EAT
Fresh & Healthy Summer Eats Edition
Marston's Spa Sandwich is actually a wrap, and that's not where the deception ends. The fresh flour tortilla is stuffed with grilled chicken breast, veggies, Dijon mustard and parmesan cheese. Your taste buds will report that something this delicious can't be good for you (they're lying). Grab the 10-percent-off coupon on page 45 and head over to Marston's Restaurant in the Bridgeport Marketplace on Newhall Ranch Road. They'll be open for dinner soon, too; 253-9910

We like Salt Creek Grille's cuisine like we like our men: rich, warm and with a shake of salt and pepper. But with the introduction of Salt Creek's Light & Healthy menu, we've been forced to revise our "type." The selections - many of which are gluten free, vegetarian or both - are full of exquisite flavor. We're loving the Mesquite Grilled Skewers (one each of rib eye, chicken and vegetables), the Stir-fried Teriyaki Tofu (served over Green Tea Rice - yum!), Hawaiian Mahi Mahi (finished with Grilled Pineapple Salsa), Caribbean Portobello Steaks (with Orange Pilaf of Corn and Quinoa), Salmon en Papillote (cooked in parchment and oven baked) and Grilled Stuffed Chile Rellenos (Hello, Soy Chorizo. You complete me!); 222-9999

The Taco Bar
Ah... is there anything more life affirming, more gastronomically pleasing, than a really great taco? No. There's not. Unless the really-great taco is served with a top-shelf margarita on a sun-dappled patio. Now that is what heaven is made of.
Here's our list of favorites from two notoriously-excellent taco experts. Crunch on!

Surf...
Shrimp Tacos Grilled shrimp in achiote, cabbage, tomatoes and radish topped with jalapeno cream sauce.
Baja Fish Tacos Grilled mahi-mahi marinated in spices, topped with chipotle tarter sauce.
Both are served with rice and choice of pinto or black beans (Seriously, the black beans are rich and exquisite.) Hacienda Don Cuco; 252-8074

...and Turf
Organic Chicken Tacos Organic chicken with tri-color peppers, onions, avocado, queso fresco, salsa verde cruda.
Tacos de Carne Asada Grilled skirt steak and guacamole unite.
Tacos de Filete Filet mignon, tres chiles crema, grilled onions, queso fresco and avocado.
Jicama Tortilla Chicken Tacos Jicama tortilla, organic chicken, lettuce, avocado, mango and salsa quemada.
Tacos Dorados Blue corn crispy tacos, shredded chicken or beef, salsa, lettuce and queso fresco.
These five takes on taco fabulousness are prepared in the style of "alta cocina Mexicana," with refined flavors and beautiful presentation - just like the rest of Sabor Cocina Mexicana's offerings; 259-9002

Summer Treats
Question: If a cupcake is made, in part, from peaches, can you count it as a serving of fruit?

Answer: Who cares? Life is short. Eat the cupcake.

Lady Di's Cookies & Sweets has the perfect end to your summer meal, and hint: it's served in a pretty paper wrapper. Seasonal cupcake deliciousness includes the bubbly Champagne Peach cupcake, the tart Lemon Meringue cupcake and the classically-flavored Root Beer Float cupcake. Priced from $2.85 to $3 each, these bundles of "cupcake therapy" (No, really - that's what we call them at our house.) are as joyous as they are affordable. Of course, if cupcakes aren't your style (We shudder to think...), Lady Di's also serves yummy soft serve, cookies and more; 222-9102

DRINK
"Learn about what's in your Glass" Edition
Taste is subjective and nowhere is it more subjective than when it comes to wine. Even professionals and wine judges often disagree. Wine tasting is about understanding your palate and developing your senses. What we commonly experience as taste is actually aroma, body, texture and flavor taken altogether. So how do you begin to understand your palate? One way is to learn by doing - exploring the differences through tastings helps train and develop your senses. Vino 100 offers wine tastings daily and selections change weekly. Choose a flight of three wines or by the glass. It's a perfect way to try some exceptional wines, make new discoveries and get to know your palate. Life-long learning - now that's something we can all drink to!; 294-6886

The Drink Dr.'s secret to delicious success starts with you. You'll choose from a variety of frozen adult beverages (flavored margaritas, pina coladas, daiquiris and more) that guests can serve themselves, or you can go the kid-friendly slushy route. Either way, this party waiting to happen starts at only $175, including convenient SCV delivery and pick up. If there's a better party rental service out there, we've yet to find it; 510-5778

Beer, Beautiful Beer
Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. now boasts two new brews on tap: Abita Amber and Shock Top Belgian White.

Abita Amber, according to its maker, is a Munich-style lager brewed with crystal malt and Perle hops. It has a smooth, malty, slightly-caramel flavor and a rich amber color. Abita Amber was the first beer offered by the brewery and continues to be a leading seller. Amber is Abita's most versatile beer for pairing with food. Parmesan, Pecorino and Romano cheeses are good pairings with Abita Amber. (Editor's Note: Are you thinking what we're thinking? We need an Abita Amber and Oggi's Margherita Classico Pizza STAT!)

Shock Top Brewing Company shakes up traditional tastes with Shock Top Belgian White, a spiced Belgian-style wheat ale ("wit") brewed with real orange, lemon and lime peels. According to ST beer masters, Shock Top then pairs it with coriander spice to produce a crisp and distinctive taste with a satisfying flavor. This uniquely-crafted, award-winning ale is unfiltered to create a brew that is naturally cloudy with a light golden color and a smooth, refreshing finish. A dish defined by tart or acidic flavors such as citrus or vinegar pairs well with Shock Top. (Editor's Note: Hello, Oggi's Chopped Salad with homemade vinaigrette!) The unfiltered wheat ale also complements aromatic flavor elements such as cilantro, garlic, basil, rosemary, coconut and vanilla. Combine Shock Top with dishes associated with apple, banana, melon, cherry, grape, and other fruits. Enjoy your new best beer friends on Oggi's patio; 252-7883

Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company's famed, brewed-on-site beers are legendary. Order a cold one and find out what history in the making tastes like.

The Golden Eagle Ale is a multi-award-winning blonde with a clean malt flavor combined with mild hop bitterness. Incredibly refreshing and drinkable, this ale has a lot more flavor than you may be used to. Mass-produced beers pale (sometimes literally) in comparison. Golden Eagle is produced with Northern Brewer and Cascade hops.

Howlin' Hefeweizen is a Bavarian-style wheat beer with flavors of banana, clove and apricot. This unfiltered brew is ultra refreshing, which may explain its recent win as "Best in Show" at the California Beer Festival in Ventura. Howlin' gets "hoppin'" with German Hallertau; 263-9653

Drink to Better Health
Are you looking for a natural boost in energy? One that comes from exceptional nutrition instead of a shot of espresso? Energy28, made by Natural Vitality, is our go-to for vibrant, energetic health. This premium liquid is a whole-food energizer featuring the amazing Golden Chlorella Omega, a nutrient-dense, complete green food. You'll also find 24 organic superfruits, sprouts and vegetables, plus maca and rhodiola, in Energy28. The sustainable energy liquid is naturally sweetened with organic agave and stevia (The natural berry flavor tastes great - we promise!). Pick up your Energy28 at the Valencia Wellness Center, where you can take 15 percent off any item with the mention of Good Neighbor Pharmacy's ad in Inside SCV Magazine; 255-7910


PLAY
"Summer Concerts/Get the Kids Out of the House" Edition
It's a Rockin' Summer
Rockin' Summer Nights, Westfield Valencia Town Center's summer concert series, begins at 7 p.m. in the Town Square section of Town Center Drive between Sisley and T.G.I. Friday's. The concerts are free and seating is provided. Food, drinks and alcoholic beverages will be available. Westfield Valencia Town Center has selected the SCV Food Pantry as the non-profit charity partner for this year's concerts. VIP seating is available for $10 and VIP guests receive a free drink. To reserve VIP seating, call Stacie House; 799-4226
July 19 | Disco Kings ('70s)
July 26 | Platinum Groove ('80s)
August 2 | Fantastic Diamond (Neil Diamond cover)



Concerts in the Park
The Concerts in the Park series at Central Park have high-energy shows starting at 7 p.m. Bring your picnic baskets and blankets and join the City of Santa Clarita for a free night of great music;
www.santa-clarita.com/concerts
August 6 | Boogie Knights
August 13 | TIZER featuring Karen Briggs
August 20 | Surf City All Stars
August 27 | Jack Mack and the Heart Attack




Jazz & Blues Concert Series
The sounds of live jazz and blues bands once again fill Town Center Drive in Valencia every Friday from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This is the 13th year that the Keyes Lexus of Valencia Jazz & Blues Concert Series will feature regional, national and international entertainers in a quaint street party setting. Plus, attendees will enjoy activities for adults and children, too. Food, beverages, wine and beer will be available for sale (please, no outside food or pets). Admission is free; 290-2911 www.valenciajazzandblues.com
July 15 | Jim Gibson
July 22 | Tony Galla Band
July 29 | Artwork Jamal
August 5 | Dona Oxford
August 12 | Reno Jones
August 19 | Michael John & the Bottom Line
August 26 | Tom Nolan



Is your kid the next PGA star? Help Fate along and get Junior learning, playing and improving with Scratch Golf Accelerated and their passionate PGA-certified instructors. They have the fastest, simplest way to learn golf, and it all takes place in a friendly environment. Fun for all skill levels, this high-tech indoor training facility focuses on playing as a team with a four-to-one student-to-teacher ratio. After-school programs and times are available, making Scratch a perfect fit for parents, too; 775-0578





Free Unlimited Play Every Monday
in July & August at Mountasia
Grab the coupon on page 47 of the August 2011 Issue and get one Unlimited Play pass when you buy three on any Monday in July or August. See coupon for details.








Sew Cool!
Creative U Studios gives your child the chance to expand their creative horizons this summer. They'll learn felting, painting and jewelry making, hand-sewing and more. Projects include stuffed animals, fashion accessories, wood crafts and other fun stuff. Sign up for a week's worth of wholesome good times - or all six. It's up to you! Campers should be between ages 7 and 12; 260-0800