Spotlight on Businesses (14)
A few days ago, I had the opportunity to peer into a lifestyle that I have always been curious about and often envied: life on a food truck. The life I envisioned was a delicious, nomadic, and carefree one, though after an interview with Susannah Pilcher, manager of the Good to Go Juice smoothie and juice bar, I found that while these things may be true, it takes a whole lot of hard work to be successful. 
When I heard about Eat This Shoot That, a food and photo tour of Santa Barbara, I immediately thought it was a genius way to see a city and wanted to take one myself. What could describe a city better than a taste of the local cuisine? And how can these memories be cherished better than by learning the secret to capturing them on camera? I had the opportunity to talk with Tara Jones, the “Owner/Big Cheese” (as her email signature notes) of this four-year-old business. Tara has an extensive background in photography and, like most of us, a great appreciation for food, which gave her the inspiration to open this now very successful tour concept. I got the chance to ask her about her inspiration, love for food and photos, and much more and quickly became even more excited by her unique company.
Santa Barbara resident Pam McCaskey is clear on one thing: salt changed her life. During a particularly hard time, McCaskey was introduced to her first salt cave while visiting her mother on the East Coast. After stepping in she felt a bond to the elements that surrounded her, reminding her of a deep connection to the earth and simultaneously melting her temporal burdens away. For McCaskey, salt aroused a natural spirituality that allowed her clarity, peace and ultimately, the ability to change her life for the better. Helping others to physically and mentally empower themselves became her mission, so she opened up North America’s largest Himalayan salt cave right here in Santa Barbara.
Lunchbox’s story began with Jennifer Shively, a Santa Barbara local whose entrepreneurial vision revolutionized a simple idea that has been around for quite some time. The catering company was founded in 2000, and essentially delivers large-order lunches to businesses in the area. What distinguishes Shively’s business from other standard deliverers is her knowledge of both sides of the equation: her passion for food coupled with an innate understanding of her client’s world renders her services unbeatable. Even after a kitchen fire in April of 2010, Lunchbox is back and stronger than ever.
Established in 2012, the Santa Barbara Public Market is, first and foremost, a food court. However, it is the best food court you will probably have the fortune of venturing in to, delivering high quality artisanal chows in a space that will enhance any culinary experience with its stimulating aesthetics and ambiance. From Thai fusion and fresh-off-the-boat seafood to delectable cupcakes, ice creams and seasonings, this marketplace is sure to indulge even the most high-standard of palettes.Congratulations to Fox Fine Jewelry, Awarded First Place in National Jeweler Contest.
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Congratulations to Fox Fine Jewelry of Ventura who won first place in the national contest for jewelry stores, “America’s Coolest Stores.” A panel of ten experts in the jewelry and retail field selected Fox Fine Jewelry as the “America’s Coolest Store” out of 23,000 jewelry stores.
"A corner of France in Thousand Oaks"
As Americans, we have the idea that we need to get our money's worth for just about everything. I am definitely guilty of it, especially when it comes to food. The problem with our nation's idea of "get your money's worth" is that people interpret it as "lots of food to eat for cheap." But what if we had a new interpretation of that phrase? What if we got our money's worth by eating smaller portions with better ingredients? At Chocolatine, that is what they are all about; a sit down eatery providing a menu of home-made quality items with all the personal touches that reflect their French backgrounds.
"There’s more to watching movies than going to a typical theater…”
On a hot summer day, it’s very common to go to the beach and constantly have the urge to quench your thirst with something refreshing and cool, especially in the small town of Ojai. Known as an outdoor walking town to many, the inland location of Ojai can reach temperatures averaging between 85-90 degrees on a typical summer day. To beat the heat, one can be entertained nestled in the shades of Libby Park, shopping indoors downtown, catching a movie at the Ojai Playhouse, or even grabbing some ice cream at Ojai Ice Cream.
Farmer and the Cook owners, Steve & Olivia, are dedicated to growing and providing fresh, organic food. After nearly 11 years, they have built much more than a place to stop in for lunch – they have created a community gathering place for friends old and new.
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Buffalo Records finds its new home in a white adobe building topped with a Spanish-style roof. When you enter the record retailer nestled in residential Ventura, you may catch a slight, musty aroma possibly emanating from the old vinyls. Flanking the walkway to the register are rows of boxes on the floor, filled with un-shelved "2 for $1" vinyls, the shop’s recession special.
“Yabba Dabba Doo” and “Lets Rock” would be the response of my bowling buddies Fred Flintstone and Al Bundy. The 805 offers a good variety of bowling alleys and they all have their perks. I’m sure most of you know, but for those of you who don’t… lace up those funny shoes and put those twinkle toes to work. Throughout Ventura and Oxnard there are three bowling alleys to choose from.