Dining, Arts & Entertainment

When it comes to new ships, the cruise industry keeps outdoing itself.  Cruise lines often update existing ships to make them more stylish, comfortable and entertaining than before.  They also invest in brand-new ships with truly innovative features.

What do I see on the calendar for the month of March?  I see St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and most importantly my wife’s birthday. 

Local promoters bring big-name music to COC

Marks Brothers Entertainment Group is an independent promotions company bringing big-name musical acts to Santa Clarita.  Founded by five local entrepreneurs (none of whom are actually brothers) MBEG launched their concert series at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons with legendary R&B super group Kool & the Gang on January 22, 2008.  “The audience was on their feet dancing and singing along for most of the show,” one attendee commented.  “It was great, we’ll definitely be back.”

This popular smoothie and sandwich chain blends exotic super fruits into six tropical confections.  In response to consumer demand for healthier beverages packed with powerful nutrients, Tropical Smoothie Café introduces its new menu category of Supercharged Smoothies that contain pomegranate, goji and acai (pronounced AH-SAH-EE) at all 250-plus franchise locations.  These super fruits, known for their exceptional antioxidant and nutrient-rich qualities, will be blended into six new smoothie offerings.

General Forecast:

Attention all of you water sign people — Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces!  The planet of affection, attention, appreciation and love (Venus) activates fun, romance and attracting money from March 12 to April 6.  The planet of good luck and expansion (Jupiter) expands business projects for all earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn) until January 2009.

When George and Sherry Rifold opened George’s Bistro on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, it was an immediate success.  From the time they opened in the morning until closing, their restaurant was a sought after destination for great food and fun.   Soon it became the place to be for meeting new friends, enjoying delicious dinners with family or having a special party for large groups.

In harmony with the rebirth of nature, the Iranian New Year Celebration or Norooz, always begins on the first day of spring.  Norooz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts — the end and the rebirth or good and evil.  A few weeks before the New Year, Iranians clean and rearrange their homes.  They make new clothes, bake pastries and germinate seeds as a sign of renewal.

Spice up your next get together by hosting a Party Thyme Interactive Dinner Party.  It’s a cooking show in your own kitchen; a one of a kind experience where your guests enjoy each other’s company, experience vibrant entertainment, and learn to cook a gourmet meal.

Tiramisu is the most recognized Italian dessert.  It is a dessert made of biscuits dipped in coffee and mascarpone cheese.  For many years, everybody believed that Tiramisu was born in Treviso at the Le Beccherie restaurant.

Tickets are now on sale for five days of cowboy culture and excitement!  This year the best performers in western entertainment will help celebrate the City of Santa Clarita’s 15th annual Cowboy Festival, April 23-27, 2008, with several events throughout the Santa Clarita Valley including: an intimate concert at William S. Hart Museum, the unveiling of a few new stars on the Walk of Western Stars, a lunch and show at an old California Rancho and a themed dinner train.

Dinnertime should be a time for families to gather around the table to relax, share their day and have a delicious home-cooked meal.  More often, though, dinnertime is a microwave meal, a takeout window or a crowded waiting area in a noisy restaurant.  If this sounds familiar, meet Shelly Maddocks, owner and operator of Santa Clarita’s freshest personal chef and catering service, Savoring Thyme.

The Foundation for Children’s Dental Health will host the second annual Masquerade Ball at the Valencia Country Club, located at 27330 North Tourney Road, on Friday, February 8, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Well it is February and when I look at the calendar, I realize I am still not used to writing 2008.  It will take me a few more weeks of voiding checks from the checkbook.  On the calendar, I see Groundhog Day, Presidents Day and Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day Affirmation (Feb 14) — “Divine Love within me draws to me all that is needed to make me happy and my life complete.”

The Santa Clarita Playhouse presents a radio-on-stage production of Orson Wells’ 1939 broadcast of Noel Coward’s Private Lives, at Canyon Theatre Guild on February 1st and 2nd at 8 p.m.

The Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties may be over but don’t put those dancing shoes away yet!  LETMESAIL’S Cupid’s Ball is just around the corner. Grab your sweetheart, or come alone, and be ready for a great evening on Saturday, February 9th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Valencia High School’s multi-purpose room. 

The Comfort Suites is committed to providing you with the optimal service you deserve.  Whether you are staying for business or leisure, our well-appointed 100 percent, Non-Smoking King and Double Queen Suites are exceptionally clean, comfortable, and affordable.

The Russ Group, Inc. is proud to announce the next event in our Jazz Concert Series — “An Elegant Evening of Jazz” on Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center in Santa Clarita.