Marble Slab Ventura Out of Business

I'm sad to report that one of my favorite dessert spots for ice cream, Marble Slab in Ventura, is closed and out of business.

Marble Slab Ventura Closed

I've searched but can not find any news of this or explanation of why. It seems they were staying busy enough to keep the doors open, but perhaps not. I can confirm that a search of the corporate Marble Slab website for a location near that zip returns a response that says there are no locations within 50 miles of that zip code. Alas, this is also true as both the Oxnard and Thousand Oaks locations of Marble Slab have shut their doors too.

If you know why they went out of business, please leave a comment.

Mango Lassi Picture - Ventura Indian Restaurant

Lassi Stock Photo (Mango Lassi Stock Photo) courtesy AeronauticPictures.com

I recently had the opportunity to dine at Maharaja Cuisine of India in Ventura, California, to prepare one of my Ventura Restaurant Reviews. While the review is in the works (and please follow me here, on Twitter and Facebook so you don't miss it), I thought I'd share this wonderful bit of foodporn captured while I was so hard at work sampling the food and hospitality.

The picture is of a delicious and refreshing Mango Lassi served by the staff at Maharaja Cuisine of India, complementary, after one of my meals. It was rather yummy and a nice surprise.

Car Accident 101 NB At Telephone 12-6-2012

There was a nasty multi vehicle car crash on the Northbound 101 Freeway in Ventura, California, between Victoria Avenue and Telephone Road at approximately 10 pm, 6 December 2012.

Car Accident on Northbound 101 in Ventura 6 December 2012
(c) 2012 All Rights Reserved

Forgive the fuzzy, blurry images, but the news photos were shot without the benefit of a tripod in a moving car.

From the looks of the devastation, a passenger van and at least one car collided with each other and possibly the guard rail close to the slow lane. A big rig truck was also pulled over farther down the freeway perhaps indicating either involvement or an effort to stop and help.

There were multiple fire trucks, CHP cars and ambulances on the scene. At least one victim was visible being removed from the back of the van on a gurney. 

Here is hoping there were no fatalities and all make a speedy recovery.

Kirin & Sushi Anyone? (picture)

A cute neon sign seen at a local Japanese restaurant that specializes in sushi, soba, udon, and delicious soup, along with, apparently, Kirin beer.

How to Taste Coffee [video]

In other words, how to conduct and describe a coffee tasting - like a wine tasting. Take a moment to listen to this excellent audio piece with lovely accompanying black and white photos from NPR.

 



The story was captured at Baltimore's Artifact Coffee. The gist of the piece is that there is a new trend in Foodie-land: Coffee Tastings in the same vein as classic wine tastings. All the snobby words are there to describe every conceivable quality and characteristic of coffee, from mouth feel to aroma. Not that this Foodie is complaining. I loves me my delicious coffee. :) Happy tasting!

Cooked Shrimp - Pictures of Food

Love seafood? Shrimp? Then this tasty food image should make your mouth water.

Fresh off the stove are the delicious golden nuggets of shrimp that make up the americana classic, the shrimp boil.

Bon appetit!

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I've Seen More Appetizing Plating In A Full Diaper (Picture)

What Greeted Me On Unwrapping an Original Tommy's Double Chili Cheeseburger in Ventura

The taste was not far behind... so to speak. My full restaurant review of Original Tommy's Ventura is coming soon.

Original Tommy's Open in Ventura!

Holy cow! Original Tommy's has finally opened in Ventura. It sports a drive through window and a huge 800 square-foot patio as well as an ideal location just off the 101 Freeway near Victoria Avenue.

Look for it at 5663 Valentine Road. The burger joint famous for its car lube – like chili opened officially on December 15, 2011, at 10:30 AM, in the new Ventura location. By no means a new business, Original Tommy's was founded in 1946 by Tom Koulax.

Though closed on Christmas Day, original Tommy's Ventura will be open seven days a week and 24 hours a day for those needing their burger and chili fix.

Watch for our review of original Tommy's in Ventura as part of our Ventura Restaurants review coverage. Happy eating!

Urbane Café Ventura - Restaurant Reviews

I stopped for lunch today at one of the most potentially interesting of Ventura restaurants: the Urbane Café over by Barnes & Noble. Yes that's Urbane with an E, not urban.

Urbane Cafe - Ventura Restaurants

The Urbane Café is interesting for a couple of reasons. First the menu is fairly reasonably priced. Next that same menu is full of seemingly delicious sounding items that also appear to be relatively healthy to consume.

While the place tries to give you the sense that it's a tiny local eating establishment, the truth is the Ventura Urbane Café is one of six locations, so far, in a rapidly growing restaurant chain.

I've eaten at the Ventura location several times over the past few years, with mixed results. I really want to like the place. I really do. Just listen to some of these sample items from their menu: Rosemary Chicken Sandwich - grilled rosemary chicken, roasted red bell pepper, provolone cheese, green leaf lettuce, and aioli sauce. Sounds good, yes?

Stunning Berry Food Photography

Food Stock Photo of Strawberries and Blueberries by Aeronautic Pictures - Used by Permission

A treat from Thanksgiving dinner. Gaze upon this sumptuous bowl of berries including strawberries and blueberries. A colorful, healthy, delicious side dish.

Heirloom Tomato aka Heritage Tomato - Bagel & Cream Cheese Picture

Oh, Ashkenazi Jewish Soul Food nirvana! The only things missing were Lox, red onions and capers. Next time. In this picture of food - delicious food, we have a garden fresh heirloom tomato, something the British call a heritage tomato I've learned, sliced atop a bagel spread with cream cheese.

Food stock photo courtesy AeronauticPictures.com - used with permission.

This delightful combination makes for a great breakfast, brunch or lunch side dish, or with the Lox and friends included, the centerpiece of a meal.

Food Photo - Vintage Diner With A Twist

Check out this cool new food photo shot in a classic vintage style capturing the moments before meal delivery at an American Diner or cafe table.

From Cheap Photos collection at AeronauticPictures.com - used with permission.

Note that the water glass is not so vintage - it is a biodegradable variety that can be tossed out without recycling.

Anacapa Brew Pub Ventura Serves Bones In Salmon Burger

I'm truly appalled at my recent dining experience at Ventura's Anacapa Brew Pub. Perhaps I should not be too surprised as most of my prior experiences there have left me with the distinct impression that everyone who works there, from the owner to the waiters, feels that they are doing me a favor just letting me in the door.

One caveat: I've only seen the owner once and that was years ago. There could be new owners by now or it could be the same small man with small customer service values.

On this recent visit, a companion and myself met up at the Anacapa Brew Pub in downtown Ventura for a little business meeting.

Hass Avocado Food Stock Photos

Avocado Food Stock Photos
Courtesy AeronauticPictures.com

Yum, Avocados. I love a fresh, ripe avocado. Don't you? There are many ways to enjoy an avocado, but for me, and many other folks, Guacamole is the avocado food of choice.

Fun fact: See the familiar "mole" in Guacamole? Well, you may recognize Mole as Spanish for sauce. The word Guacamole is derived from a word in Aztec that translates, more or less, to avocado sauce. According to Wikipedia, at least.

But don't stop with Guacamole when you think avocado.

I love to spread avocado on fresh whole wheat bread along with a slice (or two) of good mozzarella cheese and ripe heirloom tomato for a hearty, healthy and delicious sandwich.

In-N-Out Burger Ventura Review

In-N-Out Burger Animal Fries Double-Double & Burger

Ate at the In-N-Out Burger Ventura today - a Saturday at noon in July. Yah, it was going to be busy. Sitting at the rather slimy booth people watching was a bit like being ringside gazing on a slice of Americana - at least the West Coast edition. That's always interesting.

Trader Joe's Greek Style Apricot Mango Yogurt Review

Trader Joe's Greek Style Apricot Mango Yogurt Review

I just tucked in to an 8 ounce container of Trader Joe's Greek Style Apricot Mango Yogurt. I bought it because I like Yogurt, and having had this flavor before, I liked it too. Man does Trader Joe's have a gift for messing up a good thing.

While most of the employees are happy, smart and really helpful people projecting this Utopian image of good old Trader Joe's, my sense is behind the scenes at corporate HQ either "Joe" is being held captive while his company is being slowly destroyed or there is a clearly defined plan to very gradually squeeze every penny from the good will the brand enjoys while hoping nobody in the buying public notices. Well I have been noticing for some time. And it sucks.

Round Table Pizza Review - Ventura

Came in after 9 pm on a Sunday night and found the place empty. There was just one table with three guests inside. At first there was only one employee visible in the back but one other showed eventually. Not a word was said to us by the dour "team member" standing by the register - greeting, boo, nothing, until we began to order. This is a pet peeve of mine - not being greeted.

Coffee Bean Review - Palermo Ventura - El Salvador Everest Co-op

Coffee Bean Review - El Salvadorian Everest Co-op

The Palermo Coffee Shop in Ventura, California, is well regarded for its blend of gourmet coffee and tea beverages, gelato, pastries and free Wi-Fi internet access. It also offers a hip yet not in your face atmosphere that feels comfortable and welcoming. During a recent visit I passed on a fancy hot or frozen blended coffee drink and instead decided to sample a coffee bean that was new to me.

Ventura Pizza Hut Review - Epic Tale of Errors

Pizza Hut Coupon

Sometimes you just have to wonder how a business stays in business. Pizza Hut, and specifically the location near Ralston and Victoria in Ventura, California, are a case in point. Here is what happened. My companion and I had one of those Pizza Hut coupons and we planned to use it on our way home from a brief grocery shop.

USDA Lowers Pork Cooking Temp To 145°F

That's right, our pigs are safer. Or as some would have it (can you say Alton Brown), were safe all along. Well, safe enough to cook, when using whole pieces of meat (more on that in a moment), at only 145 degrees Fahrenheit. In other words, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has lowered the recommended cooking temperature from 160 to 145 F.