Monthly Archives: June 2024

Cathy Chaplin is a senior editor at Eater LA, a James Beard Award–nominated journalist, and the author of Food Lovers’ Guide to Los Angeles.

Chef John Vega, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa and worked in Grant Achatz’s modernist kitchen at three-Michelin-starred Alinea in Chicago, is opening Selvin’s in Thousand Oaks on Friday, June 21. The chef is keeping edible helium balloons and Anti Plates in his back pocket for now and is focusing on California coastal cooking on the ground floor of the Palm Garden Hotel. The restaurant is named after Harry Selvin, the hotel’s owner since 2012.

The slate of approachable dishes includes starters like truffle fries and corn agnolotti, along with heartier mains like pizzas and seared halibut. For those looking for a taste of molecular gastronomy, find some mango powder alongside the hamachi crudo under the raw selections and a Parmesan truffle foam served with the seared scallop risotto.

Selvin’s is located at 495 N. Ventu Park Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, and is open Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Inside Selvin’s in Thousand Oaks. John Troxell

Selvin’s Restaurant and Lounge opens in June 2024, becoming Conejo Valley’s premiere dining destination for all occasions. The Ventura County’s dining destination provides a lush interior oasis serving a signature California coastal cuisine menu and mixologist-crafted cocktails. It is located in the Palm Garden Hotel, TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s number-one Choice since 2019, fostering a welcoming neighborhood vibe and inviting you to relax, celebrate, and savor the moment with us.

At Selvin’s, guests can expect a culinary journey curated by, Chef John Vega. With a stellar culinary background from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa, he’s celebrated for his exquisite palate, creative flair, and extensive experience working at the Three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago. Having honed his skills in prestigious kitchens, Chef Vega brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary excellence to Selvin’s.

To celebrate the grand opening and to thank guests for joining, Selvin’s is offering a limited-time tasting menu and complimentary signature cocktails to the first 97 guests. Featuring timeless dishes that exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to freshness, innovation, and American cuisine with a Coastal California twist, the restaurant will showcase the breadth of its culinary ambitions. Featuring tantalizing starters, a variety of shared plates, elegant main courses, and divine desserts, from all of the finest locally sourced ingredients. This is the perfect place for quick meetings, family and friends gatherings, corporate and social private events, and even influencer-friendly content.

About Executive Chef John Vega:

John’s culinary journey began as a young prodigy at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa, where he quickly distinguished himself as one of the institution’s brightest talents. His exceptional skills earned him a coveted position at Alin ea, a world-renowned Three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago, making him one of the youngest chefs to grace its kitchen. Fueled by fond memories of bonding with his father in the kitchen, set against the backdrop of classical music, John understands the intimate nature of food—the power it holds to create lasting memories and forge meaningful connections. Driven by an unwavering commitment to perfection and a relentless desire to explore culinary boundaries, John embarked on a quest to craft unparalleled dining experiences.

For reservations, contact at reservations@selvins.com

Selvin’s Restaurant and Lounge will open the weekend of June 21, becoming Conejo Valley’s premiere dining destination for all occasions.

The Thousand Oaks dining destination provides a lush interior oasis serving a signature California coastal cuisine menu and mixologist-crafted cocktails.

It is located in the Palm Garden Hotel, TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s number-one Choice since 2019, fostering a welcoming neighborhood vibe and inviting you to relax, celebrate, and savor the moment.

At Selvin’s, guests can expect a culinary journey curated by Chef John Vega. With a stellar culinary background from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa, he’s celebrated for his exquisite palate, creative flair, and extensive experience working at a three-Michelinstarred restaurant in Chicago. Having honed his skills in prestigious kitchens, Chef Vega brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary excellence to Selvin’s.

To celebrate the grand opening and to thank guests for joining, Selvin’s is offering a limited-time tasting menu and complimentary signature cocktails to the first 97 guests. Featuring timeless dishes that exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to freshness, innovation, and American cuisine with a Coastal California twist, the restaurant will showcase the breadth of its culinary ambitions. Featuring tantalizing starters, a variety of shared plates, elegant main courses, and divine desserts, from all of the finest locally sourced ingredients. This is the perfect place for quick meetings, family and friends gatherings, corporate and social private events, and even influencer-friendly content.

“Our hospitality team isn’t just a group of individuals; we’re a family united by a love for creating memorable experiences. With boundless energy and fresh perspectives, we infuse each dish and every interaction with our passion for hospitality, ensuring that every visit is not just a meal but a memorable experience,” Steven Ortmann, Chief Operating Officer states.

Selvin’s Restaurant and Lounge is the brainchild of a team that’s passionate about bringing an extraordinary dining experience to Ventura County. Inspired by the rich culinary landscape of coastal California and the contemporary American dining ethos, Selvin’s aims to be a place where every visit is a celebration of the vibrant, diverse flavors that define the community.

Harry Selvin, owner, and proud partner, is known for his property management company, Selvin Properties of Westlake Village, and for sitting on the Thousand Oaks Cultural Affairs Commission. “Building a restaurant with a passionate management team is like crafting a symphony; each member brings their unique instrument, but it’s the harmony of our passion that creates the perfect dining experience,” he stated.

Selvin’s is located at 492 N. Ventu Park. For reservations call (805) 864-1169 or visit selvins.com.