Dining, Arts & Entertainment

Traveling: Vacation, business, or a combination of both.  Fortunately for me, it’s usually somewhere in between no matter where I go, ‘cause no matter the locale, you have to eat and dining is not merely a means of sustenance.
What does traveling have to do with Maru?  Well, for those of you who don’t know, I do consulting work for restaurants from location acquisition to complete opening and operations. 

Come share a beautiful experience at Bella Cucina, where you can encounter divine culinary enjoyment and the true essence of Italy.  From the gorgeous murals on the walls, to the Tuscan feel right when you walk in, you will be whisked away with authentic aromas and flavorful foods.   

The old joke is: People fear the art of “public speaking” so much that at a funeral most people would rather be the person in the box than the guy or girl at the podium.  
Finding oneself in need of being creative in a situation can bring about a similar reaction of panic and mental-lock down—help!... I feel buried!... overwhelmed!... in-over-my-head!

Women love birthdays.  They remember them.  They expect you to remember them.  They remember any occasion on which it is customary for them to receive a gift.  They remember these days as if they were the combination to a safe.  If a woman forgets her friend’s birthday, the result can be catastrophic.  

For many people to eat deli food is not just a nostalgic thing it’s an obsession. The fact that deli food is done incredibly well and tastes divine is just fine with me. Delis typically put the food first and put as much love and care into the food as humanly possible. And, the fact, that when you make food that’s delicious and you are using the best knowledge, tools, ideas, etc. then that’s what makes it work and taste so good!

Climb aboard, sit back and relax, be waited on, or put on your dancin’ shoes, party and make merry aboard one of Fillmore & Western Railway Co.’s summer dinner trains.  
If you want to kick up your heels or dazzle your guest with a creative night to remember, climb aboard one of our themed dinner trains.  Shake, Rattle & Rail departs on the first Friday night of the month at 5:30 p.m. 

Beloved Santa Clarita eatery Sisley Italian Kitchen proudly announces the “It’s A Family Affair” – Kids Eat Free!  Every Sunday through Wednesday, kids ages two through 12 receive a free meal from the kids menu with the purchase of an adult entrée.  In the tradition of “Family Comes First,” the restaurant has been looking for ways to lessen the crunch on your wallet. 

For traditional Chinese Cuisine, visit Mandarin 88.  You will be pleased with their wide variety of foods to choose from and their selection of beer and wine.  From their Chef’s Specialties to their Appetizers and Mandarin Dinner Specials, you won’t be disappointed.   

There are so many reasons for why we’re still out there looking for a significant other, even after marriage, divorce, and our forties.
Some of the reasons might be companionship, romance, partnership, friendship, marriage, avoidance of solitude, or all of those combined into one, lovely alliance.  But some of us are just out there looking for someone who will listen to us.  I’m wondering if it isn’t easier for women to be alone than it is for men. 

Have you ever come back from your travels to another country and tried to make something at home that you enjoyed while you were there?  How about something as simple as tacos, just roasted vegetables in Italy or a simple roasted chicken in France.  Were you successful?  I would venture to say that you probably were not. 

The Sportsmen’s Lodge is hosting a special Father’s Day Brunch on Sunday, June 20.  Father’s Day will be fun for the whole family, as the restaurant will offer a variety of hot and cold entrees, including seafood, specialty salads, fresh breads and desserts.  A special guest will be there for the kids, in addition to pony rides and a petting zoo.

Month after month I am so lucky to be one of the writers that gets to do that restaurant reviews.  As someone who rarely eats out, but is a complete and total “foodie,” I really look forward to tasting new cuisines.
Mandarin 88 is a local restaurant many customers refer to as a frequent hangout; a place where regulars love the food so much they order the same thing almost every time they visit the establishment.

Sat., May 1, 7:30 a.m —Friends of Castaic Fishing and Fun for Kids Day.  Bring fishing gear, no license required for kids under 15. Located at West Launch Ramp. Sat.-Sun., May 1 & 2, 10 a.m. — Santa Clarita Valley Pet & Family Expo.  2nd Annual Pet and Family Expo-...

The Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City has long been a Los Angeles tradition. For nearly 65 years, such traditions have been the very essence of the Lodge. Whether you are planning an intimate rehearsal dinner or an extravagant wedding ceremony and reception, a birthday party or an anniversary celebration, a cultural or religious gathering, a holiday event or a class reunion – The Sportsmen’s Lodge welcomes you to experience the perfect location.

At a restaurant, always leave a tip.  Tips can vary from 15 percent to 25 percent. 
Waiter: 15 percent to 20 percent of the bill; 25 percent for extraordinary service

For The Santa Clarita Homeless Shelter May 24 at Robinson Ranch!

We need your help for this one!  On May 24, there will be the most fun golf tournament ever at Robinson Ranch.  Each foursome will play with a professional, nationally known comedian.  There will be lots of funny surprises on the course, and a gala dinner banquet and comedy show afterward, with many of the comedians performing.  All proceeds will go to the Santa Clarita Homeless Shelter.

Who Pays?
The results are in!  A couple of months ago, the question came up regarding who should pay at the end of those first few crucial, precedent-setting dates.  I have to stop here to thank all my readers who took the time to vote, many of whom sent additional comments justifying their choices.  I appreciate all of your opinions and the kind, respectful way in which you shared them.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by College of the Canyons, the City of Calabasas and the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce have announced a partnership to provide SBDC free business consulting and low-cost training services to small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the Calabasas area.