EAT
This time of year, we crave food that's as warm and cozy as a feather blanket. That's why we're heading to Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company for the cuisine equivalent of a big hug from Mom. We can't get enough of their Ale Mac N' Cheese - pasta shells tossed in a house-made cheese sauce with gorgonzola, jack, brie and their own IPA, then topped with crispy bacon, parmesan croutons and gorgonzola crumbles. 263-9653 www.wolfcreekbrewingco.com
Sake Bistro & Sushi, located in the Bridgeport Marketplace, makes sure that your party is the event everyone will talk about. With their tremendous selection of steaks, seafood, sushi and the best drinks, they can customize your festivity to meet any budget. Book their stunning enclosed patio, private "red room" or the whole restaurant to impress up to 150 guests. The food, drinks and atmosphere at Sake are worthy of celebration any day, though. From their incredible lunches to amazing new fall menu selections, your taste buds are in for a treat - and so is your wallet. Stop by for Happy Hour and celebrate the holidays with a toast (or three) with your co-workers and friends Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Want to treat yourself and the kids? They feature complete kids' dinners including beverage and dessert for only $7.95 for children up to 12 years old. Finally, for last-minute Thanksgiving dinner plans, Sake boasts an amazing Thanksgiving Buffet from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring a mouthwatering carving station with Slow-roasted Turkey, Prime Rib and Pineapple Honey Ham, along with fresh premium seafood, awesome sushi rolls, artisan deli selections, incredible traditional and special side dishes, soups, salads and OMG desserts. Gourmet omelets are served until 12:30 p.m. Cost is $45 for adults and $17 for kids 5 to 12 years old. Call today for reservations. 255-SAKE (7253)
www.sakebistro.com
Sabor Cocina Mexicana has established itself as the fine Mexican dining spot in the SCV and beyond. Proof: their Enchiladas de Pato Confit. Flour tortillas, duck confit, mole negro, lettuce, queso fresco, avocado, sesame seeds and escabeche combine for a dish that is rich and refined. Keeping with their commitment to using only the very finest ingredients - and always organic and seasonal whenever possible - Sabor sources their duck from Maple Leaf Farms, which raises all-natural, grain-fed birds. This seasonal delicacy is only available for a limited time, so drop in today. 259-9002
www.saborcocinamexicana.com
Santa Clarita businesses have a reputation for turning in early. But not every restaurant in town keeps "Grandma hours." Pizza del Sardo serves delicious late-night meals until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. When the sun goes down, get ready to eat up (and bring the coupon on page 44 with you). We nearly lost our minds after noshing on the thin-crusted deliciousness of the super-authentic Pizza al Prosciutto e Funghi (tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, porcini, chiodini, shiitake mushrooms and oregano), Gnocchi al Gorgonzola and Penne alla Ugo (fresh tomato sauce, sausage, olives, hot pepper, basil, olive oil and parm). 259-9090 www.pizzadelsardo.com
We fondly remember cooking our first Thanksgiving feast... and we have even fonder memories of last year's clever call: Skip the stress, the mess and celebrate at Salt Creek Grille. Their festive buffet was gorgeously displayed. The unlimited delicacies were exquisite, the hand-carved turkey and ham impressed even Grandpa, and everyone declared the fresh-baked seasonal desserts to be "the best ever." Our favorite, though? The champagne. Thanksgiving done deliciously is one reservation away, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Prices are also gratitude prompting - only $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids under 12. 222-9999 www.saltcreekgrille.com
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Few things are more comforting than a big bowl of hot soup on a cold day. Pho Love has mastered the art of soothing the soul with noodle bowls brimming with light and flavorful broth and more delicious add-ins than you can count. Our new favorite is the Pho Super Bowl, which combines meatballs, steak, brisket, tenderloin, tripe, shrimp, squid, fishballs and more into one heavenly dish. Drop in at their location on Cinema Drive in Valencia. 286-2300
The holidays are delicious at Cold Stone Creamery! First, start a new tradition with their Pumpkin Ice Cream now available in your favorite ice cream creation, as well as cakes, pies and cupcakes. Next, they will be ringing in the holidays with their beloved favorite - Dark Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream. Treat yourself to a "Chocolate Peppermint Perfection" made with Dark Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream, Oreos, fudge and whipped cream. Then treat everyone to a Holly Jolly Peppermint Cake, which starts with Dark Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream mixed with chocolate shavings and candy cane pieces, then layered with red velvet cake, all wrapped in a rich chocolate fudge ganache frosting. Enjoy the holiday season and let Cold Stone Creamery, located at 27071 McBean Parkway in Valencia, take care of the desserts. www.coldstonecreamery.com
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You know the holiday party drill: It's all about who can out-classy the competition. Opt out of the Blue Blood game and give guests what they really want to eat: Fatburger. Located on The Old Road, this gourmet burger joint can cater parties - and can even cook on your event premises or arrange for pick up and delivery. Choose from a wide variety of hamburgers, chicken and turkey sandwiches, French fries, onion rings and more. Buy $30 or more in gift cards and get a free medium burger. 290-2523 www.fatburger.com
Mimi's Bakery, Cafe & Bistro recently unveiled their new French bakery, gourmet coffee program, carryout section, grab-and-go display, full-service bar and bistro. As the weather cools down, we recommend putting a French twist in your holiday season and trying some of Mimi's sweet treats from their Parisian-inspired bakery. Indulge in the wide array of baked goodies such as chocolate, almond and all-butter croissants, French macarons, sweet and savory tarts, artisan breads, including French baguettes, batards, boules and fougasse, as well as Mimi's famous muffins. We also love their Holiday Feast To-Go and all new Brunch To-Go, which come fully prepared. You just have to set the table! Mimi's Bakery, Cafe & Bistro is located in the River Oaks Shopping Center on Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia. 255-5520 www.mimiscafe.com
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Lady Di's Cookies & Sweets has created a business plan based on driving their customers insanely happy. Oh, how the tables have turned. Rumor has it that, by popular demand, "Pumpkin Madness" has been declared at Lady Di's. The only known cure is copious consumption of Di's delicious pumpkin cookies, cupcakes and muffins. Make loved ones, friends and work associates crazy with gratitude by sending them a pumpkin-themed gift basket. Pumpkin'ed out? All of Di's specialty items are still in store while the "madness" ensues. 222-9102 www.ladydiscookiesandsweets.com
DRINK
Some SCVians would drop into Tilted Kilt even if the lovely servers were the only things "spicy" about the place. Lucky for the rest of us, though, Tilted Kilt's new limited-time Grill options are for folks who like it hot. Try the Blackened Chicken Tacos or the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich for a flavorful walk on the wild side. Too hot and bothered? Their Southern Comfort Spiked Sweet Tea should cool you off nicely. Or give the Fried Egg Burger or Sausage Trio Sampler a go. When paired with a Tilted Kilt Touchdown Bomber and the game on the big screen, temperatures will rise no matter what the winter weather has in store. 255-9800
valencia.tiltedkilt.com
PLAY
Join Paint A Dream for "Ladies Night Out" on November 30 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This night will be held as a "private party" so get your tickets before they sell out! Enjoy a catered dinner and free drinks. The price is only $20 per person, not including the price of your pottery. A $10 deposit is required.
255-1177 www.paintadream.com
Don't miss the Black Friday Reloading Center Super Sale at Oaktree Gun Club. Running November 23 to November 25, take advantage of "door busters" like a two-for-one sale and coveted professional reloading kits in 9MM and over 50 other calibers to choose from. 259-7441 www.oaktreegunclub.com
Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour Restaurant is in the habit of making dreams come true and now they've outdone themselves. For a limited time at the SCV location (inside Mountasia Family Fun Center), get the following (with purchase). On Mondays, a free sundae; on Tuesdays, 10 percent off for Farrell's FUNatics; on Wednesdays, kids eat free; on Thursdays, score free Chili Cheese Fries and on Fridays grab a free float. www.farrellsusa.com
Try as we might, we just can't get out of hosting a few holiday shindigs this season. Lucky for us, A-1 Event Rentals makes playing "Hostess with the Mostest" easy. We love their gorgeous lounge furniture rentals, which look great next to (rented) outdoor heaters on our patio. For more casual gatherings, ordering will-call pick ups of extra tables, folding chairs and linens makes for simple party planning. The best part of working with A-1 Event Rentals, though, is the helpful staff. They always manage to match our budget and clue us in on ultra-brilliant ways to get more "wow" for less "moolah." 775-8111 www.a-1rentals.net
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Many people go to church for fellowship, but did you ever think that a place of worship would open a coffee house as another way of providing connections outside of sermon? Real Life Church is now serving holiday beverages like Pumpkin Spice Latte, Gingerbread Latte and Peppermint Mocha in Undergrounds, a donation-only coffeehouse open seven days a week that's located on the lower level of the church building. Drop in on Saturday evening for Arts Underground, which showcases live artists. A full 10 percent of all Undergrounds proceeds are donated to nonprofit organizations. In November and December, Mending Kids International will benefit from your generosity. Visit Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 am. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
www.coffeeundergrounds.com
The Oaks Grille at Tournament Players Club will again be hosting their famous Thanksgiving Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Savor breakfast faves, seafood, hand-carved meats, desserts and children's meals. Reservations are required. Thanksgiving with the prettiest view is just a phone call away! 288-1995, extension 104
www.tpcvalencia.com
Acura to Debut Flagship 2014 RLX Sedan
at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show
The production model of the all-new 2014 Acura RLX will debut on November 28, the first press day of the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Acura flagship sedan will employ an array of new technologies unique to Acura to deliver an entirely new level of performance, sophistication and comfort.
The front-wheel-drive version of the 2014 RLX will utilize Acura's new Precision All Wheel Steer system. This system automatically makes slight adjustments to the relative rear wheel (toe) angles by utilizing electrically-controlled actuators to deliver an extraordinary level of cornering control and steering precision. The front-wheel-drive RLX will come equipped with an all-new 3.5-liter direct-injected VTEC V-6 engine producing 310 horsepower (SAE net).
The RLX will feature the first application of the next-generation AcuraLink, which incorporates built-in two-way cellular communication to deliver a variety of new convenience features, including airbag deployment notification, stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking and unlocking, security alarm notification and concierge service.
The Acura RLX will offer an extensive array of passive and active safety features. These include a Collision Mitigation Braking System and the first application of Acura's Lane Keep Assist System. In addition, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning will be offered as standard equipment on the RLX. Passive safety features will include front, side and side-curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger and a driver's knee airbag. The RLX also incorporates the second generation of Acura's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, with reinforced front-frame members for further enhanced frontal crash energy management. The RLX is expected to achieve a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and the new "Top Safety Pick Plus" status from IIHS.
The all-new RLX will be available for test drive and purchase at Valencia Acura. 255-3000 www.valenciaacura.com
Go Farther on a Tank of Gas
It's no secret that Nissan of Valencia is home to a team that combines great customer service with an impressive financial offer that can't be beat. Their "$99 Down Delivers" pitch (on approved credit) doesn't address another key incentive to visiting the friendly dealership, though. With the memory of $5-a-gallon-gas not far from our thoughts, let's talk about MPG for a moment, shall we? Take these numbers for a spin when you consider your next vehicle purchase. (All mpg numbers are EPA highway estimates.). Looking for other impressive numbers? You won't believe the prices on these cars, either. Take a peek at their low sticker prices when you drop in for a test drive at Nissan of Valencia. 255-2020 www.nissanofvalencia.com
2013 Nissan Sentra: 39 mpg
2013 Nissan Altima: 38 mpg
2013 Nissan Versa Sedan: 38 mpg
2012 Nissan Leaf: up to 100 miles for under $5
Treat the Family to a Sports Resort
What you may not know about the Paseo Club in Valencia...
Pricing is more affordable than you think, landing in the lower end between local-gym membership and country clubs.
Members have amazing access to facilities without the crowd, including 15 tennis courts, a 25-yard lap pool, kiddie pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, over 60 exercise classes a week, a full fitness center with weights, cardio equipment and a dedicated spin studio. Plus there are childcare options, kids programming, social activities, a cafe, full bar, personal charging account and member golf-course access.
The eight-acre resort facility is conveniently located near neighborhoods and paseos, allowing members to head out for a nice run, walk or bike ride and then return to relax with a cold drink in the outdoor Jacuzzi. The fine athletic and tennis club's classic ambience is warm and welcoming, embodying the feel of a resort.
Right now you can receive a credit of the balance of your existing club-membership contract when you "trade up" to the Paseo Club. Call or check their website for details. 257-0044 www.thepaseoclub.com
Stress-proof your Holidays
Have you ever wished that you could clone yourself in order to have a better chance of crossing everything off your to-do list? Well, i.Run does you one better. This residential personal assistant service offers an awesome collection of services so that you can focus on what you do best. Leave the rest to them, including personal and business errands, cooking, party planning, holiday decorating, holiday shopping, home and office organization and much more. The process is simple and so is the consultation. Paying the fair hourly rate is easy, too. Right now, take an additional 20 percent off their already affordable rates when you book your first service and mention
Inside SCV Magazine. 259-7205 i.runconcierge@gmail.com
GymJam's 2012-2013 Winter
Camp Dates Announced
Waller's GymJam Academy offers a fun Winter Camp program December 27 and 28, January 2 to January 4, and January 9 to January 11; a three-week program from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 4 to 6 year olds, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ages 6 to 12 year olds (weekly and partial weeks available). Camp includes holiday theme gymnastics instruction, exciting games and activities, and arts and crafts. 251-3390 www.gymjamacademy.com