Don’t be left off THE ROOF – Do YOU have your tickets yet?

August 4, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

We’re giving you DOUBLE the fun this year as we begin with our pre-party celebration on August 17^th at TPC’s Oaks Grille! Come by from 5pm to 9pm for happy hour pricing all night long, bartender lessons, DJ MAV (the same DJ we will have at the main event for the third year), dancing and the best sunset in Santa Clarita, all while giving back to the WiSH Education Foundation! Have a big party? Call ahead to reserve your table: 661-288-1995.

Cocktails on the Roof, on August 25^th, has us looking forward to a new, fun layout, more lounges (you can even sponsor your own lounge – email Wish@Hart District.org to learn more) and voting on your favorite Craft Cocktails – you’ll even be able to win a social or dinner for a group of six this year in our new silent auction tables!

Everyone is a VIP this year! All tickets are general admission ($85) so you get to enjoy the entire evening from 8pm until 11pm… or come as a Designated Driver and enjoy mocktails and all that amazing food for just $65. All tickets at the door are $95. Either way, let us know about your excitement with #COTR17 on all your social media posts!

Hosted by Eve Bushman of Eve’s Wine 101, Marlee Lauffer, President of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and WiSH Executive Director Amy Daniels, this year promises to be another top notch event with returning favorites and brand new participants! The restaurants sharing their most sought-after cocktails, mocktails and food are back. Included in the list is Speakeasy Bakery, California Pizza Kitchen, Yoshi Murikami with sake-based cocktails, Sisley Italian Restaurant, solita Tacos & Margaritas, Honu Coffee, Newhall Refinery, TPC Oaks Grille, An Indian Affair, Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company (coffee cocktails), Salt Creek Grille, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewing Company, Persia Restaurant and Lounge, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Bonefish Grill, Pomp & Whimsy, Deep Eddy Vodka, Sweet Beams Ice Cream, Olive Terrace Bar & Grill, Marston’s, CPB Winery with wine-based cocktails, The Distillery at Opolo, Vina Sympatica Sparkling Wines, LA Scotch Club and Vines Restaurant. Get your tickets and stay tuned for every exciting announcement (and guest party secrets) on the WiSH Facebook and Cocktails event pages and www.WiSHscv.org!

Although WiSH sponsors many programs and initiatives NOT funded by tax dollars, we are focusing our funding this year on the ARTS, with another emphasis on our public school libraries. Together we can make a difference for our public school youth in our own backyard! Why not have fun while raising badly needed funding?

Many thanks to our sponsors, without whom we could never get this party started –Westfield Valencia Town Center and The Magazine of Santa Clarita/Elite Magazine, EveBushmanConsulting.com, Mitchpickswine, SOS Entertainment, 24/7 Events, Andy Gump, Burrtec, Brightview Tree Company, Lundgren Management, Nick Rose Insurance, California Credit Union, Littler, Randy Plaice & Associates, Oasis Associates, Jeff & Melanie Meyer, Gymnastics Unlimited, Peterson Printing, Enchanted Kids, The Signal, Solprint, KHTS and SCVTV. Special thanks to Genesis Moss, Print & Web Design (www.genesismoss.com), for creating our brand new dedicated website, www.CocktailsontheRoofscv.org.

WiSH asks that you be responsible – 21 & over only; please leave your car in the parking garage overnight (approved by Westfield) and take alternate transportation.

Perlis Picks: Double Trouble Wine Room

July 29, 2017 by Michael Perlis Leave a Comment

Downtown Newhall is fast becoming an all-in-one destination for the Santa Clarita Valley.

With a state of the art public library standing guard at the north end of Main Street and Newhall Refinery restaurant and Pulchella Winery tasting room near the southern end, along with everything else going on nearby and in-between, it is easy to see why this area’s popularity is only going to increase.

Recently, Karen and I had the opportunity to visit the Double Trouble Wine Room on Main Street, a joint project of Hoi Polloi Winery and Pagter Brothers Winery. Both wineries make their wines locally at SCV Custom Crush Services, sourcing grapes primarily from vineyards on California’s Central Coast.

PAGTER BROTHERS WINERY

For some years, I’ve enjoyed the wines made by Scott Pagter of Pagter Brothers Winery. I can’t remember all the details of when he shared the wine [under his previous wine label] with me at the much missed All Corked Up wine bar, but I do remember it being a pretty killer Grenache. [I also have very fond memories of Scott’s band Stupid Pony from those days. Fronted by excellent lead singer Sidney Iverson, I always looked forward to this band’s rare appearances.]

Scott and his brother Gib formed Pagter Brothers Winery in 2013 specializing in “big, bold reds.” That being said, the first wine we tried was the 2014 Chardonnay which was excellent, a fairly light wine but with a touch of oak on the finish to give it some body.

After that, though, we did move on to those big bold reds, tasting through a selection of wines from the 2014 vintage, mostly Rhone varietals with Syrah sourced from the White Hawk Vineyard in Santa Ynez and the Grenache from the Hoyt Vineyard in Paso Robles…

Notorious – blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, named after Gib’s day job as an attorney.

Melodious – a reverse of the Notorious, 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache, a tribute to Scott’s music/entertainment background.

Syrah – 100% from the White Hawk Vineyard. This was delicious, but we also got a sneak peek of the 2015 vintage which if anything was even better.

In addition, Pagter Brothers makes a Tempranillo. I think Tempranillo does very well in Paso and this 2014 was no exception.

Finally, another sneak peek – the 2015 Tannat. From Paso’s Adelaida district, this wine belied Tannat’s reputation as being monolithic and unapproachable. Definitely the opposite of that, drinking very well right after bottling and will only get better. My fave of the Pagter Brothers tasting.

Scott told me that their motto is to “make wine they like to drink…so if no one buys it they can drink it.” With these wines, they’re not going to be able to keep much for themselves.

HOI POLLOI WINERY

My relationship with Doug Minnick, one of the three owner/winemakers of Hoi Polloi Winery, goes back several years as well. Doug is also one of the co-founders of the Garagiste Festivals and he and I first met when I interviewed him for our Eve’s Wine 101 website about the inaugural event that was coming up.

So, it was a natural progression to want to make wine. The special focus is on Syrah and Doug says they will soon be able to do side-by-side single vineyard Syrah tastings from all four of their Syrah sources – Sebastiano Vineyard [Sta. Rita Hills], Alta Colina Vineyard [Paso Robles], Hoppe Kelly Vineyard [Russian River Valley] as well as the iconic Larner Vineyard in Ballard Canyon. If you know Syrah, you know that Doug et al have connected with some pretty outstanding vineyards. I feel that Syrah is one of the best varieties for showing off differences in terroir, so this is pretty exciting stuff.

But they do make other wines besides Syrah. We started our tasting with the newly released 2016 Grenache Rosé from Colburn Vineyards in Paso Robles – one of the best Rosés that I’ve had.

We then moved to the reds by first tasting the 2015 “Illicit” Pinot Noir from Santa Maria and the 2014 “Touch of Evil” Cabernet Sauvignon from the Cass Vineyard in Paso Robles. Both solid wines.

Now, time for the red Rhones!

We eased into them, starting with the 2015 Syrah / Grenache Blend called Tryst, so called because while the 34% Grenache is entirely from Paso Robles, the 66% Syrah is a combination of Paso and cool-climate Sonoma. Makes for a very tasty wine.

Not messing around now, we tasted the Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. from Rita Hills and the Alta Colina Vineyard from Paso Robles, both from the 2014 vintage. I had already tasted these wines from last year’s Garagiste Festival in LA and knew what to expect. I was not disappointed. [Not tasted this time but tasted at that same festival was the 2014 “Double Exposure” blend from both of these vineyards, which was actually one of my favorites that day.]

We got a sneak peek here as well – the 2015 Petite Sirah from the Loma Seca Vineyard in Paso Robles. Delicious now, this wine is going to be fun to watch develop.

The Double Trouble Wine Room is definitely worth your time. Gorgeous facility, now with a patio, along with great wines poured by nice people. I expect this is a place you may want to become a “regular” at before it becomes too popular.

DOUBLE TROUBLE WINE ROOM

24338 Main St.
Newhall, CA 91321

What’s new on THE ROOF?

July 14, 2017 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Well, we can certainly tell from the social media BUZZ around town that you are VERY excited about the upcoming Cocktails on the Roof on August 25, 2017. Come join your hosts Eve Bushman of Eve Bushman Consulting, Marlee Lauffer, President of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and Amy Daniels, Executive Director of the WiSH Education Foundation at our NEW Pre-Party on August 17^th from 5-9pm at The Oaks Grill in TPC. Gear up for #COTR17 with NO COVER, happy hour pricing all evening long, bartender lessons and our #COTR17 DJ MAV and dancing. With the best sunset viewing from their amazing patio, the Oaks Grill is also donating 15% of their proceeds back to the WiSH Education Foundation.

On THE ROOF, what you will recognize from previous years is the amazing venue atop the Macy’s parking garage at Westfield Valencia Town Center and the wonderful all-you-can-partake-in signature cocktails and food, DJ MAV for the third year and dancing and cool, modern lounges and lighting.

What will be new this year is that everyone’s a VIP! Rather than have two levels of tickets, we invite everyone up on THE ROOF from 8-11pm, while our sponsors will be greeted at 7:30pm. General Admission tickets are only $85 and Designated Driver tickets are $65 (by bracelet). Tickets at the door, if still available, are $95.

NEW: WiSH you could be a sponsor and get first dibs??? This year you CAN – we are offering a limited number of private 10’X10’ lounges that seat up to 8-10, allowing you and your friends – or your company – a spot to gather on your own for the party! The cost of the lounge, which includes all marketing, private entry and signage, is only $1,000! Get yours before they run out by contacting Executive Director Amy Daniels at WiSH@hartdistrict.org.

NEW: SoCalMagicMirror.com is joining us, “An Entertainment company specializing in providing the latest in entertainment venues for parties, weddings, business openings and more! More than just a standard ‘photo booth’, SoCal Magic Mirror provides a full length mirror to take your picture at the event, allowing a head-to-ankle capture instead of the standard waist-up shot. You can also write on the screen, choose from hundred of emojis, and personalize your pictures in ways other booths only dream of.”

In addition, our layout will be slightly larger to allow for the fun to reach all corners of the event so no matter where you are, the fun will follow. Don’t forget to have that picture taken at our Step and Repeat as you enter, sponsored by The Magazine of Santa Clarita and Elite Magazine. Tickets are live AND limited – don’t be left off THE ROOF – get yours right now at www.WiSHscv.org.

As of July 12, participants on THE ROOF this year include Deep Eddy Vodka, LA Scotch Club, JFC International sake-based cocktails, Speakeasy Bakery (check social media for hints to get the good stuff here), Honu Coffee, solita Tacos and Margaritas, Sisley Italian Kitchen, Newhall Refinery, NEW: Bonefish Grill, NEW: An Indian Affair, Wolf Creek Restaurant and Brewery, Persia Restaurant and Lounge, Salt Creek Grille, Oaks Grill at TPC, NEW: Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company with a Coffee Martini, NEW: Vines Restaurant and Bar, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Olive Terrace Bar and Grill, NEW: Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur, Lazy Dog, Sweet Beams Ice Cream, Marston’s, NEW: CPB Winery with a wine-based cocktail, The Distillery at Opolo and Vina Sympatica sparkling wine.

Our wonderful and generous sponsors are lining up to again be a part of the fun while giving back to our local students. WiSH greatly appreciates Westfield Valencia Town Center, The Magazine of Santa Clarita and Elite Magazine, The Signal, Brightview Tree Company, Nick Rose Insurance, Lundgren Management, California Credit Union, Andy Gump, Oasis Associates, SolPrint Solutions, Craig and Lisa Eichman, Jeff and Melanie Meyer, Eve’s Wine 101, Peterson Printing and Graphics, Littler Mendelson, Randy Plaice and Associates and the Watters Group. We would also like to thank SOS Entertainment, 24/7 Events, Burrtec, MitchPicksWine.com, Enchanted Kids, KHTS, SCVTV. Want to join us as a sponsor of COTR17? Email us at WiSH@hartdistrict.org.

Finally, keep up to date by checking out the WiSH Education Foundation, Pre-party and COTR FB event pages, WiSH site www.WiSHscv.org, and – thanks to web designer Genesis Moss – our brand new dedicated COTR website, http://cocktailsontheroofscv.org/

Favorite Dishes From Favorite Restaurants

June 30, 2017 by evebushman 2 Comments

Being honest, I saw this as query on Facebook about favorite dishes at favorite restaurants. It had dozens of answers that I didn’t read. Why? Because I was already thinking of my own answers, and how soon I could get these faves – that I share with you now – in my mouth!

Le Chene Filet Mignon Roquefort

Presented alphabetically as I have no single favorite, limited to restaurants in the Santa Clarita Valley and those (at press time participating in Cocktails on the Roof 2017 are noted:

Backwoods Inn – Garlic Bread, New England Clam Chowder, Pork Chops, Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon, Ribs, Prime Rib, Twice Baked Potato, a single malt from the bar or a bottle of wine from home as the corkage is low.

Bricks on Lyons – The Cobb Salad (that has enough protein and veggies that you don’t miss the usual cheese ingredient), Salmon BLT, Ahi Tuna Burger and Tater Tots. Plenty of wine and beer on the menu but we usually eat there for lunch and skip the booze.

Burrito Factory – Mexican Pizza (Nachos) with whatever meat I want it topped with – usually go for Chile Colorado, the #8 Burrito (Beans, Cheese, Lettuce and Guac) and, when I’m feeling the need for a guilty pleasure nothing beats the Chile Relleno and Beans Burrito.

Dario’s Newhall or Canyon Country – Standard fare like Fajitas, Nachos, Chile Colorado or Chile Verde, Grande Tostadas, “Dario’s Chicken” with either a Cadillac, Cucumber or Coconut Margarita.

Egg Plantation – The Classic Eggs Benedict, their version of Chilaquiles with lots of avocado, tomato, sour cream – on the side – of eggs scrambled with tortilla strips, a number of deli sandwiches or maybe just one of the 101 + build your own omelets! All with a Bloody Mary piled high with enough veggies to be a meal of itself…or an Espresso drink if I’m being good.

Jimmy Deans – Junior Breakfast Burrito, Patty Melt, Tuna Melt, Tuna Salad Sandwich, Grilled Cheese and Chili Cheese Fries.

Karma – Samosas, Coconut Curry Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Saffron Rice and Aloo Paratha. If the full bar is back I usually would get the Vesper Martini.

Kinza Sushi and Asian Izakaya – With a rotating menu of special rolls and fresh fish this one is harder to pin down a favorite. We usually start with any type of belly, yellowtail tuna or plain tuna, and always end with Oyster Shooters (no booze). For our booze we only do cold sake now that we have developed a taste for it and order the Kikusui Junmai Ginjo.

Le Chene – For decades we have made the well-worth-it drive for Happy Hour, brunch, special events and important dinners. My favorites include Escargot, Soup of the Day (after tasting a decadent “Cream of Lettuce” we always order the house made soups), Filet Mignon Au Poivre, Filet Mignon Au Roquefort, New York Steak Bordelaise Butter, Seafood Pasta, Shrimp Escoffier, Tenderloin Tip Béarnaise, Veal Forestiere, Chocolate Soufflé (order this dessert when you order dinner as it takes some time) and whatever strikes our palate’s fancy from the wine list. (Note: The Bar Menu has many of the items from the big main menu, but for a little less, and 4:30 – 7pm Sunday through Friday those prices are discounted 25%! You can dine in the bar or outside on that killer patio for the Happy Hour pricing.)

Maria’s Italian Deli – I sometimes just grab the frozen homemade ravioli, both cheese and meat, to take home and whip up with sauce. But if I want to meet a pal for lunch I get a Genoa salami and Provolone cheese sandwich and to-go for my family it’s always the Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Alfredo and a simple pasta with marinara sauce. (With sides of garlic bread and green salads too!) I also order their deli trays for parties, always a winner.

Newhall Refinery – With a seasonal menu that never fails to impress, different fare offered at lunch and dinner, my favorites from both include the Refiner Fries, Oysters, any Flatbread they dream up, the “Boole” Dog, Grilled Cheese, Ruben, the Cheese or Charcuterie Board, Handmade Pretzels, Hummus, Drunk Mac, Hanger Steak and Fish and Chips. The cocktails that incorporate far-from-ordinary ingredients I’ve ordered are the Bourbon Bramble (winner of the best cocktail at Cocktails on the Roof 2016), Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned and Rye Manhattan. Participating in Cocktails on the Roof 2017.

The Oaks Grille (in the Tournament Players Club (TPC) Clubhouse) – Seasonal menus, killer wine and growing cocktail list, the last time we went we loved the Ahi Tuna Crudo, Prosciutto Pizzetta, Kobe Beef Sliders, Spicy Duck Meatballs, Braised Short Rib and Tortellini, Sea Bass…and a Napa Valley red blend from Falcor, Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne and Napa Valley Girard Cabernet Sauvignon. Participating in Cocktails on the Roof 2017.

The Olive Terrace Bar and Grill – So much to try here, and I’ve liked them all: Ahi Runa Poke, The Bistro Chopped, Filet Mignon, Braised Eggplant Beef Stew “Gheimeh”…and kill me but I can’t remember which pasta! Also the bartender/manager Jonathan Cross makes a mean Negroni, Old Fashioned and Manhattan (the last was also a Cocktails on the Roof 2016 winner). Participating in Cocktails on the Roof 2017.

Persia Lounge – The lunch buffet and dinners with fresh house made Hummus, Falafel, Shirazi Salad, Taboule and Shish Kabob. Participating in Cocktails on the Roof 2017.

Piccola Trattoria – Prosciutto di Parma e Pecorino, Insalata di Spinaci, Dolcelatte all Caprese, Risotto ai Funghi, Carpaccio di Bue and the Pumpkin Tortellini, Tortellini di Zucca, just like they make in Italy, Ossobuco, Scaloppine di Vitello Marsala and whatever wines they suggest for the pairings.

Rose and Crown – Bangers and Mash, Chicken Tenders, Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie – all with whatever sounds good on tap for hubbie and Hard Pear or Apple Cider for me. The family that runs the place knows what they are doing.

Route 66 Classic Grill – When we want to avoid a crowd at the movie theater at the mall we head to Canyon Country and always hit Route 66 before or after the film. (They have a special ticket price for the movies when you dine there too.) Veggie Sandwich, Club Sandwich, BLT, All American Dip, Bacon Burger, Chinese Chicken Salad and a vodka Martini if during the evening, iced tea during daylight.

Salt Creek Grille Valencia – I’m here monthly for staff meetings so I do get a good chance to try lots of items. The classic Goat Cheese Marinara is always a winner, as well as the Artichoke, Parmesan and Spinach Dip, Creek Sliders, Coconut Shrimp, Ahi Tuna Stack, Caesar over Mesquite, Seared Ahi Salad, The Grille Chop, Porterhouse Stroganoff, Filet Mignon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes with any cocktail made with Nolet’s Gin, the special cocktail that day or a bottle of wine from the Wine List or Greg’s Wine List. Participating in Cocktails on the Roof 2017.

The Social – Starting with the warm bread and tapenade, we love the Grilled Artichoke, Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Calamari, Crab Cakes, Caribbean Chicken Satay Brochettes, Filet Mignon Satay, Crostini with Brochette, French Onion Soup, (Buffalo) Mozzarella and Tomato Salad, The Social Salad, Baked Penne, (some of these items are smaller portions in the Happy Hour menu) Jambalaya, Cuban Style Skirt Steak, Filet Mignon Béarnaise and Osso Buco. And though they have a 100 martinis to chose from I always go with a Perfect Rob Roy.

solita Tacos and Margaritas – Queso al Forno, Grilled Corn Elote cut and served at the table, the huge Ceviche Tropicale, Coconut Calamari Strips with Dos Salsas, Watermelon Copa, Guacamole Solita, any of the new supertacos or a taco plate. For drinks I like the Horchata Cocktail or a Margarita with a fresh fruit puree of whatever sounds good in the moment like Watermelon or Kiwi. Participating in Cocktails on the Roof 2017.

Southern Smoke BBQ and Brewhouse – Fried Pickles, Hoe Cake, BBQ Tri Tip Salad, Combo Sliders and the Two (or Three) Meat Combination Plate where I can choose from Tri Tip, Brisket, Spare Ribs, Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, Half Chicken or Hot Links.

Wine 101: Rebirth of the Cocktail

October 7, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

I had noticed that other cities were doing cocktail events: our very own Santa Clarita Valley restaurants had bar programs that were vamping up with seasonal craft cocktails along with favorites our parents enjoyed like the rye-based Manhattan, blended whiskey-based Rob Roy, the Luxardo cherry and orange wheel in a whiskey-based Old Fashioned and the bright red Negroni that utilizes Compari and sweet vermouth and the vodka-based Moscow Mule with its bite of ginger beer.

Even the winners of our bartender contest at Cocktails on the Roof all had made at least one with brown spirits. And I’m betting that though they offered more than one cocktail at their tables, these were the winners. Look for their trophies next time you visit:

First Place, Newhall Refinery; Bourbon Bramble by Peter Nguyen: Evan Williams whiskey, St Germain liqueur, Cassis Noir De Bourgogne and lemon wedge.

Second Place, Olive Terrace Bar and Grill; Manhattan by Jonathan Cross: Bulleit rye, Carpano Antica, Angostura bitters and Luxardo cherry.

Third Place, Salt Creek Grille Valencia; Trader Vic’s Inspired Mai Tai by Diego Lara: Premium rum, Cointreau, lime juice, orgeat syrup, pineapple juice.

Why Cocktails

People have asked me how I came up with the idea for Cocktails on the Roof, now having completed its second successful year as Santa Clarita Valley’s only cocktail event. First came pal Marlee Lauffer, then on the board of the WiSH Education Foundation, who asked me to come up with something. Marlee had supported numerous non-profit events I had hosted with the help of many others in the past, including our first, Pour Into Sandy, which was followed by Pour Into Haiti.

Fast forward to A Toast and a WiSH – a wine event I pitched to the powers that be from the then brand-spanking-new Newhall Library and the WiSH board, where I excitedly explained what I wanted to do, including turning the private study rooms into tasting rooms for the night, etc.

After co-hosting and/or covering nearly every wine event in Santa Clarita, I soon realized: we have a lot of these, seemed like every week there was another wine tasting. At the same time I was probably sipping on a Manhattan, fresh from a cocktail class, and reading a book on spirits.

And that’s when it dawned on me: a real out of the box idea would be to orchestrate a cocktail event. I added the roof idea to make it that much more new. I didn’t want it to be a footprint of any other food or wine event so our vendors could either do a cocktail, mocktail, or a food using spirits. And I also wanted single spirit vendors.

Amy Daniels, the Executive Director if WiSH did all of the legwork, including rallying up a committee of like-minded people to help. Everything fell perfectly into place, so much so that we are already planning next September’s #COTR17.

So what are you waiting for? Get out that cocktail recipe book and start experimenting. Note: if you are a wine drinker I would suggest not imbibing more than two in an evening as you aren’t yet used to the difference in alcohol percentage. And call Uber.

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Your Santa Clarita Wine Corkage Fees, Updated for 2016

April 8, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

After compiling your Santa Clarita Valley Happy Hour 2016 Update in March of this year doing this one, the Santa Clarita Valley Corkage Fee 2016 Update, took a wee bit longer as it proved to be more daunting.

Eve cork

Most restaurants don’t list corkage fees on their website or Facebook. Some don’t respond to emails or messages on social media. (Why hire someone to do your social media if they aren’t actually going to respond to your customers?) I went so far as to try and search “corkage” on restaurants in the area on Yelp, but soon discarded the idea as Yelp is an unreliable source, and it was time consuming. And to answer why I don’t call every single restaurant: I want a record in writing, so that I can be a reliable source!

So, for your ease, all restaurants in bold have been updated via direct email or a website for 2016. Those not in bold have the 2015 information. And, as I did with the Happy Hour list, I welcome your comments for any that I’ve missed or that you know about and would like to share the information.

[From Contributing Editor Michael Perlis: I know I’ve said this before, but please remember that BYOB is a privilege, not a right. When it is allowed, it should be appreciated, whatever the cost. Restaurants often base their pricing models on a certain percentage of alcohol sales to subsidize the food prices, so bringing your own bottle impacts that. Try to buy something off the wine or cocktail list, and tip your server as if you had bought your bottle at the restaurant. Also, call ahead to verify corkage policies, as they do change.]

Bold has the 2016 update.

Bj’s Brewhouse: Wine corkage fee is first bottle per table free, $7 / bottle thereafter.

Egg Plantation: $12.

Kabuki: $15

Lazy Dog Café: No corkage fee on wine brought in as long as it’s not currently listed on their menu, and any leftover can be taken home.

Le Chene: $15.

Margarita’s Mexican Grill: $15

Marstons: $10.

Newhall Refinery $15

Oaks Grille Valencia (Inside TPC): Non-member price is $20 per bottle (plus tax) and members are $12 per bottle. The charge is $12 per bottle for special events as well.

Persia Lounge: $15, 1/2 off during happy hour.

Piccola Trattoria: $15, additionally, if the party purchases another bottle of wine from our wine list on their visit, we waive the corkage fee!

Rattlers Bar B Que: $5.

Route 66 Classic Grill: $10.

Sabor Cocina Mexicana: $15.

Salt Creek Grille: $10.

Solita: $15

Southern Smoke BBQ and Brewhouse: $15

Thelma’s Morning Café: $5.

Vines (in Hyatt): $15.

Wine 661: No corkage on in-store purchases; $20 corkage fee for outside bottles.

Wolf Creek Restaurant: $10, and 40% off on all wines by the bottle on Tuesdays from 4pm until closing for Wine Lover’s Night.

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

Your Santa Clarita Happy Hours, Update for 2016

March 25, 2016 by evebushman 6 Comments

Every year we try to provide all the information we can get from our local restaurants on their Happy Hours – just for you, our favorite peeps. Use this as a guide and feel free to comment on any restaurants we may have missed, and any details you can share.

Every restaurant on this alphabetical list was updated in March 2016 via direct email with a restaurant representative, a Facebook representative or culled directly from their website. And, to help further, each restaurant name is hyperlinked to their website so that you can gather any other info such as directions and regular menus.

Vines, at the Valencia Hyatt, 2016 Happy Hour

Feel free to share our list on your social networks via hyperlink.

SCV Happy Hours 2016

Azul Tequila: Monday through Friday 3pm until 7pm, $3.75 House Margaritas, $3.50 wine by the glass, $3.75 well drinks, draft beers $3.50 and $5 appetizers.

BJ’s Brewhouse Valencia: Monday through Friday 3-7pm, Sunday through Thursday 10pm until closing and all day Tuesday is half off wines by the glass or bottle. $1 off draft beer, bottled beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Happy Hour food menu.

Black Angus Steakhouse: Monday through Friday from 3pm until 7pm in the bar, all day Tuesdays and Sundays. $4 well drinks, $5 for 16 ounce bottled and draft beers, Margarita, Martini, select wines by the glass, $6 Texas Teas, Mojitos and reduced prices on full sized appetizers.

Bonefish Grill: “At Bonefish Grill, every hour is happy hour — seriously. Our All Day Every Day Cocktails are (always) $6, from the moment we open our doors to the moment we close them. We also offer a true happy hour for those of you looking for something more traditional. Cheers.”

Claim Jumper Valencia: In the saloon only, hours not listed and holidays excluded. Select menu items priced between $2 and $9.99, $4 select bottled beer, $4 to $8 select cocktails and $5 select wines by the glass.

Don Cuco Newhall: Daily from 4pm until 7pm, select beers between $3.50 and $4.50, $5.95 Margaritas and $5.25 well drinks, half price on all appetizers, in the bar only.

Gyi-Kaku Sushi Bar, Valencia location: About two dozen happy hour food specials as well as Saketini and Soju cocktails for $4.00, house sake hot/cold $5, Gyu-Kaku Nigori Sake for $7 and Sapporo draft for $1.95 a glass and $7.50 a pitcher.

Islands: Monday through Friday from 4pm until 7pm, select appetizers and drink specials.

Kabuki: Monday through Friday 3pm until 6pm, Monday thru Thursday 9pm until closing, Sunday 8pm until closing. Select cocktails $5.95 to $6.50, lowered prices on select hot and cold Sakes, select wines are $4.25 a glass and lowered prices on select beers.

Lazy Dog: Monday through Friday 3pm until 6pm, Sunday through Thursday 9pm until closing in the bar and patio only, drinks priced fro $3 to $7 and Happy Hour portioned appetizers between $3 and $7.

Le Chene: 4:30pm until 7pm every day except Saturday. No specifics on website.

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que: In the bar only from 3 until 7 pm Monday through Friday and 9pm until closing every day. Happy Hour menu, select 22-ounce draft beers, wines by the glass and cocktails are $1 off.

Margaritas Mexican Grill: Margarita Monday all day happy hour, open to close, bar and dining room, free bean dip after 4pm, happy hour bar appetizers under $8, weekly happy hour is Tuesday through Friday from 3pm-7pm.

Marston’s Valencia: Tuesday through Sunday 5pm to 7pm. $1 off specialty drinks and Martinis, $5 well drinks, $3.25 bottled beer, $4 draft beer, $5 wine by the glass, $6 well Martinis, $8 Specialty Martinis and Specialty Drinks. Happy Hour Appetizer menu.

Newhall Refinery: Happy Hour Drinks Tuesday – Friday 3pm to 5pm: Beer flight (3) 4oz draught $4, Wine flights (3) 2oz $4, House wine $4 glass and any wine by the glass $2 off. Happy Hour Bites Tuesday – Sunday 4pm to 5pm: Hoisin pork belly bao bun $5, Angus slider & chips $5, Chicken & waffles $6, Mini refiners fries $5, Hummus and naan $5, Pretzel with Mornay dip $5, Brioche soldiers and egg $4 and Lobster corn dogs $11.

New Moon Valencia: 5pm until closing, weekends all day long. Beer $4.25 to $5.50, wine by the glass and Sangria $5.50, select cocktails $5.50 and $6.50, appetizer menu items $3.50 to $6.00.

Olive Terrace Bar and Grill: Every day 3pm-7pm, $3.75-$4.75 select cocktails, with Complimentary Hors d’ oeuvres, Snacks $5.75, Thursday Night Martini Night select Martinis $7 from 5pm-9pm.

Persia Lounge: 3pm-6pm every day 1/2 off on house wine or any bottle of wine and 1/2 off on domestic beers.

Piccola Trattoria: Monday through Thursday from 5pm – 7pm, $5 well drinks and bar bites, select signature handcrafted cocktails are at a reduced price.

Presidente Santa Clarita: Monday through Friday from 2:30pm until 6pm in the Cantina only, Happy Hour appetizer menu, all draft beer $4 for 14 ounce and $6.50 for 22 ounce, $5 plain and $5.25 flavored 16 ounce house Margaritas, $5.75 to $7.50 for 16 ounce premium Margaritas, $4 to $4.50 tequilas, $4 well drinks, $4.50 house wine by the glass.

Rattler’s Bar B Que: Monday to Friday 3-6:30 p.m., bar only, food priced between $1.50 and $5.00, 16 oz. draft beer $4.99, 20 oz. draft beer $5.99, house wine $6 to $9 a glass, cocktails between $7 and $9.

Route 66 Classic Grill: Happy Hour in the bar and patio only and not during special events, Monday through Friday 3pm until 6pm and again from 9pm until closing, Saturday 9pm until closing and Sunday 7pm until closing. $1 off draft beer, $1 off well drinks.

Sabor Cocina Mexicana: Mon – Fri 2PM – 6PM Bar or Patio only, Margaritas: De la Casa 100% Agave reposado tequila…6.50, Seasonal Flavor of the Day Served on the rocks… 6.50, Beer: Draft or Bottled…4.50. Well Drinks…5.00. Botanitas: Sabor Duo Dips, Seasonal guacamole, Bean Dip, Tostaditas… 6.50, Taquitos: Shredded chicken, salsa verde, crema, queso fresco, guacamole…6.50, Cheese Quesadillas…6.00, Panuchos Yucatecos: Corn tortilla, black beans, cochinita, escabeche, habanero salsa…6.50. Subject to change without prior notice. Not available on holidays.

Salt Creek Grille Valencia: Featured Monday-Friday From 4-6:30pm in the Bar Only: Bites: [stuffed jumbo shrimp]$11 Stuffed with Horseradish & Bacon Wrapped, Chipotle Honey Sauce; [baked goat cheese marinara]$7 Sautéed Wild Mushrooms & Caramelized Onions, Served with Focaccia Toast; [artichoke & parmesan spinach dip]$7 Baked with Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheeses, Served with Tortilla Chips; [housemade chips]$5  With Crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese & Bacon, Served with Chipotle Aioli; [blackened chicken nachos]$8 Tortilla Chips with Blackened Chicken, Cheddar Cheese, Pinto Beans Jalapeno Peppers, Pico de Gallo & Sour Cream; [chicken salad lettuce cups]$9 Chicken, Pecans, Green Apple, Dried Cranberries, Shallots Greek Yogurt & Apple Cider Vinegar, Served in Lettuce Cups; [corned beef sliders]$8 Corned Beef with Chipotle Cole Slaw, Pickles, Swiss Cheese & Dijon Mustard; [creek sliders]$9 Mini Burgers on Hawaiian Buns with Blue Cheese Aioli & Wild Baby Arugula; [chicken tacos]$9 Blackened Chicken, Bacon, Cotija Cheese & Chipotle Cole Slaw Served with Pico de Gallo. Drink: [well drinks]$4, [draft beers]$5, [bottled beers]$4 and [house wines by the glass]$5.

Sisley Italian Kitchen: All day every day in bar and lounge, well drinks and beer $3, Margaritas and House Wine $4, Selected call drinks, well Martinis and Cosmopolitans $5. Appetizers priced between $4 – $6.

Solita Tacos and Margaritas: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:15 pm, and for Reverse (Late Night) Happy Hour from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm. guests can enjoy a tiered menu of snacks and beverages ranging from $4.00 to $6.00 each. Naked Guacamole or a pair of Street Tacos like Wood Grilled Chicken, Crispy Fish and Tofu for $4 or for $5 there is Oak-Roasted Chicken, Pork Carnitas, Chorizo Sweet Potato and Black Bean or the Chicken Taquitos ($5). The only thing better than the signature Guacamole solita (served in a fried tortilla bowl and topped with diced mango, tomato, onion, Serrano chile and cilantro for $6), is pairing a $6 solita House, Frozen or Skinny Margarita from Beverage Director Colin Pflugradt with it. Well Drinks and glasses of wine like the Jade Mountain Merlot and Castle Rock Chardonnay are $5.

Valencia Wine Company: Sunday all day from 1 to 9 pm, Monday through Thursday 4 – 7 pm. Premium selection of wines by the glass $8 and $10 appetizers including empanadas and cheese plate.

Vines, $5 bites, $5 bartender specials as well as select wines, draft or bottled beer and “upgraded” well cocktails. (see photo)

Wine 661: All day Sunday from 3-10pm.

Wokcano Valencia: Monday all day, Tuesday – Thursday 3pm to 7pm and 9pm to 2am, Friday 3pm until 7pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm and 9pm to 2am in lounge and sushi bar. Happy Hour food menu, $5 draft beer, $5 Sangria, $5 well drinks, $5 house wine, $5 Sake Bomb.

Wolf Creek Restaurant: Available in the bar only Monday 4pm until closing, Tuesday through Friday 4pm until 6pm, Saturday 8pm until closing. Happy Hour food menu, 25% off other appetizers, $1.50 off all pints and wine by the glass. And 40% off on all wines by the bottle on Tuesdays from 4pm until closing for Wine Lover’s Night.

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill: Happy Hour 3pm until 6pm in the bar, all wines by the glass or bottle are half price on Tuesdays.

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

How I Know it’s Spring: Newhall Refinery Spring Cocktail Rollout Offers New Spirits and More

March 18, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Newhall Refinery has kind of set the bar on the craft cocktail movement in Santa Clarita Valley. I applaud earlier efforts made by Mojitos, SAKE, Mixers and Roman Holiday. And, just so you know it’s not always Newhall Refinery for me, I also appreciate the cocktails at Le Chene, Salt Creek Grille, The Social and others. (And all of the vendors already signed up to participate in Cocktails on the Roof!)

But, though they all offer a Moscow Mule, a Manhattan, and the like, Newhall Refinery has raised the bar by offering spirits, liqueurs, juices and even techniques not always found on the everyday bar list. These include, from the current menu:

Hangar One Vodka

“Spanked” Basil leaves

Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

White Orchard Syrup

Whistle Pig 100-proof Rye

Vya Sweet Vermouth

Cassis Noir De Bourgogne

Abbott’s Bitters

Kimo Sabe Mezcal

White grapes

Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur

Cilantro

Rittenhouse Rye

Luxardo Cherry

Hakushu 12-year-old Japanese Whiskey

Hendricks Gin

Aloe Vera Juice

Angostura Rum

Shipwrecked Spiced Rum

Sam Smith Strawberry Ale

House made fruit leather

Fernet-Branca Digestif

Camus Cognac

Ugly Monkey Moonshine

Fever Tree Tonic

Teelings Irish Whiskey

Suerte Blanco Tequila

So now, lets get to my review:

Bartender Peter Nguyen (Watch this 90-second YouTube slide show to see him in action.) used his expertise to make samples of several of the new cocktail menu items, utilizing every item in the list above. He “spanked” some basil to bring out its flavor, created an Aperitif that would tickle anyone’s appetite, shaved chocolate over the finale…and then some.

The 2016 Spring Cocktail list, and my comments on each that we sampled are noted with *, is below:

Juice Box

Angostura Rum

Sam Smith Strawberry Ale

Orange Juice

Sprite

½ oz. Cassis Noir De Bourgogne

Fruit leather

*Can you say innovative? Adding a little fruit leather to this lovely fruit-filled libation was interesting and fun. Appealing to the child in us all, especially with the flavors of Jolly Rancher Strawberry hard candy that I got. Reminded me of a Mai Tai with a twist.

Clarity

Barr Hill Gin

White Orchard Syrup

Aloe Vera Juice

Fever Tree Tonic

Lime wheels

*One of my favorites of the night, this is not your average G & T. The aloe vera gave it a distinctly different and wholly appealing flavor. Peter called it “a spring G & T option” and I enjoyed it for its sweetness and crispy bite.

Ain’t Life Grape

Hangar One Vodka

White grapes (or red)

Blueberries

Spanked Basil Leaves

Simple Syrup

Lemon Juice (or ¾ oz.)

Blueberry, grape, blueberry

*Loved the used of green grapes, so refreshing. Subtler and less sweet for those that don’t want a sweet cocktail. This was another I would order again.

Bourbon Bramble

Evan Williams Whiskey

St Germain Liqueur

Cassis Noir De Bourgogne

Lemon Wedge

*Make my brown spirit cocktail pink? Blasphemy! But…oh so good. I found it lingering on the palate, and Peter added, “Yes, it definitely lingers, and in the best way possible.”

Poco Pica

Ancho Reyes Liqueur

Kimo Sabe Mezcal

Cucumber Slices

Cilantro

Agave Nectar

Lime wedge, Orange Juice, Sprite

*This was the group’s favorite of the night. And Peter said they were probably going to serve it with a side of sliced cucumber and a dish of chile powder. Like a better Maggie from your fave Mexican restaurant, this one had just the right juxtaposition of fresh appeal and spice.

Extended Vacation

Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur

Mt Gay Dark Rum

Half n Half

Shaved chocolate

*Dessert plain and simple – but not really. Peter called it “adult chocolate milk” and all I could think of was Kahlua and milk taken up a giant notch. For the person that doesn’t have room for dessert, but can’t resist it anyway, order this.

“Refine” your Wine

Hendricks Gin

Raspberry puree

Simple Syrup

Raspberries

*Reminded me of a Bellini, but fresher and with the kick of juniper-cucumber –rose petal infused Hendricks Gin.

Aperitivo

Cassis Noir De Bourgogne

Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur

Soda Water

*We started with this little treat. And it did the job as, again the juxtaposition of heat (the chile liqueur) and sugar (cassis) tickled my taste buds into submission. I wanted this after dinner too. The flavors from the chile liqueur were very reminiscent of tamarind candy, and quite remarkable.

Around the World

Whiskey Flight

– ¾ oz. each of

Teelings Irish

Hakushu Japanese

Whistle Pig, North American

*These I did sample, the last two require a little bit of water in my opinion to open up the flavors and reduce any harshness (often done) however, the Teelings did not. All excellent and definitely on my list when I can’t dare choose between the three. If you haven’t had these it’s a must.

(*We didn’t sample the Moscow Mule, Old Fashioned or Rye Manhattan as they are not new, just favorites that weren’t removed. I’ve ordered and enjoyed them several times and I’m happy they remained on the menu!)

Moscow Mule

Hangar One Vodka

Mint leaves

Lime wedge

Fever Tree Ginger Beer

Mint Sprig, Lime Wedge

Old Fashioned

Evan Williams Bourbon

Orange wheel

Luxardo Cherry

Simple syrup

Bitters

Luxardo cherry

Rye Manhattan

Rittenhouse Rye

Vya Sweet vermouth, divided

Bitters

Luxardo Cherry

Also available:

Mimosa

Bloody Mary

Red Sangria

More Scoops

Rumors of beer flavored ice cream and an in-restaurant barrel aged Manhattan program…

Newhall Refinery’s First Valentine’s Day Dinner is Woo Hoo Worthy!

February 3, 2016 by evebushman Leave a Comment

Local favorite Newhall Refinery in downtown Newhall is being transformed into a romantic getaway for one night only for singles, couples and groups – for the first time – this Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14. (And the next day is a holiday – President’s Day!)

You simply need to choose:

A 5pm or 8pm seating

Wine or Beer Flight

Which starter, entrée and sweet you would like prepared by Executive Chef Dustin Boole – see our menu below!

But you don’t need to choose:

Where to park you car – we have complimentary valet for the evening.

From our normal menu, as we will have a special menu that will be delivered via a new “burning” presentation for this evening only.

Is there a better way to show your loved one how much you appreciate them other than to take them out to a four-course candlelight dinner, with their choice of either a beer or wine flight, serenaded by live music, a table fitted with linens, candles and flowers – and valet parking?

$165 per couple.

E-mail sercek.refinery@gmail.com or call 661-388-4477, for reservations and pricing.

Ports donated from a private cellar for our dessert!