This section of twisting roadway on the north end of Moorpark Road connects Thousand Oaks with the…read moreSanta Rosa Valley / Camarillo. Its twists and turns and elevation change, with a craggy ravine to one side, call for alert driving. Improvements to the lane markings took place a few years ago, which make it easier to stay in your lane. It seems to be as safe as the road designers can make it, without spending countless millions to widen it. Thankfully, a guardrail's in place. During daylight hours, dropping down into the area of Joel McCrea's ranch, rural vistas still afford a glimpse into bygone days in Ventura County. The geography is dramatic. Its especially beautiful in the aftermath of winter rains. The hillsides are covered in a fresh coat of thick green grasses, with abundant mustard plants offering bright yellow cheesiness. Poppies, lupines, and other wildflowers join the mix. We often take this route when headed for Camarillo, versus the more traffic-laden 101. It sets a mood for a relaxed drive for the day's getaway.

We reached out to Hattas Public Murals to paint a mural for our newborn son's nursery. With a very…read morespecial but also specific theme in mind, we were unable to find any traditional wall decor in stores that really matched our vision. That's when we decided to commission a mural through a professional and quickly connected with Jeannine at Hattas Public Murals on Thumbtack. We received a lightning fast response, and were immediately impressed with her level of professionalism and accomplished portfolio. After a short on-site consult to take measurements and notes, Jeannine and her team got to work, sending mock-ups (and a few revisions) that brought our idea to life, but also within our budget. The mural features a scene inspired from the book series ("The Prydain Chronicles"), a monogram, our son's name, and a quote from the author. Our son, like the hero from the books is also adopted, so the concept behind the design was especially emotional. Jeannine listened to our story with so much compassion and understanding, we were absolutely confident the execution of the mural would be flawless. Our instincts were spot-on. Once the final mock-up was approved, Hattas Public Murals delivered and installed a spectacular work of art that still brings tears to my eyes. In fact, calling it art is quite the understatement; it is an awe-inspiring and  immersive experience. Everyone who has stepped into our baby boy's nursery has been absolutely blown away, and are amazed by the love and care that can be found in every brush stroke. We could not be more in love with this mural, and the pictures attached simply cannot do it justice. Best of all, it was painted on canvas and applied like wallpaper, so it can be moved, preserved, and treasured for many years to come. We cannot begin to thank Jeannine and her team enough for making our nursery the most special room in our home; with a one of a kind mural that is just as unique and beautiful as our son, Taran. Not only will we recommend Hattas Public Murals to anyone and everyone for their creative decor needs, but we intend to commission Jeannine and her team for several future projects.

This is an excellent company and I'm so happy with my decision…read more Let me start by saying this is the first time I've hired a muralist and I am also a first time father. This was important to me. Jeanine took the time to listen to what I was looking for and suggested a few things to help grow my idea. I loved that. She came over and was so kind and really took time to understand this was more than just a job; this was something my kid is going to grow up with. She took measurements, and even took color swatches of the carpet and furniture to make sure we matched the color palette! She quickly mocked something up and a few days later I had a photoshopped mockup for approval. Once we approved it we setup a date and I paid the deposit. Marcus was the artist that was assigned to this project. He was so kind and wonderful in my home. He let my wife and I peek and see progress, and would check in with me if he had any questions. He's a really talented artist and executed my vision faithfully. At the end of the day my wife cried (with joy), we have our incredible mural and I couldn't recommend this company enough. Really pleased with how it turned out and I will be calling them again for my next mural or art project.

Will probably flesh this out tomorrow. Tonight I am weary. Why, you say? Chiefly because this…read moreevent was several shuttle vehicles short of a success. We drove all the way up the hill, only to be told that only guests of a private party could park in the lot. We'd have to go catch a shuttle van or bus at Rancho Madera Park. "There will be lots of shuttles, and it's convenient for those with handicap status." Um, NO to both. The Park parking lot was nearly full, and there weren't very many handicap spaces. We had a passenger who could have used one closer. We got in line and waited for 20 to 30 minutes for enough shuttles to come for it to be our turn. That was excessive, and poorly planned. Once we got to the top, there was line control. One for pre-paid tickets, one for Members of the Library, and one for walk-ups. They also were sorting out the party guests for the private event, too. Our hostess traded her e-ticket for wrist bands for our party of 7 plus a toddler. We all got wrist bands, which we showed briefly at the entrance. From there, we were on our own, navigating the confusing directions through the various lighting zones. The Snow Zone was amazing. The kids loved it. Blown bubbles resembling snow were filling the entrance courtyard. Additional lights added to the ambience. There was a refreshment stand, plus a gift shoplet in that area. We didn't realize that we were supposed to enjoy the snow, then go back out to the walkway, around the outside of the building to catch other zones. It wasn't clear at all, and though there were a number of staff members, they weren't all doing a good job of directing the guests. The next few sections were underwhelming. They either lacked enough lights and effects to be engaging, or they were not that well conceived. Several seemed really amateurish. Eventually, we walked the perimeter of the east, north, and west sides of the complex. To the north and west, especially, stellar views are there to enjoy. The grand finale is a magical, dimensional cube of lights, set on a field of light globes on the grass. They can change colors in coordination with the big cube. That area was really impressive. The snow area was, too. The other areas really could use more. More design, and more execution. Once we finished, there was a very long line and almost no shuttle action. Kids and adults alike were tired and ready to go back down the hill. The lack of pacing for the shuttles was sinking the stars on this review. I hope that the organizers get it together!

Horrific organization! Oversold tickets and did not have ample shuttle service for all the guests…read more My family and I waited in the shuttle line for 2 hours to get there. I didn't think it would take that long or else I wouldn't have waited. Then, waited another 30 minutes to catch the shuttle back. The staff was friendly, however the Library needs to plan better starting now.

A nice little quaint suburbs tucked away in the hillside. Well where we were. A few miles from…read moredowntown but hidden away from the hustle and bustle of traffic. As you enter, you feel that calmness approaching with the serene of the mountains in the background. There are a good amount of hiking trails surrounding. A cute park that's tiny but does pack a major punch. And of course the sound of wild peacocks. Just don't be surprise when you drive slowly down the roads and you run into one. They're there and it's their road...lol... Slowly approach them and they'll likely walk away. Always nice for a lounging session or bubbly session with friends. Good food, great company, amazing sunset and warm evenings on the patio looking out to the mountains. A view that's worth it all. But if you're in downtown Simi, it's whole different vibe but somewhat the same.

My family and many friends live in Simi. Just of the 118 this city is in between the SFV and…read moreVentura county. A little different vibe than the Valley for sure. I am a regular visitor. Clean streets, bustling neighborhoods with kids playing outside. A nice city, lovely parks and lots of restaurants and retail shopping options.

New owners. Not that new, but I have been going there for 20 years. They were both so friendly,…read morepolite and very customer service oriented. Today I got a delicious eggplant Parmesan sandwich, my favorite. Ordered to go. It was just barely 11:00 AM. They were doing a beautiful cleaning job in the dining room and outside tables. It's nice to see the place getting lots of great care. Right next to Trader Joe's. So place your order, then do your shopping and come back.

Allegro is my go to for a hot sub sandwich for lunch. It's easy to order from here. I typically…read moreopt for the sausage sub. The bread is very fresh and the sandwich is super filling. They also have good pizzas.

What a great Experience! For this event, participants were afforded a 30 Minute Massage. There was…read morealso a really nice selection of brunch type items available for before or after your massage. I was super impressed by that table of goodies. Offerings included Fresh fruit, Lemon Blueberry loaf, croissants, juices and other drinks. I was surprised by the amount of paperwork was involved in getting my massage. I didn't mind, of course, but it was kind of weird to have to fill out/answer/check off Four Pages of questions. But I get it. There is a clear purpose behind all of those questions. Not only does your therapist need your health information, they also want to make it clear that you have the option of declaring any part of your body off limits. You don't want anyone touching your butt, for example, just mark it on the intake form. They make it clear you can end your session anytime you want to, for whatever reason. My therapist, Whitney, was outstanding. Wow, she is good! She asked what areas I wanted her to focus on because this was just a 30 minute appointment. She asked how much pressure I preferred and then went right to work. As far as her technique, i was truly impressed! That girl's got skills! If I go back to Elements, I would most definitely book with her again. I particularly liked that she asked again and again if the amount of pressure was to my liking and then adjusted to whatever my response was. Excellent communication, excellent execution. After my massage I liked that Whitney had some advice for me to address the issues/areas that she had worked on. It was good advice and well received. Back in the lobby I was greeted again by Valerie who graciously shared a lot of information about Elements and told me about the Special Deals they had for Yelp Elite. Those deals were pretty sweet, too! Thank you to Valerie, my therapist Whitney, and everyone at Elements Massage! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your services to anyone! Big thanks to Yelp for my invitation to this fantastic event! I sincerely appreciate it! And even more Thanks to our hard working CM, Jara S. for another unforgettable experience! Mikey C says: Elements Massage 5 Stars All Day!

Massage?! Yes please!!…read more Elements Massage in Simi was definitely what I needed on a gloomy Saturday morning... Elites had appointment slots to come in & receive a 30 minute massage experience. Felt welcomed as soon as I walked in. Nice ambience & space felt open & clean. Met Valerie up at front, who checked me in & gave me paperwork to fill out. I didn't think they needed to know all this medical history, but it makes sense. I met Carolyn, who is the owner of Elements Massage. Thank you Carolyn for introducing yourself to me. A Big Thank You to you & the entire staff @ Elements for the wonderful Massage Experience! It's been years since I've had a professional human massage. Apparently the massage chairs I use don't do any justice lol. I met with Lidia, who was my masseuse for the day. Lidia was Amazing!! I appreciate that she was informative & explained things beforehand & during the session. She was pretty strong for a tiny gal! I did have to tell her to lighten the pressure a few times. I guess I'm a light weight when it comes to massages. Haha. It hurt a lil, but felt so good! The Massage felt Amazing!! Thank You Lidia for that massage I knew I needed! I hope to book another appointment with you! I was just a tad bit confused about the Elite Special being offered... Specials were for that day only... Valerie did mention that I was able to call anytime, that day of the event & get the special quotes... I called a couple hours later & talked to Sierra on the phone. I probably got her confused about what I wanted. Sierra did take the time to explain today's offer & clarified the Massage Specials for me. Thanks Sierra for doing that. Thank you to everyone at Elements Massage for having us! Thank You for the giveaway bags & also serving all the Goodies such as fruit & baked goods. Thank you to Yelp & our hardworking Yelp Central Coast Community Manager, Jara, for introducing us to another wonderful business!!

I was told by a co worker years ago that Rustico was his favorite place for Italian food and I…read moreneeded to try it. We were attending a celebration of life not far from this amazing restaurant and since we were dressed up I felt like enjoying dinner out and remembering what my co worker mentioned I thought let's do it. Though it was a Saturday evening and we didn't have a reservation I called asked if they were accepting walk ins, a brief hold and the hostess said when did you want to come in and I stated I could be there in 10 minutes-she said she could seat us. I was so excited that we were going to be able to dine and let me tell you it was a truly wonderful delight. My co worker and fellow paisan was so right and why the hell did I wait years to try this place. We were seated at a 2 top set up very elegantly and our server David was quick to greet us and fill us in on the nightly specials and his favorite dishes. We started with a Aperol Spritz and a Lemoncello Spritz (by the way Rustico makes the Lemoncello in house). Great start to cleanse our palate, complimenting the bruschetta and I have to say I haven't had anything better than their bruschetta short of our trips to Italy. I went with several nightly specials such as the grilled octopus and calamari salad, very tasty and incredibly prepared. Followed by the Almond crusted Sole, my wife enjoyed the house made tortellini in a light cream and pancetta sauce. David our server was very attentive not only to just our table but the nearby tables as well, friendly smiling and so helpful, an important quality in a server rarely found these days. Our entrees were incredibly delicious and portions were good size, the decor and ambiance very familiar and reminded me of some of the ristorante's we dined at in Italy. Very simple but elegant, very comfortable. I had the pleasure of meeting Roberto who seemed to be the key person to the operation, I wanted to compliment our evening and share our wonderful experience with him. He was so nice and friendly as well. The menu had so many great choices and the nightly specials change often that I just need to come back again and again to continue enjoying Rustico. So glad is close to where we live...... Bravissimo Rustico! Delizioso e tutti! Mangiamo

I'm so upset at myself that I'm only leaving a review now. I wish I could give 1 million stars! We…read morehave been coming to Rustico for 15+ years and there are no words to describe the (1) hospitality, (2) warmth, (3) consistency, and (4) deliciousness! I call it "our Cheers!" It is the place where everyone knows your name. You're immediately welcomed by an amazing team - smiles and hugs! Good days, bad days, this is the place to be. This is where we celebrate all occasions, where we make amazing memories, where we can wind down and make new friends, and have so many laughs. There is just no place like it. You can feel the wamth and taste the love for food! I just put the day behind me and enjoy!!! I'd love to keep this hidden gem a secret but they deserve all the praise! Drinks: on point! Delicious and strong! Huge wine selection too!!My go to - Old Fashioned. If you have room for dessert, please have an espresso martini. Trust me. Food: Transports you to a beautiful villa in Italy!!!Delicious is an understatement. There is no hesitation to make recommendations and alter dishes to make them Perfect for you. My go to : pizza is perfect, tri colore salad is a must, anything on the specials menu, Big Meatball, anything with spicy vodka, veal or chicken Milanese, and lasagne. I only wish lasagne was on menu every week! I'm working on it! Most importantly: service and warmth. Extremely attentive and hardworking staff. Roberto checks in on every single table throughout the night. Angel and Nacho are marathoning drinks but yet stop to check on every single person in the bar and make sure you are attended to. Always! I look forward to seeing them every week. It doesn't end there: Vicky, Anna, David... I could go on. Every single person on the floor and in the kitchen is working so hard and is so kind. That's what makes the food delicious and the restaurant feel like home!!! They are family at this point! In summary, we love Rustico!!!

Came back for more lasagna. This time I also got the number 4 sub. And meatball sub again. I might…read morecome back tomorrow to try ither stuff and get more lasagna. Today service is faster than yesterday. Still same friendly people working here. Good atmosphere.

Thousand Oaks is so lucky to have this amazing deli in!!! I…read morelove la bottega italiana Every product is first class and the owners Valentina , La Signora, April are so kind and simpatiche Grazie belle