When you arrive at Eric’s Restaurant in the Palm Garden Hotel in Thousand Oaks, you are greeted by Patrick Kolanoski, Food and Beverage Director, or one of the special people who make up the staff. There are several reasons to treat yourself to a meal at Eric’s. There is a little something for everyone. It is a great place for the family to gather and perhaps celebrate a birthday in a low-key manner. The front dining room features comfortable booths that make for easy conversation.
For those who are looking for a quiet, romantic evening, in the back of the restaurant you will find a room with a fireplace and water falling softly down a copper wall. There are candles on the tables and you are treated with prompt and unobtrusive service. For any occasion, if you are looking for a sophisticated menu of seafood, pasta and steaks, Eric’s is the place. There also is the bar, where you can gather in the late afternoon to meet old and new friends. Outside patio service is popular in the summer.
The best reason of all to go to Eric’s is the cuisine. Robin Nishizaki, Executive Chef, puts his special touch on each dish he serves, whether it is for the regular menu or for the special dinners and banquets he creates. The menu begins with a list of soups and salads featuring their special roasted onion soup served with a garlic brie crouton and the Chef’s special creation spinach capreses salad, a tower of fresh Mozzarella and tomatoes, served with baby spinach and pine nuts tossed in basil vinaigrette dressing. For a pasta selection, a great choice might be the tequila chicken fettuccini, consisting of sautéed chicken, bell peppers and red onions in a creamy tequila sauce with spinach fettuccini. When it comes to entrees I have always been a fan of the osso buco, a braised veal shank in a sweet vermouth reduction with vegetables and potato gnocchi. Other great choices are the rare ahi encrusted with sesame seeds or the grilled salmon atop roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Entrees range in price from $16.95 to $33.95.
There are two special days in the Eric’s week: There is Lobster Monday where you get lobster, soup or salad, baked potatoes and all the fixings, plus seasonal vegetables for $17.95; and Prime Rib Tuesday with 100% Angus beef and the same accompaniments as the lobster dinner.
Eric’s has an extensive wine list of well-known wines from California and Australia. There is an excellent selection of wines by the glass. Sparkling wines and champagnes are available as well as a wide variety of beers.
Eric’s is located at 495 Ventu Park Road, Thousand Oaks in the Clarion Palm Garden Hotel. From Ventura go left over the freeway, Eric’s is on your left-hand side. From Los Angeles, as soon as you exit, take a right and Eric’s is on your left-hand side. There is ample free parking. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. There is both inside and outdoor patio dining. Hours are breakfast 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and dinner 5:00 to 10 p.m. Telephone (805)716-4200.
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