by Jennifer Tipton
When we think of all the great places to eat in Ventura, the east end of town rarely comes to mind because there just isn’t much out that way. There are however three independently owned and operated restaurants on the east end, each with a great reputation and as charming as a country café!
Two Trees is located at 7822 Telegraph Rd. and I’ll admit, although I’ve lived on the east end of Ventura for years, I had never visited this modest little eatery before. On our first visit, the experience was a “wow!”, the server was “Johnny on the spot”, the food was unbelievably good!
On our second visit, the server was “Missing Maria” and the jalapeno burger (when it finally arrived) was missing the jalapeno…
However, the restaurant is always busy, and patrons sometimes line up outside the door even though they can seat well over 100. The interior can be a bit noisy, family friendly with two flat screen TVs showing news and baseball, customers can sit at the counter, a booth or one of many tables and there’s an adjoining room with bistro tables and a traditional bar. There’s also a couple small outside tables, so I guess it could be considered dog friendly and being in the Kimball Shopping Center, parking is plenty.
While wine is available, Two Trees also offers 28 beers on tap with different flights for tasting. On our second visit, there was a special that offered flights of 5 for $15 and a selection of $3 tacos to accompany them. All tortillas are homemade and there is no charge for chips and salsa – also homemade.
The menu is quite eclectic. Starters range from Mini Burgers to Jumbo Wings priced $7 to $13. Specialties such as a crusted Filet Mignon topped with Mushroom Brandy Sauce or Almond Crusted Mexican Seabass topped with lemon garlic sauce each come with the choice of two sides. Specialties are priced $15 to $30. Selections from the fryer include Black Tiger Shrimp and Chips or Fried Chicken. Prices $14 to $22.
There are seven different styles of burgers $12 to $15, nine different sandwiches $10 to $13 and fresh salads that offer salmon and poached pear with chicken breast $12 to $15.
What really makes Two Trees stand out are the traditional Mexican specialties, all homemade plates like the Molcajete with Carne Asada, Citrus Marinated Chicken, Shrimp, Nopal, Chorizo, Scallions and Jalapenos with fresh Mexican Cheese and Tomatillo Sauce served with those homemade tortillas and Rice and Beans, serves 2-3 people for $37.
Other Mexican specialties include Seafood Enchiladas and Blackened Salmon Tacos amongst others. Prices $10 to $16.
All the Mexican plates come with a roasted jalapeno, I had the Sea bass Tacos and although it is a single serving plate, portions are generous, be prepared to share or take some home.
