Where do you love to spend your $$? What’s your dream ride? Where’s the best place to chill?

Who’s got the eats to die for?

 2011 Ventura County Star
Readers’ Choice
Sunday, May 1, 2011
INDEX
List of winners..............4
Dining .........................5
Entertainment ............20
Services.....................31
Shopping ...................69
Transportation ............86
Cover and logo design:
Steve Ordonez
Page design and editing:
John T. Garcia, Amy Stroba,
Joann Groff, Jeremy Zeller
Contributors:
Margaret Aldrich, John
Howard, Lisa Strickland-
Meade, K.A. Johnston
2011 Readers’ Choice
2
Readers of the Ventura County
Star have spoken with their ballots
Enclosed in these pages are the
results of the annual Ventura County
Star Readers’ Choice survey.
You, our readers, have picked
your favorites in 131 categories of
food and services throughout the
county and surrounding area.
For the second straight year,
balloting was conducted online only
and occurred over a three-week
period in January. More than 80,135
votes were counted from a record
4,236 ballots cast.
The winners in each category
were chosen for east Ventura County
(comprised of Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake
Village, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley and Moorpark) west
Ventura County (comprised of Camarillo, Somis, Oxnard,
Port Hueneme, Ventura, Oak View, Ojai, Santa Paula,
Fillmore and Piru) or full county.
The next highest vote recipients in
each category, up to five, were named
as Readers’ Choice Favorites, again,
either with an east county, west county
or full county designation.
From the ballots received, a separate
contest was held.
To thank those readers who
participated, The Star conducted a
drawing of the names of those who cast
votes.
The 2011 Readers’ Choice Contest
winners are as follows:
First Place: Carol Portnoy, Newbury
Park, $1,000
Second Place: Amy Harris, Ventura, $750
Third Place: Bruce Reynolds, $250
(The results of this survey are not the recommendations or
opinions of the Star.)

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 Winners
WINNER

▲ = East County ● = West County ■ = Full County

Day Spa Title and Escrow
DINING Golf Course
▲ FOUR SEASONS
▲ SIMI HILLS
● OJAI VALLEY SPA
● OLIVAS LINKS Travel Agency
▲ CONSUMER’S TITLE
▲ MICHAEL’S TRAVEL
● ALISO ESCROW
● AAA
American Food ▲ CHEESECAKE FACTORY ● WOOD RANCH BBQ Hike ▲ WILDWOOD PARK ● SYCAMORE CANYON Veterinarian ▲ WESTLAKE VILLAGE ● ANACAPA
Bagel ▲ WESTERN BAGEL ● NOAH’S BAGELS Hotel ▲ FOUR SEASONS ● EMBASSY SUITES Weight-Loss Center ■ WEIGHT WATCHERS
Bakery ▲ BRENT’S ● BREAD BASKET Park ▲ WILDWOOD PARK ● ARROYO VERDE PARK
Barbecue
Breakfast
■ WOOD RANCH BBQ
■ EGGS ’N THINGS
Place to Chill ▲ 5 DOLLAR OR LESS BOOKS ● THE WINE CLOSET
TRANSPORTATION
Place to Take Visitors ▲ REAGAN LIBRARY ● VENTURA HARBOR
Brunch ▲ JACK’S RESTAURANT ● MARIE CALLENDER’S Place to Spend Day Off ▲ REAGAN LIBRARY ● VENTURA HARBOR Eco-friendly Car ■ TOYOTA PRIUS
Business Lunch ▲ BRENT’S ● JACK’S LE SHOPPE Radio Personality ■ BO JAXON Economy Car ■ HONDA CIVIC
Chinese Food ▲ SZECHUWAN GARDEN ● CHESTER’S ASIA Radio Station ■ KHAY 100.7 Family Car ■ HONDA ACCORD
Coffee House ▲ STARBUCKS ● COFFEE BEAN Sports Bar ■ CRONIES Luxury Car ■ CADILLAC CTS
Deli ▲ BRENT’S ● DANNY’S DELI Trade School ▲ SV COSMETOLOGY ● LU ROSS ACADEMY Motorcycle ■ HARLEY DAVIDSON
Dinner under $10 ▲ SHARKY’S ● PRESTO PASTA Wine Bar ▲ THE WINEYARD ● THE WINE CLOSET Sports Car ■ CHEVROLET CORVETTE
Food Truck ▲ SMILEY’S HOT DOG ● ALCARAZ CATERING SUV ■ LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER
French Food
French Fries
▲ CAFE PROVENÇAL
■ MCDONALDS
● 71 PALM
SERVICES Truck ■ FORD F150
Van ■ HONDA ODYSSEY
German Food ▲ TWO GUYS ● OLD VIENNA Acupuncturist ▲ SPECIALTY CLINIC ●JONATHAN BRESLOW
Greek Food
Hamburger
▲ DAPHNE’S
■ THE HABIT
● GREEK AT THE HARBOR Auto Repair Shop ▲ RICK’S JAPANESE ● DMC TRANSMISSIONS SHOPPING
Bank/S&L ■ WELLS FARGO
Happy Hour ▲ CISCO’S ● YOLANDA’S Barber Shop ▲ SUPERCUTS ● HANK’S BARBER SHOP Appliance Store ■ SEARS
Health Food ■ LASSEN’S Boot Camp ▲ 805 BOOT CAMP ● VC ADVENTURE Auto Parts Store ▲ PEP BOYS ● NAPA
Hot Dog ■ COSTCO Catering Company ▲ COMMAND PERFORMANCE ● DJ’S CATERING Bike Shop ▲ NEWBURY PARK BICYCLE
Ice Cream Shop ▲ BASKIN-ROBBINS ● COLD STONE ● BILL’S BIKE SHOP
Chiropractor ▲ SOMMER SPORTS ● STANLEY D. JENSEN
Indian Food ▲ KOHINOOR ● TAJ CAFE Book Store ■ BARNES & NOBLE
Contractor ▲ TOTAL COMFORT ● FIX IT FRED
Italian Food ▲ BUCA DI BEPPO ● FERRARO’S Camera Shop ▲ HOOPER ● DEXTER’S
Day Car ▲ LITTLE OAKS ● LOS POSAS CHILDREN’S
Lunch under $7 ▲ SHARKY’S ● PRESTO PASTA Eyeglasses ▲ COSTCO ● SANTA BARBARA
Dentist ▲ EAN KLEIGER ● ROSEWOOD DENTAL
Margarita ▲ DON CUCO ● YOLANDA’S Fabric Store ▲ JO-ANN FABRICS ● FABRIC TOWN USA
Dog Grooming Shop ▲ BARKLEY PET ● ALOHA DOG GROOMING
Mexican Food ▲ LALO’S ● YOLANDA’S Farmers Market ▲ SPROUTS ● VENTURA
Dry Cleaner ▲ TEMPO CLEANING ● FOUR SEASONS
Pizza ■ TOPPERS Flooring Store ▲ FLOORING 101 ● ISENSEE
Family Doctor ▲ MOORPARK COMP. ● PHELPS MEDICAL
Romantic Dining ▲ MASTRO’S ● WATERMARK Florist ▲ CONEJO VALLEY FLORIST ● SWEET PEAS FLOWERS
Gym ▲ 24 HOUR FITNESS ● MAVERICKS GYM
Salad Bar ■ TOPPERS Furniture Store ▲ REEDS ● URBAN HOME
Hair Salon ▲ A NEW TECHNIQUE ● MICHAEL KELLY SALON
Salsa ▲ SHARKY’S ● SNAPPER JACK’S Gift Store ▲ AMY’S HALLMARK ● BETTY BELTS
Hearing Service ▲ DECIBEL HEARING ● COSTCO
Sandwich ■ JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS Golf Store ▲ ROGER DUNN ● GOLFSMITH
Hospital ▲ LOS ROBLES ● COMMUNITY MEMORIAL
Seafood ▲ FINS SEAFOOD ● ANDRIA’S SEAFOOD Home Electronics Store ▲ BEST BUY ● FRY’S
Housecleaning Service ■ MERRY MAIDS
Steak House ▲ MASTRO’S ● ALOHA Home Improvement ■ HOME DEPOT
Interior Designer ▲ VICKI BLAKEMAN ● CHERYL COLLINS
Sushi ▲ SUMO JAPANESE ● I LOVE SUSHI Jewelry Store ▲ JARED GALLERIA ● GEORGE THOMPSON
Landscaping Company ▲ ENHANCED LANDSCAPE ● SCARLETT’S
Take Out ▲ SHARKY’S ● PRESTO PASTA Lingerie Store ■ VICTORIA’S SECRET
Lasik Surgeon ▲ DR. KHANNA ● DR. DOUGHERTY
Thai Food ▲ EXOTIC THAI ● TIPPS THAI Liquor/Wine Shop ▲ BEVMO! ● VENTURA WINE CO.
Law Office ▲ MANFREDI LEVINE ● NORDMAN CORMANY
Mattress Store ▲ THE SLEEP SHOPPE ● SIT ’N SLEEP
2011 Readers’ Choice

Vegetarian Food ▲ NATURAL CAFÉ ● NATURE’S GRILL Mortgage Company ▲ CFC MORTGAGE ● WELL FARGO HOME
Nursery/Garden Shop ▲ ARMSTRONG ● GREEN THUMB
Moving Company ▲ DYNAMIC DELIVERY ● MEATHEAD MOVERS
ENTERTAINMENT Optometrist ▲ NELSON MURATA
Party Supply Store
Pet Store
■ PARTY CITY
■ PETCO
● (TIE) MICHAEL FREELAND ROBERT PAZEN
Banquet Hall ▲ LOS ROBLES GREENS ● POINSETTIA PAVILION Personnel/Employment ■ APPLE ONE Shoe Store ▲ JACK’S SHOES ● PAYLESS
Beach ■ SAN BUENEVENTURA STATE BEACH Pest Control ▲ M&M TERMITE & PEST ● HYDREX PEST CONTROL Shopping Center ▲ THE LAKES ● PACIFIC VIEW
Bowling Alley ▲ HARLEY’S SIMI BOWL ● BUENA LANES Photographer ▲ CORNERSTONE ● WILDFLOWER STUDIO Stationers ▲ STAPLES ● LAUTZENHISER’S
Casino ▲(TIE) MORONGO COMMERCE CASINO Plastic Surgeon ▲ KRYGER INSTITUTE ● ARTHUR FLYNN Surf Shop ▲ VAL SURF ● VENTURA SURF
● CHUMASH Thrift Store ▲ SALVATION ARMY ● GOODWILL
Real Estate Company ■ TROOP REAL ESTATE
College/University ▲ CAL LUTHERAN ● VENTURA COLLEGE Tire Store ▲ JIM’S TIRE CENTER ● AMERICA’S TIRES
Stock Brokerage Firm ▲ MORGAN STANLEY ● A. CARMI FINANCIAL
4 Comedy/Nightclub ▲ CANYON CLUB ● VENTURA HARBOR COMEDY
Tattoo Parlor ▲ CHARLIE’S HOUSE ● JIMI’S TATTOO Window & Doors ▲ MILGARD ● WEST COAST SASH

Dining
American Food........................... 5
Bagel .......................................... 5
Bakery ........................................ 5
Barbecue.................................... 6
Breakfast.................................... 6
Brunch........................................ 6
Business Lunch .......................... 7
Chinese Food.............................. 8
Coffee House.............................. 8
Deli ............................................. 9
Dinner Under $10 ...................... 9
Food Truck................................ 10
French Food.............................. 10
French Fries.............................. 10
German Food............................ 10
Greek Food................................ 11
Hamburger ................................ 11
Happy Hour ............................... 11
Health Food...............................12
Hot Dog .....................................12
Ice Cream Shop ........................12
Indian Food................................13
Italian Food .............................. 14
Lunch Under $7 ....................... 14
Margarita ................................. 14
Mexican Food ............................15
DINING
Pizza..........................................16
Romantic Dining .......................16
Salad Bar ..................................16
Salsa..........................................16
Sandwich...................................16
Seafood .....................................17
Steakhouse ...............................17
Sushi .........................................17
Take Out ................................... 18
Thai Food.................................. 19
Vegetarian Food ....................... 19

AMERICAN FOOD
individual wall-mounted jukeboxes at
each table, all come together to make
the Busy Bee a swinging place for
East county winner breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Cheesecake Factory Its menu is old-fashioned and
delicious, with everything from
West county winner burgers and fries to chicken pot pie
and Reuben sandwiches. Refreshing
Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill fountain drinks include milkshakes,
malts and root beer floats. Generous
Full county favorite portions and cheerful servers make
★ The Habit Burger Grill the Busy Bee a hit with young and old
★ BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery alike.
Open seven days a week from 7 a.m.
East county favorites to 10 p.m., the Busy Bee is the place
★ Lazy Dog Café to go for a delicious meal or a cool,
★ Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill refreshing fountain drink.
★ Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant The Busy Bee Café is at 478 E.
Main St. in Ventura.
West county favorites
West county winner ★ Great Harvest Bread
★ Nothing Bundt Cakes
Noah’s Bagels
West county favorites
East county favorites ★ Royal Bakery
★ Noah’s Bagels ★ My Florists Bakery
★ Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant ★ Savory Café & Bakery
★ East Coast Bagel ★ I Would Rather Be Baking
West county favorites Panera Bread
★ Old New York Bagel & Deli Co Known for it’s baked breads, fresh
★ Manhattan Bagel lunches and decadent pastries and
★ Bagel Rock Coffee desserts, Panera Bread focuses
on fresh ingredients and regional
specialties.
B A K E RY “What we believe makes Panera
unique and special is that it appeals
East county winner to all cross sections of people … It’s
not fine dining and it’s not fast food.
Brent’s Delicatessen

2011 Readers’ Choice

Information: 643-4864 It’s just good, seasonal, wholesome
★ Watermark Restaurant
★ Busy Bee Café
Website: http://www.busybeecafe.biz/ & Restaurant food,” said Ingrid Roberts, managing
director of First Picks Bread Company,
★ Aloha Steakhouse West county winner a Panera franchisee focused on the
BAGEL Bread Basket Cake Co. Central Coast.
Busy Bee Café “We try to incorporate the
The Busy Bee Café has been a
downtown tradition since 1963.
East county winner East county favorites seasonality of the regions we are in,”
Roberts said.
The red vinyl booths, black and Western Bagel ★ Corner Bakery Café
For example, this month Panera
white checkerboard tiled floor, and ★ Panera Bread
Bread is offering a Strawberry
rock and roll music, courtesy of ★ Champagne French Bakery Café
Poppyseed Chicken Salad, showcasing 5
DININ the fruit during its best season.
“That’s why we feel Panera is such an
attractive option for those wanting to
have a casual dining experience.”
Panera Bread has locations in
Camarillo, Simi Valley and Thousand
Oaks, and soon will be opening stores
in Ventura and Oxnard.
Website: http://www.PaneraBread.
com
BARBECUE
Full county winner
Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
Full county favorite
★ Bandits Grill & Bar
East county favorites
★ Red’s BBQ & Grillery
★ Famous Dave’s
★ Stonefire Grill
★ Green Acres Farm Market
and Catering
West county favorites
★ Just BBQ
2011 Readers’ Choice
6 presented plates.
★ Marshall’s Bodacious BBQ
★ CJ’s BBQ
★ It’s in the Sauce BBQ
Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
“Over the years, we’ve noticed that
more and more of our guests would ask
about gluten-free options,” said Wood
Ranch BBQ & Grill co-founder Ofer
Shemtov.
Gluten is a protein composite that
appears in foods processed from wheat
and related species, including barley
and rye.
“We have always had dishes on
our menu that contained no added
gluten,” Shemtov said, “but we were
also always concerned that some
transference of gluten might occur.”
Wood Ranch has never had a case
of transference or of anyone in the
restaurants suffering any ill-effects
from unknowingly eating something
with gluten.
Now, the Agoura Hills-based
company has come up with ways to
offer more gluten-free options. In a
nutshell, Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
increased the number of gluten-free
options on its menu.
“The biggest change we made is to
our barbecue sauce,” explained Wood
Ranch co-founder Eric Anders. “We’ve
kept the same flavor, but eliminated
gluten, I’m happy to say.”
Wood Ranch also now offers
Redbridge, a gluten-free beer, by the
bottle.
Gluten-free options can be found on
a card at all Wood Ranch restaurants
and is available in the FAQ section of
woodranch.com. A new Wood Ranch to
open in Irvine this summer.
Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill has
locations in Agoura Hills, Camarillo,
Moorpark and Ventura.
Website: http://woodranch.com
B R E A K FA S T
Full county winner
Eggs N Things
East county favorites
★ Jack’s Restaurant & Deli
★ Harold’s House of Omelettes
★ Egg House
★ Side Street Café
★ Firehouse Cafe
West county favorites
★ Allison’s Country Café
★ Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut
★ Pete’s Breakfast House
★ IHOP Restaurant
★ Café Nouveau
Allison’s Country Cafe
Owners Sally and Mark Ramos would
like to thank The Star readers for
choosing Allison’s Country Cafe as your
favorite breakfast spot.
“We are truly grateful to build lasting
relationships with our customers and
always strive to give the best family
atmosphere and service as possible,”
said the Ramoses.
“If your hungry and want local fresh
fruit, warm homemade biscuits, fluffy
omelettes with your favorite toppings,
we are here to satisfy you’re craving
seven days a week,” said Sally Ramos.
The Ramoses said they are lucky to
have suck a wonder staff who enjoy
each other and take pride in their jobs.
Allison’s serves fresh ingredients
in generous portions on beautifully
“Thank you for 29 years of support,”
said the Ramoses. “May we continue
to being your favorite for many years to
come.”
Allison’s Country Cafe is at 3429
Telegraph Road in Ventura.
Information: 644-9072
Website: www.allisonscountrycafe.
com
Eggs ‘n’ Things
Eggs ‘n’ Things always to seems to
keeps its customers happy.
Many mornings passersby will
notice a line forming out the door
as customers wait eagerly for their
complimentary Swedish pancake with
the purchase of a breakfast meal. The
restaurant is usually packed, but the
wait is never too long.
The outstanding service, warm
atmosphere and outstanding food
quality has brought back repeat
customers since 1974. From the old
standbys such as bacon and eggs, to
fancier fare like savory eggs benedict
and hot, fluffy omelets, the quality of
the food is what keeps people coming
back for more.
The California Scramble includes
bacon, tomato, mushroom, avocado
and Swiss cheese served on an English
muffin with Hollandaise sauce.
Each breakfast is served with
potatoes or fruit, toast or hot biscuit.
Eggs ‘n’ Things’ lunch menu is
wonderful, including such crowd
pleasers as hamburgers, fresh wraps,
hot sandwiches and healthy salads.
One lunch favorite is homemade soup
and sandwiches, such as the grilled
tuna and cheese with avocado and a
cup of clam chowder.
A Ventura County’s hot spot for
breakfast and lunch, Eggs ‘n’ Things
can be found in Camarillo, Ojai, Simi
Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura.
Website: http://www.eggsnthings.net
BRUNCH
East county winner
Jack’s Restaurant & Deli
West county winner
Marie Callender’s Restaurant
& Bakery
East county favorites
★ Hyatt-Westlake Plaza
★ Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
★ Eggs N Things
★ Side Street Café
★ El Torito Mexican Grill
★ Mimi’s Cafe
West county favorites
★ Café Nouveau
★ Watermark Restaurant
★ Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe
★ Alexander’s
★ Capistrano’s Restaurant
Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays,
Yolanda’s Mexican Café locations in
Ventura and Simi Valley offer a mouth-
watering brunch at a great value.
An omelette bar along with such
items as bacon and sausage, Mexican
potatoes, cili vrde, waffles, several
salad dishes and fruit, are all offered
as part of the feast.
“It’s a great value for the price,”
said General Manager David Mock.
“For the amount of quality food
offered, I think it’s the best price in one-of-a-kind experience while being
DINING
town. It offers a little something for served in a Spanish Mediterranean 



everybody.” styled motif. A guest can choose
    

  
The Sunday brunch is priced at between dining indoors or they can
$14.95 for adults and $7.95 for select the beautiful arched and open
children 12 and under. patio area for those beautiful Sunday


During the Sunday brunch, the afternoons the beach location has to
regular menu also is offered. offer.
Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe in Simi Capistrano’s Restaurant is within the
Valley is at 590 E. Los Angeles Ave. It Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel
can be reached at 306-9933. & Resort at 2101 Mandalay Beach
The Ventura location is at 2753 E. Road in Oxnard.
Main St. It can be reached at 643- Information: 984-2500
2700. Website: http://theculinarygroup.
Website: http://www.
com/index.php?option=com_content&v
yolandasmexicancafe.com
iew=article&id=99&Itemid=97
Capistrano’s Restaurant
Capistrano’s Restaurant’s delicious
and first-class lavish brunch has again
BUSINESS LUNCH
been voted as a Readers’ Choice
Favorite for the West County.
East county winner
With an abundance and variety of Brent’s Delicatessen
cuisine offered by the expert chefs, the
brunch is sure to satisfy even the most & Restaurant
discriminating palate.
The excellent and friendly staff is
West county winner
determined to make your dining a Jack’s Le Shoppe
2011 Readers’ Choice
7
DININ East county favorites
★ Fox Sports Grill
★ The Grill
★ California Pizza Kitchen
★ Plug Nickel Restaurant & Catering
★ Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
★ Sumo Japanese Restaurant

West county favorites

★ BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery
★ Chicago for Ribs
★ Aloha Steakhouse
★ Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill Good times
★ Fresh & Fabulous and great
food can be
found on
CHINESE FOOD the beach at
Capistrano’s
East county winner Restaurant
inside the
Szechuwan Garden Embassy
Restaurant Suites
Mandalay
West county winner Beach Hotel
& Resort.
Chester’s Asia Restaurant It has been
Full county favorite voted a
west county
★ Panda Express favorite for
East county favorites Brunch.
John Howard / Special to The Star
★ Sesame Inn
★ PF Chang’s China Bistro Restaurant in Camarillo has been a Many fans were first introduced fabulous drink from Chester’s cocktail
★ Lakeview Garden Restaurant family-owned and operated community by their parents and now bring their menu.
★ Golden Tiger Chinese Food treasure with impeccable quality and a families to taste Chester’s fabulous Chester’s Asia Chinese Restaurant is
friendly atmosphere. The staff warmly cuisine. at 2216 Pickwick Drive in Camarillo.
West county favorites welcomes each customer that enters This Camarillo favorite truly is a Information: 482-6564
★ Mandarin House Restaurant the elegant dining room resplendent culinary gem. You’ll most definitely Website: http://chestersasia.com
★ Golden China Restaurant with cheery, seasonal colors. want to try Chester’s Asia Chinese
★ Peking Chinese Restaurant The ambiance and sensational food Restaurant’s famous signature dishes
★ China Dynasty at Chester’s is the reason they’ve been such as Orange and Sesame Chicken, COFFEE HOUSE
able to please over two generations of Black Pepper Chicken, Honey Black
Chester’s Asia Chinese Restaurant customers and is why Chester’s has Pepper Beef, and wonderful Wonton East county winner
won the Readers’ Choice for Chinese Soup. Or, come in for the much-
For the nearly 50 years it has been
in business, Chester’s Asia Chinese Food for the third-straight year. beloved Honey and Walnut Shrimp. Starbucks
These succulent shrimp are tossed West county winner
with pineapple and walnuts. The crisp
coating on the shrimp combines with Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
a rich, creamy sauce for the perfect
blend of textures and flavors. There East county favorites
2011 Readers’ Choice

are flavorful vegetarian and tofu ★ It’s a Grind Coffee House

'HOL *ULOO dishes available for diners looking for ★ Peet’s Coffee & tea
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the extensive menu at Chester’s Asia
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★ Latte 101
see what you want on the extensive
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menu feel free to ask for a special

 
 preparation. Enjoy any meal with a
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 breakfast specials are available
DELI starting from a low price of just $5.99.
Danny’s Deli & Grill is at 3263
East county winner Telegraph Road in Ventura.
Brent’s Delicatessen Information: 289-9200
Website: www.dannysdeli.com
& Restaurant
Old New York Deli & Bakery Co.
West county winner Old New York Deli & Bakery Co.
Danny’s Deli &Grill started in Camarillo in 1994 and a
location was opened in Newbury Park
East county favorites in 2008.
★ Pickles Deli & Restaurant “We started a little bagel and coffee
★ Roxy’s Famous Deli place back in 1994 and we continue
★ Agoura’s Famous Deli to serve many of those same customers
★ Rhineland Deli since we opened. Our product speaks
★ Jack’s Restaurant & Deli for itself and I think it’s a great honor
to be chosen this year,” said Michael
West county favorites Raimondo, owner and president of the
★ Lomardo’s Gourmet Deli company. “Unlike other chains, our
★ Jersey Mike’s Subs bagels are boiled and then baked the
★ Mastro’s Deli old fashioned way in our hearth stone
★ Shamsi’s Deli oven.”
★ Roxsbury Deli The deli serves large portions, so it is
suggested you come hungry. For those
Danny’s Deli & Grill who don’t want to eat as much, jumbo-
Danny’s Deli & Grill has been serving size half sandwiches are served.
up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Old New York Deli and Bakery Co.
Ventura County for the past 11 years. uses only cholesterol and trans fat-
Famous for delicious and incredible free Canola oil. Soups, salads and
sandwiches, Danny’s also proudly homemade cream cheeses are made
East county favorites
★ Presto Pasta
★ Baja Fresh
★ Sumo Japanese Restaurant
West county favorites
★ Denny’s
★ Chipotle Mexican Grill
★ McDonald’s
★ In-N-Out Burger
Presto Pasta
For a delicious and authentic tasting
Italian dinner, visit one of the three
locations Presto Pasta has to offer
Ventura County residents – always
family owned and operated.
From popular dishes such as
Chicken Picatta, Chicken Parmigiana,
Eggplant Parmigiana or the spicy
tasting Cajun Chicken Rigatoni, all are
priced at under $10.
“It’s an honor to be recognized
for dinners under $10,” said Jeff
Schuberg, co-owner of the company
with his brother Ken. “In these trying
economic times, it’s a real honor to
serve our loyal customers.”
The popular Pasta Combo Meal
is served with your choice of pasta,
DINING
Caesar salad, garlic bread and a
beverage for only $7.99.
“On top of the food and value, many
of our employees have been with us
for 10 to 15 years,” Schuberg said. “I
would like to attribute our success to
our friendly and courteous staff. They
are the key to our continued success in
the business.”
According to Schuberg, the food
is authentic with recipes that were
passed down from the owner of the
original Presto Pasta in Santa Barbara.
The restaurant offers a healthy
alternative to fast food at a very
reasonable price.
Presto Pasta does not cut corners
when it comes to quality ingredients.
Sauces are made at the restaurants
daily and have been proudly served in
the county since 1995.
Presto Pasta has four locations,
three of them in Ventura County: 5722
Telephone Road in Ventura (658-
2898); 1701 Daily Drive in Camarillo
(445-7737); and 1025 Broadbeck
Road in Newbury Park (498-7737).
Website: http://www.prestopasta.com
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For dinner, Danny’s has complete
dinners with traditional deli items as
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are fish, appetizers, and a homemade


cup or bowl of the soup of the day.
These are all served in a friendly
atmosphere by a staff of 40 dedicated
employees.
“We are truly a New York style of
deli,” said owner Wendy Collings. “It’s
very unique and the atmosphere is
friendly and warm. I would say that 70
percent of our customers are regulars.
We serve good sized portions along
 
 $ 
 
 +
with the finest quality.”
Danny’s is open Monday through
Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and
Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Verdugo Way, and the Newbury Park
store is at 2700 Teller Road. Fans can
go to its Web site to find out how to
follow it on Twitter and Facebook.
Information: 484-3354 (Camarillo)
and 375-3354 (Newbury Park)
Website: http://www.oldnewyork.com
DINNER UNDER $10
East county winner
Sharky’s Woodfired
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 Greek at the Harbor “We also have a really awesome West county favorites
DININ
For Lynn and Makis Mikelatos, American-style breakfast on the FRENCH FRIES
★ El Taco de Mexico
owners of The Greek at the Harbor, weekends, Saturdays and Sundays
one of the best compliments they from 9 to 11 a.m. with some Greek
★ H Cattle Co. Full county winner
can receive about their restaurant is ingredients,” said Lynn Mikelatos.
McDonald’s
that their food is just like someone’s The restaurant has waterfront views FRENCH FOOD
“yiayia” — the Greek word for and can accommodate groups of 20- Full county favorite
50 for special occasions, corporate
grandmother — used to make.
The couple, who met in the late events and business luncheons.
East county winner ★ Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
1970s on a cruise ship — Lynn a The Greek at the Harbor is at 1583 Café Provencal East county favorites
passenger and Makis a deck steward Spinnaker Drive, Suite 101, in the
— turned their love story into a Ventura Harbor. West county winner ★ Five Guys Burgers and Fries
★ In-N-Out Burger
family-run restaurant, with their three
children growing up in the business.
Information: 650-5350
Website: http://www.
71 Palm Restaurant ★ Islands Fine Burgers & Drink
★ The Habit Burger Grill
“Our daughter Marika is a server and greekventuraharbor.com East county favorites
our son Aris is a dancer,” said Lynn
★ Champagne French Bakery Café
West county favorites
Mikelatos. ★ Hot Dog on a Stick
The child-friendly restaurant FOOD TRUCK ★ Chocolatine
★ Secret Garden Restaurant ★ H Cattle Co.
features lively entertainment, with an ★ Wendy’s
★ Cafe Firenze
array of talented belly dancers and East county winner ★ Great Central Steak & Hoagie
Greek dancing, which includes Aris’s
Smiley’s Hot Dog Stand West county favorites
unique table dance, in which he picks ★ Le Petit Café Bakery
up three tables with his teeth. Aris West county winner ★ Mimi’s Café GERMAN FOOD
also does an acrobatic ouzo dance, ★ New French Bakery
balancing a glass of ouzo on his head. Alcaraz Catering ★ Ojai Vineyard East county winner
The Greek at the Harbor is best-
known for its extensive menu of East county favorites ★ Café Nouveau
Two Guys From Italy
freshly-made Greek items, as well as ★ Moorpark Vineyard At Restaurant
steak and seafood. ★ Plaza Food Market

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West county winner
Old Vienna Restaurant
East county favorites
★ Rhineland Deli
★ Alpine Delicatessen
West county favorites
★ German Deli & Market
GREEK FOOD
Full county winner
Daphne’s Greek Cafe
West county winner
Greek at the Harbor
East county favorites
★ Greek House Café
★ Ali Baba
West county favorites
★ It’s Greek to Me
HAMBURGER
Full county winner
The Habit Burger Grill
East county favorites
★ Five Guys Burgers and Fries
★ In-N-Out Burger
★ The Counter
★ Islands Fine Burgers & Drink
★ Carl’s Jr.
West county favorites
★ In-N-Out Burger
★ Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
★ Fat Burger
★ Hook Burger Bistro
★ Winchesters Grill &Saloon



Orange Chicken is among the many favorite menu items diners find at
Chester’s Asia Restaurant in Camarillo. It’s no wonder the restaurant
is voted Readers’ Choice winner for Chinese Food for the last three years.
★ TGI Friday’s
★ The Grill on the Alley
★ The Alamo Mexican Grill & Cantina
★ Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant
West county favorites
★ Aloha Steakhouse
★ Watermark Restaurant
★ Black Angus Steakhouse
★ BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery
★ Ric’s Restaurant Bar & Grill
Cisco’s Restaurants
Cisco’s Restaurants would like to
say “thank you’ to Ventura County Star
readers for voting us the top happy
hour and the favorite Margarita in the
east county.
Cisco’s Restaurants first opened
its doors in Westlake in 1974 and in
Thousand Oaks in 1999. Its success
7 p.m., with a $2 Happy Hour from
2 to 4 p.m. It also offers Happy Hour
all day Saturday and Sunday. All
appetizers are served at half price
during Happy Hour.
It also has a great catering
department that can cater American
dishes as well as its traditional
Mexican menu.
Cisco’s Westlake Village is at 925
S. Westlake Blvd. (778-1191) while
Cisco’s Thousand Oaks is at 1712
Avenida de Los Arboles (493-0533).
Website: http://www.Ciscos.biz
Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe
Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe offers a
 
popular happy hour Monday through
DINING
Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Margaritas,
well drinks, and domestic beer are
offered at discounted prices and all
appetizers are available at half price.
Complementary chips and salsa are
available in the bar and throughout the
restaurant. On Monday, Tuesday and
Wednesday, ask for Yolanda’s spicy
bean dip that combines whole pinto
beans with just a hint of chorizo and
spices.
For a special treat, try one of
Yolanda’s famous margaritas made
with either strawberry, strawberry-
banana, peach, coconut, mango or
pineapple. It can be served blended or
over the rocks. Yolanda’s most famous
drink, the Cadillac margarita, is served
with Grand Marnier on the side to
add smoothness to the drink. It’s the
most requested in Yolanda’s line-up of
margaritas.
Weather permitting, the Oxnard
location offers an outdoor covered
and heated patio in which to view
the marina. This gorgeous view offers
patrons the opportunity to catch the
occasional glimpse of a yacht traveling
along the waterway of the new
Seabridge Marina.
With locations in Ventura (2753 E.
Main St.), Camarillo (86 Daily Drive),
Simi Valley (590 E. Los Angeles Ave.)
and Oxnard (1601 S. Victoria Ave.),
Yolanda’s offers a convenient location
to anyone in Ventura County.
Depending on which of the four
restaurants one chooses, the hours can
vary.
Website: http://www.
yolandasmexicancafe.com
  

is credited to the fact that Cisco’s
only uses the freshest ingredients 
 

HAPPY HOUR

2011 Readers’ Choice

available and prepares its sauces fresh     

daily. It prides itself and contributes  

East county winner its popularity to the longevity of its


' 
 

Cisco’s Mexican Restaurant
West county winner
employees, many who have been with
Cisco’s for more than 25 years. They
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East county favorites Cisco’s Restaurants offers happy   
 
 

★ El Torito Mexican Grill hour is seven days a week from 2 to 000&
(/) " &" 11
 Don Cuco Mexican Restaurants
DININ
Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant in
Moorpark offers a fun, lively happy
hour seven days a week from 4 to
7 p.m. Most drinks, including the
delicious margarita voted top margarita
in the east county, are discounted
during that time.
With a full bar including draft
beer, wine, margaritas and specialty
drinks, not to mention half-off bar
menu appetizers, Don Cuco is a great
place to unwind from your day without
breaking the bank.
Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant
offers wonderful, authentic Mexican
cuisine served seven days a week in
a charming and friendly atmosphere.
Why not stop by for a pre-dinner drink
or appetizer?
Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant is at
254 W. Los Angeles Ave. in Moorpark.
Information: 523-2261
Web site: http://www.
doncucorestaurants.com
H E A LT H F O O D
Full county winner
Lassen’s Natural Foods
& Vitamins
Full county favorites
★ Natural Cafe
★ Trader Joe’s
East county favorites
★ Whole Foods Market
★ Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
West county favorites
★ Rainbow Bridge Natural Food
★ Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
★ Mary’s Secret Garden
Lassen’s Natural Foods & Vitamins
Lassen’s has been offering Ventura
County residents fresh, natural foods
for 40 years now.
It features a fresh, 99-percent
organic produce set, deli, juice and
smoothie bar. Fresh soups are made
daily along with vegetarian dishes,
sandwiches, salads and more. HOT DOG
Customers enjoy premium quality
products and a selection of organic East county winner
grass-fed beef, organic poultry, fresh
fish, organic dairy products, bulk
Costco Wholesale
foods, and an extensive selection of Full county favorite
vitamins and herbs.
★ Weinerschnitzel
Lassen’s is a local company,
established in 1971 in Camarillo. East county favorites
It carries many products from ★ Cupid’s Hot Dogs
independent grassroot and gourmet ★ Lucky’s Dog House
food companies. ★ Smiley’s Hot dog Stand
In addition to its selection of fresh, ★ Five Guys Burgers and Fries
organic and natural products, Lassen’s
also features monthly educational West county favorites
seminars in many of its locations. ★ Hot Dog on a Stick
Subjects such as heart health, fair ★ Nona’s Italian Deli
trade, meet and greets with local ★ Sam’s Club
farmers/ranchers and safer cosmetics
seminars are just some of the
topics speakers from representative ICE CREAM SHOP
companies discuss.
Lassen’s has locations in Ventura, East county winner
Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and
Simi Valley. Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors
Website: http://www.lassens.com
West county winner
Cold Stone Creamery


  
 
   
  




  

 


 

  




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East county favorites West county favorites dishes stand out, as does happy hour, Website: http://www.

DINING
which Shama claims is the best in KohinoorCuisine.com
★ Cold Stone Creamery ★ Curry Leaf
the Thousand Oaks. Kohinoor Cuisine
★ Golden Spoon ★ Café India
boasts a full bar with $2 beers and $3 Maharaja Cuisine of India
★ Yozen Frogurt ★ Maharaja Cuisine of India
well drinks every day from 3 to 7 p.m. Patrons of Maharaja Cusine of India
★ Pinkberry ★ Yasmeen’s Indian Cuisine
The lunch buffet — full of more than enjoy fabulous dishes that reflect the
★ Sweet Retreat
25 items — is a steal at $9.95. influence of the Moghul rulers of India,
Kohinoor Cuisine
West county favorites When Shama Patel talks about
“The quality of the food and our combined with the 5,000-year-old
★ McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream customer service really are what stand Hindu tradition of food preparation.
Kohinoor Cuisine, her speech is laced
★ Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors out — and the taste too, of course!” “We’re proud to use the freshest
with family stories.
★ Marble Slab creamery said Shama. ingredients and quality spices in
Shama’s father opened the Indian
★ Tutti Frutti Kohinoor Cuisine is at 1724 Avenida the food we serve,” said owner Arun
food restaurant in Thousand Oaks more
★ Ojai Ice Cream de los Arboles in Thousand Oaks. Dwivedi.
than 15 years ago. Shama’s cousins
Information: 493-4466 Maharaja Cuisine of India offers
work with her at Kohinoor Cuisine, and
her brother-in-law, Baljit, is the chef.
INDIAN FOOD Her father still works there too.
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food with equally stellar customer
Taj Café service.
“The food is always good,” Shama
East county favorites said, pointing to the Chicken Tika
★ Bollywood Café Marsala and their fresh baked naan
★ Indian Haweli breads. “We always make everything   !+ !%
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DININ a variety of traditional dishes such
as Tandoor-prepared items, delicious
soups, curries and a selection of naan
breads.
The restaurant’s ambience creates
an authentic and memorable setting
for parties large and small, with a
banquet room that can accommodate
up to 100 guests for special occasions.
It also offers a lunch buffet for
$8.49, seven days a week.
Maharaja Cuisine of India is at 2437
E. Main St. in Ventura.
Information: 641-3644
Website: http://www.
maharajacuisineofindia.com
I TA L I A N F O O D
East county winner
Buca Di Beppo
West county winner
Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant
Full county favorites
★ Presto Pasta
2011 Readers’ Choice
14
East county favorites
★ Romano’s Macaroni Grill
★ Café Firenze
★ Viva La Pasta
★ Chi Chi’s Pizza
West county favorites
★ Ottavio’s Italian Restaurant
★ Dominick’s Italian Restaurant
★ Café Fiore
★ Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
Presto Pasta
Presto Pasta offers Ventura County
residents authentic tasting Italian
food at a reasonable price in a family
friendly environment. The ingredients
used are of the highest quality from
the imported cheeses to the best vine
ripened tomatoes available. One of the
highlights of their menu is the “Create
your own pasta dish” which offers the
guest 8 different noodles to choose
from coupled with 12 made from
scratch sauces. Added to this is a list
of more than a dozen add-ins — from
grilled chicken and succulent shrimp
to artichoke hearts and sun dried
tomatoes. This really gives the guest to
make the dish their own!
“The food is authentic with recipes
that have been passed down from
the founder’s grandmother,” said Jeff
Schuberg, co-owner of the company
with his brother Ken.
Dishes such as the Chicken Picatta,
Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant
Parmigiana, or the spicy tasting Cajun
Chicken Rigatoni are all popular with
customers.
“We offer a healthy, inexpensive
alternative to fast food,” Schuberg
said.
Presto Pasta has five locations,
three of them in Ventura County: 5722
Telephone Road in Ventura (658-
2898); 1701 Daily Drive in Camarillo
(445-7737); and 1025 Broadbeck
Road in Newbury Park (498-7737).
Website: http://www.prestopasta.com
LUNCH UNDER $7
East county winner
Sharky’s Woodfired
Mexican Grill
West county winner
Presto Pasta
East county favorites
★ Taco Bell
★ Presto Pasta
★ Subway
★ In-N-Out Burger
★ Sumo Japanese Restaurant
West county favorites
★ Toppers Pizza Place
★ Subway
★ Jack Snapper Taco Shack
★ Urbane Café
★ Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
Presto Pasta
Presto Pasta serves authentic tasting
Italian lunch and dinner. Currently,
from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., the
restaurant offers six lunches under $6.
“We have a new menu and are
featuring six lunches under $6,”
said Jeff Schuberg, co-owner of the
company with his brother Ken. “We
offer a customer the choice of pasta,
choice of salad, along with garlic
bread. During lunch, the average
ticket time is less than five minutes
for a made to order dining experience.
That’s pretty tough to beat!”
In addition to the authentic
tasting Italian food, several of the
approximately 20 employees at each
store have been with Presto Pasta for
10 to 15 years, Schuberg said. The
friendly and courteous staff is a key
to the continued success of the family
owned and operated restaurants.
Presto Pasta has five locations,
three of them in Ventura County: 5722
Telephone Road in Ventura (658-
2898); 1701 Daily Drive in Camarillo
(445-7737); and 1025 Broadbeck
Road in Newbury Park (498-7737).
Website: http://www.prestopasta.com
MARGARITA
East county winner
Don Cuco Mexican
Restaurant
West county winner
Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe
East county favorites
★ El Torito Mexican Grill
★ Cisco’s Mexican Restaurant
★ The Alamo Mexican Grill & Cantina
★ Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe
★ El Patio Restaurant
West county favorites
★ Casa De Soria
★ Margarita Villa
★ Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
★ El Rey Cantina
★ Money Pancho Mexican
Don Cuco Mexican Restaurants
Margarita lovers are flocking to
Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant in
Moorpark. Voted top margarita in the
east county by Star readers this year,
the margaritas at Don Cuco are an icy
delight of quality tequila, lime juice,
triple sec and mix.
Owner Gus Salazar says that the key
to the Don Cuco margarita’s great taste
is balance. “Our margaritas all have a
very good balance between the tequila
and mix ingredients,” says Salazar.
This allows flavors too meld well, and
to keep one flavor from overpowering
the others.
Margaritas at Don Cuco come in
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DINING
Well-known for the classic flavor, Located at the Ventura Harbor the
it also offers flavored margaritas. Villa is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. all
Margaritas can be served shaken week, Friday and Saturday until 10  

 
with ice, on the rocks, blended with p.m.
ice (frozen margarita) or without ice Website: http://www.
(straight up). villaventuraharbor.com
Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant
offers wonderful, authentic Mexican
cuisine served seven days a week in MEXICAN FOOD
a charming and friendly atmosphere.
With fresh ingredients acquired daily East county winner
and all meals cooked to order, Don
Cuco’s is a great choice for lunch or Lalo’s Mexican Food
dinner or for a catered event. The West county winner
 
fantastic Sunday Champagne Brunch
is not to be missed. Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe
“It is an honor that our customers
went out of their way to vote us Full county favorite 
 
number one,” says Salazar. ★ Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill
Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant is at %JOFJO t5BLFPVU t $BUFSJOH
254 W. Los Angeles Ave. in Moorpark. East county favorites 


Information: 523-2261 ★ Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant  
 

Web site: http://www.
doncucorestaurants.com
★ The Alamo Mexican Grill & Cantina

West county favorite

  
 

  


 

  

 


 

  

★ Casa De Soria   
           
Margarita Villa
     
  
   
  

       
Margarita Villa owners Makis and
Lynn Mikelatos have spent most Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe

 
 
  
 
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of their 32-year marriage together
 
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at restaurants. Preferring to serve
customers nothing but fresh,
homemade entrees and soups, such
as Lynn’s “really spicy” Tex-Mex-
style tortilla soup and “really hot”
hot wings, the Mikelatoses revel in
creating just the right Margarita, even
breakfast dishes.
Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe has been 
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Mexican cuisine in Ventura County
for more than 25 years. Yolanda’s $ #  * ($&#$
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includes a shot of Grand Marnier, is
just one from their extensive list of
only fresh ingredients served from
recipes that have been in the family 


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their preparation: hand shaken, a decor that is both comfortable and
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 relaxing,” said General Manager David
DININ
Mock. “We are dedicated to offering
the customer a nice, clean and
relaxing dining experience.”
Yolanda’s menu offers the popular
one, two, or three item combination
dinners that are served with rice and
beans. Fajitas, carnitas and chicken
or shrimp villa have all been on the
menu since the original opening.
Weekly dinner specials usually include
a seafood item that is served with soup
or salad.
For dessert, be sure and try the new
baked flan or fried ice cream.
With locations in Ventura (2753 E.
Main St.), Camarillo (86 Daily Drive),
Simi Valley (590 E. Los Angeles Ave.)
and Oxnard (1601 S. Victoria Ave),
Yolanda’s offers a convenient location
to anyone in Ventura County.
Depending on which location you
choose, the hours can vary.
Website: http://www.
yolandasmexicancafe.com
one knee to propose marriage,” said Yolanda’s apart is its salsa bar.
PIZZA Hartley. “Everyone in the restaurant “It gives the customer the choice
applauds.” of picking and choosing between
Full county winner Watermark on Main is at 598 E. our several different varieties,” said
Toppers Pizza Place Main Street in Ventura.
Information: 643-6800
Manager Mary Donlon. “It also gives
them the choice of spicing up their
Full county favorites Website: http://www. dish.”
watermarkonmain.com Each of the four Yolanda’s locations
★ Round Table Pizza
has a salsa bar. The salsa is prepared
East county favorites fresh daily. The most popular is the
★ Chi Chi’s Pizza
SALAD BAR house salsa. They start with fresh,
★ California Pizza Kitchen chopped tomatoes, cilantro and a hint
★ Lamp Post Pizza Full county winner of jalapeño. That’s about as far as
Donlon would go with describing the
★ D’Amore’s Pizza Toppers Pizza Place ingredients since it’s a secret recipe.
West county favorites Full county favorite Customers purchase the house salsa
★ Tony’s Pizzaria by the pint for their special occasions
★ Souplantation at home or parties.
★ Marie Callender’s The salsa bar is rounded out by
ROMANTIC DINNER Restaurant & Bakery tomatillo, habanero, chipotle and
East county favorites quemada salsas. All have a unique
East county winner ★ Gelson’s Markets
taste that sets them apart from each
other. For a special treat, ask for the
Mastro’s Steak House ★ Whole Foods Market
spicy bean dip salsa that’s offered on
West county winner West county favorites Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
★ Sizzler With locations in Ventura (2753 E.
Watermark Restaurant ★ Rusty’s Pizza Parlor Main St.), Camarillo (86 Daily Drive),
Simi Valley (590 E. Los Angeles Ave.)
East county favorites and Oxnard (1601 S. Victoria Ave),
★ Café Firenze SALSA Yolanda’s offers a convenient location
★ Tuscany iI ristorante to anyone in Ventura County.
★ Barton’s Steak & Seafood East county winner Depending on which location you
★ Secret Garden Restaurant choose, the hours can vary.
★ Boccaccio’s Restaurant Sharky’s Woodfired Website: http://www.

West county favorites Mexican Grill yolandasmexicancafe.com

★ Aloha Steakhouse West county winner

★ Café Fiore SANDWICH
 

 
 ★ Café Zack Snapper Jack’s Taco Shack
 
Full county winner
    ★ Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Full county favorite
 

★ Ranch House Restaurant
★ Baja Fresh Mexican Grill Jersey Mike’s Subs
Watermark on Main
Watermark on Main owner Mark East county favorites Full county Favorite
Hartley believes that, without a doubt, ★ El Torito Mexican Grill ★ Subway
★ Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant
it’s the restaurant’s elegant ambience East county favorites
that makes it a top spot for romantic
dining in Ventura County. With a
West county favorites ★ Togo’s
★ Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe ★ Italia Deli & Bakery
rich history that includes a stint as a
★ Casa De Soria ★ Panera Bread
2011 Readers’ Choice

bank in 1927, Watermark has been

★ Corrales Mexican Food ★ Rhineland Deli
luxuriously restored to its original art
  deco motif. West county favorites

 

 This, along with a sophisticated Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe
There are a number of things that ★ Danny’s Deli & Grill
menu, beautiful interior and extremely ★ Quiznos
sets Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe apart from
& #  professional staff, has inspired many
patrons to visit Watermark for special the norm. For instance, when you first
enter the restaurant, you can’t help Jersey Mike’s
$&&      "
  ‡
  occasions, including anniversaries,
but notice the beautiful and authentic In 1972 Peter Cancro was a high


 
‡   birthdays, graduations, and even
murals located on the walls. school student in Point Pleasant, N.J.
   
 engagements.
However, one unique item that sets He began working at Mike’s Subs at
%%%""
 

 “We’ve had guests drop down on
16 the age of 14.
 When Peter was a senior in high
school, he overheard the owner of
Mike’s Subs discussing selling the
business. He thought to himself, “I
love the food, I love working in the
store, maybe I’ll buy the shop.” Pretty
ambitious for a 17 year old kid. Peter
approached his football coach and
said “Hey coach, Mike’s Sub shop is
for sale, and I’m interested in buying
it. Can you help me out?” It didn’t
hurt that his football coach was also
a banker. The football coach came
through for Peter, and backed his loan.
So, at the tender age of 17 — before
he was legally able to slice a sub
— Peter Cancro became the owner and
proprietor of Mike’s Subs.
Shortly after buying Mike’s, he
married his wife Linda, and they
opened a couple more local outlets
of Mike’s Subs. Peter expanded upon
the phenomenon of Mike’s Subs.
Teaching the crew to interact and talk
with the customer, to share a passion
for getting to know the customer. He
spent the next decade building on the
cult-like following that Mike’s Subs
already enjoyed. They would have
customers lined up out the door in
the summertime waiting to get the
authentic sub sandwiches that Mike’s
was famous for.
In 1987, Peter began franchising.
He changed the name from Mike’s
Subs to Jersey Mike’s Subs to capture
the authenticity of where the authentic
sub sandwich was born. Today, the
authentic taste — served Mike’s Way
with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oil,
vinegar and spices — is available
nationwide. There are 11 locations
throughout Ventura County.
Website: http://www.jerseymikes.com
SEAFOOD
East county winner
Fins Seafood Grill
West county winner
Andria’s Seafood Restaurant
East county favorites
★ Pacific Fresh Seafood Grill
★ Sumo Japanese Restaurant
★ Blue Fin Grill & Sushi
★ Mastro’s Steak House
★ Oceanfish Seafood Market
West county favorites
★ Brophy Brothers Restaurant
★ Lure’s Fish House
★ Red Lobster
★ Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co.
★ Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Co.
Andria’s Seafood Restaurant
and Fish Market
Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and
Fish Market is located in the beautiful
Ventura Harbor Village. Well-known for
its original fish and chips, homemade
clam chowder and casual atmosphere,
it provides the freshest seafood
available, both in the restaurant and in
the market to take home.
Andria’s choices include salmon,
halibut, scallops, fresh lobster and
more, and it can be deliciously
prepared, whether you want it broiled,
baked, sautéed, charbroiled or deep
fried.
Enjoy the hustle and bustle inside or
the spectacular view of the harbor and
mountains from the heated patios.
It’s no wonder Andria’s has been
voted Ventura’s top choice for seafood
restaurant year after year.
Open at 11 a.m. for lunch and
dinner, seven days a week, Andria’s
Seafood Restaurant and Fish Market
is at 1449 Spinnaker Drive in the
Ventura Harbor Village.
Information: 654-0546
Website: http://www.andriasseafood.
com
STEAKHOUSE
East county winner
Mastro’s Steak House
West county winner
Aloha Steakhouse
Full county favorite
★ Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
East county favorites
★ Outback Steakhouse
★ Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood
★ Larsen’s Steakhouse
★ The Grill
West county favorites
★ Blank Angus Steakhouse
★ Outback Steakhouse
★ Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
★ Winchester’s Grill & Saloon
SUSHI
East county winner
Sumo Japanese Restaurant
West county winner
I Love Sushi
East county favorites
★ Tomadachi
★ Blue Fin Grill & Sushi
★ Cho Cho San Restaurant
★ Love Sushi House
★ Akio’s Sushi
West county favorites
★ Sumo Japanese Restaurant
★ Anaba
★ Masa-Sushi
★ O-Sabi Japanese Restaurant
Sumo Japanese Restaurant
DINING
Sumo Japanese Restaurant wishes
to sincerely thank Ventura County Star
Readers for voting Sumo the top Sushi
restaurant in the east county.
The restaurant has been featuring
innovative sushi in Southern California
since 2000.
Sumo Corp. operates 10 Japanese
restaurants in Ventura, Los Angeles
and Orange counties.
Sumo Japanese Restaurant highly
values the importance of providing
quality food and friendly service which
are the cornerstones of our philosophy.
Because of its tremendous buying
power Sumo can offer its customers
sushi at 50 percent off at the highest
quality. It operates its own warehouse
and distribution center allows it to
control and monitor its inventory.
Every inventory that comes into its
warehouse is carefully inspected by its
quality control management.
Sumo also would like to thank its
customers for voting us east county
favorites in the following categories:
Business Lunch, Seafood, Take-Out,
Dinner under $10 and Lunch under $7.
2011 Readers’ Choice
17
DININ by the accomplishment and it will
continue to do its best.
Sumo Japanese Restaurant is at
1714 Newbury Road, Suite C, in
Newbury Park (499-9977) and at
1730 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura (650-
1122).
Website: http://www.
octopusrestaurant.com
Masa-Sushi
Founded in 1984 by Masa and
Yuko Tomimitsu, Masa-Sushi began
serving sushi ahead of the popular
trend and has kept up with the growing
popularity of fresh seafood in their
restaurant. Managed by his son Stan,
Masa Tomimitsu still reigns supreme
as the head chef and local celebrity.
Stan Tomimitsu says his family’s
eatery has thrived, welcoming three
and four generations of families and
many new customers each day.
Specialties of the house include
Japanese, sushi and vegetarian
entrees. A wide variety of handmade
rolls offer something for every palate,
including the Camarillo or Masa 3-Putt
rolls. Newer to the extensive menu is
  
    
dishes.
The restaurant is family-friendly and
take-out is available. Reservations are
not accepted.
Masa-Sushi is open from 11 a.m.
to 2 p.m. for lunch Tuesday through
Saturday and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
for dinner Tuesday through Friday. On
Saturday, it is open from 5 p.m. to
10 p.m. for dinner. The restaurant is
closed Sundays and Mondays.
Masa-Sushi is at 63 E. Daily Drive in
Camarillo in the Las Posas Plaza.
Information: 987-1065
TA KE OUT
East county winner
Sharky’s Woodfired
Mexican Grill
Margaritas from Yolanda’s Mexican
Cafe are voted a top choice annually West county winner
in the west county. Presto Pasta
a traditional Japanese ramen noodle
soup made with homemade stock, just East county favorites
as other soups offered. Also handmade ★ Sumo Japanese Restaurant
are sauces and dressings used in ★ Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
★ Stonefire Grill
★ Panda Express
West county favorites
★ Panda Express
★ In-N-Out Burger
★ Snapper Jack’s Taco Shack
★ Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill
★ Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
Presto Pasta
All three Ventura County locations of
Presto Pasta are equipped to handle
take-out orders. The Camarillo location
has a drive-thru window for added
convenience.
“Actually, about 60 percent of
our business is take-out,” said Jeff
Schuberg, co-owner of the company
with his brother Ken. “Our food
travels well. Our staff does a great job
in packaging our food to go and the
containers we use are great for take-
out. Where else can you get a whole
wheat rigatoni with fresh marinara and
vegetable for around five bucks?”
Presto Pasta opened in Camarillo
back in 1995 and now has two
other locations in which to serve the

       
 
 
    

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18
residents of Ventura County.

DINING
Presto Pasta can be found in the
county at 5722 Telephone Road in
Ventura (658-2898); 1701 Daily Drive
in Camarillo (445-7737); and 1025
Broadbeck Road in Newbury Park
(498-7737).
Website: http://www.prestopasta.com

THAI FOOD
East county winner
Exotic Thai Cafe
West county winner
Tipps Thai Cuisine
East county favorites
★ Fit 2B Thai
★ Cholada Thai
★ Sawasdee Thai Food
★ Pookie’s Thai Westlake & Kumo Sushi
★ White Elephant Thai Cuisine

West county favorites

★ Jasmine Thai Restaurant
★ Little Thai Restaurant
★ Sawasdee Thai Cuisine
★ Charn Thai Restaurant

Exotic Thai Restaurant

For lovers of extraordinary Thai food,
served in elegant surroundings by
cheerful and friendly wait staff, Exotic
Thai Restaurant in Newbury Park is the
restaurant of choice. With indoor and
outdoor seating, its casual atmosphere
makes it ideal for a family gathering,
romantic dinner or business luncheon.
Offering a dazzling array of
appetizers, soups and salads, as well
as curries, seafood, traditional Thai
noodle and rice dishes, Exotic Thai
has something for everyone. All meals
can be spiced to the individual’s
taste — whether mild, medium or hot
— and vegetarian versions of all dishes
are available upon request. Some of
Ventura County Star readers know good Mexican food and their choice in the west county is Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe.
go menu, as well as catering services
for your party or other special event.
Exotic Thai Restaurant is at 1930
Newbury Road, Suite 100, in Newbury
Park and is open Monday through
Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday
and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30
p.m. and Sunday from noon until 9
p.m.
Information: 375-0272
Little Thai Fine Dining
John Howard / Special to The Star
trans-fats in any of our dishes.”
In business for five years, the family VEGETERIAN FOOD
consists of Photien’s father, mother,
brother and sister along with five other East county winner
dedicated and friendly employees.
The restaurant specializes in steak,
Natural Cafe
seafood, roasted duck and lamb dishes. West county winner
For lunch, it offers an entrée served with
soup or salad, egg roll and rice for $7.95. Nature’s Grill & Juice Bar
A happy hour with discounted drinks and
appetizers is available on Monday through Full county favorite
Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. ★ Lassen’s Health Food Store

2011 Readers’ Choice

the most requested customer favorites
include Pad Thai Noodles, Cashew Nut
Chicken and Thai Spicy Chicken.
Exotic Thai offers a full selection of
beers and wines and their delectable
desserts include Mango and Sticky
Rice and Coconut Ice cream.
Open for lunch and dinner, Exotic
Thai Restaurant offers a complete to-
Little Thai Fine Dining is a family- For weddings, reunions, parties or
owned restaurant that prides itself on its special events, ask about the banquet
East county favorites
excellent staff that serves some of the room. ★ Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill
most authentic tasting Thai cuisine in Little Thai Fine Dining is at 2500 Las ★ Whole Foods Market
Ventura County. Posas Road, Suite D, in Camarillo. West county favorites
“We serve authentic Thai food at Information: 445-1365
★ Mary’s Secret Garden
a reasonable price and we treat our Website: http://www.littlethaifinedining.
★ Natural Café
customers like royalty,” said Manager com
★ The Farmer & The Cook Market
Patrick Photien. “We don’t use MSG or
& Café
19
 Entertainment
ENTERTAINMEN

Banquet Hall .........................................................20 Park....................................................................... 26

Beach ....................................................................20
Bowling Alley ........................................................ 21
Casino ................................................................... 21
College / University.............................................. 21
Comedy Club / Nightclub..................................... 23
Day Spa ................................................................. 23
Golf Course ........................................................... 23
Hike ....................................................................... 23
Hotel...................................................................... 23
Place to Chill......................................................... 26
Place to Take Visitors........................................... 26
Place to Spend a Day Off ..................................... 26
Radio Personality.................................................. 27
Radio Station ........................................................ 27
Sports Bar............................................................. 28
Trade School ......................................................... 28
Wine Bar ............................................................... 29

its clients for voting the location
BANQUET HALL winning meeting and banquet facility
in the west county in The Star’s 2011
East county winner Readers’ Choice poll.
Los Robles Greens The Pavilion has been Ventura’s
center for community events for more
Golf Course than 53 years. With panoramic views
of the city and ocean, the aesthetically
West county winner pleasing nonprofit venue has rooms
Poinsettia Pavilion to accommodate 20 to 300 guests.
A wide range of activities and events
East county favorites take place on a regular basis for all age
★ Rancho De Las Palmas groups from young children to senior
adults.
★ Four Seasons Hotel
★ Canyon Club Children can attend groups like
★ Westlake Inn Hotel Kindermusik, Martine Cotillions,
★ Elks Lodge or Performance Theatre for Young
Artists. Active adults can exercise
West county favorites with Jazzercise or join dance clubs
2011 Readers’ Choice
for nonprofits. More than 20 nonprofit
organizations have received donations
from its clients when they scheduled a
private event at the facility.
Poinsettia Pavilion currently is
reserving for wedding receptions on
a limited basis pending availability
according to Carol Shiells, executive
director.
Information: 648-1143
Website: http://www.
poinsettiapavilion.com
Embassy Suites Mandalay
Beach Hotel & Resort
The 16,000 square-foot Banquet
Hall at Embassy Suites Mandalay
Beach Hotel & Resort can
accommodate between 450 to 500
With ocean and island views, it’s
sure to make that special event a
memory that will last a lifetime.
Overnight guests can stay in one of the
248 spacious all-suite rooms Embassy
Suites has to offer.
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach
Hotel & Resort is at 2101 Mandalay
Beach Road, Oxnard.
Information: 984-2500
Website: http://www.mandalaybeach.
embassysuites.com
BEACH
Full county winner
San Buenaventura
State Beach

★ Wedgewood Wedding
& Banquet Center
★ Crowne Plaza Hotel-Ventura Beach
★ Ventura Beach Marriott
★ Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach
& Resort
Poinsettia Pavilion
Poinsettia Pavilion is thankful to
including Ventura Poinsettia Dance
Club, La Estrella, or Poinsettia Swing
Dance Club.
Service clubs such as Rotary of
Ventura East and Ventura Kiwanis
meet for lunch on a weekly basis. In
addition to nonprofit meetings and
events, Poinsettia Pavilion is available
for public events held as a fundraiser
guests and is a popular location for
indoor or outdoor weddings and special
events, according to Debbie Chicca,
director of sales and marketing.
“With the hotel located directly
on the property, it’s a great place for
weddings, retreats and reunions,”
she said. “We have so many different
options available to offer our guests.”
Full county favorites
★ Surfers Point at Seaside Park
★ Hueneme Beach
★ Point Mugu State Park
★ Channel Islands National Park
★ Emma Wood State Beach
★ Pierpont Beach

20

BOWLING ALLEY
East county winner
Harley’s Simi Bowl
West county winner
Buena Lanes
East county favorites
★ Brunswick Zone
West county favorites
★ Harley’s Camarillo Bowl
★ Ventura Bowling Center
★ Wagon Wheel Bowl
Harley’s Camarillo Bowl
Harley’s Camarillo Bowl has been
serving Camarillo and surrounding
communities for the past 46 years
as a premier entertainment, league,
tournament and recreational facility.
The family-oriented business offers
darts, billiards, arcade, snack bar and of
course, bowling, in a safe, comfortable
environment. Bowling balls, bumpers for
the wee ones and bowling shoes for a
nominal cost, are available.
Harley’s Camarillo Bowl is known for its
thrifty specials including: Buck-and-a-Half
Night, College Night, Quartermania, Senior
No-Tap tournaments, Family Nights, beer
specials at the full-service bar, and much
more, including bowling, billiard and dart
leagues.
It is at 305 Arneill Road in Camarillo.
Information: 482-0747
Web site: http://www.harleysbowl.com
CASINO
East county winners (tie)
Morongo
Commerce Casino

  
J.J. Brewsky’s in Camarillo is a favorite west county Sports Bar among Star
readers. With a wide variety of beers, good food and plenty of televisions to
catch the latest game this is a go-to place.
Chumash Casino Resort
The Chumash Casino Resort would
like to thank readers of the Ventura
County Star for voting it the top
casino.
The Chumash Casino Resort offers
gaming at its exhilarating best,
including an array of the most popular
slot machines and table games like
Blackjack and Poker. You can win
new cars and cash in one of its many
drawings. It features 2,000 slot
machines, table games and a poker
room.
For some of the best entertainment
around, visit the Chumash Casino
Resort’s Samala Showroom which
features intimate seating for 1,300
and hosts top headliner entertainers,
world championship boxing and
exciting monthly bingo events and
K.A. Johnston / Special to The Star
Willows and the Creekside Buffet.
The Chumash Casino Resort is at
3400 E. Highway 246 in Santa Ynez.
Information: 800-248-6274
Website: http://chumashcasino.com
Player’s Poker Club
In business at the same location
since 1939, the Player’s Poker Club
on Ventura Avenue always has offered
a “social atmosphere in a friendly and
safe environment,” according to CEO
Bill “Wild Bill” Kracht.
The club is legal, licensed and open
to the public. It offers a variety of
games to suit the customer’s needs
and tastes.
The Player’s Poker Club is a great
place to have fun and relax while
playing your favorite table games.
Currently, the club is opened from
ENTERTAINMENT
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
East county winner
California Lutheran
University
West county winner
Ventura College
East county favorites
★ Moorpark College
★ Pepperdine University
★ Biola University
West county favorites
★ University of La Verne
★ Brooks Institute of Photography
★ Oxnard College
★ Santa Barbara Business College
★ Thomas Aquinas College
Ventura College
The Ventura County Community
College District began with Ventura
College as the first college in Ventura
County in 1925. It is located in
the City of Ventura with views of
surrounding mountains and the Pacific
Ocean.
The three public colleges serving
residents throughout Ventura County
— Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura
colleges — provide an open door to
higher education for nearly 35,000
students. Students can take advantage
of career technical education leading
directly to employment or choose
to transfer to four-year colleges and
universities.
Basic skills instruction is readily
available, as well as continuing
education for personal growth and
)BSMFZT $BNBSJMMP #PXM

 

West county winner more. 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week

$PVOUZ 'BWPSJUF

2011 Readers’ Choice

Chumash You also can enjoy a stay in one of
its luxurious suites or spacious rooms
East county favorite at the AAA Four-Diamond Chumash
Casino Resort Hotel and while you’re
★ Pechanga
there treat yourself at our world-class
West county favorites spa.
★ Players Poker Club The Chumash Casino Resort also
★ Casino Knights offers fine and casual dining options,
including the four-diamond rates The
#PXMJOH "MMFZ
to suit anyone’s schedule. In the near
future, the club will be moving to its
new location at 6850 Auto Center
Drive in Ventura.
The Player’s Poker Club is at 906 N.
Ventura Ave., Ventura.
Information: 643-1392
Website: http://www.
playersclubventura.com


 "SOFJMM 3PBE t $BNBSJMMP 21
ENTERTAINMEN workplace skills improvement.
Classes are offered days, evenings,
weekends, on campus and online,
with professional faculty committed to
teaching, learning, and providing an
engaging educational experience for
students. Exceptional staff, whether
it be in admissions, financial aid, or
other student service areas, are ready
to deliver the support students need as
they navigate toward their educational
goals.
Through the efforts of the Ventura
College Foundation, Ventura College
pioneered the “Ventura College
Promise,” the first community college
program of its kind in the state of
California and one of a handful in the



 
Information: 654-6400
Website: http://www.venturacollege.
edu
Moorpark College
Serving the community since 1967,
Moorpark College is located on 150
rolling green acres at the base of the
Simi Valley foothills.
Moorpark College consistently ranks
at the top in transfers to California
State University and the University
of California systems, with thousands
of students transferring or graduating
each year.
Working adults can earn an
Associate Degree in as little as 18
months through the Program of
of educating students in the visual
and media arts. With campuses in
Santa Barbara and Ventura, the school
offers bachelor’s degrees in fields
including professional photography,
visual journalism, film and graphic
design, and master’s degrees in both
photography and screenwriting.
Brooks also offers certificates
in digital cinema and wedding
photography. The school is accredited
by the Accrediting Council for
Independent Colleges and Schools.
ACICS is a national accrediting agency
recognized by the United States
Department of Education. Brooks does
not guarantee employment or salary.
Brooks Institute’s Ventura campus is
Ranked among the top 100 colleges
awarding associate degrees to minority
students, Oxnard College offers
students an opportunity to enroll
in mentorship programs and utilize
training resources that fully prepare
them to compete for jobs in business
and industry.
Oxnard College’s pathway to
educational excellence results in
successful careers in culinary arts,
dental hygiene, dental assisting,
firefighting, emergency medical fields,
marine studies and more. If transfer to



country. Accelerated College Education. PACE at 5301 N. Ventura Ave. in Ventura. 




This unique, award-winning program classes are taught through distance Information: 1-888-304-3456

 
pays first year enrollment fees at education, evenings or weekends. Website: http://www.brooks.edu
Ventura College for qualifying Ventura Moorpark College is at 7075

 
County high school graduates.
Emerging with just 100 students
in 2006, the program has grown to
  
Campus Road in Moorpark. Oxnard College
Information: 378-1400 Oxnard College joined its sister
Website: http://www. colleges, Moorpark College and


benefit more than 3,000 students moorparkcollege.edu Ventura College, as part of the Ventura 
 

today. County Community College District

Ventura College is at 4667 Telegraph Brooks Institute in 1975 and is ideally situated near


  
Road in Ventura. Brooks Institute celebrates 65 years scenic Pacific Ocean beaches. 

   
 

2011 Readers’ Choice


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  !     ! 
  
22

     
a four-year university is the goal, that’s
available as well.
Oxnard College is at 4000 S. Rose
Ave., in Oxnard.
Information: 986-5800
Website: http://www.oxnardcollege.
edu
COMEDY CLUB /
NIGHTCLUB
East county winner
Canyon Club
West county winner
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club
East county favorites
★ Borderline Bar & Grill
★ Flamme Restaurant
★ Sunset Terrace Restaurant
★ Headliners Comedy Club
West county favorites
★ Bombay Bar & Grill
★ Comedy Esquire
★ Ventura Improv Company
★ Candlelight Kitchen & Bar
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club was
voted the Readers’ Choice Winner,
West County in the category of Comedy
Club.
According to Randy Lubas, co-owner
along with Andres “Andy” Fernandez,
the club brings world-class comedy to
Ventura County.
Fernandez has a 20-year career as a
comedian with countless appearances
in Las Vegas and has been featured
on TV. He’s also performed in Iraq
entertaining our troops.
Lubas has made 24 appearances
on national TV and, in addition to
comedy, he’s a writer, actor and
prides himself on his squeaky clean
performances.
“We are in the business of producing
fun,” Lubas said. “We love what we do
and love our customers. We provide a
distraction from the current times.”
Comedians including Ron White,
Shawn Wayans, Larry Miller, Jeff
Garcia, Anjelah Johnson, Bobby
Slayton and Dave Coulier, well-known
for his role as Joey Gladstone from the
ABC sitcom “Full House,” all have
Ventura County residents of all ages find The Ronald Reagan Presidential
Library & Museum a great place to visit whether it’s their day off, have
guests from out of town as well as the perfect place to chill all year round.
made appearances at the club.
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club seats
200 guests and offers a full bar along
with catered sandwiches and snacks.
Show times are 8 p.m. Wednesday
through Friday. There are two shows
at 7 and 9 p.m. on Saturday and
one show at 7 p.m. on Sunday. The
admission price is $15, except for
special events.
The club will host its first comedy
festival set for Nov. 11 through 13.
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club is at
1559 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura.
Information: 644-1500
Website: http://
venturaharborcomedyclub.com
D AY S PA
East county winner
Four Seasons Hotel
West county winner
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
East county favorites
★ Coldwater Creek
★ Bella A’More Day Spa & Salon
★ Total Woman Day Spa
★ Massage Envy
★ John of Italy Salon & Spa
West county favorites
★ Day Spa of Ojai
★ Tre Jolie MediSpa
★ A Secret Place Salon & Day Spa
Lisa Strickland-Meade / Special to The Star
★ Yamaguchi Day Spa & Salon
★ Cara Mia
GOLF COURSE
East county winner
Simi Hills Golf Course
West county winner
Olivas Links
East county favorites
★ Los Robles Greens Golf Course
★ Moorpark Country Club
★ Rustic Canyon Golf Course
★ Sherwood Country Club
★ Lost Canyons Golf Club
West county favorites
★ River Ridge Golf Club
★ Buenaventura Golf Course
★ Spanish Hills Golf Course
ENTERTAINMENT
★ Sterling Hills Golf Club
★ Ojai Valley Inn Golf Course
Simi Hills Golf Course
Simi Hills Golf Course — a
Ted Robinson-designed, par-71
championship golf course, owned
and operated by the Rancho Simi
Recreation and Park District — is an
outstanding choice for your next round
of golf.
Its tree-lined, rolling fairways and
plush greens offer challenge to golfers
of all skill levels. More than 50
bunkers and water features on eight
holes await your errant shots, but the
course is fair and fun for everyone.
In addition to 18 great holes of golf,
Simi Hills offers exceptional public
practice facilities, with a lighted
driving range and practice putting
green, as well as chipping and bunker
practice areas. Professional golf
instruction also is available in group
and private settings for golfers from
age 6 to 96. Its teaching professionals
utilize all of its practice facilities, as
well as on-course lessons.
Late afternoon Family Golf Hours are
available Monday through Thursday,
year-round, at discounted rates —
perfect for bringing the love of golf to
the next generation.
At Simi Hills, it strives to offer you
unparalleled service with outstanding
facilities to make your visit to an
exceptional golf experience.
Simi Hills Golf Course is at 5031
Alamo St. in Simi Valley.
Information: 522-0803
Website: http://www.simihillsgolf.
com
2011 Readers’ Choice
23
 Olivas Links
ENTERTAINMEN
Buenaventura Golf Course
Golf doesn’t get much better than
at Ventura’s two award-winning,
municipal courses. The sun gently
warms the players most days, while
they drive, chip and putt on undulating
greens among some of the state’s most
stunning mountain and sea backdrops.
Meanwhile, coastal breezes from the
Pacific Ocean, just a few miles away,
cool the courses as play heats up
under blue afternoon skies.
Olivas Links originally was designed
by William F. Bell and redesigned
by Forrest Richardson in 2008. The
6,818-yard Olivas Links features a
rolling links-style layout defined by
seaside grasses and natural habitat. It
is considered one of the Southland’s
most unique and challenging courses.
Golfweek Magazine named Olivas
Links one of the “Best Municipal
Courses in the Nation” in 2009-2010
and in 2008 as “Best New Courses“
The course also features a large
practice facility with PGA instructors
offering affordable golf lessons year-
round to players of all ages and
  


 
abilities.
Meanwhile, the more traditional
parkland-style design of the shorter
5,884-yard Buenaventura Golf Course
incorporates mature trees, subtle
undulations and rolling contours,
making it a shot maker’s delight.
Originally designed in 1932 by William
Park Bell and renovated in 2005,
stepping onto the course is like taking
a step back in time. Buenaventura is
rated “4 Stars” by Golf Digest “Best
Places to Play” and is considered by
many locals to be a hometown favorite.
Buenaventura Golf Course will be
featured in an episode of NBC’s hit
reality show, “The Biggest Loser,” on
May 17.
Olivas Links is at 3750 Olivas Park
Drive in Ventura.
Information: Olivas Links, 677-6770
Website: http://www.olivaslinks.com
Buenaventura Golf Course is at
5882 Olivas Park Drive in Ventura.
Information: Buenaventura Golf
Course, 677-6772
Websites: http://www.
buenaventuragolf.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.
com/pages/Olivas-Links#!/
pages/Buenaventura-Golf- HIKE
Course/193549858632
East county winner
River Ridge Golf Club Wildwood Park
River Ridge Golf Club offers two
championship golf courses along West county winner
with ideal playing conditions. Players
have a choice between the original Sycamore Canyon
“Vineyard” course to the newer
“Victoria Lakes” course for play. East county favorites
Each course has its own challenges ★ Chumash Trail
and variations and both courses offer ★ Hummingbird Trail
scenic ocean and island views. ★ Satwiwa Native American Indian
Additionally, the club features a full Culture
practice facility that includes a lighted ★ Corriganville Park
driving range along with two practice ★ Happy Camp Canyon Park
putting greens.
To keep the course moving, River
West county favorites
Ridge maintains a pace-of-play policy ★ Arroyo Verde Park
in which 18 holes of golf can be ★ Serra Cross Park at Grant Park
played 4½ hours or less. The club is
owned by the City of Oxnard and is
open to the public.
HOTEL
River Ridge Golf Club is at 2401 W.
Vineyard Ave. in Oxnard. East county winner
Information: 983-4653 Four Seasons Hotel
Website: http://www.riverridge-
golfclub.com

  

2011 Readers’ Choice

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West county winner
Embassy Suites Mandalay
Beach Hotel & Resort
East county favorites
★ Westlake Village Inn
★ Hyatt Westlake Plaza
★ Grand Vista Hotel
★ Residence Inn by Marriott
Westlake Village
West county favorites
★ Ventura Beach Marriott
★ Crowne Plaza Hotel - Ventura Beach
★ Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
★ Lavender Inn
★ Pierpont Inn
Embassy Suites Mandalay
Beach Hotel & Resort
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach
Hotel & Resort is the only all-suites
resort located directly on the beach in
Southern California. With 248 spacious
rooms, the resort is an attraction to
both locals and visitors alike with its
central courtyard and pool area. The
resort is a great weekend getaway or an
ideal location for a business retreat or
ENTERTAINMENT
reunion.
According to Debbie Chicca, director
of sales and marketing, the location of
the resort along with its ambience has a
lot to do with its continued success as a
Readers’ Choice winner for Hotel in the
west county for the third-straight year.
Located within the Embassy Suites is
Capistrano’s Restaurant that is well-
known for its variety of cuisine offered
by the expert chefs. The friendly staff
is determined to make your dining a
one-of-a-kind experience while being
served in a Spanish Mediterranean
styled motif.
For weddings, reunions or special
events, the 16,000 square-foot
Banquet Hall at Embassy Suites can
accommodate between 450 to 500
guests. The excellent and dedicated
staff has many options available to
make an indoor or outdoor wedding a
special memory that will last a lifetime.
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach
Hotel & Resort is at 2101 Mandalay
Beach Road in Oxnard.
Information: 984-2500
Website: http://www.mandalaybeach.
&.#"44: t 
embassysuites.com
2011 Readers’ Choice
25
ENTERTAINMEN Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach read the president’s handwritten diary
For a taste of Waikiki without flying by digitally turning the pages, ride a
to Hawaii, stay at the Crowne Plaza horse alongside President Reagan and
Ventura Beach. With refreshing salt air, more.
swaying palm trees and a spectacular Visitors also can walk onboard
beachfront, the hotel is a great place the Air Force One airplane that flew
to vacation or conduct business. President Reagan and six other U.S.
The Crowne Plaza has 258 guest presidents.
rooms, many with ocean view “The Reagan Library has always
balconies. The only Ventura hotel on striven to be a destination in Simi
the beach, it’s just two blocks from the Valley and Ventura County that
historic downtown area, an easy walk residents would be proud of to
for guests wanting to explore the city. bring their visitors and spend the
Hotel amenities include a heated afternoon,” said Reagan Foundation
swimming pool, exercise room, same- Director of Communications Melissa
day laundry and dry cleaning, business Giller. “We thank the community for
center and game room. giving us this honor.”
The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach is The Ronald Reagan Presidential
at 450 Harbor Drive in Ventura. Rediscover the Ventura golf experience at Olivas Links in Ventura, West Library & Museum is at 40
Information: 842-0800 county winner for Best Golf Club, Favorite Golf Store and Favorite Place to Presidential Drive in Simi Valley.
Website: www.cpventura.com Spend a Day Off. Information: 577-4066
Website: http://www.
reaganfoundation.org
PA RK PLACE TO CHILL East county favorites
★ Gardens of the World
East county winner East county winner ★ Reagan Country Café PLACE TO SPEND
★ 5 Dollar or Less Bookstore
Wildwood Park 5 Dollar or Less Bookstore ★ The WineYard
THE DAY OFF
West county winner West county winner West county favorites East county winner
Arroyo Verde Park The Wine Closet ★ Ventura County Derby Darlins
★ Channel Islands National Park
Ronald Reagan Presidential
East county favorites East county favorites ★ Serra Cross at Grant Park Library & Museum
★ Watermark Restaurant
★ Ranch Santa Susana Community ★ Ronald Reagan Presidential L West county winner
★ Conejo Recreation & Park ibrary
★ Chumash Park & Museum
Ronald Reagan Presidential Ventura Harbor Village
★ Thousand Oaks Dog Park
Library & Museum
★ Gardens of the World
★ Conejo Valley Botanic Garden ★ Starbucks
When company comes to town, East county favorites
what better way to spend the day than ★ 10-Minute Fitness
★ The Oaks
West county favorites ★ The WineYard
at the Ronald Reagan Presidential ★ The Oaks
★ Faria Beach Park Library & Museum? Sitting atop a ★ 5 Dollar or Less Bookstore
★ Marina Park West county favorites hill with panoramic views, it is one of ★ Chumash Park
★ Foster Park ★ Serra Cross Park at Grant Park California’s most beautiful and unique ★ Four Seasons
★ Serra Cross Park at Grant Park ★ Surfers Point at Seaside Park destinations.
★ Surfers Point at Seaside Park ★ Faria Beach Park In February more than 26,000 West county favorites
★ Ventura Harbor Village square feet of new, state-of-the- ★ Olivas Links
★ Barnes & Noble Bookseller art interactive displays opened to ★ Emma Wood State Beach
the public. Integrating hundreds of ★ Faria Beach Park
 
   



artifacts, most never before seen, with ★ River Ridge Golf Club

 #"
P L A C E T O TA K E dozens of interactive displays, visitors ★ Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
2011 Readers’ Choice

 "
"# 
get to experience 18 new, engaging
   #

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VISITORS galleries. Ronald Reagan Presidential
Visitors to the Library can act in Library & Museum
East county winner a movie with Ronald Reagan using Looking for a fun and educational
Ronald Reagan Presidential green-screen technology, deliver
President Reagan’s inaugural address
way to spend the day, sure to please
all ages? Check out the Ronald Reagan
Library & Museum on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, set Presidential Library & Museum in Simi
the table for a state dinner, discover Valley.

 
 #" " West county winner president Reagan’s economic policies In February more than 26,000
    

   

26 $ ! $ ! Ventura Harbor Village while playing six interactive games, square feet of new, state-of-the-art
interactive displays opened to the Information: 983-4653

ENTERTAINMENT
public. Integrating hundreds of Website: http://www.riverridge-
artifacts, most never before seen, with golfclub.com
dozens of interactive displays, visitors
can experience 18 new, engaging,
entertaining and educational galleries. RADIO PERSONALITY
“Where else in Southern California
can you walk onboard an actual Air Full county winner
Force One aircraft, act in a movie
with Ronald Reagan, call a Cubs Bo Jaxon
game and create a White House State
Dinner floral arrangement all in the
Full county favorites
same day?” said Reagan Foundation ★ Tom Spence
Director of Communications Melissa ★ Rico and Mombo
Giller. “The Reagan Library provides an ★ Mark And Brian
engaging, fun and educational way to ★ Trace Nealy
spend your day.” ★ Ryan Seacrest
Visitors to the Library can act in
a movie with Ronald Reagan using
green-screen technology, deliver
R A D I O S TAT I O N
President Reagan’s inaugural address
on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, set Full county winner
the table for a state dinner, discover KHAY-FM, 100.7
president Reagan’s economic policies
while playing six interactive games, Full county favorites
read the president’s handwritten diary ★ KVTA-AM, 1520
by digitally turning the pages, ride a ★ KCAQ-FM, 104.7
horse alongside President Reagan, and ★ KCLU-FM, 88.3
more. ★ KLOS-FM, 95.5
“We thank the community for giving
us this honor,” Giller said.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential
Library & Museum is at 40
Presidential Drive in Simi Valley.
Information: 577-4066
Website: http://www.
reaganfoundation.org

River Ridge Golf Club

Two championship courses along
with stunning ocean and island views
makes the River Ridge Golf Club a
Readers’ Choice winner.
A friendly and helpful staff, along
with reasonable prices, is what gives
this public course a country club
feeling. River Ridge Golf Club is
the place to spend the day off with
friends enjoying the outdoors while

2011 Readers’ Choice

being challenged by either one of two
courses.
The club has a café along with a bar
and grill for lunch or a drink. A large
practice facility is available in addition
to a full-service pro shop which offers
golf instruction from PGA members.
The club is owned by the City of
Oxnard and is open to the public.
River Ridge Golf Club is at 2401 W.
Vineyard Ave. in Oxnard. 

  


 27

ENTERTAINMEN SPORTS BA R
Full county winner
Cronie’s Sports Grill
Full county favorite
★ BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery
East county favorites
★ Fox Sports Grill
★ Magoo’s Sports Grill
★ The Dugout Sports Grill
★ Yankee Doodles
West county favorites
★ Rookees Sports Bar
★ Victoria Pub & Grill
★ Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
★ JJ Brewsky’s Restaurant & Bar
★ Pirates Grub & Grog
★ Ric’s Restaurant Bar & Grill
Cronies Sports Grill
Cronies Sports Grill is very proud to
be your top choice in Ventura County
for Sports Bar. For the past 20 years, it
has been the place to join your friends
and family for the best sandwiches,
hamburgers, buffalo wings and salads.
While eating, you can watch your
favorite sporting events on the big
high-definition televisions.
Cronies is famous for serving tap
beer in giant “smokin’ cold’ 20-ounce
schooners. Its staff says there is no
place on earth you can get a colder
beer. You have a choice of many beers
on tap, as well as a selection of bottled
beer, spirits and wine.
There are four Cronies locations
in Ventura County with breakfast
served daily at the Newbury Park
and Camarillo locations and at all



 
friendly and knowledgeable staff.
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2011 Readers’ Choice

Cronies on weekends. You will love the
Breakfast Burrito and the Big Daddy
Omelet.
Patrons receive the highest
standards of quality and service, which
define the Cronies tradition. Cronies
definitely is a place you can feel
comfortable with friends and family,
while enjoying great food, fun times
and all at a reasonable price.
Cronies Sports Grill is at 2855
Johnson Drive in Ventura (650-6026),
370 N. Lantana in Camarillo (482-
5900), 2752 Cochran St. in Simi
Valley (583-9999) and the newest
location at 1620 Newbury Road in
Newbury Park (498-7888).
Website: http://cronies.com
J.J. Brewsky’s Restaurant & Bar
J.J. Brewsky’s of Camarillo has a
large selection of craft beers on tap
in addition to a full bar along with
various selections of wines in which a
customer can choose. It’s the largest
beer selection in the county. The
popular sports bar also employs a
J.J. Brewsky’s offers a happy
hour Monday through Friday from
3 to 7 p.m. with discounted drinks
school’s goal is to provide the practical
Star training and experience necessary to
readers in give its graduates fulfilling and financially
the East rewarding lifetime careers.
County Its cosmetology course offers
instruction in hairdressing, color, cutting
have
voted The and the secrets and techniques for
WineYard, designing the total look of beauty and
their balance. Its aesthetician students learn
choice skin care treatments, facials, anatomy,
for Wine microdermabrasion, chemical peels
Bar with and different body wraps. The make-
its more up artist program includes lessons in
than 350 straight makeup, high fashion makeup,
variety bridal makeup and how to work with
of wines photographers, models and photo shoots.
and bistro Well-trained beauty professionals always
setting. will be in demand. The academy’s job is to
build the student’s foundation, have them
2433 E. Ventura Blvd. in Camarillo. pass the California State Board Exam and
Information: 482-5249 start them on a successful career.
Website: http://www.jjbrewskys.com Lu Ross Academy is at 470 E.
Thompson Blvd., in Ventura.
Information: 643-5690
TRADE SCHOOL Web site: http://www.lurossacademy.
com
East county winner
Charter College
Simi Valley Adult School Charter College is a private,
Cosmetology Program independent college that follows a
dramatically new direction. It is neither
West county winner a liberal arts college, a university nor
Lu Ross Academy a vocational school. Instead, Charter
College borrows certain elements
East county favorites from each to create a unique and
innovative educational experience for
★ Professional Medical Careers Institute
our students.
★ Moorpark College
It offers an education that’s focused
★ Simi Valley Cosmetology School
on the student — their dreams, goals
West county favorites and success. Charter College doesn’t
★ Pacific Coast Trade School offer just an education, it offers an
★ Academy of Somatics and Massage opportunity to advance yourself and
★ Charter College provide the income, security and
★ Technology Development Center stability you need and want.
★ Santa Barbara Business College Students will find educational
programs ranging from certificates
Lu Ross Academy
Lu Ross Academy was founded in
and diplomas that can be earned in
as little as eight months, to its Fast-
Ventura in 1954 making it one of the track Bachelors degree programs that
oldest beauty schools in California. can be completed in only 30 months
  
 and appetizers. Rides are available The school has career programs for — all in career-focused subject areas
to anyone in Camarillo through such as Health Care, Criminal Justice,
 
  
Roadrunner Shuttle Service on Friday
and Saturday at no charge.
Appetizers, salads, Kobe burgers,
steaks, fish, chicken are just a few
of the items on the extensive menu.
cosmetology, estheticians and make-up
artist. It is recognized as one of the finest
beauty schools in Southern California with
students from throughout Ventura and
Santa Barbara counties as well as Agoura,
Calabasas and Malibu.
Business and Accounting, Information
Technology and more. Programs vary by
campus location.
Charter College has locations in
Oxnard, Lancaster, Long Beach and
  Live entertainment from local bands is
offered on Friday and Saturday nights.
Each student spends many hours Canyon Country.
Information: 888-200-9942
actually working on clients on the clinic
28 J.J. Brewsky’s Restaurant & Bar is at floor and in the full-service day spa. The Website: www.chartercollege.edu
 wine lovers can taste wines from Santa

ENTERTAINMENT
WINE BAR Ynez to New Zealand without travelling
further than Thousand Oaks.
East county winner More than two years ago longtime
The WineYard friends, Stacey Minar and Lisa Pearl,
gave up the corporate world, turned
West county winner their passion for wine into a business
and opened The WineYard. They found
The Wine Closet an ideal location on Thousand Oaks 5IBOL :PV
East county favorites Boulevard and converted the existing
property into a stylish wine tasting
GPS 7PUJOH 6T
★ Bellavino Wine Cellar
★ Cornell Winery & Tasting Room
shop.  4QPSUT #BS
With more than 350 types of wine
★ Wades Wines
in the store, The WineYard’s selection JO 7FOUVSB $PVOUZ
★ The Vineyards
is diverse and fun to browse. Wines are
West county favorites displayed in wooden racks in the center of

  
★ Ventura Wine Co. the store, arranged by variety. Around the     

★ Wine Lovers perimeter, stylish bistro tables are set under
★ Sheila’s Place Wine Bar & Café the windows and outside patio seating is
available as well.
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★ Paradise Pantry
★ Weaver Wines The WineYard can be reserved for t $PMEFTU #FFS JO5PXO " " $ 
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private parties and celebrations. To see
The WineYard a list of upcoming events and featured 
 
   
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The WineYard is at 1948 Thousand
 



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wines or sample the latest vintage from
their favorite labels, but until now they Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks. !
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Learn more and celebrate your

freedoms by sharing your videos,
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2011 Readers’ Choice

Show us how free you can be.

30

Services
Acupuncturist .......................... 32
Auto Repair Shop .................... 32
Bank/Savings & Loan .............. 32
Barber Shop............................. 33
Boot Camp ............................... 33
Catering Company ................... 35
Chiropractor............................. 38
Contractor................................40
Day Care...................................40
Dentist......................................40
Dog Grooming ..........................40
Dry Cleaner.............................. 41
Family Doctor........................... 41
Gym .......................................... 41
Hair Salon ................................ 41
Hearing Service ....................... 43
Hospital.................................... 45
Housecleaning Service ............ 47
Interior Designer .....................50
Landscaping............................. 52
LASIK Surgeon......................... 52
Law Office ................................ 54
Mortgage Company.................. 54
Moving Company ..................... 54
SERVICES
Optometrist.............................. 54
Personnel/Employment........... 54
Pest Control ............................. 54
Photographer ........................... 57
Plastic Surgeon........................ 57
Real Estate Company............... 57
Stock Brokerage ...................... 59
Tattoo Parlor ............................60
Title and Escrow ...................... 62
Travel Agency........................... 62
Veterinarian ............................. 62
Weight-Loss Center ................. 65
    
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2011 Readers’ Choice

31
SERVICES
ACUPUNCTURIST
East county winner
Acupuncture Specialty Clinic
West county winner
Acupuncture & Wellness
Clinic of Jonathan Breslow
East county favorites
★ Natural Healthcare Center
★ Roland Ryf
★ David Lee Acupuncture
★ Acumen Health Clinics
★ Bruce Pendleberry
West county favorites
★ Lisa Wong
★ TRC Acupuncture / Integrative
★ John Eversen
★ Krystal Pearson
★ Acupuncture Speciality Clinic
Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic of
Jonathan Breslow
The Acupuncture & Wellness
Clinic of Jonathan Breslow, has been
serving Ventura County, in expanding
capacities, since 1985.
Objective results are what Breslow
specializes in. He provides those
results in a warm, caring atmosphere.
Deeply curative results are realized in
a wide range of health conditions in all
age groups.
Every patient has a right to
understand why they are suffering,
and what can be done to provide a
deeper curative resolution to their
health problems, not just temporarily
relieve symptoms. Breslow provides
an insightful and practical education,

Anacapa Animal Hospital in Ventura offers a wide-range of veterinary
services from annual vaccines and wellness care to advanced diagnostics
and surgical services. It was voted the west county winner for veterinarian.
so that each patient understands their
natural healing process.
The clinic is flexible to the financial
concerns of patients and has ways of
making successful treatment outcomes
affordable for just about anyone.
He offers a synthesis of the most
effective, fastest acting and safest
acupuncture techniques. The clinic
offers needle-free ear seed therapy
which accelerates treatment response.
The Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic
of Jonathan Breslow is at 350 N.
Lantana St. Suite 220.
Information: 383-0318
Website: http://www.breslowmed.com
A U T O R E PA I R S H O P
East county winner
Rick’s Japanese Car Care
West county winner
DMC Transmission
East county favorites
★ Westlake Independent / Acura-Honda
★ Firestone Complete Auto Care
★ Gallardo’s Automotive
★ Tyler’s Auto Repair
★ William L. Morris Chevrolet
West county favorites
★ Williams Automotive
★ Bill Hahn’s Automotive
★ Fisher Martin Automotive
★ Adolfo Auto Care
would find at a dealership.
All of our mechanics are 20-year
seasoned ASE Master Techs and work
on most vehicles. Feel free to bring
your vehicle in for an inspection
25 years in business..25,000 happy
customers...$25 oil change...
Rick’s Japanese Auto Repair is at 37
Taylor Court Thousand Oaks
Website: http://www.ricksjapanese.us
William L. Morris Simi Valley
Providing sales and service to
Californian’s since 1929, William L.
Morris Chevrolet in Simi Valley has
seen just about every trend come and
go in the automotive industry. This
year, VC Star Readers have voted the
Service Center as a Favorite among
auto repair shops.
“We operate 29 service bays onsite
attended by eight GM-Certified Master
Technicians and a dedicated technician
onsite to service and maintain RVs,”
said Service Director Dave Bodjanac.
“We service all imports and domestics
and have a special Corvette service
center to provide extreme TLC for
Corvette’s and their owners.”
A newly remodeled customer lounge
provides complimentary Wi-Fi, express
check-out, an exclusive rental fleet of
cars and a courtesy shuttle service.
The service department, which
also provides sales and parts, is open
from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
William L. Morris Chevrolet is at
1001 Cochran St. in Simi Valley.
Information: 426-5872
Website: http://www.morrischevy.com
Facebook: Wm L Morris Chevy Simi
Valley
Twitter: @MorrisChevy
 


★ Neighborhood Car Care
BANK /
Rick’s Japanese Auto Repair
 


  

 Thank You Conejo Valley for Voting SAVINGS & LOAN
2011 Readers’ Choice

   

 Rick’s Japanese Auto Repair the
Winner of Readers Choice in Auto Full county winner
 
    

 
 
Repair.
We are family-owned and operated
Wells Fargo

           and have been helping friends, Full county favorites
neighbors just like yourself with their


 

 automotive needs for more than 25
★ Bank of America



         ★ Chase

years.
★ Santa Barbara Bank & Trust
 4 .PPSQBSL 3E t 5IPVTBOE 0BLT $B  t 
 We offer all of our services at a fair
★ Union Bank
  

 price usually 30 percent less than you
32 ★ Ventura County Credit Union
West county favorite

SERVICES
★ Rabo Bank

Ventura County Credit Union

After 60 years, the Ventura County
Credit Union has learned what their
neighbors need — a reliable lender
they can trust. Ventura County Credit
Union has been here serving local
needs and stands ready to be part of a
strong future for Ventura County. The
credit union is not-for-profit, which
means rates will be low and you won’t
be squeezed for every penny from by
charging garbage fees. If you live, work
or attend school in Ventura or Santa
Barbara counties, talk to the staff of
the Ventura County Credit Union when
you need to borrow.
Information: 477-4000
Website: http://www.myVCCU.org

BARBER SHOP
East county winner
Supercuts
West county winner
Hank’s Barber Shop The team from Command Performance Catering is celebrating its 25th year of serving the community with
another win as the top Catering company in the east county.
East county favorites
for more than 30 years — as well as Scissor & Comb still does the hot towel
★ A New Technique Salon
their children, grandchildren, and now, and lather shaves. Senior discounts are BOOT CAMP
★ Fantastic Sams
great-grandchildren. available.
★ Dick’s Cut & Style
★ Tapo Street Barber Shop
Located at 103 N. Reino Road in “We are very family oriented,” East county winner
Newbury Park, Dick’s Cut and Style Stewart said. “We go the extra mile for
805 Boot Camp
West county favorites is open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. our customers and all of our barbers
★ Smooth’s Barber Shop Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to take pride in what they do.” West county winner
6 p.m. Saturday. Scissor & Comb Haircutters is at
★ Supercuts
★ Bernie’s Mens Haircutting Information: 498-9023 680 N. Ventura Road in Oxnard, in the Ventura County Adventure
★ Scissors & Comb Haircutters Fremont Shopping Center. Boot Camp
Scissors & Comb Haircutters Information: 981-1318
Dick’s Cut and Style Unlike the fast and impersonal
Family owned for 36 years, and way of some shops, Scissors & Comb
operated by Veronica Andrade and Haircutters is a throwback to the day !14+ $4!17*, $,1 +4,1 +7 !+,
! %"-
when a haircut was done the old-
her son Jesse Gutierrez for the
last 18, Dick’s Cut and Style has fashioned way — with TLC. 
          

 

       

 

2011 Readers’ Choice

Owned and managed by Mike
the distinction of being the only
!14+ $4!17
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Stewart, the barbershop has been
barbershop in Newbury Park.
in business for 50-years at the
+, $+ $$,! ,  
    
Dick’s Cut and Style takes great
pride in their ability to meet the
barbering and styling needs of any
customer — whether it be old or new
techniques, short hair, long hair, or
same location. Stewart took over the
, ,1 $4!17 !!+
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business when his grandfather, Hemie
Romero, passed away.
With seven full-time barbers on staff,





anywhere in between. there usually is no waiting. The staff %-.
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whom have remained loyal to the shop 98-percent of its business is male. 666(
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SERVICES


  
   


 
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34
      
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East county favorites
★ Hyperion Fitness
★ California Lutheran University Fitness
Boot Camp
★ Extreme Boot Camp Thousand Oaks
★ Hardcore Boot Camp
★ Mighty Fitness Boot Camp
West county favorites
★ Beachy Keen Bootcamp
★ Scarlett Strength & Conditioning
★ Get Cut Fitness
Ventura County Adventure Boot Camp
Ventura County Adventure Boot
Camp for Women was selected as the
Readers’ Choice Favorite, West County
Boot Camp category.
The camp takes a different approach
to exercising. It’s a unique fitness
program that will burn fat, gain
strength, tone the body and increase
a participates energy level along with
their self esteem.
This exclusive program was
developed by fitness expert Dr. John
Spencer and is now used by True North
Fitness owners Rob and Shannon
Yontz.
A participant receives a personal
fitness assessment prior to camp and
continues to receive ongoing fitness
guidance and nutritional education
to help a client reach their individual
goals.
“Our clients love us,” Shannon
Yontz said. “They stay with us because
they get results. We provide a positive
environment and expert coaching from
our well-trained and friendly staff.”
According to Yontz, exercises
vary each day but usually include a
combination of squats, push-ups,
lunges, jumping rope, lightweight
training, short distance running, hiking
and obstacle courses. Be prepared to
expect some “surprises” the trainers
might include.
All of the exercises are designed
to firm butts and thighs, flatten
stomachs, reduce body fat and provide
increased stamina.
Each boot camp has between 40
to 50 women with a variety of fitness
levels. A program is designed for each
individual and a camp is offered each
month.
“We are very touched to receive this
award,” Yontz said.
True North Fitness is at 6019-D
SERVICES
Olivas Park Drive, Ventura.
Information: 650-1239
Website: http://www.truenorthfitness.
com
C AT E R I N G C O M PA N Y
East county winner
Command Performance
Catering
West county winner
DJ’s California Catering
East county favorites
★ Plug Nickel Restaurant & Catering
★ Green Acres Farm Market & Catering
★ Merlins Kitchens
★ Gino Trattoria & Catering Co
★ Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill
West county favorites
★ Main Course California
★ Buenaventura Catering
★ Seasons Catering
★ Wedgewood Wedding & Banquet
Center
Command Performance Catering
Kirk, Danny, Executive Chef
Maya and the team from Command
Performance Catering want to thank
the readers for voting them the 2011
winning Catering Company in the East
County This also being our 25-year
anniversary in serving the community,
the staff wants to thank customers for
their loyalty and friendship.
“We are very grateful to have the
wonderful and amazing group of
planners, chefs, and staff working with
us who carry out our vision to exceed
all expectations, create unique and
memorable experiences, treat every
event as if it is the most important
2011 Readers’ Choice
and develop lifelong relationships with
our clients and friends who trust us
at some of most important times of
their lives,” said founder and CEO Kirk
Memoli.
Command Performance Catering also
thanks its exclusive venues throughout
Ventura and Los Angeles counties for
many wonderful years of partnership.
“We look forward to countless more
years of working together in producing 35
SERVICES

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36
quality events,” Kirk said.
“To all our private and corporate
clients, brides and grooms, venues,
entertainment and music industry
clients, non-profit organizations and
the Ronald Reagan Library Foundation:
We are looking forward to another 25
years of finding new and exciting ways
to serve you,” he said.
Information: 523-3232
Website: http://www.cpcatering.com
DJ’s California Catering
According to owner Doug Biggs, DJ’s
California Catering is special for three
things: excellent customer service, a
great menu and high-quality food.
DJ’s California Catering does
everything from wedding receptions to
corporate lunches to private parties.
Whatever the occasion, Biggs says, his
customers are given excellent value.
“We like you to feel that you’re getting
more than you paid for,” he said.
Themed parties are a favorite
among DJ’s clients. Choices include
a Hawaiian luau, a Mexican fiesta
or a big Italian dinner. It even does
barbecue. The company also does

 
drop-off meals for businesses and
SERVICES
private parties.
DJ’s has exclusive contracts with
several venues across the county,
including the Bella Victorian Vineyard
in Camarillo; Rancho de las Palmas
in Moorpark; the Scarlet Belle, a
paddlewheeler based in the Channel
Islands Harbor; and the Camarillo
Library, which has a banquet room.
Biggs describes his company as
one-stop shopping for his clients. In
addition to food, DJ’s provides wait
staff; a bar and bartender; and rentals,
such as chairs, tables and glassware.
For menus and more information,
visit its Web site.
DJ’s California Catering is in Ventura
at 2784 Johnson Drive.
Information: 850-0194
Web site: http://www.djscatering.com



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 SERVICES
CHIROPRACTOR
East county winner
Sommer Sports Chiropractic
West county winner
Stanley D. Jensen
Chiropractic Sports Center
East county favorites
★ Better Health and Wellness
★ Chiropractic Sports Institute
★ Michael Gene Willis
★ Boland Chiropractic
★ Goodman, Goodman & Goodman
West county favorites
★ Kalani Family Chiropractic
★ Advanced Spine & Sport Chiropractic
★ Coastal Chiropractic
★ Harer & Mortensen Chiropractic
★ Wilson Chiropractic Clinic

Sommer Sports Chiropractic

David Sommer of Sommer Sports
Chiropractic is thankful for all the
years he’s has been voted a favorite
and now a winner for the East County
chiropractor.
“This is a reflection of my entire
staff and their devotion to my clinic,”
Sommer said. “We’ve always tried to
stay ahead in healthcare by using the
best techniques in spine and sports
injuries. People know that many clinics
offer and use gimmick technology,
something we highly frown upon.”
Dr. Sommer’s knowledge of sports
injuries melds well with chiropractic.
“We are a hands-on clinic and not
a cookie-cutter practice,” he said.
“We work with you and your other
physicians to come up with the best
treatment for your condition.”
Dr. Sommer has been a team
physician for Simi and Grace Brethren
high schools, as well as treating many
John Howard / Special to The Star
Owner Mike Stewart gives Santiago Romero of Oxnard a haircut at Scissors & Comb Haircutters in Oxnard. It has
been a family business at the same location since 1961 and was voted a favorite Barber Shop this year.
two years and Dr. Hartman and I have chiropractic, having worked extensively extended hours on Monday, Wednesday
a strong affinity to youth safety,” with sports clients ranging from local and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30
Sommer said. high schools like Camarillo High p.m., as well as Tuesday and Thursday
Sommer Sports Chiropractic & School and Rio Mesa High School, to from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday
Sports Concussion Clinic is at 2345 retired NFL players and even rodeo from 8 a.m. to noon.
Erringer Road, Suite 210, in Simi riders Information: 484-1990
Valley. He believes that his considerable Website: http://www.jensenwalkin.
Information: 582-0007 experience with sports related com
Websites: http://simichiropractor. chiropractic treatment also serves
com him well when it comes to treating his Chiropractic Sports Institute
http://sportsconcussionclinic.com patients with non-sports related issues. Serving the East County with

2011 Readers’ Choice

professional and college athletes for
15 years. His closeness to sports
has recently led him to embark in a
new direction of sports concussion
management. Along with his Partner,
Gregg Hartman MD, they will be
opening sportsconcussionclinic.com
this spring to ensure the safety of
athletes participating in contact and
collision sports.
“This has been in the making for
Stanley D. Jensen
Chiropractic Sports Center
Proud Camarillo native Stanley
Jensen has been serving Ventura
County in the chiropractic field for 34
years. His lengthy tenure in the city of
Camarillo has made it possible to treat
many loyal clients, their children and
even their grandchildren.
Jensen’s background is in sports
His philosophy is to treat the whole
person.
Many of the staff has been with him
for a number of years. “It’s actually
their award,” Jensen said, crediting
them with the honor. “They are so
dedicated to caring for our patients.
My staff is the best!”
Located in the Medical Building at
3687 E. Las Posas Road (next to the
hospital), Jensen Chiropractic offers
locations in Westlake Village and
Moorpark, The Chiropractic Sports
Institute specializes in helping the
active patient and athlete.
Since 1992 Dr. Terry Weyman
and his outstanding staff have
helped active people quickly return
to play. All three doctors have post
graduate degrees in Sports Medicine/
Chiropractic and hold Certified
Chiropractic Sports Practitioner 38
 SERVICES








 
 
   
   
 
 

 
 



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2011 Readers’ Choice

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39
SERVICES degrees. The doctors are all
associated with professional teams
and work with local schools and
universities.
“At CSI our goal is to get the
maximum output out of your body so
that you can live and perform better
than you have in years,” says Weyman.
The Chiropractic Sports Institute
has two locations: in Westlake Village
at 2277 Townsgate Road, Suite 101;
and in Moorpark at 301 Science Drive,
Suite 100.
Information: Westlake Village, 371-
0737; Moorpark 531-1188
Website: http://www.gotcsi.com
CONTRACTOR
East county winner
Total Comfort Systems
West county winner
Fix It Fred Handyman Service
East county favorites
★ Advanced Solar Electric
★ DNA Construction Co. ★ Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church
★ Esa Electric ★ Little Tree Preschool DOG GROOMING
★ Tri Valley Five Star ★ Noah’s Ark Preschool
East county winner
West county favorites Our Saviour’s Preschool and Day Care
★ Valley Painting Center
Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa
★ Lockwood Brothers Construction Our Saviour’s Preschool and Day West county winner
★ Port Machinery Co. Care Center has been serving residents
of Ventura County for 28 years. Aloha Dog Grooming
“I consider ourselves unique,” said
D AY C A R E Patti Whitney, director. “I’ve seen kids Full county favorite
we’ve taken care of in the past now ★ Petsmart
East county winner bringing their children to us.”
East county favorites
Little Oaks School The center has a long-term staff
along with support from the church. It ★ Indiana Bones Temple of Groom
★ It’s Pawfect
West county winner has an open-door policy and parents
★ Canine Castle
are welcome to drop by anytime
Las Posas Children’s Center and have lunch with their child. In ★ Waggins Tails
addition, the center offers family West county favorites
East county favorites activities that include a family picnic,
★ Princeton Avenue Preschool ice cream social and Christmas
★ Happy Dog
★ Vickie’s Pampered Pet
★ Leap & Bound Academy program.
★ La Petite Academy The center has both part-time and
★ Petco
★ Dee Dee’s Dog Spot
★ Little Dreamers Early Childhood
★ The Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa
full-time programs available. It offers
a nurturing environment with long-
★ Pinecrest School time staff members that specialize in
Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa
Described as a pet’s paradise for
academic programs along with weekly
West county favorites chapel.
relaxation, socialization or just sheer
★ Peppermint Junction enjoyment, the 32,000-square-foot
The center’s hours are Monday
Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa is the
through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30
only boarding, grooming, training and
p.m.
doggie day camp facility of its kind for
 #     " "# #"&
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dogs, cats, birds and exotics.
 " # #  
 
 Care Center is at 905 Redwood St. in
Providing 24-hour care by a
Oxnard.

 
  
  Information: 487-7300
professionally trained staff, pet owners
have that extra peace of mind knowing
 



  Website: http://www.oslpreschool.
Westlake Village Animal Hospital is
com
t 1IPOBL under the same roof. The Barkley

 $  t 4UBSLFZ has an extensive list of pet amenities

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t 0UJDPO with private webcams, flat-screen

  
 
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starting at only $44.50 a night. Pre-

 
 
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2011 Readers’ Choice

  ★ Edward A. Chapin

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★ Timothy S. Arnett
# is at 31166 Via Colinas in Westlake
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★ Bryan Fisch Infomation: 818-889-2275
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★ Stacy Schmitt
thebarkleypethotel.com

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Aloha Dog Grooming
Aloha Dog Grooming wants to say a
big “thank you” to all its loyal clients
and readers of the Ventura County Star
for voting it the West County Winner for
the second year in a row.
The goal at Aloha Dog Grooming is to
give your pet the best possible grooming
experience in a relaxed environment
in the shortest amount of time.
Appointments are scheduled Tuesday
through Saturday throughout the day.
Your pet will be fresh and clean in
approximately two to four hours instead
of spending all day. Also available are
“straight-thru” appointments where
your pet exclusively is worked on.
In the comfortable waiting area, a
library of dog related books on training,
health and nutrition for your reference
can be found.
Aloha Dog Grooming is at 1076 E.
Front Street in Ventura.
Information: 643-4852
D RY C L E A N E R
East county winner
Tempo Cleaning
West county winner
Four Seasons Cleaners
livelihood.”
SERVICES
For the last seven years, Four GYM HAIR SALON
Cleaners has been involved in a
community project called Coats for East county winner East county winner
Kids, collecting and cleaning more
than 30,000 jackets. They teamed
24-Hour Fitness A New Technique Salon
up with local charities, including the West county winner West county winner
Project Understanding, the Rescue
Mission and the Boys & Girls Club to Mavericks Gym Michael Kelley Salon & Day
distribute the coats to Ventura County’s
Full county favorite Spa
needy.
Four Seasons also works with groups ★ Gold’s Gym East county favorites
redistributing prom dresses by cleaning
all the dresses free of charge. They
East county favorites ★ Cleo Hair Salon Indulgence &
★ Total Woman Health & Fitness Medispa
recently laundered 300 dresses for ★ Bella A’More Day Spa & Salon
Pacifica High School. ★ Oakridge Athletic Club
★ Spectrum Clubs ★ Salon Rouge
The Shah brothers opened Four ★ John of Italy Salon & Spa
Seasons Cleaners 25 years ago in the ★ YMCA
San Fernando Valley. But since 2001, West county favorites West county favorites
their focus has been Ventura County. ★ A Secret Place Salon & Day Spa
★ True North Fitness & Health
It’s the seventh year in a row that the ★ Pin-Ups Hair Design
★ Physique
company has been named a Reader’s ★ Architexture
★ Bally Total Fitness
Choice winner. ★ Bellissima Salon
★ Pierpont Racquet Club
Four Seasons Cleaners is a full- ★ Fantastic Sams
service cleaner, offering dry cleaning,
laundry, alterations and specializing in A New Technique Hair Salon
wedding gown preservation. John Miller credits the
Four Seasons Cleaners has three professionalism and continuing
locations, two in Ventura (1746 S. education of his staff as one of the
Victoria Ave., Suite A, and 4020 E.
Main St., No. B 3-2) and one in Oxnard
at 2051 N. Rose Ave., No. 300.
Information: 654-8181
Website: http://

 


 



www.4seasonscleaners.net

 

  



East county favorites #&#&  "6 /! "0 ! /+
★ Fazio Cleaners
#&&  & ! /+
★ Liberty Cleaners FA MILY DOCTOR
★ North Ranch Cleaners
)
"&#&  $ + 

★ Alex the Tailor & Dry Cleaners East county winner !+/+% "6 3+
★ Joe’s Discount Cleaners
★ TLC Cleaners
Moorpark Comprehensive
        
   
 2 /! /!+ 3! '15
    
West county favorites
Medical Group    



 

 

  

 !* /*/ /+
★ Dry Clean Safari West county winner
  
 

 !  
★ Mandalay Village Cleaners
Phelps Medical Center      
      
( !4) # 3-*1/ (* 
★ One Hour Martinizing        ! /! * 
★ Las Posas Cleaners
      *1/   !3*5 2+
East county favorites     
 !3*5
5

★ Alamo Hills Medical Group

   
 

* **
 **

(***  /+
Four Seasons Cleaners

2011 Readers’ Choice

What sets Four Seasons Cleaners ★ Arroyo Oaks Medical Group    
      
      
      
  

apart is not only it’s service and quality, ★ Moorpark Comprehensive Med Group
 !*
*!* 5 1#*2+ /1 /+
but most importantly, it’s investment in ★ Jonathan Kurohara
the community. ★ Kaiser Permanente
“We are the only dry cleaners in West county favorites
Ventura County that is so involved,”
★ Robert Garrison
said Sonny Shah, co-owner of Four
Seasons Cleaners. “It’s our company
★ Kaiser Permanente * $'$*
★ Brent Street Family Practice
philosophy. We want to give back to
★ Warwar Medical Group ,6 +/ !#+! 2&  /1*
the community where we make our
★ Channel Islands Family Medical 
 41
SERVICES

MIKE SIPES, BROKER ALI ABREE MARC SIPES JOSIE RALSTIN JOHN HOLLADAY JENNIFER HUNNICUTT GINNY KURTZ LAURA MEANS
VENTURA 805-212-3223 VENTURA 805-218-1200 SEABRIDGE 805-415-2604 VENTURA 805-368-7875 FILLMORE 805-797-6804 CAMARILLO 805-377-6011 CAMARILLO 805-444-9439 CAMARILLO 805-443-2121

Gold Coast Realtors

LIZ DONNELLY FRED EVANS KATHY FROWNFELTER JIM MONTECALVO
VENTURA 805-794-6005 VENTURA 805-339-3502 CAMARILLO 805-443-0998 CAMARILLO 805-484-4120

Thank You Ventura County

DONNA SALLEN ROBERT MENDOZA
for Voting Us Your CARLA MAGDALENO ROBERT BOYTER
VENTURA 805-798-0516 VENTURA 805-469-5400
Favorite West County Real Estate CAMARILLO 805-794-7808 CAMARILLO 805-388-1575

Company!

Ventura 56 1500 Palma Dr. [ 644-1242

Camarillo 56 601 Daily Dr. [ 484-1600
Beach 56 3924 Tradewinds Dr. [ 382-9441
Fillmore 56 618 Ventura Rd. [ 524-2624
Ojai 56 21 West Baldwin Rd. [ 646-2826
MONIQUE WEBSTER KAREN REIDY DAVID REMEDIOS MIKE LOSEY LISA HARKSON
VENTURA 805-901-2812 VENTURA 805-701-2675 VENTURA 805-339-3567 Santa Paula 56 117 N. 10th St. [ 933-6600 SEABRIDGE 805-509-1177 SEABRIDGE 805-701-7667
2011 Readers’ Choice

JANA SHAW DAPHNE RAZAVI HEIDI GOLFF ANA SMITH BILL HOLLING LAUREN LEE HENRY DIANE & GREG BROWN MICHELLE LOSEY
VENTURA 805-390-9740 VENTURA 805-901-3217 VENTURA 805-701-1798 VENTURA 805-377-4663 VENTURA 805-339-3566 VENTURA 805-901-9510 SEABRIDGE 805-312-2301/208-1734 SEABRIDGE 805-312-1529
42
reasons A New Technique Salon has
been a Readers Choice winner for the
past 10 years.
Originally established by Miller’s
parents in 1975, A New Technique
Salon has stayed on top of hair trends
by requiring its employees to take
intensive training and classes each
year in New York City.
The Miller family also brings top
Redken educators into the salon
throughout the year to provide
additional training and up-to-date
resources to its hairdressers. All of A
New Technique’s stylists are experts
in both cut and color and make
communicating with their clients a top
priority.
“The level of knowledge that the
staff has is really incredible and that
makes me proud of the work that
comes out,” says Miller.
The salon owners also are very active
in the community and involved with
charities such as Locks of Love and
various Kiwanis groups.
All new clients will receive 20
percent off their first visit. Call to
schedule a free consultation.
A New Technique Hair Salon is at
1970 Sequoia Ave., Suite 2 in Simi
Valley.
Information: 527-8585
Website: http://www.
anewtechniquesalon.com
HEARING SERVICE
East county winner
Decibel Hearing Service
West county winner
Costco Wholesale

East county favorites
St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard is the largest acute
healthcare organization serving Ventura County. For nearly 100 years the
hospital has been providing compassionate healthcare services to county
residents. This year it has been voted a favorite Hospital in the west county.
Dr. Ellen Baker, owner and operator,
is a nationally certified, state-licensed
doctor of audiology and hearing aid
specialist.
Highly educated, she has received
a bachelor’s degree in speech and
Suite 102, in Simi Valley. .
SERVICES
Information: Thousand Oaks, 449-
2380; Simi Valley, 584-3327
Website: http://www.decibelhearing.
com
HEARx West
HEARx West is a widely respected
hearing care company with more than
35 locations in southern California and
over 175 centers in the U.S.
All hearing care centers have
licensed audiologists on staff, utilizing
advanced computerized testing
equipment to ensure that each patient
receives accurate testing and optimum
hearing aid fit and performance.
HEARx West offers the latest
innovations in hearing aids in all sizes
and levels of technology to meet your
hearing needs and budget, a warranty
on all hearing aids, attractive financing
options and hearing education classes.
HEARx West has locations in
Camarillo, Ojai, Thousand Oaks and
Ventura.
Information: 877-714-2828.
Website: http://www.hearusa.com
John Howard / Special to The Star
service, Decibel Hearing Services
provides hearing assessments
and rehabilitation, education and
counseling services for all ages.   
They also fit and dispense the latest
technology in digital hearing aids and
 


★ Costco Wholesale hearing sciences, and a masters and related assistive-listening devices to      
★ Harmony Hearing Center doctorate of audiology. suit all types of hearing loss, life styles

2011 Readers’ Choice

With more than 25 years of in the and budgets
West county favorites field, Dr. Baker brings a wealth of Dr. Baker and staff are concerned


 

 
 

★ HEARx West
★ Acoustic Hearing Aids
 
★ Hearing Impaired Hotline
★ Ventura Hearing Center
knowledge and experience to every about each patient and recommend
client. solutions to fit your lifestyle and

Dr. Baker’s goal is to provide the situation.
best possible hearing care, based “My clients are like family to me,”  
     
upon the patient’s individual needs. Baker said. “I’ve had many of them for
Decibel Hearing Services
Decibel Hearing Services provides a
The center provides services related years, and they keep coming back.”   
to evaluation, rehabilitation and Decibel Hearing Services is at 415   

   


variety of hearing healthcare services prevention of hearing impairment. E. Rolling Dr., Suite 190, in Thousand
in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. In addition to hearing aid sales and Oaks, and at 1687 Erringer Road, 

 
 
  43
SERVICES
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2011 Readers’ Choice

44
Acoustic Hearing Aids
The staff at Acoustic Hearing Aids
understands how important your
hearing is to you. By choosing Acoustic
Hearing Aids to digitally correct and
enhance your hearing, you will be
working with owner Ron Roberts,
who has successfully fit thousands of
instruments.
It is the factory-authorized dealer
for Phonak, Starkey, Widex, ReSound,
Unitron, Siemens, Rexton, Oticon and
Sonic.
Acoustic Hearing Aids is locally
family-owned and operated, not a
franchise that can come and go.
Since Roberts is the owner, rest
assured, you’ll be taken care of with
lifetime service, adjustment and
cleanings.
Acoustic Hearing Aids has two
locations to serve you, in Camarillo
at 2412 N. Ponderosa Drive (482-
1104) and in Oxnard at 3663 W.
5th St. (444-5767). The Camarillo
location accepts walk-in clients while
the Oxnard location is by appointment
only.
Website: http://www.
acoustichearingaid.com
H O S P I TA L
East county winner
Los Robles Hospital &
Medical Center
West county winner
Community Memorial
Hospital
East county favorites
★ Simi Valley Hospital
★ Los Robles Hospital Rehab Center
★ Los Robles Surgicenter
★ Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital
★ Kaiser Permanente
West county favorites
★ St. John’s Regional Medical Center
★ Community Memorial Hospital
Centers for Family Health
highest quality healthcare to friends
SERVICES
and neighbors throughout Ventura
County. Superb medical facilities play
an extremely important role in our
quality of life, ranking alongside other
factors such as housing, employment
opportunities, effective education, and
cultural and social life. It is honored
to be a cornerstone of this community,
having provided more than a century of
noble service.
Community Memorial Hospital is at
147 N. Brent St. in Ventura.
Information: 652-5011
Website: http://www.cmhshealth.
org/cmh
Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital
The Thousand Oaks Surgical
Hospital is committed to extraordinary
care, clinical excellence and
exceptional patient satisfaction.
The 50,000-square-foot hospital was
opened in 2005 as a joint partnership
of 46 local physicians and Cirrus
Health.
Designed as an advanced setting for
HEARx West offers the latest innovations in hearing aids in all sizes and
surgical care, the hospital’s quality
levels of technology to meet your hearing needs and budget. The company
of care and service is evidenced by
has been voted a west county favorite for Hearing Service.
is ready to embark on a new mission,
one that can only be accomplished as
a collaborative effort with the great
help of the community.
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leaders, the board of trustees and
administration of Community Memorial &KLFDJR 7LWOHµ
Health System is undertaking two
important projects that will expand and
enhance healthcare services at both
the Ventura and Ojai hospitals. A new
hospital is planned for Ventura that
will meet the existing and emerging
needs of patients and their families,
while we undertake the modernization
of the Ojai Valley Community Hospital.
These projects are needed to meet
2011 Readers’ Choice
a state seismic mandate, but more
importantly, they are needed to
update facilities so that our healthcare
professionals are able to practice
modern medicine, in modern facilities,
★ St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital
★ Ventura County Medical Center
Community Memorial Hospital
Community Memorial Health System
 
that will benefit the residents of the
communities we serve.
Community Memorial Health
System’s administration, board of
trustees, medical staff and employees ZZZFKLFDJRWLWOHFRP 45
are deeply committed to providing the
    
 

SERVICES

       


 

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46 

  
 



    
   


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its consistently being ranked second

SERVICES
in California for overall patient
satisfaction, based on industry and
consumer group surveys.
The unique facility and staff
provide a hospitality-inspired, healing
environment where surgical inpatients
are afforded private rooms with
many amenities that include in-room
accommodations and meals for the
patient’s families and visitors, too.
The Thousand Oaks Hospital is at
401 E. Rolling Oaks Drive in Thousand
Oaks.
Information: 777-7750
Website: http://www.TOSHospital.
com

St. John’s Regional Medical Center

St. John’s Regional Medical Center in
Oxnard is the largest acute healthcare
organization serving Ventura County.
For nearly 100 years the hospital
has been providing compassionate
healthcare services to the residents of
Ventura County.
Sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy
The team at Vicki Blakeman Interior Design crafts interiors carefully, blending creativity meticulous planning and
its goal is to provide and promote
solid technical knowledge. So it comes as no surprise it has been voted an east county winner for Interior Design
the physical, emotional and spiritual
since 1996.
wellbeing to patients and their families.
With 265-beds St. John’s offers all Centers for Family Health Health Care Agency. “We are proud

%
private rooms along with a network of
more than 600 qualified physicians
all deeply committed to providing
the patient with quality healthcare.
#
The hospital is also equipped with
The nine Centers for Family Health
throughout Ventura County deliver
exceptional medical care to more than
200,000 patients. Located in Oxnard,
Ventura, Oak View, Cam

of the dedication and quality care
provided to all of our patients and their
families by our wonderful doctors,
nurses, and staff.”  
Ventura County Medical Center has
an emergency room that operates 24
hours a day along with a 23-bed acute
care rehabilitation facility.
According to Rita O’Connor, director
of communications, St. John’s has
been rated superior for survival rates
in coronary bypass surgery along
with being a Center for Excellence in
bariatric weight loss surgery.
“Being voted as a favorite is an
incredible honor,” O’Conner said.
“To be recognized by the community
for providing our outreach service is
amazing.”
arillo, Santa Paula and Fillmore, the
Centers are staffed by board-certified
physicians and compassionate medical
professionals-many who are bilingual-
who provide a large array of services
including family practice, pediatrics
and obstetrics.
Many of the Centers also feature
state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment
including X-ray, EKG and ultrasound
testing machinery. Moreover, several of
the Centers also provide urgent medical
care and educational and counseling
services. All Centers provide patient’s
208 beds and a 24-hour emergency    # 
room. Some of the services provided
include an intensive care unit, a
 #
#
cardiology department, a pediatric  #
specialty care unit and a neonatal
intensive care unit. VCMC is the  
designated trauma center for west
Ventura County.  #
Ventura County Medical Center is at
3291 Loma Vista Road in Ventura.

#
Information: 652-6000
Website: http://www.vchca.org
 
&#
2011 Readers’ Choice
In the future, St. John’s has an access to specialists located within our HOUSECLEANING    # &

emphasis on continuing to create
programs that are known to provide a
health system. SERVICES
Information: 585-3090
healing environment to patients with Website: http://www.cmhshealth.
Full county winners $
compassion and dignity, she said. org/cfh
St. John’s Regional Medical Center is
at 1600 N. Rose Ave., Oxnard.
Merry Maids '!
Ventura County Medical Center
Information: 988-2500 “We are honored to receive this Full county favorite 


 
Website: http://www.stjohnshealth.org recognition from the community,” said
Robert Gonzalez, MD, director of the
★ Molly Maid

  47
SERVICES

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49
SERVICES East county favorites
★ Maid in America House Cleaning
★ The Maids
★ Adella’s Housecleaning

West county favorites

★ Maid Brigade
★ Fame Systems

Merry Maids
Providing quality house cleaning
services, satisfaction guaranteed,
Merry Maids has once again been
voted as Star readers’ choice
countywide
for house cleaning services.
Merry Maids has friendly and
competent uniformed staff and
customer satisfaction is a priority.
Nationally recognized and bonded
and insured, its teams take a personal
interest in maintaining your home to
the highest standards.
Merry Maids is a proud partner with
Cleaning for a Reason, which cleans
homes, free of charge, for women with
cancer.
Merry Maids has offices throughout
Ventura County.
Information: 339-0038
Website: http://MerryMaidsVentura.
com

Molly Maid
Are you pressed for time like
everyone else? Do you need the The 32,000-square-foot Barkley Pet Hotel & Day Spa is the only boarding, grooming, training and doggie day camp
weekend to decompress from the facility of its kind for dogs, cats, birds and exotics. It has been voted the east county winner for Dog Grooming.
stress of the pass week? If so,
County and enjoy a relaxing and guaranteed your satisfaction for more East county favorites
housecleaning is probably the last
carefree time off. than 25 years. Molly Maid is the most
thing on your mind when the weekend ★ Gail Claridger Interior
“We are consistent in our cleaning,” trusted name in housecleaning and at
finally arrives. ★ Lifestyles Interior Design
said Elva Correa. “We do a good job.” a reasonable price.
Why not give yourself a break and ★ Burnett Design Group
Molly Maid is synonymous with Information: 684-7328
turn the job over to the trusted and ★ Dream House Interiors
housecleaning and is backed by Website: http://www.mollymaid.com/
competent Molly Maid of Ventura
an established company that has local-house-cleaning/ca/santa-barbara- West county favorite
ventura.aspx ★ Anderson Kulwiec Architects

Vicki Blakeman Interior Design

INTERIOR DESIGNER Vicki Blakeman is honored to be
2011 Readers’ Choice

selected an East County winner every



 

East county winner year since 1996. She credits this

 
Vicki Blakeman Interior achievement to a talent for getting




    


in “mental sync” with client needs,



Design then combining their ideas with her

   
  
inspiration and experience. The end
 
  
 
   
 


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West county winner result is spaces that work as well



  Cheryl Collins Signature as they look, which makes for very

 





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50 
   
 

 Blakeman’s design team crafts
interiors carefully, blending creativity
meticulous planning and solid
technical knowledge. Projects range
from furnishing/decorating a single
room, to complete interior remodels.
Typical of the firm’s work are a large
house remodel and furnishing project
in Westlake Village, a new dental suite
in Thousand Oaks and a kitchen/family
room update in Oak Park.
Readers are encouraged to see
examples, especially Before and After
makeovers, in “Portfolio” on her
website.
Prior clients who return for new work
are a particular source of pleasure
for Blakeman. People who are happy
enough with your work to want more of
it (when they move, want to add other
areas etc) are the greatest, she adds.
We’ve had six of these “old friends”
come back to us just this year.
Information: 496-6222 or vbid1@
yahoo.com
Website: http://www.
blakemaninteriors.com
Cheryl Collins Signature Style
On Main Street in Ventura is a little

   
 


hidden jewel called Cheryl Collins
SERVICES
Signature Style. Cheryl Collins, owner
and interior designer, is elated to be
honored for her work.
Collins takes on many jobs — no job
is too big or small. Effortless elegance
awaits inside the store. With a sort of
eclectic chic sophistication, shoppers
from Hollywood to Conejo Valley to
Santa Barbara, can find anything from
ornate picture frames to elaborate
antique pieces modernized. Rich
textures and luscious fabrics create a
warm and inviting atmosphere. Collins’
work is an appealing mix of traditional
and modern, masterfully done.
Throughout her 24-year career,
Collins traveled the path of retail
design with numerous galleries.
She has been featured in various
publications and received nationwide
awards, which gave Collins a new
level of expertise in commercial and
residential design as well as a unique
style and versatility. Collins prefers to
design “a room at a time,” but there
are no limits to what she can create
given any budget or footage, be it a
“900-square foot condo or a 14,000-
2011 Readers’ Choice
51
SERVICES square foot home in Hancock Park,” fences and patio covers and much
she said. more.
Cheryl’s many creative themes and For more information on the team,
components include: Space planning, its mission and its past projects, visit
furniture, flooring, paint, accessories, its website or, to see its projects in
makeovers, staging for sale, upholstery, process, stop by its Facebook page.
window treatments, and kitchen and Receive a free design consultation
bath designs. when you mention this write-up.
Cheryl Collins Signature Style’s store Scarlett’s Landscape is at 2476
is at 420 E. Main St. in Ventura. Palma Drive, Suite C, in Ventura.
Information: 479-7777 Information: 642-3002
Website: http:// Website: http://scarlettslandscaping.
cherylcollinssignaturestyle.com com
Facebook: Cheryl Collins Signature Facebook: Scarlett’s Landscape, Inc
Style

LASIK SURGEON
LANDSCAPING
East county winner
East county winner Khanna Institute of LASIK
Enhanced Landscape
West county winner
Management
Dougherty Laser Vision
West county winner
West county favorites
Scarlett’s Landscaping ★ Shapiro Laser Eye Center
East county favorites ★ Michael T. Ragen
★ John Davidson
★ Ecology Landscape
★ D Best
Khanna Institute of LASIK
★ Green Horizon Landscaping
The Khanna Vision Institute provides
★ Landscapes by Jeffery
quality vision correction solutions in
★ Larsen Landscaping Construction
the East County.
★ Swink’s Creations
Dr. Rajesh Khanna, M.D., is the lead
West county favorites ophthalmologist and has perfected the
★ CJ Vandergeest Landscape Care art of refractive surgery through years
★ Blooming Gardens of research, training and experience.
★ Cano’s Landscaping & Masonry As an experienced ophthalmologist
★ Chilcutt Landscaping Designed as an advanced setting for surgical care, Thousand Oaks Surgical and LASIK surgeon, he has been
Hospital’s quality of care and service is evidenced by its consistently recognized as one of the nation’s
Scarlett’s Landscape being ranked second in California for overall patient satisfaction, based leading laser vision correction eye
Scarlett’s Landscape Inc. is a family- on industry and consumer group surveys. It has been voted an east county surgeons, and he is a member of the
owned and operated landscaping favorite for Hospital. UCLA medical staff.
Dr. Khanna and staff strive to
company serving Ventura and Santa Scarlett’s Landscape has been provide all of their patients with
Barbara counties. serving Ventura County and Santa individualized, state-of-the-art eye


   Run by the experienced father and Barbara for more than 30 years and treatment with compassion and
  son team of Tom and Jeremy Scarlett, has thousands of satisfied customers dignity. Excellent patient care is Dr.
it is committed to providing affordable and multiple projects available for
2011 Readers’ Choice

Khanna’s primary goal. He strives to


    and professional landscaping services viewing. Through hard work, follow utilize the most advanced techniques
 to all Ventura County and Santa through and honest communication, it to increase the safety and efficacy of
  Barbara residents and businesses. strives to exceed your expectations and vision corrective procedures.

  What began as a simple ad for make your outdoor living dreams come As one of the pioneers of laser

 yard cleanup in the Penny Saver true. vision correction in all its forms, eye
has grown into a reputed full-service Some of its specialties include: scanning and eye tracking software

   
 landscaping firm providing design, ‘smart’ irrigation, segmented retaining like Wavefront and Custom LASIK,

  
   build, and maintenance services for all walls, estate and commercial as well as the painless, ultra-small
  residential, commercial and municipal maintenance, integrated design, LED incision cataract surgery, Dr. Khanna
52  
  
 properties. lighting, artificial turf, water features, keeps safety and efficacy in mind with
 SERVICES
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2011 Readers’ Choice

53
SERVICES all his treatments. and find out what procedure is best for you we have been voted East County’s ★ Ona Shiroyama
By using all of the most advanced you. Consultations are complimentary. Favorite Mortgage Company three
vision correction techniques, Dougherty Laser Vision is at 1821 years in a row. All of our mortgage
his patients feel confident and Daily Drive in Camarillo. planners are hand selected and very PERSONNEL/
comfortable. He not only has
experience with thousands of vision
Information: 987-5300
Website: www.doughertylaservision.
well trained. Each one must qualify
based on: their reputation for integrity,
EMPLOYMENT
correction surgeries, but he also com honesty, knowledge, and providing the
trains and educates many new highest service levels possible to our
Full county winner
ophthalmologists each year. clients. Apple One Temporary
Call today for your free LASIK L AW O F F I C E We are confident you will be pleased
consultation. with our help and our services. More Employment Service
The Khanna Vision Institute is East county winner importantly, we are committed to your
East county favorites
at 179 Auburn Court, Suite 1, in family’s needs and to selecting the
Westlake Village. Manfredi Levine Eccles Miller right financial choice. ★ Barrington Staffing Service
★ Select Staffing
Information: 877-254-2662 West county winner Thank you again Ventura County.
★ Volt Services Group
Website: http://www.khannainstitute. Information: 480-9222
com Nordman Cormany Hair & Website: http://www. West county favorites
Dougherty Laser Vision
Compton thousandoaksmortgage.net
★ Volt Services Group
★ Aerotek
There are an overwhelming number East county favorites
of options when it comes to vision
★ Huber Law Offices
M O V I N G C O M PA N Y ★ Employer Services Group
correction surgery. Ask anyone in the
★ Debra J. Kay
healthcare community in Ventura
★ Miller-Ginsburg Law Offices
East county winner PEST CONTROL
County and they trust their eyes with
Dr. Paul Dougherty. His goal is not to
★ Patricia Mann Law Office Dynamic Delivery
★ Richard M. Hoefflin East county winner
do LASIK on just anyone that comes West county winner
through his door, but rather focus West county favorites M & M Termite & Pest Control
specifically on what is best for the ★ Myers Widders Gibson Jones Meathead Movers
patient. Dougherty Laser Vision offers ★ Gary W. Norris Law Office
West county winner
East county favorites
a full range of correction options
including: traditional and custom
★ Norman Dowler
★ Advanced Moving
Hydrex Pest Control Co.
★ Edsall & Norris
(wavefront-guided) LASIK, Implantable ★ Ferguson Case Orr Paterson East county favorites
Contact Lenses (ICLs), and Intraocular West county favorites
★ Sheeler Moving & Storage ★ Cragoe Pest Service
Lenses (IOLs). What this does is
★ Orkin
ensure you will receive the most M O R T G A G E C O M PA N Y ★ Hilford Moving & Storage
★ Summit Termite & Pest Control
appropriate, individualized treatment ★ Starving Students
★ Bekins Moving & Storage ★ Carter’s Pest Control
possible with the best possible East county winner ★ Sentry Termite & Pest Control
outcome.
Dr. Dougherty is among the nation’s CFC Mortgage ★ Zwaag Termite Control
most experienced and respected vision OPTOMETRIST West county favorites
correction surgeons. He attended West county winner
UCLA Medical School where he Wells Fargo Home Mortgage East county winner ★ Dewey Pest Control Co.
★ M & M Termite & Pest Control
graduated first in his class, which Nelson Murata Optometric ★ Western Exterminator Co.
led to his residency at UCLA’s Jules East county favorites ★ Terminix International Co.
Stein Eye Institute. He then did his ★ Thousand Oaks Mortgage Corp. ★ BPC Structural Pest Control
fellowship at the prestigious Phillips
Eye Institute in Minneapolis, where Dr.
★ First Rate Financial Group West county winners (tie)
★ RPM Mortgage M&M Termite and Pest Control
Dougherty trained with vision surgery ★ Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Michael Freeland M&M Termite and Pest Control has
pioneer Dr. Richard Lindstrom. ★ Bank of America been a family-owned and operated
Robert L. Pazen
2011 Readers’ Choice

He became one of the first ★ On Q Financial business for three generations serving
ophthalmologists in the nation to Southern California since 1939. A
experience LASIK first-hand when he West county favorites East county favorites member of the Pest Control Operators
had his own eyes done in 1997. Since ★ Guild Mortgage Co ★ Costco Wholesale of California, Pest Control Operators
then, he has had perfect vision in ★ CFC Mortgage Bankers ★ Lynn Eye Medical Group of Ventura County, M&M is a licensed
both eyes, without corrective lenses. ★ Landmark Financial Service ★ Sam Shields & Associates Heat Provider for Termites.
Because of this, he can put himself ★ Lenscrafters Offering a wide range of pest control
in the patient’s shoes, relate to their Thousand Oaks Mortgage services, M&M provides traditional
concerns and treat their eyes as if they Thousand Oaks Mortgage would West county favorites
extermination, alternative “green”
were his own. like to thank the Ventura County Star ★ Family Vision Center
chemical extermination and even
54 He invites you to “see” for yourself readers for voting for us. Because of ★ Marty Schneider
chemical-free extermination.
   

SERVICES
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2011 Readers’ Choice

   
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      55
 FREE
to dance to rock to report to tweet

Thanks to the First Amendment,

you can be whoever and
whatever you want to be.

Learn more and celebrate your

freedoms by sharing your videos,
photos, stories and songs.

1forall.us
2011 Readers’ Choice

Show us how free you can be.

56
 M&M performs pest control services
to all kinds of residential homes and
businesses. Specialties include rodent
proofing and trapping, as well as
repairs for damage caused by termites,
beetles and dry rot.
All Pest Control Technicians with
M&M are licensed through Consumer
Affairs The Structural Pest Control
Board of California.
Thirty-one years of experience
means you get the most thorough
service, using the latest and best
technologies. From little ant hills to
wood-destroying pest, technicians
always are happy to explain everything
they do and why it is done. The
company’s reputation is superb.
Clients are the best advertising and
they endorse its great service.
Prices are reasonable and the
service is extraordinary. M&M Termite
& Pest Control specializes in customer
satisfaction — its No. 1 goal. Their
reputation counts on it.
It is at 2697 No. 3 Lavery Court in
Newbury Park.
Information: 499-8596, 987-5588
or 818-889-4842
Web site: www.mmpestcontrol.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
East county winner
Cornerstone Photography
West county winner
Wildflower Studio
East county favorites
★ Sarita Shoemaker Photography
★ Photography by Joel
★ Matt Dames Photography
★ Alex Neumann Photography
★ Tony Maddox Photography
West county favorites
★ Matt Haines Photography
★ Carlos Avila Photography
★ Fassett Photography
★ David Puu Photography
★ Timeless Images Photography
Cornerstone Photography
Establishing a personal relationship
with each and every customer
who walks in the door from the
receptionist, to customer service,
photographer and sales consultant
is the priority of Cornerstone
Photography.
The popular studio offers school
portraits (K-8), senior portraiture,
outdoor location shoots, family,
baby, children portraits, engagement
sessions and weddings. Specialty
items include portfolios, montages,
baby parts collage, canvas handbags,
spotlight albums, jewelry, DVDs set to
music and much more.
Unique to Cornerstone, is its ability
to service more than 50,000 people
and still give each and every one of
them individualized attention and
service.
The studio is at 5220 Gabbert Road
in Moorpark and is open from 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Information: 529-3187
Website: http://www.
imagesbycornerstone.com
PLASTIC SURGEON
East county winner
Kryger Institute
of Plastic Surgery
West county winner
Arthur E. Flynn
East county favorites
★ Mark Suski
★ Beverly Hills Physicians
West county favorites
★ Melinda Lacerna
★ Pickart Plastic Surgery
★ Ventura Plastic Surgery Specialist
★ Brian Brantner
★ Samuel Bern
R E A L E S TAT E
C O M PA N Y
Full county winner
Troop Real Estate
Full county favorites
★ Keller Williams Realty
★ Prudential California Realty
★ Coldwell Banker
East county favorites
★ Aviara Real Estate
★ Century 21
West county favorite
★ RE/MAX
Troop Real Estate
As the owner of Troop Real Estate
Inc., Brian Troop believes in providing
the highest level of service to
customers by having top agents who
are committed to their jobs and to the
community.
“We hand-select the very best-
quality people,” said Troop. “We have
an interview process to make sure
they have a high level of integrity, care
about the consumer, and represent the
company well.”
Altruism also is a major part of the
Troop philosophy, with emphasis on
giving back to the community by being
involved with charitable organizations.
Troop has been in real estate since
1978 and began the company in
1987. He moved to Ventura County
in 1980, raised his family and grew
his business to 14 offices and 600
GV_efcR 4`f_ej >VUZTR] 4V_eVc
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agents. With Troop Real Estate offices
SERVICES
conveniently located throughout
Ventura County, its agents can assist
clients with a variety of needs.
“Ventura County is selling well right
now, particularly the low-to-mid price
range,” said Troop. “It’s a good time
for both buyers and sellers.”
Troop cites the great climate,
excellent schools and relatively low
crime rate in most areas of Ventura
County.
“To me, Ventura County is the nicest
area to live and work in Southern
California,” said Troop.
Information: 888-339-7356
Website: http://troop.com
Prudential California Realty
As branch manager of Prudential
California Realty’s regional office in
Thousand Oaks, Nancy Eke is sure
that the focus on customer satisfaction
is what’s earned them a favorite in
Ventura County.
“Client satisfaction is our goal,
with emphasis on customer service!”
Eke said. “We are honored to have
achieved this award from the Ventura

2011 Readers’ Choice
57
58
2011 Readers’ Choice SERVICES
County Star readers.”

SERVICES
Prudential also won the 2010 J.D.
Powers Award for highest overall
satisfaction for home sellers among
national full service real estate firms.
“Two things about Prudential
California Realty: There is exceptional
teamwork among the … agents
themselves,” said Victoria Wood,
public relations manager. “Unlike
other companies, they assist
one another whenever possible,
recognizing that it will ultimately
provide a better outcome for all
parties.”
Prudential California Realty has five
locally owned and operated offices in
Ventura County: Oxnard, Camarillo,
Moorpark, Thousand Oaks and North
Ranch.
Website: http://www.prucalhomes.
com

Coldwell Banker
Residential Brokerage
Coldwell Banker Residential
Brokerage is a full-service real estate
company with three offices serving
Ventura County and more than 3,300
offices worldwide. The goal at Aloha Dog Grooming, west county winner for Dog Grooming, is to give your pet the best possible
For the past 105 years Coldwell grooming experience in a relaxed environment in the shortest amount of time.
Banker has been one of the most
Townsgate Road, Suite 200, in East county favorites
trusted and recognized brands in real
estate. Westlake Village. STOCK BROKERAGE
★ Fidelity Investments
To find an agent or office near Information: 418-2500
you stop by one of our Ventura area Website: http://www. East county winner ★ Merrill Lynch
★ Edward Jones
locations: 1190 South Victoria, Suite AviaraRealEstate.net
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
100, in Ventura; 105 Los Altos Street West county favorites
in Oxnard; or 4000 Ocean Drive in RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors West county winner ★ Carey & Hanna
Oxnard. According to broker Mike Sipes
Website: http://www. RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors owes A. Carmi Financial ★ Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
★ TD Ameritrade
californiamoves.com its popularity to the experience of
its agents and their commitment to Full county favorite
Aviara Real Estate client service. ★ Scottrade
Aviara Real Estate is the most Sipes, whose father, Glenn, co-
exclusive, equitable and exciting founded the brokerage with Fred
agent brokeage in the Conejo Valley.
Aviara is a special company for
Evans 21 years ago, says his agents
complete more transactions per 

special agents — a company that year per agent than at any other
  

local real estate brokerage. “The

    


2011 Readers’ Choice

makes decisions democratically,
relying on the collective wisdom of its agents take their jobs personally and
   " 

leaders. professionally and are very business- .FO t 8PNFO t $IJMESFO




 
 
Aviara recognizes the new direction oriented,” he says.
#  " $ 
 

 
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and stays on the cutting edge with five offices in the county and 215
  
the latest technology and marketing agents. The firm also has a full
techniques. Its agents are committed escrow division. 
 


Website: http://www.californiarealty.
to achieving the highest standard of
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      $$ 59
SERVICES
TATTOO PAR L O R
East county winner
Charlie’s House of Tattoo
West county winner
Jimi’s Tattoo & Body Piercing
East county favorites
★ Tattoo Room
★ Simi Valley Tattoo
West county favorites
★ High Class Tattoo & Piercing
★ Ink House Tattoos & More
★ Pain Parlor
★ Bone Deep Tattoo
★ Red White & Blue Tattoos
Jimi’s Tattoo & Body Piercing
Jim Fiore Angelo has been in the
tattoo business for 37 years and once
again Jimi’s Tattoo & Body Piercing is
the west county winner. In that time,
he’s seen everything there is to see
when it comes to tattoos and body
piercings.



    

Angelo specializes in custom tattoos
or will take an idea or design from
a customer and work with them to
produce a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
Angelo specializes in Celtic, native,
tribal, skulls, fairies along with color or
black and white. However, he will do
anything the customer wants.
Jimi’s Tattoo has three employees,
but Angelo does all the tattooing.
His brother, Greg Angelo, manages
the shop and keeps things running
smoothly. According to Greg Angelo,
their popularity in the business stems
from their professionalism and fine
quality of work.
“Jim has been doing this for 37
years,” he said. “He’s known in the
business for the quality of work he
produces. Jim creates a tattoo that
looks good and stays looking good for
many years to come.”
Jimi’s Tattoo works with all age
groups 18 years old and up. Tattoos
and body piercings can start in prices
as low as $40.
Upon completion the staff won’t
let you out the door until proper care
instructions are given along with a



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2011 Readers’ Choice

60
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2011 Readers’ Choice



 




61
SERVICES follow-up visit.
Jimi’s Tattoo is at 407 E. Hueneme
Consumer’s Title Co.
Consumer’s Title Company says it
Road in Port Hueneme. is excited and honored to receive this
Information: 488-9190 award for the second year in a row.
Website: http://www.jimistattoo.com Consumer’s Title Company has one
of the lowest rates for title insurance
in Ventura County and is now licensed
TITLE AND ESCROW to do business in Los Angeles, San
Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, Ventura
East county winner and Santa Barbara counties.
The company has the tools in place
Consumer’s Title Co. to succeed by offering a streamlined
West county winner innovative way to improve the service
from the company to the brokers and
Aliso Escrow consumers. The company started a
paperless program and began working
Full county favorites with digital files which not only makes
★ All Valley Escrow the staff more efficient but also helps
★ Fidelity National Title Escrow the environment by not using much
★ Chicago Title Co. paper.
At Consumer’s Title Company you
East county favorites can trust its friendly and highly
★ Land America Lawyers title
★ First American Title Insurance Co.
professional staff to help lead you
through the required legal forms
★ Affirmative Escrow
to complete transactions and close
escrow in a timely fashion.
West county favorite From all of us at Consumer’s, thank
★ Stewart Title Co.
you Ventura County. We look forward to
working with you.
Consumer’s Title Company is at 195
E. Hillcrest Drive, No. 95, in Thousand
Oaks.
Information: 495-7200
Website: http://ctcsocal.com
Chicago Title Co.
In a time when financial institutions
are being severely tested, Chicago Title
has the financial strength and reserves
to insure your policy well into the
future.
For more than 160 years, Chicago

 
!

 
  !
 Title has provided title insurance Westlake Village


 
homeownership.
The people of Chicago Title Ventura
West county winner
County know how important your Anacapa Animal Hospital
home is and are committed to your
protection. East county favorites
Chicago Title has offices in Oxnard ★ Moorpark Veterinary Hospital
(500 E. Esplanade Drive, No. 102; ★ Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital
656-1300), Westlake Village (2801 ★ Valley Veterinary Clinic
Townsgate Road, No. 120; 497-7430) ★ Village Veterinary Clinic
and Port Hueneme (475 W. Channel
Islands Blvd., No. 108; 382-8400). West county favorites
Website: http://www.chicagotitle.com ★ East Ventura Animal Hospital
★ Buena Animal Hospital
★ Adobe Animal Hospital
T R AV E L A G E N C Y ★ Las Posas Veterinary Medical Center
★ Oxnard Veterinary Hospital
East county winner
Westlake Village Animal Hospital
Michael’s Travel Center Westlake Village Animal Hospital
West county winner — led by Daniel Slaton, DVM, Steven
Rosenstein, DVM, Stacy Rothman,
AAA Automobile Club of DVM and Howard Martin, DVM —
Southern California moved into its new facility in October
2010. The 32,000-square-foot,
state-of-the-art veterinary care facility
East county favorites
provides WVAH patients the latest in
★ All About Travel
veterinary care technology including
★ Born to Travel
a new rehabilitation treatment center
★ Costco Wholesale
with underwater treadmill, k-laser,
★ Paula’s Travel
acupuncture and other holistic
West county favorites treatments to help in treating post
★ Ventura Travel Service surgery patients, non-surgical injuries
★ Camarillo Travel and senior pets with arthritis or other
★ Golden Odyssey Travel aging ailments.
★ Gold Coast Travel Westlake Village Animal Hospital
★ All Around Travel is a full-service hospital and wellness
center on the forefront of technology
and holistic medicine. It’s open
VETERINARIAN seven days a week and on-call for
emergencies 24 hours a day, every day
East county winner of the year.
WVAH provides physical diagnostic
exams, vaccinations, surgery, pet
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WEIGHT-LOSS CENTER
Full county winner
Weight Watchers
Full county favorite
★ Jenny Craig Weight Loss Center
East county favorites
★ Leangevity Center
★ First Care Medical Center
★ Hyperion Fitness
★ Lindora Medical Clinic
West county favorites
★ Ventura Alternative Medicine &
Weight Loss Clinic
★ Ventura Advanced Surgical
★ True North Fitness & Health
★ Lindora Medical Clinic
True North Fitness
With summer fast approaching, what
Positively appetizing.
SUNDAY, NOV. 22, 2009
FARMERS MARKET
Moorpark vendor
venues are dormant
Anne Kallas / Special to The Star better location, closer to
The Moorpark College
farmers market had
few booths and fewer
customers on a recent
Saturday, despite closure park, the farmers market
of the High Street market. at Moorpark College is
These beef enchiladas can be assembled in advance and then quickly baked when a fast dinner is needed.
The whole enchilada
Easy make-ahead
entree is a quick

  

 
Two markets just miles
apart in Moorpark seemed
overly ambitious for a rela-
tively small community.
Kerry Clasby appar-
ently feels the same way,
because as of the second
week in November, the
High Street farmers mar-
ket is closed.
“I’m hoping to find a
the 118 to draw better
crowds, where I can re-
open in March,” she said.
Unfortunately for Moor-
enchilada sauce from scratch.
Not me. I use canned sauce
and doctor it up.
better way to lose weight than consult
SERVICES
with the experts at True North Fitness
for advice? Owned and operated by
Rob and Shannon Yontz, True North
Fitness will “guarantee you will lose
two jean sizes in eight weeks.”
“The No. 1 thing we do differently is
in our coaching,” Shannon Yontz said.
“It’s an education process. It’s not a
diet — it’s a live it.”
According to Yontz, True North
Fitness has a Community Supported
Agriculture agreement with Underwood
Family Farms of Moorpark which
provide farm-fresh fruits and
vegetables to it clients.
“We are very passionate in what we
do,” she said.
True North Fitness is located at
6019-D Olivas Park Drive in Ventura.
Information: 650-1239.
Website: http://www.truenorthfitness.
com
THE STAR D5
FOOD
WINE 101
Food – Every Sunday
Welcome
Cafe Society, Cook Du Jour,
also struggling. On a re- Oaks, where the farmers Park at Fifth and C streets, Oxnard
(483-7960). 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., The
cent Saturday, there were market is closed for the
only eight booths offering holidays. Oaks shopping center, at Thousand
France to
Oaks Boulevard and Wilbur Road,
goods for sale. FINDING THE MARKETS Thousand Oaks (529-6266).
Callie Vanden-Bossche, Sundays: 8:30 a.m. to noon Fridays: 3 to 8 p.m., Simi Valley
reading a book while she
your table
Quick Bites, Farmers Market,
Sundays, College of the Canyons Town Center, 1555 Simi Town
waited for customers at (parking lot 8 off Valencia Center Way, in the parking lot in
the Green Farms booth Boulevard), Santa Clarita (529- front of Limon Latin Grill, Simi
out of Lompoc, said busi- 6266). 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 300 E. Valley (643-6458).
ness “is not very good.”
Karen Schott of the
Ventura County Certified
Matilija St., Ojai (698-5555). 9 a.m.
to 2 p.m., Agoura Hills City Mall,
Kanan Road (818-591-8286). 10
Saturdays: 8 a.m. to noon, 2220
Ventura Blvd., Camarillo (482-1507).
8 to 11 a.m., fish market behind
for holiday
I Wine 101, Wine-ology,
a.m. to 2 p.m., Harbor and Channel Andria’s Seafood Restaurant, 1449
Farmers’ Market Associa- t’s not hard to pair
Islands boulevards (includes a fish Spinnaker Drive, Ventura (644-
tion recently announced market), Oxnard (643-6458). 10 to some meals with wine.
0169). 8 a.m. to noon, Moorpark
the Moorpark market was 2 p.m. Village Glen Plaza, between College, Parking Lot G1 at Campus A cabernet sauvignon
granted an extension to Agoura and Townsgate roads, Park Drive (529-6266). 8:30 a.m. to goes great with a big,
its temporary use permit, Westlake Village (818-591-8286). noon, Palm and Santa Clara streets, juicy steak. A Chianti
keeping it open through Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ventura (529-6266). 9 a.m. to 1
works with almost any
Eat For Life, The Healthy Plate
the holiday season, which Pacific View mall parking lot facing p.m., Oak Park Plaza, 706 Lindero
tomato-based Italian dish.
it is hoped will attract Main Street, Ventura (529-6266). Canyon Road, Oak Park (643-6458).
Shellfish and chardonnay
shoppers from Thousand Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Plaza — Anne Kallas are made for each other.
But what
wine do
you select
and recipes.
for your
upcoming
Thanks-
giving
dinner?
What
Russ wine do
Briley you dare
try to pair
with your
Thanksgiving turkey and/
or ham?
My answer is a
Beaujolais Nouveau from
France.
Beaujolais Nouveau is
a red wine made from the
gamay grape in the French
region of Burgundy. This
is the only subregion in
Burgundy where anything
other than pinot noir and
Positively for you.
Susan Tusa / Detroit Free Press
1/4
4 teaspoon black pepper spread 1 cup of the sauce.
Working with 1 tortilla at a time
2 cans (10 ounces each) medium
enchilada sauce quickly fry (about 10 seconds)
in the skillet to make it pliable
 




You can assemble them the 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

holiday
y season fix day
y before — just don’t add 1 canned chipotle chili in adobo Using tongs, dip the tortilla
quickly in the sauce to coat and
g
the remaining sauce on top; sauce produced worldwide.
place in the pan. Spoon 1/3 cup


  
  
  




 
 

  
 
 
 
 
  
 


  

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68

Shopping
Appliance Store ....................... 69
Auto Parts Store ...................... 69
Bike Shop................................. 69
Book Store ............................... 70
Camera Shop............................ 70
Eyeglasses.................................71
Fabric Store...............................71
Farmers Market........................ 72
Flooring Store .......................... 72
Florist ....................................... 73
Furniture Store......................... 73
Gift Store ................................. 74
Golf Store................................. 74
Home Electronics Store........... 76
Home Improvement Store ....... 76
Jewelry Store........................... 77
Lingerie Store .......................... 78
Liquor/Wine Shop.................... 78
Mattress Store ......................... 78
Nursery/Garden Shop..............80
SHOPPING
Party Supply Store .................. 81
Pet Store .................................. 82
Shoe Store ............................... 82
Shopping Center ...................... 82
Stationers................................. 82
Surf Shop ................................. 83
Thrift Store .............................. 83
Tire Store .................................84
Windows & Doors ....................84

APPLIANCE STORE Full county favorite West county favorites Whether it’s a child’s first bike or
a beautiful world-class professional
★ Autozone ★ Open Air Bicycles
racing machine, Bill’s Bike Shop will
Full county winner ★ Kragen Auto Parts ★ Trek Bikes of Ventura
★ Camarillo Bike Co.
likely have it. The expert and friendly
Sears East county favorites ★ Performance Bicycle
staff are highly trained and all are avid
★ NAPA Auto Parts cyclists. There is always at least one
★ Metal Mountain
Full county favorites ★ 101 Hwy Towing Service full-time mechanic on duty.
Bill’s Bike Shop is open Monday
★ Best Buy Bill’s Bike Shop
★ Pacific Sales Kitchen & Bath
West county favorites Bill’s Bike Shop first opened its
through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6
★ Pep Boys p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m.
★ Home Depot doors in 1974 and has been a fixture
★ Carquest Auto Parts to 5 p.m. It closes on Sunday so the
in Camarillo since then. Cyclists from
East county favorites ★ Camarillo Car Care Center all over Southern California have been
employees can ride.
★ Warehouse Discount Center Bill’s Bike Shop is at 2370A E. Las
known to make the trip to Camarillo
★ Johnny’s Whirl-Mor Appliance Posas Road in Camarillo.
for the very diverse selection of
★ Miracle Appliance Parts BIKE SHOP bicycles, components and hard to find
Information: 484-1203
Website: http://www.billsbikeshop.
accessories.
West county favorites East county winner Bill’s also is well-known in the biking
net
★ Reid’s Appliances
★ Fry’s Electronics
Newbury Park Bicycle Shop community for providing excellent
Open Air Bicycles
customer service and dedication to

2011 Readers’ Choice

Since 1976, Open Air Bicycles has
West county winner their customers.
strived to provide the best bike shop
The wall leading into the repair
A U T O PA R T S S T O R E Bill’s Bike Shop shop is adorned with several Readers’
experience in Ventura County. Whether
you’re a hotshot racer, hardcore
Choice plaques from the many years
East county winner East county favorites the store has won this award.
commuter, laidback beach-cruiser or
★ Michael’s Bicycles out-of-category Fixie rider, Open Air
Pep Boys ★ Simi Cycling Center
Bill’s Bike Shop takes the time to
Bicycles has got the staff, expertise
spend with its customers to insure they
and stock to make you happy. At Open
West county winner ★ Westlake Cyclery
★ All Pro Bicycle Shop
purchase the right bike suited just
Air you’ll find a person who can relate
for them, said Mark Eaton, owner and
NAPA Auto Parts ★ Simi Bike Works operator.
to your riding style and equipment to
your particular needs. 69
 You may love your old bike and steel in Ventura County, including parts, ★ Bookaneeer
SHOPPIN
is real. But at Open Air Bicycles also frames, wheels and complete bikes CAMERA SHOP
carries the latest and greatest bikes that are ready for the race course. West county favorites
from Specialized, Trek, Electra and Store hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 ★ Bookworm East county winner
★ Bank of Books
Haro. Come on in and experience the
“HD” in bikes at Open Air Bicycles.
p.m. Monday through Thursday and
Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on ★ Bart’s Books
Hooper Camera & Video
Open Air Bicycles is at 2386 E. Saturdays and from Noon to 4 p.m. on Center
Main St. in Ventura Sundays. Bank of Books
Information: 653-1100 It is at 2263 Pickwick Drive in Bank of Books is celebrating being West county winner
E-mail: openairbikes@sbcglobal.net Camarillo, across from the Camarillo voted a Favorite Bookstore. The
local independent bookstore will be
Dexter’s Camera Hi-Fi Video
Website: http://openairbikes.com post office.
Information: 388-3007 giving away 42,000 books today and Full county favorite
Camarillo Bike Co. Website: http://www.camarillobikeco. Monday, starting at 6:30 a.m. The
★ Best Buy
No matter what type of ride you are com staff invites all to come as they show
looking for, from children and family to their appreciation to the community by East county favorites
novice or grand road touring, Camarillo giving away books. ★ 1-Hour Photo Works
Bike Co. has a huge selection of BOOK STORE Bank of Books with its two fully ★ Costco Wholesale
bicycles and accessories for all levels. stocked floors of new, rare and used
Top of the line brands in stock and Full county winner books and music, plus a warehouse West county favorites
ready to roll include frames and with more than 2 million books, allows ★ Carlos Avila Photography
complete bicycles from FIT Bike Co.,
Barnes & Noble Bookseller its staff to provide quality service to ★ Samy’s Camera
Free Agent, Giant, Guerciotti, Haro, customers. Fans of Bank of Books can ★ Ritz Camera
Hollywood Racks, Masi, Nirve, Orbea,
Full county favorite follow the business on Facebook at ★ Ray’s Camera & Video
S&M Bikes, Santa Cruz, Sun Bikes and ★ Borders Books & Music facebook.com\bankofbooks.
Torelli. Bank of Books is at 748 E. Main in Samy’s Camera
East county favorites Ventura.
A nice selection of beach cruisers, Since 1976, Samy’s Camera has
★ 5 Dollar or Less Bookstore Information: 643-3154
commuter, mountain, road and hybrid provided the highest quality imaging
★ Mysteries to Die For Website: http://www.bankofbooks.
bikes also are in stock. The shop also products for the professional and
★ Family Christian Book Store com
offers one of the largest BMX sections amateur photographer.
★ Akashic Gardens



 
 

   

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70
 SHOPPING
Samy’s Camera is a full-service store
offering all the latest equipment and
supplies along with a knowledgeable,
friendly and experienced staff.
“We offer a total solution,” said
Richard Pinnock, general manager.
“We have a lot of experienced
employees at this store with several
graduates of Brooks Institute. A
customer can find anything from A to
Z here.”
Samy’s Camera regularly hosts
equipment demonstrations, training
and guest classes. In addition, it offers
a large selection of lighting equipment,
digital cameras, scanners and video
equipment for rent. Samy’s Camera is
a one-stop shop for all of your camera
needs.
It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m
Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6
p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday.
Samy’s Camera is at 614 Chapala
St., Santa Barbara.
Information: 963-7269
Website: visit http://www.samys.com

EYEGLASSES
East county winner
Costco Wholesale John Howard / Special to The Star
West county winner Do It Best Hardware in Port Hueneme is a full-service hardware store that specializes in selling windows and
doors, remodeling kitchens, home decor along with a complete line of window coverings. It has been voted a west
Santa Barbara Eyeglass county favorite for Home Improvement stores.
Factory earned a well-deserved reputation
for guaranteed low prices and stellar
The Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory
takes pride in giving back to the
West county winner
Full county favorite
★ Lencrafters
customer service. The Eyeglass Factory community with its Light to Sight Fabric Town USA
is the home of true one-hour service, program, which through referrals
East county favorites even if your prescription is for bifocals, from local non-profit caseworkers East county favorites
★ Nelson Murata Optometric Corp trifocals, or other specialty lenses. provide more than 1,000 pairs of ★ Cotton & Chocolate Quilt Co
★ Vision Center at Walmart Its “buy one get one free” offer is a glasses annually to those who could ★ Michael’s Arts & Crafts
★ Family Optometry Center permanent policy. Offering a complete not otherwise afford them, including ★ Calico Corners
★ Kevin Hirano line of eyewear ranging from functional children and homeless veterans.
★ Sears Optical to high fashion (with Prada, Dolce & Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory is West county favorites
Gabbana and Christian Dior just some the place to go for quality eyewear and ★ Baron’s Fabrics
West county favorites

2011 Readers’ Choice

★ Costco Wholesale
★ Donald Steensma
★ Family Vision Center
★ Camarillo Vision Center
Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory
One of the largest volume eyeglass
outlets in Southern California,
Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory in
its 13 years in Ventura County has
of the designer styles featured), the
Santa Barbara Eyeglass Factory is the
place you can depend on if you’re
dependent on glasses.
Whether you are looking for a spare
pair or prescription sunglasses, all
frames are available with the second
pair of equal or lesser value frames
absolutely free. The Eyeglass Factory
also does free repairs and adjustments
while you wait.
excellent customer service, all in just
one hour.
It is at 4051 E. Main St. in Ventura.
Information: 642-2222
FA BRIC STORE
East county winner
Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts
★ Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts
★ Michael’s Arts & Crafts
★ Anna’s Linens
★ Off the Bolt
Fabric Town USA
Fabric Town USA is a family-owned
business that began in 1973. Owners
Casey and Sally Hicks are dedicated
to providing great service and quality
merchandise and the store buyer, 71
SHOPPIN Tracy Burkhardt, ensures a beautiful
selection of fabrics, yarns and gifts
for customers to choose from.
Upholstery fabrics are hand-
selected to reflect the latest in
styles and trends and the quilting
department is well stocked with the
best selection of solids and blenders,
including silk, velvet, fashion fabrics,
Hawaiian and Asian prints, novelties,
basics and more.
It also carries the largest selection
of yarn in Ventura County, including
everything from fancy fashion yarns to
basic, traditional yarns. In addition,
Fabric Town USA offers a variety of
classes that are fun and reasonably
priced.
Fabric Town USA is at 2686 E.
Main St. in Ventura.
Information: 643-3434
Website: http://www.fabrictownusa.
net
FA R M E R S M A R K E T
East county winner
Sprouts Farmers Market
West county winner
Ventura Farmers Market
East county favorite
★ The Oaks
West county favorites
★ Camarillo Hospice Certified Farmers
Market
★ Channel Islands Harbor Farmers
Market
★ Ventura County Farmers Market
★ Downtown Oxnard Certified Farmers
Market
★ Ventura College Swap Meet
FLOORING STORE
2011 Readers’ Choice
East county winner
Flooring 101
West county winner
Isensee Floor Covering
72
East county favorites
★ Abbey Carpet of Simi Valley
★ By Design Floor Covering
★ A-1 Carpet Market
★ Simi Valley Tile & Marble
★ United Wholesale Flooring
West county favorites
★ Flooring 101
★ HD Supply Repair & Remodel
★ Bennett Floors
★ Formula 1 Flooring
★ Lumber Liquidators
Isensee Floorcovering
“Here Yesterday — Here Today
— Here Tomorrow” is the motto of
Isensee Floorcovering, locally owned
for more than 50 years.
The company offers a wide
selection of floor coverings, including
carpet, wood, vinyl and ceramic tile,
laminate and even leather, along
with a complete selection of window
treatments such as shades, shutters
and draperies. The many brands
available at include Karastan carpets
and rugs, Anderson wood flooring and
Armstrong tile and vinyl flooring.
Two home decorating professionals
on staff, as well as experienced sales
people are dedicated to interpret and
facilitate the customers’ decorating
ideas and offer advice on how best
to achieving their decorating dreams.
The staff at Isensee Floorcovering
strives to provide excellent, friendly
service. Professional installation
crews have the training and expertise
needed to install all flooring and
window products.
In keeping with today’s consumers
desire to think green,Isensee offers
a variety of environmentally sound
products, one of the most popular
being the corn-fiber based Smart
Strand carpet line.
In addition to a huge variety of floor
and window coverings, the business
also offers professional installation,
free in-home estimates and OAC
financing for your decorating needs.
Isensee Floorcovering is at 1532 E.
Main St. Ventura
Information: 648-5333
Website: http://www.
isenseefloorcovering.com
 quality, values and styles in furniture,

SHOPPING
FLORIST   " 
they will be rewarded. 
         
 
 
     
   
In its 55,000-square-foot showroom,
East county winner Reeds Agoura offers every style and 
 

        
Conejo Valley Florist category of furniture imaginable,
from modern to traditional, including    
     


        
West county winner recliners, sectionals, kids furniture,
dining room sets, bedroom sets,   
  
Sweet Peas Flowers sleepers, occasional tables, sofas,    
East county favorites
entertainment centers, home office    
 )
★ Michael’s Flowers
★ Oakbrook Florist & Gift Garden
★ Angela’s Florists & Gifts
furniture and more.   

 
Reeds imports furniture from all
over the world, passing the savings
      
onto the customer and making their  $%  (
"% 


★ Conroy’s Flowers prices wholesale to the public. !  
 $ 
★ Petal Pusher They also carry a large selection of $%
!! ! *($% %%$%  %$+ 
$ $*
(-  ( %$+ *
West county favorites furniture made in the USA, especially   ,(  $( 




California, helping the local California





 







 

★ Ashwood on Main Street Florist  
economy. 

  
  
★ Bernardos Flowers Reeds Agoura is a family-owned and
  ! 
    
! 
★ Growing Co. 
  
operated full-service furniture store
★ Yamaguchi Nursery with a customer service and delivery

   

★ Flower Power of Camarillo departments and a live person to
★ Ponderosa Flower Shoppe answer the phone when you call.
The large warehouse showroom is
dog-friendly, and Reeds’ staff offers
FURNITURE STORE fresh popcorn and Tang — and helium
balloon for giggles.
East county winner Reeds Furniture is at 28401
* ..!  (
 ,( *(
*  .. +
Reeds Furniture
*(*%  %*
Canwood St. in Agoura. !(*$  + +, 
Information: 818-597-7800
West county winner Website: http://www.reedsfurniture.
com
Urban Home
For Your Home Furniture
East county favorites For Your Home Furniture has
★ Urban Home Inc been supplying Ventura County with
★ PTS Furniture quality furniture since 1976. With a
★ Plummers Home & Office knowledgeable sales staff averaging
★ Thomasville Home Furnishings more than 18 years at the store, you 
$#%
%(  * *(*%  ..! +
★ Granada Oak Furniture (%(
-%( $
can be assured of getting expert help.
West county favorites For Your Home specializes in
American-made furniture that can be
★ For Your Home Furniture
ordered in your choice of wood and
★ Home Furniture Co.
finish. If you haven’t been in its huge
★ Ethan Allen
two-story showroom, you’ll be in for a 


★ Reeds & Sons Furniture
pleasant surprise.
★ KC Furniture
There are many items that you won’t
find anywhere else in the county,
Reeds Furniture

2011 Readers’ Choice

according to General Manager Kevin &).!  
Reeds Furniture is very proud to  + $
Seelos. Everyday low pricing means
have been voted a winner by the
a great value to everyone and there
Ventura County Star and would like to
are fantastic bargains in the recently
thank its readers and customers for
opened warehouse outlet.
their long and continued support.
The No. 1 goal for Reeds’ staff is to
For Your Home Furniture is at 443
E. Main St. in Historic Downtown
*#0*)%#
make beautiful furniture affordable,
believing that by respecting the hard
Ventura.
Information: 641-1919





'1 ($,."+/,$
earned dollars of their customers and
working relentlessly to deliver the best
Website: http://www. ,&! 


 
 
  

foryourhomefurniture.com 73
 Home Furniture Company
SHOPPIN
Home Furniture Company is owned
by Carl and Suzan Cashin along with
Joan Fiedler. It has been in business
for more than 36 years and recently
moved to a new location in Camarillo.
Carl and Joan’s fathers brought the
store from Los Angeles to Camarillo in
1964.
Home Furniture Company has a
12,000 square-foot showroom filled
with items from major manufacturers.
In addition, it is a full-service
company that offers in-home
decorative advice to its customers.
“It’s a family-owned and operated
business that offers very competitive
prices to our customers,” said Carl
Cashin as to the success of the store.
The stores new hours are 10 a.m. to
6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and
noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Home Furniture Company is at
1369 Del Norte Road, Camarillo.
Information: 482-2760
+-& through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
2011 Readers’ Choice
'+& +
'+ Bogey Bob’s Discount Golf is at
   %
 "  0-$
GIFT STORE
East county winner
Amy’s Hallmark
West county winner
Betty Belts
East county favorites
★ Home Goods
★ Brighton Collectibles
★ Erin’s Hallmark
★ Raffia
★ Apple Cottage Gifts & Interior
West county favorites
★ Las Posas Emporium-Hallmark
★ Infinity Gift Baskets
★ B On Main
★ Seniors Craft Shoppe
★ Lautzenhiser’s Hallmark
GOLF STORE
East county winner
Roger Dunn Golf Shops
The popular Vibram fivefingers shoes are available at Jack’s Shoes of
West county winner Westlake, the east county winner for Shoe Store.
Golfsmith ★ River Ridge Golf Club courses, River Ridge Golf Club has a
★ Elkins Ranch Golf Course complete full-service pro shop that
East county favorites carries clothing, hats, shoes, golf
★ Bogey Bob’s Golf Center Bogey Bob’s Discount Golf balls and offers custom fitting. The
★ Dick’s Sporting Goods Bogey Bob’s Discount Golf would shop carries all the top manufacturers
★ Simi Hills Golf Course like to thank its customers for helping of golf equipment.
★ Pro Golf Discount it celebrate its 28th Christmas season In addition, according to Pamela
★ Los Robles Greens Golf Course together. Its new location behind Lindsay, pro shop assistant, golf
West county favorites In-N-Out Burger in Newbury Park is instruction is available with several
bigger and better than ever. instructors who are PGA members.
★ Buenaventura Golf Course
It also would like to extend a very The shop prides itself on being
★ Olivas Links
special thanks to the Hman and Bob customer friendly and offers
★ Las Vegas Discount Golf & Tennis
Ramstead, “the best club fitters reasonable fees and prices. It’s a
anywhere.” great place to enjoy a round of golf

   Bogey Bob’s Discount Golf is
open seven days a week: Monday
with friends.
The club is owned by the City of

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Oxnard and is open to the public.
1),,  Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and River Ridge Golf Club is at 2401 W.
Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vineyard Ave., Oxnard.
#
&+
Information: 983-4653
%. .&
1560 Newbury Road, Suite 5, in Website: http://www.riverridge-
Newbury Park. golfclub.com


 

Information 498-9116;

   


  BogeyBobs2@yahoo.com


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Facebook: Bogey Bobs

  
 
 .PO  5IVST DMPTF BU QN t 'SJ  4BU DMPTF BU QN
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74   '&+"+ Along with two championship golf
 SHOPPING
Positively protects.
Investigative reporters in
every community keep readers
informed and notified of
local news.

Positively foryou.

2011 Readers’ Choice

75
SHOPPIN

John Howard / Special to The Star

No matter what type of ride you are looking for, from children and family to novice or grand road touring, Camarillo Bike Co. has a huge selection of
bicycles and accessories for all levels. Which is probably why it was voted as a west county favorite for Bike Shop.
2011 Readers’ Choice

HOME ELECTRONICS Full county favorite West county favorites

★ Costco Wholesale ★ Best Buy
East county winner East county favorites
★ Sears
★ Target
Best Buy ★ Wilshire Home Entertainment
★ Computer Power LTD
West county winner ★ Radio Shack HOME IMPROVEMENT
Fry’s Electronics ★ Apple Store
★ Target Full county winner
76 Home Depot
Full county favorite
★ Lowe’s
East county favorites
★ Do-It Center
★ Orchard Supply Hardware
★ True Value Hardware
★ Whitaker Hardware
West county favorites
★ B&B Do It Center
★ Channel Islands Do It Best
★ Avenue Hardware
B&B Do-It Center
B&B Do-It Center is a family-owned
10,000 square-foot hardware store
owned by Randy, Ray and JoAnn
Collins. It has served Camarillo for
two decades at the same location
providing a friendly and knowable
staff that is dedicated to excellent
customer service.
The store specializes in stocking a
wide variety of products in lawn and
garden, electrical, plumbing, building
materials, hand tools, houseware
products, kitchen and bath supplies
along with pet products.
“We provide great customer service
from a knowledgeable staff,” said
Randy Collins. “You can find what you
need and get out quickly. We would
remodeling kitchens, home decor
along with a complete line of window
coverings. In addition, it offers a
complete garden section, screen
repair, grills and grill accessories,
lumber and concrete, plumbing, and
an extensive paint department that
offers custom paint matching.
“We’re honored to be selected for
this award,” said Steve Davitt, general
manager. “People love to shop our
store and we offer great customer
service. With three locations we have
national buying power which allows us
to keep our prices low.”
Do It Best Hardware has locations
at 637 W. Channel Islands Blvd., Port
Hueneme (984-4440); 1024 Casitas
Pass Road, Carpinteria (684-2100)
and Kitchen & Bath Showroom 5917
Olivas Park Drive, Ventura (984-
2378).
Website: http://www.ci.doitbest.
com/home.aspx
J E W E L RY S T O R E
East county winner
Jared Galleria of Jewelry
West county winner
West county favorites personal jewelry choice that most
SHOPPING
people make in their lives. It will live
★ Fox Fine Jewelry
with them forever. It has to be seen,
★ Nerces Fine Jewelry
★ Lynn’s Jewelry
touched and worn to make sure it is
the best choice.”
★ Van Gundy & Sons Jewelers
Thompson travels the world looking
★ Gems by Joseph
for the best quality diamonds at the
★ Joseph’s Fine Jewelers
best prices and then sends these
diamonds to his factory in Thailand
George Thompson Diamond Co.
George Thompson built his business
where all the jewelry in the store is
made. Because of this, everything in
starting going door-to-door with a
the showroom is made to the exact
brief case to being a full jewelry
standards he sets.
manufacturer and one of Ventura
With thousands of pendants,
County’s largest jewelers. Thompson
bracelets, earrings, and rings,
says he is the only jeweler in America
Thompson says customers are assured
with his own jewelry factory in
they’ll find the right product for the
Bangkok, Thailand.
right occasion at a price that rivals
The George Thompson Diamond
any of the Internet companies.
Co. has an unbelievable selection
George Thompson Diamond Co.
of diamond, gold and platinum
is at 309 Ventura Blvd., Suite D, in
jewelry. With more than 33 years
Camarillo.
of experience in providing wedding
Information: 388-5750
rings, The Diamond Co. has more
Website: http://www.
than 2,000 wedding and engagement
georgethompsondiamond.com
rings in the store. “Every day we
have unhappy couples coming in that
bought a ring on the Internet that
Nerces Fine Jewelry
Family-owned and operated Nerces
they didn’t like after they tried it on,”
he says. “A wedding ring is the most
Fine Jewelry has called Ventura
 
 
like to thank our loyal customers for George Thompson  !

  
this award.”
B&B Do-It Center is at 698 Mobil
Diamond Co.  
 
Ave. in Camarillo. East county favorites
Information: 388-1067 ★ Brighton Collectibles
Website: http://bbdoitcenter.com ★ Hart’s Jewelers
★ Ben Bridge Jeweler
Do It Best Hardware ★ McClave Jewelers
Do It Best Hardware is a full-service ★ Gold N Heart Jewelry
hardware store that specializes
in selling windows and doors,

 
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 77
 County home since 1987 and has
SHOPPIN
been in its current location at the
Firehouse Plaza in Ventura for 10
years. The business offers the finest
in diamonds, rings, watches and other
elegant jewelry. Its staff are expert
in the repair and redesign of family
heirlooms.
With the rising value of gold, Nerces
is a popular spot to sell unwanted
gold rings, necklaces and other
jewelry. The expert staff will appraise
and evaluate your pieces, offering
equitable cash value.
Just in time for June weddings,
Nerces Fine Jewelry offers an
extensive selection of engagement
rings and wedding bands.
It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturday and Sunday
1 to 4 p.m.
Information: 650-0444
Website: http://www.
nercesfinejewelry.com
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customers more than 400 specialty
LINGERIE STORE and craft beers to choose from.
Owned by Mike Asaad since 2001,
Full county winner the store also features countless
Victoria’s Secret bottles of wine from all over the
world, including vintages from France,
East county favorites Spain, Italy, Chile and the U.S. Asaad
says many are stored in a temperature
★ J Girl
and climate-controlled wine room
★ Nordstrom
onsite.
★ A Private Affair
Customers also can purchase
West county favorites snacks, sundries and lottery tickets in
★ Aphrodite’s Lingerie & Gift the store’s market.
★ Diva The Passion Boutique Store hours are from 7 a.m. to 10
★ Altheas Corset Shop p.m. Monday through Friday and from
★ Calvin Klein Outlet 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and
Sundays.
Best Buy Market is at 2161
LIQUOR / WINE SHOP Pickwick Drive in Camarillo, across
from the Camarillo post office.
East county winner Information: 484-4343
Facebook: Best Buy Wine
Bevmo! Twitter: @BestBuyWine
West county winner
Ventura Wine Co M AT T R E S S S T O R E
Full county favorite East county winner
★ Trader Joe’s The Sleep Shoppe
East county favorites West county winner
★ Wades Wines
★ Stagecoach Liquors Sit ‘n Sleep
★ Costco Wholesale
Full county favorite
West county favorites ★ Ortho Mattress
★ Mandell’s Liquor & Wine Shop
★ Wine Closet East county favorites
in Thousand Oaks in 1987 by Fred
Kunke and quickly garnered a
reputation for unparalleled customer
service and selection, with the
absolute lowest prices guaranteed.
The Sleep Shoppe remains locally-
owned and operated by Fred, whose
vision of creating a stress-free
mattress shopping experience has
shaped the company into what it has
become today.
There are four convenient
showrooms to choose from, with each
offering Ventura County’s largest
selection of name-brand mattresses,
including Simmons, Sealy, Serta,
Englander, Aireloom, Stearns &
Foster, Tempur-Pedic, Natura and
more. The Sleep Shoppe also offers a
variety of bedroom furniture and sleep
accessories.
Other than traditional mattresses,
the company has Ventura County’s
largest selection of adjustable
beds and specialty sleep products,
including a huge selection of natural
and organic mattresses and bedding.
Among the ‘green’ products carried
are those manufactured by Natura,
known for leading the industry with
its cutting edge Latex mattresses.
Not only are these beds incredibly
supportive, but are dust-mite resistant
throughout their entire lifespan.
Kunke suggests to experience the
very best mattresses Ventura County
has to offer without breaking the
bank, stop by The Sleep Shoppe and
 


 ★ Best Buy Market Wine & Lotto

Best Buy Market Wine & Spirits

★ Select Comfort
★ Simi Valley Mattress Warehouse
★ A-1 Mattress Warehouse
start waking up happy today.
The Sleep Shoppe has four
locations in the Ventura County area:
Serving the local community for 1714 Newbury Road in Newbury Park
more than 30 years, Best Buy Market
West county favorites (498-2233); 1700 E. Ventura Blvd.
Wine & Spirts in Camarillo offers ★ Camarillo Mattress Showroom in Oxnard (278-6034); 1969 Erringer
★ American Mattress Road in Simi Valley (583-8778); and
★ For Your Home Furniture 4990 Reyes Adobe Road in Agoura
r 'BTIJPO 'BCSJDT r ★ Select Comfort
    Hills (818-991-6607).
r 6QIPMTUFSZ 'BCSJDT  5SJNT r Website: http://shopthesleepshoppe.
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2011 Readers’ Choice

Ventura County Star Readers’ Choice Sit ’n Sleep

winner for the past 14 years in a row, Sit ‘n Sleep would like to thank the
and from the moment you enter one


 

wonderful Ventura County residents

of its stores it’s easy to see why. The for naming us their winning choice
 

 
.PO'SJ  r 4BU  r 4VO  friendly sales staff is not there to


  
for mattress store for 10th year in a
 &BTU .BJO 4U r 7UB sell you a mattress, but to help you row, in this year’s Ventura County Star
get the best night’s sleep possible,

 and has been doing so for almost 24
Readers’ Choice Awards.
A proud Southern California staple
     


years. for the past 30 years, the stafff of

78 $PSOFS PG -BT 1PTBT 3E BOE "SOFJMM 3PBE r $BNBSJMMP 7JMMBHF 4RVBSF /FYU UP 3JUF"JE
 The first Sleep Shoppe was opened Sit ’n Sleep said it is lucky to have
 maintained its position as a mattress

SHOPPING
industry-leader by helping its loyal
customers find the right mattress
at the right price. We have made a
strong commitment to educating our
sales team and the public about the
importance of overall sleep health,
featuring in-store ‘Sleep to Live’
technology that matches specific
body types and sleep needs with the
mattress best suited for each person.
With 26 stores and counting, Sit ’n
Sleep’s Oxnard store is at 2200 Outlet
Center Drive. It is open 10 a.m. to 9
p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6
p.m. Sunday.
Website: http://www.sitnsleep.com

Simi Valley Mattress Warehouse

For more than 23 years, Simi Valley
Mattress has helped Ventura County
residents find the perfect mattress to
fit their budget and needs. A six-time
Readers’ Choice East County Favorite,
Simi Valley Mattress offers the lowest
prices and highest quality on brand
John Howard / Special to The Star
name mattresses.
Mark Eaton, owner and operator of Bll’s Bike Shop, says his shop takes time with its customers to insure they
Owner Bob Whelan invites you to
purchase the right bike suited just for them. Readers have voted Bill’s the top Bike Shop in the west county.

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SHOPPIN stop in and visit the showroom and Sundays.
meet the knowledgeable and friendly Camarillo Mattress Warehouse is at
staff. Browse more than 250 beds in 2177 Pickwick Drive in Camarillo, near
stock, including memory foam, pillow- Lassen’s Heath Food Store and across
top, latex and organic mattresses. Same from the Camarillo post office.
day local delivery and free disposal of Information: 987-2279
old bedding is available. Facebook: Camarillo Mattress
“Thanks for choosing Simi Valley Warehouse
Mattress as your favorite East County Website: http://www.
mattress store,” Whelan said. camarillomattress.com
Simi Valley Mattress is at 521 E. Los
Angeles Ave. in Simi Valley. Its sister American Mattress
store, Best Mattress, is at 1696 N. Considering how much sleep people
Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. require, choosing the right bed is a big
Information: 527-7544 decision. There’s no better place for
Website: http://www. making that choice than at American
simivalleymattress.com Mattress in Ventura.
American Mattress believes in superb
Camarillo Mattress Warehouse craftsmanship, practical design and
Founded in 1998 by Debbie excellent service. The firm’s friendly
Wickman, Camarillo Mattress and professional staff will help you
Warehouse continues its family-owned pick the perfect mattress for your
tradition of providing customers with needs — king, queen, double or single.
sweet dreams and blissful mornings. At American Mattress, for example,
At Camarillo Mattress Warehouse $399 will buy an ultra-plush, queen-
there is a sleep solution for everyone sized Eurotop mattress with a 15-year
and every budget. Within the 3,000 full-coverage warranty and free local
square-foot showroom, customers will delivery.
be pleased to find a wide selection American Mattress is at 2323 E.
of mattresses for every need as well Main St. in Ventura.
as bedroom accessories, frames, Information: 653-2323
headboards and footboards, daybeds, Website: http://www.
RV and trailer mattresses, adjustable americanmattress4you.com
beds, sofa bed replacements, hospital
beds and futons.
The store offers same-day delivery NURSERY / GARDEN
in most cases and disposal of old SHOP
mattresses. Three annual parking lot
sales are hosted on Presidents Day,
Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends.
East county winner
Family-owned and operated Nerces Fine Jewelry has called Ventura
Store hours are from 10 a.m. to 6
County its home since 1987 but its history in the jewelry business goes
Armstrong Garden Center
p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Saturday,
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through
back much further than that: Owner Nerces Eykjian represents the fourth West county winner
generation in his family business. His store has been named a west county
Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on
favorite for Jewelry Store. Green Thumb International

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 Party Pleasers from the Camarillo post office.

SHOPPING
A family-owned business for more Information: 482-0339
than 25 years, Party Pleasers helps Website: http://www.partypleasers.
to create special occasions and com
memories for every event of your life,
from birthdays, anniversaries and Mr. Suds
weddings to corporate events, holiday If you’re planning a picnic, party
entertaining, funerals, graduations and or barbecue, Mr. Suds is the go-to
more. place for liquid refreshment, boasting
“We are a one-of-a-kind store and Ventura County’s largest selection of
purchase products we think people will keg beer, with more than 400 labels
be interested in, not what a corporate available. Mr. Suds also provides
office tells us to order,” Linn said. “In rental and delivery of beer dispensing
addition, we offer sales and rentals equipment, including Picnic Packs,
under one roof and are a one-stop Jockey Boxes and Kegerators.
shop, which allows customers to plan Also, according to the Mr. Suds
their entire function with ease. website, it is the only home beer
Party Pleasers also is known for brewing and wine making shop in
its creative window and showroom Ventura County. The business offers a
displays that rotate with the holidays wide variety of beer and wine making
Bank of Books is celebrating being voted a Favorite Bookstore. The local and season. Evans said countless product lines and supplies. It also
independent bookstore will be giving away 42,000 books today and people stop by just to see the displays offers classes in home brewing on the
Monday and what the staff comes up with next. experience the pride of making your
The showroom and store is open own wine, even designing your own
Full county favorite selection, patio furniture, hardware, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through labels.
plumbing and bare-root fruit trees Friday and until 5 p.m. on Saturday. It Other services provided include
★ Home Depot
and roses. Dobler said it also offers a is closed on Sundays. balloon arrangements, arches and
East county favorites large selection of ornamental plants, Party Pleasers is at 2291 Pickwick balloon drops for indoor and outdoor
★ Nordic Landscape Supply the largest bedding plant selection in Drive, Suite A, in Camarillo across events and special occasions.
★ Lowe’s the county along with pottery, indoor
★ Elegant Gardens plants and irrigation equipment.
★ Enchanted Way Nursery Visit its Web site to get the Garden

# 
Newsletter by e-mail.
West county favorites Green Thumb International is at

★ Nopalito Native Plant Nursery 1899 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura.
★ Baron Brothers Nursery Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
★ Oasis Garden & Patio
★ B&B Do It Center
Information: 642-8517
Website: http://www.
   $
greenthumbinternational.com



 

Green Thumb International

A Readers’ Choice winner for
15 years in a row, Green Thumb PARTY SUPPLY STORE   "  " "#
#"% #"#
"%

 
 
  

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International began more than 56
years ago and was built on the premise Full county winner  
of good selection and competitive
prices.
Party City  

 
    
Nursery manager Karl Dobler said East county favorites
the selection, knowledgeable staff and
★ Party America
fair prices is what makes Green Thumb
★ Balloon Emporium & Party Store

2011 Readers’ Choice

International successful.
★ Invitaton Spot
“People come from many miles
★ Halloween Shop
around to shop here,” said Dobler,
who, along with general manager Abel
Villaseñor, has been at the Ventura
location more than 31 years. Dobler
West county favorites
★ Party Pleasers
★ Party America
%  %
 
 


  

said many of the staff have been with ★ Amigo Party Rental #  %" %  "  "  " ! !   "    $" #     $ ! !
them for 20 to 25 years. ★ Perfect Party
It is one of the top-grossing ★ Mr. Suds
independent garden centers on the
West Coast and specializes in plant 81
 Mr. Suds is at 2112 E. Thompson prices, as well as its reputation as a
SHOPPIN
Blvd. in Ventura. SHOE STORE community-oriented shoe store. SHOPPING CENTER
Information: 643-4560 or info@ “We have generations of customers
mrsuds.com East county winner coming in,” said Lisa Spotts, daughter East county winner
Website: http://www.mrsuds.net
Jack’s Shoes of Westlake of the store’s founder Jack Spotts.
“People will tell us, ‘I came here as a
The Lakes at Thousand Oaks
PET STORE West county winner baby, and now I’m bringing in my own West county winner
kids.’”
Payless Shoe Source Lisa and her sister Kathy Somers Pacific View Mall
Full county winner grew up knowing the shoe business
East county favorites through their father. Founded in 1974, East county favorites
Petco ★ Nordstrom the store has several great longtime ★ Simi Valley Town Center
★ Payless Shoe Source employees, including three of Jack’s ★ Janss Marketplace
Full county favorite ★ Off Broadway Shoes granddaughters. ★ Moorpark Marketplace
★ Petsmart ★ Foot Pursuit Run Shop “We definitely get their opinions ★ Promenade at Westlake
★ Macy’s about the latest trends in shoes,”
East county favorites ★ Road Runner Sports West county favorites
Lisa said. “We also go to two big
★ Petsmart Pet Grooming ★ Camarillo Premium Outlets
shoe shows a year and read a lot of
★ Theresa’s Country Feed West county favorites magazines and trade journals. The key ★ Esplanade Shopping Center
★ Big Al’s Pet Food Warehouse ★ Famous Footwear for us is to carry shoes that are cute,
★ Healthy Pet ★ Norstrom but also comfortable.”
West county favorites ★ Aldo Its large inventory consists of many
STATIONERS
★ Takken’s Comfort Shoes styles, such as sexy heeled sandals
★ Ventura Pet Barn
★ All Pet Headquarters
★ Vans and high platforms in the spring and East county winner
★ Linda’s Claws & Paws Jack’s Shoes of Westlake
stylish boots to complement autumn Staples
★ Petropolis styles. Jack’s Shoes also caters to
The longevity and success of Jack’s customers who require hard-to-find West county winner
Shoes is because of its high level sizes and wide-width
of customer service and moderate “Our customers often tell us that Lautzenhiser’s Hallmark
they go to malls and can’t find
anything they like, but when they
East county favorites
come here they see many things that ★ Amy’s Hallmark
they immediately want to try on,” Lisa ★ Papyrus
said. ★ Paper Source
Jack’s Shoes shoes is at 950 S. ★ Invitation Spot
Westlake Blvd. in Westlake Village. ★ Erin’s Hallmark
Information: 373-9328 West county favorites
5JSFT t #SFBLT t 4IPDLT t "MJHONFOUT Website: http://jacksshoesofwestlake.
★ Las Posas Emporium
  & $  
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★ Office Depot
     (   &   
★ Buffy’s Hallmark
★ Staples
★ Mimi’s Hallmark


 
 
 



2011 Readers’ Choice

 

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Mimi’s Hallmark
Mimi’s Hallmark is a Camarillo
tradition. Owner Marsha Harrison
attributes the continued success of
the store to two things: service and
products.
With a friendly and knowledgeable
staff who know many of the customers
by name, service is of optimum
importance to Harrison. With much
of its business derived from repeat
customers, visitors are treated like
family.
The second half of the equation is
product. Harrison emphasizes that
Mimi’s Hallmark is primarily a card
store, featuring cards of all varieties
and for any occasion. Mimi’s also offers
gifts from Willow Tree, Boyd’s Bears and
Lolita wine glasses.
Over the past year, the shop has
expanded and now carries scarves,
handbags and jewelry.
Mimi’s Hallmark offers complimentary
gift wrapping, plus a wide selection of
gift bags, wrapping paper and ribbon.
It is in Central Plaza at 830 Arneill
Road, Camarillo.
Information: 484-2001
SURF SHOP
East county winner
Val Surf
West county winner
Ventura Surf Shop
East county favorites
★ Surfin West Board Shop
★ Tilly’s
West county favorites
★ Revolution Surf Co.
★ One Way Boardshops
★ Anacapa Surf N Sport
★ Beach Break Surf Shop
★ Momentum Surf Co.
Ventura Surf Shop
Ventura Surf Shop at 88 E.
Thompson Blvd. in Ventura is a
hardcore surfer’s surf shop, stocked
with everything a real surfer needs.
A Ventura tradition since 1967,
the shop currently has more than
650 surfboards in stock, including
350 used boards, and provides the It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6
SHOPPING
opportunity for a surfer to sell their old p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9
board and purchase a new one from its a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
vast selection. Information: 643-1062
Ventura Surf Shop builds and shapes
custom boards with six different
shapers on staff. Some of the boards THRIFT STORE
available in stock are Campbell
Brothers, Channel Island Surfboards, East county winner
Roberts, Rusty, William Dennis and
Wayne Rich. Salvation Army
It also carries an extensive stock West county winner
of wetsuits, including top brands like
O’Neil, Quiksilver, Billabong and Rip Goodwill Industries
Curl. Also available is a complete
line of accessories including such
International
necessities as board bags, leashes and
East county favorites
wax.
★ Goodwill Industries International
Owner Bill “Blinky” Hubina credits
★ Fibber McGee’s Thrift Shop
the store’s continued success to its
★ Senior Concerns Bargain Boutique
loyal customers and repeat business,
★ Alpine Attic Thrift Shop
but also invites new customers to
★ Mad Attic
come in and check out the shop.
Ventura Surf Shop’s incredible West county favorites
selection of surfboards, wetsuits and ★ Salvation Army Thrift Store
surfing accessories, along with nine
★ Coalition Thrift Store Retarded
employees on hand to help you with all Children’s Thrift
your surfing needs, has everything you
★ CAAN-Child Abuse & Neglect
are looking for in a real surf shop. ★ Super Thrift Store

 


    


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 %
%% 83
SHOPPING Choice Tire Store Winner for the East
TIRE STORE County, Jim’s Tire Center, has been
a winner or favorite of readers since
East county winner 1992. Family owned and operated,
Jim’s Tire Center Jim’s Tire Service (formerly Jim’s Tire
Man) carries all major brands of tires
West county winner and offers expert automotive repair
and maintenance services, too.
American Tire Farpelha has been a Simi Valley
resident since 1962 and has worked
East county favorites in the tire industry since he was
★ Big Brand Tire Co. in middle school. He brings an
★ Costco Wholesale unsurpassed level of experience and
★ Tire Man
★ America’s Tire Co.
industry knowledge to his customers.
Jim’s Tire Service offers a
★ Discount Tire Center complimentary shuttle to customer’s
home or work while their car is being
West county favorites serviced. Should you choose to wait,
★ Big Brand Tire Co. relax in style and comfort in the newly
★ Costco Wholesale remodeled customer lounge and
★ 5 Day Tire Store showroom that includes comfortable
★ Sears couches, free Wi-Fi, flat screen
★ Just Tires televisions and a coffee station.
Whether you are looking for a new
Jim’s Tire Center set of tires or wheels, rotation and
For more than 40 years, Jim balancing services, or any of a number
Farpelha, of Jim’s Tire Center has been of automotive services from brakes,
offering East County residents quality shocks, alignments and more, Jim’s
tire and automotive services at a Tire Service can do it all while offering
great price. Voted this year’s Readers’
expertise, comfort and convenience, ★ HD Supply Repair & Remodel
It is at 1525 E. Los Angeles Ave. in ★ Advantage Window & Doors
Simi Valley.
Information: 581-1104 Quality Windows and Doors
Website: http://www.jimstirecenter.
com
Quality Windows and Doors has
been in business for 25-years at the
same location. Owned and operated
by Erick Karlsen, the company has
WINDOWS & DOORS 30 full-time employees who insure
each customer is completely satisfied
East county winner with the workmanship. It specializes
in vinyl replacement windows, glass
Milgard Manufacturing repair, shower doors, closet doors
West county winner and custom glass. There always is
a friendly and knowledgeable staff
West Coast Sash & Door member available to discuss and plan
a custom glass project. The company’s
East county favorites motto is “Our Service Puts the Quality
★ Agoura Sash & Door in Our Name.”
★ American Vision Windows “We take pride in our service,”
★ Home Depot Karlsen said. “We use only quality
★ Pella Window & Door Store products and manufacturers. All of our
★ Preferred Glass & Mirror installers are factory trained and we
★ Westlake Window & Door don’t use subcontractors.”
Quality Windows and Doors is at
West county favorites 1430 S. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard.
★ Quality Windows Information: 385-3723
★ Home Depot Website: http://www.qualitywindows-
★ Door Outlet doors.com



   
 


  
 

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2011 Readers’ Choice


 
 

  
  

 
  

 
 

 
 
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2011 Readers’ Choice





 





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85
 Transportation
TRANSPORTATIO

Eco-Friendly Car ........................................... 88

Economy Car................................................. 89
Family Car ...................................................... 91
Luxury Car...................................................... 91
Motorcycle .....................................................93
Sports Car ......................................................93
Sports Utility Vehicle ....................................93
Truck ..............................................................95
Van .................................................................95

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TRANSPORTATION



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2011 Readers’ Choice


    
   
 87
TRANSPORTATIO E C O F R I E N D LY C A R
Full county winner
Toyota Prius
Full county favorites
★ Honda Civic Hybrid
★ Ford Fusion Hybrid
★ Honda Insight
★ Chevrolet Volt
★ Volkswagen Jetta

Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is once again
selected as the Readers’ Choice
Winner for an Eco-Friendly Car by
readers of The Star.
With fuel prices hovering above $4 a
gallon, this gas-electric hybrid delivers
in economy and styling while seating
five passengers. With estimated
fuel economy ratings of 51/48 mpg
city/highway, this fuel miser is sure
to please an owner interested in an
environmentally friendly vehicle that
offers stellar fuel economy along with
a great price.
The Prius has seven airbags which TOYOTA PRIUS — ECO-FRIENDLY CAR
are standard equipment along with
anti-lock brakes, traction and stability
control with tire pressure monitors.
“I believe by the year 2015 to 2018,
the Prius will be the No. 1 selling car
in the country,” said Robert Guierrez,
client advisor. “All of our customers
are extremely happy with the mileage
they get from their Prius.”
Thousand Oaks Toyota usually has
80 to 100 Prius’ in stock, but due
to the increase in fuel prices the
dealership is down to about 20, he
said.
The base price for a Prius is
$24,600 and continues upwards in
price depending on the model and
options selected.
Thousand Oaks Toyota has been
2011 Readers’ Choice

in business for 40 years at the same

location.
The dealership is committed to
providing excellent service in sales,
service, parts and its No. 1 goal is
customer satisfaction.
Thousand Oaks Toyota is at 2401
Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand
Oaks.
Information: 497-2791
88 Website: http://www.totoyota.com HONDA CIVIC — ECONOMY CAR

HONDA ACCORD — FAMILY CAR
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda Insight
For three decades, Honda has
played a leading role in meeting
environmental challenges. For 2011,
the environmentally conscious Civic
Hybrid and Insight deliver class-
leading mileage, efficiency and
exceptional standards.
“The Civic Hybrid and Insight are
both great vehicles and are extremely
popular with consumers,” said Joe
Vece, general sales manager at First
Honda in Simi Valley. “The Civic
retains its stylish exterior, adds
increased mileage and comes with
150,000-mile warranty.”
The original Insight, introduced in
1999, was a pioneer for petrol-electric
hybrid technology in Europe and North
America as the first commercially
available hybrid car in these markets.
The all-new Insight takes hybrid
technology into a new era of
affordability. This five-passenger five-
door is powered by a 1.3-liter four-
cylinder i-VTEC engine with the latest
generation of Honda’s Integrated Motor
Assist.
“People may not realize the Insight
is very economical to purchase,
starting at about $21,000, which is
great for a family sedan,” Vece said.
“Where the Civic Hybrid is subtle
in its environmental participation,
the Insight celebrates environmental
awareness with unique trims and
monikers many owners appreciate on
this car.”
The Honda Odyssey, Civic Hybrid
and Insight — along with Readers’
Choice favorites, the Honda Civic
sedan, Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey
and Honda CR-V — are available at
First Honda, 2325 First St., in Simi
Valley.
Showroom hours are from 9 a.m. to
9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and
from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Information: 584-6632
Website: http://www.1stautogroup.
com
Facebook: First Honda Simi Valley
Twitter: @FirstHondaSimi
ECONOMY CAR
Full county winner
Honda Civic
Full county favorites
★ Toyota Corolla
★ Toyota Prius
★ Ford Focus
★ Toyota Camry
★ Honda Accord
Honda Civic
With upscale design and stylish trim
levels, the Civic Sedan is once again
named the top economy car by Ventura
County Star readers. The 2011 model
offers technology, performance and
value with lots of bang for the buck
consumers demand.
“The Civic is very sporty compared
to other vehicles in its class with
excellent fuel economy,” said Joe
Vece, general sales manager at First
Honda in Simi Valley. “This car has
a lot of power and people have a fun
time driving this car.”
With a steeply raked windshield to
enhance aerodynamics and handling,
TRANSPORTATION
this economy sedan is anything but
economy. It offers a leather-trimmed
interior (on EX-L models), available
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation
System with Voice Recognition on EX
and EX-L models and a USB audio
interface on EX and EX-L trims.
Drivers can attribute the smooth ride
to a MacPherson strut front suspension
and a choice of five-speed manual
or five-speed automatic transmission
powered by a 140 hp, 1.8-liter,
16-valve SOHC I-VTEC four-cylinder
engine. Mileage checks in at 26
city/34 hwy with the manual option;
25 city/36 hwy in the automatic.
The Honda Civic — along with
Readers’ Choice favorites the Honda
Accord, Honda Odyssey, Honda Insight
and Honda CR-V — is available at First
Honda, 2325 First St., in Simi Valley.
Showroom hours are from 9 a.m. to
9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and
from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Information: 584-6632
Website: http://www.1stautogroup.
com
Facebook: First Honda Simi Valley
Twitter: @FirstHondaSimi
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Performance, style and value are
several reasons why the Toyota Corolla
is one of the best selling cars in the
world. The attractive and sporty Corolla
is available in three trim models and
all come equipped with a 1.8-liter
four-cylinder engine that produces 132
horsepower. The fuel efficient Corolla
is rated for 28 mpg in the city and 35
mpg on the highway.
“The Corolla is the No. 1 selling car
in the world and the Camry is the No.
1 selling car in America,” said Robert
Gutierrez, client advisor.
As a spacious and comfortable mid-
sized car, the Toyota Camry is roomy,
2011 Readers’ Choice
refined and is competitively priced
with similar sedans in its class. The
base model Camry is rated for 22 mpg
in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Thousand Oaks Toyota has a large
selection of the Corolla or Camry in
which to choose.
The dealership is at 2401 Thousand
Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks.
Information: 497-2791
Website: http://www.totoyota.com 89
TRANSPORTATIO

     
 
 

2011 Readers’ Choice

90
       
          
                                 
 TRANSPORTATION
FA MILY CAR
Full county winner
Honda Accord
Full county favorites
★ Toyota Camry
★ Honda Odyssey
★ Honda CR-V
★ Toyota Sienna
★ Acura MDX

Honda Accord
“The Honda Accord always returns to
the VC Star’s Reader’s Choice because
it is so popular with families and is a
great-looking sedan that achieves up to
34 mpg,” said Joe Vece, general sales
manager at First Honda in Simi Valley.
“Honda technology has made this
car self-reliant and it maintains great
resale value.”
Drivers and passengers will discover
increased comfort with a larger interior
for 2011 with available leather-
trimmed seats, a 10-way power adjust
on the driver’s seat, (SE and above) CADILLAC CTS — LUXURY CAR
and air/heat vents on EX models and
Honda Odyssey Readers’ Choice favorites the Honda down for even more storage.
above in the rear seats. Every Accord
Honda CR-V Civic sedan, Honda Accord, Honda The base model versions come
Sedan is outfitted with a Honda
If a mid-size SUV is what you crave, Odyssey and Honda Insight — is standard with a 187-hp, 2.7 liter four-
Satellite-Linked Navigation System
look no further than the Honda CR-V. available at First Honda, 2325 First cylinder, with a six-speed automatic
also comes equipped with a rearview
The aerodynamic silhouette is elegant St., in Simi Valley. transmission. The Sienna is rated 19
camera.
and classic and is powerfully efficient Showroom hours are from 9 a.m. to mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the
All models sport a new grille, front
with a 180-horsepower, four-cylinder 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and highway.
bumper and trunk-lid design. On
engine that provides all the power of from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. “There’s a Sienna available for every
the V6 models, consumers will be
surprised to find a little more bling a V-6 delivering an estimated 21 mpg Information: 584-6632 type of family,” said Robert Gutierrez,
with a finished chrome exhaust and city/28 hwy in an ultra-low emission Website: http://www.1stautogroup. client advisor. “It’s a great family car.”
door handles. package. The CR-V also is available in com Thousand Oaks Toyota is at 2401
Several engines are available, Real Time 4WD. Facebook: First Honda Simi Valley Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand
including the 177-hp, four-cylinder Inside, the CR-V offers a variety Twitter: @FirstHondaSimi Oaks.
(LX, LX-P); 190-hp, four-cylinder (EX) of storage options and an MP3- and Information: 497-2791
and 271-hp, V-6. Estimated mpg is 34 Windows Media Audio3 compatible CD Toyota Sienna Website: http://www.totoyota.com.
with the four-cylinder models and 30 player. The newly redesigned 2011 Toyota
mpg with the V-6. On SE, EX and EX-L models, a six- Sienna won the honor this year of
The Honda Accord — along with disc in-dash changer is standard, and being named the Readers’ Choice LUXURY CAR
Readers’ Choice favorites the Honda the EX-L model adds XM Radio. Favorite, Full County for a family car
With 60/40 split rear seats and rear by The Star readers. Full county winner

2011 Readers’ Choice

Civic, Honda Odyssey, Honda Insight
and Honda CR-V — is available at First
Honda, 2325 First St., in Simi Valley.
Showroom hours are from 9 a.m. to
9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and
from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Information: 584-6632
Website: http://www.1stautogroup.
com
Facebook: First Honda Simi Valley
Twitter: @FirstHondaSimi
seats folded forward, the cargo area
provides 72 cubic-feet of space.
“The CR-V has great power to
weight ratio, performance and style
in a functional package that works
well with many lifestyles because it is
so incredibly user-friendly,” said Joe
Vece, general sales manager at First
Honda in Simi Valley.
The Honda CR-V — along with
The all-new exterior styling sets
the Sienna apart from other minivan Cadillac CTS
competitors in its field. The Sienna is
wider but is shorter in height from the Full county favorites
previous model years. ★ BMW 750
The Sienna has a seven or eight ★ Lexus LS 460
passenger version with an abundance ★ Lexus ES 350
of storage space throughout. If ★ Mercedes Benz E350
additional space is needed, the third ★ Cadillac Escalade
row bench seat can be easily folded ★ Acura TL 91
   
TRANSPORTATIO

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92

     

CHEVROLET CORVETTE — SPORTS CAR
Cadillac CTS
Luxury, performance and handling
is what the classic Cadillac is all
about. A Readers’ Choice favorite,
GM’s flagship CTS sedan tops the list
again as a crowd-pleasing favorite.
For 2011 the usual suspects of CTS
trim lines include the popular CTS
Sport Sedan, V-Sedan, Coupe, V-
Coupe, Sport Wagon and the V-Wagon.
At the top of the ladder, GM says
the CTS V-Sedan represents the
fasted production sedan in the world.
And they aren’t kidding. Enhanced
performance drives this baby from
zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
“Cadillac has really brought out
all the stops for the CTS and our
customers have responded to the
upgrades in standard features and
innovative technology,” said Leo
Bunnin, president and owner of
Bunnin Cadillac. “Just when you
think this line-up of cars had reached
the pinnacle, General Motors raises
the bar once again.”
Chevrolet Corvette
TRANSPORTATION
The Chevrolet Corvette: an American
icon that keeps getting better and
better with age, and once again,
a winner with Ventura County Star
readers. Loaded with power, style and
ingenuity, the 2011 class of Corvettes
will surely take you for the ride of your
life.
“The Corvette is simply the best-
priced, best-selling sports car on
the market,” said Sharon Lorkowski,
Internet manager at William L. Morris
Chevrolet in Simi Valley. “What you
get in a Corvette is bar-none compared
to other American sports cars in its
class.”
Models include the essential Coupe,
Convertible, Grand Sport Coupe,
Grand Sport Convertible, Z06 and the
grand-daddy of them all — the fastest
GM production car of all-time — the
ZR1, packed with a supercharged LS9
engine producing 638-hp and topping
out at 205 mph.
The standard coupe is nothing to
sneeze at either. All models average
zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (with
the exception of the ZR1 at 3.4
seconds) cranking 430-horsepower.
The Z06 returns a very respectable
505-hp. Mileage on all except the ZR1
(20 mpg hwy) calculates an estimated
26 mpg hwy.
Track-tested in Germany the Sport It’s no wonder the grand Corvette
pairs a 556-hp supercharged V8 MOTORCYCLE is heralded as “The Great American
engine with racing suspension tuned Sports Car.”
in Germany, Brembo brakes with Full county winner Wm. L. Morris Chevrolet is at 1001
six-caliper in front and four-caliper in
the rear, hand-cut and sewn interior
Harley-Davidson Cochran St., Simi Valley.
Information: 426-5873
appointments, Michelin Sport tires, Full county favorites Website: http://www.morrischevy.com
six-speed manual or automatic Facebook: Wm L Morris Chevy Simi
★ Honda
with paddle shifters mounted on Valley
★ Ducati
the steering wheel, 10-speaker Twitter: @MorrisChevy
★ BMW
Bose surround sound, touch-screen
★ Kawasaki
navigation with iPod integration and
so much more.
★ Yamaha SPORTS UTILITY
To see the full line of Cadillac CTS VEHICLE
sedans, visit Bunnin GM Supercenter SPORTS CAR
2011 Readers’ Choice
at 1501 Ventura Blvd., in the Oxnard
Auto Center.
Full county winner
The showroom is open from 9 a.m.
Full county winner Land Rover Range Rover
to 9.p.m. daily. Chevrolet Corvette
Information: 987-2279 Full county favorites
Website: http://www.bunnin.com Full county favorites ★ Toyota 4runner
Facebook: Bunnin Automotive ★ Chevrolet Camaro ★ Cadillac Escalade
Group ★ Porsche 911 ★ Chevrolet Tahoe
Twitter: @Bunnin_Auto ★ Ford Mustang ★ Toyota Highlander
★ Ferrari F430
★ Audi R8 93
TRANSPORTATIO

     
 
 

2011 Readers’ Choice

94
 
   
 
 
 
      
     
   

 
    
 
   
   
   



HONDA ODYSSEY — VAN
Cadillac Escalade
Votes of The Star readers have
determined the 2011 Cadillac
Escalade SUV is a full county
favorite SUV. Combining power and
performance not found in other luxury
SUVs, this 8-passenger ride offers
spacious interior with seating for eight
in three rows, tri-zone climate control,
touch-screen navigational system,
a rearview camera and optional
equipment and appointments to
further distinguish the Escalade from
other SUVs in its class.
“Refinement, performance and
seating for eight in a luxurious
package barely touches the surface
of the Cadillac Escalade,” said
Leo Bunnin, president and owner
of Bunnin Cadillac. “The optional
Platinum model kicks it up a few more
notches with distinctive exterior styling
and appointments while the Hybrid
Escalade model represents the world’s
only full-size luxury Hybrid SUV. It
doesn’t get much better than this.”
All-wheel-drive powertrains on all
models in the lineup include 6.2-liter
V-8 engines that deliver 403-hp with
an estimated 13 mpg city/18 hwy fuel
economy.
Hybrid technology establishes the
Escalade as the world’s only full-size
luxury SUV. Designed to improve fuel
efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions
the Escalade uses a two-mode hybrid
system that uses a gas engine and
electricity generated by electric motors
to deliver an estimated 20 mpg city/23
mpg hwy.
To see the full line of Cadillac
Escalade SUVs, visit Bunnin GM
Supercenter at 1501 Ventura Blvd., in
the Oxnard Auto Center.
The showroom is open from 9 a.m.
to 9.p.m. daily.
Information: 987-2279
Website: http://www.bunnin.com
Facebook: Bunnin Automotive Group
Twitter: @Bunnin_Auto
Toyota Highlander
The 2011 Toyota Highlander was
selected as the Readers’ Choice
Favorite in the category of SUV by
readers of The Star.
Toyota added some changes to this
crossover vehicle for 2011 including
new front styling, revised lighting and
a four-cylinder is now more readily
available with the base model. The
Highlander has a long list of options
that are available for even the most
discriminating buyer.
“The versatility is great,” said Paul
Bromley, sales manager. “It offers a
comfortable ride for a multi-purpose
vehicle and is a popular seller. With
the Highlander, you get more bang for
the buck.”
In business for 40 years at the
same location, Thousand Oaks Toyota
is committed to providing excellent
customer satisfaction.
Thousand Oaks Toyota is at 2401
Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.
Information: 497-2791
Website: http://www.totoyota.com
TRUCK
Full county winner
Ford F-150 4x2
Full county favorites
★ Toyota Tacoma
★ Toyota Tundra
★ Ford F-150 4x4
★ Chevrolet Silverado
★ Chevrolet 1500 4x2
TRANSPORTATION
VA N
Full county winner
Honda Odyssey
Full county favorites
★ Toyota Sienna
★ Dodge Caravan
★ Chrysler Town & Country
★ Chevrolet RV Van
★ Ford Flex
★ Chevrolet Express
Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is innovation
at its finest with a distinguished style
and advanced safety features. The
tecnology inside makes it a rolling
entertainment wonder. A 16.2-inch
wide split-screen capable DVD rear
entertainment system with HDMI
technology is just one of the advanced
technologies available (and who
wouldn’t chose this option?).
“There are few competitors in the
automotive market when it comes to
the Honda Odyssey van,” said Joe
Vece, general sales manager at First
Honda in Simi Valley. “For the 2011
model year it has been redesigned
with more comfort and additional trims
available for families on the go.”
Those trims include the LX, EX,
EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite. All
models are feature a powerful 3.5-liter,
248-hp V-6 with 250 lb.-ft. of torque
and an available six-speed automatic
transmission that delivers up to 28
mpg hwy.
Safety is no accident with the
Odyssey. The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration awarded the
Odyssey five-stars in each seating
position of all three crash-safety tests,
as well as earning a five-star overall
vehicle score.
The Honda Odyssey is available at
First Honda, 2325 First St., in Simi
2011 Readers’ Choice
Valley.
Showroom hours are from 9 a.m. to
9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and
from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Information: 584-6632
Website: http://www.1stautogroup.
com
Facebook: First Honda Simi Valley
Twitter: @FirstHondaSimi
95
2011 Readers’ Choice