Category: Food & Beverage

Lovewell Tea & Coffee

This awesome little coffee and tea spot is located in our beloved hometown, Ventura, at 2271 N. Ventura Ave, where it has been spreading joy for 5 fantastic years! They have just opened an exciting new location in Oak View at 485 N. Ventura Ave. Lovewell is all about sharing smiles, creating memorable moments, and providing a warm and welcoming space for everyone to connect. With their unique hours—Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 2 PM—they’re making sure there’s plenty of time for you to enjoy their delicious offerings, even if they’re closed on Sundays. If you’re seeking amazing coffee, tea, and fresh pastries, this is the perfect destination, and I can’t wait to share with you all the reasons why it’s a must-visit!

My next interview was with a Lovewell enthusiast, mother, and teacher, Dolores. Even though Lovewell isn’t a short drive for Dolores and her family, their frequent visits have made them a beloved member of the community, recognized by the staff, owners, and fellow regulars. Her first visit with a close friend in the summer of 2021 marked the beginning of her delightful journey there. Dolores describes the atmosphere as incredibly friendly, vibrant, and reminiscent of a family gathering. She appreciates how the staff genuinely care about their customers rather than merely pushing their products. Dolores was drawn back in by one of the specialty drinks she had found delicious. After exploring a variety of coffee shops around Ventura, she confidently favored Lovewell for its exceptional quality and smooth coffee. She highly recommends the Marble Mocha (a delightful mix of white chocolate and mocha) and the CJ special (a heavenly white chocolate mocha with caramel drizzle). Her enthusiasm extends to their Ginger Turmeric tea, which she also highly recommends. Dolores describes their fresh pastries as “Bomb Dot Com,” delightfully baked every morning. When asked to describe Lovewell to someone unfamiliar with Lovewell or to encourage a visit, she vividly recalls the scene from the movie Elf where he bursts into the coffee shop exclaiming, “Congratulations, World’s Best Cup of Coffee!”

If you’re curious to learn more about Deloris’ inspiring insights, she shared an amazing review and images on Yelp that is sure to uplift your spirits! Additionally, she has launched an Instagram account dedicated entirely to Lovewell, showcasing all the positivity and joy it brings.

I interviewed a fellow classmate, Mae, and her fiancé, Jared. Mae enjoys tea while Jared loves coffee. They enthusiastically support this local business for many wonderful reasons. They fondly remember the previous coffee shop, Django’s, and appreciate how convenient Lovewell’s location is for picking up their favorites on the way to school, visiting a few times a month. The cozy atmosphere instantly puts them at ease. Jared remarked on its delightful mix of modern touches and an industrial look. They both love admiring the beautiful pictures and drawings of Ventura that adorn the walls. Mae and Jared spoke glowingly of the baristas, who made them feel warmly welcomed when recognized as regulars. It’s heartwarming to see how the baristas effortlessly create a friendly environment, taking the time to connect with their customers. It’s clear that the baristas set a positive pace and atmosphere. The seasonal and special menus elevate their beverages, making them stand out from traditional coffee shops. I asked both of them to describe Lovewell place in one word or a sentence to encourage someone new to visit. Mae joyfully said, “they got good food and good people,” while Jared simply stated, “the community.”

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of their fantastic managers, Rachel. She passionately believes that customers return because they are treated as valued individuals rather than mere “transactions,” and have a connect relationship on a deeper level. Lovewell sources their coffee from a remarkable farm in Tennessee called “The Well,” which proudly provides clean water to the community. Rachel feels that the coffee at Lovewell is special for its smooth, non-burnt flavor, offering a delightful experience. Lovewell features an impressive selection of 22 different teas, from “Fraser Tea.” For tea lovers searching for a diverse range of options, Lovewell is the perfect destination. Additionally, Lovewell presents an exciting variety of special menus throughout the year, and when their seasonal offerings return, they always aim to keep things fresh and unique.

I had the delightful opportunity of interviewing one of their fantastic baristas, Steven. He firmly believes that Lovewells coffee not only draws customers back but also that they return for the exceptional customer service. As a passionate barista, his goal is to ensure that every customer has an amazing experience. They offer a little bit of everything to cater to a wide variety of guests. The menu at Lovewell features familiar beverages that new visitors will love, as well as exciting and unique options for those seeking something different. Steven enthusiastically recommends the “Earl Gray Tea Latte with simple syrup.” When it comes to pastries, he is particularly excited about the Cheese Jalapeño Bagel and Nutella Croissant. He describes the cheese jalapeño bagel as “cheesy, a little spicy, and customizable with a variety of cream cheese options,” while the Nutella croissant has “the perfect crunch on the outside with a soft, layered interior filled with Nutella.” When asked to describe Lovewell to someone who has never heard of it or to encourage a visit, he joyfully said “welcoming” a place where customers can sit back, relax, and enjoy their time without any interruptions.

After reading and enjoying to know more about Lovewell’s community, make sure to stop by at Ventura, at 2271 N Ventura Ave or Oak View at 485 N. Ventura Ave or visit their website to make an order online, using this link LoveWell. You can always find them on Instagram and YouTube

Food & Beverage Local Business

Can It Date Night?

Downtown Ventura is a (not so) hidden gem for bars, restaurants, and shops; it is the perfect spot to shop and soak up the sun and a prime date night spot. But with so many options and grand openings, how do you choose between them?

I’ve compiled a list of places that I think pass the “Can It Date Night” test based on their menu options, pricing, and ambiance.

The Yard Bar & Grill

The Yard Bar & Grill is Main Street’s newest restaurant addition. The forces behind Cronies are taking everything you love from their sports restaurants and giving you an elevated dining experience. And once you finish your meal, you can head to the back of the restaurant to their cozy speakeasy, The Hive.

Menu Options: The Yard has something for everyone; a variety of shareable starters, burgers, salads, tacos, and sandwiches. But the pièce de résistance: the pub fries.

Pricing: The Yard’s burgers and sandwiches run anywhere from $15.00 to $19.00, but they do come with a good portion of fries and your choice of sauce. Their appetizer menu ranges $7.00 up to $18.00 for their heartier options.

Ambiance: The seating at The Yard is very comfortable; they’ve somehow managed to take a more industrial setting (exposed brick and ceiling) and make it very cozy. I love the open air feeling, and the gorgeous wooden bar in the center of the room feels lux.

Overall: Yes, The Yard has a mid-priced menu with a huge variety of options, giving you plenty to choose from which makes this an easy choice for a date night!

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Jaguar Moon

If you’re looking for a cocktail bar that specializes in tequila & mezcal with a maximalist neon aesthetic, this is the place for you. The faces behind this new bar are no stranger to Downtown Ventura- they’re also the forces behind Strange Beast and Bank of Italy.

Photos from @jaguarmoonbar on Instagram

Menu Options: This is elevated bar food, with options like fried chicken tacos and a tuna tostada that is filling and pairs perfectly with their cocktail menu.

Pricing: The menu options range from $8 (fried chicken taco) to their tartara de tuna ($23), with plenty of options at different price points in between. The star of their menu seem to be their taco selection, with something for everyone’s dietary needs. Jaguar Moon also has a great cocktail menu, with mixed drinks ranging from $11 to $15.

Ambiance: This is just the coolest place; it’s vibrant and Instagram-worthy. Weekends seem to be quite busy, but for good reason.

Overall: Yes! Jaguar Moon definitely passes the “Can It Date Night” test. It’s a unique and “vibey” spot in Downtown Ventura, and is worth checking out. With so much to offer, Jaguar Moon should be on your list of places to go for a date night.

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Model Citizen

From the hospitality team that brought you Prospect Coffee Roasters, meet Model Citizen. You can find elevated interpretations of classic cocktails, and an array of menu items that feature locally sourced ingredients.

Menu Options: The Model Citizen menu “emphasizes local and regional ingredients, with a focus on preservation, to create fun, seasonal, and unique coastal dishes with flavors from California and the Mediterranean” (from the MC website). Their dishes are highly unique, with a lot of options that seem exclusive to their restaurant.

Pricing: Model Citizen’s pricing is on the higher end of this list, with options ranging from $9 (fries to share) to $66 (13 oz NY strip steak w/ frites). There are plenty of offerings in between, but they tend to run in the $16 – $20+ range. The cocktail menu also runs on the higher side, with mixed drinks from $14 – $21. That being said, the happy hour menu (which runs all night on Mondays!) has select mixed drinks for $10 and menu items from $5 – $15.

Ambiance: There’s a great balance between trendy and the laid-back charm that is Ventura. You can sit in one of their cozy booths, or relax at the gorgeous mid-century mod bar. Model Citizen has nailed the vintage-y, effortlessly cool atmosphere.

Overall: While it’s a bit on the pricier side, you can tell the food and drinks are locally-sourced and carefully crafted to be unique to their restaurant. While it’s a great atmosphere and has plenty to choose from, I’d recommend Model Citizen as a happy hour date.

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Tags cocktails, food, restaurant, restaurants, Travel

Culture & Student Life Food & Beverage

Ugly Sushi

Do you love sushi, but maybe not the price of a night out for a sushi dinner? Make ugly sushi with me in the comfort of your own kitchen. Yes, it may look ugly, but the taste is grade A! It’s not easy to make sushi the first time, so I will help prepare you for your sushi journey with my own experience.

Skip to Steps

We, Ventura Locals, has access to county’s best sushi grade fish. I found mine at Ocean Pride of Ventura. This fish market has been open since 1999, only carry’s fresh fish, and was even named in The Ventura Reporter’s “Best of Ventura”. It’s a little hidden among the industrial buildings next to the Ventura Car Mall. Just let owner, Tom Moore, know you’re making sushi tonight, and he’ll help you with what you need. Check out their website for peek at their menu.

To be honest, knowing that I had access to fresh fish cut at a sushi grade, I wanted to take on the fun task of making sushi at home. I called up my sister and drafted her for sushi fun.

Step One: Prepare yourself

I watched a couple of YouTube videos that took me step-by-step through making sushi rolls with various ingredients. This step is important; you don’t want to explore the art of making sushi blind. Plus, it ensures you have all the items you need, and it gives you ideas you may not have had.

Step Two: Equipment

Feel like the professionals with a bamboo mat to roll your sushi. I didn’t find this at Ocean Pride, so I took myself to Seafood City Supermarket for any other equipment I needed. There, I found a cute sushi set that had a bamboo mat, a wooden bowl, and a wooden rice scoop.

Step Three: Ingredients

Have fun here! Find the ingredients you’d normally like when going out for sushi, even the sauces. Here’s a list of the core ingredients:

Sushi rice.
Rice Wine Powder or Vinegar.
Bamboo mat.
Plastic wrap.
nori (seaweed sheets)
soy sauce.
Toasted sesame seeds.

Don’t forget your fish! I bought a pound of King Salmon and a pound of Ahi Tuna from Ocean Pride. This did cost me a pretty penny, just shy of $90. But I bought enough for four people, and I think $90 was cheaper than taking four people to a sushi restaurant.

Step Four: Get cooking!

Preparing your sushi rice should be the first thing you do once you start putting together your rolls. You want some time for it to cool off, and this is the most challenging part. I didn’t believe this until I started making sushi rice for the first time; it’s more important than the fish itself! It’s best to refer to the instructions on the sushi rice package or YouTube. I used Nishiki rice.

*Warning: Be careful with the amount of rice vinegar you put in the rice. The vinegar’s flavor can overpower the flavor of your fish. I sadly failed to notice the instructions on the back of my rice package and did just that.

Once your rice is finished, you can start rollin’!

Final Step: Enjoy!

Dinner time! Now you can enjoy your creation. Even though my first time making sushi didn’t come out as I would have liked, my rolls may looked ugly, but they tasted almost restaurant status. My company and I had fun, and I cannot wait to do it again.

Would you make sushi at home? Comment below telling us if you will or any past experiences.

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Tags DIY, food, Food & Beverage, japanese, recipes, restaurants, student life, Sushi, ventura, ventura college

Food & Beverage Local Business

Tatiana’s Coffee & Tea

This beloved Coffee shop located on 2470 E Main St has been open for the past ten years serving the people of Ventura. This local business has been run by the owner Tatiana Curuso and her husband Diego Mazo. Curuso and Mazo both put their all into providing the most satisfying experience to all customers the minute they step through the doors.

Beverages

Tatiana’s Coffee and Tea offers Hot Coffee; fresh drip and Espresso, Decaf, Blended drinks; the Tatalisious being the most loved, Iced drinks; Vanilla latte being the most common, and Teas; Chai is most popular. My absolute favorite beverage would have to be an Iced Chai Tea Latte with oat and whipped cream.

Food

Tatiana’s is best known for their amazing Empanadas that were voted Best Empanadas in The State of Californina in 2022. The Empanadas come in a variety of flavors including: Chicken, Beef, Potato Beef, Potato Cheese, Spinach Feta and Ratatouille. Along with savory they provide sweet, Cheese and Guava Cheese pastelitos and Coffee Cakes. All handmade by a local Chef. Other delicious food items they offer are petite croissant sandwiches, Bagels: Everything and Parmesan with cream cheese or made into a breakfast sandwich, Scones, Ham, Turkey, Italian and Artichoke sandwiches. My personal favorites are all the Empanadas and the blueberry Coffee Cake.

My experience at Tatiana’s has always been amazing, from the customer service to the delicious food and drinks. The hours are from 7:00am-3:00pm Monday-Saturday.

Make sure to stop by Tatiana’s Coffee & Tea if you are in the area at 2470 E Main St or call in to go pick up (805) 901-7620.

Tatiana’s Coffee & Tea Socials

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Tags coffee, empanadas, food, tea, Travel

Food & Beverage Local Business

Slice House

Pizza review on their newest location!

I’m sure majority of you guys have heard of the Slice House location in Thousand Oaks, however, were you aware of their newest location that opened up in Simi Valley? Yes, that’s right! Slice House located at 2916 Tapo Canyon Rd, CA 93063 had a kick off with a grand opening on April 6th at 11am. I’m here to tell you all about it.

First off you may have heard of all the hype surrounding this place and may be asking yourself what’s so great about it. Well, have you ever had massive pizza served by a whole or a slice bigger than your head with great amount of flavor? How about a large variety of off the menu items that aren’t pizza like meatballs, subs, salads, and pastas. This place has it all. Let me take you through the journey of Slice House with a few of their menu items I ordered and gave a try.

As mentioned above, Slice House has a great menu to explore that has a little bit of everything for everyone. On my particular visit to this location and my first time ever trying Slice House, I ordered four slices, the meatballs, and a beer. The slices happened to be Pepperoni, Hawaiian Hit Man, Sweet Gino, and Veggie. After tasting each of these slices, I fell in love with all of them. Not one disappointment or area of critique. The amount of flavor each slice had was amazing something for sure is in that sauce that brings it all to life. If I had to choose I would say Sweet Gino was the best one and will probably be a slice I order every time I return.

Onto the items that are not pizza, the meatballs. I had overheard that these meatballs are a must try when going to Slice House, so that’s exactly what I did. I had the order of three. In less than 3 minutes they were already being served to my table fresh, steaming, and a strong smell of aroma just waiting to be eaten. Once again, something is in that sauce bringing it all to life. These are the best meatballs I have ever had and strongly recommend them to everyone planning to visit this location.

Speaking of visiting, are these existing areas too far out from your hometown location? Well, not to worry! They are currently working on expanding their restaurant over to Burbank, Santa Clarita, Ventura, Oxnard, Pasadena, Glendale, and Woodland Hills.

Well everyone, there you have it. My own personal Slice House review with what I got off their menu. Let me know below which slice of pizza you would give a try. Link to their Instagram is listed below, check them out as they are always keeping up with their audience.

Tags dinner, food, italian, pizza, recipes

Business Food & Beverage

B&J’s Drive In

Ramon and I took an adventure down to a Saticoy, to see a historical landmark of theirs that is B&J’s Drive In. This drive-in has been in Saticoy forever, but it didn’t earn its name until about 60 years ago. The Jenkins family were the long time owners but it is now owned by Alfredo M. We got to sit down and have an in-depth interview with him that you can watch above ^ He talks about how he came to own B&J’s, restaurant struggles, what he hopes for their future and more! Here’s the food we tried during our visit!

Corn Burritos

Rating —-> Ramon: 7 Valerie: 7.5

These burritos are county famous, they are definitely something that helped put B&J’s on the map! They are a crispy, salty, cheesy treat. The bean filling adds a level of protein that helps make you full off of these alone!

Old Fashioned Combo

Rating —> Ramon: 9.9 Valerie: 9.9

This one was definitely both of our favorites. This burger was packed to the nines with 2 patties, an onion ring, bacon and other traditional burger toppings. Even though it sounds like a lot, it melded together beautifully. Everything complimented each other, it’s definitely big enough that you can share between 2 people!

Lemon Pepper Wings

Rating —> Ramon: 8 Valerie: 7.5

The wings were crispy and tangy from the lemon pepper sauce. Such a chill food to share among with friends. Would’ve loved to have more of a peppery kick to them, more on the mild side.

Chili Cheese Fries

Rating —> Ramon: 8.5 Valerie: 9

These chili cheese fries were very honestly the bomb.com. They are super cheesy, crispy and savory! The crinkle fries have nice ridges to hold the chili so you can get everything in one bite. Everyone I know that knows B&J’s always recommends!

B&J’s is a welcoming family friendly environment! They have annual toy drives and cruise and chill days. They make the Saticoy community proud and continue to carry on the legacy that is B&J’s. Such a variety of food and very affordable. Such an amazing experience! Thank You Alfredo for giving us your time and resources, we wish you the very best of luck!

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Tags Drivein, Food & Beverage, Saticoy, Small Businesses, Ventura County

Food & Beverage

Worms in the Mud Cookie Cups

Post author By Valerie Bustos
Post date April 30, 2024
No Comments on Worms in the Mud Cookie Cups

How 6 kids have changed the path of my life and how I’m changing Theirs

Go to RECIPE

When I was 11 years old I found out I was gonna be a Tia. Taking on this title I thought it was gonna be full of thoughtless fun, dressing the baby up in cute clothes, playing with toys and occasionally making a bottle and it was for a little while. I began to realize that my love for this one child, and soon to be others, goes so beyond what I could even grasp and I had a chance to help guide them to a better life than I had. So during my high school years I sacrificed my youth and helped raise them and it is an experience that holds so much gratitude and turmoil but I would never give it up. I took on the responsibility of healing the generational trauma of the past to give them a fighting chance to build something new. I now have 4 nieces and 2 nephews, that’s right about a decade later there are now 6 kids ranging from 9-3 years old, running around at almost all times. It’s always a party with them, sometimes I’m trying to decide if it’s a party I want to be invited to or not (ha ha).

In society it has been the standard to believe children aren’t people, that they don’t have feelings or wants of their own or that they’re not entitled to those because they’re children. I believe society is entering a transition period and reevaluating the vital role kids play because they are the future, Why would we not emphasize their importance? I was not raised to be in touch with my needs or wants, I was raised with the main focus of sacrifice and how important it was to sacrifice anything and everything as long as it helped your family make it in the end. Learning how to sacrifice has been one of the best and worse lessons in my life, learning anything without balance is bound to lead to disproportion. I do know the importance of sacrifice and it is something I will never underestimate, but now I am integrating the importance of saying no and not always prioritizing others over myself. The winding road of never ending sacrifice leads to burnout, resentment and emptiness. Sometimes never ending sacrifice is key for survival but when you’re able to get out of it and move into autonomy over sacrifice it can lead to beautiful healing.

As I sit here and type this I’m currently surrounded by 3/6 kids and I watch them and soak in their interactions and am filled with so much gratitude and some fear for the future. I can only hope that I am able to be a person for them that I never had. I hope that I help guide them towards something new and better while leaving them laced with our family culture that came before us but may not serve us anymore. So I leave you with my hope and a very kid friendly recipe 🙂

Worms in the Mud Cookie Cups

Cookie Cup

>1 cup of Butter (softened)

>1 1/2 cup of Sugar

>1 Egg

>2 tsp of Vanilla Extract

>2 3/4 cups of AP Flour

>2 tsp of Baking Powder

>1 tsp of Salt

Filling

>Store Bought Chocolate Pudding Cups

>Crushed Oreos

>Gummy Worms

Preheat the oven to 400F. Grease a cupcake pan. Put your softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl and beat till creamed together. Slowly incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, then set aside. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt, give a quick mix to combine. Put your mixer on the slowest setting and add half the flour mixture. Once incorporated add the other half of the mixture and put the mixer on a higher setting, it should come together as a dough. If too sticky add a tbsp of flour at a time until it comes together. Take 2 tbsp of dough and press into each cupcake slot. Bake for about 13 minutes or until golden brown. As the Cookie Cups bake prep your Oreos, separate the filling from the cookie and put the cookies into a small sandwich bag. Proceed to crush them in the bag until they are crumbs, resembling dirt. Once your cookie cups have come out of the oven and cooled for 10 mins or longer, press a circular indentation in the middle, you can do this by using a tsp or tbsp. Add the pudding in the middle of the cup, then the Oreo crumbs and then the gummy worms. Ta-Da! You have some Worms in the Mud Cookie Cups!

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Tags baking, cookies, dessert, Family, Food & Beverage, recipe, recipes

Food & Beverage Local Business

Rolling Pin Donuts

Best late-night Snack?

Do you ever find yourself craving sweets late at night or just a good donut at any time of the day? Rolling Pin, located on Los Posas Rd in Camarillo, has been providing fresh donuts 24/7 since 1992. This family-owned business has become a beloved gem to its community and has greatly impacted the city. Rolling Pin is open every day of the week, offering sweet treats to satisfy your cravings.

Rolling Pin has a strong loyal fan base for donut enthusiasts, if you enjoy donuts, you’ve probably heard of Rolling Pin. They carry a wide variety of fresh donuts but the ones that stand out the most and are fan favorites are their Tigers Tails, Apple Fritters, and the well-known cronut which is a croissant donut with sugar. These fan favorites are what make Rolling Pin the most desired local donut stop.

Open 24/7 from Monday – Rolling Pin stands out from other local donut shops due to its extended hours, setting it apart from the competition. Driving past Rolling Pin during the day it may seem like any normal donut shop, but at night, and people are getting off work, ending a night out, or even craving something sweet, Rolling Pin’s lines can get pretty outrageous and crowds would flood into the parking lot no matter how late.

Not only is this gem winning over devoted Camarillo locals, but has also made its way into Ventura with a second location on Telephone Road. Soon we will be seeing a new wave of Ventura locals flooding their very own Rolling Pin which is aimed to open at the end of April or the beginning of May of 2024.

This wraps up Ventura County’s favorite local donut shop, which is open around the clock and the best place to please your sweet tooth late at night. Follow Rolling Pin’s Facebook to stay updated with your favorite donut shop.

Tags baking, coffee, donuts, food, Travel

Food & Beverage Local Business Uncategorized

Carnitas is King

Ventura has a new gem! Carnitas El Rey, 2437 E Main St

By Nancy Olascuaga & Deseray Radziewicz

El Rey’s restaurant’s indulgent carnitas originate from where they are best made: Michoacan (an elegant state of Mexico known for its rich ancient culture, magnificent landmarks, and flavorful carnitas). Eating here felt like we didn’t have to travel all the way to Michoacan to satisfy our juicy carnitas cravings.

Carnitas El Rey entrance, 2437 E. Main St, Ventura, CA

Michoacan styled murals adorn the restaurant walls.

Along the Way

Currently Carnitas El Rey has three locations in Oxnard, Santa Paula and now Ventura. All three El Rey restaurants and it’s Owners: Juan and Gricelda Zavala, have an impressive reputation for their authentic real deal Michoacan style carnitas.

Pinto beans, rice, homemade tortilla, carnitas, Agua de Tamarindo.

The Food

Nancy and I went to Carnitas El Rey to check it out. What we found was a beautifully decorated atmosphere and authentic Michoacan carnitas that were tender, full f flavor, and all around fabulous. A couple tips from fellow VC Social blogger Nick Lerma, get there early because they are SO GOOD that they could run out, and make sure to try the rice.

We made sure to do both and were not disappointed. Nancy and I each ordered the taco plate which came with beans and rice. Nancy had an agua de tamarindo and I had a sangria senorial soda to drink. I tried the green salsa, it was flavorful. While it didn’t make me sweat, it was just enough to dew my forehead. Everything was fresh, delicious, everything was clean, and everyone was warm and friendly.

Taco plate. Pinto beans, rice, homemade tortillas, carnitas, chopped onions and cilantro, green salsa.

If you’re looking for a new gem to check out in Ventura, we definitely recommend Carnitas El Rey! Check out their opening day post on Instagram on your way there.

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Check out Carnitas El Rey – You’ve been warned, carnitas cravings ahead…

Tags Business, college student life, Food & Beverage, ventura, Ventura County

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Your Needs & Our Needs

Happy Earth Day(week) 2024 Folks! 💚

One Bowl, One Spoon…

_{(photo by Alev Takil)}

What do you think about One Bowl One Spoon Living? Does “one bowl, one spoon” 🥣 resonate with your practical experience and beliefs? Can we all eat from the same spoon, the same bowl, the same watershed, the same planet? Ideally, yes we can and we do. However, practically speaking, our mobility and the time and spatial scales of our perception blind us to the reality of one bowl, one spoon.

Our groundwater contamination today may move so slowly that our grandchildren may suffer after we are long gone. Do you love the idea of sharing as much as you find implementation of one bowl one spoon thinking painfully impractical? If so, I feel your pain. May I empathize with your situation more?

Emerging from COVID, most people insist on their own spoon and their own bowl to make sure we aren’t the next ones to die from contagion or at least don’t get inconvenient viruses. Yet how many millions of plastic spoons, bowls, and even gloves have been added to the Pacific Gyre Plastic patch since 2019? If that plastic shows up in the fish we eat as microplastics, that’s bad and sad. So can we agree we need convenient ways to expend less plastic and also keep it out of our oceans?

How can we correct and atone for our and our family’s pollution-sins of the past? Separation for the sake of survival and convenience was important to help us get through the short term emergency of the COVID Pandemic. We survived.

2024 presents longer term threats; slower moving train wrecks. Our emissions of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), r410a refrigerant, sulfuryl fluoride, and other Greenhouse Gases have intensified our weather and our climate. Storms arrive with more intense rain, more powerful winds, droughts last longer with lower humidity and higher maximum temperatures … and in some cases lower minimum temperatures. Bursting water pipes in surprise Texas freezes caused by an unstable jet stream remind us how Climate Change is a more helpful term than Global Warming. Does your (and our) behavior contribute to the Climate Emergency? Can your (and our) choices make a positive or negative difference that is significant? Our tragic, common “too small to matter but too common to not matter” reality of burning and releasing GHG’s merits attention: what we do DOES matter to our climate here, now, and in the near and distant future. Our example to others matters in our community and there are more personal, immediate effects.

As one of 8,000,000,000 people on Earth, can anyone seriously say that a monthly burning of $70 of gasoline, $70 of natural gas for water heating, cooking and clothes drying makes any significant difference to solve our current Climate Crisis? While I admit it is difficult to grasp, the answer is “Yes.” I believe it does make a difference. COVID helped show how. Combustion byproducts from natural gas cooking and clothes-drying have a real effect on millions of asthma victims. People exposed to higher levels of combustion byproducts, including particulate pollution, for longer durations died and experienced complications from COVID at significantly higher rates. Hypocrisy results when we are forced to choose between inconvenient results and convenient bad behavior. Most people choose what is convenient…particularly those who earn less or those who possess less wealth…but also those who have so much income and/or wealth that they are unaccustomed to being held to account for their impacts on others.

We are constantly rewarded when we respond quickly and early to opportunities as they arise, with seemingly no time to pause to observe and consider the effect of our exhaust. The struggle is real. With pressure to do more, stay up later, yet still arrive to appointments on-time it is so common to feel that pressure to drive what ever car we can afford. With electric cars generally costing over $20,000 used and over $40,000 new the shift from gasoline to battery-powered is challenging, with or without range anxiety. The financial barriers to converting are significant and compelling. More financially accessible options include:

$7 to eat a meal (or cake+ice cream?) with less meat, fewer food-miles, and/or prepared with 100% Renewable Clean Power Alliance electricity…you know, compassionate eats.

$70 +/- induction plate to cook with Clean Power Alliance 100% renewable electricity,

$700 e-bike to commute carefully with commutes twice as long as car commutes,

$70 monthly bus pass with commutes that involve meeting new friends on the bus,

$700 electric clothes dryer,

$700 upgrade for your home/apartment’s electric panel to power electric dryer &/or car charger,

$70-700 of air-sealing and insulation improvements,

$700+ portable dual function heat pump air conditioner plus heater with air filters,

$70 Lyft or Uber rides where you specifically request or select electric only options.

$170 or less on a good pair of running shoes (good for you and your planet!).

FREE and FUN: collaborate with your neighboring renters to lobby your land-lord’s conversion to 100% Renewable Clean Power Alliance Electricity.

May I challenge you to cut your CO2e in half every year? Meet your needs, while considering Our Earth Community’s needs. If you do, you might just learn valuable expertise and meet interesting friends to help you build a more compassionate and abundant reality for you and those you affect. When it gets challenging, please know I feel it too and reach out to friends to talk about your struggle and successes.

May you Balance2thrive®

G Naugles, MSBio, MBA, GISP, M.Ed., CalBRE, RCE, BSCE, CPHT