Food and friends are our favorite "combo meal," and hot gossip is always the appetizer of choice. We're guessing you can relate. Are you hungry to reconnect with the people who matter the most? Then we'd like to suggest making a breakfast/lunch/dinner date. Chatting with a loved one over a meal (You have to eat, right?) really is the most brilliant form of multitasking. We hope that this year's Dining & Entertainment Guide inspires you to get together - and stay together.


Fine Dining

Salt Creek Grille

Something to celebrate? Go to Salt Creek. Want to impress a date? Salt Creek. Need to host a private meeting over dinner? Call Salt Creek. Craving something delicious, but can't spend a bundle? Look no further than Salt Creek Grille's new, lower-priced menu, which features a variety of gourmet pizzas (Try the Spicy Shrimp & Avocado Flatbread Pizza for only $13.95.), along with destined-to-be-favorites like Alaskan Amber Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Chardonnay Chicken and - yum - the USDA Prime French Rib Chop, a 16-ounce, 36-day dry-aged bone-in rib chop that's mesquite-grilled to perfection and served with a choice of whole-grain mustard, wild mushroom or cognac peppercorn sauce; 222-9999

Sabor Cocina Mexicana

At Sabor Cocina Mexicana, traditional Mexican recipes unite with upscale ingredients for a distinctive cuisine that will change the way you think about food. For example, our childhood belief that pork chops must be dry (and seasoned exclusively with Lawry's) was turned on its head after one bite of Sabor's Chuleta de Puerco. This Korobuta pork chop, served with sweet potato mash and a rich salsa de mole, was generously cut, moist and tender. The seasonal entree - a perfect foil to a cool fall night - pairs deliciously with the surprisingly-light Apple Pie Margarita. Finish the evening, as we did, with the creamy Flan de Calabasa;
259-9002

Vines Restaurant and Bar

Vines Restaurant and Bar, located inside the Hyatt Regency Valencia, is known as the finest restaurant in Santa Clarita. Executive Chef Rolf Rothen takes pride in creating an award-winning menu of distinction that captures the essence of the season, influenced by California cuisine. With Spanish-style architecture, sidewalk dining and a two-sided wood-burning fireplace, Vines is the ideal place to relax and enjoy New Year's Eve Dinner, intimate holiday parties or their famous Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Buffets. Join them for Sunday Brunch by following the intriguing aroma from Town Center Drive into a contemporary display of savory flavors and their unrivaled Dessert Bar; 678-4100

The Social

The Social is a creative dining place where you'll enjoy a refreshing environment, along with friendly companionship and the finest collection of martinis in Santa Clarita and beyond. Their chefs are ready to serve you with tasteful appetizers, fresh-tossed salads, pastas and an impressive variety of entrees, like Australian Lobster Tail with drawn butter and roasted potatoes; Lacquered Duck Breast with toasted almonds and a sherry-port reduction, served with whipped garlic potatoes and sauteed vegetables; and Osso Buco, served with mushroom risotto a la Milanese and sauteed vegetables; 799-9155

The Kona Crisp - BBQ, Burgers, Salads, Catering

Casual Dining
The Kona Crisp - BBQ, Burgers, Salads, Catering is a mouthful, and a delicious one. Kona Crisp offers top-quality Hawaiian BBQ (where you'd least expect it - near Target in Valencia!) plus dishes with a South Asia, California and even St. Louis twist. You'll find the most tender barbecued beef and chicken meals in the SCV, but if you can only try one smoked dish, it's gotta be the super succulent Kailua Pork, pulled to order. The Southern Kona Chicken Salad is a favorite, too, thanks to homemade ranch dressing, crispy chicken breast and sweet buttermilk onion strings. Burger lovers will rejoice after one bite of the Avocado Burger (Try it sweet and tangy: Teriyaki style!). Pair any menu favorite with a $2 beer (after 4 p.m.) or $2 'Special of the Week' handblended Ice Cream Milkshake; 287-3123

Margaritas Mexican Grill

When you step into Margaritas Mexican Grill, you'll instantly realize that this is less like a traditional restaurant and more like an inviting Mexican-style home. The aromas of cilantro, chilies and freshly handmade tortillas fill the air and the staff's smiles are as authentic as the menu. Transport yourself to Puebla, Mexico when ordering the Mole Poblano - tender pieces of chicken in a fantasic mole, served with sauteed vegetables, rice, roasted almonds and tortillas. The Cancun Salad is a perfect, light dish where a margarita-marinated grilled fish filet sits atop chopped romaine, tamarindo dressing, corn relish, corn strips and a sprinkling of fresh red onion. Saving room for the Pumpkin Flan is a must. This homestyle dessert is made even better with walnuts and whipped cream. Enjoy it all in the private banquet room or even catered at the location of your choice; 255-1136

Submarina

Is it possible to have a crush on a sub? Because we're practically blushing over our love affair with Submarina's Santa Fe Sandwich. Here's what we're pining over: Soft, fresh-baked bread paired with roasted chicken, jalapeno bacon, yummy slices of avocado and pepperjack cheese. Seriously, by the time we get to Carl Boyer Drive, we're drooling more than a 13-year-old girl at a Justin Bieber concert. Sliced-to-order meats, hot and cold subs, salads, soups and a great kids' meal have made Submarina an SCV fave, and your wallet will love this place, too. Mention Inside SCV and get free chips and a free drink with any purchase of a six-inch or larger sandwich; 259-4SUB

Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co.

You know that Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. is the best place in town to gather with friends, grab an icy-cold microbrew beer and watch the game on one of their many flat screen TVs. But you might not know that the same restaurant that can create heaven on a bun or pizza pie is also responsible for perfectly-prepared heart-healthy fare like the Lemon Pepper Crusted Tilapia. This flakey, lightly pan-seared filet is served over a bed of fresh sauteed vegetables and topped with goat cheese and spinach Florentine. The tilapia is just one of many menu items that prove that fine food can coexist with a family-friendly sports-bar atmosphere; 252-7883

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour Restaurant

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour Restaurant, located in the Mountasia Family FunCenter, features full-service dining and a Snack 'N Go area, plus a "ginormous" candy zone filled with specialty, hard-to-find, and oh-so-good old-fashioned candies. Farrell's specializes in birthday parties, celebrations and, most importantly, fun. Farrell's has all your old Ice Cream Favorites, too, including The Zoo, The Volcano and The Pig's Trough. It's no surprise that Farrell's was voted "Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant" by the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley, though we'll admit that we enjoy eating here even without our kids!; 253-4FUN

El Chaparral & Presidente Mexican Grill

Ever feel like some hot spots wish they could run your credit before seating you? At Presidente Mexican Grill and El Chapparral Mexican Restaurants, the only thing they want to run is a fresh batch of chips and salsa to your table. Here, the service and food are warm and satisfying. Dishes like Tacos al Carbon - charbroiled beef or chicken served on handmade tortillas with guacamole, farm-fresh tomatoes, onions and cilantro, rich sour cream and authentic whole beans - rejuvenate your spirit with every bite. Visit on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for their fabulous Brunch, where you'll be treated to complimentary champagne while dining on eight exquisite hot entrees, fresh salads, made-to-order waffles and yummy desserts; 297-7244 and 252-5599

Gandolfo's NY Delicatessen

After an authentic Big Apple lunch at Gandolfo's NY Delicatessen in Castaic, you'll be talkin' in a New York accent. This place is the real deal. The straight-from-NYC Pastrami is piled high, the Cheesecake is an Upper West Side triumph of creaminess and the menu has more diversity than a New York subway train. Direct your cabbie to Gandolfo's after 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday for the "$5 after 5" meal deal, which includes a half sandwich, chips and a drink. Or try the Deli Boy Daily Lunch. For only $5.99, score the sandwich of the day, a freshly-prepped deli side salad, chips and a drink. If you're really hungry, drop just a little more for the Deli Man portion. Whatever you choose, you'll want to come back for more; 257-8844

New Moon Restaurant

Drinks & More
Chances are, you're already a fan of New Moon Restaurant. Dishes like their Velvet Chicken - tender slices of chicken breast stir fried with a colorful melange of seasonal veggies in a light, savory sauce - have made them a foodie favorite. But their bar and happy hour (Happy Hour is every hour - get an appetizer for half price any time!) deserve just as much praise. Try the Anderson Martini, featuring hand-stuffed bleu cheese olives in a dirty Grey Goose martini; the New Moon Lemon Drop (Ketel One Citroen makes it special); or the Pomegranate Martini mixed with Grey Goose, Ronin Pomegranate, a splash of cranberry and a lemon slice. Or reserve your spot at the Firestone Vineyards Wine & Appetizer pairing on October 26 for only $25 a person; 257-4321

The Drink Dr. Frozen Beverage Machine Rentals

Have you ever felt like calling a doctor while in the midst of acute party-planning stress, because you must have been crazy to volunteer to do so much work? We like to think that our pal, The Drink Dr., is always on call during our time of need. The Drink Dr. Frozen Beverage Machine Rentals make planning and party time easier. Delivery and pick up is arranged for you, and guests have access to a Classic Margarita (or alcohol-free slushy) throughout your event. You can even order a Kegerator Kit or a Jager Machine for the big game. Check out all the options at www.thedrinkdr.com and mention Inside SCV Magazine for 20 percent off your entire rental purchase; 250-6106

Salt Creek Grille Catering

Catering
We don't know about you, but we go to weddings, corporate events, holiday parties and family gatherings with one question in mind: What are they going to serve? The answer to this question has been decidedly more delicious since Salt Creek Grille Catering entered the scene. SCGC cuisine is everything you'd expect from Salt Creek - exquisite presentation, superior ingredients, fabulously-complex flavors... and lots of things you wouldn't. The catering menu is entirely custom and created to suit your event exclusively. Of course, there are favorites - like the Crab Stuffed Squash Blossom with Champagne Tempura and the Almond Crusted Scallop with Lavender Beurre Blanc. But feel free to try something totally new. After all, it is Salt Creek - which means that whatever you choose, it'll knock your socks off;
222-9999, 510-9406 (direct)