We’ve all been there. The dramatic sweep of the cove, where the sun always shines and soft waves lap upon the sand and the salty breeze whispers tales of yesteryears. Mondo’s Cove. Or is it Mando’s Cove?
The time is 1927, and the place is 5 miles north of Ventura. The shoreline is dotted with redwood beach cabins, the Rincon is a dirt road, farmland is scattered about, and the mountains touch the sea. Just south of Padre Juan Canyon sat a rustic little cabin overlooking the cove, home of Mando’s Place.
Armando Rivera was born Sept. 10, 1878, in Los Angeles. His roots ran deep in California. He was a direct descendant of Captain Fernando Rivera Moncado, who, in 1769, led an expedition to Alta California. He was also a nephew of Juan Bautista Alvarado, the first native-born governor of Alta California, who served from 1836-1842. As a late teen, Armando Rivera moved from his hometown of Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, where he worked as a bartender.
By age 25, Armando landed in a little oil town named San Buenaventura. He was a clerk at the Anacapa Hotel when it was run by the Hartmann brothers. The Hartman family was prominent in Ventura. In 1873, Fredolin Hartman settled in Ventura and purchased 80 feet of frontage on Main Street, which extended back on Palm to Poli. The Anacapa Hotel, built in 1888, sat on the corner of Main and Palm Street. The Anacapa featured more luxurious commodities than any other hotel in town, containing about 100 rooms lighted by electricity. After their father’s passing in 1910, brothers Fred and George ran the hotel. As they worked together, a friendship bloomed between Fred and Armando with a love of fishing. Fred and Armando regularly fished Foster Park for Stealhead and Rainbow Trout and even fished our Channel Islands. Prior to the 1940s, the Ventura River hosted 5,000 steelhead trout annually.
The Anacapa Hotel
1902, Standing (Left to Right): Mando Rivera, John Barnett, George Dixon. Center row seated: George Johnson, J. Mitchell, John Spear, Charlie Kaiser, Walter Johnson. Front row (Left to Right): Myron Gabbert, Ed Hearne, Bert Browne. Coach John Spear, center.
18 steelhead trout weight 96 pounds dressed caught in Ventura River, March 2nd, 1919. Left to right: Fred Hartman, Ventura, Leigh Garnsey, Los Angeles, Louis Breer, Tufts Lyon Arms Co.
Armando was involved in the community as an umpire, baseball player, and member of the Ventura Elks Lodge. At age 35, he was known for his barbecue pits, where he cooked steak and beans (spicy!). His food was featured at local ranch get-togethers at Foster Park, Elks Lodge, and Rotary Clubs.
Armando’s involvement with the local ranchers and his love of the ocean led him to the Rincon, now Faria Beach. At the time, the Faria family was leasing parcels and cabins for friends to use. By 1927, Armando opened Mando’s Place. Inspired by the history of the coast and Mando’s heritage, Armando set his menu with a Spanish tone. Famous for his Albondigas soup but known for fresh local seafood, and of course, his Steaks. Dripping in butter, secret seasoning and BBQ smoke.
We serve our famous steaks every day and night during the stampede days. We guarantee that all of the hardy westerners will get plenty of good food, including steaks, chicken, lobster, tamale and enchildadas.
Mando’s became popular fast. It was the go-to for all celebrations: Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and graduations. The modest little restaurant that could host up to 60 people attracted visitors from all over Southern California. The building was a labyrinth of dining rooms around the kitchen, where Mando grilled, boiled, and chopped. It was the kind of place where you took your time to eat and eat graciously. A place where time slowed, and the art of gracious dining unfolded in the the moon on the ocean.
At the time, a few cafes resided along the Rincon: Mando’s at Faria Beach, Stanley’s near the Rincon fire station, and the Liberty Bell across the highway from La Conchita. Widening the highway forced out Stanley’s, which moved to Santa Paula, and the Liberty Bell, which just kind of disappeared.
In May 1952, at 78 years old, Mando closed the doors of his famous restaurant but kept the lease. After declining health, Mondo decided to retire and remain in LA with his family. The parcel was sold to LaSalle, a local business owner. In 1954, Mando’s Place was torn down.
But he will be remembered best and longest for those steaks soaked in garlic and oil and cooked just right, and the delicious soup with the meatballs.
In 1961, at 84, Armando Rivera passed away. Although slightly mispronounced, his legacy is has a strong mark in the coastline!
Mando’s Cove….
