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Still Open, Kinda.

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 closes off Main Street for their 30 days of Main Street Moves. Patrons can enjoy dining extended to the sidewalks, while only foot or bike traffic is allowed. No vehicle access.

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.

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A Fine Afternoon at Finney’s Crafthouse

It’s officially summer and while we’re riding a different wave…we’ve at least made it past the first heat wave. What better way to kick off the next few months of sunshine than with some craft cocktails and good food?

Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen is open for dine in at all their California locations (soon to add Porter Ranch), and lucky for us in Ventura County, we get two to pick from. You may notice something different, other than employees dawning face coverings, but Finney’s Ventura location is apart of Main Street Moves which has opened dining into the streets of Main St. They’ve added outdoor tables and a beer garden to enjoy a beverage while you wait for your table.

An employee takes temperatures of patrons before entering

Getting a table means showing up at the perfect time, pandemic or no pandemic, Finney’s has always been a popular place. They have a system in place that will alert your phone when your table is ready. Once called in, the hostess will take your temperature and proceed to guide you to your table (if you pass the test!). Every table is set up to maintain social distancing, whether you are inside or out. They have a 10 step of Covid-19 method in order to help assure their customers and employees are safe while out. Employees are sanitizing the tables before and after each use, there is also sanitizing stations throughout the restaurant,they even provide wipes after you dine.

Once you’re settled in it’s time to drink! Finney’s offers a full bar, with beer, wine, and signature cocktails. There’s a slight twist on your traditional favorite beverages, like a Meggerz Mule with chili mango and lime. You also can’t go wrong with fresh fruit, wine, and vodka that is the Raspberry Smash. Trifecta of tasty. For food, there really is no going wrong. From bavarian pretzels with three sauces to dip (caramel, mustard and cheese), ahi poke tacos, flatbreads, burgers, and yes even salads, your taste buds will not be disappointed.

Check out Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen it’s an easy answer to “What do you want to eat?”

Prime Rib Cheesesteak-Pepper jack, grilled peppers & onions, horseradish aioli

494 E Main St Ventura CA

982 S Westlake Blvd #2
Westlake Village CA

SUN-WED 11-10PM THURS 11-11PM FRI&SAT 11-Midnight Happy Hour 3-5PM MON-FRI

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Photos From A Distance

While being “Safer at Home” many have gone through monumental life changes. Couples have wed, families have welcomed new additions, birthdays, life continued but the lock down existed. Without a way to celebrate joyous moments with those who we care most about, what better way to memorialize the last three months than with a physically distant photo shoot? Dasha Dean Photography in Thousand Oaks can provide just that.

The process of booking with Dasha was seamless. She provides as much communication leading up to the day and during the shoot that really makes family photo shoots less stressful. Yes, less stressful is possible, because if you’ve ever had to wrangle a toddler and spouse with an infant you know what I’m talking about.

Photo by Dasha Dean Photography

Dasha Dean Photography provides ideas and templates on what to wear, color schemes, a location, and a questionnaire about the people she will be taking photos of. This helped, because on the day she knew everyone’s name and we instantly felt as if we knew Dasha as well.

Because we are in a pandemic, extra steps of safety are added in any activity, and photo shoots are no different. Dasha arrived, face covering on, and kept her distance while our family kept ours from her. I know you’re thinking you don’t want photos with masks on (maybe you do, go ahead), and the best part is you don’t! Dasha is able to work her magic while maintaining the six feet distance if not more.

Photo by Dasha Dean photography

The session was no longer than 30 minutes, and the turn around on photos was quick! She offers a variety of packages, and even prints that include gallery wall consultations. If you’re looking to book a photo session to commemorate the last three months, your graduate, events and life reach out to Dasha Dean Photography.

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Vacation Vibes at Rumfish Y Vino

Looking for a break from your backyard view and a cocktail so good you can’t say no to just one more? Rumfish y Vino in Ventura is just that place for a brief escape.

Walking up to Rumfish y Vino you instantly feel you’ve been transported elsewhere. A place that feels like a vacation, and still taking the necessary safety precautions is a place you should want to be. Upon entrance you are greeted with the employees, face coverings required, a table with social distancing information, sanitizer, and markings on the floor to maintain your distance from other patrons and the employees.

Face coverings required upon entering, and provided if forgotten at home.

If you’ve been to Rumfish Y Vino, you may be familiar with their gorgeous outdoor patio dining, that is available and spaciously spread out. A waiter approaches, wearing gloves and a face covering, drops water and menus and asks for our order. I strongly suggest you try one of the unique cocktails made with fresh fruit, my favorite is the dragonfruit caipiroska, with a light taste and gentle kick its the perfect pair with their flavorful appetizers.

Their cuisine is strongly influenced by central america, with appetizers like conch fritters and pork belly posole as an entree. You can’t go wrong with anything you order here. You can tell the chefs take pride and time in each item they prepare. The peruvian ceviche is highlighted with red snapper, that is light yet filling. Ordering salmon, I’m always weary, but their wild salmon plate is so juicy, tender, melt in your mouth that it will make you forget any bad fish you ever ordered elsewhere.

If your’e looking to treat yourself to a great escape, locally, definitely visit Rumfish y Vino. They are open for lunch, brunch, dinner and happy hour. Reservations are recommended. Hours: Monday-Saturday Lunch 11:30am-3pm, Brunch Sunday 11am-2pm, Dinner Monday-Sunday beginning at 3pm Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm Saturday 3pm-5pm Sunday 2pm-5pm.

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When Your Outlet is Retail Therapy

The Camarillo Premium Outlets have been “opened” for curbside pick up for some time, but with stores officially getting the go ahead to allow customers in again we are left with tons of options with one question; who’s ACTUALLY open?

To my surprise, a lot more stores are open, while some have decided to still remain closed. Most Stores do require, or ask for a face covering so don’t leave it at home. Other precautions are a limited amount of people allowed to enter per store. Each store has their own set number some are set at 6, others at 15, even 50. You are asked to wait outside with tape markings guiding you to ensure the six feet distance is maintained.

A few shopping tips: plan on paying with credit card whenever possible, ApplePay, Android Pay, GooglePay etc, if a store accepts. Bring hand sanitizer with you, while most stores do have some when you enter or exit and the outlet center itself is providing, it’s better to just be safe than sorry. The fitting rooms are closed for the most part, plan on buying multiple sizes and check with their return policy! Camarillo Oulets temporary hours are Monday through Saturday 11am-7pm Sunday 12pm-6pm. Go enjoy some retail therapy.

Cotton On Kids, hand sanitizer provided upon entering with a friendly reminder to keep your distance while shopping.

Aeropostale, American Eagle, Armani , Armani Exhange, Banana Rebublic, Carter’s, Calvin Klein, Chico’s, Claire’s, Coach, Columbia, Converse, Cotton On Kids, Crocs, Daniel’s Jewelers, Diesel, ECCO, Fanatics by Lids, Forever 21, Fragrance Outlet, GAP, GRTW Tactical, Gucci, Guess, HANES, Hugo Boss, Hurley, Janie and Jack, Joes, Journeys, Kay Jewelers, Lacoste, LaCreuset, LIDs, Lucky, Madein Form, Max Studio, Michael Kohrs, Nautica, O’Neill, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Old Navy, Osh Kosh B’Gosh, Perfumania, Planet Beauty, PUMA, Rack Room Shoes, Ralph Lauren, 7 For All Mankind, Shoe Palace, Skechers, Sunglass Hut, Sweats & Surf, Talbots, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, True Religion, UGG, Van Huesen, Vitamin World, Volcom, Waterford Crystal, White House Black Market, Zales, Zumiez

Johnny Was and Tommy Bahama are set to be open June 7, Nike June 8, J.Crew June 12, and Under Armour June 19.

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business

Bandits’, Comfort Food in a Needed Time

There’s a few things in life we can get excited for, and dining out has earned its spot on that list. As we reenter into the world of in-restaurant dining a lot goes to say about a business that makes you feel both excited and secure; and that’s just how Bandits’ Grill & Bar is. From walking up to the door and being greeted by the masked host, (not seizing the opportunity to turn this into a costume Bandits and I’m sure your employees thank you) I could swear they were smiling that’s how infectious their energy was, to being seated, there was no containing the first dine in experience excitement.

With some changes, such as hours from 4-9PM along with paper menus, the food and ambiance is just as it was. We actually opted to sit in the bar area, which is set up to ensure social distancing is being maintained by each patron. While every other table is being utilized, they are also spread out.

After a quick order of a beer and shot (taking every chance to take full advantage of Sunday Funday), our fried pickles arrived and my goodness if you don’t dip the entire pickle in that horseradish dip, I don’t know who taught you how to eat fried pickles. It’s actually been a full 24 hours since dining at Bandits’, and I am still salivating over the tri-tip. 9 ounces of perfectly cooked medium meat, and if I didn’t already have a love affair with barbeque sauce, I certainly would now. Needless to say Bandits’ portion size steals the show with a more than generous helping.

Bandits’ is a place you go to when you want to feel like you’re home for a summer party. Pull up a seat, grab a drink, get ready to get a little dirty while you eat and have some great conversation with who you’re with and maybe even make small talk with those around you. If you’re considering dining out, definitely give Bandits’ a shot, they are taking measures above and beyond to make your experience feel normal while still being extremely safe.

Both their Camarillo and Thousand Oaks locations are available for dine in, and still doing take-out for those who are waiting a little bit longer to venture out.

Check them out banditsbbq.com

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Hey Camarillo, Old Town Feels New

A city has opened, and we were ready for it. Walking around Old Town Camarillo and passing by the handful of people who were enjoying the afternoon, makes it feel like you are in a whole new city. Some businesses still read of CLOSED signs, but for those that are open the energy is lively.

With a fast turn around, people in masks and six feet apart formed a line at Hanks Barber shop..and the limited seating at Twenty88 had patrons dining on their patio, enjoying some wine and appetizers, some in masks, everyone physically distant but still social.

As we approached Mister Softee (they have been closed the majority of the lock down) you can tell each customer is as excited as the next. They request that customers wear masks; and all employees are, as well as gloves. You’re still greeted with a warm welcome, and even the option to grab a mask provided by Mister Softee. One way in, and exit through the back with a last push of hand sanitizer before leaving. Mister Softee has really gone beyond making their customers feel comfortable. We’re approaching summer, it’s getting warmer, and we can walk into the ice cream shop and order a sprinkled cone!

It’s odd to think that this was all wishful thinking a few short months ago. Although the reopening will be at a slow, steady pace, it’s good to know that there are people who want to explore their city, the city they’ve lived in and can now see in a new light.

Don’t forget, if your business is open or you know of one please submit so we can add it to the list and keep everyone up to date on What’s Open Ventura County.

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Ventura County is Open!

FINALLY! After months of a lockdown and businesses gradually start to reopen, a lot of us are left thinking what’s open Ventura County? Now is the time to support our community. “What’s Open VC” is geared towards providing you with information on just that, what is open in Ventura County. From coffee shops to dog groomers, chiropractors and law offices, dine in restaurants, your favorite local boutiques, etc.

As we continue to venture into the for now “normalcy” check back here for highlights on establishments that have reopened. We’ll be encouraging businesses to reach out with updated information in regards to what protocols are set for entering, as well as accommodations and restrictions.

If you are open for business and would like the opportunity to be highlighted in a post and added to the list, please fill out the form and we will confirm details. Welcome back Ventura County, we’ve missed you.

Click here to submit whatsopenvc