What's New.................Retail

What's Fabulous........Service

What's Fresh...............Food




Yes, sushi is about food - but it's also about people. At Akasaka Sushi, super-fresh fish is combined with a friendly, knowledgeable staff who happily make recommendations to novices and eagerly accommodate the special requests of sushi aficionados. Akasaka's reputation for great service, excellent food and even better prices (try the lunch combo specials that start at only $6.99 or the wildly-popular All You Can Eat service) have found a new home in Castaic. The family-run business provides a welcome, and delicious, alternative to the over-priced and hyped "designer" sushi restaurant; you'll feel right at home at Akasaka.
Akasaka Sushi is located at 28050 Hasley Canyon Road in the Hasley Canyon Shopping Center 257-6661.

"El Rinconcito" means "the little corner" in Spanish, but there's nothing small about the authentic flavors you'll discover here. The family's rich Mexican heritage ("El Rinconcito" is also the name of the family ranch in Jalisco) translates into a simultaneously accessible - and adventurous - menu. You'll find delicious standards like the Chipotle Chicken Burrito and generational family favorites like Steak Ranchero (thinly-cut roast beef steak with tomatoes and onions). The sizzling selections are mouth-wateringly affordable - and filling - too. Complete breakfasts start at $4.50 and nearly every dish is paired with beans, rice and handmade tortillas.
El Rinconcito Mexican Restaurant is located at 28060 Hasley Canyon Road in the Hasley Canyon Shopping Center 702-0357 www.elrinconcitoca.com.

Ever wish you could afford a decorator who has traveled the country searching for just the right home accessories for your space? You can. Her name is Paula Honey and as owner of Emma's Nest, she's made it her mission to find the nation's most unique treasures that will turn SCV houses into beautiful homes. From the finest Bella Notte linens to Tyler and Votivo Candles and Gracious Goods Serveware, Paula's impeccable tastes and exclusive collections have already earned this year-old shop serious accolades from folks who insist on smiling service, superior-quality home goods (and gifts!) and pretty prices.
Emma's Nest is located at 28060 Hasley Canyon Road in the Hasley Canyon Shopping Center 295-3994.

The hands-down best New York Pastrami and Corned Beef - along with over 70 gourmet-quality sandwiches and 30 salads (including the crave-worthy Sour Cream, Potato & Bacon Salad), plus Nathan's Coney Island grilled dogs and specials (arrive early on Saturday for Cheeseburgers so good, they sell out in 90 minutes) - entice folks from Granada Hills and beyond to this SCV haven. Steve and his family are just as big on customer service as they are on flavor, too. Savor the made-to-order sandwiches, fresh-baked breads, authentic Italian gelato, homemade soups and handcrafted desserts (Cheesecake!) on site or ask about catering.
Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen is located at 28060 Hasley Canyon Road in the Hasley Canyon Shopping Center 257-8844.

Mediterranean Skewers combines both the exotic (Babaghanouj, a delicious concoction made of barbecued eggplant) and the familiar (seriously good hummus) in a menu that's both 100-percent fresh and authentic. Go for the Chicken Family Meal; for only $15.99, your crew will dine on a whole, succulent rotisserie chicken, two appetizers, rice, pitas and garlic spread. Moist and flavorful kabobs - featuring marinated chicken, tenderloin, lamb and ground beef - round out the extensive menu. Save room for dessert; truffles and baklava, combined with a cup of Turkish coffee, provide the perfect ending to an already exceptional meal.
Mediterranean Skewers is located at 28050 Hasley Canyon Road in the Hasley Canyon Shopping Center 294-6535 www.mskewers.com.

At Wings, Pizza N Things, $20 can feed a family of four. The family-friendly sports bar uses the highest quality ingredients in their 10 proprietary sauces that give their Jumbo Buffalo Wings, Chicken and Shrimp dishes knock-your-socks-off flavor. Dig into a juicy Angus Beef Burger or specialty pizza while cheering for your favorite team. SCV's favorite spot for food and fun boasts nine HD flat screens and a killer premium sports package subscription. There's a great variety of beer (bottle and tap), ranging from Fat Tire to Coors Lite - and wine, too. Check out the vast collection of sports memorabilia and treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation time.
Wings, Pizza & Things is located at 28070 Hasley Canyon Road in the Hasley Canyon Shopping Center 295-1000 www.wingsnpizza.com.