From Frozen Yogurt to Burgers to the "Best Chinese Food" in Thousand Oaks (Golden Dragon)

Originally posted 7/23/13. Update 8/13/13: The Best Chinese Food's actual name is Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant. I like that because I was born in the Year of the Dragon. Thanks for the heads up again, Melissa W.

"Best Chinese Food" is what the sign says at 2416 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. Thanks to the eagle eyes of CVG Facebook follower Lauren T. of Thousand Oaks, we've learned that Village Burgers, which opened its doors last fall in the former home of Yozen Frogurt Express) is closed and that some time next month, "Best Chinese Food" is coming to our little town of Thousand Oaks.

What is not clear to me just yet is, will the new restaurant literally be called Best Chinese Food or is that just a teaser for the possibly to be announced new Chinese food restaurant that will be opening here. Well the smaller sign on the door shown below gives no clues (though I do like the small letter o's).

But wait, maybe it does. It does not say "Best Chinese Food" - just "Chinese Food." So maybe it will be called something else. Who knows. Well someone knows. But it ain't me. Yet. But one thing I do know is that I love Chinese food. And since this place will be situated across the street from the Toyota dealership, I might have to bring my car in for servicing, once the Best Chinese Food, Good Chinese Food or simply, Chinese Food, is open for business.

And Village Burgers, we are sorry to see you go. Although I never did get around to trying you out, I had intended to. At some point. But I'll have to cross that thought off the bucket list. That is all.

Ventura County Residents Sought for Cancer Prevention Study Starting in September

Image Courtesy of American Cancer SocietyVentura County Supervisor Kathy Long recently announced that beginning this September, Ventura County residents have the chance to participate in research through the American Cancer Society to help identify ways to prevent cancer. This study is called the Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) and is for individuals who are between the ages of 30 and 65 years old and have never been diagnosed with cancer.

The American Cancer Society’s goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. in CPS-3. The purpose of CPS-3 is to better understand the lifestyle, behavioral, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer and to ultimately eliminate cancer as a major health problem for this and future generations.

Enrollment will be taking place from September 11th to September 24th at various locations, including Ventura County Government Center, International Brotherhood of Electrical Worker’s Union, St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Ventura County Medical Center and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital. But first, visit THIS LINK to learn more and schedule your initial appointment. 

For more information about CPS-3, visit www.cancer.org/cps3 or email cps3@cancer.org or call toll-free at 1-888-604-5888.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Tifa Chocolate and Gelato in Agoura Hills

My wife used to rave over the gelato at Tifa Chocolate and Gelato in Agoura Hills when it was located near Ladyface Alehouse and Islands. She still raves about Tifa after its move in May 2013 to a new, larger location at Whizin Market Square, 28888 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills.

On a recent foray to Paramount Ranch with the kids, I stopped by Tifa afterwards for a treat. You will see the Tifa store sign facing the 101 Freeway. Park either on Roadside Drive or in the Whizin's Square. Access Tifa on the Whizin's Square parking lot sign (it will be obvious when you get there).

As you walk in the door, here is what you greeted by:

They have some great gelato flavors as well as a selection of coffee, tea and expresso drinks. Plenty of indoor tables. Kind of a neat coffeehouse flair to the place. Right across the parking lot is The Canyon Club, making Tifa a perfect pre or post concert hangout.

I would have posted pictures of the gelato, but was too busy salivating and didn't want to ruin the camera with slobber. The kids and I (or is it me and the kids, I dunno), enjoyed the following flavors in our most recent visit: Cookies & Cream, Dark Chocolate, Mint Chip, Lemon Cookie, Salted Caramel and Lemon Sorbeto. My youngest is a big lemon fan.

Visit www.tifachocolate.com for more information or call 818.879.0685.

Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks Sunrise Spearheads New Special Needs "Dreamcatcher Playground" Project

Old Meadows Park at 1600 Marview Drive, Thousand Oaks houses the Therapeutic Recreation Unit of the Conejo Recreation and Park District, which provides recreation programs for Conejo Valley residents with disabilities. There is an existing special needs playground at the park but the playground needs to be expanded and refurbished. The popularity of this playground has steadily increased due to expanding awareness of the playground and its special features, the steady rise in incidence of autism.

Currently, there is opportunity to increase the square footage of the playground at Old Meadows Park. The Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks Sunrise is spearheading the effort to improve, modernize and expand the playground. Through careful research and a survey of the special needs community, the Rotary DreamCatcher Playground will be designed with great sensitivity to the needs, comforts and inclusion of special populations and their families.

The playground will include active and passive play areas allowing children to engage in stimulating activities, and areas to which they can retreat and calm themselves after anxiety-producing experiences while remaining close by to other children, parents or caregivers.

The goal is to raise $500,000 through funding partners and fundraising activities with the project completed in phases by 2016.

Would you like to learn more about this effort and find out how you can support it? Visit www.rotarydreamcatcher.org.

Join the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program to Stay Active in the Local Community

Studies show that seniors who volunteer live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. The Conejo Senior Volunteer Program (CSVP) helps seniors stay active and involved. If you are 55 or over, you can join over 1,000 local men and women who serve as volunteers in our community.

CSVP volunteers do just about everything: They tutor students, plant gardens, serve as volunteer police and program computers. CSVP volunteers meet community needs and make a lasting difference. Your life experience is your best qualification! You’ll receive the support you need to put your know-how to work for others or learn new skills. You become part of a family of caring volunteers supporting our community.

And like most CSVP volunteers, you’ll find that by helping others you help yourself. Conejo Recreation and Park District sponsors the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program. We have been promoting volunteerism in the Conejo Valley since 1972. Call CSVP for a free brochure with exciting volunteer opportunities at (805) 381-2742, visit www.crpd.org/csvp or in person at the Goebel Adult Community Center.

CSVP is located in the Goebel Adult Community Center at 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Office Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Prime Steakhouse to Open Agoura Hills Location in Mid-July

Another update: Prime Steakhouse Agoura Hills closed its doors on May 31, 2018.

UPDATE: Prime Steakhouse opened its doors on July 21, 2013!

Posted 7/4/13: Prime Steakhouse has indicated in a recent Craigslist job ad that they are opening up their second location on July 18th in Agoura Hills, at 29020 Agoura Road. Previous occupants of this space most recently included Sunset Room (closed in December 2012) and Chapter 8 Steakhouse and Lounge (closed in 2010). Learn more on their Facebook page.

Prime Steakhouse Ventura is located at 2009 E. Thompson Boulevard, offering up prime rib, filet mignon, New York steak, rib eye, top sirloin and more. Learn more at primesteakvc.com.

Golden Spoon Location on Ave de los Arboles in Thousand Oaks Recently Closed

A tip by local resident Melissa W. of Thousand Oaks led me to a vacated Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt location that was previously located at Oakbrook Plaza, 2000 Avenida de los Arboles in Thousand Oaks. A call to the other Thousand Oaks location on Moorpark Road confirmed the closure and that the Moorpark Road location is indeed still open. This marks the 3rd local Golden Spoon location to close in 2013, leaving two remaining in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley. Visit www.goldenspoon.com for more information.