TIDBITS : Gold Coast Press in Ventura has sent out about 200 requests, seeking material from county eateries for a new book.

Gail Hobbs realizes there are plenty of good restaurants in Ventura County. And she would like others to take note, too. That’s why Hobbs and her husband, Don, are compiling recipes from local eateries for a planned countywide cookbook.

The Hobbses, who own Gold Coast Press in Ventura, have sent out about 200 requests for book entries. They’ve heard back from, among others, the Ojai Valley Inn and Wheeler Hot Springs in Ojai, the Pierpont Inn and Nona’s Courtyard Cafe in Ventura, and The Greek Restaurant in Oxnard.

“There’s such a variety in this county--there’s a lot of seafood, so many Indian restaurants, Mexican restaurants. Anything you want to eat, you can find here,” said Gail Hobbs. “I’ve gotten some flat no’s but there are some high-class restaurants responding.”

Interested chefs who would like to contribute should call 642-6346. Hobbs said she is planning for publication in June, just in time for the tourists.

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Pasta Party: The Westlake Village Pastabilities Restaurant is hosting a shindig tonight to try out some dishes on the customers.

The entree: grilled salmon with a sauce of wine, capers, olives, and salmon, atop a plate of polenta. Farfalle (bow--tie noodles), spaghetti, calamari, and more northern Italian fare will also be served. Cocktails begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, live music, and dancing until midnight. (Just call in sick tomorrow.) Cost: $35 a person. Phone 379-4901 for reservations. The restaurant is at 900 Hampshire Road, Suite X.

Nicola Rossetto, who is one of the owners, plans to hold more of these parties as he tries to size up the taste buds of Ventura County. In May, Rossetto plans to add rotating specials to the restaurant’s menu. “It will be new Italian cuisine and pasta,” said the native of Venice, Italy. “Not just the same tomato sauce.”