EAT
We're smiling like a jack-o-lantern when Wolf Creek Restaurant & Brewing Co. serves up their flavorful Pumpkin Ravioli tossed in a creamy cilantro-pesto and topped with fresh tomato and jack cheese. Go for the gourd and finish with the Pumpkin Torte, layered with cream cheese icing and pecans, or the Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake; 263-9653

We don't like change, especially when it comes to Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co.'s tried and true menu. But we'll make an exception when it comes to these delicious new additions: Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Marathon Flat Bread Pizza, Fish Tacos, Matador Burger with Fries, Texas Burger with Fries and the Official Pizza of the San Diego Chargers. Try them on Tuesdays, when locals take 15 percent off their eats; 252-7883

Submarina California Sub's sanity-saving family four-pack deal will save you money, too. For only $19.99, get two 12-inch subs, four bags of chips and four regular-size drinks; 259-4SUB (4782)

DRINK
El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant in Canyon Country (252-5599) and Presidente Mexican Grill in Saugus (297-7244) are offering a great gift certificate special: Buy $100 worth of certificates and get a $20 certificate free. (That's one heck of a happy hour!)

Don't Miss these Delicious Events
Thanksgiving Champagne Buffet at Salt Creek Grille
Leave the cooking and cleaning to Salt Creek and give thanks for their honey-glazed ham and turkey carving stations; stuffing and holiday sides; peel-and-eat shrimp; fresh salads; plus a special Thanksgiving dessert spread. Book your reservation from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for only $29.95 per person (kids 12 and under are $12.95); 222-9999

Christmas Tea at The Tea Gardens Tea Room & Bakery
In December, stop in any time to try new holiday teas like Christmas Chai (a blend of rooibos tea, cinnamon, cloves, star anise and chocolate), Christmas Cookies (an herbal mix of almonds and vanilla), Caramel Apple (a white tea with apples and caramel) or Winter White Earl Grey Tea (a white tea blended with bergamot) - or reserve your table for a very special Christmas tea experience; 255-9832

New Year's Day Champagne Brunch at Margarita's Mexican Grill
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., raise your (complimentary champagne/orange juice/horchata glass) to 2011 while dining on nine savory entrees, waffles, omelets, salads and desserts; 255-1136

PLAY
The Holiday Party Edition
Table for 300? No problem. At Hacienda Don Cuco's, the grand banquet room and skilled staff can accommodate nearly any sized party. Now the only question is, "Do you even know 300 people?"; 252-8074

Treat them to The Kona Crisp's fine gourmet barbecued meats, which are gently smoked for 14 hours with real mesquite wood. On sandwiches, plate meals, or by the pound, their pulled pork, choice briskets and tri-tips, ribs and chicken are always a special treat. (And a great value - catering is available with free delivery!); 287-3123

Websites don't usually make us drool (We keep it classy!), but the Newmoonrestaurants.com catering menu has us searching for a hanky. New Moon's all-time favorite dishes have been specifically designed for celebrations. So click on, and then figure out a reason to party; 257-4321

As kids, we always wanted to be the center of attention. The Social is appealing to our inner 8 year old (albeit an 8 year old with a terribly sophisticated palate) by letting us (and you) book their entire restaurant on Mondays. Yes, now you and your guests can dine on Lobster Thermidor without having to share your server with the masses; 799-9155

Gourmet pre-set menus and comfortable seating for up to 50 of your most treasured friends, family and associates makes
Sabor Cocina Mexicana the refined choice for your holiday event; 259-9002


THE SWEETEST GIFTS
Cookies, Brownies & More Delivered to their Door
Lady Di's Cookies & Sweets creates soft-and-chewy cookie and decadent-fudge brownie baskets artistically-wrapped with holiday cello and real pinecones. Diane's staff will even hand-deliver your gift locally, or ship it nationwide. We suggest placing your order in store, though, so that you have an excuse to sip on a steaming cup of truffle hot chocolate; 222-9102

Celebrate with Rich, Creamy (and Sugar Free!) Italian Ice Cream
Party trays, "pints to go" or hand-scooped, Whimsical Gelato makes every occasion happier! Try seasonal flavors like White Peppermint, S'mores, Cheesecake and Italian Straciatella, or their exceptional sugar-free options, including Double Chocolate, Sweet Strawberry and Lemone; located in the Westfield Valencia Town Center Atrium Food Court

Elegant Gift Boxes with a Sweet Surprise
Give sweetly this year with edible presents wrapped elegantly with gorgeous ribbons. Choose from dozens of Bake You Happy options, including S'mores Cupcakes (moist chocolate cupcake with a graham cracker crust, topped with a light-toasted marshmallow frosting); 373-6597

Specialty Cupcakes (Even Gluten Free!) Late Night or To Go
We love technology, because you can now order your favorite right-outta-the-oven cupcakes (Topped with fresh, homemade frostings... Yum!) online at Thecupcaketreebakery.com! Or go all old-fashioned on us and order your treats in person at The Cupcake Tree, located near the Edwards Cinema in Canyon Country. They're open late - until 11 p.m. on Friday and 10 p.m. on Saturday (8:30 p.m. weekdays) and can even accommodate gluten-free diets with orders placed 48 hours in advance; 251-YUMM (9866)

Serve the Best with Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream Cakes & Pies
The Cold Stone Creamery at 27071 McBean Parkway in the Promenade Shopping Center offers premium desserts, including eight-layer ice cream cakes. These tempting selections are crafted with three layers of ice cream, three layers of cake and
two mid-layers of mix-ins, finished with fluffy frosting and delicious design. Or choose Cold Stone's ice cream pies. These cool confections are available for only $12.99 through December 28; 253-4123