What screams California more than Disneyland and live concerts? The answer is… absolutely nothing. Join Devin and I on our ultimate California getaway weekend where we will take on two days at Disneyland and a Lauren Spencer Smith concert! This trip is especially exciting because we are going during the Food and Wine Festival.
Disneyland Castle
You can find everything from food reviews to rides to two friends being silly and carefree in a place that brings them so much joy. See how many pop culture references you can catch between the two of us. The video includes our favorite rides and our honest opinions about everything we ate.
We try a variety of drinks from the Food and Wine Festival. Including drinks like a strawberry rum mimosa, blood orange beer and a pink guava mango seltzer. Make sure to watch to see our ranking.
We also went to a Lauren Spencer Smith concert, which was amazing. There are some of my favorite moments from the concert, including a surprise song, crowd chanting, spilling secrets and much more. My favorite part of the show, hands down, was being surprised that her band had cardboard cutouts of One Direction. She is an insanely talented vocalist and I included clips of her singing live so everyone can fall in love with her voice just like I did.
Make sure to watch the video below for the full run down of our weekend. This includes our ranking of food and drinks, rides, story times, messing around, singing, tips, and more!
I recently reviewed a new restaurant in Oxnard called Los Guerreros Restaurant and Cafe, located at 111 S. Rose Ave. They’ve been open since January 2026, and the second I walked in, I got a real “at-home” feeling. It’s a quiet, relaxing spot that reminds me of a classic mom-and-pop shop the kind of place where you can actually eat in peace.
The first thing that stood out to me was the value. In today’s world, finding a street hot dog for $5 is wild! We ordered the Inka Burger, Birria Tacos, and Mayan Fries, along with a Horchata and Agua de Fresa. My best advice? Go in with a huge appetite. The portions are massive and will definitely fill you up. Everything from the food to the drinks was delicious, and you really can’t beat those prices.
Owner Q&A: Alvaro Ortiz
I had the chance to sit down with the owner, Alvaro Ortiz, to talk about his vision for the restaurant/cafe.
What inspired you to open a Mexican restaurant?
“The knowledge I have of Mexican food. I know I can make the best food to serve my customers.”
Which of your salsas is the best?
“They are all great tasting!”
Do you want to expand your business one day?
“Yes, I’d love to move into a bigger restaurant.”
What is the biggest hardship you’ve faced since opening?
“Bringing in new customers and handling the marketing side of the business.”
Overall this restaurant was delicious and you must try it at least once.
Who doesn’t love authentic Mexican cuisine? At La Flor de Michoacán in Ojai, authenticity is what has enabled their longevity and loyal customers for 25 years strong.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by the embrace of an inviting and powerful representation of culture. The artwork, the menu, even the advertisements – they stay true to the essence of Michoacán where much of the inspiration of the store is drawn from.
The store is proudly owned by the Local Lopez family, at the head of which are Martín and Ernestina Lopez. It is a one stop shop – a combination of both a restaurant and corner store. I had a great opportunity to interview Oscar and Ulises Lopez to discuss how La Flor’s journey has unraveled during its 25 year run.
“I think it all started with my dad’s first experience working at a similar store in Carpinteria” said Oscar Lopez, the son and long time employee of La Flor. “He learned from that experience and was able to translate what he learned to his own restaurant.”
Martín has collaborated with his elder son Ulises Lopez to create a menu that keeps customers happy day in and day out. Everything is made in house, including the fan favorite habanero salsa.
In a town where there seems to be an everlasting revolving door of restaurants and shops, staying relevant is a challenge, but not one they haven’t been ready to take on. “One of the biggest things is adapting to what people want so we can provide something for everybody… That’s one thing my dad has taught me…”
When asked about what it means to one day carry the legacy of the family store Oscar said: “To me, it’s like a golden goose being handed down, it means a lot. It means freedom. And I want to build upon it and maintain it… It’s a blessing.”
The passion held for the store and the family values they upkeep are unmatched and undoubtedly felt through the delicious, authentic cuisine made in their kitchen. The genuine want to connect with customers is seen through the many community events such as fundraisers for those in need, the raffle like the one held during this celebration of 25 years, and the constant updates to store inventory.
La Flor has been my favorite Mexican restaurant in the entirety of Ventura County, and it was a blessing to be able to celebrate the longevity they have created, and the history made. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next 25 years brings!
The celebration and raffle will be going on until the end of April. You can locate La Flor De Michoacán at 702 W El Roblar Drive in Ojai California – Open Every day of the week. Follow them on Instagram!
My friend’s at home coffee business, Cafe Solace, is honestly one of the best hidden gems around. Every drink is made with so much care and attention to detail, and you can really taste the difference compared to big coffee shops. From the quality of the ingredients to the way each cup looks aesthetic and Instagram worthy, Cafe Solace delivers both flavor and good customer service. It’s the kind of coffee that makes you want to keep coming back, and once you try it, you’ll see why it stands out as one of the best small coffee spots.
Top #1 Seller Cookie Butter Latte!
One of the best things about Cafe Solace is how many drinks and add ons she offers. There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into coffee, chai, matcha, or something refreshing, the menu has so many creative options and you can customize your drink however you like. My personal favorites are the Cookie Butter Chai Latte, Dulce de Leche Latte , and the Strawberry Coconut Lemonade! They’re all super flavorful and unique. She also has matcha, which is actually her top seller, and it’s so smooth and well made. And if you’re not in the mood for coffee, the strawberry coconut lemonade is a must it’s honestly my favorite lemonade ever. Cafe Solace isn’t just a coffee spot, it’s a whole experience with fun, different drinks you won’t find anywhere else. The coffees are affordable and they range from $6-$8.
Matcha w/ Banana Pudding
The drink itself has an earthy taste with a very sweet creamy Banana taste to it. It’s not overly sweet, perfect balance with the matcha included.
Iced Vanilla Latte w/ Banana Pudding
Rich creamy Vanilla Latte is so delicious! Especially with the pudding it adds a creamy smooth texture to the drink!
Café Solace, you can tell everything is made with love. From the fresh strawberry purée made from scratch to all her homemade syrups, nothing feels basic or rushed. Even the pudding is made by her, which just makes the drinks taste even better and more special. You can really tell she puts time and care into everything, and it makes every drink feel more personal and worth it. My top 3 drinks would probably have to be, the Strawberry Coconut Lemonade its literally amazing I can’t even explain it, it’s sweet but still refreshing, and the shredded coconut makes it even better. It also has this slightly thicker texture that just makes it feel extra good. The Cookie Butter Chai Latte reminds me of gingerbread, super cozy and creamy with a really nice coffee flavor. And the Dulce De Leche is so yummy too, it has that smooth, milky sweetness that just hits every time.
Strawberry Coconut Lemonade
Cookie Butter Chai Latte
Dulce De Leche
Joselyn the owner of Cafe Solace says “I’m so excited to start this coffee business, not just for quick money like a lot of people, but because I genuinely love creating drinks and seeing people enjoy them. For me it’s about the experience, the creativity, and building something that feels personal and real. I want every cup to feel like it was made with care”
The best drinks you won’t regret getting! So many drinks and flavors to choose from!
Ever looking for a nice breakfast spot to eat at? Check out my favorite 3 spots to go have a nice brunch out here locally in Ventura County!
Breakfast Burrito w/ Country Potato’s
3. Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut (Oxnard, CA)
One of my top 3 breakfast spots to go to is Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut. Located at 2800 A Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA, this breakfast restaurant is lovely for its outside patio because of its scenic view of being by the harbor where people dock their boats, being close to the water, and for the patio being all sand to make it feel like you are having breakfast on the beach. Mrs. Olson’s has been around for 50 years! “What started as a small coffee shop only holding 45 people, it has grown into a neighborhood favorite breakfast restaurant being able to hold 350 people” says new owner of Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut. “Based off our sales, The Big Basic (2 eggs, potatoes or hash browns, choice bacon sausage or turkey sausage. beef patty or ham steak with additional charge) has to be our customers favorite dish along with The Breakfast Burrito and the Chilaquiles.”
My favorite dishes at Mrs. Olson’s are: 1.Country Fried Steak and Eggs ($18) 2.Classic Eggs Benedict ($15). 3.Chilaquiles ($16)
Everything on the menu is super delicious. Great food and great customer service, hands down a beautiful environment to be eating breakfast by the beach.
2. BG’s Cafe (Oxnard,CA)
BG’s Cafe is what you really call a “Hole-In-The-Wall” breakfast joint where it is really easy to miss on the front street, but the trick is to enter through the back of the restaurant where there is more parking . Located on 428 S A St, Oxnard, CA BG’s Cafe has been serving delicious food since 1971 in downtown Oxnard. This family-owned restaurant has the tastiest coffee I’ve ever tried , and I don’t usually have the care for drinking coffee.
My Go-To meals at BG’s Cafe are: 1. Homemade Chilaquiles with Country Potato’s and Eggs -$18 (seen in photo). This is an everyday favorite Mexican breakfast and also a customer favorite item. 2. The Ham Steak and Eggs -$20. This dish comes out with a huge slab of cooked ham and comes with a side of eggs, golden hash browns and some fruit.
BG’s Cafe is truly a hidden gem, I’ve been going here ever since I was a little kid and the food has only gotten more delicious. I highly recommend visiting this great establishment.
Chilaquiles w/ Eggs and Potato’s
New York Steak and Eggs w/ Country Potato’s
1. Arts Corner Cafe (Ventura,CA)
My personal favorite breakfast spot to go to is Arts Corner Cafe. Arts Corner Cafe is a top tier breakfast spot in Ventura. This family-owned restaurant is located on the corner at 1907 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA. Arts is a lovely breakfast restaurant to go to on a date, eat with family, or just to simply get good food. They have a nice outdoor area to eat your food along with indoor seating as well, but I prefer to eat outside. They also have amazing cocktails for the 21+ crowd that comes on by. My go to drink is their Paloma $12. A customer favorite is their Mimosas that come in this big goblet for $12-$15.
The main 2 items I order are: 1. The Cinnamon Roll – $11 This big cinnamon roll is great for an appetizer or dessert so make sure to not be eating alone. Comes with this rich glazed cream and some syrup on the side. This item is a for sure another customer favorite! 2. New York Steak and Eggs w/ Country Style potato’s – $30 (seen in the photo). The juicy steak is covered with a chimichurri sauce over it and blends really well in flavor with the eggs and potato’s.
The whole menu has really great quality food and drinks. It can be expensive but that’s why you get the amazing love and quality type of food they prepare. The customer service is also welcoming to all! I suggest getting there early in the morning because they are usually packed as the day goes by.
Are you tired of eating the same boring Asian cuisine? If so, I would highly recommend you trying Minato Sushi as well as Matna 1631.
If you are in the mood for some sushi, go visit Minato Sushi, which is located in Thousand Oaks. When you walk into the restaurant you first notice the layout. They have an area where you can watch the chefs prepare the food as well as the brown trimmings along the wall which give off a Japanese-style vibe. For someone who does not eat that much sushi I was overwhelmed with the many sushi roll options that they provided. So I talked to a customer named Andy and asked him what his favorite rolls were and why he enjoyed coming to Minato Sushi.
“In my opinion, Minato Sushi has the freshest fish in Ventura County and my favorite sushi roll on the menu would have to be Crunch Roll.”
For someone who is not fan of raw fish, this Crunch Roll is a great substitute to fit your sushi cravings. The outer shell was crispy and the salmon, tuna, albacore, and crab were cooked perfectly and it was paired with this eel sauce and aioli that was sweet and savory which complimented the fish well. Most of all the service was excellent and the staff were very professional making it a great experience.
Another restaurant you should try out is Matna 1631 in Ventura, which specializes in Korean cuisine. The word Matna is translated to “delicious” in Korean and the number 1631 is an important number to the owner Yuri Kim. When you first enter the restaurant you are greeted by the workers. The decorations and lighting are bright and comfy and give off a cute vibe.
When I talked to one of the workers, Olivia, she was very helpful when recommending what to order and how to pair the certain Korean sauces with the dish. She suggested I order the Rose Tteok-bokki, and the Katsu.
The Rose Tteok-bokki had a nice bouncy and chewy texture, which when mixed with that rich tomatoes sauce, enhanced the dish. The katsu was juicy and had a nice crispy crust and dipped in the sweet and spicy sauce that Olivia had recommended balanced out the dish. I think the staff knew I was Korean because as I was about to leave they all said “annyeong gaseyo” which means goodbye in Korean and I thought that was pretty funny.
If you ever happen to be around either place go in and give it a try and you will not be disappointed with the service or food.
“I probably go to Marco’s once, if not twice a week.”
Marco’s Pizza is a staple of quality food at an affordable restaurant in Ventura County. Although it is a chain restaurant, the closest one to here can be found in Canoga Park. Otherwise it is in a different state entirely. Recently, Marco’s has undergone several closures in other states. Upon my recent discovery, as well as many other Ventura locals and students who depend on Marco’s for a weekly pick me up (when cooking seems out of the question) – the sign on their door left in early January seemed to show that they were yet another member of the chain to experience a closure. “I probably go to Marco’s once if not twice a week,” says Angelo Zirpolo, a local mother and student. “What’s crazy is I had just got it the night before the sign went up in their door.” And Angela is not alone as 41% of Americans get pizza at least once a week. The number grows to 55 to 75% of Americans if you exclude pizza and just look at eating out once a week or more. The good news is this closure is temporary which wasn’t known until the recent sign replacing the old one informed us they are simply temporarily closed due to a change in ownership. This comes as great news as we definitely see a revolving door of restaurants coming and going in Ventura County and we myself included love our staples. The other good news is Topper’s, another (and if not more loved) pizza restaurant is alive and well until Marco’s doors open up again. The thing in my opinion that separates Marco’s from other Pizza joints is their journey as well as their vow to use organic ingredients as seen on their website. Quality ingredients (without endocrine disrupting additives like the ones seen in Dominos Pizza and Little Caesar’s) coupled with affordability seems priceless at a time when prices seem to do nothing but rise every time we blink an eye. With that being said, we look ahead and forward to the near future when Marco’s is back open.
Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, located at The Collection in The Annex in Oxnard, is known for its popular and high quality drinks. The top five best selling drinks are the Cloudy Day Matcha, The VCB , Iced Shaken Expresso, Horchata Cold Brew and Bourbon Caramel Latte. The Bourbon latte ranks first because it has a smooth, sweet flavor that you can’t ever go wrong with. The iced Shaken Expresso latte ranks second and is also very popular, especially on warm days, strong with a refreshing taste. The matcha latte stands out as a unique option, not the biggest fan of matcha I rank it third and the VCB wasn’t personally a favorite of mine, it has a very bidder taste with a not so good after taste, as for the Horchata Cold Brew I was rank that last place it taste like watered down cinnamon water. Overall, these drinks represent the shop’s most popular and customer favorite choices!
The spot is a welcoming spot that makes a great study place for students. The cozy inside area and the outdoor seating give people plenty of space to sit, focus, and relax while working on homework or meeting with friends. The atmosphere feels calm and comfortable, which helps students stay productive. The pricing is also reasonable, with most drinks ranging from about $8 to $9. They offer a wide variety of drink options along with pastries, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy while studying.
The service was excellent there, they all seemed friendly to one another as well as to the customers they made conversation asking how are days went as well as other small talk.
The local barista from Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters Alexis says, “Not only do we serve fresh coffee everyday we also have a great connection with our loyal customers and that’s something that I can say why we’re the best coffee spot in town.”
Once again, here’s the Top 5 coffee beverages at Ragamuffin:
If you have been looking for the perfect coffee shop in Ventura County let me introduce you to Heritage Coffee & Gifts. This family owned coffee shop is located on 210 W 7th Street in Oxnard, California. You can find it as one of the many establishments in Heritage Square. It is owned and managed by Fernando and Teresa Larios and their son Carlos Larios. They offer specialty espresso and coffee drinks, as well as sandwiches and pastries.
While I was here, I ordered two drinks and a sandwich to really try this place out and give it an honest review. The drinks that I ordered were a honey lavender latte and a turmeric latte. I also got their caprese panini.
I decided on the honey lavender latte (pictured on the left) because the barista said that one was her favorite, so I had to give it a try. I loved that it was not overly sweet. I find that a lot of coffee places have overly sweet drinks where you can barely taste the coffee. This drink had the perfect subtle sweet with a dash of florals from the lavender. I can definitely see why this was one of her favorites.
I ordered the turmeric latte (pictured above on the right) because I had never seen or heard of anything like that before. I was so intrigued that I had to try it. I’m surprised to say it was really good. I thought it was not going to taste the best because turmeric is generally supposed to have a warm, bitter, earthy taste to it. I can definitely pick up hints of that but in a good way. The warmth was very slight and after the first few sips you could barely notice it. I quite enjoyed the earthy taste of it. I’d say the turmeric latte is on the same level of earthy flavor as a Thai tea would be.
I very much enjoyed both of those drinks and would get them again. I got my drinks with oat milk instead of cows milk and I am so thankful that they had other options. As someone who is both vegetarian and lactose intolerant, I am grateful when places have accommodations.
In addition to the drinks, I also got their caprese panini which has pesto, mozzarella cheese, and sun dried tomatoes on sourdough bread. The panini was freshly made to order so it was warm and melty. The bread was toasted to perfection with satisfying char marks on the side. Honestly one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a while. There is something to great when a simple recipe is done well.
I had the pleasure of getting to speak to Mr. Carlos Larios (owner/manager) when I went into the store to try it out. He was very kind and a great conversationalists. We started talking about what exactly they sell, when he said something that made me smile.
“More than anything, we really want to create a friendly and welcoming environment for everyone who comes in.”
I can say that they 100% accomplish that feeling. From the second I stepped foot inside, the room was filled with people talking and laughing. There was only one open table, which told me that business was going well. What makes this place feel so homey and unique is because it is in an actual house. All of Heritage Square is made of old houses turned into shops or businesses. The coffee shop is where a front living room would essentially be. Make sure to check out the video below to get a peak of what the inside looks like.
Inside, there is a fire place with a TV above it that plays calming and relaxing music on Spotify so people can see what they are listening to. In front of the fireplace is a coffee table that is surrounded by sofas. It really helps to bring that warm and welcoming feeling in. It truly does feel like you just stepped into someone’s home. They even have a counter designated for other local businesses cards so their customers can see and take them. The video also highlights the gift shop that is connected to the coffee shop. The gift shop features all handmade items. Some of them were even made by the owner Teresa Larios.
If you are in the area, this place is a can’t miss! I might have found my new favorite go to spot and I can’t wait to try out the other things they have to offer. Make sure to also follow them on their social media, linked below.
You might be like most college students, experiencing a specific type of broke that comes in the form of realizing that you have exactly enough money for gas… and maybe laundry. Between classes, textbooks, and trying to have some sort of social life, “fun” starts to feel like a luxury you might not be able to afford.
So I decided to test something: Could I spend and entire day exploring Ventura with just $20?
In the words of Sia, “I love cheap thrills.” This challenge felt like the perfect way to find them. The day started as a budgeting experiment but became a reminder that Ventura is uniquely suited for inexpensive fun. We’ve got ocean views that don’t cost a thing, locally owned coffee shops that still feel personal, and small businesses that remember your face.
Preparation: What you actually need
Before setting out, I kept it simple- A $20 bill, a jacket (because Ventura is a bit unpredictable sometimes), a water bottle, and a small packed sandwich to hold me over.
Packing something small ahead of time helps stretch the budget without taking away from the experience. We’re not trying to “go without”, just spending intentionally.
Morning: Donuts, Coffee, Views
First stop – KD Donuts on Telegraph Road. Not only are you getting what I will confidently call the actual best donut in town, but you’re also supporting a family-owned business that has been part of Ventura for nearly 40 years. It’s a win-win, you get an awesome treat, and you can feel good about where your money’s going. An insider tip: If you’re nice, she might throw in a few donut holes. And let me be clear — it is a requirement that you order the apple fritter. It’s massive. You won’t feel cheated once you feel the weight of it in that little paper sleeve. At $1.75, you kinda feel like you’re getting away with highway robbery. As soon as we drove up, the owner smiled and said,
“I haven’t seen you guys in a while. Did you move? How are you? Come back more often.”
That one comment says everything about why local businesses matter. It doesn’t feel like a transaction, it feels like building community. Our total came to $1.89.
Stop #2 – Daylight & Moon cafe on Loma Vista Road. The space is bright and clean, the staff are genuinely friendly, and they actually care about the quality of what they serve, even if it’s just drip coffee (which is what we’re getting). The coffee is strong and punchy which is perfect to pair with our sweet treat. My drip came out to $3.77.
Running total: $5.66
Stop #3 – With coffee and donut in hand, we set out for Cemetery Memorial Park. This might be one of Ventura’s most underrated spots. There’s something about the grass, sunshine, and island views (all completely free might I add). That’s the thing about this challenge: the best parts of the day were free. We sat, talked, took our time, and genuinely enjoyed it.
Afternoon: More Views, Treasure Hunts, Wandering
After our slow morning, it felt right to lean into another one of Ventura’s natural beauties. We headed up to the Botanical Gardens (which are free on Fridays). If you can time your visit right, it’s one of the best free experiences. The trails wind up the hillside with ocean views that will force you to come back at your earliest opportunity. And if it’s not Friday? I recommend Arroyo Verde Park. Still beautiful. Still completely free.
Stop #5 – The $3 thrift challenge. A challenge within a challenge. To keep things interesting, I added a rule: If you’re going to buy something, it has to be under $3, and it HAS to be something you love – not just something cheap. So you either get to walk out proud that you saved your money… or you find a hidden gem that you really treasure. After scanning shelves and digging a little, I found what I’m pretty sure is a shot glass. But for me, I will be using my $2.14 tiny mug to pot a succulent. If you aren’t as successful as me, you still get some great entertainment and to browse with a purpose.
Next was wandering through downtown. We continue the browsing- but window shopping only this time. Downtown is built for strolling, so you won’t feel like you stand out for not buying anything.
Now’s a good time to bring out that jacket. We made our way down to Beach House Tacos along the promenade. Tacos and ocean views are always a winning combination for me, so this felt like the right place to close out the day. The menu has plenty of options, but this is where things got interesting. While we were in line, I mentioned the $20 challenge to another customer. She immediately leaned in and said,
“Order the kids street tacos. I got them for my kid once and they were so good I started ordering them for myself too. It’s the best deal on the menu.”
And she was right. The kids street taco plate was $6, simple, flavorful, and more filling than expected. Add a coke for $4, and dinner came out to $10.78. And best of all, it still felt like a real “going out” meal.
Talking to people, exploring your options, and staying open, will all help you find better ways to spend your money.
We took our tacos further out on the Ventura Pier and sat watching the waves roll in as the sun set. Tacos and ocean air. Not bad for laundry money.
Another great thing about this day was noticing how much Ventura offers when you slow down enough to look for it. Supporting family-owned businesses, talking to strangers, walking instead of rushing, hunting instead of impulse buying. If you’re a VC student who feels like fun is getting too expensive, I’d encourage you to try something like this, maybe not the exact same stops, but your own version. Pick a number, pick a jacket, bring a friend, see what you find. Ventura makes it easier than you think.
VC Social 