CULINARY COUSINS OF THE RANCH HOUSE

Ventura County has its fair share of vegetarian or California cuisine-style restaurants that might be considered culinary descendants of the Ranch House. The list includes:

California Grill

67 Daily Drive, Camarillo

987-1922

Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Full bar; reservations accepted. Major credit cards accepted. Lunch or dinner for two, food only, $40 to $50. This “American regional” eatery offers pleasant ambience, a well-stocked bar and dishes such as Oregano Fettuccine with smoked chicken, asparagus and mushrooms with a zesty white wine and cheese sauce.

Classic Carrot Restaurant & Catering

1847 E. Main St., Ventura

643-0406

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Beer and wine; major credit cards. Meal for two, $12 to $22. Choose from a variety of vegetarian sandwiches, salads and soups made with farm fresh produce. Chicken and fish are available. Try a shake or their specialty--Classic Carrot Cake.

Eatz

900 Hampshire Road, Suite X, Westlake Village (in the Westlake Water Court)

494-4133

Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Dinner 4:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Full bar; major credit cards. Meal for two, food only, $15 to $45. Neil and Sharon Rosenthal have taken the classic bistro menu and given it a contemporary make-over for the lighter tastes of Southern California.

The Garden Restaurant

271 E. Channel Islands Blvd., Port Hueneme

985-6105

Lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; dinner 5 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Wine and beer. Major credit cards. Meals for two, food only, $12.50 to $60. Artistically prepared meals using some of the freshest ingredients (especially vegetables) the area has to offer.

Garden Fresh Juice Bar and Restaurant

2833 E. Main St., Ventura

643-5627

11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Food for two $8 to $20. Most of the produce comes from local organic farmers markets. You can enjoy a healthy salad and sandwich or choose from a variety of freshly made juice drinks.

MK’s

139 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai

640-8001

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Full bar. Major credit cards. Meal for two, food only, $20 to $58. A great place to relax on a sun-kissed patio and savor original selections from their eclectic menu.

The Shoals at the Cliff House

6602 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Mussel Shoals

684-0025

Dinner reservations 5 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Wine and beer. Most major credit cards. Dinner for two, food only, $40 to $65. Located on the oceanfront, the Shoals devises an entirely new menu each week. It is fairly simple with only a few appetizers and a half a dozen entrees all originally prepared.

Voila Cafe

1095 Thompson Blvd., Ventura

643-9445

Lunch and dinner 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; breakfast 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Wine and beer. Major credit cards. Dinner for two, food only, $27 to $46; Sunday brunch with champagne, $16.50 per person. Voila has combined the quaint French cafe style with contemporary California cooking that can be loved by all.

Wheeler Hot Springs Restaurant

16825 Maricopa Highway, Ojai

646-8131

Dinner 5 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday; brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Full bar. Major credit cards. Dinner for two, food only, $52 to $68. Brunch $15 per person. Nestled above Ojai is this magical place that epitomizes California cuisine. True vegetarian meals are always on the menu along with other entrees including homemade pastas.