Beyond The Acorn Outdoor Living 2015

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A C O R N N E W S PA P E R S •

Beyond

SPRING 2015

THE ACORN

Mood IN THE

NEW

BREWS Cheers to Craft Beers

M Co ake ov Se n ep t e ag e e 1 st r 1

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table of contents

SPRING 2015

FEATURES 30 GARDENS, GARDENS

AND MORE GARDENS

30 SECRET GARDEN

Readers share their backyard best.

33 DESERT GARDEN

A Thousand Oaks couple nurture a beautiful cactus and succulent spread.

DAVID McMARTIN

36 TROPICAL GARDEN

A couple's love of the islands inspires this Westlake Village paradise.

38 MOOD-LIT GARDEN

Repurposed chandeliers set the stage for romance in this garden.

40 NEW BREWS

Meet local microbrewers and explore the wonderful ­and growing world of craft beers.

46 FLAVORS OF IRELAND

Brendan's Irish Pub's namesake weaves a colorful yarn and shares some traditional Irish pub fare.

33 DEPARTMENTS

8 WELCOME FROM BEYOND Greetings from the publisher and editor.

WHO 12 YOUNG AT HEART

Theodora Ilowitz recalls a life well spent making art and music.

14 BARRELS OF FUN

Matt and Julie Gerns have created a unique and thoroughly romantic backyard by adding just a touch of interior mood lighting.

Cover photo by MICHAEL COONS

6 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

This simple DIY project may take just a weekend to complete but will bring years of delight.

WHEN 52 OUT AND ABOUT

24

The community is bustling with things to do. Our calendar can keep you busy until summer.

RESOURCES 64 A guide to the people and vendors

mentioned in this issue.

FINAL WORD 66 EN PLEIN AIR

WHAT 19 CAMP GROWN-UP

40

ON THE COVER:

ACORNUCOPIA 16 SPRING SHOWSTOPPERS

12

A trip to the wine country inspired Michael Weisberg to venture into a completely new and creative business.

HOW 50 BUILD A BIRDBATH

When you're prepping to party outdoors these cool accessories will help you set a fabulous table.

Adults can live their fantasies at camps designed just for them. Plus, some of the more interesting local kids' camps.

WHERE 25 SHOPS

Healthy pet food, electric bicycles and wild plant possibilities—they're all here.

WHY 28 TIME TO TRANSLATE YOUR

ENGLISH GARDEN

Traditional English gardens. They're so lovely and such water-guzzlers. Learn how to find the lush look—California style.

Painters are taking to the hills—and bringing their easels and brushes along.

Far left: RICHARD GILLARD Left: JOAN PAHOYO

VALENCIA

CANYON COUNTRY

SANTA CLARITA

126

126

14

126

NOW CITY OF HOPE IS EVEN EASIER TO REACH SYLMAR

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210

Welcome

W

I

Happy reading,

have enjoyed my garden immensely over the years. I have fed and nurtured it, watched it change, and spent endless hours with it. And, like with an old friend, there have been seasons when I’ve neglected it, catching a glance of it through the kitchen window while I hurried on with whatever filled my days. But, with my attention or without it, the garden continues to bloom and grow, and it always welcomes me back to spend a Saturday afternoon together.

This photo shows just one of the many corners in my garden I’ve particularly enjoyed. I have watched the flowers bloom around the fountain’s base then fade back with the season’s end. I’ve seen the most beautiful birds bathing in it. One year a hawk took to resting on its edge, visiting daily for a couple of weeks.

I have a hunch I’m not alone in my love for my garden. When we asked readers to share their favorite garden spots, the pictures came flooding in. We could only include a few of them here but invite you to go to our website to see them all.

We also feature three very different garden styles in this issue.

The tropical garden feels like a trip to Kauai; another garden has a lovely collection of cactus and succulents; and the third shows how an average-size backyard can turn very romantic when vintage chandeliers set the mood. All are meant to inspire you to get out there, whether it’s with a clipper and spade, or bare feet and a chilled beer.

If it’s a brew you choose, you’ll want to check out our story on craft beers. While exploring the trend we visit some nearby microbreweries and meet a local couple who brew a beer in Iceland because of the purity of the water there. Interesting reads, all of them. And enough to get you craving a cold one.

Which is why we visit Brendan’s Pub. After all, what goes better with a chilled beer than authentic pub food—and good friends, of course. Brendan’s shares a few of their mouthwatering recipes with us—not for the calorie conscious but definitely delicious.

We pack so much into each issue of Beyond that I can only touch on the highlights here, just enough to tempt you to take us with you when you settle into your favorite garden spot for an afternoon read.

We’ll be back in July with more of the best of the area. Until then, enjoy this lovely spring.

Lisa Rule, Publisher lisabeyond@theacorn.com

Leslie Gregory Haukoos Editor-in-Chief beyond@theacorn.com

e are very excited to announce our first Beyond the Acorn Makeover Contest. So many women inspire and encourage us along the path of our lives. Why not honor one lucky winner with a special treat devoted to her?

We have asked four exceptional specialists to pamper the winner with fabulous hair, makeup, skincare, and styling advice on a resort outfit chosen especially for her. It’s a pretty fun way to perk up her summer.

We will be photographing the whole adventure and sharing her experience on Facebook with a reveal of her fresh new look in our summer issue. Please refer to page 11 for the details and an introduction to our wonderful specialists, who are donating their expertise to this contest. We can hardly wait to hear the inspirational stories of all the meaningful women in your lives.

Beyond is so happy with our reader response and we are listening to our advertisers. To that end, starting with our summer edition in July, we will be zoning Beyond the Acorn to replicate the zoning of the Acorn newspapers. The editorial content will remain regional, and now our advertisers can choose which areas they would like to target. Please refer to page 65 for more information.

Wish us luck on May 1. Beyond the Acorn is a finalist for three Maggie awards. This is the first time we’ve entered this prestigious magazine competition, which recognizes publications from all over the western United States. We would like to thank our readers and advertisers for their suggestions that inspire us to strive for excellence. We are humbled by your support.

Finally, you may or may not remember we promised to share with you my personal water-wise garden project. Much to my chagrin, our backyard is not ready for prime time viewing. We (and when I say we, I mean I) have moved our landscape debut to our summer issue.

Since Jim and I are doing the work ourselves we have encountered several challenges. We had not planned that our choice of plants and possible alternatives would not be available. Lesson learned: growers aren’t supplying local nurseries with much in the way of variety during December, January and February. But do not fret, dear readers. Our intrepid editor-in-chief, Leslie, has found some inspiring gardens to share with you. I may even borrow some ideas from “Mood-lit Garden” on page 38 for our own secret garden. What fun!

8 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

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Beyond THE ACORN

PUBLISHER Lisa Rule EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leslie Gregory Haukoos ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Nick Oliveri CREATIVE DIRECTOR David McMartin ART DIRECTOR Timm Sinclair PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Richard Gillard EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anna Bitong, Stephanie Bertholdo, Lisa Finn, Ela Lindsay, Erin Newman, Stephanie Sumell COPY EDITORS Erin Newman, Ela Lindsay, Carol Pond ART CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Sarah Ely, David Lopez, West Ma채tita, Karma Christine Salvato, Beth Thayer WEB DESIGNER Beth Thayer

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Send editorial comments to: beyond@theacorn.com For advertising: beyondsales@theacorn.com

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Behind the Scenes: Michael Coons prepares to shoot the cover photograph in Matt and Julie Gerns' Westlake Village garden.



  Beyond

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THE ACORN

MAKEOVER CONTEST

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Beyond Is partnering with a handful of the HOTTEST BEAUTY PROS in

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town to make one lucky reader’s DREAMS COME TRUE. The winner will receive a HEAD-TO-TOE MAKEOVER by a top-notch team of style experts. The whole transformation will be photographed and featured in the SUMMER ISSUE of Beyond the Acorn magazine.

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for submissions

May 15

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RESORT-STYLE OUTFIT & CONSULTATION

by Deborah Yahner, fashion stylist with Got Style?

Like Us On Facebook to follow the journey: www.facebook.com/BeyondTheAcorn

or in a video (3 minutes) tell Either in writing (300 words) inating deserves the royal nom us why the person you are your life that you see as an treatment. Is there a woman in inee is special because of the INSPIRATION? Or, if your nom community, share what she’s contribution she has made to the place. doing to make the world a better CT INFO (phone • address • Include: Your NAME + CONTA + PHOTO + CONTACT INFO email) + YOUR NOMINEE’S NAME

The Details:

Or, you can snail mail your entry to: Visit www.beyondtheacorn.com to enter.

St., Ste. 108, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Beyond the Acorn, 30423 Canwood

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Valle Simi and Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark

Who Theodora Ilowitz

young at HEART Written by STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO

T

Theodora Ilowitz will open her home to the public on Sat., April 18 as part of the 2015 Greater Conejo Valley Open Studio Tour sponsored by the Westlake Village Art Guild.

For details visit www.wvartguild.org

12 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

RICHARD GILLARD

heodora Ilowitz didn’t set out to become an artist. As a girl she dreamed of becoming a musician and set her mind to earn a living doing what she loved.

But destiny had another plan for Theodora, who turned her creative sights to art about 50 years ago. Luckily, Theodora’s love of art was equal to her passion for music.

Like her art and her music, Theodora exudes vibrancy, texture, movement, intelligence—even whimsy—in her appearance and manners.

Her Newbury Park home epitomizes artistic grace. It’s decked out with enough sculptures, paintings, etchings, bronzes and masks to be an art gallery, but the homey touches and photographs warm every room.

And, Theodora is a feast for the eyes.

A thoroughly modern woman at 94, her highlighted hair has an upward buzz at the nape of her neck that shows she is not only chic, but trendy.

Courtesy of THEODORA ILOWITZ

Theodora has worked in many different mediums. Above, her “Big Bird.”

Right, a small bronze of her daughter Rozanna.

A Renaissance woman, Theodora works in many art forms. A glance around her home reveals a sleek sleeping swan made of alabaster, a bronze ballerina, marble African masks which stand in stark contrast to her modern, abstract paintings, intricate etchings and multimedia creations.

Her Native American sculptures are carved out of rock and demand close examination to fully experience the bold faces that seem to naturally emerge as if the stone itself were just waiting to be chiseled to expose the face that was always there.

“Sometimes I think somebody up there is helping me,” Theodora says of her art.

A native New Yorker who studied at the Art Students League and the Art Center of Northern New Jersey, Theodora has studied printmaking, sculpture, brush painting and many other art forms with notable artists including Roberto Delamonica, Richard Mayhew and Luis Montoya. She eventually ran the Art Students League in New York.

Her work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, colleges, cultural centers—even at Bloomingdale’s—in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania and California, and she has won numerous awards over the years for her paintings, etchings, sculptures and other artwork.

But before she discovered the artist in her, a young Theodora worked as a jazz musician. When just 18, she formed Teddy Mack and Her All-Girl Orchestra. She played piano, clarinet and accordion, and conducted and arranged the group’s music.

The band landed job after job in hotels in the Borscht belt of the Catskills in upstate New York and also in Manhattan’s 52nd Street jazz clubs. Theodora managed to earn a living throughout the years of World War II, when money was hard to come by.

While performing with her dance band at the Concorde Hotel, Theodora met her first husband, Cantor Moishe Oysher, a famed vocalist and liturgical composer back in the day.

THEODORA ON PAGE 59

Barrelsf fun o MICHAEL WEISBERG Written by ANNA BITONG

A

trip to a Santa Barbara winery inspired Michael Weisberg to embark on a second career, something about as unrelated to his 23 years as a banker as it could possibly be.

“My wife thought I was kind of crazy at first,” he says, remembering she told him, “You don’t have enough time right now. . . . How are you going to do this?”

Though his work at Lend to America, which does in-house financing for ReMax Olson, kept him busy, he was not discouraged.

While at the winery, Michael had seen photos of

14 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

Adirondack chairs—simple, wooden outdoor chairs— made of wine barrels.

“I said, ‘I can do that, I can make those,’” Michael, 45, remembers. “I bought five or six wine barrels and said, ‘I’m going to try this.’”

It took him 10 hours to design the first chair, but he was hooked. He completed four chairs, which he has in his backyard.

“I’ve always loved woodworking,” he says. “It brought me back to memories of childhood and grade school when they used to have woodworking classes.”

Michael’s handcrafted chairs drew rave reviews

MICHAEL COONS

Who

from family and friends, so he opened Zin Chair, named after Zinfandel wine.

“Nobody was doing this in Southern California,” Michael says. “I thought, ‘I’ll give this a shot.’”

And the risk paid off—in two years Michael’s business has grown, with help from the food and wine festivals where he showcases his furniture for admiring crowds.

In February, Michael moved Zin Chair from Westlake Village to Newbury Park, near where he lives with his wife, Linda.

The retail and online store sells a variety of outdoor furniture, such as stools, The triangle-shaped back is benches a feature exclusive to and tables Zin's Adirondack chairs. that feature built-in fire pits, as well as smaller indoor items like lazy Susans, clocks and candleholders, all made of reclaimed oak wine barrels from various wineries throughout California.

Michael works in his showroom with Juan Mata, a master carpenter with 25 years of experience.

They make the furniture to order and most items are ready in two to three weeks. The fire pit tables with matching stools take about four weeks.

The two work together on every piece of furniture, and Michael continues to work full time as a banker.

“I probably need to get a therapist,” Michael jokes. “It’s challenging to juggle two jobs and do both well. But ultimately it also helps to support an employee at the company, Juan. He’s able to survive and make a living through this as well.”

The pair customizes size, color and other features of their furniture for each order. “The pieces are unique to everyone.

You’re not going to Costco or Ikea and going to your neighbor’s house and seeing the same thing.”

Zin’s Adirondack chairs have armrests, footstools and triangle-shaped backs, the last a feature he says nobody else is doing.

The goal was to make a chair that “looks good, but obviously . . . was very comfortable and functional.”

Since that first set of chairs he has made adjustments to his design five times while refining his craft.

“Everything has been tweaked a little bit to where we are now. This is really the end product.”

Michael’s second job has helped him to relieve stress and allowed him to explore his creative side, he says.

“The loan business is very analytical and doesn’t show your creativity,” he says, adding that he loves “the solitude and the satisfaction of building something.”

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STRING LIGHTS

Relax underneath lights taken straight from the piazzas of Italy. These Avignon Light Strings from Restoration Hardware can be strung between trees or under a canopy for a sweet glowing touch. All-weather wiring means they’re ready if April showers decide to visit. $64 www.restorationhardware.com (800) 910-9836

Acornucopia

SPRING SHOWSTOPPERS

WRITTEN BY LISA FINN

We’ve rounded up some of the best and brightest new products that make entertaining outdoors a breeze.

SPEAKERS

We’ve found speakers so compact they bring music to your ears. The Bop H20 Bluetooth speaker offers up big sound from a little device. You’ll love the ease of streaming music onto the patio with a water-resistant speaker that syncs to your cellphone or tablet. $29.99 (800) 846-3000

PLANTERS

There isn’t a table around that can’t use a little blooming art.

The Inspiration bent wood planter makes a strong statement during a flirty garden party or an evening affair. Made from conifer wood, these one-of-a-kind planters are spring’s best friend. $62 www.UncommonGoods.com (888) 365-0056 16 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

GARDEN TORCHES

Pineapple torches from Frontgate illuminate the night and ignite conversation at your gathering. Place them near the table or dot a path leading to the bar— either way these beautiful torches are the next best thing to being in Hawaii. $109 www.frontgate.com (888) 263-9850

FLATWARE

Go green with these beautifully simple birchwood forks, knives and spoons from Crate & Barrel. Each tin holds six three-piece settings that promise to bring a sustainable touch to your tabletop, gives the table an eco-friendly vibe and means easy cleanup for you. $7.95 www.crateandbarrel.com (800) 967-6696

TABLETOP FIRE BOWL

Things are sure to heat up on the patio this spring with a Sahara tabletop fire bowl from Thos. Baker. This stunning centerpiece is made from glass and is the perfect conversation piece, offering guests a stunning visual and tons of warmth. Choose from a wide range of colors. $495 www.thosbaker.com (877) 855-1900

The Heart of Your Home...

Is About to Get...

A Whole Lot Happier.

PLACEMATS

Dine among the flowers and naturally you’ll be wanting some greenery on the table. These lemon leaf placemats are the perfect fabric-foliage backdrop to your plated food. The vibrant green color adds an additional fresh element to your table. $5.95 www.pier1.com (800) 241-4595

See a New World of Design Possibilities Open up to You.

DRINK PROTECTORS

We’re tipping our hats to BevHats, the little mesh drink covers that politely say bug off to annoying flies and gnats. These adorable beverage hats sit pretty atop your drink to keep out pests so you can nurse your fruity cocktail in peace.

You’re welcome. $13.98 for a two-pack www.bevhat.com (949) 682-5116

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SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 17

TUMBLERS

Wasara wows every time. These disposable tumblers are biodegradable and compostable—not to mention adorable.

Strong enough for coffee and sturdy enough for children’s hands, these cups feature a minimalist Japanese design that has us bowing to their beauty. $45.99 for a 50-pack www.joannehudson.com (888) 542-9321

COASTERS

DRINK DISPENSERS

Give guests a choice of cold drinks with this elegant wrought-iron stand that holds two glass beverage dispensers ready to be filled with delicious delights.

Elevated for easy pouring yet an easy reach for little fingers, the Mason jar dual drink dispensers are a must-have for your outdoor buffet. $29.95 www.homewetbar.com (855) 611-3800

Nothing says elegant like a Chilewich dahlia coaster. Sold in packages of six, these coasters elevate your entertaining quotient instantly. We can’t promise these embroidered beauties will really keep the rings at bay, but we can guarantee your guests will go crazy for your cool new coasters. $18 for six www.chilewich.com (888) 851-7130

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What

Camp

REDISCOVER WESTLAKE PLAZA

Home to Tuscany il Ristorante, Siany, and drybar plus 80 shops and restaurants including our newest: Burro by Firefly

J 02

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CorePower Yoga Le Pain Quotidien The Sweat Shoppe Mendocino Farms Written by ELA LINDSAY

B

aby boomers who want to revisit the carefree days of summer camp have a whole new possibility for adventure in store. Fantasy camps for adults are fast becoming a booming business, and they are nothing like the lazy days of summer camps of yore.

These adventures are designed to add some PG-rated spark to adult life by allowing grown-ups to live out their dreams. Adult camps answer the “what if?” we all carry deep inside.

Now you can satisfy that simmering question unless, of course, you haven’t already spent all your hard-earned cash on another midlife crisis cliche like a fireengine-red Ferrari, because adventure camps for adults come can come with a hefty price tag.

Wanna-be rock stars, for example, can live the dream at Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, where the Rock Star for a Day experience in Las Vegas comes five different ways.

The cheapest, at $299, includes a 90-minute session in a rehearsal studio, a one-on-one jam with a professional musician, a digital recording of the session and a photo of you with your “rock star.”

Weekdays are the most affordable; otherwise add $100 for the same experience on the weekend. This same fantasy can cost up to $5,999 if you bring 25 of your

M. Fredric

Illustration by WEST MAÄTITA

closest friends. But no matter which one you choose, the company promises they all “rock big time!”

For an out-of-this world experience, there’s Space Camp for adults, where astronaut trainees engage in hands-on, interactive space missions. Complete with a rocket launch—the model kind, of course—the fun also includes training on astronaut simulators, gravity chairs and a bit of spaceflight history education. This adventure will cost $499 for the three-day option or $599 for four days, meals and lodging included.

Those who play their cards close to the vest might like the World Poker Tournament Boot Camp. Players of all skill levels can find camps in various locations. Once camp’s over, participants can test newfound skills in real poker tournaments.

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/WestlakePlaza for more details on this free community event

Right in the heart of Westlake Village at Agoura Road & Westlake Boulevard

SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 19

And they’ve got the costs covered. Not only is there a money-back guarantee on most offerings, if you cough up the $495 down payment for any two-day camp you can pay the balance later. It adds up, but since the idea is to improve your skills, you’ll theoretically be able to make lots of money to cover the investment in the long run.

When in Rome, do as the Romans did— thousands of years ago, that is. Guests at Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria hotel, can sign up for Gladiator Training that promises hands-on warrior workshops along with lessons in a particularly memorable chapter of the Eternal City’s history.

The adventure includes a gladiator kit with traditional tunic, sandals and wooden training sword, a first-level gladiator medal and very cool bragging rights.

The cost of this adventure might set you back a bunch, however, since you need to get yourself to Rome to take advantage of it.

For another adventure closer to home, wine enthusiasts can check out the Sonoma Grape Camp, taking place in September.

Campers experience fall crush in a Sonoma County vineyard, picking grapes, learning about winemaking from master winemakers and blending their own vino.

This adventure also features tips about food and wine pairings and, perhaps best of all, campers get to enjoy the fruits of their labors. All this for a mere $2,000 per person or $3,700 per couple, which includes hotel stay for three nights, all meals, tastings and transportation during camp.

Big game hunters—the ones who prefer to shoot animals with cameras rather than weapons—might appreciate the African Veterinarian Safaris.

Safe for man and beast, this special adventure allows nonprofessionals to experience the field of veterinary science in the wilds of Africa. The adventure includes species-specific interactive safari options where guests travel alongside veterinary pros. But this big game adventures costs big bucks— well into the $5,000 to $8,500 range.

With more than 800 camps for adults in the U.S., grown-ups looking for adventures closer to home are sure to find something to tickle their fancy. If speed is your need, for example, Ventura County offers go-kart racing options at Jim Hall Kart Racing School. Experience the thrill of ultra-condensed formula racing for a half-day, full-days or even up to three days of pure adrenaline rush at the track—your boasting

rights will be priceless.

Here’s an adventure that lifelong learners ages 18 and up will dig big time—the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center offers a ton of fun, including the opportunity for “citizen scientists” to help excavate at a real archaeological site near Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado.

Learn excavation techniques and process, identify and analyze ancient artifacts, all for $1,720 for nonmembers (members $1,595).

You might want to check out adventures offered through Outward Bound all over the world—or even closer to home, like backpacking in Joshua Tree National Park. Scope out all the adventures available for adults at a range of costs through their online course finder.

The moral of the story is that having a midlife crisis is probably going to cost you beaucoup, whether you opt for the Ferrari or one of these adult fantasy camp adventures.

But if you can swing the expense and are ready to live out a dream, there are plenty of possibilities awaiting you. And just think what fun you’ll have telling your tales back at the office.

For contact information, please see our Resources guide on page 64.

SUMMER CAMP CAMP ENROLLMENT IS IS NOW OPEN! SUMMER ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN! Camp sessions from June August 10 Camp sessions from15– June 15 - August 10

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“From First Home to Dream Home”

Camp R 63

S 97

Julie Knutson

Luxury CollectionTM Specialist

J 02

Direct: 805.377.1117

jknutson@bhhscalhomes.com www.JulieKnutson.com BRE# 01254803

Y

outh summer camps have come a long way since the days of lanyards and “Kumbaya” around a campfire.

Today there are camps for every interest, age group and price range. Here are a few ideas to keep the kids busy while mom and dad are off having adventures of their own.

SPECIALTY CAMPS 805.496.3371

Cali Camp offers a variety of specialty camps. Here’s a look at their lineup: Classic: Go-karting, archery, horseback riding, gymnastics.

Equestrian Wrangler: Mountain trails, rings and English, Western and bareback lessons.

Ages 6 to14

www.805Custom.com www.AllenAutoBodyShop.com 3400 Sunset Dr., Westlake Village, CA -

Auto Collision & Painting Services Automobile Customizing Paintless Dent Removal Wheel Repair/Custom Wheels

-

Detailing Full Interior/Exterior Full Frame Off Restoration Rental Cars/Pick-up Service Window Tinting

Adventure: Explore ancient Indian caves, learn animal tracking, challenge climbing course, zip line and beach adventures.

Ages 8 and up Aerial Arts: Trapeze lessons, silks instruction, juggling, acrobatics and hula hooping.

Ages 6 and up (310) 455-0404 www.calicamp.com Aerial Studio in Ventura Learn trapeze, silks, hammock, dance and acrobatics Ages 6 to 16 (805) 340-3412 www.venturacircus.com Bizzy Girls Camp Entrepreneurship skills. Campers develop a product line, write a business plan, learn branding and marketing, and sell products at a pop-up store.

Girls ages 7 to 14 (310) 467-7300 www.bizzygirls.com

Create the Wedding of Your Dreams!

• Quiet, Spacious, Private Gazebo Site • • Serene Setting with Pond & Golf Course Backdrop • • Grand Ballroom with Crystal Chandeliers • Event/Catering Department: (805) 532-2834 11800 Championship Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021

www.moorparkgolf.com

SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 21

Camp 3 Falls In Los Padres National Forest. Swim, hike, mountain bike, play games and earn Boy Scout achievements.

Cub Scouts (ages 9 and 10) Boy Scouts (ages 11-17) (661) 245-1206 www.vccbsa.org

SCIENCE AND TECH Destination Science Camps Thousand Oaks, Camarillo and Ventura.

Build robots, explore the science behind superheroes or solve a galactic mystery.

Ages 5 to 11 (888) 909-2822 www.destinationscience.org Play Well LEGO-inspired engineering camps.

Located all over Ventura County.

Grades K-8 (805) 210-0362 play-well.org/camps

iD Tech Camps California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks.

Learn programming, apps, game design, robotics, filmmaking and photography.

Ages 7 to 17 (866) 946-2716 www.iDTech.com

Aloha Beach Camp Accredited surf camp. At Zuma Beach, Paradise Cove and Castaic Lake. Boogie boarding, jet skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, swimming and beach ecology.

(818) 932-4600 www.alohabeachcamp.com

SPORTS

SPECIAL NEEDS

Camarillo Springs Golf Course Summer Camp Practice full swings with irons and woods, chipping/pitching and putting. Learn golf rules and etiquette. Full-day campers play nine holes with a pro.

(805) 484-1075 www.camarillospringsgolf.com/golf-camps

Advantage Basketball Camp Calabasas Ball-handling, dribbling, and shooting skills.

Develop self-esteem, experience teamwork and learn the value of hard work.

Ages 7 to 18 (425) 670-8877 www.advantagebasketball.com

FirstSteps for Kids Social skills. Focused learning themes include space adventures, growing green gardens, the five senses and music. Crafts, gross-motor activities, social games and field trips.

Ages 2 to 7 diagnosed with autism and related disorders (310) 374-3300 www.firststepsforkids.com We Rock the Spectrum Summer Camp Agoura Hills.

Arts and crafts, science, cooking and water play for all kids as well as those with special needs.

Ages 2 to 10 (818) 991-5437 www.werockthespectrumagourahills.com

Come Shop at the LARGEST venue of its kind in the Tri-County Area!

INDOOR SWAP MEET REDEFINED OPEN EVERY FRI. SAT. SUN. 10-6

(805)-222-6082

709 Science Dr., Moorpark CA 93021 Located at the 118 & 23 interchange exit Los Angeles Ave

www.ShopCommunityMarketplace.com

PERFORMING ARTS “I want to be a Celebrity Chef” Training Camp The Wellness Kitchen at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village.

Food preparation and styling, personal coaching for television and styling makeovers. Campers take home a personal demo reel. Culminates with a cook-off competition.

(818) 575-3000 kameron.nesen@fourseasons.com Kingsmen Shakespeare Summer Theatre Camps Cal Lutheran University.

Beginning and advanced Shakespeare, musical theater and acting techniques.

Ages 8 to 18 (805) 493-3241 www.kingsmenshakespeare.org/camp Lewis Music Academy Rock & Roll Summer Camp Campers learn to play classic rock on several instruments.

(805) 523-1615 www.lewismusicacademy.com/rock-and-roll-summer-camp Minecraft Movie Making Kids who love Minecraft can create their own Minecraft world and make a movie from it.

Grades 1 to 8 (818) 702-6000 www.moviesbykids.com Pam Rossi’s Dance Ten Summer Camp Jazz, hip-hop, tap and ballet.

Ages 6 and up (805) 529-1958 www.dance-ten.com Premiere Musical Theatre Summer Program Kids can work on a new musical each week and perform them on Fridays.

Ages 5 to 16 (818) 668-5528 www.premiermusicals.com/summer Youth Musical Theatre Summer Program Singing, acting, stage performance skills. Year-round theater program. Summer workshops; school-year program culminates in musical theater production at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in the spring.

Grades 6 to 12 (818) 884-9909 www.youthmusicaltheatre.com

Where

Pedego 101 owners Linda Coburn and John Tajiri are ready to outfit customers for a ride.

JOAN PAHOYO

Take your honey out for a spin on the tandem whitewall electric cruiser below. Far left, a colorful assortment of bicycle fenders.

CHARGED TO GO

Anyone looking to roll some fresh air, fun and fitness into one activity might want to check out Pedego 101 in Westlake Village.

Pedego electric bikes offer riders a great workout if users opt to pedal. But those who prefer a leisurely ride around the lake can kick it into gear and let the electric motor do all the work. Riders can even choose a little bit of both. A rechargeable battery makes these bikes environmentally friendly. They go up to 20 miles per hour and can travel anywhere regular bicycles are allowed.

Shop owners Linda Coburn and her husband John Tajiri invite residents to get what they call the “E.B. grin”—that’s what they’ve dubbed the smile people come back with after riding these cool electric bikes. Available in a variety of colors and designs, Pedego bikes are suitable for all shapes and sizes of riders age 16 and up. They

require no license, no insurance and no experience to operate—you’re good to go whether it’s for a scenic ride, a short commute or just getting around town.

Pedego bikes can be tricked out with all sorts of accessories, including child- and pet-friendly seats, baskets, saddles and bells. They even feature an onboard USB charging port for your phone.

Rentals are $15 per hour (two-hour minimum) or daily at $50 for up to eight hours; purchase prices begin at $2,295.

—Ela Lindsay PEDEGO 101 2859 Agoura Road, Westlake Village (805) 379-9245 www.pedego101.com SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 25

BONE APPETIT Marco Giannini has come a long way from selling healthy dog treats out of his car.

His independent pet food and supply company, Protein For Pets, has grown to nine stores since its inception in 2014.

“Customers can come here knowing everything is healthy,” says Marco, who adds that he offers only natural formulas, free from corn, soy, wheat and animal by-products.

Each compact shop—the Simi Valley location is just 1,100 square feet—is stocked with a carefully curated collection of products. “We can find the best goods in every category,” he says. The stores also offer treats, toys, supplies and grooming musts.

What makes the stores unique is how products are grouped by type, not brand.

Shoppers can head straight for the small breed, weight management or puppy section or they can pick up their furry friend’s favorite type of protein, including stan-

dards such as chicken and more exotic choices like bison.

In addition to offering low prices, the communityminded company is involved in school fundraisers, charity run sponsorships and pet adoption events.

Marco embraces neighborhood involvement. “The more you’re involved in the community, the better.” That’ll keep tails wagging.

—Erin Newman

Marco Giannini and a friend greet customers at Protein For Pets.

PROTEIN FOR PETS 1230-1 Madera Road, Simi Valley (805) 527-7387 712 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 371-4933 5722 Telephone Road, Ste. 12, Ventura (805) 642-3647 www.proteinforpets.com

Quality care, Grooming, Boarding and Full-service Animal Hospital • Full Physical Exams

• Spay/Neuter

• Outdoor Play Area

• Wellness Plans

• Surgery

• Heartworm Testing

• Vaccinations

• Dentistry

• Geriatric Care

• Prescription Diets

• Pain Management

• Care Credit Accepted

• Health Certificates

• Boarding

• Parasite Treatment

• Grooming

Evening & Weekend Appointments On Call for Emergencies (during Business Hours)

FREE

Office Visit for one pet

(Limited to 1 per new client)

Vaccine Clinic EVERY Saturday 10am-1pm Expect a short wait time.

Dr. Lina Yetishefsky

Jenna

Jenny

30849 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village

Edgar

818-707-0700 | www.doctoryanimalhospital.com Mon-Fri 8am-7pm • Sat 8am-5pm

LIVING ART

RICHARD GILLARD

Just weeks before opening their succulent garden art and gift shop, Sandy and Chris Johnson found a giant, heart-shaped green stone on a Cambria beach.

That’s how Hearts of Jade, in the heart of historic High Street in Moorpark, got its name.

This shabby-chic boutique carries a ton of whimsical indoor and outdoor home decor accessories, which the Johnsons lovingly refer to as “earthy art.” Taking their desire to go green to a whole new level, they view just about everything as fair game for repurposing. An old, rusty watering can or a vintage Radio Flyer wagon can make an attractive display when planted with low-maintenance and drought-tolerant succulents.

Customers can take home individual plants or bring in something personal to be planted, like a fountain—a store specialty. The Johnsons will also come to your home or apartment to create a oneof-a-kind “pocket” garden—a small space filled with succulents.

The store’s quaint backyard setting is perfect for their weekly classes, where customers learn how to make their own living art, every Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Some businesses set up classes for corporate team building. Be sure to call ahead to reserve a space as classes tend to fill up quickly.

Although rooted in dirt, the earthy art flies out the door, so check in often as the inventory changes.

—Ela Lindsay

HEARTS OF JADE 213 High St., Moorpark (805) 402-0506 www.heartsofjade.com

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Why

Time to translate your

English Garden Written by LESLIE GREGORY HAUKOOS

T

here’s something so romantic about a traditional English cottage garden with its mess of flowers crowded together in delightful chaos. Herbs and other edibles are mixed in with the nonedibles as are birdbaths, arbors and, of course, rustic benches to offer a spot to rest or read.

Traditionally, this cacophony of color embraces the home it surrounds, bumping handsomely up to its walls and climbing up to reach the roof, cross over an arbor or grace a windowsill.

The whole picture exudes a sense of reckless spontaneity with a happy result. In truth, it’s usually pretty well planned so that complementary blooms are rubbing shoulders and, even with the ebb and flow of the seasons, the beds offer year-round color. But many English garden lovers admit they will literally toss flower seeds out into the beds and wait until the season warms up to see just where they landed.

28 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

Photos by MICHAEL COONS

The rest of the idyllic picture, of course, has this lovely mass of nature’s best surrounding an old cottage made of stone and set in the countryside where a few sheep graze on mistcovered hills.

That’s the fantasy. But no matter how much we may want it, we can’t import the English cottage garden to our thirsty, high desert suburb—not without adapting it. We can’t simply toss out seeds and let the daily fog provide the moisture they need to thrive. We live in drought country where we are urged to conserve each precious drop of water and where the local clay soil resembles concrete­—not a friendly place for the delicate and thirsty blooms in Jane Austen-land.

But still, it’s so tempting to want that sense and sensibility here. To do that, however, one must translate ENGLISH GARDEN ON PAGE 60

Invite these beauties into your California-style English garden African daisies Bearded iris California poppy California wild grape California wild rose Campanula/bellflower Climbing roses Coreopsis Daisies Delphinium Hydrangeas (sun-loving variety) Ivy Lady’s mantle Lamb’s ear Landscape roses Larkspur Lavender Love-in-a-mist Matilija poppy Mexican tulip poppy Mint Morning glory Nemesia Penstemon Rosemary Salvia Sea lavender/statice Silver lupine St. Catherine’s lace Sweet peas Trumpet honeysuckle Western bleeding heart

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A GARDEN IS A LIVING REFLECTION OF WHOEVER It's a blank dirt canvas that we paint with plants and furnish with comfy places to rest and play. It changes with the seasons. Things sprout and things die, and therein lies its beauty.

We're visiting several gardens, each uniquely beautiful. To begin, a few of the photos sent in by our readers.

What a delight!

S E C R E T

G A R D E N Beyond readers invite us in for a peek of their personal paradise

2

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3

1. Dani Brusius, Oak Park 2. Mary Stark, Camarillo 3. Diane Pederson, Camarillo 4. Greg and Cheryl Cosimati, Moorpark

30 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

4

NURTURES IT.

1

2

Celebrating the Golden Age

1. Karen Mendoza, Camarillo 2. Karen Mendoza, Camarillo 3. Greg Jones, Camarillo 4. Don Shafer, Simi Valley

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SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 31 3/9/15 3:46 PM

Beyond_4_2015_golden.indd 1

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CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE

1. Frieda Kabbash, Oak Park 2. Karen & David Bosworth, Moorpark 3. Timm Sinclair, Newbury Park 4. Niki Larned, Agoura Hills 5. Carol Haverty, Camarillo

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5 32 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

To see more of our readers' garden submissions, visit www.beyondtheacorn.com.

D E S E R T

G A R D E N RESEMBLING CREATURES FROM OUTER SPACE, CACTI AND SUCCULENTS STAND LIKE SCULPTURES IN THE GARDEN

STICKING WITH SUCCULENTS

1

1. Aloe plicatilis (fan aloe) 2. Agave shawii

Photos by DAVID MCMARTIN

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SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 33

1

2

A DUTCH EXPATRIATE TRADED TULIPS FOR CACTI AND SUCCULENTS

H

arry Vandenberg was not able to grow desert plants in his native Holland. When he came to the United States some 32 years ago Harry, an engineer, visited Joshua Tree National Park and was impressed by the variety of plant life there. Thus began a passion for unusual species of cacti and succulents. Harry has been nurturing this Thousand Oaks garden for 23 years. It started with two truckloads of soil, brought in to offer the plants optimal growing conditions. Since then he and his wife Bonnie have brought in plants from all over the world, which Harry meticulously cares for. The garden requires watering just one time per month. And, with no end in sight to California's drought, a desert garden presents a beautiful solution to a thorny problem.

1. Echinocereus sp.

2. Aloe congolensis (tiger tooth aloe) 3. Agave victoriae reginae (Queen Victoria agave) 4. Notocactus leninghausii

4 34 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

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1

2

3

6

1. The Vandenberg garden 2. Trichocereus strigosus "cristata" 3. Aeonium arboreum variegata (candy cane) 4. Aloe ferox 5. Mammalaria compressa (pincushion cactus) 6. Euphorbia millii (crown of thorns)

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4 SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 35

T R O P I C A L

Far left: Courtesy of STEVE GELDMAN

G A R D E N

Hibiscus blooms bring vibrant color to the planting beds. Right, the mountains of Westlake Village call to mind Hawaii's lush volcanic peaks.

A LOVE OF THE ISLANDS INSPIRED THIS BACKYARD PARADISE Photos by JOAN PAHOYO

S

teve and Dana Geldman wanted to create a tropical retreat in their Westlake Village yard窶馬o easy feat in the local arid climate.

Steve took on the project with passion, personally tearing out existing landscaping and designing and implementing the garden plan including all irrigation and lighting. To begin, Steve had seven truckloads of high quality soil brought in, choosing different soil types suitable to various plants from specialty nurseries from Santa Barbara to San Diego.

He used online sources for some of the exotics. Steve says he has plants indigenous to six continents. The project took two years to complete but that doesn't mean it is ever really finished.

36 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

Far right top: MICHAEL COONS

Steve has found his wide variety of tropicals at specialty nurseries all over Southern California. Some of the exotics came from online sources.

SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 37

M O O D - L I T

G A R D E N

Left, an outdoor day bed doubles as a lovely place to recline under the stars and the glimmering light of a repurposed light fixture. Matt Gerns also installed lighting in the koi pond in the foreground. Right, a 1970s chandelier, its white paint finish worn away, hangs from a tree in the front yard, casting warm light on the entry walkway.

REPURPOSED CHANDELIERS SHED NEW LIGHT ON A ROMANTIC GARDEN Photos by MICHAEL COONS

T

he backyard at Matt and Julie Gerns' Westlake Village home was relatively nondescript before the couple placed their mark on it. By removing a block retaining wall, they were able to create a slope that gently rises from the patio and flat grassy area. They added a gravel path along the top of that new plateau and created two garden destinations.

One sits under the shade of a large tree. That's where they placed a seating area and portable fire pit. The other holds a comfy day bed. But what makes these ports of call even more unique is the romantic light emanating from vintage and repurposed chandeliers hanging above them. Matt, an electrical contractor as well as commercial fisherman, does all the lowvoltage wiring. Everything's incorporated into the landscape lighting and operates on a timer.

The fixtures are cast-offs from Matt's job sites or from clients of the Powers Interior Services, the window treatment company he runs with Julie.

"I try to find funky old ones," he says.

Friends love to gather around the fire pit on warm evenings. And, as the sun sets, the hanging chandelier above provides just the right amount of mood lighting.

SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 39

W E N WS E R B

E M ICROS H T R O F M R OO E K A M S, Y O B G BI E D I Written by ERIN NEWMAN AS P E ST Photos by JOAN PAHOYO

T

he beer industry has grown—and grown up—since the days when enjoying beer meant cracking open a can of Schlitz. The explosion of craft beers—brewed in small batches with experimental flavors—is a welcome change of pace from the “tastes great, less filling” lagers that dominated the scene for decades.

What’s the appeal? They’re fun, and not only because of their higher alcohol content. You may have no idea what a Stagecoach Stout, Torpedo Extra IPA or an Arrogant Bastard Ale tastes like, but it’s sure to be an adventure to find out. The creative labels on craft beer bottles are also engaging—browsing the shelves at any specialty beverage retailer is an experience in itself.

Most brewers offer their versions of lagers, ales, pilsners, stouts and IPAs, each one unique in style and different from other brewers’ interpretations of a particular style. And then there are the seasonals. After quenching your summer thirst with crisp, cool, citrusy lagers, reach for flavorful, substantial and toasty ales and ambers when the fall chill sets in. Spicy harvest and pumpkin varieties also come out to play every autumn.

There’s always something new to explore, and that’s part of the ongoing appeal of the movement.

Specialty or “craft” beers began bubbling to the surface in Britain in the 1970s, with microbreweries—emphasizing flavor, quality and brewing technique—popping up in the U.S. in the decades following.

Brewpubs, selling a variety of imported and local craft beers

40 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

BEER

PRIMER Sound like a pro when you park yourself at a pub and know the lingo

Alcohol content

Varies from 2 to 6 percent for domestics, lagers and pale ales, and up to 10 percent for stronger ales such as stouts

Malty

Sweet, caramel, roasted and nutty attributes

Hoppy

Sharp, bitter, floral and spicy characteristics contributed by the cone-shaped hops flower

Lagers

Refreshing and crisp. Most mass-produced domestic beers fall into this category; many are pale, such as blondes and pilsners, but some have a darker color and richer flavor

Ales

Full-bodied, bold, complex beers with higher alcohol content, including reds, stouts and porters; often dark or amber in color with a sweeter taste

Pilsner

A clean, refreshing pale lager with a fragrant floral aroma and a zesty hoppy flavor profile

Blonde

A light- to medium-bodied straw-colored ale originally formulated to introduce consumers to craft beers

Hefeweizen

A popular style of ale made with wheat and often accompanied with an orange slice

India pale ale

Known as IPA, this very hoppy ale with high alcohol content is a microbrewery staple

Growler

A glass jug sold by a brewer that can be refilled with a microbrewery’s latest releases—like a takeout container for beer SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 41

The Local Scene Microbreweries & Craft Beer Pubs Bottle & Pint

1714 Newbury Road, Newbury Park (805) 795-2254, www.bottleandpint.com » Newbury Park now has its own hotspot for local craft brews.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse 3955 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village (805) 497-9393 6424 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills (818) 340-1748, www.bjsrestaurants.com » An established presence on the local beer scene, BJ’s offers award-winning beers and a huge menu of innovative grub in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Brendan’s Irish Pub 30315 Canwood St., Agoura Hills (818) 874-9400 1755 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo

(805) 383-4100 495 Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park (805) 498-5050, www.brendans.com » Grab a pint of Guinness and a tasty bite from the pub menu while you throw a round of darts. (see feature story on page 46)

Tavern 101

28434 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills (818) 991-7227, www.tavern101.com » Live music and innovative American classics pair well with a variety of craft beers in a rustic atmosphere.

Twisted Oak Tavern

Darryl’s Couch

795 Camarillo Springs Road, Camarillo (805) 389-8947, www.darrylscouch.com » Play pool while trying a variety of craft beers.

Draughts Restaurant & Bar

398 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 777-7883, www.draughtsrestaurant.com » A sports-bar experience but with better beers— 31 draughts on tap—make Draughts worth the visit.

Public School 805

120 N. Promenade Way, Westlake Village (805) 379-3909, PS805.mediamass.com » A classic “gastropub”—high-quality beers on a rotational basis with tasty brunch, lunch and dinner offerings.

30105 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (818) 735-0091, www.twistedoaktavern.pub/ » What was known as the LAB Brewing Co., and which still produces the LAB’s tasty beers, has reopened with a tavern-style menu.

Yard House

501 Collection Blvd., Oxnard (805) 981-8707, www.yardhouse.com » For those who love to make choices, the Yard House carries hundreds of craft and specialty beers on tap and an equally sizeable menu.

Check out the spotlights on Ladyface Ale Companie, Enegren Brewing Co., and Institution Ale on the following pages.

Sample the Suds Learn by tasting at brewhouses or at one of the many local beer fests throughout the year.

May 2

August 15

Hamburger & Hops Music Festival

Carpinteria Surf ’n’ Suds

California Beer Festival

The Collection at Riverpark, Oxnard (805) 628-9588 www.hamburgerandhops.com

Carpinteria State Beach, Carpinteria (805) 684-4428 Surfbeerfest.com

Mission Park, downtown Ventura californiabeerfestival.com/ventura

June 13

August 27

Surf ’n’ Suds Beer Festival

Kiwanis Brew Fest

Ventura Harbor Village 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura (805) 684-4428, Surfbeerfest.com

Conejo Creek Park North 1379 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks www.tobrewfest.com

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse BJ’s, a leader on the craft brew scene before it became trendy, hosts regular tasting nights organized around a general theme and paired with five-course dinners. The brewers’ stories and tidbits about how the beers are made, in addition to delicious dishes and one great beer after another makes the evening a festive experience. www.bjsrestaurants.com/beerdinners

42 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

September 18-20

October 10 Moorpark Beer Festival Moorpark College 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark moorparkbeerfestival.com

Ladyface Ale Companie

Attention local girls: the Ladies at Ladyface club wants you! Come to a women-only social group, centered on beer tastings and food pairings.

Guests can enjoy mouthwatering beers paired with tasty bites in a sumptuous setting. But Ladyface doesn’t discriminate against men— everyone’s invited to brewery tours and beer release events. www.ladyfaceale.com

on tap and in bottles, became all the rage in the 1990s and early 2000s, followed by today’s explosion of microbreweries. These brewers approach beer making as a science, and many aim to bottle and distribute their products.

It’s the sharing of knowledge that helps get microbreweries off the ground. Brewers establish a strong local customer base by offering tours, tastings and other events that can help make their brewery a social hub. The microbreweries also aim to foster a festive atmosphere, offering good food and live music.

Showing off their wares at regional brewery festivals spreads the word, too.

Craft beer drinkers tend to be uppermiddle-class professionals with some disposable income—the millennial generation in particular has embraced the new brews as an affordable luxury.

Although brewers compete with each other, they are a tight-knit community, sharing ideas to keep the craft beer movement going. Small brewers need to band together, as tapping into the consumer base of craft beers has become a hot commodity with big brewers such as MillerCoors and Budweiser, which have been quietly snapping up and distributing craft brands including Shock Top and Blue Moon.

According to the Brewers Association, the average American lives within 10 miles of a brewery. The thousands of authentic independent microbreweries are bountiful, producing tastes for every palate.

And when it comes down to it, it’s the taste that counts. Developing an affinity for these artisanal beers can become an ongoing adventure, pursued through tastings offered at local microbreweries and craft beer pubs. Learning the lingo helps identify the category of beer and the range of flavors that most tickle your taste buds.

Set aside an evening for chatting with a brewer about his methods and comparing flavors with friends and family while nibbling on tasty food pairings. Finding out what resonates comes easy after an evening of savoring these carefully crafted brews.

Jack Sichterman, with his wife Katie, was inspired to brew Einstök in Iceland because of the purity of the water there.

Spotlight on

EINSTÖK BREWERY

By Ela Lindsay

J

ack Sichterman had an “ah-ha” moment during a trip to Iceland in 2009 when he visited a natural water source there. “The purity is incredible— it’s the best on the planet,” he says.

And thus was born the Einstök Brewery, the brainchild of Jack, a Westlake Village businessman who grew up in Milwaukee and says he has beer in his DNA. The veteran advertising executive started the venture about five years ago with David Altshuler, a lawyer and owner of a Napa Valley-based winery; Icelandic brewmaster Baldur Karason; and Bernard LaBorie, founder of a luxury water brand there.

Although the craft beer industry was already taking off at that time in the U.S., there were no breweries in Iceland.

“Five years later, we’re now the No. 1 craft beer in Iceland and the No. 1 alcoholic beverage export,” Jack says. “It’s a unique, exotic craft beer with definite local roots.”

The Einstök Brewery provides beer to more than eight countries, including the U.S. It can be found close to home at the new Pearl District restaurant and at Public School 805, both in the Conejo Valley. www.einstokbeer.com

Pop quiz with Jack Sichterman Is there any kind of beer-drinking etiquette?

Frankly, I’m not a big fan of the “wine-ification” of beer—the notion that you have to drink it out of certain glass in a specific way.

Beyond that, enjoy the amazing diversity and quality that is out there. Buy someone a beer they may have never tried. And drink responsibly—craft beer is not about getting drunk, it’s about enjoying great, complex flavors that were crafted together and about joining in this really amazing global community.

What’s your favorite way to drink a beer?

The ways and places to drink beer are as diverse as the number of breweries out there. It’s as good enjoying drinking at home with (wife) Katie as it is being out at a craft beer bar, trying something new with a bunch of strangers.

Do you have a favorite beer-related scene in a movie?

Two come to mind: 1. The roof scene in “Shawshank Redemption,” which really captures the joy of a cold beer on a hot day.

2. The scene in “Old School” where Will Ferrell drinks from a beer bong and ends up streaking through the quad by himself. Classic idiocy.

When did you taste beer for the very first time?

I don’t remember exactly when, but I remember my dad letting me have a sip of his Pabst Blue Ribbon—when it was still brewed in Milwaukee. It was delicious and I remember a sense of pride that it was made in our hometown.

Spotlight on

ENEGREN BREWING COMPANY

By Ela Lindsay

C

hris Enegren brewed his first batch of beer about 12 years ago on a stove inside a dorm room at Loyola Marymount University. Equipped only with a home brew kit, the mechanical engineering major began what he thought would just be a fun project.

Early attempts ended in mediocre and sometimes even terrible brews, but that didn’t stop him. He used his engineering knowledge to build a better brew system.

That passion eventually gave birth to Enegren Brewing Company in Moorpark, a craft brewery he runs with younger brother, Matt, and college buddy, Joe Nascenzi.

Chris Enegren and Joe, now both 31, were teammates on the LMU lacrosse team. When Chris moved to an apartment in 2005, he needed somewhere to put his custom-built brewery. Joe offered his home and garage near the LMU campus.

That garage passion has grown into a full-fledged, 7,000-square-foot, 465-gallon microbrewery in Moorpark, which features a variety of beers in an unassuming tasting room.

—Darleen Principe contributed to this story 444 Zachary St., Ste. 120, Moorpark (805) 552-0602 www.enegrenbrewing.com

Pop quiz with Joe Nascenzi Is beer your personal drink of choice?

Yes, there is no better way to unwind after a hard day’s work than with a good beer.

What’s the best way to drink a beer?

With friends and family. In a pinch a friendly stranger works well too.

When did you have your first beer?

Sometime in college, I think it was a Coors Light. It was pretty bad. I do remember my first Belgian beer—it was a La Fin Du Monde at 3 a.m. in New York City. It was the best thing I had ever tasted.

Spotlight on

INSTITUTION ALE COMPANY

By Ela Lindsay

R

Brothers Shaun, left, and Ryan Smith run Institution Ale Company with their father, Roger.

oger Smith and his sons, Ryan, 30, and Shaun, 27, turned a fun weekend hobby into a full-time endeavor when they opened Camarillo’s first brewery and tasting room in the summer of 2013.

What began with a home beer-making kit seven years ago has grown into Institution Ale Company, which serves Americanstyle ales along with year-round craft brews and some seasonal ones.

Each member of the Smith family plays a role in the business: Dad Roger designed and constructed the brewery, his wife, Sharen, takes care of finances, Ryan is the main brewer and Shaun handles the business.

The Smith family’s love of handcrafted brews began in 2008 when Ryan and Shaun lived in San Luis Obispo. The brothers attended Cal Poly there and regularly enjoyed craft beers at local breweries.

Chris Enegren, front, brewed his first batch of beer in his dorm room while a student at Loyola Marymount University. Behind him Nick Brown mans the equipment.

Pop quiz with Chris Enegren What’s your favorite beer cheer?

“Ein Prosit, der Gemütlichkeit” which translates to “cheers to good health of your drinking companions and the state of warmth and friendliness associated with drinking with friends.” My brother and I picked it up at Oktoberfest in Germany; it really encompasses what we’re trying to do at our tasting room.

Is there a beer-drinking etiquette?

Yes. Beer is about enjoying life with friends, not trying to act sophisticated.

What’s the best way to drink a beer?

After a long day of work or after a big win from anything from nailing a big presentation at work to winning a kickball game. Beer is the ultimate reward. You don’t go out for a chardonnay after, you go out for beers!

Their goal is to produce “world-class beers,” he says. That will mean becoming a packaging brewery that’s regional and then expanding statewide.

438 Calle San Pablo, Unit I, Camarillo (805) 482-3777 www.institutionales.com

Pop quiz with Shaun Smith What’s your favorite food to pair with beer?

Any type of barbecue.

What’s your beer of choice?

I appreciate and enjoy all styles of beer.

Do you have a favorite game you like to play while drinking beer?

No, I drink beer to enjoy the flavors of the beverage itself.

Do you remember your first beer?

Not sure when I had my first craft beer, but yes, I enjoyed it immensely in comparison to the macrolagers I’d had before.

Spotlight on

LADYFACE ALE COMPANIE

By Ela Lindsay

L

ongtime home brewer Cyrena Nouzille, and her husband, JeanLuc, entered the microbrewery business in 2009 opening Ladyface Ale Companie, Conejo Valley’s first craft brewery.

With the help of brewmaster David Griffiths, the business has bloomed into a casual European-style brewpub with award-winning handcrafted ales including seasonal, barrel-aged releases and boutique wines and spirits.

The dining concept is inspired by the Nouzilles’ love of Belgian beer and French brasseries. “The menu’s anchored around seasonal produce, harvests and farm products that are sustainably and locally grown,” Cyrena says.

Ladyface’s executive chef, Adrian Gioia, “is a beer-loving, fine-dining refugee from Boston by way of Seattle,” she says. “He likes to cook with beer, pair food with beer, and drink beer. Did we mention he’s a beer lover?”

—Stephanie Bertholdo contributed to this story 29281 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (818) 477-4566 www.ladyfaceale.com

Cyrena Nouzille opened Ladyface Ale Companie in 2009. Behind her, brewmaster David Griffiths.

Pop quiz with Cyrena Nouzille Is beer your personal drink of choice?

Yes, as long as it’s a good quality beer. Life is too short to drink crap.

What’s your favorite food to pair with beer?

How do you choose one? There is a saying, “What grows together, goes together.” Think bread (whole grains), cheese and beer. Spicy foods are an easy A+ for beer. Give me a cherry cheesecake and a sour Kriekbier any day.

What’s your personal favorite beer?

Answering that is like choosing a favorite child. That said, while I do appreciate all beers, I always return to rustic farmhouse and sour styles.

What’s with the foam?

A foam head on beer is important to enhance the aroma experience of the beer because those esters permeate from the carbonation leaving the liquid. . . . Foam is beer, after all. It will settle as your glass warms in your hand and leave a beautiful lace pattern.

Is there a beer-drinking etiquette?

Beer is best enjoyed with the company of good friends. You may be your own best friend if it’s a really special beer!

Flavors of

IRELAND WRITTEN BY

Stephanie Sumell FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ouring the perfect pint of Guinness is an art that should not be rushed.

The dry stout must be positioned under the tap at just the right angle for just the right amount of time until the glass is three-quarters of the way full. After the beer settles, it is topped off so that a thick layer of froth almost escapes over the

Brendan Searls takes pride in pouring a perfect pint. He infuses each of his restaurants with the comfy-cozy atmosphere found in Irish pubs.

46 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

lip of the glass.

“It pours all cloudy and, very slowly, it separates into black and white,” says Brendan Searls, a founding partner and the namesake of Brendan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant. “Then, we put a little crown on the top, so it’s actually a bit overflowing.”

The process, when done correctly, takes approximately 119 seconds.

One could say it’s that attention to detail that has made his business such a success.

Since opening its first location in 2011, Brendan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant has become a standby for locals seeking a cozy place to eat, drink and enjoy the company of those around them. The pubs, in Camarillo, Newbury Park and Agoura Hills, offer a taste of the unique culture of the country where Brendan, 50, was born and raised.

Most of the pubs in Ireland and Europe are family owned and family-run, according to Brendan. “One of the things that attracts me to the pub business is that, essentially, it’s a community within a community.”

He has always been attracted to the laidback environment that a pub fosters. In other restaurants, people are often “shooed along” after they have finished spending money, he says.

“In America . . . we’re used to the fact that there’s a bar and you go to a bar to drink and there’s a restaurant and you go to the restaurant to eat. But where can you go with your coworkers, walk in at happy hour and feel like you don’t have to give up your table?”

A pub is a great place to unwind. “I love the fact that if you BRENDAN'S ON PAGE 61

Left: JOAN PAHOYO

Michael Coons

There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met. — W. B. Yeats

Irish Reuben Sandwich

Bread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel Sauce

Shepherd’s Pie 48 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

Irish Reuben Sandwich Serves 1 6 oz. cooked corned beef, sliced thin ¼ cup sauerkraut 2 Tbsp. Thousand Island dressing 2 slices rye bread

2 slices Irish-style white cheddar cheese (or other white cheddar)

In a frying pan, saute corned beef and sauerkraut for about 10 minutes until browned. Toast two slices of rye bread and spread Thousand Island dressing on both sides. Place the corned beef and sauerkraut mixture on the bread between two slices of the cheese. Serve immediately.

Fish & Chips Serves 4 1 ½ lb. Atlantic cod fillets, cut into 2" x 3" pieces Seasoning: 2 Tbsp. flour ½ tsp. cornstarch ½ tsp. Cajun seasoning ½ tsp. paprika 1 tsp. kosher salt Batter: 1½ cups flour 1 12-oz. bottle of beer, lager style

Heat vegetable oil to 375° in deep pan or Dutch oven.

Combine seasonings in a small bowl and set aside.

Put flour in a large bowl. Add beer gradually, while whisking, until mixture is the consistency of pancake batter.

Remove any bones from fish fillets.

Coat fish with seasoning mixture. Dip in batter and drop into hot oil. Deep fry fish for 10 to 12 minutes, turning frequently until golden brown and cooked through.

Let the fish rest for a minute or two and serve with fries or potato chips.

Shepherd’s Pie Serves 2 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 lb. ground beef 1 tsp. kosher salt

Fish & Chips ¼ tsp. black pepper

pinch of oregano, dried 1 tsp. minced garlic ½ cup white onion, chopped ½ cup celery, chopped ½ cup carrots, chopped 1 tsp. tomato paste ½ cup Guinness beer ¾ cup water 1 Tbsp. gravy, made from mix ½ cup peas 2 cups mashed potatoes I n a large skillet, heat oil and add ground beef, salt, pepper, dried oregano and minced garlic. Once browned, add onions, celery, carrots and tomato paste. When vegetables are cooked, strain mixture and put back into skillet. Add gravy and peas and heat through. Place mixture in oven-safe serving

bowl and top with mashed potatoes. Broil for 1 minute or until mashed potato top is golden brown. Serve hot.

Bread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel Sauce Serves 4 6 slices double-thick, dense white bread, cut into 1-inch squares ½ cup golden raisins 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 cup heavy cream 2½ cups milk ¾ tsp. cinnamon ¾ Tbsp. vanilla extract RECIPES ON PAGE 63 SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 49

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Water-based polyurethane* Directions: Rub away any loose clay or rough areas on outside of the pots and saucer. Stack pots, starting with the largest, upside-down. Mark below the rims of the medium and small pots, onto the larger pot below it. That’s going to show you where your design should end (you don’t want your artwork covered up!)

Pull apart the pots and saucer so you can work with them separately. Seal the interior of each of the pots, the lower edge of the largest pot (the edge that will rest on the ground), and the entire saucer with polyurethane. We recommend two or three coats. Let dry completely.

Paint the outside of your pots and the saucer. Be creative, painting up to and slightly over the marker you drew earlier.

Once well dried, decorate the pots to your heart’s content using stencils, stamps or paint to create designs.

When thoroughly dry, seal the entire outside of each of the pots, even the portions that will be hidden from view, using at least three coats of polyurethane. Let dry overnight.

Apply construction adhesive to the bottom of the smallest pot and glue it to the bottom of the saucer, taking care to center the saucer.

Turn the largest pot upside-down and place in the spot you’ve chosen for your birdbath. Place the medium-sized pot on it, followed by the smallest pot and saucer, which are now a single unit.

Fill your birdbath with water and keep on the lookout for birds! *IMPORTANT: Use nontoxic or “baby safe” polyurethane that is suitable for use over paint. Avoid oil-based polyurethane, which tends to yellow.

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Spring's in the air and, as always, there’s a whole lot happening around town. Here are a few highlights.

OUT AND ABOUT Gardens tour enchants, educates SUNDAY, APRIL 19 Westlake Village Garden Club Garden Tour 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. uests will tour five unique gardens in and around the Westlake Village area. Bird, bee and butterfly experts will be on hand to discuss garden inhabitants. Enjoy live jazz music in one rose garden and observe a plein air artist at work in another. Car lovers will appreciate one homeowner's car collection on display. Advance tickets are $20; or $25 at the door; kids under 12 are free.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Round-up Country Music Extravaganza Gates open at 10 a.m.; music runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hummingbird Ranch 2940 Kuehner Drive Simi Valley A Simi Kiwanis event with headliners Diamond Rio, along with Neon Circus—a Brooks and Dunn Tribute, Country Nation, The Doo Wah Riders, Maybe April, and Justin Honsinger.

Food trucks and vendors on site.

Tickets: $30; kids under 12 free.

Special terrace experience available.

Call (805) 807-5100 Visit www.roundupsimi.com

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL 18 AND 19 Conejo Valley Home Remodeling Show 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hyatt Westlake Plaza 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village More than 170 vendors with information and products for homeowners, and food trucks on site. Free passes available at website. Cost at the door is $4.

Call (805) 529-0760 Visit www.westlakehomeshow.com WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 22 to 26 Ojai Tennis Tournament 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Over 1,500 players compete on 110 tennis courts and 30 sites throughout Ventura County.

Call (805) 646-7241 for locations Visit www.ojaitourney.org FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 24 to 26 Santa Monica Mountains Trail Days At Danielson Ranch in Point Mugu State Park Free camping on Friday and Saturday night available; volunteers do trail maintenance on Sat. and Sun.; and a free thank-you barbecue for the volunteers on Saturday.

Call (818) 222-4531 Visit www.smmtc.org

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SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Thousand Oaks Rotary Chili Cook-Off and Classic Car Show 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Conejo Creek Park South, Thousand Oaks Cook-off sanctioned by the International Chili Society; plus a classic car show, live music, food, and family activities.

Admission $12; kids 10 and under are free. $5 parking at Conejo Park; free parking and shuttle from Thousand Oaks High School.

Visit www.chili-cook-off.com CLUFest 2015 “Modern Dimensions” Exhibit Reception runs 7 to 9 p.m.

California Lutheran University Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks Show runs through Sat., May 16: Explores technology, still, 3-D and motion graphics, including artwork by Myles Moore, 3-D printing, technical demos and interactive digital media.

Call Tim Hengst at (805) 493-3241 Email thengst@callutheran.edu Ventura County Blues Festival 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road Presented by the Ventura County Blues Society; proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association. Features guitarist Coco Montoya, John Nemeth, Deanna Bogart, BB Chung King and the Buddaheads, the Delgado Brothers and others. Advanced tickets are $26; $35 at the gate. Kids 12 and under free with adult.

Call (805) 501-7122 Visit www.venturacountyblues.com SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL 25 AND 26 Santa Clara River Valley Railfest 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Central Park in Fillmore Co-sponsored by the Fillmore & Western Railway, Railfest offers railroad-related activities such as miniature steam train rides, displays, antique farm equipment demos and vintage tractors, live music, arts and crafts, and food booths. Admission and parking are free.

A Family Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Train will run on Saturday.

Call (805) 524-2546 Visit www.fwry.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Gator Run 5K, 10K, 1 Mile Runs 7 a.m.

Rancho Santa Susana Community Park 5005 Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley Presented by the Rotary Club of Simi Sunset, the proceeds from this community will benefit Special Olympics of Ventura County. Kids 1 mile fun run is for ages 6-12 only. Registration in the 5K and 10K includes T-shirt, goody bag, door prizes and refreshments.

Call (805) 613-7277 Visit www.gatorrun.org THURSDAY, APRIL 30 THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 3 Ojai Storytelling Festival 7:30 to 9 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sat.; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sun. Ojai Art Center and Libbey Bowl, Ojai Performances for all ages. Prior to the opening of the festival, tickets can be purchased by mail. Kids should be at least 6 years old. See website for schedule and locations.

Call (805) 646-8907 Visit www.ojaistoryfest.org

FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, MAY 1 to 9 Ventura Music Festival Performances include: Tea & Trumpets; Cantabile: The London Quartet; A Celebration of Celedonio Romero; Ozomatli; Herb Alpert and Lani Hall; Family Concert and Rising Stars; and Camera Lucida. Takes place at various times and Ventura venues.

Tickets from $25 to $75.

Call (805) 648-3146 Visit www.venturamusicfestival.org SATURDAY, MAY 2 HOPE4Kids Festival and 5K/10K Run 8 a.m. to noon Camarillo Community Center Park 1605 Burnley St. Event benefits foster youth of Ventura County. Features silent auction, booths, food trucks, kids’ zone, adoption and foster fair.

Call (805) 794-8212 Visit hope4kids.myevent.com “Wild about Gourds” Ventura County Gourd Artists Spring Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

11701 E. Las Posas Road, Camarillo

Gourd art and sales, demos, kids makeand-take booth, food, raffles and live entertainment.

Free admission and parking.

Call (805) 990-1356 Visit www.vcgourdartists.org SUNDAY, MAY 3 Camarillo Hospice Spring Garden Tour Noon to 4 p.m.

Tour local homeowners’ private gardens.

Benefits Camarillo Hospice, which provides free assistance to Ventura County families facing a life-limiting illness or grieving the loss of a loved one.

Call (805) 389-6870 Visit www.camarillohospice.org THURSDAY, MAY 7 THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 10 Conejo Valley Days 5 to 10 p.m. Thurs., 5 p.m. to midnight Fri., noon to midnight Sat., and noon to 8 p.m. Sun. Conejo Creek Park South 1300 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks Features live entertainment, carnival rides, games, outhouse races, hands-on exhibits, a western-themed saloon and food court.

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Annual Open House | April 18, 2015 Distinguished Alumni Dinner | Saturday, September 12, 2015 Email us at advancement@stjohnsem.edu for more information.

Learn more about St. John’s Seminary with the commemorative book I Will Give You Shepherds, by best-selling author Joe Garner. For information visit www.stjohns75th.com.

Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for kids 6 through 12; free for kids 5 and under.

Call (805) 498-0624 Visit www.conejovalleydays.us SATURDAY, MAY 9 Simi Street Fair 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cochran Street between Sequoia and Galena avenues. Over 250 vendor and food booths, and arts and crafts. Produced by the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. Admission is free.

Call (805) 526-3900 Visit www.simichamber.org/about-chamber/programs/simi-valley-street-fair SUNDAY, MAY 10 Mother’s Day Brunch at Reagan Library 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley Champagne brunch, live music and museum tours.

Cost is $79 for adults; $39 for children ages 3 to 10; and free for kids 2 and under.

RSVP by May 5. Seatings taken from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Call (805) 577-4057 Visit www.reaganfoundation.org SATURDAY, MAY 16 Relay For Life of Thousand Oaks Starts at 10 a.m.

Conejo Creek Park, 1379 E. Janss Road Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society Call (800) 277-2345 Visit www.relayforlife.org SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 16 AND 17 California Strawberry Festival 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Strawberry Meadows of College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard All things strawberry, including tart toss, relay race, contests, Strawberryland for kids, shopping, food and entertainment.

Admission: $12 for adults; $8 for seniors (62+), $5 Youths (5-12), $8 active military and dependents with ID; and kids 4 and under are free. Save $10 on parking by using the free shuttle service.

Call (805) 385-4739 Visit www.strawberry-fest.org SUNDAY, MAY 17 Conejo Valley Botanic Garden’s Matilija Poppy Festival 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

400 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks Tour 18-specialty gardens; see the white poppy; also a kids’ adventure garden, nature trail, children’s activities, docent tours, plant sales and free popcorn. Free admission.

Call (805) 494-7630 Visit www.conejogarden.org Moorpark Kiwanis Annual Wine and Moonlight Fundraiser 2 to 5 p.m.

Secret Garden Restaurant 255 E. High St., Moorpark

Tastings from local wineries and catered food from Secret Garden, plus live music and silent auction.

Call (805) 823-3346 Email Kiwanismpk@yahoo.com Visit www.moorparkwine.com

Call (818) 808-9336 SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Visit www.teamusa.org/USA-Field-Hockey.aspx “The Event” Food, Wine and Craft Beer Tasting SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 5 to 11 p.m.

MAY 23 AND 24 Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center Simi Valley Cajun and Blues 23400 Park Sorrento Music Festival Benefit event for The Foundation for Las California Jazz and Wine Fest 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Virgenes Unified School District features food, 1 to 5 p.m.

Rancho Santa Susana Park wine and beer from local establishments, silent Thousand Oaks Community Park 5005 Los Angeles Ave. and live auctions and a live concert.

2525 N. Moorpark Road Live music, kids’ area, and more than 150 Call (818) 878-5277 Jazz, rock and R&B performances food, beverage, craft and sponsor booths.

Visit www.TheEventParty.org and wine, beer and food.

Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise event benefits Presented by Rotary Club of Westlake various community and national charities.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11 Village Sunrise. Admission is $50.

Tickets: $20 online; $25 at the door; City of Agoura Hills’ Must be age 21 or over. kids 12 and under are free.

2015 One City One Book Program Call (805) 380-6010 Call (805) 517-9000 10 a.m.

Visit www.californiajazzwine.com Visit www.simicajun.org Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center 29900 Ladyface Court THURSDAY MAY 21 SUNDAY, May 31 2015 program, highlighting Lori Lansens THROUGH MONDAY, MAY 25 Flea Market and Swap Meet and her new book “The Mountain Story,” California Cup International 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. launches with Preview Book Tea. Following Field Hockey Tournament Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds are other free events: Thurs., June 25 6 to Takes place at three venues: Moorpark 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura 9 p.m. Book Launch Party; Mon., July 13, College, Arroyo Vista Park fields and More than 500 vendors with antiques, 3:30 p.m. Agoura Hills mayor will read Moorpark High School stadium. used and new merchandise.

“Perfect Square”; Tues., July 14 at 6 p.m.

Sanctioned tournament by USA Field Hockey; Admission is $5. Early-bird admission available. community book discussion.

150-plus teams of men, women and children Call (805) 648-3376 Call (818) 597-7361 of all ages from under-8 to super competitive. Visit www.rgcshows.com Visit www.91301.org

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SUNDAY, JUNE 14 Ojai Wine Festival Noon to 4 p.m.

VIP entry available at 11:30 a.m.

Lake Casitas, Ojai 60 wineries, 60 premium beers, two bands, dancing, boat rides. Proceeds will go toward Rotary community service projects.

Call (800) 648-4881 Visit www.ojaiwinefestival.com

Cost is $49.95 for adults, $29.95 for children ages 5 to 10, and $9.95 for children ages 1 to 4.

Reservations are required by June 16.

Call (805) 577-4057 Visit www.reaganfoundation.org

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 Outstanding in the Field Farm Dinner 4 p.m.

Casitas Valley Farm SATURDAY, JUNE 20 4620 Casitas Pass Road, Ventura History Day at Strathearn Historical Park Tour of the farm followed by a locally sourced and Museum meal served outdoors and prepared by guest 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley chef Rachel Main of Main Course.

Simi Valley Historical Society presents Tickets: $215 entertainment, activities, tours, displays Call (831) 247-1041 and demos for the whole family at this Visit www.outstandinginthefield.com landmark six-acre park. Admission: $7.

Call (805) 526-6453 FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, Visit www.simihistory.com JUNE 26 TO 28 Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival Father’s Day Celebration 5:30 p.m. grounds open; 6:45 p.m. at Reagan Library pre-show chat with company members; Noon to 1:30 p.m.

8 p.m. productions begin 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley California Lutheran University Features barbecue buffet; museum and Air Thousand Oaks Force One Pavilion.

“Measure for Measure” performances are

June 26-28, July 2-3, 5 and July 10-12 “Richard III” performances are July 17-19, July 24-26 and July 31, August 1 and 2 Ticket prices vary.

Call (805) 493-3014 Visit www.kingsmenshakespeare.org SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JUNE 27 AND 28 Roadshow Revival— Tribute to Johnny Cash 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mission park, 185 E. Santa Clara St. Ventura Bands, car and motorcycle show, pin-up pageant, kids’ corral. Admission: $40 for two-day pass or “Get Rhythm” tickets are $80 for reserved access; VIP tent tickets available; youths (age 6-12) are $5; kids under 5 are free. On event day, tickets are $30 on Sat. only; $20 on Sun. Call (805) 648-3376 Visit www.roadshowrevival.com To submit an event for the next Beyond calendar, send information to Elindsay@theacorn.com before May 30. The next calendar will cover events taking place from July through September 2015.

THEODORA FROM PAGE 13

She remembers that within an hour of their first meeting, Moishe said he was going to marry her. He was right. Within two and a half months, the two were man and wife. Theodora left her all-girl orchestra, but continued to make music alongside her husband, playing piano for him.

The lovebirds traveled the world performing liturgical music. “He was a matinee idol,” she says of her Romanianborn husband. “He was very suave.”

Moishe, 22 years her senior, died 13 years into their marriage. They had one daughter together.

After a year as a widow, Theodora married her second husband, Joe Ilowitz, a CPA and budding artist. At her new husband’s suggestion they attended art school together.

“That’s how it all began,” Theodora remembers. “I was 38 and I loved it.”

Life with Joe took her to Florida for 10 years, where she worked at the Montoya Studio and studied sculpting. As her love of art grew, she entered competitions and was invited to exhibit her work.

Theodora and Joe moved to California at the urging of her daughter, Rozanna, who convinced her that the West Coast—and her grandchildren—were beckoning. She now loves living close to her two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Joe died six years ago.

The artist has immersed herself in her new community. In 2008 she donated “Benin,” a black, megalithic stone sculpture, to California Lutheran University. The piece, inspired by the Benin tribe of Nigeria, was the first to grace the Uyeno Amphitheater on campus.

“Art is Teddy’s passion and her sanctuary which, no doubt, helps her maintain a pleasant, upbeat and positive disposition no matter what life throws at her,” says Craig Morton, a member of the Agoura Hills Cultural Arts Council and the Westlake Village Art Guild.

“Teddy has a strong sense of community and has long been a dedicated volunteer in support of enhancing the vitality of the visual arts in the region.”

Theodora says she cannot imagine slowing down. “I want to do a little more— another painting, another something,” she says. “Even though I’m old, I have ideas that are contemporary.”

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the garden particulars from “English” to “California-ish.”

To do that, begin by isolating the elements that make up a cottage garden’s charm and adapt those elements to local growing conditions: • Cluster flowering plants close together with no empty space separating them. Create small beds that butt up to the house as well as small island beds that you can plant generously. Then irrigate just those beds and not the surrounding areas. Avoid the formality of separating plants—instead, crowd them together for that happily chaotic result.

• Plug any gaps with colorful annuals, but you shouldn’t need many because you’ve planted abundantly.

• Don’t forget climbers, especially roses.

(Roses tend to be thirsty so choose carefully and scatter here and there rather than lining them up like Buckingham Palace guards.)

• Plant herbs and veggies among the flowers.

• Substitute colorful blooming plants that are native to California or better suited to a drier climate yet still present bursting color (see plant list on page 29 for a few ideas).

Though we think of hollyhocks and foxgloves as well as other blossoms native to jolly old England, many of the flowers in a traditional cottage garden are, in fact, imports from other places. Sweet peas are native to the Mediterranean as are trumpet serenade and love-in-a-mist. Choose flowering plants that come from areas with climate more like our own as they are already adapted to drier growing conditions.

• Lay down meandering paths with gravel, decomposed granite or pavers, and make sure your irrigation system is not directed on them to avoid wasting water.

• Use gypsum to break up dense clay soil in flower beds and mulch well to conserve water.

• Introduce the other garden elements that bring on the charm—picket fences, freestanding bird houses, arbors and rustic seating.

• Have fun with vintage and repurposed goodies from grandma’s garage that give the garden that been-there-for-ages feel.

It is possible to create a lush English cottage garden here in California with some smarts and a bit of persuasion, and for the result to be a source of delight and great pride—without prejudice.

BRENDAN'S FROM PAGE 46

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essentially, have “Cheers”-like comfort level where people know your name.”

“When we grew up (in Ireland), I’m not going to say we were poor, but it is definitely different from growing up here. You cooked because it was the most efficient way to feed a family.”

Brendan says his mother often made lamb stew, pan-fried steak, bangers and mash, fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.

“Those were staples. Irish cooking, when I was growing up, was not as cosmopolitan or sophisticated as it is now.”

The restaurateur grew up in Cork, Ireland, where he lived with his parents and one sister.

There, he excelled at Gaelic football, a team sport with similarities to rugby and soccer, playing for his high school and later, the County of Cork.

His journey to the U.S. began about

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want to come in during happy hour to have a pint or martini, you don’t have to be in a hurry to leave. If you want to hang out and drink water for two or three hours, the pub is the perfect place for that.”

Brendan’s avoids the “cookie cutter” sort of service in which waiters, waitresses and bartenders stick to an impersonal script.

Servers at Brendan’s avoid the familiar “Hi, my name is____ and I’ll be your server today” spiel for something more sincere.

“We have a daisy chain culture in that we believe that if you don’t give proper service or proper hospitality, you are running the risk of breaking the daisy chain for your coworkers and that (customer) may or may not come back,” Brendan says. “We try to build the business one guest at a time, and

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30 years ago when he befriended a young couple from Santa Barbara.

“I met them while I was hitchhiking to the beach. I was still in high school but I had a bit of wanderlust.”

A year later, Brendan flew to the

He sold his share of the businesses in 2010 and went into business with Jonathan Siegel, a tech entrepreneur, investor and adviser he met while playing squash at the Santa Barbara Athletic Club five years ago.

“He is an extremely brilliant man who has had many successes,” Brendan says.

“But, his businesses were Internet-based.

He wanted something of bricks and mortar that he could touch and see.”

The duo opened the first Brendan’s in Camarillo in January 2011 followed by the Agoura location in March 2012 and the Newbury Park location in October 2012.

Brendan, who lives in Ventura with his wife, Kourtney, who owns Pizza Mizza in Santa Barbara, and their two children, says the pubs aim to provide the “comfycozy” atmosphere found in pubs in Ireland.

Brendan’s menu offers both traditional and nontraditional pub fare so that everyone can find something they enjoy.

The restaurants, which purchase fresh produce from a farmers market three times a week, recently added a calamari dish to the menu in response to patrons’ requests.

“We spend a lot of time researching and developing our menu. We are going to

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states to be a groomsman in their wedding and decided he would one day make America his home.

Ireland at the time was weathering a period of political and economic instability.

The country was plagued by high unemployment and mass emigration.

“Mine is the classic immigrant story,” Brendan says.

“When I got done with high school and a year of college, it was the 1980s, which were tough times in Ireland.”

Brendan made his way to Boston, where he worked in construction and played semiprofessional Gaelic football for five years. In 1990, he moved to Santa Barbara.

There, he joined two partners to open Dargan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in 1997.

The trio later opened a second Dargan’s, along with Rookies Sports Bar, Lounge and Grill, in Ventura before Brendan decided to strike out on his own.

introduce Brussels sprouts because Brussels sprouts, all of a sudden, are chic.”

And good whiskey, he says, will never go out of style.

“We have over 100 whiskeys at every location,” he says. “Everything from a $6 shot to a $180 shot.”

But, aside from good food, it’s the ambience that keeps customers coming back.

Tyler Rex, the pub’s director of marketing, says it has been exciting to watch the company grow.

“Brendan’s is just a happy place. Each (location) has a different layout and feel.”

And each location has authentic brica-brac from Brendan’s homeland. He recently returned from Ireland with lots of interesting things to accessorize the pub decor as Brendan’s will likely open locations in Simi Valley and Goleta within the next two years.

And it should be no surprise that both will offer the perfect pint of Guinness.

“We are trying to essentially bring the authenticity of the Irish pub experience to the Southern California market,” Brendan says. “Anybody can put the words ‘Irish pub’ over the door. We breathe the culture.”

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RECIPES FROM PAGE 49

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Preheat oven to 300°. In a medium bowl, mix eggs and sugar together. Add cream, milk, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Arrange bread squares in a medium baking dish and top with raisins. Cover with cream mixture. Allow bread to become saturated.

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Once completely blended and smooth, add butter and whiskey. Mix until well blended.

COMING UP...

July 2015

October 2015

FAMILY

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BEEN TOLD YOU NEED BACK SURGERY? That’s not how we operate

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In this doctor’s opinion, the best breakthrough treatment for serious back pain of our age is NOT surgery, but a non-surgical, safe & painless, state-of-the-art technology now available in Camarillo.

You may be thinking, “what is going to happen to me if I can’t find a solution to my back pain or leg pain?” The answer to your question starts out hopeful. I’ll just go to my doctor and he will take care of me. He will know what to do.

But then something very odd happens to you. You discover your primary care physician, who in the past has done an excellent job treating your other conditions, is not able to get rid of your pain, even with your prescription for Soma muscle relaxers, oxycodone, neurontin, or any other of the various prescribed medications. You then take the drugs, soon to feel strangely like you’re not altogether “there” or you immediately feel sick, feel nauseous and vomit the drugs as fast as you swallowed them. When you get sick of that (pardon the pun! I couldn’t resist), you go back to your doctor looking for another more appealing treatment. This time it’s physical therapy, the thing you already can’t do!! You already can’t bend over, twist, lift things and now they want you to do more of it with a bunch of other back pain sufferers! Gimme a break.

big needle into your spine.”

You cringe in fear and reluctantly agree at this point.

“NOW I will be fixed.” Only now, you have either no pain relief, or it makes you have more pain. The second shot (oh yes, there will be a second and a third) may be less effective or not at all and requires another one.

You come to the realization that pain shots will not fix the disc bulge or herniation still smashing your delicate nerves, causing you pain.

Finally your doctor recommends you see a “Specialist” (back surgeon) and he can do surgery. Why even do the surgery?

Risk of paralysis, death, infections and more pain. No thanks!

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WHO Page 12 “Young at Heart” Theodora Ilowitz www.theodora.tv Page 14 “Barrels of Fun” Zin Chair 111 Rancho Conejo Blvd., Ste. 403 Newbury Park (805) 444-4294 www.zinchair.net WHAT Page 19 “Camp Grown-up” Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp (888) 762-2263; www.rockcamp.com; Space Camp (800) 637-7223; www.spacecamp.com World Poker Tournament Boot Camp (866) 978-2668; www.wptbootcamp.com Gladiator Training +39 06 3509 2040; www.romecavalieri. com/gladiator.php; Sonoma Grape Camp (707) 522-5864; www.sonomagrapecamp.com African Veterinarian Safaris +27 46 622 7633; www.brotherssafaris.com Jim Hall Kart Racing School (805) 654-1329; www.jimhallkartracing.com Crow Canyon Archaeological Center (800) 422-8975; www.crowcanyon.org Outward Bound (866) 467-7651; www.outwardbound.org FEATURE STORIES Page 38 “Mood-Lit Garden” Powers Interior Services; Matt Gerns, electrical contractor (818) 707-1441 powersinteriorservices@gmail.com FINAL WORD Page 66 “Plein Air” www.BobRaserArt.com brtv@sbcglobal.net

New Ad Sizes

esign & Consign Divine DInterior Design

As we continue to evolve, beginning with the next issue, we will be zoning Beyond the Acorn magazine to replicate the zoning of the Acorn Newspapers.

805.494.4433

Now advertisers can choose to target their advertisements to a specific area or reach multiple areas. The available ad sizes in our upcoming magazines will be Full Page, ½ horizontal (see page 13), ½ vertical (see page 10), ¼ vertical (bottom right) and ⅛ horizontal (top right).

We look forward to continually serving both our readers and our advertisers and thank you for your input in helping us improve Beyond the Acorn!

We sincerely appreciate Goebel Senior Adult Center, Divine Design & Consign, and Michelle Mangini for helping us introduce our new ad sizes.

To find out how economical targeted advertising is in our new zoned magazines or newspapers, please do not hesitate to contact your Advertising Consultant or feel free to give me a call at (818) 706-0266.

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FRIDAY NIGHT Upcoming Dates

April 24, May 22 and June 26

Sincerely,

Doors open at 5:00 PM

Sales stop promptly at 6:00 PM

Bingo starts at 6:30 PM Goebel Adult Community Center

Nicholas Oliveri Advertising Director Nick@theAcorn.com

Upcoming Events Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 PM

Beyond THE ACORN

30423 Canwood St., Ste. 108, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Tel: (818) 706-0266 | Fax: (818) 706-8468 Visit us at: beyondtheacorn.com

History comes Alive: Development of the Norwegian Grade with Gerry Olsen Tuesday, May 5 from 5:00-7:00 pm

Cinco de Mayo Party

Saturday, May 9 from 10:00am-12:00 pm

Mother’s Day Tea Party

Friday, June 6 from 4:30-6:00 pm

Summer BBQ

Sponsored by the Goebel Senior Center Commission

1385 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks 91362 805-381-2744 • www.crpd.org/gacc All proceeds to benefit Goebel Adult Community Center

SPRING 2015 | BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 65

r i A n i e En Pl “Saddleback Vineyard,” by Bob Raser

IT’S FRENCH FOR ‘IN THE OPEN AIR’ AND IT’S DRAWING PAINTERS OUTDOORS

66 BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SPRING 2015

A

rtist Bob Raser calls plein air art the original “green movement” and plein air artists the “real environmentalists.”

Rather than photographing a landscape and bringing a frozen image back to the comfort of a carefully lit and temperature-controlled studio to leisurely paint it, plein air artists place themselves in the center of their subject for the duration of time it takes to complete the painting.

Though painting outdoors was not new, the movement really took off in the mid1800s in France with the invention of paint tubes and portable easels, which freed painters to work on location. Impressionists Renoir and Monet did much of their work outdoors. The experience is quite different from studio painting.

“When you sit in one place for two or three hours you know exactly what those plants look like, what it smells like,” says Raser, a member of the Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore. “Wind, hot sun, noise, bugs—it’s all part of the plein air, great-outdoor painting adventure. Some artists call it an extreme sport.”

Raser begins each of his paintings by getting the lighting set on the canvas because that will change over the course of his hours on site. Then he fills in the plants and landscape and fine-tunes the colors, all the while breathing in the nature around him.

—L.G.H.

RICHARD GILLARD

Final Word

THE TIME OW IS N lect Units Se Still Available

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