EAT
Foodies the world over know that "small plates" is code for "big flavor." The culinary trend of "individualizing" serving sizes gives diners the ability to design their own meal. At Sake Bistro & Sushi, you can match petit filet mignon with a wild mushroom gratin or asparagus wrapped in prosciutto. Or, perhaps, you're more in the mood for gnocchi tater tots. Whatever you choose, be assured that "small plates" means that each stand-alone dish is given a level of attention that makes them extraordinary (and, since you're not paying for stuff you don't want, it also makes dinner dazzlingly more affordable); 255-SAKE

Remember the drama that ensued when comics-star Archie chose to marry the savory Veronica over the sweet Betty? Archie couldn't have both, but you can. Hacienda Don Cuco's Quesadilla Tropical is a study in contrasts. Grilled chicken and cheese are paired with mangoes, plantains, pineapple, red pepper and cilantro; 252-8074

To carb or not to carb, that is the question. For folks who follow the latter, Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. will entice you with the Protein Burger, an Adkins' contrived slab of deliciousness, sans bun (the half-pound wonder is wrapped in iceberg, smothered with melted gouda and topped with tomatoes and a balsamic glaze). Our trainer always tells us to "mix it up," so we like to chase the Protein Burger with Oggi's Crisp Homemade Flatbread. This carb load of nirvana is covered with a mixed-berry compote, topped with graham cracker streusel, vanilla icing and vanilla ice cream. (What? You think our trainer was referring to types of exercise? Hmm... Now that we think about it, that would explain a lot...); 252-7883

DRINK
The "Drinks on the Patio" Edition
Everyone knows that an occasional glass of wine is good for you - and that a daily glass of juice is great for you. So, using this evidence, we're planning on sipping a glass of Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company's house sangria every other day - to stay healthy. Which makes sense, because the Spanish (inventors of the holy trinity of wine, fruit juice and more wine) say "Salud!" (direct translation: health) as a toast when drinking it. Convincing? Si; 263-9653

You may know that there's awesome live music on Salt Creek Grille's patio on Sunday afternoons. What you might not know is that after one martini from the "Summer Splash" selection, you'll be ready to sing along. These nine happy-makers are made of top-shelf ingredients (The Prickly Pear, for example, is a concoction of Patron Silver, prickly-pear puree and lime juice finished with a sugar rim.). This Sunday, ditch the fork and order our favorite new "dessert": the Key Lime Pie martini - a lip-smacking combo of vanilla vodka, key-lime puree, pineapple juice and a graham cracker rim; 222-9999

You know what makes us smile? Leaving work at 2:45 p.m. for a "meeting." Some would call it lying. We call it being "budget conscious." (And what respectable SCV Republican could argue with that?) Margaritas Mexican Grill's Happy Hour, which kicks off at 3 p.m., is stacked with great deals on drinks and apps. After deadline we might just leave work at 11 a.m. - plenty of time to nosh on Margaritas' Lunch Buffet (homemade tortillas = heaven). Thank God they don't serve a weekday breakfast. We might never go to work at all; 255-1136

Double Jeopardy Answer: Sabor Cocina Mexicana's Cucumber Jicama Margarita with Chile Rim. Question: What makes scorching summers in Santa Clarita worth living?; 259-9002

Lady Di's Cookies & Sweets 222-9102

PLAY
Tuesdays used to be our least favorite day in the world. Monday at least has the occasional national holiday going for it, Wednesday declares the week nearly done, Thursday is the new Friday and Friday is what we live for. But Tuesday just earned our respect when Lady Di's Cookies & Sweets announced Tuesdays as $2 cupcake day. Choose from Vanilla Rave, Double Chocolate, Sensational Chocolate and one weekly Mystery Flavor. (We're hoping it's Bubbly Peach - a ginger cupcake with champagne peach frosting.); 222-9102