Dog Haus to Open Location in Former Denny's Spot in Thousand Oaks

Update 1/3/15: Still in "Coming Soon" status but I'm sure it'll be worth the wait :) www.doghaus.com/locations/california/thousand-oaks-thousand-oaks-blvd.html

Update 7/6/14: Dog Haus Thousand Oaks has its own Facebook page at www.facebook.com/doghausthousandoaks for updates on grand opening date.

Originally posted 4/18/14: The Thousand Oaks Denny's at 50 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard closed its doors way back in August 2012. Dog Haus "The Absolute Würst - Gourmet Hot Dog, Burger, and Sausages" is slated to open here.  Dog Haus has three locations in the Pasadena/Alhambra are but has plans for rapid growth through franchising. Their menu includes special all-beef skinless hot dogs, gourmet sausages and freshly ground angus beef burgers.

Their menu, available at doghaus.com, includes such unique and delicious sounding choices as the "Sooo Cali" Dog (arugula, tomato, crispy onions, spicy basil aioli and avocado) and the "Scott Baioli" (carmelized onions, smoked bacon, onion rings, BBQ sauce and garlic aioli).

Additional Tenants at the "Shoppes at Westlake Village" Highlighted

Update July 5, 2014:

Additional tenants since the last update include Which Wich® Superior Sandwiches, Bowl of Heaven Acai Bowls, Kirk Jewelers, The Gallery (a gourmet restaurant specializing in fresh seafood, chops and oysters) and Figueroa Mountain Brewing as well as a Sports Clips. Target is planning to open on Sunday, July 27th.

Posted March 14, 2014:

A few months ago we noted that the 240,000 sq ft Shoppes at Westlake Village development would be home to a new Target store, In N Out Burger and Total Woman Gym & Spa in the summer of 2014.

Since then, a number of new tenants have been named for this brand new property at www.shoppesatwestlakevillage.com. Here goes:

Olio e Limone Ristorante (meaning "oil and lemon" in Italian) serves "simply sophisticated" Italian cuisine in an inviting atmosphere with European hospitality. They have been operated in Santa Barbara for nearly 15 years and their second location will be right here at the Shoppes. Learn more at www.olioelimone.com.

Next door to Olio e Limone will be Olio Pizzeria, a casual concept emphasizing simple, delicious everyday artisanal Italian food with a contemporary twist. Enjoy boutique salumi and formaggi, authentic pizza and regional wines, Italian beers and signature cocktails.

All Tressed Up BlowDry and Beauty Bar is an express luxury service salon where you can sit at a luxurious blowdry bar, sip champagne or surf on complimentary iPads while undergoing your beauty makeovers. More at getalltressedup.com.

Jeannine's Gourmet Food Hall is joining the Shoppes with its one-of-a-kind pastries and nutritious, wholesome food. Jeannine's has three locations in Santa Barbara - in Montecito, Downtown and Uptown. Family owned for 30 years! Learn more at jeannines.com. (Update: Jeannine's opened in mid-October)

BCBC Nail Spa will also be opening at the Shoppes, offering superior nail service in a relaxing atmosphere.

Hook Burger will be opening a new location at the Shoppes too! Founded by the folks with 35 years of burger experience with The Habit. Hook burgers are humanely raised, 100% USDA lean beef and chicken is fresh and hormone and antibiotic free. You can try Hook now in its Oxnard location. Learn more at hookburger.com. (Update: Hook Burger opened in early October 2014)

Last but not least for now, Tilly's, which specialized in action sports clothing, shoes and accessories, is opening a new location at the Shoppes. www.tillys.com

Learn more about the Shoppes at Westlake Village at www.shoppesatwestlakevillage.com.

Ventura County Animal Services Offers Tips to Keep Pets Safe 4th of July Weekend

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is bracing for what is sure to be one of their busiest weekends of the year. Each year, during the days surrounding 4^th of July, hundreds of pets become frightened by fireworks and run away from their homes and yards. These pets, lost and confused, often end up at VCAS’ animal adoption centers in Camarillo and Simi Valley.

“The sights, sounds and smells of fireworks can be terrifying for some pets,” said Tara Diller, VCAS Director. “By following some very simple safety tips, people can keep their animals safe and secure while they enjoy 4^th of July festivities.”

Pet Safety Tips:

1. Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
2. Do not leave your pet alone in the car - Pets can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes when left in a hot car. Unfortunately, partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they can provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
3. Make sure your pets are properly licensed and wearing identification tags, so that if they become lost, they can be returned promptly. Make sure that tags have current phone numbers and VCAS has current owner contact information on file.
4. Get your pet microchipped or, if it already is, make sure the microchip company has your current contact information.
5. Animals found running at-large should be taken to a VCAS animal adoption center, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
6. Keep your pets in a comfortable and quiet area during Fourth of July festivities. If your pet is crate trained, then their crate is a great choice.
7. Be sure that you remove any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pet company if you won't be home.
8. If your pet seeks comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or other small space, let them. Do not try to lure them out. If the space is safe and it makes them feel more secure, leave them there.
9. Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
10. If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder or fireworks, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

Those who do lose a pet can search for it on VCAS’ website at www.vcas.us or by using their free iPhone/Android mobile pet adoption apps at  bit.ly/1nXm3jK (Apple iTunes) or http://bit.ly/V3LEAz (Google Play).

In addition, VCAS posts photos of all lost animals brought into their adoption centers on the VCLostPets Twitter account at twitter.com/VCLostPets.

Mediterranean Pita Grill to Open June 30, 2014 in Westlake Village

In January, Conejo Valley Guide Facebook follower Lauren R tipped us off that Mediterranean Pita Grill would be opening soon in Westlake Village, next to Tikka Grill at 5790 Lindero Canyon Road (near the corner of E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.).

Today we heard that the eatery will be opening on Monday, June 30th.

Mediterranean Pita Grill has been in business nearly three years at 26527 Agoura Road in Calabasas, serving up shawerma, falafel, kabob and other fine Mediterranean delicacies. Based on its Yelp reviews, it looks to be a great addition to Westlake Village.

Learn more at www.mediterraneanpitagrill.com.

Mother's Day Visit to The Grill on the Alley in Westlake Village

A guest post about a visit to The Grill on the Alley at The Promenade at Westlake.

Last month I took my mom out for a Mother's Day dinner experience at The Grill on the Alley in Westlake Village. 

The Grill is a classic steakhouse. Had it been here in the 1960s, I envision the Rat Pack stopping by, enjoying The Grill's "hand crafted" martinis or classic highballs.

The Red Velvet Martini, Side Car Martini and other cocktails sounded great, but mom and I chose a glass of wine and a Bloody Mary to start our evening. Both drinks were perfect.

Next came the appetizers. I had the special, the Tuna Steak Tartare, and mom had a beautiful, crisp fresh salad. Again, nothing short of perfect.

My main course was the Filet Mignon with truffle butter, along with a side of braised brussels sprouts to share.  Mom had one of The Grill's specials - calf's liver with onions and bacon. Everything melted in our mouths; it was so tender our knives were rarely needed.

For dessert we enjoyed coffee, creme brûlée and the best key lime pie I can ever remember. Ever.

We enjoyed the evening from start to finish. The service was impecabble, with waiters donning white coats like it was a special event (which it was, but of course).

We are looking forward to our next visit, and are determined not to wait until next Mother's Day to do so. Next time I may try the oysters on the half shell with mignonette sauce, crab cocktail and the filet steak salad, or the pan seared salmon with shittake mushroom beurre blanc sauce and the grilled asparagus, along with the Ruby Red Lemon Drop Martini!

And perhaps if I bring my boys, they will opt for the American Kobe Burger with black and white truffle mayonnaise, served with jumbo onion rings. My husband, who is not a big red meat eater, will undoubtedly enjoy the pan-seared salmon and will splurge on the Lobster Mashed Potatoes.

The Grill, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, offers catering, meeting and conference space, wireless internet, indoor/outdoor seating and valet parking.  There is a traditional prime rib dinner offered Sundays after 5 pm.  Open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 10 pm,  Friday open until 11 pm, Saturday 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday 11 am to 9:30 pm.  For reservations, call (805) 418-1760 or book your table online at thegrill.com/locations/the-grill-westlake-village-california.

Some recent additions to The Grill's menu includes Seared Ahi Sashimi, Braised Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Gratin. Looking forward to our next visit.

UCAAN Founder Rachel Shur Receives National Gold Presidential Service Award

Local resident Rachel Shur was recently presented with the National Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service by Senior Chaplain Dan Regan, United States Chaplain Service. He also presented her with a signed letter from President Obama and a Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award Pin.

Shur is a two time cancer warrior who beat terminal leukemia in 2006 and again in 2007. She is the founder of the United Cancer Advocacy Action Network (UCAAN), a 501(c)3 all volunteer run organization in Thousand Oaks.

Over the past five years, Shur has dedicated her time and energy into UCAAN and the people it serves: 2,575 cancer warriors, patients, survivors and their families have been helped by UCAAN and its team of dedicated volunteers.

Before Shur founded UCAAN, she volunteered her time to help other organizations and shared her cancer story at health fairs, local high schools and colleges. Eventually, it wasn’t enough for Shur and she saw what really needed to be her focus, the start of an organization unlike any other, a one-stop resource organization that would help cancer patients locally and nationwide.

UCAAN continues to grow as Rachel tirelessly does all that she can to help those struggling in our communities and beyond to find the help they need when they need it. UCAAN’s focus is “Finding Solutions for Cancer Patients in Need Locally & Nationwide.”  UCAAN has an extensive database of over 1,800 organizations nationwide that offer an array of support for those affected by cancer. UCAAN also has a personal fundraising program, in addition to two local financial assistance programs: Gas Cards to local patients to help them get to their treatment appointments, and fluoride trays to prevent dental deterioration caused by most cancer treatments. Additional services are planned for the future.

UCAAN helps anyone, any age with any form of cancer, nationwide. To find out more information about UCAAN or to make a donation visit www.UCAAN.org or contact the UCAAN office at 805-796-6090. To speak with Rachel Shur directly, call 805-479-1032 or email her at UCAANorg@yahoo.com.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The program continues as an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

See's Candies Coming Soon to The Promenade at Westlake in Westlake Village

UPDATE 6/23/14: See's Candies at The Promenade at Westlake is now open! Store hours and info at ca.thousandoaks.sees.com/chocolate_shops_thousand-oaks_ca_1ca045.html or call 805.497.6263.

Posted in April 2014:

This is pretty sweet, both literally and figuratively! Today The Promenade at Westlake announced that See's Candies will be opening soon, adding to the sugar mix that includes Sprinkles Cupcakes that opened on October 30, 2013 and Menchie's Frozen Yogurt.

Specific date not available as of yet. See's Candies Westlake Village will join other local See's locations at The Oaks Mall, Pacific View Mall in Ventura and Sycamore Square Shopping Center here in the Ventura County area.

From the See's website at www.sees.com:

See's Candies chocolate shops were founded 90+ years ago upon Mary See's basic principle of Quality without Compromise. To this day, we stand by this motto. Our chocolates and candies are made in our own factories located in both Los Angeles and South San Francisco. From these chocolate factories, we send our delicious candies to the rest of our See's chocolate shops throughout the country.

See's Candies has 200+ chocolate shops. Our great reputation is founded upon our delicious candies and chocolates, our free chocolate and candy samples, and our friendly customer service. To produce the best possible boxed chocolates, we follow in Mary See's footsteps and insist on using only the best ingredients (and we never add preservatives).

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill to Open at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard (Closed in 2015)

UPDATE MAY 2015: Well that didn’t last long…Toby Keith’s Oxnard closed less than a year after it opened.

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill is a restaurant chain founded by country music singer Toby Keith. Over his career, Keith has released over 20 albums, 40 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs list (including 19 number one hits), and has sold over 40 million albums.

It opened at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard on May 31st.

Huge guitar-shaped bar at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in OxnardGigantic American flag makes for great photo opps on the back outside wall of Toby Keith's

The chain is named after his hit song "I Love This Bar," recorded in 2003, and feature large bars in the shape of guitars and live music.

As one would expect, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill features American fare, including steaks, sandwiches, fresh fish, burgers, salads and more. Another feature is a 95 foot guitar-shaped bar.

This image of Smokehouse Nachos from Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill is both eye opening and stomach grumbling!

For updates and information, visit countrybaroxnard.com and www.facebook.com/TobyKeithsOxnard.