Ironically, as we move into Independence Day weekend, Governor Newsom made the decision to re-close bars, wineries, indoor dining, zoos and museums, movie theaters and family entertainment centers. Now I know you are wondering about nails and hair, don’t worry, somehow that was only a threat at the beginning of the pandemic. Talk about a maniCURE.
As much whiplash as we have from what’s open and what’s shut, this new closure is set to only last three weeks. It’s unfortunate, as places have been doing what they can to ensure safety for their customers. We’ve witnessed it the last month, from sanitizing to limiting seats. You, as a diner have seen it first hand, you even have your dine out mask! So what now?
Ventura, just last month, started Main Street Moves, which expanded dining into the streets of main street. If you’ve had the opportunity to spend some time dining or shopping in Ventura, you’ve noticed this solution has been quite successful. So much so, one can hope other cities took note and are making the steps toward doing the same or similar. Camarillo has the potential to turn their downtown, Old Town Camarillo, into a street affair. Moorpark has the means for it as well. Plenty of restaurants in Oxnard, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks have already extended and utilized whatever sidewalk or space they have for outdoor dining, now is just the time to figure out more.
“Oh no, but the traffic!” You say? Remember when for almost three months we could not go anywhere but Wal Mart, Vons, or Home Depot? Would you rather go back to that, or have Waze figure out some reroute options on your commute to finally dining out…I’ll take stuck in 15 minutes of traffic for NORMALCY Alex.
But what does this mean for restaurants that don’t have outdoor dining as an option? Well, it’s back to take out only. Support your local business and put your orders in now for the holiday weekend.
If your patio is open for dining, please let us know so we can update the list.