the lot across from Art City

R.I.P. Art City?

 

I hope I'm wrong, but it sure looks as though Ventura's famed Art City is closing shop / folding / moving to that big sculpture studio the sky...

gazpacho?

The dipping sauce that tasted like gazpacho.

fried bananas

The fried bananas of 7-22-23.

X Games light show, part 2

This light show really made an impression - some 400 drones forming pictures in the sky. It's not like anything anyone has seen, aside from fireworks, and word is out that these "drone shows" will eventually replace old-fashioned fireworks. Safer and more controlled. 

X Games light show, part 1

The way it looked on the Ventura City Hall.

Major Dickason

I'm sure we've all wondered from time to time who the heck Major Dickason was. Turns out he was a retired Army officer who became a regular at Alfred Peet's original coffee house in Berkeley, CA. So there you have it.

Dolce Vita, part 2

Dolce Vita

First rate coffee in a transit center. The Oxnard Transit Center. The owner has created something really special, and now it's possible to gaze at the passing trains while sipping first rate coffee drinks. The food is said to be good too. Dolce Vita is listed on the current Yelp 100 favorite restaurants in the whole country.

Strange Beast

Rock and Roll mocktails?

Portside promenade

A nice place to hang out, or go for a stroll.

Crave Gelato Kofi Bar

A delightful new coffee and gelato bar in the new Portside Harbor complex. I was ambivalent when they built this place but am now forced to admit that it's a great weekday destination - part Seaside, FL and part Monterey Plaza Hotel with a nice terrace and view.

San Antonio Creek

 

As seen in July from the San Antonio Creek Bridge.

kombucha

The kind you have at home.

Cemetery Park

A nice place to read, walk, gaze at the ocean and dog watch.

Amy's Drive Thru, part 2

Amy's Drive Thru

Yes, the same Amy's Kitchen that for years has been selling soups and frozen meals in the supermarket now has small a chain of drive thrus. This one in Thousand Oaks is the nearest to us. I must say that as far as fast food places go, the space is very well designed. It's funny that they call it a "drive thru" when there is lots of indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy your food on the premises.

Saffron Indian Cuisine

I couldn't argue with this Shahi paneer lunch special. The portions were just right, which isn't always the case at Indian restaurants. Saffron Indian Cuisine in Newbury Park, first time.

the new popcorn maker

The new popcorn maker we got to replace the old aluminum Whirley-Pop. This one is stainless steel, so it's basically a healthier version of the same thing. It's made by Great Northern and called "The Twister".

the new palms

The new palms planted high up in the Ventura Botanical Gardens.

a new plant

A new plant that caught my eye at the Ventura Botanical Gardens. A shrub with intriguing small leaves. I may or may not learn the name in my lifetime.

another nice PCH bike ride

This time to the west entrance of Emma Wood State Beach.