New Take on your Favorite French-inspired Bistro
Mimi's Bakery, Cafe & Bistro feature a new French bakery, gourmet coffee program, carryout section, grab-and-go display, full-service bar and bistro. Take full advantage of Mimi's signature flavors with their on- or off-site catering menu. It offers delicious favorites for any-size gathering for any occasion and any meal (Breakfast, lunch and dinner! Can we choose all three?). We love their Holiday Feast To-go, which serves six to eight guests and comes fully cooked and prepared. All you have to do is heat and serve, available while supplies last. Call the restaurant to place your order. Grab the coupon on page 37 to enjoy a free pastry with the purchase of any coffee beverage.
Mimi's Bakery, Cafe & Bistro is located in the River Oaks Shopping Center on Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia.
255-5520 www.mimiscafe.com

Hot New Fro-yo & More at Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone Creamery fans will fall in love with their newest frozen yogurt flavor - Salted Caramel. With Cold Stone Frozen Yogurt, customers can enjoy all the deliciousness of Cold Stone with fewer calories and less fat. Salted Caramel Yogurt will tempt the sweet-and-salty food lover with the taste of chewy caramel and just a hint of salt. In addition to Salted Caramel, Pumpkin Ice Cream is back this fall. They will be featuring Pumpkin Ice Cream Pies and novelty items. Once it gets a bit chilly outside, stop in to try one of their many Hot Stone warm and delicious desserts!
Visit Cold Stone Creamery at 27071 McBean Parkway in Valencia. www.coldstonecreamery.com

Our Farrell Faves Include more than Ice Cream
"You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream!" But at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour, located inside the Mountasia Family Fun Center, we're also screaming for their totally-satisfying savory fare. You've gotta try their BBQ Chicken Salad, the Club Sandwich (Enormous! It features yummy breast of turkey, bacon, lettuce, Swiss cheese, tomatoes and mayo on toasted sourdough bread.), Chili Cheeseburger, Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich (Heaven! Very-thinly-sliced Philly Cheese Steak, sauteed onions, green bell peppers, mushrooms, oozing mozzarella cheese and mayo on a toasted French roll.), Farrell's Hawaiian Pizza (With American bacon!) and the Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Our fave - tender marinated chicken breast grilled to perfection with lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese and mayo on a toasted French roll.).
Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour is located inside the Mountasia Family Fun Center on Soledad Canyon Road. 253-4386 (4FUN)
www.mountasiafuncenter.com

Take the Fatburger Challenge
Have you heard of The Triple King Challenge? It's a burger with three patties (One and a half pounds of beef!) and everything on it (Eggs, chili, bacon and all the condiments.). If you can eat this eight-inch tall burger in 10 minutes or less, you get a free tee-shirt and your name and picture on the restaurant wall and on the Fatburger website. It is not an easy challenge. What it is, though, is delicious!
Fatburger Valencia is located on The Old Road in Valencia. For a smaller Fatburger at a great price (You can't beat "free!"), use the coupon found on page 45. 290-2523 www.fatburger.com


WHAT TO EAT
Incredible Food & Easy on the Wallet
Sake Steak, Seafood & Sushi's wallet-friendly fall menu is causing quite a buzz.

What to Order
On Friday & Saturday, Prime Rib slow roasted for over six hours

For Seafood Lovers
Sake's seafood selection sets the standard for freshness and flavor.
Live Maine Lobster • Miso Sea Bass •Scottish Salmon
Truffled Jumbo Scallops •Classic Cioppino •Basa Sole
Maine Lobster Mac N Cheese

Signature Selections
16-ounce Double Cut Pork Chop
Chicken Caprese •Slow-braised Short Ribs
Thick-cut Premier 21-day-aged Angus Steaks (Up to 22 ounces!) with choice of toppings (Roasted garlic jus!) and sides (Twice-baked Prosciutto Mashed Potatoes!)
Complete Kid's Dinner including drink for only $7.95


When to Go
Lunch!
Starting at 11:30 a.m., daily lunch specials feature a vast selection of Artisan Sandwiches, Angus Burgers, Salads, Sushi Specials and Bento Boxes.

Sunday Brunch!
Sunday Brunch features complete breakfast entrees including the amazing Crab & Avocado Eggs Benedict and addicting Stuffed French Toast filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream cheese. Add unlimited champagne or mimosas for only $10/$12 more. Kids 12 and under enjoy a complete brunch including drink for only $7.95.

Happy Hour!
Featuring 16 appetizers, sushi and generous-pour drinks at unbelievably-low prices. Pulled Chicken Soft Tacos are $3.50; 16-ounce beers start at $3.50, premium wines and well drinks are only $5 and signature cocktails are $7. Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Late Night Happy Hour runs Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to1 a.m.

Visit Sake Steak, Seafood & Sushi off Newhall Ranch Road in the Bridgeport Marketplace in Valencia. 255-SAKE www.sakebistro.com

The Oaks Grille Hosts Thanksgiving Brunch
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., nosh on breakfast favorites, seafood, hand-carved meats, desserts and children's meals. Reservations are required, so call today. Adults are only $43; children ages 6 to 12 are $15 and kids 5 and under are free.The Oaks Grille at Tournament Players Club is located
off Valencia Boulevard. 288-1995, extension 104
www.tpcvalencia.com

Fall Flavors
We love fall: the colors, the smells, the food. Rich and bountiful, end-of-the-year flavors are the beginning of our favorite seasonal finds. This couldn't be more true than at Marston's Restaurant, where fresh ingredients and talented kitchen skills combine to create crave-worthy dishes. We can't get enough of their seasonal menu items.

What to Eat Right Now
Japanese Eggplant & Mushroom Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette & Balsamic Glaze
Grilled Lamb Sirloin with Goat Cheese Crust & Black Lentils
Crispy Chicken with Leek & Tomato Polenta Served with Winter Veggie Ragout

What to Drink
Marston's Restaurant's new microbrews are the toast of the town.
Monkshine Belgian-style blonde • Allagash traditional wheat beer
Acme Pale Ale California's clean-tasting and pleasantly malty brew
During Marston's Happy Hour, try their new fall martinis.
Pumpkin Pie Martini • Cran-apple Martini • Chocolate Martini
Marston's Restaurant is located in the Bridgeport Marketplace.
253-9910 www.marstonsrestaurant.com

Fall for your Favorite Seasonal Sweets
The staff of Lady Di's Cookies & Sweets will be seeing even more of us, because their Fall Favorites collection of goodies is about to become a daily addiction. Pumpkin Magic Cupcakes, Pumpkin Cookies, Triple Berry Muffins and Pumpkin Pie Muffins are now available.
Lady Di's Cookies & Sweets can be found on The Old Road in Valencia. 222-9102 www.ladydiscookiesandsweets.com

Unapologetically Authentic Italian Cuisine
Traditional Italian cooking methods - and ingredients - have made a new home in the SCV, thanks to Pizza del Sardo. This new restaurant is built around the expertise of Master Chef Ugo Moi. Born to chefs in Italy's southern village of Serramanna on the island of Sardinia, Ugo worked in the family's pizzeria, then trained for years with professional chefs who helped him cultivate his philosophy of cooking via traditional Italian methods with healthy ingredients. Early each morning, you'll find Ugo and staff lighting the fire in their Italian-made brick wood-burning oven. The high-quality of ingredients he selects, many imported from Italy, create the distinctive flavors of each of their authentic Italian pizzas, pastas and signature dishes.

What to Try
Verdura Alla Griglia Antipasti roasted red peppers, roasted eggplant and roasted zucchini
Pizza Buffala tomato sauce, Buffala Mozzarella (made from the milk of the domestic water buffalo) and basil
Pizza Frutti di Mare tomato sauce, shrimp, crab, calamari, mussels, drizzled with olive oil
Alpino Panini bresaola, taleggio, asiago, goat cheese and pesto sauce on ciabatta or focaccia flatbread
Penne Alla Ugo fresh tomato sauce, sausage, olives, hot pepper, basil, olive oil and parmesan
Insalata Capricciosa romaine lettuce, crumbled bleu cheese, prosciutto, red onion and signature Italian vinaigrette dressing
Italian Imported Pastries & Gelato ask about seasonal selections

Opening in October, Pizza del Sardo can be easily found on Cinema Drive in Valencia. Be sure to use the $5-off coupon on page 7 at your first visit. 259-9090 www.pizzadelsardo.com

On Thanksgiving, We're Grateful that Salt Creek is doing the Cooking
Filled with traditional holiday favorites and fantastic additions (Ahem... unlimited complimentary champagne!), Salt Creek's Thanksgiving Buffet is our answer to holiday stress and mess. Held from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., you and your family will feast on Turkey & Ham Hand-carved Meats; Chilled Shrimp, Crab Legs, Sushi & Smoked Salmon; Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes & Stuffing; Custom Fresh Pasta Bar; Made-just-for-you Omelet Bar; Chef-prepared Caesar, Greek & SCG House Salads; Fresh Fruit Spread; Aebleskivers; Gourmet Breakfast Selections like Eggs Benedict and Chicken & Mushroom-stuffed Crepes; and Handcrafted Desserts. Salt Creek's Thanksgiving Buffet is $39.95 per person, with children under 12 $14.95.

Salt Creek's Thanksgiving Buffet is $39.95 per person, with children under 12 $14.95. Salt Creek is located on Town Center Drive near the cinema. 222-9999 www.saltcreekgrille.com

"Green" Eggs (Hold the Ham)
When Dr. Suess rambled about "Green Eggs & Ham," he probably wasn't referencing Egg Plantation's commitment to the environment. Still, we think he'd be impressed. The family owned and operated Egg Plantation is the SCV's only certified "green" restaurant. They use sugar-cane alternatives to Styrofoam; boast biodegradable to-go cutlery; purchase organic cotton and bamboo shirts for employees and use only nontoxic cleaning products. Oh, and they make delicious food, too! (Even if you don't like eggs, green or otherwise!)

What to Drink
Custom-roasted coffee or their espresso beverages (Served with homemade biscotti!)
The Plantation Mary

Where to Sit
Every weekend, enjoy the melody of a live guitarist on the patio (You can bring Fido!). Misters are running on hot days to help you beat the heat.

How to Save
On Tuesdays, take 25 percent off if you're 55 or older
Take advantage of their free Wi-Fi
Score a complimentary menu item on your birthday (Just bring
your valid ID)
Join the "omelet loyalty" program: buy 12 omelets, get one free
Split your omelet with a friend - they're huge!
The Egg Plantation is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily and can
be found on Walnut Street in Old Town Newhall. 255-8222
www.eggplantation.com

TIME TO PARTY
How to Host Holiday Parties without the Stress
During the holidays, entertaining at home can be a delightful experience, as long as you don't become overwhelmed with stress. One way to beat party-planning panic is to let a party rental company help with the details. The items you need, plus the advice you want, is available in the showroom of your local party rental store.

The Family Dinner
Remove the stress of organizing your holiday dinner by working with a rental company to bring in the tables, chairs and linens you need to accommodate your larger-than-normal crowd. Let them know what space you're working with and they will be able to help you determine which table combination will work best. From there, you can choose the chairs and linens to fit your style and decor. You can also arrange for tableware and food service items like chafers and coffee makers.

The Holiday Bash
When planning for a holiday party, your rental company can help with cocktail tables, bars and dance floors. But for those really stressful situations, when you know you don't have enough room, they can help you create additional space with tents or canopies, or even by enclosing a patio. You can even move the party to the garage by adding drapery around the perimeter to hide walls and cupboards.

In the end, partnering with a party rental company will pay off not only by lowering stress levels, but will help to impress your guests long after the event is over. Be sure to check out A V's new online party-planning tool, where you can arrange your event layout to scale. It's awesome - and can be found here: www.avparty.com/cad.php.
A V Party Rentals is conveniently located in Old Town Newhall.
259-2151 www.avparty.com

Put a Little "Love" into your Holiday Parties
It's love for friends and family that drive us to deliver the best "holiday happiness" possible. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to drive ourselves insane during the process. A1 Event Rentals "gets it," and they want to remind you that, when it comes to holiday parties, "LOVE" is in the details!

L is for "Lounge Furniture"
The best way to create intimacy between guests is to give them a comfortable place to relax and connect. On a tight budget, smartly-grouped folding chairs can promote conversation, but for the best in ambiance, style and comfort, lounge furniture is a must.

O is for "Options"
With over a thousand linen choices, including top-tier three-dimensional beauties, you're sure to find the perfect colors and textures to set your party apart from the rest.

V is for "Value"
Value doesn't mean "cheap." It's about getting the most for your money. When you have dozens of people ready to arrive at your event location, your rentals need to be right and they need to be right on time. Sure, you may be able to find a beneath-the-radar shop that rents chairs for a few pennies less. But, when everything's riding on rentals being "right," it's best to stick to well-respected companies that have built their reputations on excellent products and services.

E is for "Enjoy It!"
It's your party - enjoy it! A1 Event Rentals is a total in-house rental and event production company. Relax and mingle while professionals work behind the scenes to ensure that your festivities go off without a hitch.
A1 Event Rentals 775-8111 www.a-1rentals.net

Are You Ready for some Football?
Wolf Creek has something more desirable than even their incredible menu: the NFL Package. Anytime a football game is on the screen, it's Happy Hour in the bar. There will be specials, prizes and contests all season long. Win beer for a year or a cold one while you're cheering on your favorite team. The best beer, the best food and now the best place to watch the game can all be found at Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company.
Wolf Creek is easy to find in the shopping center at the corner of McBean Parkway and Decoro in Valencia. 263-9653
www.wolfcreekbrewingco.com

Pull the Trigger for Friday Night Fun
Oak Tree Gun Club knows how to start the weekend right. Every Friday night, have a blast (Pun intended!) with friends at their Friday Night Fun Shoot.

The Details
Sign ups start at 6:30 p.m.; shooting starts at 7 p.m.
For only $25, you'll get 50 targets.
Shooters compete in skeet, trap, continental and sporting clays.
There are cash prizes for the winners.
All shooters - including newbies and novices - are welcome.
After you're done shooting, enjoy Oak Tree's pizza and beer special.
Score a large pizza and pitcher of Oak Tree Ale for only $20 with the coupon on page 45.
Oak Tree Gun Club is conveniently located in Newhall at 23121 North Coltrane Avenue. 259-7441 www.oaktreegunclub.com

Fresh Party "Picks"
There's nothing more festive than fresh floral arrangements. Here's how to turn your home into the happiest
house in the neighborhood.
Carry the festive ambiance through your
home by "connecting" rooms with
thematically-similar floral selections.
Don't forget to add florals in the guest bathroom.
A sink-side arrangement is a smart way to
add a touch of freshness.
Make a gorgeous first impression with a holiday door wreath made to coordinate with your indoor flowers.
For the ultimate in class and style, ask your florist to
create fresh decor for your fireplace mantel.