Studio Movie Grill at the Simi Valley Town Center Makes a Great First Impression

Studio Movie Grill Simi Valley opened its doors to the public tonight at the Simi Valley Town Center and I got to check it out!

The theater is located on the east side of the mall behind the new Buffalo Wild Wings. It is beautiful both inside and out.

There are nine screens in the facility with varying sizes and over 950 seats in total.

The stadium style seats look a bit airline-ish but were surprisingly comfortable and supportive and the serving trays pivot for comfort. Tons of leg room too!

When I first saw the seats I thought they didn't look very comfortable. But when I sat down, I realized I was wrong.  I usually squirm in movie chairs with my aging hamstrings, but these chairs were very supportive. I also noticed they don't seem to recline too much, but that was also a non-issue for me during the movie.

Each of the stadium style seats have trays and buttons to press for food service. Pretty darn efficient. I ordered a blended margarita and it was excellent.  A movie with a margarita, chicken nachos, tasty flatbread, burgers and more.  Everything we tried tasted great!

There's a special deal on the menu; $25 for 1 appetizer and two entrees. The price seemed pretty fair to me for the solid quality.

Enjoying a blended Cadillac margarita at the show. Plenty of mixed drinks, beer and wine available at the press of a button.

The trays can be maneuvered around to be closer or farther away from you, which was a nice convenience you don't find on, say airline seats. I was also impressed by the extraordinary leg room/distance between rows, allowing for attendants to scoot by without you having to scrunch up into your chair.

There's also a full bar and eating area in the front of the theater. A bit on the loud side in there but it was really buzzing!

My initial assessment is that the Studio Movie Grill Simi Valley will be very successful. Reasonably priced, great service, tasty food, full bar, nicely appointed and comfortable. Larn more and buy tickets at www.studiomoviegrill.com.

There are some special offers next week highlighted HERE.

Support Our Troops Through the Halloween Candy Buy-Back Program

At Halloween, many of us anticipate massive stockpiles of sugary sweets in our households.

As an alternative to consuming all this candy, consider donating it to our troops overseas. You may think, do we really want to send all that junk food to throughout the world? Sure! Everyone enjoys a treat! And truth be told, the troops themselves don't eat all this candy...much of it they enjoy sharing in the communities they patrol.

The Halloween Candy Buy-Back Program has partnered with Operation Gratitude and local dental practices to channel your candy stockpile to our troops. Local dentists "buy" back Halloween candy in exchange for cash or other items. The candy is shipped to Operation Gratitude and other U.S. Military support groups and in turn it is sent overseas, to children of deployed service members, wounded warriors, veterans and first responders.

There are nearly a number of local Ventura County dental practices participating in this program. Just visit www.halloweencandybuyback.com and enter your zip code for these or other locations throughout the L.A./Ventura County area.

Each practice has their own buy-back incentives. so make sure to call to learn more about their program and related time frames (usually the first several days after Halloween).

Harbor Cove Beach at Ventura Harbor

Harbor Cove Beach (also referred to as "Mother's Beach") is located at the west end of Spinnaker Drive near Ventura Harbor Village and across from the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. It is a "still water" beach protected by jetties that is considered one of the safest family friendly beaches in the area.

Waterfront activities include kayaking, kite flying and watching the boats come in and out of the harbor Restrooms and showers are available. Free parking! 

Across the street is the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park.

Visit www.venturaharborvillage.com/ventura-harbor-village-beaches.htm or call 805.642.8538. Address is 1878-1998 Spinnaker Drive.

COMPILATION OF BEACHES STRETCHING FROM MALIBU TO CARPINTERIA

Stop By Casitas Water Adventure in Ventura to Cool Off During the Summer Months

A view of the Lake Casitas reservoir

Casitas Municipal Water District serves water to a population of 65,000 in western Ventura County. Lake Casitas was created in 1958 and encompasses 2,760 acres with a capacity of 254,000 acre-feet. While swimming is not allowed at Lake Casitas because it is a drinkable water supply, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area provides a host of other family activities, including over 400 campsites, picnic areas, fishing, boating, biking, hiking, special events, disc golf and the Casitas Water Adventure!

Casitas Water Adventure generally opens Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend each year. Children and adults can enjoy two distinct water playgrounds. For the younger children, there's a multi-level jungle gym with waterfalls, bridges and slides in a lagoon with water up to 18" deep.

The 1,200 foot long lazy river offers a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway featuring waterfalls, fog filled bridges and jet sprays.

For the smallest of tots, there's a zero-depth pool that sprays water from all angles, providing a safe, fun play area. Lounge chairs, showers, restrooms and a snack bar are also available. Shaded areas can be reserved for an extra fee. Certified lifeguards are on hand at all times and life jackets are available at no extra charge while supplies last. Locker rentals are available.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is located at 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura. Take Highway 33 from Ventura towards Ojai, turn left on Santa Ana Blvd, then right on Santa Ana Road to the park entrance. Visit www.casitaswater.org or call 805.649.2233 for more information.