Eat & Drink
A historical LA City Market
At the corner of 4th and Broadway, step back in time at the Grand Central Market where you will find gems of fresh seafood, breads, meats, and spices. Stay for a while and enjoy a diversity of ethnic meal choices and people watch the afternoon away. Opened in 1917, this open air market is a must-do while visiting LA!
Open 7 days a week, 9-6
I love Tito’s Tacos!
If you ever find yourself near LAX and need a taco fix, this is THE best place to go! Even if you have to stand in line, it is worth the wait. It’s tacos to-go at their finest. Located at 11222 Washington Place, Culver City. They are open Sun-Thu 10-10 and Fri-Sat 10-11.
Tito's Tacos
We still talk about our first visit to this deli. And our second visit. And our third. We now have a rule that any friends who drive past Brent’s Deli in Westlake MUST stop, load up, and bring us some of the incredible deliciousness. We even think it beats out anything in New York. Try the corn beef on rye with coleslaw and Russian dressing and you won’t want to leave. The menu goes on for hours and it can be a real option paralysis moment. (The original Brent’s is located in Northridge.) Located at 2799 Townsgate Road or call (805) 557-1882. They are open until 9 p.m.
I'd like one of everything!
Yummy Self Service Yogurt
Hands down, the best self serve yogurt in Ventura! Located in a tiny hut on the corner of Seaward and Pierpont, this is a must-do, even when it’s cold outside.
Go wild on the self-serve. You will be glad you did!
Looking for Maine Lobsters?
No need to spend hundreds of dollars to fly in lobsters from Maine, Oxnard has this fine crustacean at Sea Fresh Channel Islands in the harbor. Highlights include an oyster and sushi bar, water front seating and Bloody Mary’s on a lazy weekend afternoon.
Under $16 a pound - YUM!
DePalo & Sons Deli, Pismo Beach
Having travel the world, this is truly one of the finest specialty markets I’ve ever seen in my life. Fine wines, fine prepared foods, a place to go for any speciality food item. Planning a trip to the Pismo Beach area, DO NOT grocery shop until you get to this place!
This is just the deli section!! WOW.
Beachfront Santa Barbara Dining
The Boathouse on Hendry’s Beach is a very special restaurant off Cliff Drive that is located ON the beach. The outside patio is protected by glass and inside you will find a beautiful setting with wonderful views as well. Bring your beach chairs and your dog and make a day of it. Plenty of parking too!
Brenda & Todd visiting from Seattle!
Imported Goods from Europe
This sweet little German deli is owned and operated by Mike & Baerbel Wharton. (Baerbel tells me that most people call her “Barbara” because her name is difficult to pronounce.) This shop has wonderful packaged specialty food items from Europe, a refrigerated deli case of fantastic meats and cheeses, and they will make delicious sandwiches and salads to order for take out or to enjoy at their café. Their address is 325 Bourchard Drive, Ventura. (805) 653-1388.
Baerbel and her wonderful selection!
Faria Beach Cafe & Park Store
This tiny camping spot just steps from the beach also has a delightful on-site to-go window. No need to pack to the hilt, just grab your tent or camper and head on over. There are many breakfast and lunch choices to choose from plus ice and wood! The food is great quality and the biggest bargain on the coast. Check out is 11:00 so that’s the best time to scoop up a spot. Located at 4350 Pacific Coast Highway, the number is (805) 290-0078. Or just stop by for a beachside breakfast or lunch!
Faria Beach Cafe & Park Store
Local Wine iPhone App
The Mr. Picky iPhone application designed by local wine and food lovers, David and Patti Mallen, gives you easy and convenient access to local wineries and restauants in the areas of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and Temecula. There is even a “Near Me” page that lists wineries and tasting rooms within miles of your current location. Along with brief descriptions, you will find operating hours, location addresses and maps right at your fingertips! For even more informaton on local recommendations, visit their website, Mr Picky!
Purchase all 4 app locations!
Peppers Galore!
Sometimes it pays to shop the non -typical. If you are looking for traditional Hispanic groceries from queso to tripe to ready-made fajitas, this might be your go-to place. Every pepper you can imagine, amazing produce (although not organic), very reasonably priced. If this grocery store doesn’t have it, it probably doesn’t exist. (I passed out in the cheese isle.) Visit Amar Ranch Market in Oxnard at 1111 E Channel Islands Blvd.
Bart in the produce section
Our Go-To Mexican Place
Not only is the food incredible but the people who work at Taqueria Tepatitlan are sweet, attentive and are always quick to smile. If ever there is a wait, it is well worth it. Located at 362 N Ventura Ave.
Our Portland & Santa Barbara friends Rhonda, Connor, Julie, Alex, Jim!
Legendary Fish Tacos
Spencer Makenzie Fish Company has the best grilled fish taco in Ventura and the poke pockets are definitely worthy of your pocket book and taste buds. The ice tea is delectable and so are the chips and salsa. Make sure you try the Fire Sauce!
My sister, Jennifer, is ready to dive in!
Our Go-To Favorite Italian Restaurant
At this neighborhood Italian restaurant, enjoy spectacular hand made pasta, artisan pizzas, and a wonderful host, Francesco who was previously the restaurant manager at Francis Ford Coppola’s restaurant in San Francisco. Spasso’s is our go-to place. We love the atmosphere whether dining inside or enjoying local music on the patio.
Buona Sera!
Ventura Fresh Meats
Frank’s Market on E Main St is an old fashioned meat market with the best fresh beef and bacon in town! Mike and Russ are friendly and knowledgeable and deliver amazing quality and service. (Mike’s dad was Frank.) They also have a nice selection of Traegar BBQs and smokers.
Russ showcasing their fresh products!
Fresh Emu & Ostrich Eggs
An Emu Quiche Masterpiece
