The VERY BEST TASTES OJAI REVELED

Lisa — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 14:39:56 +0000

The Best Restaurants in Town

Papa Lennons
California Italian Pizza & Pasta
Super hip easy, fresh & organic. Great outdoor hang great!! Beautiful Gelato for dessert, I love the Lemon Poppy & the Lavender ones! Good for families or romance.
805 640.7388 515 W .El Roblar Dr. Meiners Oaks

Broccolis
Italian Homestyle Pizza & Pasta
A very family friendly outdoor country picnic style restaurant. A local Ojai Classic. Great food & delicious local wine they are known for their heirloom tomatoes salad and strawberry shortcakes in the summer! They also have a secret ingredient in there sauce
that really kicks. Cash Only 646-6116 3277 Ojai Rd. Ojai

Farmer & The Cook
Totally Hippie & Organic Store & Cafe
Great salad bar, fresh soups, & fresh baked quiches and desserts
Delicious Chai Tea !!!!

Ranch House
Gourmet Dinning & Exceptional Wine Experience is a famous romantic secret garden atmosphere, very pricey!! Very original exceptional service! The WINE OMG!!! Great Escargot!! Fresh herbs on everything, fresh baked breads. 500 S. Lomita Ojai 805 646.2360
Sea Fresh
Fresh Seafood, sushi & Seafood Market
This is a relaxed indoor & outdoor local hang we al love they actually fish their own boat for the fish so its totally FRESH. We love the owners say HI to Gus for us!! Try the the Salomon Cakes with extra sauce its to die for!
805 646.7747 533 E. Ojai Ave. Ojai

Bodees
Steak House & Outside Mountain Dinning
Rustic Gourmet & Eclectic Wine List
Say HI to Michelle the owner!!
805 646 5300
3304 Maricopa Hwy. Ojai

Azu
Mediterranean Fine Dinning & Tapas
Expensive but a great place to see & be seen!
Best fresh martinis, Best Paella in the world!
Best bacon wrapped dates. Lovely wines &
Homemade Gelato 805 640.7987

Paradise on Sale

Lisa — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:40:22 +0000

Whether you are looking for a small romantic getaway Cottage, Luxury Villa, Artsy Bungalow, Ranch Retreat or a Large Vacation Home for a family gathering. All of our homes are hand selected and they are beautifully furnished and well maintained to ensure a comfortable stay for all our guests. Outdoors dining, cuddling by the fireplace, and floating on a raft with and umbrella drink are all highlights of staying at one of our properties.

“The World’s Greatest Outdoor Bookstore”

Lisa — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 03:51:38 +0000

Their website saysccand perhaps it is. There aren’t too many outdoor bookstores on the Planet Earth. I certainly recommend checking it out if you are in the neighborhood of Ojai, California. Very cool indeed. You may even spy a “celebrity” or two while there. They have a huge supply of books ranging from the 35 cent honor system books that line the bookshelves out on the sidewalk to rare out-of-print first editions.

Bart’s Books, nestled under the 420 year old coastal live oaktree at the corner of Matilija and Canada streets in Ojai, CA, is the home to the largest independently owned and operated outdoor bookstore in the U.S.A.

In 1964 Bart’s Books was little more than a sparkle in the eye of Richard Bartinsdale whose collection of books had gotten so overwhelming that he constructed a series of book cases along the sidewalk so that passersby could peruse the titles.

In lieu of a cash register, “Bart” left coffee cans atop the book cases. People would select a title or two and leave payment in the cans, giving birth to Bart’s world famous tradition of selling books via the honor system.

Since that time Bart’s Books has become host to nearly one million books ranging from the thirty-five cent specials which line the outside walls and are still for sale on the honor system, to rare, out of print first editions, and art books (like Dali’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland) valued in the thousands of dollars.

Currently Dave Ray is Bart’s Books bookseller extraordinaire. With his unique blend of expertise, vim, and pure passion for the art of the written word, he brings new life to what The Times calls “an intellectual haven.”

Nearly half a century after its inception, Bart’s Books continues to mystify patrons, journalists, and book lovers with a character and charm that beggars description and a selection of books that is beyond compare.

Ojai Art Colony

Lisa — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:07:18 +0000

Art is a huge focus in Ojai. The are many famous artists that grace are beautiful mountains. There are certain towns in this country that attract artists, certain places that artists seem to go where it is open to their expression. ”Ojai is a wonderful mix of a variety of people who are fortunate to live in a community surrounded by mountains, streams, where people are open and friendly.”

Like a true art colony, there is always something happening in the arts in this town. Art studios line Bryant Street and if you drop in on Thursday evenings at the bookstore you might catch a poetry reading. Grab another cup of café mocha and chill. The annual Artist Tour is amazing you actually get to go into the homes & studios of these amazing creative types and ask them lots of questions.

As the night sky descends on the quietude and beauty of the Ojai Valley, it is a sure bet you will return to Ojai, the real difficulty is leaving.

Ojai Best Fresh Catch!

Lisa — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:18:30 +0000

Freshod in Ojai, Fresh, Fresh Fsh Market, Restaurant and Sushi & Oyster Bar.

In August of 1985 they opened their doors in Ojai, California, September of 1998, In Thousand Oaks, California, and Channel Island Harbor July of 2000. But the story began long before this.

In 1963 when Bill Sutton, one of the owners, was only seven,, his Dad took him on a fishing trip. From that day forward he was “hooked”. Bill as a small boy would have his Mom drop him off, and pick him up from the pier, where he fished all of his spare time. Bill brought his small catch home, and with red wagon in tow, marketed his catch to the local neighbors. This was the beginning of it all. Bill then worked on sport fishing boats part time while in school and after graduating from high school in 1972, went to work on commercial fishing boats that fished up and down the Pacific Coast.

The place is casual & the service is excellent. Wine list is fun too!

Hand Crafted Ojai Ice Cream & Wine ?

Lisa — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:17:31 +0000

If you are a sweets person & will travel for something absolutely decadent & one of a kind. Ojai Ice Cream is worth the whole trip. The Ice cream & Sweets shop has been in downtown Ojai for over 20 years & owned by the same family all these years. I think the best part is when you walk in the door you are literally punched he face with the overwhelming aromas of sweet waffaly,creamy,sugar coated goodness. I swear it happens everytime without fail!! The local simpleness of the whole environment is so down-home & it feels as if you are in a Hansel & Gretel movie. daily and with secret recipes. The texture of the ice cream is softer & creamer than your typical gourmet creams. They have fantastic flavors that complement the seasons of Ojai like Ojai Orange in the Summer & Lovely Lavender during our Annual Lavender Festival n Late Summer. My Favorite is there Pumpkin Spice made in October any Pupkin you have tasted PURE PUMPIN PIE. Oh my traditional flavors like the best Rum Raisin you’ve ever tasted and Drk Chocolate, a super Vanilla Bean, Mint Chip oh and a very chunky & festive Bubble Gum the kids will do Fairy Flips for. The sweet creams come on a variety of handmade huge Waffle cones that can be dipped in Chocolate then dipped in sprinkles. If Ice Cream is not your thing try there handmade Fudge with delightful flavors. It doesn’t hurt tha Casa Baranca Winery is right next door! what could be better that Ice Cream & Wine!!! Good Lord Sweet Jesus life up here in Ojai is so creammmmy sweet !!

Full Moon Community Meditation

Lisa — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:19:44 +0000

There is nothing like a “Ojai Full Moon” all the beautiful people come out to play!!

Full Moon Community Meditation
Meditation Mount
December 30, 2009 7:30pm-9:00pm
Full Moon Community Meditation in Capricorn
Wed, Dec. 30th @7:30 PM

Please join us in this group meditation for humanity. Your generous donations are greatly appreciated.

10340 Reeves Rd., Ojai
805-646-5508

Holiday Events In Ojai

Lisa — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:06:18 +0000

Today in ojai: events and culture

Tuesday December 15Winter Solstice Gathering at Krotona School
Wednesday December 16Peddlers Fair at Oak Grove School
Thursday December 17Fast Fund Raising Workshop
Friday December 18″A Christmas Carol” play to benefit Ojai Education Foundation
Sunday December 20CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Candle Lighting Ceremony

Lisa — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:58:31 +0000

CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Ojai Retreat
December 20, 2009 4:00pm-6:00pm
You are invited to attend a Candle Lighting Ceremony – a rich, spiritual experience and delightful social event for people of all faiths. WINTER SOLSTICE EVE SUNDAY DECEMBER 20, from 4 – 6 pm. Explore roots of winter “HOLY DAYS”, refresh your spirit and soul, ignire your dreams and visions.
Ceremonial leader Rev. Marilyn Miller will share with you the deep purpose and meaning of winter’s holy days (based on 25 years of research). Rev. Marilyn Miller is an interfaith minister, is author of “Holidays and Heroes” and Director of the Singing Earth Foundation. She is recipient of Women of Vision’s Global Community Building Award. This event is held at The Ojai Retreat, 160 Besant Road, Meiners Oaks. wwww.ojaireteat.org. Call (805) 386-2694 to reserve your space. Love offering.

ojai events : events and culture in the Ojai ValleyEvent Category: Religion

Contact: Rev. Marilyn Miller – 805.386.2694

Ojai Wine Tour & Tasting On Us!

Lisa — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:38:41 +0000

The Old Creek Ranch Winery is owned and managed by John and Carmel Whitman. Carmel is the daughter of Mike and Carmel Maitland, the original founders of the winery in 1981.

During the 27 years of the Winery’s operation there have been many award winning wines produced. The Winery has been a contributor to the economy and as a visitor site of the Ojai Valley since 1981.

The greatest attention to quality and detail are forefront to our winemaking process. The winery focus now are wines of Southern France, Spain, and Italy.

The Winery is open Daily from 11am to 5pm.

The Winery is located on the Old Creek Ranch. The Ranch is part of a Spanish 22,000 acre land grant awarded to Don Fernando Tico, dating back to the early history of California. In the late 1800′s Antonio Riva of northern Italy purchased the ranch. He was a chef in Paris, London and later in San Francisco. He built a winery on the ranch at that time.

Today the original winery still stands and has been depicted as the logo and on the label of previous wines. At that time, wines were made without electricity and utilized gravity as a means to move the wine in the processing. Riva produced wine until about 1942, including the prohibition years. Wine purchasers would leave an order and money on the clothesline and would return later to pickup a jug of red wine left at the base of an oak tree. On one occasion he was warned the FBI was coming to raid the winery. All wine beyond what was legal for one family to produce was dumped prior to their arrival.

In 1976 the Maitland’s purchased the property with the intention of revitalizing the old ranch. A couple of years later they were approached to start a new winery on the property. In 1981 the first vintage was introduced. Many award-winning wines were to follow.

As of 2007, Michael Meagher has been in charge of the winemaking. He has been making his own wines at the ranch since 2004 under his label, Vino V.

A vineyard of 20 acres was planted during the 1980′s. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc were produced. Sadly, the vineyard fell prey to the bacterium that causes Pierce’s Disease. Plans are now being developed for a new vineyard at the top of the Ranch that will distance the grapes from the insects that transmit the disease.

The Winery now out sources grapes. We are involved with some of the premier growers, Branham Obsidian Vineyard (Napa), and from Santa Barbara County, Stolpman Vineyards, Sanford Benedict Vineyard, White Hawk Vineyard, Vogelzang Vineyard, McGinley Vineyard (formally Westerly), and Estelle Vineyard.

In the meantime, today the ranch is an 850-acre cattle ranch with a winery, and fruit orchards. We have planted at the entrance to the ranch an orchard of five varieties of cherry trees, and are extending the orchard with a variety of Japanese plums.

doors are open seven days a week! Visit the Tours and Tastings page for more information about scheduled tours and tastings.

The Winery overlooks the entrance to the ranch at the end of the Old Creek Road at the bottom of the Ojai Valley. Located an easy 90-minute drive north of Los Angeles, Ojai offers you lots to see and do on your next vacation or weekend getaway. Biking, hiking, spa retreats, horseback riding, camping, or just enjoying lunch in the great outdoors; Ojai offers something for everyone.