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
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