Latitude 34 — Restaurant in Camarillo

It was a laid-back Friday night, but it carried the weight of something more--like the beginning of a story worth remembering. I hadn't seen my childhood friends (The Mejia's) in a while, so when they pulled up in a 1972 International Scout Traveler, freshly restored and rich with the scent of rawhide from its new King Leather seats, it felt less like dinner plans and more like the start of a Yellowstone episode. That beast of a vehicle didn't just turn heads--it transported us.

They'd chosen the spot: Latitude 34. On the ride over, they talked up the chef like he was some kind of culinary gunslinger, and when the talk turned to steak, my buddy and I made a gentleman's pact--we'd split plates. Go half on the New York strip: 14 ounces of seared perfection, laid across mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, finished with a side of the house's "special sauce," which lived up to its name.

Our waitress--Rain--had a presence as fresh as her name. Her smile was easy, her energy genuine, and she brought a rhythm to the table that felt effortless. The Lamb Shank sat there, melting into a creamy bed of risotto, flanked again by those perfectly grilled spears. My friend's wife ordered the grilled shrimp, and though my shellfish allergy kept me at bay, the plate itself had me salivating. It looked like summer wrapped in citrus and smoke.

We raised glasses of wine, whiskey, and bourbon--because what else would well-groomed people sip after arriving in a leather-wrapped tank of American steel? At one point, I half-expected the Dutton family to stride in and pull up chairs. But this wasn't Montana. This was California's sun-baked ranch land--where the roots run deep and the stories come layered.

Here, in the town named after Mexican rancher, Adolfo Camarillo, where the heritage of Mexican vaqueros mingles with German surnames like Borchard and Maulhardt--and where Japanese families like the Nakamura's and Hiji's still till this fertile soil in the county--you feel the gravity of lineage. This land isn't just rich in flavor. It's rich in memory, in...

This restaurant is one of the more difficult eatery's for me to rate. There are many pluses with a few annoying minuses mixed in.

Our requested booth was ready for us when we arrived and we were seated promptly. There is nothing elegant about the restaurant but it is bright and clean with a moderate noise level. Upon being seated our waiter promptly provided us with service. We ordered cocktails which were very good and told our waiter we're there for dinner. Here's where I start to nit pick. I ordered a bowl of lobster bisque to start and it came out immediately but without any dinner rolls, bread or crackers. After it was apparent these things weren't going to be served, I asked for some bread. We were given 2 tiny pieces of bread which was acceptable but I thought it was a little chintzy on their part but what do I know? The bisque was delicious! For dinner I ordered the seafood pasta with a dinner salad and my wife got a ribeye steak, medium. The dinner salad was OK by me but my wife loved it. Way too much arugula in it for my taste which made it kind of dry but the dressing was very good. My seafood pasta was delicious. Very rich, great pasta cooked just right. But, here again, the small lobster tail provided was way overcooked. It had very little taste left and was rubbery. Also no bread, again which is odd since it was a pasta dish, so I asked and a small loaf arrived at our table. The seafood pasta was delicious. My wife's steak was cooked to perfection and she said it was very tasty. She also ordered a loaded baked potato. We both thought that it would be served as a plain baked potato with all the rest on the side. But the potato came to the table with everything loaded into it and then warmed or baked slightly. Interesting as to why they would do that. Easier, cheaper? IDK. She also had asparagus which was done perfectly.

So, there ya go. Will I return? I doubt it. The meal with 2 cocktails came to $150 plus tip. For that, I expected a little more. Would I recommend the restaurant to someone? Probably would. You could do...

We've been meaning to try this house for a while. Chef Alex is a favorite from his days at 2088. I don't know why it took this long but it's our loss. We had a great "Happy Hour" experience tonight. It will not be long before we'll be back.

Chef Alex's touch is everywhere. The menu, the high-level of staff training and the finished fare in front of you.

We began our outing with cocktails. The craft Mojito for Jacki and a Tito's dirty martini for me. Both done well. I think Jacki would have preferred the mint be muddled to some degree. Boss of the bar, Angelique, competent and engaging doubling as our server as we elected to eat at the bar. She added to our visit.

We shared a cup of the lobster crab bisque. Creamy and loaded with the flavors you want but rarely get. A very subtle but present touch of heat. Next we split a quite nicely done Caesar. We opted for the beef sliders as our main. Very tasty, perfectly cooked with fries just a smidge below Islands which are the world's best in my opinion.

We closed out the 3-6pm happy hour with the Beignets. Alex's butter cake is the king of desserts but these are more than a worthy challenger. So good paired with a glass of port. A very satisfying early dinner choice ... all this under $90.

I think it deserves mentioning we split EVERY item beyond the opening booze. Angelique even poured the shared port into 2 glasses. Never raised an eyebrow or rolled an eye. Never showed anything but "of course, we can absolutely do that" attitude. Tip of the...