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If you accuse me of being a creature of habit when it comes to visiting Ventura, I must plead guilty. But, to my credit, I'm taking steps toward reform.
Like many trips to Ventura, our most recent one started at Buffalo Exchange. Our kids love thrifting in general, and shopping for used clothing specifically, so they always prowl the racks for unique finds.
Coffee is also a must-stop for us on Main Street, and this time was no exception. Palermo was our favorite option for a long time. But, in a demonstration of my resolve to expand my horizons, we followed the kids into Kaapicat Cafe.
The coffee is both creative and excellent, whether you take it hot or iced. The cafe also earns rave reviews for its Indian food, which we haven't tried. Junebe on our next visit.
Our shopping crawl continued, with a requisite stop at Iron and Resin. It's a store for guys - and the women who dress them. And while I like their flannels, hoodies, T-shirts and accessories, I'm just there to browse. It's not a place to hunt for bargains.
Having perused multiple thrift stores between Buffalo Exchange and Mission San Buenaventura, we found ourselves hungry at the west end of Main Street. I assumed we would double back to Fluid State, our usual landing spot at the east end of Main Street, for beer, pizza and salad.
But then I glanced at the sidewalk tables outside Paradise Pantry and several dishes caught my eye. Nobody objected when I suggested we try someplace new for lunch.
Soon, we were seated in the brick-walled, plank-floored main dining room studying the extensive and eclectic menu while nibbling a sample of cheese a server brought from their extensive collection in the adjacent shop.
It really was hard to choose - and I'm glad I ordered last. Knowing I could sample others' entrees freed me to order the Pantry Quiche. It didn't disappoint. The thick crust was wrapped around Fra' Mani rosemary ham, mushrooms, spinach, shallot and Holey Cow cheese. It was paired with a smaller portion of their Haze salad - local lettuces topped with house-made herb, lavender and local honey chevre, strawberries, citrus and toasted walnuts.
We passed our food around the table to sample. Drew's Old World Pastrami sandwich, with Holey Cow Swiss-style cheese and caramelized onions, was so large, they brought it in two separate servings. And, it was every bit as gooey and delicious as it looked.
Laurel opted for the Italiano!, which I thought was the most intriguing dish. Instead of being inside the sandwich, the prosciutto was wrapped around the top layer of bread. Fillings included Italian truffle cheese, baby arugula and roasted tomato.
I even liked the Spicy Fish Soup Amber chose. It featured fresh fish in a white wine, saffron and tomato broth with roasted peppers, garlic and herbs, topped with micro cilantro. Although dairy-free and gluten-free, it was rich and hearty.
Of course, the best part of April's Roasted Beet Cobb Salad was the Nueske's smoked bacon. For the record, it also came with beets, Persian cucumber, shaved red onion, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, candied pecans and soft boiled egg, all dressed with a spring herb vinaigrette.
Finding a restaurant offering options that appeal to everyone in my family is like spotting a unicorn. So, I'm guessing Paradise Pantry will become our new habit.
But I promise it won't become predictable. There's simply too many intriguing choices on the menu to always order the same thing. Filet mignon mac and cheese, anyone?
After lunch, I had a Ventura habit relapse. As we neared the Calico Cat Bookshop on our way back to the car, I couldn't walk by without stepping inside. We browsed, but this time truly was different. I walked out without a book.

LET'S GO!
Something Old, Something New
Kappicat Cafe kaapicatcafe.com
Paradise Pantry paradisepantry.com
Calico Cat Bookshop calicocatbooks.com