dessert

Due to the swirl of activity we had to adjust our seating situation and in return were offered a complimentary dessert. This was a nice gesture and after reviewing the options I had to admit that the sundae with Nutella sounded the most appealing. It did not disappoint.

car battery

From the menu it was difficult to determine the volume of the various side dishes that piqued our interest. As an insurance policy against hunger I got this block of Potato and Poblano Gratin almost the size (and shape) of a car battery - but without as much flavor. Actually it was okay but it could have used a bit more flavor in my humble opinion.

Condor Bar

Our first visit to the fashionable Condor Bar, the dinner venue at the new Hotel El Roblar in Ojai. It seemed quite busy for a Wednesday night and the succession of dishes immersed us into a swirl of California Cuisine with Mexican overtones.

Ojai Ranch Inn pool

It was a very good pool (and pool area), perhaps one of the best of the year. The existence of this pool was one of the things that inspired me to stay here.

Ojai Rancho Inn

An older property that has been successfully "boutiquified" and is now part of the "Shelter Social Club" - a local chain of creatively-redesigned lodging venues on the Central Coast, a few of which we've enjoyed (Agave Inn in Santa Barbara and Alamo Motel in Los Alamos). Very happy to add this one to our resumé.

car wash photography

It had never occurred to me but using a car wash on a sunny day opens the door to all sorts of special effects for photography, especially when the high-pressure rinse is being used.

September Noe's

It gets overlooked, but Johnny Cash's first wife Vivian (above) lived in Ventura with the kids after they split and Johnny went back to Tennessee. One also forgets that Johnny Cash passed away as recently as Sept. 12, 2003, and Vivian on May 24, 2005. This was our third visit to enjoy Noe's wonderful veggie omelet and our first time in this room.