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It's no coincidence that "grub" rhymes with "pub" when you're grubbin' and pubbin' at the joint "built for the locals, by the locals" - The Local Pub & Grill. Start with the Triple Stuffed Mushrooms featuring portobellos stuffed with parmesan, cream cheese, garlic and parsley. Round Two impresses with the Giddy Up Burger topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, butter lettuce, barbecue sauce and onion straws on a pretzel bun. Want a lighter alternative? Check out the Southie BBQ Salad Wrap. On your lunch break? Their Pub Grub Lunch Special offers a variety of options, plus a drink, for around $10. It's a happening place! The Local is working with Santa Clarita's microbrewery, Pocock Brewing Co., to develop their own custom pale ale. Called The Local Charity Ale, 10 percent of proceeds will go to a local charity. They also expanded their brew collection to offer more craft with selections from local breweries in So Cal. Sip yours while playing cornhole and shuffleboard, or listening to live music on Friday nights. Check out their Tap Takeover nights as well as Wine Wednesdays, too. 495-9192

Grand openings give us the opportunity to be part of something big before everybody else joins in. It's like a VIP pass to the front of the line - and that's just where you want to be for the all-you-can-eat goodness that is Kogiya 2 Korean BBQ. The new, experienced owners have a passion for offering the best Korean barbecue and pride themselves in serving the most delicious food made from the freshest ingredients - with a side of warm hospitality, too. All-you-can-eat specials start at $14.99 for lunch and $17.99 for dinner. 678-0999

The weather is getting colder, our tastebuds are getting bolder and Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company has the food to warm your attitude, like the gluten-free Crispy Roasted Brussel Sprouts with preserved lemon, crushed red pepper, olive oil and parmesan cheese for only $8. Improve upon perfection by adding bacon for only $2.
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We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but do we ever give it the respect it deserves? Start your morning off right by delighting your tastebuds with the Casa Canela Skillet. Enjoy country potatoes, onions, sweet peppers and chorizo topped with jack cheese and two eggs, any style. And, just like that, lunch and dinner have competition. 523-7282

In Chef Jim McCardy we trust! At Marston's Restaurant, Chef Jim has created mouth-watering seasonal menu selections including Meyer's Ranch Tenderloin, Butternut Squash Ravioli, Chicken Sliders with Chipotle Slaw and Pepper Crusted Ahi Tuna Sashimi. Want to share Chef Jim's talent with those who matter to you? Marston's can cater your event - whether you need breakfast, lunch or dinner. Pat yourself on the back for a crew well fed with another bonus: Spend $50 or more on Marston's gift cards and you'll get 10 percent more on the card for free. 253-9910

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After almost 20 years, Wolf Creek Brewery's Golden Eagle continues to soar to new heights - ruffling the feathers of "Big Beer" with its crisp malt finish accented by bitterness from Northern Brewer and Cascade hops. This seemingly unassuming ale is the perfect welcome for newcomers, but don't forget: This blonde means business! Drink responsibly. 294-9977

Cocktails? Dinner? A movie? Date nights are there to help us reconnect; we want to feel that spark of excitement in our relationship - to indulge in experiences that we can happily reflect on and tell stories about later. So why do we stay in the same redundant pattern? Albert Einstein once said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun!" Change it up occasionally and do date night different at Painting with a Twist. With all the fun, diverse paintings to choose from, there's no reason to pass up the chance for bonding with your special someone. Painting with a Twist is a little bit of paint, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of fun! 414-6454

We love a restaurant that doesn't forget about its bar. That's why we're so excited that Chef Lety, owner of Sabor Cocina Mexicana, is bringing back fave hand-crafted cocktails. Taste the flavors of the season with the fresh Pear Mojito, featuring Absolut pear vodka, orange liqueur and homemade sour mix. 259-9002

The gift you deliver is the gift you receive! When you purchase $100 in gift cards from Salt Creek Grille, you get a $25 gift reward for yourself. Spend your bonus on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (Champagne, party favors, live music, oh my!) dinners at Salt Creek. You'll nosh on seasonal favorites like Almond Crusted Goat Cheese Salad, Filet Mignon & Crab Cake and Stuffed Salmon filled with scallops, shrimp, crab, shallots, spinach and more. And because everyone's favorite Eves fall on a Sunday this year, you get to take advantage of their holiday brunch, too, from 10am to 2pm. 222-9999

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If you have yet to plan anything special for New Year's Eve, look no further than Hyatt Regency Valencia. Ring in 2018 with a celebratory five-course menu, live music and magical memories with seatings at 5:30 and 8:30. Reservations are required; don't miss out on the classiest NYE bash in town! 678-4044

Kiss 2017 goodbye and welcome in 2018 at the biggest party night of the year at Tournament Players Club Valencia. Enjoy a festive special dinner menu at The Oaks Grille and celebrate New Year's Eve without navigating a single freeway. Log onto www.oaksgrilletpc.com for details. 288-1995

No need to leave town for New Year's Eve when your friendly-neighborhood JJ'S Bar & Grill already has the party planned! Don't miss out on live entertainment, food and drink specials, plus a midnight surprise! Make your reservations now. 799-7557

What better way to celebrate new beginnings than by laughing? JR's Comedy Club is back at the Embassy Suites for their biggest night of the year featuring double headliners Don Friesen and Mitch Burrow. Celebrate the East Coast New Year's Eve from 5:15 until 9 and the West Coast's from 8:15 until 2018 with a superb dinner, party favors, noise-makers, hats, champagne toast and hours of comedy for only $78 a person ($35 for the show only.). 259-2291


These adorable Kiss Me at Midnight NYE Cake Pops from Cake Goodness come with a gold clock that is about to strike 12, a glittery red lip all puckered up for the first kiss of the New Year, a sparkly black heel that is ready to dance the night away and a glittery silver star. These cuties are available in all of your favorite flavors, too: Cookies and Cream, Triple Chocolate, Red Velvet, Brownie and Cinnamon Crunch. Call for pre-order or walk in the store to pick some up for your special night. 799-7510

Give the gift of freshness this holiday by showcasing the agricultural history and pride of the Limoneira Company by sending Gourmet Holiday Fruit Gift Baskets. They'll enjoy four each of premium large Hass avocados, oranges and lemons, each one freshly picked from the Limoneira orchards. 805-525-5541

Thanks to the Holly Jolly Holiday Bundt Cake, there's nothing "bundt" holiday cheer at Nothing Bundt Cakes. Share yours with those on "the sweet list." 291-2424

After you recover from New Year's Eve, make sure you don't miss out on the Paseo Palooza Membership Event from January 11 to 14. You'll see for yourself why The Paseo Club offers the best of the best in the Santa Clarita Valley with great service, programs and facilities. The Club sprawls over eight acres and includes a 15,000-square-foot three story fitness and spa Center, 15 tennis courts, Junior Olympic Pool, jacuzzi, loggia, poolside bar and grill, kids club, golf training center, executive locker rooms with steam rooms and saunas and so much more. Enjoy "the place to be" in Santa Clarita and gift the magic of membership this season. 257-0044

Valencia Country Club's coveted social calendar is remarkable both in breadth and depth, with an expansive selection of to-do's for couples, singles and families. Make new friends - and friendly competitors - in VCC's array of golf leagues, treat business connections to exquisite dining, host events in the traditionally-appointed ballroom or the stylish event lawn and more. At Valencia Country Club, membership really is the gift that keeps on giving. 799-1271