Category: Local Business Spotlight

By Kelyla Nelson

Throughout the week, Simones coffee shop was a place that crossed my mind multiple times, therefore I had to make multiple visits. I have been there in the past but had never sat down nor have I ever tried anything but the one specific drink I always get, a decaf mocha latte. This past week has been rainy and cold, so it seemed like a good time to slow down, sit down, and really get a feel for the atmosphere. I tried two different drinks this week, the coconut blended and the honey lavender latte. Both drinks had completely different tastes to them and I really enjoyed both because they were both full of flavor. If I had to choose my favorite out of the two, I would go with the coconut blended. I preferred the flavoring more because it was lighter than the honey lavender. They offer a good variety of pastries as well as other breakfast items. The avocado toast is to die for! The kind of bread they use along with the seasonings really made it great, 10/10 would be the first item I recommend as far as food. Seating was relatively good, they have small tables with two chairs at each one. Good for one on one coffee dates, not so great for bigger groups. The big glass windows they have made it easy to watch the rain fall while sitting and enjoying the wonderful food and coffee while spending time with my daughter. Customer service was very good, you can tell they want to keep customers comfortable and happy. Anyone who is looking for a new coffee shop to check out, this is the spot.

“I’ve worked at many sushi restaurants in Ventura, and have the freshest sushi. That’s why I’ve worked here for 8 years.”

Fresh is the name of the game when it comes to seafood, and Sushi Fresh is a local favorite for just that! Featured beer and kombucha, sushi, bowls, ramen, and so many rolls–rolls for vegans, rolls for those who like their fish cooked, and my kind of rolls… raw and fresh. A few years ago (pre-Covid), I remember looking at the sushi chef with a genuine reactive to the food. He said, “I know, it’s incredible.” I commented on the freshness of the food, and he added, “I’ve worked at many sushi restaurants in Ventura, and we have some of the freshest sushi. That’s why I’ve worked here for 8 years.” I taste the appreciation for the fish in the food. 

The environment is very family friendly with private booths lined around the restaurant. They always have two TVs with sports or movies playing. I have watched numerous Lakers games with the chef there, while enjoying a beer and my favorite roll—Cinco de Mayo roll. Its citrus and spicy, and I have yet to taste another roll like it! Trust me, I have tried A LOT of sushi rolls. 

My partner and I go at least twice a month, and sit at the bar to talk to the sushi chefs. We like to try new things, and ask them if they want to share something they make that isn’t on the menu. This has allowed us to try fish and combinations we would never try otherwise. Tonight, we tried the albacore carpaccio, and strawberry lemonade boochcraft—SO GOOD and refreshing. 

They have been around since I went to high school at Buena, some 14 years ago. My entire family prefers this sushi spot compared to others, and I have to agree based off the customer service, the quality of the sushi, the friendly and prompt waiters, and new specials. If you are in the Buena High School vicinity, stop by any day, and try their Yellowtail Belly sushi. It has so much flavor! The first time I tried it a literally got lost in the bite. Enjoy, and thank me later 😉

Every time I have been to Cafe Fiore, it has been nothing short of a spectacular experience. Whether it is because of the classy romantic environment or the authentic Italian food that they serve, the service is always marvelous. Cafe Fiore is in Ventura on California St, and it is run by two amazing women, Anna and Maria Fiore. As you walk in you will see the beautiful bar that they have along with their collection of wine bottles that are in sight as you are seated, when you are seated they serve you complimentary bread and tapenade. 

Their menu is filled with a multitude of options to choose from, like Insalata, Zuppe, Antipasto, Secondi, pizza and pasta. For those of us who have been neglecting our Duolingo, they offer salads, soup, appetizers, and secondi, which is a dish composed out of different types of protein like chicken, Italian sausage, steak, seafood, and lamb.

Some of their signature dishes are the Bruschetta, Antipasto Fiore – a set up of different cheese along with italian salami, Salmone Organico con Insalata di Farro, Gnocchi, Fettuccine Al Ragù, Agnolotti Di Pollo E Spinaci, Pollo Parmigiana, and Cioppino Mamma Fiore, which is an assortment of seafood in a white tomato broth. 

Their tasteful dishes make me enjoy stuff that I personally usually don’t like. For example I hate tomatoes, but on the Bruschetta, the tomatoes added an incredible flavor to the rest of the ingredients it was working along with and they combined beautifully. For my main dish I ordered the Ravioli Di Ricotta, and the flavor and freshness that the tomato basil sauce exerted was indescribable. After I stopped eating I could still taste the pristine tomatoes, the dish easily became one of my new favorites from Fiore. 

My honest opinion on Cafe Fiore is that I am always greeted with great service, delectable Italian food that is authentic to its roots, and an indescribable experience each time I enter the restaurant. The environment is always calm and not chaotic which adds to the classy atmosphere. They also have a great selection of music playing in the background as you eat your food, the food that makes you feel like Remy from  Ratatouille when he takes a lot of different ingredients and his head lights up with color and music. If you’re in town or looking for a great place to eat, check out Cafe Fiore, you won’t be disappointed.