EAT
Sunshine Edition
Have you seen the patio at Hacienda Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant? It's like a tropical vacation location, except you can drink the water. But forget water! Drink a freshly-blended margarita, mis amigos, and relax in the warm breeze; 252-8074

We already would have traded an essential organ for Schreiner's Fine Sausages, and that was before we tried the Cajun and Jalapeno Sausages hot off a barbecue grill. Aaaahhh-sooomme. Order now for Father's Day, that backyard pool party you've been meaning to host, the next time you go to the beach and any other excuse you can find to eat the best sausages on earth; 818-244-4735 www.schreinersfinesausages.com

We're big fans of "gourmet-to-going it" during the summer, which basically entails ordering takeout and then enjoying it in the park or on the backyard patio. New Moon "gets" us and is now offering their ever-changing lunch specials for just $8.95. You get a choice of soup or salad and a choice of Beef, Chicken or Vegetable entree, served with white or brown rice. Take the perfectly-portioned servings to go Monday through Friday; 257-4321

DRINK
Father's Day Edition
Dad may never be invited to the PGA tournament, but now at least he can drink the famous event's wine. Vino 100 is the exclusive local distributor of PGA Tour Wines - Champion Select. This 2006 pinot noir, from the central coast, offers aromas of rose petals, dark cherries, pomegranate and spice representative of the cool-climate growing region. This pinot is a perfect wine to be savored on its own or with many of Dad's favorite meals; 294-6886

Celebrate Father's Day with a special Champagne Brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant in Canyon Country (252-5599) and Presidente Mexican Grill in Saugus (297-7244). Dad will nosh on eight exquisite entrees, omelets, plus a fresh salad and fruit bar and - oh my! - homemade waffles and complimentary champagne.

Hit a homerun and take Dad to Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. to root for his favorite MLB team. With 32 flat-screen TVs and nine microbrews, this man-haven has what it takes to make Father's Day great. You can even smoke a celebratory cigar on the patio; 252-7883

Hefeweizen is back! This award-winning beer is just one of
Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Company's brew master's many creations. (Rob has been brewing beer and winning ribbons for it for over 13 years. He rocks!) Try the Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 p.m. to close, featuring a dollar off all beer and house wine, as well as appetizer specials at the bar; 263-9653

Take Dad on a walk on the spicy side with the Chile-rimmed Cucumber Jicama Margarita at Sabor Cocina Mexicana. Pair the refreshing tequila-laced treat with Sabor's famous Jicama Tortilla Tacos. Both seasonal selections are available for a limited time only; 259-9002

PLAY
Party Edition
Oh, Drink Dr.! Where were you on our 21st - or first - birthday? Your delicious margaritas and slushies are the highlight of every party, and now we have to wait until our next backyard bash to drink in (pun intended) the compliments we willingly take on your behalf. Until then, we look forward to delivery and pick up of your fun frozen beverage machines; 510-5778 www.thedrinkdr.com

After eight, twelve, sixteen or more years taking orders, isn't it time our graduates get to have someone else take theirs? Host their graduation party at Salt Creek Grille and have your very own staff cater to your private- or semi-private party needs. Celebrate with up to 100 people on the patio bar, which features plasma TVs and space for live entertainment, or take the more intimate route and book the private room for up to 30 people. Either way, customized menus and a great time are only a phone call away; 222-9999

Ambassador Banquet Hall is the newest place in the Santa Clarita Valley to host your banquet, reception or event - and the amenities list will blow your mind. Available services include valet parking, limos, private security, floral arrangements, photo/video services, an elegant black glass LED light-illuminated bar, ice sculptures, full dining setup, video projectors and catering; 310-0903

Here's the best thing to happen on Mondays since, well, anything. You can now host a private party at The Social's restaurant and martini lounge. How's that for a way to get the work week off to a really nice start?; 799-9155

EVERY DAD LOOKS GOOD IN GREEN
Even if your dad's idea of going "green" is ordering a salad at his favorite restaurant, he'll flip for the Lexus HS Hybrid. This hyper-affordable luxury vehicle starts at just $34,650, meaning that he'll save green by going green. More masculine than the competition's wind-up-toy-styled fleet, the aerodynamic exterior of Lexus's newest hybrid, which scores an impressive 35 miles a gallon, provides less than a subtle hint about the state-of-the-art technology cleverly tucked away inside. Complete with Lane Keep Assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and improved efficiencies between the engine, battery and regenerative brakes, this car of the future is ready to make this the best Father's Day ever.
Test-drive ready at Keyes Lexus of Valencia 260-2000.