Edible Ojai & Ventura County Events Calendar

Spring 2015

Ongoing

Café Firenze Cooking Classes

563 W. Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark

Learn firsthand how Chef Fabio Viviani plans, prepares and eats his favorite Italian recipes. Reservations required.

Mar. 29–Fabio’s “Brunch Style” cooking. Class meets at 11am.

Other classes available; check website for details.

Info: 805-532-0048, www.CafeFirenze.net

California Health & Longevity Institute Wellness Kitchen Classes

Two Dole Dr., Westlake Village

Learning to eat better, while eating well, through hands-on cooking classes and experiences led by registered dietitians. Classes are 6:30–8:30pm.

Mar. 18–Wine Wednesdays, a series of small plates and wine pairings from guest wineries

Mar. 27–Farm-to-Fork Fridays, a series of cooking demos featuring local, healthy and sustainable dishes, followed by communal dining experiences

Additional classes each month; check website for details.

Info: www.CHLI.com  

Culinary Concierge Connection Cooking Classes

Westlake Village

Phyllis Vaccarelli offers both daytime and evening Cookbook of the Month classes. These intimate, hands-on classes are limited to seven students per class.

Apr. 15, 10:30am; Apr. 16, 6pm–Good Food Good Life by Curtis Stone

May 13, 10:30am; May 14, 6pm–My New Roots: Inspired Plant-Based Recipes for Every Season by Sarah Britton

Other classes available; check website for details.

Info: www.CulinaryConciergeConnection.com

Food Forward Crop Recovery Program

Various Locations

Food Forward rescues fresh local produce that would otherwise go to waste, connecting this abundance with people in need and inspiring others to do the same.

Mar. 21, Mar. 28––Calabasas Farmers’ Market Recovery Gleaning, Calabasas. Noon–2pm.

May 16, May 17––Citrus Sunday Weekend, fruit picks throughout the community of Ventura.

Other dates available; check website for details and to register.

Info: www.FoodForward.org  

Gourmet Food Truck Fridays

Pacific View Mall, 3301-1 E. Main St., Ventura

The third Friday of every month, from 5–9pm, gourmet food trucks will be in the parking lot between Main and Telegraph, along Mills Rd. offering up delectable, one-of-a-kind treats.

Info: www.ShopPacificView.com

Komali Nunna Cooking Classes

Camarillo

Indian cookbook author, gardener and cooking instructor Komali Nunna teaches monthly garden/farm-to-table cooking classes. Classes are 2–5pm. Call for dates and topics.

Info: 805-484-3850, komali.nunna@gmail.com

La Dolce Vita Ristorante Cooking Classes

740 S. B St., Oxnard

Cooking classes taught by owner and executive chef Michelle Kenney. Classes are 1–4pm. Reservations required.

Apr. 4–Southeast Asia/Indonesia Influence

Additional classes each month; check website.

Info: 805-486-6878, www.LaDolceVitaDimare.com

Main Course California Cooking Classes

1363 Donlon St. #11, Ventura

Monthly cooking classes in the company’s facility. Classes meet at 6pm. Call to register. Check website for details.

Info: 805-658-8900, www.MainCourseCA.com

Ojai Chautauqua

Ojai Valley Community Church, 907 El Centro St., Ojai

The Ojai Chautauqua presents provocative forum discussions on controversial issue we face as a community, state and nation. 4:30–6:30pm.

Apr.12­–Immigration: American Dream or American Nightmare?

June 7–Income Inequality: The End of the Middle Class?

Info: www.OjaiChautauqua.org

Ojai Culinary School Cooking Classes

Lavender Inn, 210 East Matilija St., Ojai

The intimate Lavender Inn is the setting for the innovative Ojai Culinary School. Private cooking classes available, too. Classes meet at 1pm. Call for reservations.

Apr. 12–East Meets West with an Ojai Pixie Twist with Chef April Tucker

May. 17–Chesapeake Bounty with Chef April Tucker

June 7–Farm Fresh Campfire & Grill Cooking with Vanessa

Info: 805-646-6635, www. LavenderInn.com/Ojai-Culinary-School   

Seasons Catering Cooking Classes

2646 Palma Dr. #255, Ventura

At monthly “Cooking with Deardorff Family Farms” produce classes you can learn how to deconstruct a farmers’ market or CSA box and turn it into delicious meals. Menus based on produce available at class time. Classes meet at 6pm. Check website for dates.

Info: www.SeasonsCateringCa.com

Spice-Topia Cooking Classes

576 E. Main St., Ventura

Cooking classes with Chef Amy in the store’s kitchen classroom. Classes are 6:30–8:30pm. Call to register. Classes each month; check website for details.

Info: 805-628-3267, www.Spice-Topia.com

TBT Food Truck Fest

Camarillo Ranch, 201 Camarillo Ranch Rd., Camarillo

Food, local beer and wine, music and fundraising go together at this monthly gourmet food-truck festival at this stately Queen Anne-style Victorian built in 1892. From 5–9pm on the final Thursday of each month.

Info: www.CamarilloRanch.org

Ventura County Wine Trail Tours

Ventura Visitors Center, 101 S. California Street, Ventura

Saturdays and Sundays–Visit the tasting rooms, meet the wine makers, enjoy warm hospitality, beautiful scenery and historic locations. Includes all tasting fees, transportation and lunch. From 11am–­­5pm. Additional events each month; check website for details.

Info: 805-648-2075, www.VenturaCountyWineTrail.com

Westlake Culinary Institute Cooking Classes

4643 Lakeview Canyon Rd., Westlake Village

Here are some highlights on the Institute’s Let’s Get Cookin’ schedule. Classes meet at 6:30pm.

Mar. 17–St. Patty’s Day Cooking with Chef Robin Atkin

Mar. 19–Handmade Pasta 101 with Chef Mary Bergin

Mar. 20–Home-Style Indian Cooking with Neena Williams

Mar. 25–Stimulating Cooking with Coffee – Savory & Sweet with Phillis Carey

Mar. 26–Romancing the Bones – Stocks & Sauces with Chef Mary Bergin

Mar. 27–Upscale Southern Comfort with Chef Robin Atkin

Additional classes each month; check website.

Info: www.WestlakeCulinaryInstitute.com

Upcoming

Mar. 15–22, various times

Ojai Valley Grange Revival Week

Grange Hall, 381 Cruzero St., Ojai

The Grange, America’s oldest agricultural organization, encourages folks to come together to promote the economic and political wellbeing of the community and agriculture. Multiple classes each day covering diverse topics like Beginner’s Cheesemaking, Canning 101, Biodynamic Compost Tea and Farming with Wildlife.

Info: www.GrangeFuture.org/Ojai

Mar. 21, Apr. 4 and Apr. 18, 9am

Friend’s Ranches Orchard Tours

15150 Maricopa Hwy., Ojai

Tour the orchard, taste what’s in season, visit the packinghouse, pick a bag of fruit to take home.

Info: www.FriendsRanches.com

Mar. 27, 6:30–­­8:30pm

Community Potluck & Presentation: Laundry to Landscape

Chaparral Auditorium, 414 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai

This Ojai Valley Green Coalition community gathering will describe the ins and outs of a home gray-water system, describing the plumbing components with the appropriate plants and water distribution layout.

Info: 805-669-8445, www.OjaiValleyGreenCoalition.org

Mar. 28, 8am–noon

Creating Your Summer Vegetable Garden

Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 14292 W. Telegraph Rd., Santa Paula

Master Gardeners of Ventura County will take you through the process from site selection to harvest, discussing soil preparation, irrigation, composting and raised-bed gardens.

Info: www.UCANR.edu/sites/VCMG                                   

April

Ojai Pixie Tangerine Month

Various locations, dates and times, Ojai

The Ojai Visitors Bureau spearheads this third annual month-long party featuring Pixie-packed activities, tours, lodging packages, and special menu items at bars and restaurants. Check website for details.

Info: www.OjaiVisitors.com

April to Mid-June, 9am–4pm daily

Pick Your Own Berries

Underwood Family Farms, 5696 Los Angeles Ave., Somis

Pick your own blueberries and strawberries, followed by raspberries starting in May.

Info: www.UnderwoodFamilyFarms.com           

Apr. 4, 11am–3pm

Earth Day 2015: There’s No Place Like Home!

Downtown Plaza Park, Corner of Fifth & C Streets, Oxnard

Community event promotes environmental education and awareness. Features live entertainment, food, children’s activities and exhibits from local nonprofit agencies and community service organizations. Info: www.CityOfOxnard.org/14/4/1057

Apr. 10–11, Apr. 18–19, 9am–5pm

Tomatomania!

Otto & Sons Nursery, 1835 E. Guiberson Rd., Fillmore (Apr. 10, 11)

Flora Gardens Nursery, 245 Old Baldwin Rd., Ojai (Apr. 18, 19)

Take part in the world’s largest heirloom tomato seedling sale, more than 100 varieties offered.

Info: www.Tomatomania.com

Apr. 18, 11am–4pm

Ojai Earth Day

Oak Grove School, 220 West Lomita Ave., Ojai

A free annual celebration of sustainable living, global awareness and the joy of nature.

Info: www.OjaiEarthDay.org

Apr. 18, 1:30–­­4:30pm

Champagne on Main

Downtown Ventura

The Producers of the Ventura Winter Wine Walk are proud to introduce Champagne on Main, a Spring Wine Walk & Street Fair. Street fair starts at 10am.

Info: www.ChampagneOnMain.com   

Apr. 25, 10am–5pm

Ventura Earth Day Eco Fest

Ventura Beachfront, Seaside/Promenade Park & Surfer’s Point Boardwalk, Ventura

Brings fun, entertainment, children’s activities, exhibitors and education to Promenade Park.

Info: www.VenturaEarthDay.org

Apr. 27, 5–8pm

Women and What We Love

The Waterside Restaurant and Wine Bar, 3500 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard

Premium wines, gourmet small plates, desserts, luxury item raffles, live music, fun and friendship. To benefit the children of Oxnard and Port Hueneme’s Boys & Girls Clubs.

Info: www.WomenAndWhatWeLove.EventBrite.com

May 2, 11am–5:30pm

Hamburgers and Hops Music Festival

The Collection at RiverPark, 2751 Park View Ct., Oxnard

Family-friendly event showcasing hamburgers, gourmet and fusion sliders, along with hops from local craft breweries at this second annual event in the center’s Park View Court.

Info: www.HamburgerAndHops.com

May 9, 4–9pm

SEEAG Rustic Farm Dinner

Camarillo Ranch, 201 Camarillo Ranch Rd., Camarillo

Enjoy a cocktail reception, gourmet food stations, three-course rustic Mediterranean cuisine, live auction, music and dancing. Proceeds support SEEAG and the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley.

Info: www.SEEAG.org

May 16–17, 10am–6:30pm

California Strawberry Festival

Strawberry Meadows, College Park, 3250 South Rose Ave., Oxnard

Celebrate the region’s rich agricultural heritage at this annual festival, and enjoy plenty of food, wine, beer, arts & crafts, music and family fun.

Info: www.Strawberry-Fest.org

May 16–17, times TBA

Military Salsa Festival

Simi Valley Town Center, 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley

All proceeds to benefit the Welcome Home Soldier Foundation at this third annual event.

Info: www.WelcomeHomeSoldierFoundation.org  

May 17, 1–­­5pm

California Jazz & Wine Fest

Thousand Oaks Community Park, 2525 N. Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks

In its fourth year, this event features jazz on two stages, wine, beer, boutique spirits, gourmet food trucks and local artists.

Info: www.CaliforniaJazzWine.com  

May 17, 5pm

Slow Food Ventura County

Location TBD

Let’s Get Started kick-off meeting of new local Slow Food chapter. Learn about Slow Food and help get this new chapter launched.

Info: Charles Barth at ctbarth11@verizon.net

May 23–24, 10:30am–8pm

Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival

Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley

First held in 1988, this two-day festival celebrates Cajun, Creole and blues music, culture and food. One hundred percent of profits are donated to charitable, educational and humanitarian causes.

Info: www.SimiCajun.org

May 30, 6pm

WineCRU “Central Coast Wines” Tasting Event

Location TBD

The WineCRU’s tasting events are open to anyone interested in wine, and focus on the three “E’s”: Explore, Educate and Enjoy. Each attendee or couple must bring a bottle of wine consistent with the theme and an appetizer for 10–15 people. Check website for other dates.

Info: www.TheWineCRU.net    

June 7, 1–­­5pm

Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival

California State University Channel Islands, One University Dr., Camarillo

Voted “Best Charity Event” and “Best Food & Drink Festival” of Ventura County in 2012, 2013 and 2014. All proceeds benefit Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families.

Info: www.CPWineAndFoodFestival.com  

June 10–14, various times

Ojai Music Festival

Libbey Bowl, 210 S. Signal St., Ojai, and various locations

From its founding in 1947, the Ojai Music Festival has created a place for groundbreaking musical experiences, bringing together innovative artists and curious audiences in an intimate, idyllic setting. This year’s music director is Steven Schick.

Info: www.OjaiFestival.org

Jun. 14, Noon–­­4pm

Ojai Wine Festival

Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Wadleigh Arm Event Area, 11093 Santa Ana Rd., Ventura

From its humble beginnings in 1987, the Ojai Wine Festival has grown into a leading regional event attracting nearly 5,000 people from throughout the Central Coast and Southern California.

Info: www.OjaiWineFestival.com