Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ: Let’s Get Cooking

Barbecue lovers will rejoice in Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ. Lucille’s offers a classy and elegant interior, including a fire pit and patio for temperate days. Lucille’s menu is equally as impressive, boasting an array of down home classics as well as quite a few surprises. The appetizers at Lucille’s could serve as main courses on their own. From succulent rib tips to deep fried shrimp, there is literally something for every taste. Try the sampler platter, complete with many favorites like onion straws, fried pickles, egg rolls, fried green tomatoes, and even a trio of dips. Of course the barbecue at Lucille’s is fall off the bone excellent, from ribs, chicken, Texas style beef brisket, and even combinations of above menu items for a family style feast. In addition to these items Lucille’s also offers an array of sandwiches, as well as a good selection of dessert. Traditional dessert dishes like red velvet cake are rounded out by Snickers ice cream pie and old fashioned banana pudding.

Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ
24201 W Valencia Boulevard
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 255-122
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lucilles-smokehouse-bar-b-que-valencia

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co.: A Perfect Marriage of Pizza And Sports

John and George Hadjis got into the pizza biz in 1991 with the opening of the first Oggi’s. As they built their business into a chain, they quickly realized that they could offer more to their employees than just pies. First off, they diversified into a sports bar concept, showing the hottest games from all over the country on wall-mounted TVs. And then, in 1995, they established themselves as a microbrewery and things just got better from there. In Italian, “Oggi” means “today,” referring to the fresh-made dough and other ingredients the chain uses in their 17 branches. Regulars praise the consistency of the pizza and the awesome Mug Club—for an annual fee, you get your own mug on the wall; upon visiting Oggi’s you just walk in, give your mug number and get served a frosty pint. Now that’s service.

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co.
18810 Soledad Canyon Road
Canyon Country, CA 91351
(661) 252-7883
www.oggis.com

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring is finally here! Wishing you a season of sunshine and warmth.

Unique Food Trucks Around the Country

Food trucks have gone from pure convenience to a gourmet experience over the last few years. From New York to Washington these popular meals on wheels have been popping up to provide diners a truly unique experience. If you're ever in the area make sure you stop by these top spots.

Streetza Pizza, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Serving up gourmet pizza by the slice. From regular cheese pizza and pepperoni to specialty slices like pizza topped with spam and chili there is always something new to try.

East Side King, Austin, Texas
Truly gourmet food delivered right to you like beef tongue, pork belly, chicken skin, Pho buns. Foodies will delight in this unique menu.

Where Ya At Matt, Seattle, Washington
Bringing a taste of New Orleans to Seattle. True home cooking of grits, corn bread, gumbo, and Po boys. When you need a taste of the South this is the place to go.

Kogi, Los Angeles, California
Korean BBQ to go. The menu is full of short rib stuffed burritos, calamari tacos, and Kogi Kimchi Quesadilla all for a great price.

Sugar Philly, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
When you want to indulge in a sweet treat this truck is here to help. Stop in for fresh baked macarons, cheesecake, and creme brulee.

Lee’s Wine Bistro: Fine Wine, Great Food, Good Friends

Lee’s Wine Bistro offers Valencia diners a stunning selection of top-tier wines in addition to a menu of fantastic small plates, as well as more substantial items for ravenous diners. The interior of Lee’s is a clean and modern affair, with a sleek black and red color scheme and spacious outdoor dining area. The menu matches the sophistication of the interior with perfectly executed wine bar fare. Small plates are great for sharing and Lee’s outdoes itself with selections like the dried fruit and nut plate, the antipasto platter featuring many fine Italian meats and cheeses, in addition to the hummus and olive tapenade and glazed pears and blue cheese. Lee’s also features a great deal of fabulous pasta dishes including basil pesto penne and penne pomodora with your choice of jumbo shrimp or chicken. The wine selection at Lee’s offers many choices, from mainstays to wines from smaller vineyards. Ask Lee’s expert staff for recommendations on pairing with their excellent dishes.  

Lee's Wine Bistro
24510 Town Center Drive
Suite 310
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 259-7754
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lees-wine-bistro-valencia

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Wishing you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day full of luck and laughter.

Roman Holiday Wine Lounge: Speakeasy Cool

Roman Holiday Wine Lounge pays homage to prohibition era cool with an array of classy upscale fare complete and artisan cocktails. Whether you are in search of a place to kick back with your favorite adult beverage or are looking for a great meal, Roman Holiday has what you need. With 64 wines to choose from, in addition to expertly made cocktails, you may have to seek assistance from Roman Holiday’s expert staff when choosing. But no matter what you choose you are sure to be please. This goes double for Roman Holiday’s menu, which features many wine bar classics. These include a variety of fine cheeses and meats, hearty grilled paninis, and dessert options. The drink menu at Roman Holiday is just as impressive, running from basil lime gimlets and bellinis to caipirinha, a traditional Brazilian liqueur with muddled limes and simple syrup.  

Roman Holiday Wine Lounge
Westfield Valencia Town Center
24201 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 3860
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
(661) 799-7221
http://www.yelp.com/biz/roman-holiday-wine-lounge-santa-clarita

Sisley Italian Kitchen: Fine Italian Dining

For fine Italian dining in a casual setting look no further than Sisley Italian Kitchen. Serving Valencia since 1997 Sisley Italian Kitchen offers top notch Italian fare that everyone will enjoy. For starters one could do worse than a Caprese salad, comprised of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Other appetizers include bruschetta, calamari fritte, and the Italian quesadilla, a sumptuous concoction of roasted chicken, pine nuts, and mozzarella in a thin pasta shell. The Italian excellence doesn’t stop there. The main courses are just as impressive, with selections like chicken parmesan panini, family style pasta dinners, even brick oven pizza in a variety of preparations, including goat cheese and pepperoni con funghi. Saturday and Sundays offer a decadent country brunch that can’t be beat. Items include bagel and lox, Tuscan omelet, and potato and egg pizza. 

Sisley Italian Kitchen
24201 Valencia Boulevard
Suite 101
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 287-4444
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sisley-italian-kitchen-valencia

 

Mountasia Family Fun Center: A Mountain Of Thrills and Entertainment

In 1995, a new face in the family entertainment business opened up in Santa Clarita to the deafening cheers of young children. Mountasia Family Fun Center boasts a gigantic array of activities for kids of all ages—from a massive enclosed Lazer Tag playfield to a huge go-kart track. If you’re looking for something slower, two themed 18-hole miniature golf courses are ready to challenge. Throw in batting cages, a climbing wall, and a video arcade and you’ve got the total package. Admission is free as each attraction requires a charge, and you can purchase unlimited-play passes to save money. A visit to Mountasia can get expensive with a lot of kids, so be forewarned. In 2001, a Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor was added to the premises, and if you have fond memories of this old-school chain, you’ll find all of your favorites still on the menu.

Mountasia Family Fun Center
21516 Golden Triangle Road
Santa Clarita, California 91350
(661) 253-4386
www.mountasiafuncenter.com

Lima Limon: Peruvian Cuisine

If you’ve never tried Peruvian cuisine, your palate is in for a treat. Santa Clarita's Lima Limon creates amazing dishes inspired by the diverse cultures of the South American country. Widely acclaimed by eaters and the media alike, this restaurant offers authentic dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Start off with one of their trademark ceviches, which are amazingly fresh raw fish dishes marinated in lime juice and hot pepper—one bite will make you think about fish in a whole new way. From there, the menu has dozens of popular options, although regulars rave about the lomo saltado, a delicious mélange of sautéed beef and tomatoes served over French fries. Other popular choices include the daily lunch specials—Thursdays in particular offer a specially seasoned rotisserie chicken that is one of Peru’s most famous foods.

Lima Limon
26845 Bouquet Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
(661) 297-6714
www.limalimonperuviancuisine.com