It can be hard to convince less adventurous eaters to take the plunge into Japanese food—the concept of eating raw fish can be just too much for some to handle. Those in the know, however, understand that Japanese cuisine is about more than just sushi, and Valencia’s Kabuki does a great job of representing the diversity and excellence of the country’s culinary traditions. This popular chain has branches throughout California and Arizona, serving up not only sushi but cooked foods that have regulars raving. Some of the hottest dishes on the menu include the tonkatsu, a breaded cutlet of pork served with a savory sauce, as well as the variety of tempuras. Classic Japanese noodle dishes like udon and ramen are also well-represented. And, of course, if you have a yen for sushi there is a wide variety of rolls on the menu to nosh on. The Lotus on Fire roll is a particular favorite.

Kabuki
24045 Newhall Ranch Road
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 799-8655
www.kabukirestaurants.com

As the mosaic of nature's colors arrive, the pumpkins grow in the cornfields, and the cornucopia of harvest festivals enrich our area, we want to wish you a Happy Autumn.

Less than an hour’s drive from metropolitan Los Angeles lies one of the oddest of LA County’s Natural History museums. The former residence of silent movie star William S. Hart, a Spanish colonial mansion atop a hill has been turned over to the county to serve as both a museum and a park that has its own herd of bison. Hart made 65 silent movies, starting his acting career at the age of 49, and when he died he deeded the property to the County on the provision that it be set aside for public use at no charge. The ranch now boasts a number of hiking trails that lead visitors through the dramatic terrain, a barnyard with farm animals, and the aforementioned bison, which were a gift from Walt Disney. The house itself acts as a museum of the silent film era, the American West and Native American art.

William S. Hart Park & Museum
24151 Newhall Avenue
Newhall, CA 91321
(616) 254-4584
www.friendsofhartpark.org