Ventura County Restaurant Week is in full swing, giving residents and visitors a chance to sample unique dishes while supporting family‑run eateries across the county. The week‑long celebration runs through October 4 and features twelve participating restaurants, each offering special menus designed to showcase their culinary strengths.
Why the event matters to local families
Susan Abbott, the founder of Ventura County Restaurant Week, says she’s noticed a slowdown for many local establishments. “When I’m working with the restaurants, I’ve noticed that they are seeing a slowdown,” Abbott explained. Her goal is to introduce more diners to the county’s diverse food scene and help restaurant owners attract the families who keep their businesses thriving.
The Masala Twist – bold Indian flavors
At The Masala Twist, owner‑chef Sunny Singh is highlighting Indian cuisine with dishes that feature bold spices and rich sauces. Singh recalled the challenges of opening during the COVID‑19 pandemic, noting, “It was pretty tough in the beginning, and especially right when we opened COVID hit. But we made it.” Signature items for the week include butter chicken and lamb vindaloo korma. Diners such as Nina Broderick, who traveled from Paso Robles, praised the samosas, pointing to the empty plates as evidence of the food’s popularity.
The Greek – a taste of the Mediterranean
Owner‑chef Lynn Mikelatos brings more than three decades of experience to The Greek. She attributes the restaurant’s longevity to its location, welcoming atmosphere, and community focus. “You know, we’re about as close to Greece as you can get in the States,” Mikelatos said. For Restaurant Week, the menu features a flaming cheese appetizer and desserts that, in her words, have “all the calories removed,” adding a playful touch to the dining experience.
Rocks & Drams – food meets craft cocktails
Rocks & Drams expands the Restaurant Week experience beyond food, pairing each dish with a curated cocktail. Chef Martin Ledesma adds his personal flair to the kitchen, joking, “If you like the food, I’m the chef. If you don’t like it, I’m the dishwasher.” The special menu offers diners a chance to sample a selection of dishes while getting to know the restaurant’s personality.
Supporting local businesses and families
For the participating restaurants, the event is more than a promotional gimmick; it’s an opportunity to generate business during a challenging economic period and to introduce new patrons to establishments they may not have visited before. Abbott hopes that the increased foot traffic will translate into lasting relationships between diners and the families who own and operate these venues.
How to join the celebration
All twelve restaurants have posted their Restaurant Week menus on the official Ventura County Restaurant Week website. Diners are encouraged to make reservations early, as the special menus are expected to draw crowds. Whether you’re craving Indian spices, Greek classics, or a meal paired with a creative cocktail, Ventura County Restaurant Week offers a variety of ways to explore the local food scene while supporting the families that keep it vibrant.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
