From Farm to Your Table at The Waterside
With an unparalleled passion for local produce, chef Eric Cancino brought a specific vision to The Waterside Restaurant and Wine Bar at Channel Islands Harbor: to showcase the fruits, vegetables and meats of Ventura County.
Operating with the farm-to-table sensibilities he honed as a sous chef at Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, Cancino calls Ventura County's produce "more than amazing." Cancino explains that he and sous chef Frank Peralta (formerly of Eveleigh in West Hollywood) "really love food for what it is" and are "honored to serve the food in this county."
Every Sunday, Cancino heads to the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers' Market, where he handpicks locally grown fresh produce, dried fruits, olive oil and cheeses.
The farmers' market "keeps us on our toes as far as what's coming out locally–all the booths are run by local people and we try to use a little from each one," he says.
In addition to farmers' market finds, Cancino orders produce from Ventura County growers including McGrath Family Farm, Tomai Farms and Rio Gozo Farm.
"Our menu constantly changes," Cancino says. "Whatever's in season is what we're serving."
This winter diners will find a selection of leafy greens, root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, squash, pumpkin, beets, pears and apples.
Cancino and Peralta pride themselves on making everything–from sauces to bread–from scratch.
Popular menu items include Duck Confit Tacos, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, Feta Red Pepper Cheese Toast and The Waterside Gourmet Burger.
In addition to The Waterside Restaurant's fresh fare, guests can also enjoy an extensive wine selection, stunning views of the Channel Islands Harbor and live entertainment on the weekends.
