older.

This is the first time Ventura County has issued a mandatory flu vaccine mandate. The order will remain in effect throughout flu season which generally is defined as December 15 – March 31 of the following year.

Those HCWs who refuse to receive the influenza vaccination for religious or other reasons will be required to wear a face mask in patient care areas during the influenza season. Mandatory vaccination or masking policies have been shown to increase HCW vaccination rates to above 95%.

The new rule is part of a growing trend among health-care facilities nationwide. Similar orders have been issued in 23 other California counties.

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While circulating flu viruses vary from one year to the next, the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the four main flu viruses that researchers predict will cause the most illness during the upcoming flu season.

More info about Ventura County Public Health at www.vchca.org/public-health.

Sprinkles Ice Cream and Cookies Coming to The Promenade at Westlake

Sprinkles Cupcakes Westlake Village announced on its Facebook page that the reason its current store at The Promenade at Westlake is closed is that it is re-opening this Friday, December 5th, at a larger location a few doors down (at the former home of Menchies Frozen Yogurt, which closed several months ago). And the new store will carry not only cupcakes, but Sprinkles Ice Cream and Cookies! Just in time for the holidays! Follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SprinklesWestlake for updates.