New Channel Islands (formerly Ventura County) Maritime Museum to Open in July

Executive Director Announces Channel Islands Maritime Museum Changes

Bill Conroy, the Executive Director of the Ventura County Maritime Museum, announced last month that  the museum is changing its name to the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. The museum will celebrate its opening early in July 2012 at its new site overlooking the Channel Islands Harbor at 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard.

The colorful patio entrance and newly designed façade welcome visitors to this harbor retreat. Once inside, families will be able to stroll leisurely through art galleries with panoramic views of the Channel Islands Harbor. They will be able to see newly designed exhibits illustrating the pageantry and drama of our maritime past.

The museum’s collection of seascapes by 17th century Dutch painters will be colorfully exhibited in an elegant and intimate gallery. Children will be awed by the epic story of the dragon-headed Turtle Boat heroically created by the tiny Chosen Dynasty navy of Admiral Y Sun Shin to defend against foreign invading forces.

Museum volunteers continue their efforts to raise funds to build out the new museum by selling pavers inscribed with a donor’s name. These are still available for a donation of $200. In addition, naming opportunities for individual galleries and major donations are welcome to support and preserve this cultural resource for the entire community.

The museum is also recruiting volunteers for training as docents in the expanded facility.

For information please call (805) 984-6260 or visit cimmvc.org.

Wienerschnitzel on Thousand Oaks Boulevard Is History as Chick-fil-A Paves the Way

As previously reported, the anticipated demolition of the Wienerschnitzel on Thousand Oaks Boulevard next to Do It Center has taken place. Anyone driving down Thousand Oaks Boulevard near the auto mall will quickly notice the empty space. No hot dogs in sight. Chick-fil-A is anticipated to have a drive-thru location (with a few outdoor tables) here by the summer.

View of the former location of Wienerschnitzel from Thousand Oaks Boulevard

View of the former Wienerschnitzel from the Do It Center parking lot

Yes indeed, we are now Wienerschnitzel-less in Thousand Oaks, though they did mention the possibility of finding another location in town. Looking for a good hot dog? I like Lucky's Dog House at Janss Marketplace.

Hooters of Thousand Oaks Starts Making Its Presence Known

Some temporary Hooters signage on display at the future Hooters of Thousand Oaks today. The inside of the place still appears to need a lot of work but I'm sure we'll be hearing more about the opening date at www.janssmarketplace.net. Hooters hiring fair this coming weekend.

Reports of Hail Around Ventura County on This Cold, Rainy St. Patrick's Day 2012

Today was/is a cold, rainy, windy and now....HAILY day. Yes, with late afternoon temperatures in the low to mid 40s here in usually sunny Ventura County, I've seen reports from Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Oxnard of hail falling from the skies. We don't see a lot of that in these parts so let's check out the Oxnard hail that Patty shared this on this brisk St. Patty's Day!

Yes, after such a dry, sunny winter in Ventura county, we are FINALLY experiencing a real winter thunderstorm on the very last weekend of winter. The 24th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Ventura was cancelled today due to the rain.

Additional Evidence of Hooters Opening Seen on Janss Marketplace Website

Hooters of Thousand Oaks is hiring.

N'Awlinz Bistro in Newbury Park

UPDATE: N'Awlinz Bistro closed this location on 12/21/13 to focus on its new, larger location in downtown Oxnard.

N' Awlinz Bistro opened its doors at the Wendy/Kimber Plaza in Newbury Park in February 2012. They serve contemporary New Orleans French-Creole style food created by chef and co-owner, Marcus Webster and George Pero.

The Wendy/Kimber Plaza, aptly named after the intersection it resides, is a non-descript strip mall that is most famously known as the birthplace of Baja Fresh. Ah, I remember those days fondly in the early 1990s. Baja Fresh has since left Newbury Park but N'Awlinz Bistro will be providing new foodie memories for years to come.

They serve Po'Boyz, gumbo, sliders, jambalaya and other cajun specialties. We ordered tri-tip sliders, shrimp po'boyz, gumbo, catfish and side orders of zydeco slaw and homemade potato chips. I tried a bit of everything and over-ate. It was really good. Food like this you don't find many places around here. Loved the gumbo, the blackened catfish smothered in Bourbon Street etouffee, the crunchy thick-cut potato chips, the braised shrimp po'boy as well as the fried shrimp po'boy. Didn't get around to tasting the kids' tri tip sliders as they were quite territorial about them.

The Po'Boyz were really tasty as they were made with a nice, tasty cajun sauce with some cole slaw inside. The bread was quite nice too. This was a welcome change from someone who dines on fast food sub type sandwiches on a regular basis. These had some originality going for them. My teen enjoyed his po'boy too and he really raved about the gumbo. (Stop by and I bet they'll give you a sample taste!)

N'Awlinz Bistro is located at 3321 C Kimber Drive in a small spot where Jetway Gourmet used to be, with 2 small tables to dine at and a couple off tables outside. (We ordered take out.) But the good news is that they are expanding and in the next several months will have indoor dining for 24 tables.

I've received unsolicited feedback about this restaurant several times. People are raving about it.  N'Awlinz Bistro is something new, unique and high quality. We met Chef Marcus Webster and he aims to please.

See their menu at www.nawlinzbistro.com or call 805.499.7400. Their current hours of operation is Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm.

The French Bulldog Bistro & Lounge in Camarillo Opening Thursday, March 15th

JJ Brewsky's in Old Town Camarillo is currently in renovation to re-open as The French Bulldog Bistro & Lounge next weekend! Specifically, the new owner indicates they will be opening on Thursday, March 15th and reservations are currently being taken via email. (See The French Bulldog Facebook page for details.) The French Bulldog is a gastro-tavern serving a new selection of martinis, specialty drinks, beers and food by Chef Gael Lecolley! Their website is www.thefrenchbulldogbistro.com and phone is (same as JJ's) 805.482.5249. Should be fun to check it out!

Anyone else noticing the clear trend in gastro pubs and taverns around town!? Brendan's Pub in Camarillo and more recently in Agoura Hills, The Tipsy Goat and The Mermaid Tavern in Thousand Oaks, Ladyface Alehouse and The Lab Brewing Company in Agoura, the new Cronies location in Newbury Park (also in Simi, Ventura and Camarillo), The Kitchen in Downtown Oxnard and more. Bottom line: Beer is recession-proof!