Weekender 20150327

weekender FRIDAY 03.27.15 | VVDailyPress.com

MARCH MAMMOTH

MADNESS SPECIAL S SP PECIAL E EVENT VENT NT A AT TV VICTORVILLE ICTO ORVIL VILLE V VALLEY ALLEY EY M MUSEUM USEUM USE

2 | Friday, March 27, 2015 |

CONTENTS

COVER STORY

March Mammoth Madness schedules special event

ON THE COVER

Weekender

By Jeff Cooper For Weekender

3 | MOVIE REVIEW ‘Danny Collins’

4 | NEW ON DVD Releases available in stores this week

6-7 | BEST BETS Selected events of interest

8 | LOOKING AHEAD Other top picks of upcoming events

10 | DINING OUT Reviews and listings of local restaurants

vvdailypressnews

@vvdailypress

Weekender Editor | Gary Brodeur | 760-951-6245 | gbrodeur@vvdailypress.com SUBMISSIONS: Send items to weekender@vvdailypress.com and cc gbrodeur@vvdailypress.com. Deadline is two weeks prior to the event.

ON THE WEB: ............................................................ www.VVDailyPress.com TO ADVERTISE:.............................................................................. 760-241-7744

Victor Valley Museum Facility Manager Rhonda Almanger hears the same story almost daily — visitors tell her they live close by and seldom, if ever, visit.

So Almanger has made it her personal goal to brainstorm for fun, educational events to attract local families. To that end, she has assisted in naming the entire month March Mammoth Madness.

The event revolves around the centerpiece of the museum, the remains of a large mammoth found locally during the 1990s housing boom. The mammoth lived millions of years after the dinosaurs, coexisting with early humans.

To help visitors with the experience of handling fossils, Almanger will help host a presentation that teaches young visitors how to prepare one.

“We wanted to do an event about preparing fossils,” Almanger said.

Rhonda Almanger touches up one of the mammoths that will be given away at the Victor Valley Museum’s March Mammoth Madness event on Saturday. JAMES QUIGG, WEEKENDER

“The event started out as a lecture and grew into something more.”

She has invited Quintin Lake, of Phelan, who prepared the actual mammoth exhibit, to give an educational lecture and demonstration.

She also contacted Jesse Atterholt, a doctoral student at the University of California, Berkeley, to speak.

ON THE COVER: A wooley mammoth statue will be offered as a prize in the Victor Valley Museum’s March Mammoth Madness event on Saturday. JAMES QUIGG, WEEKENDER

MORE ONLINE Patricia Sanchez covers the music scene in Southern California in her blog 505 Reasons to Believe the Hype.

Follow her on our website at www.vvdailypress.com.

March Mammoth Madness event When: 2 p.m. Saturday; museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesdays through Sundays.

Where: Victor Valley Museum, 11873 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley.

Cost: Free with museum admission — $5 adults, $4 seniors and military, $2.50 students, free for children 4 and younger.

Information: Call 760-240-2111.

When Atterholt was younger she helped Lake in prepping the exhibit.

Almanger says that

from the fossil unearthing, Atterholt caught the bug and has gone on SEE MAMMOTH, A9

‘Danny Collins’

More Content Now

The true story that the fictionalized “Danny Collins” is based on goes like this: A 21-year-old British folk singer named Steve Tilston started to see his career rise. In 1971, he was interviewed by the British rock mag ZigZag, and the discussion came around to fame and fortune possibly getting in the way of artistic success.

John Lennon read the piece and was moved to send a note of encouragement to the up-and-comer, along with his phone number, in case Tilston ever wanted to chat. But Tilston never received or even knew about the letter. It was sent to the magazine, where someone kept it as a collectible.

In 2005 Tilston, who had made a living, but never achieved stardom, in music, was contacted by a collector and told of the letter.

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Written and directed by Dan Fogelman. With Al Pacino, Bobby Cannavale, Jennifer Garner, Christopher Plummer, Annette Bening.

Danny (Al Pacino) listens to some advice from his pal and manager, Frank (Christopher Plummer).

The fictionalized film goes like this: A 21-year-old American singer named Danny Collins is sent a letter

by John Lennon — yes, that part is told close to the way it happened.

But in this story, Danny Collins (Al Pacino) went on to huge success, reaching Neil Diamondlike heights.

Now in his 60s — and

wearing a truss! — he lives in a palatial house, his third-greatest hits album has just come out, and adoring fans — all of them of “a certain age” — know all of the words to his schmaltzy pop songs, and sing along at concerts.

One day, his manager Frank (Christopher Plummer) surprises him with a gift: that letter,

bought from a collector, Lennon signature, phone number and all, now framed. The rest of the film is worth the look on Pacino’s face, simultaneously realizing what a cool gift it is and wondering what his life would have been like if he got it all those years ago, and maybe dialed that phone number.

The film turns into a great playground

for Pacino. His performance, sometimes carefully nuanced, sometimes freespirited, runs through situations that range from uplifting to downtrodden, from funny to straight-out crisis mode.

First-time director Dan Fogelman has long known his way around words. Along with this film, his writing résumé includes the hilarious Disney film “Tangled” and the serio-comic “Crazy, Stupid, Love.”

(Lots of punctuation going on in that title.)

In “Danny Collins,” he seems to have picked the right actors to say his words, and shows a

quiet flair for directing them in how to do it.

It’s really a story of very SEE DANNY, A9

Friday, March 27, 2015 | 3

By Ed Symkus

|

‘Danny Collins,’ Pacino helps us imagine a Lennon story

Weekender

MOVIE REVIEW

4 | Friday, March 27, 2015 |

‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ tops new DVD releases

Weekender

It’s a good week for DVDs because of hobbits, monsters and Mr. Bean. All hit stores Tuesday.

NEW ON DVD

By Rick Bentley The Fresno Bee

‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ Grade: B-

Forces come together to claim the riches that had been guarded by Smaug.

Peter Jackson’s “Hobbit” trilogy — noteworthy for the way Jackson has transformed the book into a visual feast and delivers the tentpole moments — ends with uninspired battles and muddled characters.

Jackson’s skill as a storyteller — so well displayed in the “Rings” movies — has been replaced by a mishmash of action with recycled characters. The most annoying example is that Ryan Cage’s role of Lake-town flunky, Alfrid, has been expanded from a meaningless player to a painfully unfunny comic

relief.

Appearances by Cate Blanchett as Galadriel and Christopher Lee as Saruman feel forced, as if Jackson were more interested in giving loyal fans a treat rather than keeping the story structure on track.

Just because this is the end doesn’t mean everyone needs to take a curtain bow.

to her by the big, bad Wolf (Johnny Depp), “Hello Little Girl,” takes on a creepy tone as it’s performed here.

It’s the only musical miscue as the cast handles the edgy Sondheim musical score with great ease and passion.

Climb up a beanstalk to see this movie musical.

‘Into the Woods’

‘Mr. Bean: The Whole Bean’

Grade: B+

Fairytale characters come together in this musical from Stephen Sondheim.

Meryl Streep stars.

“Into the Woods” is a musical journey full of strong performances, a beautiful fairytale landscape and a story that is emotionally haunting.

The stories meet and move on but always feel connected by the themes of growing up, parenting and sexual awakening. Generally, these heavy plot lines don’t become too cumbersome, except with Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford). The song addressed

Grade: B+

Ghastly images haunting nightmares could be real.

Ray Wise stars.

“Marvel Knights: Wolverine Versus Sabretooth”: Epic finale to the duo’s greatest battle.

“LA Apocalypse”: Volcanoes turn Los Angeles into a living nightmare.

“The Sure Thing”: The John Cusack film has been released on Blu-ray to mark the 30th anniversary.

“A Path Appears”: An exploration of gender inequality.

“Best Seller”: The James Woods film is now available on Blu-ray.

“Diamond Heist”: Diamond

smuggler (Michael Madsen) gets deadly help from an old friend.

“Lonesome Dove Church”: Tom Berenger stars in this film based on true events surrounding the founding of a church.

“Nova: Sunken Ship Rescue”: Follows the operation to salvage the Costa Concordia cruise ship.

“A MusiCares Tribute to Paul MCCartney”: Superstars perform some of McCartney’s biggest hits.

“1066: The Battle for Middle Earth”: Ian Holm narrates.

Rowan Atkinson is a master of physical humor as he can take the most mundane of situations and milk countless laughs without saying a single word.

You can get caught up with his brilliant work through an anniversary collection that includes 14 episodes of the TV series starring Atkinson. The shows were originally produced from 1990-95.

The set also includes previously missing scenes from the original U.S. broadcast and a 40-minute documentary.

ALSO NEW ON DVD “Unbroken”: Olympic athlete must face the ordeal of being held in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. “Mystery Science Theatre 3000: XXXII”: Includes “Hercules” and “San Francisco International.”

“Song One”: Family uses journal to understand the world of man in a coma.

Anne Hathaway stars.

“Confessions of a Prodigal Son”: Paints a picture of a young man’s ups and downs through relationships, faith, hope and redemption.

“Digging Up the Marrow”:

— The Fresno Bee

From left, Suzy Amist, James Cameron and writer/director/producer Peter Jackson arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ at the Dolby Theatre on Dec. 9.

CHRIS PIZZELLO/INVISION/AP

Weekender

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Friday, March 27, 2015 | 5

Friday, March 27, 2015 | 7

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Where: 16930 Main St., Suite E, in Hesperia.

Cost: Free to members, open to non-members for $15 donation.

Information: Call 760-947-4881.

Circus Vargas

Weekender

America’s favorite traveling big-top circus continues to thrill and enchant children of all ages with the new and amazing 2015 edition, “ArleQuin!” Steeped in tradition and devoted to all things magnificent and happy, Circus Vargas features aerialists, acrobats and clowns and the ballyhoo of nostalgic Americana.

Arrive 30 minutes early for an exciting, interactive pre-show, where children can create their own magic under the big top.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 7 p.m.

Sunday and Monday.

Where: Bear Valley Road, across from Victor Valley College, in Hesperia.

Cost: $10 to $55 each, 11 and older; free for children 1 and younger; discount for seniors 60 and older.

Information: Go to www. circusvargas.com or call 877-GOTFUN-1 (468-3861).

MARCH 28

Senior Talent Showcase Performances by those “50 or better,” presenting an afternoon of fun and entertainment at this noncompetitive talent showcase.

When: 1 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Main Stage of the Performing Arts Center, 18422 Bear Valley Road in Victorville.

Cost: Free; parking $2.

Information: Go to www.vvc.edu/pacevents or www. vvc.edu/tix.

Benefits Catholic Daughters charities.

When: 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Apple Valley Unified School District multipurpose room, 12555 Navajo Road in Apple Valley.

Cost: $20 buy-in for six games played.

Information: Call 760-240-5837 or 405-269-1738.

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MARCH 27 TO 30

Weekender

6 | Friday, March 27, 2015 |

BEST BETS

MARCH 28 Red, Wine and Blues The 30th anniversary celebration by Rotary Club of Redlands features international food stations, wines, desserts, live music and opportunity drawings.

When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Redlands Country Club, 1749 Garden Street in Redlands.

Cost: $75 a person; must be 21 or older.

Information: Go to redwineandblues.com.

MARCH 28 AND 29

Burgerama

‘Sister Act’ plays one performance at California Theatre of the Performing Arts. COURTESY OF JOAN MARCUS

An aerialist attraction at Circus Vargas. COURTESY OF CIRCUS VARGAS

MARCH 27 TO 29

Bobby Lee After a few months of working odd jobs at the La Jolla Comedy Store, Lee decided to try stand-up during one of their amateur nights. Within a year of doing regular comedy sets, he got offers to open for headliners.

When: 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Ontario Improv Comedy Club, 4555 Mills Circle, Ontario Mills, Ontario.

Cost: $22; 18 and older, two-items minimum, dress code.

Information: Call 909-484-5411.

MARCH 27

Student-Faculty Music Recital A wide range of musical styles are performed by students and faculty of Victor Valley College and community musicians.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Where: Main Stage of the Performing Arts Center, 18422 Bear Valley Road in Victorville.

Cost: Free; parking $2.

Information: Go to www.vvc.edu/pacevents or www. vvc.edu/tix.

MARCH 27 AND 28

Navigating with Map and Compass The Desert Institute presents Misha Askren, who will teach participants how to navigate using a map and compass in this two-day field class. Misha will teach simple and straightforward map and compass skills separately and then combine them in a routefinding adventure in the wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park.

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday.

Where: Meet at Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Dr., Twentynine Palms Cost: $85 for Joshua Tree National Park /PINE members, $95 for nonmembers.

Information: Call 760-367-5535.

MARCH 27 AND 28

Color Vibe 5k Run The event includes a 5k run with color stations and a finish-line dance party. Prices are per person and include entry into the event, a race bib and color pack; event T-shirts are additional. Packet pickup is from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday.

When: 7 a.m. sign-in, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday event.

Cost: From $55; $15 for children 1 to 12.

Information: Go to www.thecolorvibe.com.

MARCH 28

The Art of Apollo Artists of the High Desert, a nonprofit organization, will present the environmental art of Apollo in a demonstration of how to create an acrylic underwater ocean scene on canvas and how to bring different components to the painting. He also will demonstrate Chinese brush stroke.

MARCH 28

‘Sister Act’ Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy, “Sister Act” tells the story of a wannabe diva whose life takes a turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look — a convent. Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris Van Cartier helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday.

Where: California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. Fourth St. in San Bernardino.

Cost: $47.75 to $89.75 single ticket; subscriptions available.

Information: Call 909-885-5152 or go to www.theatricalarts.com.

MARCH 28

Bunco Night Prizes are awarded in a variety of categories.

The Observatory and Burger Records present a twoday event featuring alternative, pop and urban rock with Weezer, Ty Segall, Fidlar, Black Lips and more.

VIP access includes a T-shirt, a cassette, a button and 3-D glasses.

When: Noon Saturday to 11 p.m. Sunday.

Where: The Observatory, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd. in Santa Ana. Cost: $90 general admission two-day pass, $120 VIP. Information: Go to www.observatoryoc.com.

MARCH 29

Terry and Nancy Clark Terry Clark is a singersongwriter who is well-known for his music and voice rather than his name. He was involved in the early founding of the genre Terri and Nancy Clark. COURTESY OF now known as CATALYST PEOPLE Contemporary Christian Music.

When: 6 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Helendale Community Service District building, 26540 Vista Road in Helendale.

Cost: Free.

Information: Call 760-952-2227 or go to catalystpeople.com.

Edgar Winter in concert. COURTESY OF POWERLINE ENTERTAINMENT.

MARCH 28

Edgar Winter Enjoy the music of Edgar Winter in a venue with top-quality lighting, sound, laser light shows, gourmet concessions, craft beer, comfortable seating and room to dance. The mix of location, amenities and amazing live entertainment make The Cave a venue that will bring you closer to your favorite bands than you ever thought possible.

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Where: 40789 Village Drive in Big Bear Lake.

Cost: $24.30 and $45.60.

Purchase your tickets in advance Information: Call 909-878-0204 or go to www.thecavebigbear.com.

8 | Friday, March 27, 2015 |

LOOKING AHEAD APRIL 3

Movie Night

Weekender

See “Dolphin Tale 2.” Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Presented by the city of Adelanto and Adelanto Community Benefit Corp.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Richardson Park, 11800 Air Expressway in Adelanto.

Cost: Free.

Information: Call 760-2462300, ext. 3018.

APRIL 3 AND 4

Americana Music Association Award-winning musician working in Americana, bluegrass and country music, Jim Lauderdale promotes “I’m A Song,” his latest country endeavor and his first double album featuring 20 tracks.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, 53688 Pioneertown Road in Pioneertown.

Cost: $15.

Information: Go to pappyandharriets.com/.

‘The Whip, The Hammer & The Cross’

APRIL 4 TO MAY 17

A crucifixion drama intended to change or affect your life.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: The Church for Whosoever, 18628 Seneca Road in Apple Valley.

Cost: Free.

Information: Call 760-242-3191.

The Renaissance Pleasure Faire stages its 2015 revival at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale. Historically based with a twist of modern fusion, enjoy activities, games, rides, clothing, costumes, ceramics, glass pieces, sculpture, fine arts and more, including some rentals.

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, April 4 to May 17.

Where: 15501 Arrow Highway in Irwindale.

Cost: $28 adults, $15 children; discounts available until March 27.

Information: Call 626-9694750 or go to RenFaire.com.

APRIL 4

Eggstravaganza The annual city of Victorville Spring Festival and Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza features free carnival and picnic games, a vendor’s fair with a Farmer’s Market Country Store, photo opportunities, and rides and inflatables for a nominal charge. Limited to 80 children for each egg hunt.

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Hook Park, 14973 Joshua St. in Victorville.

Cost: $5.

Information: Call 760-245-5551.

APRIL 4

Jim Lauderdale A multiple Grammy and

Renaissance Pleasure Faire

APRIL 9 TO 12

Marvel Universe Live!

Watch your favorite Marvel superheroes including Spider-Man, Iron Man and Hulk and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza. Feel the energy with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts and

motorcycles.

When: 7 p.m. April 9 to 11; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 11, and 1 and 5 p.m.

April 12.

Where: Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4000 Ontario Center in Ontario.

Cost: $45 to $185 plus fees; $10 parking.

Information: Go to www. marveluniverselive.com.

APRIL 5

Wild West Easter celebration The Easter Bunny will be hopping through Calico Ghost Town for the annual Easter Celebration with egg hunts for those 12 and younger. There will be live music from Twinkle Time, a kid-friendly pop music group. The Easter Bunny will be available to take photos with any visitors and there will be games and contests for the whole family to enjoy. The park closes at 5 p.m.

When: Sunrise Service 7 a.m. Easter Sunrise service, 8 a.m. pancake breakfast, 9 a.m. shops and restaurants open, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. egg hunts.

Where: 36600 Ghost Town Road in Yermo.

Cost: $8 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 15, free for those 5 and younger; pancake breakfast $4.

Information: Call 800-86CALICO or go to www. calicotown.com. Calico Ghost Town

APRIL 7 AND 8

Spruce-up Days The Village Artist Collective will host two paint and spruce-up days to brighten the on-going Home to Harvest Community Garden SEE EVENTS, A9

APRIL 9

Spring Jazz Enjoy classical, jazz and popular music from Victor Valley College’s Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Rock Combo and the Studio Jazz Band. Conducted by Dave

DANNY

friend.

The real drama comes From Page A3 in when Danny tries to visit not only the son he different relationships never got to know, but between very differhis son’s wife Samantha ent people, with Pacino (Jennifer Garner) and involved in all of them. their granddaughter The best is between Hope (Giselle EisenPacino and Bobby berg), neither of whom Cannavale, as Tom, he’s ever met. the son Danny walked Some of that drama out on decades earcomes on a little thick, lier and now tries to like in a double-header mend fences with, even helping of one person though Tom’s anger has with a chronic condinever subsided. A much tion, and another with a lighter side of things is disease. But these eleseen with Pacino turnments are pretty much ing on the charm and treated with kid gloves trying to get a dinner and while presented date with Mary (Annette seriously, don’t come Bening) the manager of across as cloying or the Hilton where he’s depressing. settled in to reboot his In the end, the funlife. nier stuff outweighs the But the most natural sober stuff. It’s great and relaxed relationto hear the older Frank, ship is the one between after so many years Pacino and Frank, together, still calling whose day job is being the not-much-younger his tireless manager, Danny “kid.” Fogelbut is more like his best man tosses in a sweet,

completely unrelated side story, of Danny trying to get a couple of young workers at the hotel — Jamie the receptionist (Melissa Benoist) and Nicky the valet (Josh Peck) to become, well, a couple.

There’s also the amazing feat that Fogelman pulled off: using John Lennon songs, sung by Lennon, as a sort of Greek chorus to some of the plotlines.

Another slight glitch is that an extra dose of drama finds its way into the script in the last act, and the idea of Danny rising and falling and rising again happens too quickly. But Fogelman and his cast pull it all together, and the film closes with an up-in-the-air, yet quite satisfying ending.

MAMMOTH

between elephants and mammoths.”

Small, medium and large mammoths can be adopted for varying fees, and the large mammoth is offered as an opportunity-drawing prize.

There also will be other mammoththemed activities such as a sketching exercise, for which supplies will be included.

From Page A2

to devote her career to paleontology.

The workshop and lecture highlight exhibits that run all day Saturday. The exhibit is ongoing throughout the year.

“We have prepared dozens of papiermache mammoths that

children can prepare and paint any color they want,” Almanger said.

Scheduled activities are subject to change and mostly limited to noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. “We started out with newspaper and crumpled it up in balls, then we attached the snout and tusks. ... Kids under 12 can paint a mammoth, and we will also teach the difference

— Ed Symkus writes about movies for More Content Now.

Friday, March 27, 2015 | 9

Project. All volunteer artists are welcome. The Village Artist Collective is an affiliate fund of the High Desert Community Foundation.

When: 3 to 6 p.m.

Where: Paul Swick Family Center at Yucca Loma School, 21351 Yucca Loma Road in Apple Valley.

From Page A8

Graham.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Main Stage of the Performing Arts Center, 18422 Bear Valley Road in Victorville.

Cost: $10 adults, $7 seniors 55 and older, $5 children 12 and younger and free for VVC ASB cardholders; parking $2.

Information: Go to www.vvc. edu/pacevents or www.vvc. edu/tix.

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Cost: Free.

Information: Call 760-684-9093.

Weekender

EVENTS

10 | Friday, March 27, 2015 |

DINING OUT HIGH DESERT RESTAURANT GUIDE

BAKERIES

Weekender

M CUPCAKES & PASTRIES 15617 Roy Rogers Drive, Ste. 1, Victorville.

760-843-5988 www.mcupcakesnpastries. com

FAMILY DINING BOSCO'S DINER 15429 Anacapa Road, Victorville.

760-843-6888

CC, DS

CARMEN’S PONDEROSA 9544 Kiowa Road, Apple Valley.

760-247-7727

CC, FB, $$$-$$$$

LIL’ BIT COUNTRY CAFE 14335 Hesperia Road, 101, Victorville.

760-243-4171

BR, BW, CC, DS, S, $$

MARIE CALLENDER’S BAKERY, RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 12180 Mariposa Road, Victorville.

760-241-6973

CC, DS, FB, S, SB, $$-$$$

RICHIE’S REAL AMERICAN DINER 14236 Valley Center Drive, # A, Victorville.

760-955-1113

BW, CC, CM, DS, $$

SKILLET CAFE Two locations: ■ 16922 Main St., Hesperia.

760-949-9988 ■ 4646 Phelan Road, Phelan.

760-868-2298

SUMMIT INN 5960 Mariposa Road, Oak Hills.

760-949-8688

CM, DS, SM

Chicken and Waffles from The Historic Summit Inn. STAFF PHOTO

BY KATHY YOUNG

FINE DINING CHATEAU CHANG 15425 Anacapa Road, Victorville.

760-241-3040

BW, CC, FB, $$$

IDLE SPURS STEAKHOUSE 690 Old Highway 58, Barstow.

760-256-8888 www.thespurs.us

Oro Grande.

760-241-1987 www.crosseyedcowpizza. com

BW, CC, DS

GRIDIRON PIZZA 15080 Seventh St., Unit 1B, Victorville.

760-243-4222 www.gridironpizza3.com

CC

JULIANO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

BR, W, C, CM, CC, FB, R, $$$ 12052 Hesperia Road,

Hesperia.

ITALIAN/PIZZA

CROSS EYED COW PIZZA 19242 National Trails Highway,

760-949-0595

FB, CC, O, $$

SEE DINING OUT, A11

A Veggie Black Bean Burger from Fat Jack’s Bar & Grill.

STAFF PHOTO BY KATHY YOUNG

IDLE´SPURS steakhouse & lounge

LEGEND

BR Banquet room BW Beer/Wine B Buffet CM Children’s menu CC Credit cards DS Daily specials D Delivery E Entertainment FB Full bar O Outdoor seating S Salad bar SM Senior’s menu

SB Sunday brunch Su Sushi bar R Reservations recommended $ Most entrée items — $1-5 $$ Most entrée items — $6-10 $$$ Most entrée items — $11-15 $$$$ Most entrée items — $16 +

The Legend Lives On Since 1974 40 years of Featuring USDA Choice, Aged, Midwestern Beef Chicken and Seafood New Local Artisan Beer: • Red Trolly (Karl Strauss) • Amarillo Pale Ale (Hanger 24) Old Favorites: • Bud Light • Bluemoon • Samuel Adams

760-256-8888 690 Old Hwy 58 Barstow CA 92311 www.thespurs.us

DINING OUT From Page A10

Weekender

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LOUNGES MARIE CALLENDER’S BAKERY, RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 12180 Mariposa Road, Victorville.

760-241-6973

CC, DS, FB, S, SB, $$-$$$

MEXICAN

DON GARCIA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 14343 Main St., Hesperia.

760-244-3973

BW, FB, G, CC, C

LOS TORITOS Two locations: ■ 4264 Phelan Road, Phelan.

760-868-5266 ■ 14962 Bear Valley Road, Victorville.

760-245-1811

BW, B, DS, $$-$$$

SANDWICH

THE BRASS PICKLE DELI 15617 Roy Rogers Drive, #103, Victorville.

760-241-4846

$$

TAKE-OUT ONLY RENEE ALLEN'S MAC & CHEESE

Friday, March 27, 2015 | 11

DINING OUT

Delicious homemade rolls from Cross Eyed Cow Pizza. DAILY PRESS FILE PHOTO 18375 Highway 18, Unit 3, Apple Valley.

760-242-2200, 760-953-9784 www.reneeallensmacandcheese.com

WINE BAR D'VINE WINE

14845 Monarch Blvd., Ste. C, Victorville.

760-843-3888

— The preceding restaurants are Daily Press advertisers. To find

out how to be included in the listing, call the Daily Press Advertising Department at 760-951-6288.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER

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12 | Friday, March 27, 2015 |

DINING OUT AN OASIS IN THE HIGH DESERT

Las Brisas Restaurant ... Simply the Best KATHY YOUNG

Weekender

SPECIAL SECTIONS ASSISTANT EDITOR

G

us and Linda, owners of the very popular Las Brisas Restaurant in Apple Valley, know their established eatery is “Simply ... The Best.”

Theirs is truly an “ ...

Oasis in the Desert ...” and whether you’re in the mood for a fabulous Mexican lunch or dinner or decide to enjoy their unique spin on fine American cuisine, you owe it to yourself to make dining at Las Brisas a regular event on your social schedule.

Gus is particularly proud — and justifiably so — of his wonderful steak dinners. A friend and I recently enjoyed a rib eye steak cooked medium-rare and served with twice-baked potato, steamed fresh asparagus, garlic cheese bread, and a small gravy boat containing au jus.

The steak melted in our mouths, and as Gus said, “Why go down the

hill for a delicious steak when you can get one right here at Las Brisas?”

Las Brisas offers many cuts of steak — filet mignon and New York, to name but two — and everything is cooked to order.

Every meal begins with chips and salsa. Las Brisas chips are made right at the restaurant, as are the tortillas, which make traditional Taco Tuesday a very popular event. The salsa is thick and very tasty, and it sets the stage for a fantastic meal.

If you’re a margarita fan, Las Brisas margaritas are considered by many to be the best in the High Desert. The full bar can accommodate your every wish, and a selection of domestic and imported beers and wines is available, too.

Speaking to those who can make a meal from appetizers, we highly recommend the chile verde sauce, which can be enjoyed “broth only” or “with tomatillos and pork” with those sturdy

Ribeye steak, twice baked potato, garlic cheese bread, fresh asparagus, au jus.

chips we mentioned above.

Guacamole can be ordered “for one” in an individual serving dish or “for the gang” in a molcajete bowl. Wedges of avocado and slices of lime serve as accents on this appetizer. Shrimp cocktail is served with lime wedges and slices of orange and tomato on a bed of lettuce with cilantro. The cocktail sauce is just right.

Seafood is another popular menu selection, and Las Brisas has several options for you. My friend ordered sea bass, broiled and glazed with a chile paste, Cozumel style. Halibut and salmon are other choices, and their shellfish — prawns, lobster and shrimp — is also imaginatively presented with pasta or with mashed potato and a bed of seasonal vegetables.

We enjoyed a fabulous dessert, too, the chimichanga with whipped cream, drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauce and served with a scoop of caramel ice

cream. Pleasing to the eye and very light — the pastry was flaky and delicious — this could easily replace my personal favorite Las Brisas dessert, deep fried ice cream.

As we said above, if you have never tried Las Brisas Restaurant, you have no excuses now.

They open daily at 11 a.m. and have Prime Rib Wednesdays, Happy Hour each Friday, and everything is tasty and served with flair.

Patio dining is available, as well. Las Brisas does not lack for atmosphere.

Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant is located at 21919 Highway 18, Apple Valley. Their telephone number is 760-2401051. Visit them on Facebook, as well.

— “The advertorial comments mentioned are not a personal or corporate endorsement of the restaurant profiled on this page. This advertorial is done in conjunction with a paid advertisement.”

Sea bass with asparagus or your choice of vegetables.

Shrimp cocktail with lime wedges and fruit. STAFF PHOTOS BY KATHY YOUNG

Fabulous Chimichanga with caramel ice cream.

Chile verde sauce appetizer.

Guacamole for one.