These are a few of my favorite things....in Ventura!

California was a much needed respite from the intense heat of Las Vegas and I was able to squeeze in tons of fun too! I also managed to eat my way through much of the city of Ventura, including a small layover at the Ventura County Fair as well. -Cinnamon Rolls!!!-  Lol! All good in my book! Now, I could go on and on about all of my favorite things to do and eat in Vta(Ventura), but frankly that seems boring so I am going to try to keep it sweet and simple! Plus, this blog is supposed to be about Vegas eats anyway, but I just can't help sharing!  So back to my adventures in Vta- favorite places that I was able to indulge in: Yolanda's, Maggie's, Allison's and Royal Bakery. ;-) Delicious as always and accompanied by gorgeous Cali weather. You can't go wrong with that combo.

Grant Park-"The Cross"

So first up is Corrales. A tried and true staple in Vta. There are two locations, both on the same street a mere few blocks from each other.

Yes. It is that good. And more often than not both locations are very busy... Now, there is another little taco shop on the other side of town, towards Ojai, CA that is pretty much exactly like Corrales only called Maggie's. I think that it might of used to be a Corrales or maybe is owned  by the same family...? If rumor/memory? serves me correctly... I'm really not sure, but I think the story goes something like that...or maybe they're mortal enemies? Who knows... 

Maggie's on the Avenue

Regardless, they all three serve amazing, gooey, cheesy, loveliness wrapped in foil and served up properly in a paper bag! This time I just happened to end up eating at Maggie's because of proximity. For me its not a big deal-I don't play favorites. But I am sure that there are some locals that would love to debate that one! So growing up here in Vta, especially if you went to school in the downtown-ish area it was kind of a thing to eat at Corrales for lunch. Hoards of starving high school students flocked to either location to get their fix. At the time I remember the corn burritos as being my favorite and the BRC(bean, rice & cheese burrito). Now that I am a little bit older and wiser of course, I add chicken for a boost of nutritional protein. Hahaha! So a 4-way it is!-(CHICKEN, bean, rice & cheese burrito!). Simple? Yes. But oh so very delightful. Shredded chicken simmered in some sort of flavorful broth with fluffy mexican rice, refried beans and lots of cheddar cheese. 

Brown paper bag goodness.

That's a BIG burrito! Chicken 4-way

I have even made my husband a believer. And if truth be told, I think he pushes even more for us to make it to Maggie's/Corrales now than I ever did! Whatever you order though, its all good... It is not healthy and the portions are large but that's part of the reason it is so delightful-it is cheat day food at it's best and sinfully good! Being as its proximity is so close to the ocean, it is also a favorite spot for surfers to pick up a hearty burrito after a day in the ocean.
Tip: Take your burrito/food to go and head over to the Point to enjoy the scenery and appreciate your Corrales! And don't forget a handful of their delicious salsa!

The aftermath....

On to Royal Bakery...

Royal Bakery

I used to work across the street from this little unassuming strip mall bakery and would visit every day- at least when I had money lol! Even if just for a cup of soup... I am not a big "sweets" person but I do expect a cake from Royal Bakery every birthday-their strawberry, whipped cream concoction, what I call a "strawberry shortcake cake" is to die for!! It's just not a birthday without one...

Look at those desserts....

Too much to pick from!

So wonderfully, perfectly light and sweet, but not overly sweet and just simply amazing. Definitely my favorite cake of all time! This is an absolutely MUST try! But their cafe, open for lunch from 11am-3pm has the most amazing, delicious food as well. In fact it may be better than their bakery. Salads, sandwiches, soups, quiches and scrumptious daily specials. All with that homemade, fresh baked bread, delicious and with maybe somewhat a little
nutritious sort of flair that keeps you coming back for more. My favorite by far is the Chicken Walnut Salad. You can also get it as a sandwich on your choice of bread but I like to stick to the salad which comes with a fresh roll and butter anyways! Mixed greens, are topped with a light tangy homemade dressing and then smothered in the chicken walnut amazingness! I don't know the exact ingredients but its a mix of shredded chicken with halved red grapes, fresh dill, and what I can only assume is some sort of mayo or yogurt to keep it all together in that chicken salad-y type of ball.  Then sprinkled with sliced almonds and feta cheese.

Chicken Walnut Salad

Sound a little weird describing it-but trust me it is divine! The flavors all complement each other so well. I would love to know how to make this at home. I could eat this every day and not get sick of it! Plus I like to kid myself that its healthy, which is why I've probably never asked if that is mayo in it-eek! But everything else is good for you so I'm sold! If you happen to catch the Cream of Broccoli as the daily soup, it is also sooo yummy! Not super creamy, but super flavorful. Perfect for one of Vta's gloomy, overcast days...Pick up one of their famous cow cookies(or get lucky when they sometimes pop one into your bag for free!) and you're all set to go!

Allison's Country Cafe is another little well known locals spot situated across the street from the Pacific View Mall in Midtown Vta. Be prepared. There is always a wait! But good things come to those who wait, right?  Definitely yes, for here!

Allisons Country Cafe

I think the thing I like the most about this place, much like Royal Bakery, is the freshness and homemade wholesomeness of everything. The portions are good, if perhaps a little on the large side. But I like leftovers so that works for me. They have a delicious raspberry jam that I will slather on my toast even when I'm full just to get a taste! I believe they also sell it by the jar to take home. They are only open for breakfast and lunch and have a very well rounded and diverse menu. From Banana Nut Pancakes to Chiliquiles and juicy Reuben Sandwiches there is definitely something for everyone. I usually like eggs for breakfast and this place has the absolutely best Veggie Omelet ever! And I have tried a lot of sub par veggie omelets. Usually a handful of diced peppers and onions is what makes up most places "veggie omelets." Disgusting! Allisons' omelet, which I like to get with egg whites, is filled to the brim with large chunks of broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes and scallions all sprinkled with a perfect amount of cheddar & jack cheese both in and on top. For $10. bucks its a steal! A side of fresh salsa for me and I'm all set!

Veggie Omelet w/ a side of Fruit and Salsa on top!

Choices of sides include: country style or hash brown potatoes and your choice of toast. I like to sub fruit for $1.00. Delicious and nutritious! :-) A perfect, guilt free way to start the day. But if you are feeling like something a little sweet or heavier, may I recommend the Pumpkin Hot Cakes or if you're feeling really daring, the Chilaquiles and Eggs....don't forget, get there early or be prepared to wait a bit.

Sadly, I didn't make it to my all time favorite mexican restaurant on this trip, Yolanda's. But, my husband did surprise me and take me for a real quick happy hour! More on this place later, as I said it IS my favorite, but can I just say-there is nothing better than a raspberry margarita on the rocks and some of their fresh, hot chips and salsa!
A great end to a super fun trip!

Yolanda's Mexican Cafe

Corrales

1951 E Thompson Blvd
Ventura, CA 93006 

7am-7pm

795 E Thompson Blvd
Ventura, CA 93001 

6:30am-7pm

Maggie's

4200 N Ventura Ave
Ventura, CA 93001
7am-7pm

Raspberry Margarita on the Rocks! Yummm!

Royal Bakery & Cafe

4726 Telephone Rd
Ventura, CA 93003

7am-6pm

Allison's Country Cafe

3429 Telegraph Rd
Ventura, CA 93003

7am-2pm

Yolanda's Mexican Cafe

2753 E Main St
Ventura, CA 93003