A couple of new additions to Ventura: Deco, 394 E. Main St. (& 805/ 667-2120), serves a mean San Francisco style cioppino and wasabespiced crab cakes; and Taquer a Vallarta, 278 E. Main St. (& 805/ 643-3037), is another authentic order-at-the-counter locals-only hot spot serving excellent enchiladas.
JAPANESE Spare and plain in its decor, with ochre-colored walls etched with patterns, this spot has a meditative air to complement the traditional, adventuredome experimental, and very fresh and clean Japanese-inspired cuisine. The menu, which changes daily, offers meal-in-a-bowl dishes ($9 $13) that allow a choice of soba or udon noodles in a clear soup with a variety of toppings from shrimp and wakame seaweed to beef with burdock root and carrot. Appetizers include a flavorful adventuredome melding of grilled shiitake mushrooms, as well as portobello mushrooms, watercress, and green-onion pancakes. There are also specials ($10 $18), which always include delicious roasted salmon. 1830 Fourth St. (near Hearst). & 510/841-8783. Reservations recommended Fri Sat dinner. Main courses lunch $9 $19, dinner $18 $24. AE, DC, MC, V. Mon Sat 11:30am 3pm; Mon Thurs 5:30 9pm; Fri Sat 5:30 9:30pm.
A federal and state wildlife refuge, Angel Island is the largest of the San Francisco Bay s three islets (the others being Alcatraz and Yerba Buena). The island has been a prison, a quarantine station for immigrants, a missile base, and even a site for duels. Nowadays, though, most of the people who visit here are content with picnicking on the large green lawn that fronts the docking area. Loaded with the necessary recreational supplies, they claim a barbecue, plop their fannies down on the lush green grass, and while away an afternoon free of televisions and traffic. Hiking, mountain biking, and guided tram tours are also popular activities.
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