Chef and slow foods-champion Tim Kilcoyne, a former Playboy Mansion and Melisse Cafe chef who introduced farm dinners to Ventura at his own Sidecar Restaurant, will open a new locavore eatery this month. Called Locals Cafe, the atmosphere is more casual and all dishes fall under $10, but it will be no less serious when it comes to selectively sourced ingredients and in-peak produce. The kitchen will bake its own bread for sandwiches, create in-season “artisan” salads, and focus on pizzas fired in an oven of local citrus and avocado woods. Sticking to his CSA and staying as impromptu as ever, Kilcoyne will have roughly eight, daily-changing salad options rotating based on what’s available. In addition, the chef will sell a line of his own products, including handmade fruit preserves and his own ketchup. Let’s hope the chef’s homemade sausage and pickled peppers become available to-go as well. Expect an opening later this month.
The Local Cafe, 1751 East Main St., Ventura. 805-643-0237.
