The only guide you need for take out, dine in, pick up, wind down, party there, bring them here, do this and order that - from the perspective of an SCV native.

INSIDE ENTERTAINMENT

MB2 Raceway turned me into an adrenaline junkie. Out-of-town guests (over 48 inches tall) are greeted at our front door, then promptly taken to our family's go-kart home away from home. The enormous party-friendly indoor facility bursts with excitement on and off the track, with a hopping arcade and Final Score deli. There's a big demand for corporate events at MB2; with all-inclusive parties starting at only $295, it's an accountant-friendly decision that also stands out from other invites.

INSIDE TIP:
The quarter-mile-long track consists of 11 turns; turns two and eight can be challenging to newbies. Get a practice run in before your big party so that your race time impresses clients and friends alike.

818-364-8000
www.mb2raceway.com
13943 Balboa Boulevard, Sylmar



"Mom, I want to go to the big waterfall," says my 3-year-old, referring to Mountasia's dramatic exterior landscape feature. And while Will's more interested in the arcade games and hot fudge sundaes at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour Restaurant, 10-year-old Kati begs to be let loose among the park's seven acres of lazer tag, rock climbing, bumper boats, batting cages, miniature golf and go karts. No wonder they regularly take the prize for SCV's best place for kids to have fun!

INSIDE TIP:
Visit on Customer Appreciation Day - Saturday, October 31 - for 12 hours of unlimited play for only $20. Kids under 42 inches are only $10. It's all about the "treats" this Halloween!

253-4386
www.mountasiafuncenter.com
21516 Golden Triangle Road, Santa Clarita



Stitch Cafe is the perfect place to congregate, knit, relax and learn. Take time for yourself in the bright and charming indoor seating area; they're freeway close from the SCV, so "me" time is just a few minutes away. Creating wearable heirlooms is just part of the fun; you'll meet great new friends from all walks of life. The extensive, ever-changing variety of beautiful yarns is as colorful as the patient, knowledgeable staff on hand who are eager to help you select and complete your projects. Classes can even be booked and paid for online!

INSIDE TIP:
Create your "wish list" at Stitch Cafe and spread the word to the hubby and kids, or present a pal with a gift certificate redeemable for classes and knitting accoutrements.

818-980-1234
www.stitchcafe.com
12443 Magnolia Boulevard, Valley Village



The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons hosts an incredible array of talent. Every Christmas, my family kicks off the season with the Santa Clarita Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker" and this year I'm gifting my niece with tickets to the PAC's "Champions of Dance" performance on November 14. We're more than a little excited to see what happens when Dancing with the Stars cast members pair up with international dance champs. Whether you love theatre, need to impress guests or want to share culture with the kids, the PAC has what you're looking for.

INSIDE TIP:
Visit the website at www.canyonspac.com for a complete list of performances and reserve your seat online!

362-5304
www.canyonspac.com
26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita



INSIDE WINE

Wine snobs, novices and everyone in between get their grape on at Vino 100. I'm a fan of their unique Wine Barometer, a handy system that clearly labels each wine on two scales: fruity to dry and light to full body. Even better - Vino's selection of boutique, handcrafted wines from small, artisan vineyards are super affordable, with at least 100 under the price of $25. Join owners Lil and Shari, along with Salt Creek Grille Catering chef Tamra Levine, for the "Demystifying Food & Wine Pairings" education series.

INSIDE TIP:
Classes begin on October 15; join any time! The friendly experts at Vino 100 will help you every step of the way.
Make your holiday party a must-attend event by working with Vino 100 to host a wine-tasting shindig in your home.

294-6886
www.vino100valencia.com
28112 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia



I love that All Corked Up's full restaurant menu includes wine recommendations (Try the Chicken Diablo with a Pinot Blanc!) and the decadent Wacky Cheesecake (Part carrot cake, part cheesecake, all delicious!). Treat loved ones to a private gathering for lunch or dinner; connect during an in-house or off-site wine tasting; or make memories during a fun-filled cooking class. The Tuscan-inspired decor is a beautiful backdrop and All Corked Up's special events coordinator makes planning your get-together oh-so-simple.

INSIDE TIP:
ACU carries over 4,000 wines and spirits, all perfect for gifting. Still, it can be overwhelming to a novice like me. I tell the pros who I'm buying for, what I want to spend, and the perfect choice is selected and wrapped in a few minutes.

799-7979
www.allcorkedup.com
26340 Diamond Place, Santa Clarita



INSIDE WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Armed with a Martha Stewart Wedding magazine and my A-type personality, I planned my own wedding. And it was a disaster - to my bank account. Choosing out-of-season flowers and accruing costly late-booking fees were just some of my mistakes that took a big chunk out of our honeymoon budget. I should have invested $10 (for me and a guest) to attend a Santa Clarita Wedding Pros event-planning seminar. Over 20 reputable wedding and event-planning pros share tips and answer questions so that your big day/big party is both a social and financial success.

INSIDE TIP:
The next seminar is on Tuesday, November 10, at the Hyatt at 7 p.m. Reserve your spot now to enjoy a champagne toast, hors d'oeuvres, wedding cake samples and cash-saving ideas.

296-6191
www.santaclaritaweddings.com



It's hard not to fall in love with Myra Harbour, owner of Celebrate - Planning for an Event to Remember. She's funny, charming - and man, is she good at what she does. Myra's creative genius - paired with her much-coveted contacts and an eye on the bottom line - has produced stunning weddings, corporate events, holiday shindigs, dinner parties and more through So Cal and beyond. Work with her from the invites to the thank-you notes. In the end, you can save money - and you'll certainly save your sanity.

INSIDE TIP:
If you prefer the DIY route, swing by Celebrate for the prettiest, most unique invitations in the whole world! Order jaw-dropping linens while you're there, too. You won't find a selection like this anywhere else.

259-8611
www.celebratevalencia.com
23300 Cinema Drive, #103, Valencia



INSIDE MEXICAN CUISINE

The intricate - and intoxicating - flavors that define the Sabor Cocina Mexicana menu are hard to contain. Even simple dishes, like the Kobe Beef Shortribs, burst with the flavor of salsa Chilaca. Pair it with a 100-percent agave tequila margarita for a refreshing twist. The ambience is equally delicious, right down to the embossed leather menus and intimate booths.

INSIDE TIP:
Such a refined dining experience is best shared with close friends and associates. Treat your inner circle to Sabor's passionately prepared cuisine, available in a pre-set four-option list menu that includes an appetizer, entree, drink and dessert for only $35 per person. A favorite for baby showers, wedding rehearsals and other celebrations, it's an ideal location for holiday festivities.

259-9002
www.saborcocinamexicana.com
23953 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia



Hacienda's Mexican Dragon dish stars tender chicken or beef - sauteed with fresh vegetables in a chile oil sauce - resting on a bed of flavorful rice, for $12.25. Like every other Hacienda dish, the signature entree is top rate, but the prices are not. The philosophy of fabulous food for an affordable price continues through the restaurant's catering and banquet menu. Festive party platters of flautas, tamales, enchiladas and more can be had for less than you probably spend on a night out for two.

INSIDE TIP:
If you haven't seen Hacienda Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant lately, you haven't seen it at all. Truly gorgeous inside and out, the faux-finished banquet room alone is worth a visit. Book your party now to be one of the first to showcase the new take on an SCV favorite.

252-8074
www.haciendadoncuco.com
27247 Camp Plenty Road, Canyon Country



Here's the cheeriest news I've heard lately: Presidente Mexican Grill and El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant have extended their Happy Hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Add complimentary hors d'oeuvres from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and you have yourself a real reason to smile.
And here's one more. These fine family-owned Mexican restaurants are the perfect location for your next event. El Chaparral even has a dedicated banquet room ideal for parties large and small. Because the space is as affordable as it is beautiful, reservations can fill quickly - so call ahead now to book your holiday bash. Go incognito and check it out on your lunch break, where you can dine on a variety of fresh options from the Express Lunch Menu for just $7.25, available at both locations.

INSIDE TIP:
Head to the border for brunch on Sunday. With new lower pricing (only $13.95 for adults and $6.95 for kids), the Champagne Buffet can't be beat. You'll feast on eight hot entrees, "make-your-own" omelets, a salad bar, Belgian waffles, fresh fruit and free bubbly.

Presidente Mexican Grill
297-7244
26625 Bouquet Canyon Road, Valencia

El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant
252-5599
19132 Soledad Canyon, Canyon Country



INSIDE REGIONAL CUISINE

Steve Posner, owner of Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen, deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. The man, or - more accurately - his authentic, delicious, satisfying food, has stopped more than one hunger-induced argument in its tracks when Mommy (me) was too busy for breakfast/lunch/dinner. I'm hoping that his now-famous ready-to-serve catered spread fulfills the same purpose for my politically-diverse family come Christmas day. I'm betting that a stack of gourmet pastrami, Polish sausage, oven-roasted turkey and veggie sandwiches will do the trick, or at least keep people happily chewing (instead of talking).

INSIDE TIP:
Steve and family can do it all, so let them! Handcrafted cakes, Italian gelatos, gorgeous meat, cheese and fruit platters, fantastic salads and even fancy bubbly sodas are literally one call away.

257-8844
28060 Hasley Canyon Rd, Suite #110, inside Hasley Crossroads Center, Castaic



Comfort. Now, more than ever, people crave it. Serve the foodie equivalent of a great big hug by offering a buffet spread of homemade lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti with meatballs, caprese salad, roast beef and fresh-baked Italian bread. Homemade cheesecake, tiramisu, and cannolis sweeten the deal, though I rarely have room after treating myself to a helping of Italia Panetteria's succulent sausage and peppers. It's cheaper than therapy, and way tastier.

INSIDE TIP:
I am a proponent of consumable gifts. Last year, my gal pal swooned over the savory collection of Italian oils, vinegars and pastas I selected for her from Italia Panetteria's gourmet grocery. This year, I'm letting them do the work. They make beautiful gift baskets, and all I have to do is take in the compliments!

294-9069
www.italiavalencia.com
27674 Newhall Ranch Road, #55 Valencia



You've gotta try New Moon's spectacular Chloe's Shrimp, featuring crunchy prawns coated with a slightly sweet, pungent sauce with a hint of garlic. New Moon's vibe is decidedly casual with a hint of hip that is carried through the spot's modern decor all the way to the well-stocked bar that boasts live jellyfish. Visit with friends for happy hour at the bar - and on the patio - every day from 5 to 7 p.m.

INSIDE TIP:
Make your holiday reservations now! New Moon's dining room can accommodate parties up to 60, but the real deals are catering selections starting at $12.95 per person. The complete menus are chef-balanced for a mix of tastes and textures perfect for parties big and small. No one will ever guess you spent so little on food that tastes so good.

257-4321
www.newmoonrestaurants.com
28281 Newhall Ranch Road,
inside Valencia's Gateway Village



Carnivores from every corner of Santa Clarita celebrated the opening of T-Bo's House of BBQ. They're now within a 10-minute drive of five traditions of American barbecue - including the distinctive flavors from Kansas City, Texas, North Carolina, Alabama and Santa Maria. But even the omnivores among us have reason to cheer. Between the Roasted Tomato Cream Soup, Infused Strawberry Salad and the Sky High Peanut Butter Pie, everyone's taste buds are happy.

INSIDE TIP:
T-Bo's offers their full menu for take out. Call ahead and place your order, slide into a reserved "take-out parking spot" at the front of the restaurant, then give them a ring (the number's right on the parking sign!) and they'll bring your food out to you.

250-2100
www.tbosbbq.com
19403 Soledad Cyn Rd, Canyon Country



INSIDE AMERICAN CUISINE

Elmer Dills of KABC Eyewitness News once declared Salt Creek's Grille Chop "A must order... Perfection on the bone." Personally, I think that's an understatement. The cured, center-cut, double-thick pork chop - topped with hot apple chutney - is the most juicy, flavorful chop you'll ever eat. Order yours while relaxing in SCG's private dining room (seats 30) or cozy patio (seats 80). Set-priced menus and a helpful event manager are readily available.

INSIDE TIP:
SCG now offers full-service off-site catering. Complete menu development services are complimentary, and, as you'd expect, presentation is picturesque. Stress less by investing a little more to have Salt Creek's culinary experts create a gourmet holiday meal your family and friends can savor at home.

222-9999
www.saltcreekgrille.com
24415 Town Center Drive #115, Valencia



Few restaurants display a culinary range broad enough to successfully encompass both Taco Bars and Antipasto Buffets, but Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company doesn't just meet your taste buds' expectations - it exceeds them. Share your love of everything WC with 50 of your favorite folks in the brew pub's private banquet room. The well-appointed space is made even more appealing with the addition of Wolf Creek specialties like Grilled Salmon with Melon Salsa, Country French Chicken and Ale-marinated Tri-tip - all affordably bundled with beverages and more, starting at $11.95 per person.

INSIDE TIP:
Add Meghan's Famous Chocolate Layer Cake, Carrot Cake or Cheesecake for only $2.75 more per guest. They're a delectable finish to a fine meal that's worth every penny.

263-9653
www.wolfcreekbrewingco.com
27746 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia



At Wings, Pizza N Things, $20 can feed a family of four, but on Monday and Tuesday nights a sports fan can dine for considerably less. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., start your workweek with 50-cent wings and $2 domestic bottled beers (Monday) and 50-cent boneless wings and $2 domestic drafts (Tuesday). 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; nine HD flat screens - plus a killer premium sports package subscription - seal the deal.

INSIDE TIP:
Place your order of $25 or more and Wings, Pizza N Things will deliver your burgers, wings and more piping hot to your front door.

295-1000
www.wingsnpizza.com
28070 Hasley Canyon Road, #106, Castaic



You'll find 101 omelets at The Egg Plantation, and even more reasons why this Food Network-featured restaurant is one of Santa Clarita's most beloved dining spots. Number 83 - partnered with the best mimosa in town - is what brings me in for breakfast (a four-egg omelet with hot-n-spicy chili beans, Jack cheese and onions). But don't forget lunch. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. - plenty of time to try the Long John sandwich (a half-pound ground chuck patty smothered with sauteed onions and melted cheese on a grilled roll) or garden-fresh homemade soup or salad.

INSIDE TIP:
Host your private party at The Egg Plantation after hours. A full customized menu (and bar!) is available, along with ample parking and charming ambience.

255-8222
www.eggplantation.com
24415 Walnut Street, Newhall