In order to meet today’s demand for a prestige home in the “right” neighborhood, at least two socially acceptable cars (think three or four if the kids are teenage or older) and of course the incredible cost of college, both spouses are now generally fully employed. Thus, expecting Honey to come home from work to the stove during the week has gone out the window along with peeling potatoes and washing pots and pans.  

The effect on the restaurant industry has been dramatic. There may be 10-20 times the number of restaurants and takeouts in the Conejo today that eliminate the need to cook at home, compared to the “Seventies and Eighties ”. Wouldn’t it be fun to get your hands on “The 1975 Yellow Pages” just to check it out?

The most interesting portion of this explosion, justifiably, has come in the area of ethnic foods. Think Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Greek, Japanese, Indian, Italian and of course Chinese. Ethnics usually, are usually individually family operated, have character, are the most fun and with the exception of Japanese and Italian provide real dining bargains compared to those cookie cutter chains where the servers are almost always clueless, named Tiffany (but can’t spell it) and spend a lot of time bent over.     

But for now, just think about Chinese Food. For that food alone, amazingly meets all of the needs of the opening paragraph of this article. There were those solitary Chinese restaurants in every neighborhood that offered in house dining and “Takeout” far before Baja Fresh, McDonalds,  Domino’s Pizza and the notorious (that’s the only  rational word) Carl’s Junior For Macho Slobs”

The Chinese were doing it right before  you ever knew about Mao Tse Tung or Chou En Lai.  

They consistently still do it best by combining palate satisfying ingredients, preparation and selection plus real values every time. Please do the menu math.

When I am asked for the best Chinese restaurant in the area, my answer has been the same for years. While it is a 15 minute drive over the grade to Camarillo, that restaurant is “Chester’s Asia”. Remember that it is still does not equal the “schlep” to The Dreaded Valley.

Bluntly, Chester’s may provide the most satisfying overall dining experience for adults and or  children for your dollar in all of Ventura County ….the San Fernando Valley and Santa Barbara. Do not judge it from the outside. Inside it is wonderful.

The reasons are clear. Chester’s is a family affair. Co-owner-manager Keith Kwan is seriously in-charge, with the aid of his sister Cindy up front and his brother Li in the kitchen. The three of them have been doing it together for 20 years prox. It is their business. They really care and they do it right.

So, do not confuse Chester’s with those “horsey” pseudo Chinese restaurants that do not have a single Chinese person anywhere on the premises; nor even a server that has any idea about whether there are actually left-handed chopstick.  There is no such thing.

The spacious and comfortable dining room is the most attractive for a real Chinese restaurant within 40 miles. Keith is a floral artist and fresh arrangements are always in place. The restaurant is often remodeled. The very friendly waiters have been on the job for years. They are helpful and know what they are doing. Children are welcome and accorded special treatment.  

The menu is extensive and features very sophisticated Mandarin, Szechuan and Cantonese food. That latter is for those Easterners who always complain that they can’t find “New York” style Chinese food out here. They are talking about Cantonese style but as often is the case, they don’t understand what they are talking about.

If you want to get the best experience, go with at least 6 people. 8 are even better. That is the way the Chinese do it. Then, if you are adventuresome, place yourself in Keith’s hands. Tell him you want a FrankAboutFood Banquet. The price for all of this is very right. But be sure to make a reservation.

You see, for little more than $20 a person, you will have a beautifully served "Chef's Choice" multi course meal to remember!!!  (Think $75 or more for Omakase in a Sushi Bar).  If you have specific choices such as Mui Shui Pork, Steamed Dumplings or Corn Soup, indicate it and it will be incorporated into your adventure. If you have specific dislikes make that clear. Children essentially eat free since there is always more than enough on the table. At the end of the meal you can fight over who takes home what. There usually will be enough for many meals the next few days.

Chester’s has a full bar with cocktails, but we recommend Tsingtao beer. If you must have wine, consider Gewürztraminer or Sauvignon Blanc. Stay away from Chardonnay or Reds.

Drive West on the 101 to Lewis Road in Camarillo, turn left for 2-3 blocks to Arneil. Right on Arniel for 2 blocks to Pickwick. Left on Pickwick into the strip center on your left. See photo

There is a surfeit of other Chinese restaurants in the county, many of which are just average. Chester's is way above average. Also stay away from all you can eat buffets. They are deadly.

My local choice if you don’t want to drive or do want local takeout is Lakeview Gardens on Lakeview Canyon next to the small movie theater. They are experts in takeout and do as much business or more in those takeout bags as many other restaurants do for a whole night at the tables. They deliver. They are also a family affair and know what they are doing.  Ask for Pam. They are always very, very busy.  Check them out in our Second Chances feature.

Chen’s on Los Arboles is also a convenient choice. It has been around for a long time. But food is somewhat prosaic. The Mandarin Wok in The Janss Mall is gone.

If you are a Chinese food sophisticate and have been searching for local Dim Sum dumpling lunches there is some hope. A&W Seafood (they don’t serve root beer) on Reseda Blvd., just North of Nordhoff offers off the cart lunches every day. A truly wonderful lunch can cost less than splitting a Pizza.  Check them out as well in our Second Chances feature.

Finally, also in the “Dreaded Valley” Yank Chow was a previous “insider” choice but it has gone down hill and should be avoided. Bambu in far away Studio City is the only other decent "Valley choice

Chester’s Asia Chinese Restaurant  22116 Pickwick Drive, Camarillo  805-482-6564

Lakeview Gardens  4703 Lakeview Canyon Rd Westlake Village,   View Map
818-991-3850

Chen’s  2024-A Avenida de Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks 818-492-3583

A & W Seafood Restaurant  9306 Reseda Blvd.,  Northridge,  View Map
818-882-6668