After lunch at Yume Japanese Burger Cafe we decided to take a short drive and headed east along Highway 150. The winding road headed uphill and we stopped at the Ojai Valley Lookout. From here you have a wonderful view of Ojai Valley and are surrounded on all sides by mountains.
We drove a bit further, before returning to Ojai to check in at our accommodation.
We showered, relaxed, and even took a short nap before heading out to dinner. Our dinner destination was a nice stroll away; Ojai Rotie.
Ojai Rotie describes themselves as being:
"Chef/Farmer driven, fast casual patio-restaurant offering French-Lebanese style rotisserie chicken".
The atmosphere is relaxed, the large patio is a wonderful place to eat on a warm summer's evening.
We had reservations and were shown to one of the tables. I then went into the main building and placed my order and paid at the counter. I was given a number and placed that on the table.
You then go to the small detached structure to order wine and beer.
The young man working asked me if I was from out of town (folks in Ojai are really friendly), and when I replied yes, he asked where I hailed from. When I mentioned San Diego, he told me he went to college in SD and we had a nice chat.
People watching was quite interesting. There seemed to be quite a few "locals" or at least regulars. I hadn't seen so many folks wearing Birkenstocks in one place…..also interesting choices of slippers. Folks seemed to wear shorts and many women wore flowing "new agey" dresses with dangling earrings to match.
Soon enough our order arrived at our table……
We had ordered the "Dippity Dips"……..
Three different "dips" with Manuoche; the typical Lebanese flatbread with a light sprinkling of Za'atar on it. The Bread was warm, slightly yeasty and very pleasant eating.
Our favorite of the three items was the White Bean Hummus; so beany and creamy.
This was delicious; though I think a touch of lemon would have taken this to another level.
The Muhamarah was pretty good.
This was much smoother and creamier than what we're used to; but it matched quite well with the Manuoche. The generous amount of pomegranate molasses made this a bit too sweet for our tastes; but it was still a nice dish.
I was looking forward to the Charred Eggplant, but it proved to be a bit disappointing.
While adequately creamy, this was missing the smoky-savory tones of a nicely charred/grilled eggplant. It was also lacking adequate salt for our tastes.
Still that White Bean Hummus was really good and the Missus has been asking me to make some.
Of course we had to try the rotisserie chicken and I'd heard good things about the pommes rotisserie. So we got a quarter chicken meal with the roasted potatoes and caramelized cauliflower as sides.
First off, we weren't big fans of the chicken which was on the dry side. The seasoning also seemed quite mild. The saving grace was the bold and piquant garlic paste, which was sooooo good, but stayed with us for the entire evening if you know what I mean. The roasted potatoes were cold, but we both enjoyed the lemon-aioli. The Missus really enjoyed the cauliflower which was generously seasoned and had some great "role players" in the form of pine nuts, golden raisins, and baby kale…..each adding in a layer of complexity.
We'd gladly eat here again. While sitting and watching the "regulars" get their orders we noticed that the house made sourdough bread and lamb kafta were popular and looked quite good.
We really enjoyed the vibe and setting.
And then there are the people…..we would really come to enjoy and appreciate the warm and friendly folks we ran into in Ojai.
For instance, that gentleman in the photo to my right. As he walked by, I noticed his t-shirt, which I really liked, so I took a photo of him. Apparently he saw me taking his photos and came on by and asked me if I liked his shirt and we had a short chat. His name is Dave and he is in charge of restoring and renovating the Ojai Playhouse. We had a really nice conversation and he headed off….only to return a few minutes later with a t-shirt for me!
Yes, it says "Ojai Psychic Friends Network" and I love the t-shirt….plus I got a nice story to tell about how generous folks are in Ojai. And how in the world did he know I was admiring his shirt? Psychic perhaps???
Thanks Dave!
Ojai Rotie
469 E Ojai Ave.
Ojai, CA 93023
Hours:
Wed – Thurs 4pm – 830pm
Fri – Sun 12pm – 3pm, 4pm – 9pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
said that She had "changed Her mind……maybe a road trip might be nice". Man, that didn't last long did it? The only condition; "please no National Park food…."
Since it was too early to check in at our accommodations we decided to do a bit of shopping. The Ojai Arcade 
How I managed to carry this from the car to my desk without sustaining a hernia I'll never know. I forgot to ask for "half rice" so I got a ton of nicely cooked, moist rice. What's the deal with the giant chunks of protein in turo turo dishes these days? There were like two half thighs, bone and all in the overwhelmed styrofoam container. The chicken was on the tough side and there was a shortage of veggies (i.e. carrots, bell peppers) except for one orphaned potato; that I usually expect in this dish. I guess of you want to max out your protein intake… As you can see, it was quite greasy, and super salty.
In 2016, Mahalo began as a shave ice food truck. It expanded into an Arizona franchise in 2020, along with catering events. The Zion Market storefront is the first brick and mortar location for this (now two location) locally owned business "inspired by the beauty of the Hawaiian people". 
The menu is simple; Five items.
The choice of flavors can be not as simple, depending on your cravings.
For this shave ice plate ($6), I chose li hing mui guava (li hing is the flavor of dried, salty plums) and tigers blood (strawberry, watermelon and coconut) flavors; not very photogenic but very tasty. Adding ice cream ($1) rounded out the plate.
This is the view from the doorway. 
The rye bread ($4) here is an especially good version, filled with seeds and surrounded by cornmeal. I appreciate that it is already sliced. 
Just realized I neglected the Italian bread (also $3 or $4) it can be plain or topped with sesame seeds and is a quality White bread. The above Italian rolls also available ($4/dozen). A good size for small sandwiches or burgers. 
The Theme of "Turning the Corner” celebrating the unlimited potential that each new year brings, was announced by the 
The 
The Spotter for the 
The 
No idea who has sponsored this float, but can see the the Spotter will be standing at the front and can also see the driver now while this float is in its rebar/pencil rod stage. 
This is the City of Alhambra float entry. Spotter is seated at the front and the driver is on the left side-near the red fuel tank. 
Well. Turns out at 8:05 a.m., there's not much of a line. I ordered pastries, breakfast and beverages all at one counter. 
The meat pie ($1.15) is filled with the same picadillo that is in the famous potato balls, but is baked in flaky pastry. A nice snack while we waited.
Also ordered: cheese roll ($0.99), apple strudel ($1.45) and a refugiado (guava cream cheese pastry) ($1.09). We took the sweets home.
Soon, the beverages were delivered to the table. Portos cortadito ($2.89) (espresso with sweetened condensed milk) and a summertime item- iced strawberry matcha latte (large) ($4.89). Both beverages are quality and flavorful. 
Soon, the ropa vieja sandwich ($7.50) was brought out. Served on fresh soft Cuban bread, the 'Cuban birria' (Cuban-style stewed beef with bell pepper, onion, olive, tomato sauce, and Spanish seasonings) was excellent and quite large. The plantain chips (mariquitas) are seasoned with garlic salt and are a perfect side to the sandwich, breakfast time or not. 
The ham and cheese (cheddar-jack blend) omelette ($5.50) is served on a fresh buttery croissant with a mayo-mustard spread and is also quite large. 
Recently, I had a craving for 
There is a chalkboard next to the cash register.
as well as a cup ($5) (vegetarian pea) were enjoyed on visits. The 'everyday' soups (tomato basil and chicken noodle) are priced $4 and $5.25.
Fresh roast turkey (as in roasted here, today), crispy thick quality bacon, shredded lettuce, house made Blue cheese dressing (excellent) served open faced on rye. This- THIS sandwich is fancy as well as wonderful. 
A similar item (in that there are crossover ingredients) is the California Cobb Salad ($12.95). Freshly roasted turkey (remarkably good), bacon, crumbled blue cheese, avocado, tomato and pickled egg.
There is quite an interest in eggs here; deviled egg dishes are used in the refrigerator and there is a collection on the wall above the kitchen. 
The Croque Madame ($13.95) is made with French ham, gruyere and a house made béchamel. Very tasty and filling. 
The Eggs Benedict ($12.95) served on an English muffin with ham and a very proper (unbroken) Hollandaise along with fruit and a hash brown patty is also filling and flavorful. 
This was indeed a sad moment for me. Even though I thought TOSEL wasn't quite the same since Koby sold SEL, the 
First off, the good…..man, I really enjoyed the mac salad here, just as good as 
