Tag: Food & Beverage

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Amusement Park Food & Beverage Food & Dining

Tips for Your Day At Disneyland/California Adventure

Known as “the happiest place on Earth”, Disneyland is a highly sought out destination for many due to its incredible attractions. Offering tasty unique food and drink options, character meet ups, rides/coasters, shows, and more! Between all of that, high prices, long wait times, and the large crowds it can get a bit overwhelming at times. However, no need to fret I’ll be going over some of my favorite recommendations and tips that I’ve learned as someone who has a magic key (annual pass) and has been going frequently for a few years. So let’s dive in!

Tip: The best cold brew is served at the Dockingbay in Galaxy’s Edge

Fave Foods:

Disneyland

  1. Jolly Holiday Cafe

Jolly Holiday has great dining options, they have sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. My go to is the beef birria grilled cheese sandwich. Very flavorful and a decent sized portion. They also offer seasonal options. Around the holidays they have a turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce that’s definitely a must have.

View Menu

2. Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree

Hungry Bear has a great menu selection offering barbecue, burgers, chicken tenders, and tons of delicious desserts. If you’re a barbecue fan you’ll definitely want to check it out! I love to try their seasonal funnel cakes so if you ever see one available make sure not to miss out on it!

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California Adventure

  1. Lamplight Lounge (Boardwalk)

The boardwalk dining for Lamplight Lounge is the perfect stop for shareable appetizers, and a delicious drinks. My all time favorite is the “Spotlight” barbacoa nachos. I personally am not a seafood fan but I’ve heard amazing reviews about the lobster nachos as well. Besides the amazing food and drinks it has a beautiful view as it sits on the pier by the ferris wheel. To get seated you just walk up and join their virtual walk up list. Definitely worth the visit!

View Menu

2. Cocina Cucamonga

Cocina Cucamonga is located in San Fransokyo Square, and serves Mexican cuisine. Most of their food is incredible, the only item I’m not a fan of is the street corn. My go to order is the quesabirria tacos. If I’m feeling extra hungry I’ll add on a side of cilantro lime rice, and of course wash it down with an horchata. Seriously too good to pass up on!

View Menu

Most dining options allow for mobile ordering so check ahead to schedule orders for asap or a later time!

*Tip: Do NOT eat at Galactic Grill at Disneyland I’ve tried it a few times and every time has been disappointing. Save your money and go literally anywhere else!*

Best Drinks (alcohol)

Tip: You can mobile order your drink ahead of time just like food. Just be sure to have a valid ID, 2 drinks per 1 ID can be given!

Disneyland

  1. Oga’s Cantina- must join waitlist before hand or make reservation, for those who are under 21 no problem there’s no age restriction to enter! Make Reservation
The Fuzzy Ton-Ton (my go to)

California Adventureland

The Brewery X Baja Blast (Made with alcohol)
  1. Hollywood Lounge
  2. Shmoozies
  3. Award Weiners (get the Brewery X Baja Blast)
  4. Lamplight Lounge (get the Dole whip shots)
  5. Pym Testing Lab (get the R&D Martini)

The one on the left is Litmus Lemonade (contains alcohol) which tastes just like the Starbucks Strawberry Açaí Refresher, and the one on the right is the R&D Martini which tastes like an espresso martini (this one is my new favorite)

Navigating the Lightening Lane:

The Lightening Lane isn’t perfect and can be confusing so this is my advice on using it as someone who doesn’t like to wait!

  • Plan ahead which rides are a priority for you. If you’re park hopping the pass applies to both parks, and you are able to book slots every 2 hours.
  • Popular rides will run out of slots earlier in the day. I constantly see rides like Guardians of the Galaxy, Space Mountain, and Indiana Jones only offering slots for 11pm by 3pm. So, for popular rides like those I’d advise you book them earlier in the day to ensure a slot.
  • There are two rides that are excluded from the pass and are available for separate purchasing. These rides are Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland, and Radiator Springs Racers at California Adventure. Each ride is available to buy a separate pass for $20 each.

-If you don’t feel like spending an extra $20 I’d advise using the single rider line for Radiator Springs Racers, since you can wait the entire time with your party and just ride separately.

Tip: Hit Radiator Springs in the night for the best views, the whole area gets lit up and is stunning

-Rise of the resistance doesn’t do single riders so your best alternative would be to either go right when the park opens or right before the ride closes. Do note though that this ride closes by 10pm even when the park closes at 12am.

  • As everyone knows rides do break down here and there and will close for maintenance, in the event that the ride you booked the pass for is not operating during your time slot you’ll be given a unique pass. A cast member will scan it and you’ll see a single use multi-use experience will pop up. You’ll be able to use this at any ride that accepts lightening lane. (Some people will use this as a hack if they know a ride will be down most likely all day in order to use the pass on a ride that doesn’t offer a slot for a long time)
  • You can only book each ride one time. Although you get new bookings every 2 hours, you cannot repeat a ride using lightening lane. So, if the wait time for a ride is relatively short I’d recommend waiting to use it until it gets busier.
  • Lastly, use the tip board where you schedule slots to keep up with wait times and in between slots fit in rides with shorter wait times to maximize your experience.

Ride Hacks

  • On Big Thunder Mountain try to maintain eye contact with the goat while going through the bend as it’s said to make it feel faster.
  • The Matterhorn ride has two tracks; the left side and right side. The left side is more aggressive, while the right is more gentle. So, if you like thrill take the left, and if you like a more mellow experience go right.
  • The Winnie the Pooh and Storybook ride offer a special experience to the first riders everyday. If you’re the first in line to either ride you get to sign a book. Personally, I’m not usually there that early, but for my morning people you may want to consider it as it’s a unique experience!
  • The Monsters Inc ride at California Adventure sometimes offers their own version of the single rider line and is referred to as a buddy pass. Buddy pass is applicable to parties of 2 and 1, and the entrance is through the exit. Just make sure to ask a cast member to see if they’re offering it that day.

Rope Drop Hacks

  • Most people who rope drop will go to the right side of the park first, so do the opposite and go left for less crowds at Disneyland
  • If you rope drop at California Adventure start at Pixar Pier, and knock out all of those rides

Thank you for reading, and I hope these help you with your next Disney day! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out 🙂

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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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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.

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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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Food & Beverage

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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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.

Check out Carnitas El Rey – You’ve been warned, carnitas cravings ahead…
Categories
Food & Beverage Local Business Podcasts

Best Happy Hours in Midtown Ventura

Snapper Jack's Taco Shack – VC Social

In this podcast episode, we as a group, focused on the best local happy hours surrounding midtown Ventura, CA. Each individual provides the places they tried, their personal ratings, expense total, and overall experience. Whether it’s food, or drinks, or both, we’re here to give you our findings and hopefully new places for you to try for yourselves. Enjoy this episode and stay tuned for more!

Here is the cast and their links!

  1. Michelle Mercado

Email: ⁠⁠michelle_mercado1@my.vcccd.edu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

2. Melina Ramos

3. Tonisha Franklin

4. Cynthia Nava

Email: ⁠⁠cynthia_nava3@my.vcccd.edu⁠⁠

Below are the Instagram profile links to the restaurants that we attended.

Waters Edge Restaurant and Bar:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/watersedge_ventura?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠⁠⁠

Two Trees Restaurant and Taps:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/twotreesrestaurantandtaps?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠⁠⁠

Rincon Brewery:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/rinconbreweryinc?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠⁠⁠

Yolanda’s Mexican Café:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/yolandasmexicancafe?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠⁠

Margarita Villa:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/margaritavilla805?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠⁠

Social Tap Ventura:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/socialtapventura?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠⁠

Boatyard Pub:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/boatyardpub?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠⁠

Brophy Bros. Ventura:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/brophys_vta?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠

Categories
Food & Beverage Podcasts

Food For Thought… Cooking is Therapy

Food for Thought… Cooking is Therapy – VC Social

Welcome to “Food for Thought… Cooking is Therapy,” a podcast connecting us with the most powerful relationship we all have, food. From our experienced team of foodies and chefs we welcome you on this culinary journey as we explore, invent and learn more with each other about how food touches our souls, fills our hearts and bodies with nutrition, comfort and wonder. Please join us in finding your inner chef….

Cast:
Jennifer Love
Ramon Martinez
Valerie Bustos
Cory Paul

Important Links:
Calfresh
VC Basic Needs
Food Pantry

I love to cook using as much as possible, straight outta my garden 👩‍🌾 I’ve been harvesting many greens lately 🍲 We are so fortunate here as our farmers markets have anything we can’t grow 👩‍🍳 this week I picked a bag of lemons 🍋 🌳 and grabbed a bunch of mint 🍃 I’m trying to cleanse and lose a few lbs 🥴 At the moment I’m cooking up some veggie chowder 🥣 the aromatherapy is a delightful smell of onions n garlic 🥰 Have a great weekend all ⛅️
– Jennifer Love

There’s something so special about cooking that has turned it into something that is more than just a hobby or a chore to some people. I use it as a therapeutic escape, as a place where I can unwind and forget about all the stress in my life. I get stressed when there’s other people in my space because my kitchen is very small. Even though I like to be alone in the kitchen, I love cooking for my nieces and nephews. There is something so special about seeing the smiles on their faces, so content with the smallest of things. Whether it’s mac n’ cheese, a quesadilla, or even a simple fried egg they are always so appreciative and thankful for everything I do for them and It makes me so happy.
– Ramon Martinez

I love to cook ,but when I can not, I look for good food with good ingredients.  My favorite food is Indian food. I have not been successful in making it myself, but I continue to learn about new recipes. I learned to cook from my grandmother. She taught me to measure things out when baking, which I do not bake. My aunt is the baker. I enjoy creating food for friends who want home cooked food. I am famous for my burgers and my eggs and potatoes! Cooking makes me feel good, and I am able to share it with friends.  What makes you  warm the soul and makes me feel close to my grandmother who passed away in Oct 2011. We did everything together. What makes you feel good? Is it a feeling or a particular smell of something cooking? Stews.
– Cory Paul

Cooking is definitely something I have a love hate relationship with. I am a baker at heart so measuring is something I value, but entering a world where you “measure with your heart” was definitely jilting. Cooking can be such a healing experience, the way we somatically move while we cook can bring such peace. Seeing the building of community through potlucks and dinners is something I always love to witness. Food is something that nourishes us all, why not use it to bring us together.

–Valerie Bustos

Categories
Food & Beverage

MadeWest: A Brewery With A Mission

This is the story of MadeWest Brewing Company, which was founded in 2013 by Mike Morrison and his good friend Seth Gibson. MadeWest was born in a small garage in San Diego, CA, where the home brew kit was put to work, and their very first IPA was made. Mike and Seth believe that great beer brings people together, and they knew immediately that there was something magical happening. http://www.madewest.com

After winning second place at a brew competition, it was clear that people loved the product. Fast-forward to 2013, MadeWest finally opened its doors in the town of Ventura, CA which finally received its first taproom and brewery. Today, their mission is still the same: Make good beer and get people together. They work hard to stay with the current trends while still being innovative at the same time. They do this all while collaborating with their good friends over at Prospect Coffee Roasters to make award-winning Porters. At either of their locations you can browse and purchase from their wide array of clothing and goods collection. From shirts, hats, mugs, and growlers, there is sure to be something for everyone. They serve as excellent mementos to help remind customers of the great memories they experienced after enjoying a craft beer.

Some of their award-winning beers are part of collaboration with other well-known breweries. These are part of a Short-Lived Series, but you don’t want to miss out when these get released. Follow @madewestbeer on Instagram to get updates on all things beer. You may also visit http://www.prospectcoffee.com to learn more about how Prospect Coffee got into the game with MadeWest Brewing and how their love of coffee parallels their love of beer.

If you have not been to their original location, stop by during the week and say hi to Mike if he is in the taproom or just drop in for a pint of the best beer in town. I am sure you will be greeted with a smile and will want to immerse yourself in the nostalgia of craft brew beginnings. Sample the beers and give some honest reviews. I truly believe that this is a note-worthy experience. I know I have always enjoyed sharing a beer with friends as well as making new ones while surrounded by their fantastic community.

Customer testimonials are a true testament to how well this brewery has been received by locals and travelers alike. See what a few customers had to say.

From MadeWest Customers

“This place is awesome for so many reasons. The most obvious is great beer and variety of it. I have 2 kids and the place is great to grab a drink and hang out on the patio while they play one of their giant Jenga games. Great to have a place like this in Ventura!” -Matt Leonard

“Dog friendly brewery with several great beers on tap, plus food trucks on the outside patio. Fun inside space, great for a large group. They also have four packs, growlers that are available for take away once you’ve sampled their beers in house” – Laura Williams

Commercial Video
Image of tap and award medals
Image of last week’s award for best pale ale
Categories
Food & Beverage Local Business

The Perfect Marriage: MadeWest Brewery & Food Trucks

Just when you thought the perfect marriage didn’t exist, MadeWest Brewery combined beer with Ventura County’s food truck culture in matrimony. From authentic Mexican, Greek, and Asian fusion, you’ll be able to satisfy any hunger cravings.

Game Over Catering is first on the Menu, known for their street tacos. You can put chicken, asada, pastor, and occasionally mariscos (seafood) in your tacos or quesadillas smoothened with cheese. Religiously appearing in the MadeWest parking lot on Wednesdays from 4-7:30pm.

Looking for homemade birria just how mom made it? Look no further, with over 7K followers on Instagram, Birria El Güero shares their family recipes, mom included! Named after the owner’s son who loves birria, Birria El Güero gained popularity with their famous torta de birria. MadeWest plays host to them every Thursday at 3pm.

Make your Friday date night Greek style with Wrapped food truck. Or even lunch because they arrive on the property at 12 noon. Their signature dishes include a Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Shawarma Fries, and Yalanji aka Stuffed Grape Leave. My personal favorite is their Gyro generously stuffed with lamb meat, drenched in Tzatiki sauce. Complete your meal with Baklava for dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Lamp Gyro from Wrapped

Last but not least and new to the scene is pop-up and catering truck Takeos Grubshack. Their California-style Asian cuisine includes Whole Wings with a variety of flavors, Pho, Korean rice bowl aka Bibimbap, and their popular Korean-style boas. Check their Instagram page to find out where they will pop-up next!

Korean Style Boa by Takeo’s Grubshack

Next time you visit MadeWest, don’t just arrive thirsty, come hungry too!

All Food trucks mentioned operate at Madewest Brewing Company and tasting room at 1744 Donlon St, Ventura, Ca. Check out MadeWest’s Calendar of Events on their website to see when and what food truck will be there today!

Categories
Food & Beverage

Banana Cream Pie Cookies

A story about grief and how baking can help you move into a chapter of anew

Go to RECIPE

On February 28th, 2017 the longest 2 weeks of my life came to it’s peak. My Grandpa, Steven Rodriguez had died. Contrary to popular belief sometimes death takes a long time, involves a lot of people and there is a lot of sacrifice. Some people asked me what is the consolation prize I received from this experience? There has to be something you get after having such a loss. You get grief, your “consolation prize” is having to relearn how to live your life without that vital person. You learn how to make all the emotions coexist at once. I can tell you from my experience you will never forget this person, you may start to forget little details but you will never forget the core of them, you will never forget what made them them. Overall you do start having to slowly piece together what life will be like now and how you will continue to honor this person in your life. Baking was my vital key to keep my life afloat during this time and allows me to continue to honor my Grandpa, even 7 years later.

Baking has been my life for over a decade. Not to brag but I would say I’ve gotten very talented at it. I still have so much more to learn though! That’s what sold me on the baking world, things are always changing, you will never stop learning how to do something! Another thing about baking is routine, even though the ingredients may change the process is almost always the same. This is how baking comes in as a coping skill, when our brains are overloaded with emotion we need something that doesn’t take much thought/effort and can bring a level of comfort. Baking can serve as that purpose, you have a pretty straightforward process and get something delicious and comforting after. Not every baking endeavor has to be this long drawn out process that has extraordinary results. You can throw a couple ingredients in a bowl, put it on a cookie sheet, bake it and end up with something delicious and comforting.

So does baking solve all my problems and take away all my grief? No! But it gives me a creative outlet to let my feelings out and a special way to honor my loved ones. Food is something that connects us all, why not have it help you bring some healing. My Grandpa was funny, smart, loving and sometimes a hardass. But overall he was a diehard for a slice of banana cream pie, I’ve made it so many times and so many different ways. So my brain got to thinking and this is what I came up with! I hope you enjoy! 🙂

Banana Cream Pie Cookies

>1 box of yellow cake cake mix

>1 packet of banana cream pudding mix 

>1/2 cup of banana 

>1/4-1/2 cup of oil 

>1 graham cracker crust pie shell 

>Whipped Cream 

>Sliced Almonds (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350F. Into a bowl crumble up a graham cracker crust pie shell and set aside. In a separate bowl mix together your cake mix, pudding mix, 1/4 cup of oil to start and banana. Mix until incorporated into dough, if too dry add 1/4 cup more oil. Then mix in your crumbled up graham cracker crust pie shell. Take 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls and add to cookie sheet, give a little two finger press down. Bake for around 16 minutes, or until golden brown on the sides. Let cool for 10 minutes then add your whipped cream and slivered almonds. Enjoy!