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EAT, DRINK & PLAY   -   WHAT TO ORDER NOW
Eat, Drink & Play
December, 2009 - Issue #62
Who doesn't love this time of year? Gingerbread lattes, pumpkin everything (try the pancakes at Egg Plantation), desserts galore (Wolf Creek's peppermint chocolate cake will send you into a festive frenzy), and dare I say it, fruit cakes (Italia Panetteria's Pandoro ain't yo mamma's fruit cake). It's a sense-ual season and it warms even the coldest of holiday hearts. Lick your lips, mark your calendars and set aside time in your crazy schedule to indulge in these once-a-year yummies!


EAT
Chili Willy
When the weather cools down, head to Gandolfo's in Castaic (257-8844) and ask for the off-menu hearty, homemade chili. It's incredible. For a really satisfying experience, throw it on another secret menu item served on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. only - The Cheeseburger. The patties are made from scratch, mixed 20 minutes before they meet your mouth and are simply sinful.

Wing Fling
When you can't take any more turkey leftovers, join Wings Pizza N Things in Castaic (295-1000) for a sports-filled celebration with family on Wednesday, November 25, and Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29, when all large pizzas purchased come with 10 free wings. Plus, they'll present you with a $10 gift card for every $50 worth of gift cards purchased. (Just make sure to mention Inside SCV to take advantage of these offers!)

Think Fig
Italia Panetteria & Deli in Valencia (294-9069) specializes in authentic Italian fare and imported foods that bring the spirit of Buon Natale stateside. In addition to making their own Stuffoli (sweet honey balls), they also create a killer Fig Ring that is as merry looking as it tastes. Their stockings are full of traditional holiday items like chestnuts and a variety of Italian fruit cakes for your gift-giving and hostess needs.

Turkey Takeout at T-Bo's House of BBQ
There's nothing like a little Southern comfort food to make you feel like you're home for the holidays. Take your festive gathering to a new frontier with T-Bo's catering services. No matter the size of your holiday party, T-Bo's delivers authentic home-style cooking. T-Bo's House of BBQ (250-2100) is featuring two different takeout turkey dinners with all the fixins for Thanksgiving. Mention Inside SCV when you place your Thanksgiving turkey takeout order to receive 10 percent off your total!

DRINK
Oggi's Pumpkin Patch

Get it while you can! Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. in Canyon Country (252-7883) teases the masses with their signature Pumpkin Ale that is only available until it's not! This seasonal ale is brewed with pure pumpkin, cinnamon, whole cloves, allspice and nutmeg. Enjoy every sip while taking in the sports game of your choice, as this popular restaurant and bar has the full NFL package, as well as every other sport (even golf and NASCAR) imaginable on display. They serve breakfast on Sundays starting at 9:30 a.m., so you can have your kickoff and eggs too!

Egg-nog Plantation
Try any of the ridiculously-tasty holiday beverages available at Egg Plantation in Newhall (255-8222). There's the Eggnog Latte (steamed Eggnog poured over a double shot of espresso topped with foam), Baileys 'n Mocha (a double shot of espresso with mocha, Baileys and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream), Muddled Cider (steamed apple cider with mulling spice, garnished with a cinnamon stick), Eggnog with Bourbon and Brandy and the favorite: Pumpkin Spice Latte (double shot of espresso with pumpkin spice, steamed milk, topped with foam).

A Wolf Creek Winter Wonderland
Rob's famous "Winter Wonderland" Ale is pouring now exclusively at Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company in Valencia (263-9653) through the holidays. Let this dark, oaked ale spiced with cinnamon and vanilla transport you to a snow falling holiday sanctuary. Stay tuned for "Wild Angels Double Trubble" brewing around the second week in December. We suggest pairing it with their pumpkin ravioli dish (tossed in a creamy cilantro-pesto sauce), but word to the wise, this amazing special isn't available every day.

PLAY
Wine Down 2009

Thank the wine gods, because All Corked Up (799-7979) now has Happy Hour! Enjoy half price off all appetizers, beer and wines by the glass ($10 and under) from Tuesday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Don't forget their weekly happenings like Top-of-the-Line Tuesdays featuring Caymus at $13 a glass, as well as exceptional deals on bottles and cases of the palette-pleasing brand. On Wednesdays they have a Wine Tasting. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays boast live music in addition to special events. Silver Oak Sunday features $13 glasses of the remarkable label and discounts on bottles and cases.

Vino 100 (294-6886) knows how to throw fantastic events! Don't miss Women on Wine on Wednesday, December 9, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ($20 per person); reservations are required. Join them for their Meet the Winemaker series ($10 per person) on Saturday, December 5, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a lesson on Silkwood Wines. Be there on Tuesday, December 15 for the Black Bag Wine Club Tasting Night (no cost for members, $15 for visitors. If you can't make it to a special event, stop by on Tuesday for Tasty Tuesdays, where a tasting flight is only $1 with the purchase of a bottle of wine.

PARTY
The costs of throwing your own festive shindig tend to tally up quickly, so instead of making your list and checking it twice, enlist the help of the local experts who know how to host one serious soiree.

We can't get enough of Salt Creek Grille's enclosed patio for a lively affair (Yes, they have heaters!). It's like a beautiful backyard with twinkling lights, a well-stocked and secluded bar, and ample seating for all of your fashionably-dressed guests. You will be treated like kings and queens by Salt Creek's professional staff, dine on a feast of your choosing and sip on champagne or one of Salt Creek's signature cocktails. They also have a private room if you are looking for something a little more intimate. Book now so you can send out that evite e-mail you cleverly concocted in early July! Don't forget, for every $100 purchased in gift cards, receive a $25 reward card to be used from January 1, 2010 until March 31, 2010; 222-9999 www.saltcreekgrille.com

The intoxicating mix that is contemporary Chinese food and modern decor can be found at New Moon, where you feel like you've been transported across the globe. As soon as you walk in you are introduced to a bar that is lit up like an underwater Christmas tree, complete with jelly fish garland. New Moon can accommodate up to 60 guests, so don't skimp on the invites - because this celebration will be talked about until you can top it with an actual trip to China! Call now to reserve their party room, because dates fill up fast. Always the giver, New Moon is also offering $10 gift certificates for every $50 gift certificate purchased, from December 1 to December 31; 257-4321 www.newmoonrestaurants.com

For a Feliz Navidad fiesta, join El Chaparral or Presidente Mexican Grill. Both locations will help you create memorable moments this holiday. Their flavorful cuisine and years of experience are a lethal combination for a bash. El Chaparral even has a banquet room with a south of the border mural, so when the pictures from the event are posted online, it will look like you were truly on a holiday! The space is affordable and includes a private bar, so your guests don't have to wrestle with the regulars for a margarita refill! And, they're also offering a special bueno bonus, for every $100 purchase in gift certificates from Wednesday, November 25 to Thursday, December 31, you receive a $20 gift certificate free; Presidente 297-7244 El Chaparral 252-5599

Leave your sombrero at home when you saunter over to Sabor Cocina Mexicana for an unforgettable holiday. Not only will your guests be impressed with your choice of location, their taste buds will sing your praises for celebrations to come. There's nothing like homemade tortillas and a margarita that tastes so fresh (You would think it came from its own secret spring!) to set the mood for a truly festive season. The ambience is as sweet as the pre-set four-option list menu ($35 per person and includes a drink and dessert) available; 259-9002 www.saborcocinamexicana.com

The hottest holiday ticket in town is the newly remodeled Hacienda Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant in Canyon Country. Let the walls do the talking - and your guests do the eating and drinking - at this holiday haven. It will be hard to keep your eyes from wandering during the event, as Hacienda prides itself on stimulating all of your senses. Affordable, beautiful and flavorful - it's like a Hacienda holiday wish list topper. Don't be tardy for the party, call now to make your reservations; 252-8074 www.haciendadoncuco.com
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