North County Sun - Dec-Jan

Free Bimonthly Issue North County Coastal Dec ’11-Jan ’12

What’s Cooking in North County

Poinsettia and Holiday Bowls

American Idol Interview

Parades and Festivals

Interview with Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart

Chef Brian Hyre

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Calendar of Events

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 7 Dates and times of events subject to change

Find a Complete Calendar of Events at www. www.HotinNorthCounty.com

DECEMBER

Whale watching season December through February 12/1-12/4 Annual USTA National Tennis Championship hosted

by at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. National Men’s and Women’s 40 Hard Court Championships. Free and open to public.

(877) 346-8842 www.ljbtc.com.

12/1-4/12 Head to Lake Poway and catch some Nebraska rainbow trout. Gates open at sunrise Wed-Sun. (858) 668-4772 www.poway.org/lakepoway 12/1 Oceanside Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, downtown at the Regal Center Plaza, 401 Mission Ave, Oceanside. 6-10pm. Free.

(760) 435-5041 www.visitoceanside.org 12/1-4 San Marcos Theatre West Youth Theater presents Frosty the Snowman. Thurs-Fri 7:30pm, Sat-Sun 2 and 6pm. 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos. $7-$10. (760) 744-9000 www.san-marcos.net 12/1-10 Artist Emilio Perez is the artist-in-residence at the Lux Art Institute. See him work. (760) 4436-6611 www.luxartinstistute.org 12/1-24 Nightly Tree Lightings at Legoland. A lucky child is randomly selected each night to light up the tree lights.

(760) 918-5340 www.california.legoland.com 12/1-24 Laguna Playhouse presents This Wonderful Life. $30-$65. 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach.

(949) 497-2787 www.lagunaplayhouse.com 12/1-24 New Village Arts Theatre presents The Santaland Diaries. $20.

2787 State Street, Carlsbad. (760) 433-3245 www.newvilagearts.org 12/1-31 The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park presents Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (619) 234-5623 www.oldglobe.org 12/1-12/31 SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium celebrates the holidays with festive activities. www.legoland.com 12/1-31 La Jolla Playhouse presents Jesus Christ Superstar.

(858) 550-1070 www.lajollaplayhouse.org 12/1-12/31 SD Natural History Museum presents the photographic exhibition Among Giants. See the majesty of whales. 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego. (619) 255-1210 www.sdnhm.org 12/1-31 The Old Globe Theatre presents Some Lovers. 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. (619) 234-5623 www.oldglobe.org 12/1-1/1 17th Annual Holiday of Lights at Del Mar Fairgrounds Racetrack, Sun-Thurs, 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm. $14-49 per car. www.delmarfairgrounds.com 12/1-1/2 SD Natural History Museum presents the exhibit Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins. 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego. (619) 255-1210 www.sdnhm.org 12/1-1/2 Holiday Snow Days at Legoland. The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with a snow play area. www.legoland.com 12/1-1/2 Skating by the Sea at Hotel Del in Coronado. Outdoor skating rink right on the beach. www.hoteldel.com.

12/2 Holiday Hayride at Del Mar Fairgrounds Racetrack. Also on 12/9 and 12/16. www.delmarfairgrounds.com 12/2 KinderNights at the San Diego Zoo, 6:30pm-8pm. Learn about the animals you share Earth with. $12-$15. Also 12/3 & 12/9. Call (619) 557-3962 for reservations (619) 231-1515 www.sandiegozoo.org 12/2-4 California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents Wizard of Oz. $17. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido.

(800) 988-4253 www.artcenter.org 12/2-4 San Diego Civic Theatre presents Riverdance.

(619) 570-1100 www.sandiegotheatres.org 12/2-4 San Diego Holiday Art Festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. (815) 461-6700 www.holidayartfestival.com 12/2-18 Teddy Bear Tea at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad. Collecting teddy bears to donate to Rady Children’s Hospital. $20-$40.

(760) 448-1234 www.parkhyattaviara.com 12/3 Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 4-8pm. Free. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. (800) 988-4253 www.artcenter.org 12/3 Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 4-8pm. www.artcenter.org 12/3 Santa’s COASTER Express beginning at the Oceanside Transit Center. Trains leave at 10am and 1pm. For more info go to www.gonctd.com.

12/3 Cooking Classes with the Opera Singing Chef at San Diego Botanic Garden, 1:30-4pm. (760) 436-3036 www.sdbgarden.org 12/3 Vista Christmas Parade, downtown Vista. Theme: Friends, Family & Fun! Begins 1pm. (760) 726-1122 www.vistachamber.org.

12/3 Encinitas Holiday Parade, Encinitas 101 from D Street to J Street. Tree lighting 5pm, parade begins 5:30pm.

(760) 943-1950 www.EncinitasRecReg.com.

12/3 30h Annual Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, 5pm down Main Street.

(760) 728-5845 www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org

JANUARY

1/1 New Year's Day- Happy New Year!

1/1 Annual Polar Bear Swim, La Jolla Shores, 10am. Non-competitive event. www.lajollacoveswimclub.org.

1/1 New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch at the Hotel Del in

Coronado, 10am-2pm. (619) 435-6611 www.hoteldel.com/holidays

1/1-1/29 Oceanside Museum of Art presents It’s Not My Fault:

The Art of Everett Peck. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside.

(760) 435-3720 www.oma-online.org 1/7 Jerry Seinfeld at San Diego Civic Theatre, 7pm. 1100 3rd Avenue, San Diego. (619) 570-1100 www.sandiegotheatres.org 1/7 Annual YMCA Open House Membership Drive, 9am-2pm.

Live entertainment, Fun Zone, free lunch, arts and crafts, and more. www.ecke.ymca.org 1/7 San Diego Sockers vs. Tijuana at Del Mar Arena. Game begins 7:05pm. www.sdsockers.com 1/7 Grom Bomb Surf Contest at South Pier Beach, Oceanside. Ages 18 and under. (760) 729-0231 www.ci.oceanside.ca.us 1/7-29 North Coast Repertory Theatre presents The Lion in the Winter. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Ste D, Solana Beach.

(8580 471-1055 www.northcoastrep.org 1/8 Gospel Sunday Brunch at House of Blues www.HOB.com 1/8 Family Fun Times at the San Dieguito Heritage Museum, noon4pm. Free history activities for families. 450 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. (760) 632-9711 www.sdheritage.org 1/9 Basic Cake Baking 101 at Ro Z’s Sweet Art Studio. Tuesdays, 6:308:30pm. (760) 744-0447 www.rozsweetartstudio.com 1/10-15 San Diego Civic Theatre presents the musical CATS. (619) 570-1100 www.sandiegotheatres.org

FEBRUARY 2/2 Groundhog Day

12/3 Free Holiday Movie at the Pier: “Elf.” Oceanside Pier, 6pm.

(760) 435-5041 12/3 Holiday at the Rancho at Leo Carillo Rancho Historic Park in Carlsbad, 5-8pm. Tree lighting ceremony, Santa, holiday stories and outdoor movie (A Christmas Story). Tickets $8.

(760) 476-1042 www.carlsbadca.gov 12/3-4 California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents The Wizard of Oz.. Fri 7pm, Sat 12 & 5pm. www.artcenter.org.

12/3-4 Gatorade Championship Tour Event, Oceanside South Harbor Jetty, 7am-5pm. (949) 369-6677.

12/3-4 Annual San Marcos Holiday Santa’s Magical Village and Tree Lighting. Sat 3-8pm, Sun 9am-4pm. Tree lighting on Sat, 6:30pm.

San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos.

(760) 744-9000 www.ci.san-marcos.ca.us 12/3-4 The Great Train Expo at Del Mar Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 10am-4pm. Adults $7, children free, parking $9.

(630) 383-2017 www.sdfair.com or www.trainexpoinc.com.

12/3-4 AVO Playhouse in Vista presents Camelot the musical. Tickets $20. Also playing 12/10 and 12/17-18.

(760) 724-2110 www.broadwayvista.com 12/4 Meals-on-Wheels presents 17th Annual Holiday Concert, 2pm. At the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at (800) 988-4253 or at www.meals-on-wheels.org.

12/4 Cardiff Kringle Mingle from 2pm-6pm, free. Kick off the holiday season with craft vendors, holiday music, Santa and lots of yummy treats. Cardiff Town Center, 2005 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff. (760) 436-0431 www.cardiff101.com.

12/4 54th Annual La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival, 2-4:30pm. Theme is “Classic Christmas.” Kicks off at Kline and Girard Street and ends at La Jolla Recreation Center. www.ljparade.com 12/4 17th Annual Holiday Concert at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 2pm. Presented by Meals-on-Wheels. $15.

(800) 988-4253 www.artcenter.org 12/4 A Holiday Wonderland in Del Mar. Includes horse carriage rides, restaurant tastes, Santa and more. Holiday activities 2-5pm, tree lighting 5pm. (858) 755-1179 www.delmarmainstreet.com 12/4 25th Annual Holiday Homes Tour in Vista. Fundraiser for Vale Terrace Expansion Project, includes 4 homes, the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, and a special collection vintage vehicles. Tickets available at the Adobe and online.

(760) 631-5000 www.vistacommunityclinic.org 12/5 Autism & Animals with Dr. Temple Granin at L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar. 6-9pm.

(858) 461-6827 www.tenderlovingcanines.org 12/5 Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart at Belly Up Tavern 12/7 City of San Marcos Family Enrichment Program hosts cinnamon ornament making, 7pm. San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Drive, San Marcos. Each ornament $3. (760) 744-9000 12/8 "Christmas in Italy" show with singing star Cristina Fontanelli. www.brownpapertickets.com 12/8 5th Annual Holiday Celebration and Toys for Tots Drive at West, 5-8pm. 4970 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad. (866) 431-9378.

12/8 333’s Jazz at the Museum holiday concert featuring Izzy Chait at Oceanside Museum of Art, 7-9pm. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. www.oma-online.org 12/8 San Diego Natural History Museum presents Nature and Me Storytime, 10:30am. Theme is Animals in Winter. 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego. (619) 255-0210 www.sdnhm.org 12/8-10 Pacific Symphony presents Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, 8pm. $25$110. www.pacificsymphony.org 12/8-18 North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Mistletoe, Music and Mayhem! (858) 481-1055 www.northcoastrep.org 12/8-23 Garden of Lights at San Diego Botanical Garden, 5-9pm.

Tickets prices vary. (760) 436-3036 www.sdbgarden.org 12/9 Robbies Roadhouse presents: Johnny C www.vigiluccis.com 12/9 California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents An Irish Christmas, 8pm. Music, dance, and storytelling. $35-39.

(800) 988-4253 www.artcenter.org 12/9-10 MiraCosta Jazz Collective/MiraCosta Latin Jazz Orchestra, 7:30pm. Original arrangements of Latin, funk, and soul jazz. 1 Bernard Drive, Oceanside. (760) 795-6815 www.miracosta.edu/buytix 12/9-11 AVO Playhouse in Vista presents A Christmas Carol. Also playing 12/15, 12/17-18. Tickets $10-$18.

(760) 724-2110 www.broadwayvista.com 12/9-1/1 Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo. Nightly tree-lighting ceremony, bell ringers filling the air with music, and lighted animal figures dotting the grounds. (619) 231-1515 www.sandiegozoo.org.

1/12 San Diego Natural History Museum presents Nature and Me

Storytime, 10:30am. 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego.

(619) 255-0210 www.sdnhm.org 1/12 Oceanside Museum of Art presents Artist @Work. Launch party with artist Ian Ross. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside.

(760) 435-3720 www.oma-online.org 1/12-14 Pacific Symphony presents Tchaikovsky’s Fifth, 8pm. $25$110. www.pacificsymphony.org 1/13 Doggie Café at San Diego Humane Society’s North Campus, 6-8pm. Have your dog socialize with other dogs (on-leash). 572 Airport Rd., Oceanside. (619) 299-7012 www.sdhumane.org 1/13 Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey at the San Diego Zoo. (619) 231-1515 www.sandiegozoo.org 1/14-2/2 Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park presents Dividing the Estate. (619) 234-5623 www.oldglobe.org 1/15-20 San Diego Restaurant Week 1/15 Pacific Symphony presents Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Revealed, 3pm. $25-$81. (714) 755-5799 www.pacificsymphony.org 1/15 David Garrett plays at Balboa Theatre, 7pm. www.broadwaysd.com

12/10 OffTrack Gallery Artist Reception, 5:30-7:30pm. Refreshments

and open to public. 937 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas. www.offtrackgallery.com 12/10 Oceanside Parade of Lights in Oceanside Harbor, 6pm-9pm.

All sorts of boats cruise by, decked out in holiday lights.

(760) 722-5751 www.ci.oceanside.ca.us 12/10 Pacific Symphony presents Nutcracker for Kids. www.pacificsymphony.org 12/10 Christmas in the Park at Old Poway Park, 3:30-8:30pm. Tree lighting at 5:20 pm and Santa arrives by train at 5:30 pm. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. (858) 668-4576 www.poway.org 12/10 Jobs for Autism presents: Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, 8:30pm. 2891 University Avenue, Ste. 1, Birch North Park Theatre, San Diego. (858) 229-7922 www.birchnorthparktheatre.net 12/10 Holiday Tea Party Childish Couture in Rancho Santa Fe Plaza, Encinitas. See website for updates www.childishcouture.com 12/10 21st Annual Poinsettia Ball fundraising event at Paul Ecke YMCA, Encinitas. Formal evening includes gourmet dinner, live entertainment, and silent auction. (760) 942-9622 www.ecke.ymca.org 12/10 Scholastic Surf Series. San Diego Middle School – Avalanche, Ocean Beach. (760) 518-2727 www.surfsss.org 12/10 Carlsbad Educational Foundation presents Carols of Carlsbad at La Costa Resort and Spa, 3-5pm. School kids from kindergarten to high school showcase holiday music.

(760) 929-1555 www.carlsbaded.org 12/10-11 Holiday Art Sale at Lagoon Discovery Center, 10am-3pm.

1580 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. (760) 804-1969 www.aguahedionda.org 12/11 Orchestra Nova presents Holiday Spectacular at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 4pm. $20-46. www.artcenter.org 12/11 OffTrack Gallery Holiday Bazaar, 10am-4pm. 1565 Gascony Road, Encinitas and 3101 Circa de Tierra, Encinitas. www.offtrackgallery.com 12/11 Scholastic Surf Series. San Diego Divisions 1 & 2 – Avalanche, Ocean Beach. (760) 518-2727 www.surfsss.org 12/11 AVO Playhouse in Vista presents Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. Also plays 12/15-17. Tickets $7-$12. (760) 724-2110 www.broadwayvista.com 12/11-12 Beachwalk Retail Center presents “Pack the Present” event. Toy and food drive and entertainment. Benefits San Diego Food Bank and Rady Children’s Hospital. Holiday Open House 12/11, 1-5pm; Breakfast with Santa at Pacific Coast Grill, 12/12, 9am-1pm. (858) 509-4900 www.beachwalkcenter.com 12/11-24 The Hotel Del in Coronado presents the annual production An American Christmas. (619) 437-0600 www.hoteldel.com 12/11-4/1 The Point of View: William Glen Crooks exhibit at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. www.oma-online.org 12/14 Christmas at the Mission – a Night of a Thousand Lights at Mission San Luis Rey. 5-9pm, $35. (760) 757-3651 www.sanluisrey.org 12/13 MiraCosta College songwriting class presents Lend Me Your Ear, 7:30pm. Students perform their own composed pieces.

(760) 795-6815 12/13-1/1 Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. (714) 556-2787 www.scfta.org 12/14 MiraCosta College’s orchestra and choirs presents holiday music, 7:30pm. (760) 795-6815 www.miracosta.edu/buytix 12/15 L8 Nite Thursdays at the Center Courtyard of the Lumberyard in downtown Encinitas. Santa, live music, carolers and more, 5-8pm. (760) 943-1950 12/15-17 Pacific Symphony presents A Michael W. Smith Christmas, 8pm. $30-$155. www.pacificsymphony.org 12/15-18 Star Theatre presents “Annie.” 402 North Coast Highway, Oceanside. (760) 721-9983. www.startheatre.biz 12/15-18 Sunshine Brooks Theatre presents Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, $18. 217 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside. (760) 433-8900 www.oceansidetheatre.org 12/15-24 Nightly Tree Lightings at Legoland. A lucky child is randomly selected each night to light up the tree lights.

(760) 918-5340 www.california.legoland.com 12/16 San Marcos offers Fun Friday Nites! at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos. $20 per child. (760) 744-9000 www.san-marcos.net 12/16-17 California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents The Nutcracker. $19-$39. (800) 988-4253 www.artcenter.org 12/16-19 Winterfest at Poway Community Park featuring a new outdoor skating rink. www.poway.org 12/17 Scholastic Surf Series. San Diego Division 3 – Army Navy Academy, Carlsbad. (760) 518-2727 www.surfsss.org 12/17 Robbies Roadhouse presents: Trio Du Jour www.vigiluccis.com

1/19-2/5 AVO Playhouse in Vista presents The Mousetrap, a riveting

10:30am. Bring your preschooler for interactive story-time with crafts, animals, and animal stories. $3 per child. 572 Airport Rd., Oceanside. (619) 243-3432 www.sdhumane.org 1/19 Cake Design for Fun – Basics to Fondant. Cake decorating course at Ro Z’s Sweet Art Studio. Thursday nights, 6:30-8:30pm.

(760) 744-0447 www.rozsweetartstudio.com

murder mystery. (760) 724-2110 www.moonlightstage.com 1/19-22 Shen Yun Dance at Calif. Center for the Arts www.shenyun2012.com 1/20 San Marcos offers Fun Friday Nites! at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos. $20 per child. (760) 744-9000 www.san-marcos.net 1/20-22 Del Mar Antique Shows, Fri-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm. $8 admission. (800) 943-7501 1/21 Scholastic Surf Series. San Diego Middle School, Oceanside Pier.

(760) 518-2727 www.surfsss.org 1/21 3rd Annual 5K Walk/Run at Poinsettia Park, Carlsbad (Thorp Field). Walk begins at 10am. Kids games, raffle, and entertainment. Supports children and families suffering from lifethreatening disorders and diseases. www.mitchellthorp.org 1/21 6th Annual Hills 5K Walk/Run and Street Fair, 8am. $5-$50.

Street fair 9am-4pm. www.sanelijohills5k.com 1/21 Monster Jam at Qualcomm Stadium, 7pm. The world’s best monster trucks battle it out and crush cars. $12-$30. www.monsterjam.com 1/21 San Diego Sockers vs. California at Del Mar Arena. Game begins 7:05pm. $11-18. www.sdsockers.com 1/21 Kids’ Marathon Mile at Legoland, 8-11am. For children 12 and below. Registration fee $20-$25. (760) 692-2900 www.carlsbadmarathon.com 1/21 Poway Center for the Performing Arts presents the band BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, 8pm. (858) 748-0505 www.powayarts.org 1/21-22 CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour at Valley View Casino Center. $50-$250. www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson

2/3 San Marcos offers Fun Friday Nites! at the San Marcos

2/4 Pacific Symphony presents Symphony in Space, 10am & 11:30am.

1/16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 1/17-22 Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents CATS. (714) 566-2787 www.scfta.org

1/18 Tots and Tales at San Diego Humane Society North Campus,

Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos. $20 per child.

(760) 744-9000 www.san-marcos.net

www.pacificsymphony.org 2/5 Superbowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis. AFC Champions vs. NFC Champions – game and half-time

12/17 Winter Wonderland 3rd Annual Cake Show at Ro Z’s Sweet Art Studio, 10am-3pm. (760) 744-0447 www.roxsweetartstudio.com

12/17 Santa visits Bressi Ranch Village Center, 12-3pm. Take a

picture with Mr. and Mrs. Clause. 2629 Gateway Rd, Carlsbad.

Free. www.shopbressivillagecenter.com 12/17 At Rancho Santa Fe Plaza in Encinitas, Stuff Your Stocking at businesses around the plaza, 11am-3pm. Presented by Childish Couture. Like Trick-or-treating, but with Christmas stockings. Kids decorate stockings before they go around the plaza. Live holiday music and photos with Santa.

(760) 230-6000 www.childishcouture.com 12/17 Ends of the Earth Family Day at San Diego Natural History Museum, 11am-3pm. Enter the Artic and Antarctic worlds with polar-inspired activities and crafts.

(619) 255-0210 www.sdnhm.org 12/17-18 Crossroads of the West Gun Show at Del Mar Fairgrounds, O’Brien Hall. Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm. Tickets $12; coupon on event website, parking $9. www.delmarfairgrounds.com or www.crossroadsgunshows.com.

12/17-18 California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents The Nutcracker. Sat 1 & 7pm, Sun 1pm. $18.50-39. www.artcenter.org 12/17-23 San Diego Civic Theatre and San Diego Symphony present The Nutcracker. $25-$80. 1100 Third Ave., San Diego. (858) 560-6741 12/17-1/2 Skating by the Sea outdoors at the Hotel Del Coronado overlooking the Pacific Ocean. (619) 522-8490 www.hoteldel.com 12/18 “A Peter White Christmas” at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort’s Grand Ballroom, featuring smooth jazz guitarist Peter White, Mindi Abair and Kirk Whalum, 7pm. Tickets $75. www.aviarajazz.com 12/18 Annual Holiday Buffet and Viewing Party on board the historic Berkeley, 5-9pm. (619) 234-9153 www.sdmaritime.org 12/18 Scholastic Surf Series. San Diego Division 4 – Oceanside Pier.

(760) 518-2727 www.surfsss.org 12/19 Poinsettia Bowl March through the Gaslamp with marching bands and spirit squads, San Diego, 6pm.

(619) 285-5061 www.poinsettiabowl.com 12/19-20 North Coast Repertory Theatre presents An Unscripted Carol, 7:30pm. (858) 481-1055 www.northcoastrep.org 12/19-23, 28-30 Winter Art Camp at San Diego Zoo for students in grades 4-adult, 9am-4pm. www.sandiegozoo.org 12/19-1/1 Winter Sailor’s Days for the whole family aboard the Star of India. (619) 234-9153 www.sdmaritime.org 12/20 Hanukkah Begins at Sundown 12/20 La Costa Albertsons Hanukkah Menorah Lighting, 5-7pm. For more info call Chabad at La Costa at (760) 943-8891 or Albertsons at (760) 633-3468.

12/20 Special Chanukkah service at Temple Solel in Cardiff by the Sea (760) 436-0654 www.templesolel.net.

12/21 Poinsettia Bowl, Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego. 5pm kickoff on ESPN. (619) 285-5061 www.poinsettiabowl.com 12/21-24 North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Sister’s Christmas Catechism. (858) 481-1055 www.northcoastrep.org 12/22 First Day of Winter 12/22-24 Sunshine Brooks Theatre presents Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, $18. 217 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

(760) 433-8900 www.oceansidetheatre.org 12/23-24 Celebrationworks Theatre presents “Kick the Dickens out of the Holidays.” Six award-wimming, one act comedies, 7pm. Donation $7. Seaside Center, 1613 Lake Drive, Encinitas.

(760) 421-8406 www.celebrationworks.org

12/24 Christmas Eve 12/24-25 Christmas Dining at the Hotel Del in Coronado. (619) 435-6611 www.hoteldel.com/holidays

12/25 Christmas Day 12/26 Kwanzaa Begins 12/26-30 Garden of Lights at San Diego Botanical Garden, 5-9pm.

Various ticket prices. (760) 436-3036 www.sdbgarden.org

12/26-31 Legoland Holiday Fireworks in Carlsbad, 7pm.

(760) 918-5340 www.legoland.com

12/28 Maritime Museum Winter Family Day. After the Holiday Bowl Parade from 11am-3pm. (619) 234-9153 www.sdmaritime.org

12/28 Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade and Family Festival.

Parade begins at 10am in downtown San Diego. For more info call (619) 285-5061 or visit www.holidaybowl.com.

12/28 Holiday Bowl, Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego. 5pm kickoff on ESPN. Call (619) 285-5061 or go to www.holidaybowl.com for more info.

12/30 Robbie's Roadhouse presents: Taryn Donath www.vigiluccis.com 12/31 New Year’s Eve (see our New Year’s Eve Party Directory, Page 14)

1/21-2/26 Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park presents The Recommendation. (619) 234-5623 www.oldglobe.org

1/22 American Idol Season II premieres on FOX. 1/22 Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon along gorgeous

coastline sponsored by Tri-City Medical Center, 6am-12pm.

(760) 692-2900 www.carlsbadmarathon.com.

1/22 Eric Johnson plays at House of Blues in San Diego, 7pm. 1055 Fifth Avenue, San Diego. (619) 299-2583 www.houseofblues.com 1/23 North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Shakespeare Unscripted, 7:30pm. Completely improvised play in style of Shakespeare. (858) 471-1055 www.northcoastrep.org 1/23-29 PGA Farmers Open Golf Championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla. (904) 285-3700 www.pgatour.com 1/25-29 Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3 at Valley View Casino Center.

(800) 745-3000 www.disneyonice.com.

1/26-29 San Diego Sunroad Boat Show. Free boat rides, food, music, spirits and more. (619) 497-5254 www.bigbayboatshow.com 1/27 Oceanside Museum of Art presents Art After Dark: Night Odyssey, 7-10pm. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. www.oma-online.org 1/28 Scholastic Surf Series. San Diego Division 3, La Jolla Shores.

(760) 518-2727 www.surfsss.org 1/28 John McCutcheon at San Dieguito United Methodist Church Sanctuary, 7:30pm. www.livenation.com 1/28 Annual Teen Scene: Battle of the Bands at Calavera Hills Community Center, 2997 Glasgow Drive, Carlsbad. 4-9pm. Gaming room, karaoke, film festival, food and drinks. Ages 13-19. Visit website for participant sign-up. www.carlsbadca.gov/recreation.

1/29 Scholastic Surf Series. San Diego Division 4, La Jolla Shores.

(760) 518-2727 www.surfss.org shows by National Football League. www.superbowl.com 2/16-3/11 AVO Playhouse in Vista presents Little Women – The Musical. (760) 724-2110 www.moonlightstage.com

8 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

Entertainment Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Christmas Parades and Festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 New Year’s Eve Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Restaurants- What’s Cooking over the Holidays?

16 Kid’s Winter Break Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Coupons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Music/ Concerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart (Interview) . . . . . . . . . .26 Theatre/ Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 American Idol Judges (Interview) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Win Tickets to Poinsettia Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Win Tickets to PGA Golf at Torrey Pines . . . . . . . . . .26 Win Tickets to San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells . . . . . . .24 Win Tickets to Disney on Ice- Toy Story 3 . . . . . . . . .10 Win Tickets to Belly up Tavern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Win Tickets to House of Blues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Win Tickets to 4th & B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Cover Photo by www.dav esiccardi.com

INSIDE

Published by Print Zone Entertainment 7040 Avenida Encinas, Suite 104-115, Carlsbad, CA 92011, (760) 635-9100, info@northcountysun.com www.HotinNorthCounty.com North County Sun is on Facebook.

Front Cover Photo: Miso Glazed Pacific Salmon, Honey Ginger Braised Carrots & Parsnips, Lump Blue Crab Cake, Cucumber Wasabi Remoulade, Cucumber Salad.

Oceanside Museum of Art 333’s Jazz at the Museum Holiday Concert Featuring Izzy Chait December 8, Thurs, 7-9pm OMA is pleased to present a night out with Izzy Chait at 333’s Jazz at the Museum concert series. This accomplished multi-dimensional artist has found success in both the art and music worlds, and continues to evolve and perfect his craft as a performer of “standards.” His criticallyacclaimed debut album, Once Upon A Time, was widely applauded for Chait’s fresh spin on the style and sound of jazz classics, and is considered to be his “magnum opus.”

333 Pacific restaurant in Oceanside is partnering with the museum to present a dynamic jazz concert series featuring the region’s top jazz musicians, paired with gourmet appetizers, desserts and specialty wines. Admission is $20-$25.

The Point of View: William Glen Crooks December 11- April 22 While his images may include railroad crossings, trucks, trees and buildings, the real subjects of Crooks’ oil paintings are the opacity of light and the transparency of shadow. Born and raised in San Diego, Crooks’ outdoor “snapshots” bring a new freshness and local appeal to the landscape genre.

Working in the spirit of realism with romantic bent, Crooks’ luminous landscapes function as interpretive windows of daily life. The Point of View features 47 paintings created over the last 25 years that emphasize cityscapes, nostalgic urban scenery and expansive landscapes based on photographs taken throughout the Midwest and Pacific Coast.

Crooks has the ability to transform landscapes into metaphors that emphasize his perceptions of the natural world around him. His quiet narratives reflect his deep appreciation for both nature and the geometric structures peppered throughout his images, giving evidence to the human impact on the landscape.

Art After Dark: Night Odyssey January 27, Fri, 7-10pm This event treats guests to visual splendor as the evening comes alive under the stars with Night Odyssey. Inspired by the Point of View: William Glen Crooks exhibition, OMA lights up the New Year with a spectacular array of edgy entertainment that threads together technology and art! StarLit Music & Apparel light up the night with an LED art board installation, while artists Glen Bonner & Marcos Capri create art under a blacklight display.

Oceanside Museum of Art is located at 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. For more information about these events visit www.oma-online.org.

Hotel del Coronado Celebrates the Holiday Season The Hotel del Coronado has been celebrating the holidays in grand tradition since 1888. Famous for its elegant surroundings and lavish service, The Del is also known for its festive holiday traditions. It was here in 1904 that America was favored with the first electrically lighted outdoor Christmas tree, setting the stage for over a century of holiday enchantment.

This year’s holiday theme is “Silver Bells,” and the resort will be decorated from head to toe with shining bells, sparkling snow, natural garland swags and elegant Victorian decor with dark red, sage and silver accents. With 100,000 glittering lights illuminating the resort and a spectacular beachfront ice skating rink, the Hotel del Coronado will truly be Southern California’s holiday wonderland.

Skating by the Sea December 1 through January 1 The Hotel del Coronado is celebrating the seventh anniversary of Skating by the Sea, a unique Southern California experience – outdoor ice-skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The oceanfront Windsor Lawn will be transformed into a spectacular ice rink with skating sessions offered daily. From December 1 through December 16, there are two daily sessions from 2- 5pm and 6–9pm and a third matinee session from 11am-1pm on weekends and holidays. From December 17 through January 1, all three sessions are offered daily. Three-hour sessions cost $25 for adults and $20 for kids age 10 and under. The two-hour matinee session costs $20 for adults and $15 for kids age 10 and under (skate rentals are included in the price). A portion of the skating proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego.

An American Christmas December 11-24 The Del is pleased to present the annual production of An American Christmas, performed by the award-winning Lamb’s Players Theatre, December 11-24 in the Ballroom.

The Marshall family, played by 30 versatile performers, welcomes you to an interactive lavish feast and celebration set in the year 1911. Beginning with hors d’oeuvres, the Marshall’s entertain their guests with stories, songs, dance and laughter, all woven around a sumptuous four-course yuletide dinner prepared by The Del’s master chefs. San Diego Magazine calls An American Christmas “a perfect melding of food, ambience and showmanship.” For information and tickets, contact the Lamb’s Players Box Office at (619) 437-0600.

For more information, please call (619) 435-6611 or visit www.hoteldel.com/holidays.

FIND THE NORTH COUNTY SUN AT OVER 100 LOCATIONS FROM DEL MAR TO OCEANSIDE Harvest Ranch Market– Del Mar (Inside Store) CVS Pharmacy– Del Mar (Inside Store) Auto Club– Del Mar (Rack) Bruegger's Bagel– Del Mar Del Mar Diner– Del Mar Hilton Hotel– Del Mar CVS Pharmacy– Solana Beach (Inside Store) Vons– Solana Beach (Inside Store) Sprouts– Solana Beach (Inside Store) Belly Up Tavern– Solana Beach (Rack) Courtyard by Marriott– Solana Beach Best Western– Solana Beach Seaside Market– Cardiff by the Sea (Rack) Howard Johnsons Hotel– Leucadia Pannikin Coffee Shop– Encinitas (Rack) Ralphs Encinitas (Inside) Starbucks 101– Encinitas (Rack) Ecke YMCA– Encinitas (Inside) WineStyles– Encinitas (Inside) Stater Bros.– Encinitas (Inside) E-Street Café– Encinitas Frazee Paint– Encinitas Encinitas BMW– Encinitas (Inside) Encinitas Ford– Encinitas (Inside) Whole Foods– Encinitas Boys and Girls Club– Encinitas Auto Club– Encinitas It’s A Grind Coffee– Encinitas Shell Carwash– Encinitas La Paloma Theater– Encinitas Sprouts– Oceanside AM/PM Market– Oceanside (Inside Store) Little Ceasars Pizza– Oceanside (Inside Store) Oceanside Chamber of Commerce– Oceanside California Welcome Center– Oceanside (Inside Store) Quick Korner Market at Seagaze/Hwy 101– Oceanside Palomar Airport– Carlsbad AM/PM– San Marcos (Inside Store) San Elijo Hills Coffee Shop– San Elijo Hills San Elijo Hills Chevron– San Elijo Hills Tip Top Meats Carlsbad (Rack) Frazee Paint Poinsettia Village Carlsbad (Inside Store) Carlsbad Seapointe Resort– Carlsbad Quality Inn– Carlsbad Ralphs/Chevron– Poinsettia Village (Rack) Vinaka Coffee Shop– Carlsbad Village Fair Village Fair elevator– Carlsbad– (Rack) Carlsbad Welcome Center– Carlsbad Village Playwerx Avenida Encinas Carlsbad inside (1) Albertsons– Rancho Santa Fe and San Marcos Blvd Vons– Rancho Santa Fe and San Marcos Blvd Bank of America– Carlsbad Business Park The Islands @ Carlsbad Center Faraday (Rack) Kaiser Perm– Carlsbad Kaiser Perm– San Marcos Ralphs Twin Oaks– San Marcos San Marcos Car Wash Cal State San Marcos (Rack) Taco King– San Marcos Tommy’s Original– San Marcos Blvd Marriot Renaissance– San Marcos Tri-City Wellness– El Camino Real Taco King Twin Oaks Valley Rd– San Marcos Albertsons– San Elijo Hills Frazee Paint Carlsbad (Rack) Chevron Poinsettia Carlsbad (Rack) UPS Store Poinsettia Village– Carlsbad Vons– Encinitas (Inside Store) PlayWerx (Rack Inside) Carlsbad City Hall Peley’s Fish Market– Carlsbad Raddison Suites– Faraday Carlsbad Sprouts– Carlsbad Grand Pacific Palasades– Armada Drive La Costa Coffee Roasting (Rack) Broken Yolk– La Costa (Rack) Borders– Forum Shopping Center-Carlsbad Jimbos– Forum Shopping Center– Carlsbad (Rack Inside) Sprouts– La Costa (Rack Inside) Sprouts- Encinitas (Rack Inside) Harvest Ranch Market– Olivenhain (Rack) Mexico Viego Los Coches La Costa (Rack Inside) Stagecoach Park– La Costa Starbucks/Brueggers La Costa/El Camino Real (Rack) Albertsons– La Costa Stater Bros– Bressi Ranch (Rack) Vons– Aviara (Rack Inside) La Costa Coffee Roasting– Aviara (Rack Inside) La Costa Resort and Spa Market Place (Inside) Park Hyatt Resort Aviara– Carlsbad (Inside) La Costa Glen Carlsbad (Inside) AND... HOME DELIVERED TO THESE NEIGHBORHOODS! South Carlsbad Beach, La Costa, Aviara, Bressi Ranch, Rancho Carrillo, Tamarack, Encinitas, Encinitas Ranch, Olivenhain, Leucadia, Cardiff By the Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Old Creek Ranch, San Elijo Hills, San Marcos.

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 9 Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

Moonlight Stage Productions’ Winter Season at the AVO Playhouse

North Coast Repertory Theatre

The most popular whodunit of all time, a vibrant musical version of a great piece of literature, and a hilarious new romantic comedy are part of Moonlight Stage Productions’ 22nd Winter Season at the AVO Playhouse. Between January and April, audiences enjoy Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, the recent Broadway hit Little Women—The Musical, and James Sherman’s modern romantic comedy Beau Jest.

Camelot December 3-4, 10, 17-18 Premiere Productions brings the musical Camelot to the Avo Playhouse for the first time in 22 years. This great story of a love triangle is only playing at the Playhouse for a total of 7 performances so don’t miss out! Tickets are $20. For more information visit www.broadwayvista.com.

A Christmas Carol December 9-11, 15, 17-18 A cast of 40 youth and adult actors from San Diego and Riverside Counties brings the Dickens classic to the Avo Playhouse this December. A Christmas Carol is a perfect show for families to watch together. Tickets are $9.50$17.50. For more information visit www.broadwayvista.com.

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer December 11, 15-17 See your favorite holiday characters from Mr. and Mrs. Claus to the famous reindeer grace the stage once again this winter. This original musical is great for kids and families. Tickets are $7-$12. For more information visit www.broadwayvista.com.

The Mousetrap January 19-February 5 The Mousetrap, Christie’s celebrated murder mystery play, has been running continuously in England since 1952 making it the longest-running play in history with more than 25,000 performances. The ingenious plot engages the audience from start to finish with a thrilling twist at the end. Everyone is a suspect when a group of strangers, one of whom is a murderer, descends upon the newly-opened Monkswell Manor in the midst of a snowstorm. Arriving on the scene is a police detective who uncovers lies and deceptions and reveals that everyone has hidden secrets. Jason Heil, returns to direct after having staged numerous critically acclaimed productions for Moonlight at the AVO including “Barefoot in

Charlotte’s Web, Production by children in the theatre school December 1-4 Wilbur, the irresistible young pig that desperately wants to avoid the butcher befriends an extraordinary spider, Charlotte. Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign to save him and along the way they both meet many new characters and learn the true value of friendship.

Mistletoe, Music and Mayhem!

December 8-18 Five performers are the key to this outrageous musical comedy adventure that transcends the holidays!

A line-up of original comedy scenarios mixed with a bevy of holiday inspired songs that will melt your heart and tickle your funny bone.

An Unscripted Carol December 19-20, Mon-Tues, 7:30 PM An UnScripted Carol is a show where keen imaginations steeped in Dickens and Christmas work feverishly to create theatre on the spot. The pace is swift, and the performers are pushed to the peak of their abilities as they attempt to juggle character, plot and staging all at once.

An UnScripted Carol is a holiday treat that is never, ever the same story twice and gives fans of A Christmas Carol a whole new way to celebrate the season!

Sister’s Christmas Catechism December 21-24, Wed-Thurs 7:30pm, Fri 2pm It’s going to be one ho-ho-holy night as Sister tackles the question that’s been puzzling historians through the ages: Whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? CSI-goes-toBethlehem-in-Solana Beach as Sister delivers a sleigh load of side-splitting holiday laughs. Bring your camera to capture all the action! Don’t miss out on the holiday hi-jinks!!

The Lion in the Winter January 7 - 29 In honor of North Coast Rep’s 30th anniversary season, the theatre proudly draws upon a title from its inaugural year to bring the classic to life once again on our stage. In James Goldman’s classic play, THE LION IN WINTER, domestic turmoil rises to an art form. A quintessential drama of family strife and competing ambitions brings modern-day relevance to the intrigues of 12th Century England. Combining keen historical and psychological insight with delicious, mordant wit, the play has become an American classic.

Shakespeare Unscripted January 23, Monday, 7:30 PM Shakespeare Unscripted is a completely improvised play in the style of William Shakespeare. Poetry, drama, comedy and romance all are possible when Impro Theatre attempts to “ascend the brightest heaven of invention.” There is no script and no net. Using only guts, wit and a few suggestions from the audience to get the show started Impro Theatre creates an entire play inspired by the Bard.

The North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Ste. D, Solana Beach. For more information call (858) 481-1055 or visit www.northcoastrep.org.

the Park” and “Ring Round the Moon” among others.

Little Women – The Musical February 16-March 11 One of America’s most beloved books soars to the stage in an exhilarating new Broadway musical, LITTLE WOMEN—THE MUSICAL. The story of the remarkable March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—is based on Louisa May Alcott’s timeless tale about the power of family, friendship, and romance. The story centers on the March sisters growing up in Civil War America, and features a score that resonates with personal discovery, heartache, and hope—the sounds of a young America finding its voice. New York Magazine raved that the show, which starred Sutton Foster as Jo, “embodies the passion and power of young minds.” The Broadway production opened in 2005 before going on national tour through 2006. Kathy Brombacher, Producing Artistic Director for Moonlight, will direct.

Beau Jest March 22-April 8 Concluding the Winter Season is the hit Off-Broadway comedy that ran for nearly three years, BEAU JEST by James Sherman. This heartwarming story about a beautiful young school teacher begs the question: how far will you go to satisfy your parents? Convinced that her Jewish parents won’t approve of her non-Jewish boyfriend, the eager-to-please Sarah hires an actor to play the man of her dreams. As the family falls in love with her new “beau,” can she remember not to do the same? Imagine “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” meets “The Wedding Singer” with a little “Fiddler on the Roof” thrown in for good measure, and you have the makings of a delightful family comedy full of crazy confusion, hilarity and romance.

Moonlight Stage Productions is well-known for its award winning productions on its two stages at the Moonlight Amphitheatre and the AVO Playhouse.

The AVO Playhouse is located at 303 Main Street, Vista.

Three show season package is $72 and single tickets range $22-$30. For ticket information, call (760) 724-2110 or visit www.moonlightstage.com.

Holiday Shows at the California Center for The Arts Escondido Wizard of Oz Friday, December 2, 7pm; Saturday, December 3, 2 and 7pm, Sunday, December 4, 2pm Center Theater, Presented by Broadway Theatre Arts Broadway Theatre Arts Academy proudly presents the classic L. Frank Baum story of The Wizard of Oz. This show marks the 50th production staged by BTAA since its inception in 2002. BTAA was formed specifically to fill the need of providing the arts in the form of children’s theatre to students ages 5-19.

Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland Saturday, December 3, 4-8 pm Lyric Court and Great Green Lawn at the Center, Presented by the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Enjoy a magical evening of holiday celebrations. This annual event has become a Center favorite and a holiday tradition for families in North County and beyond. See the Center sparkle with dancing lights as patrons enjoy seasonal music and Victorian Carolers, a special visit from the man up north, a spectacular light show, and everyone’s favorite – real snow! Kids will enjoy free art activities, costumed entertainers and free treats at this family-friendly event that is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit. This event is FREE. 17th Annual Holiday Concert Sunday, December 4, 2pm Concert Hall, Presented by Meals-on-Wheels Revel in the holiday spirit with the glorious sounds of brass, wind and percussion at this annual concert. The Coastal Communities Concert Band donates all proceeds to Meals-on-Wheels Greater San Diego, Inc. which has raised more than $150,000. Tickets: $15.

An Irish Christmas Friday, December 9, 8pm Center Theater, Presented by Kerry Records A celebration of Christmas in Ireland, with glorious music, traditional dance, lively storytelling and plenty of Irish soul. The production boasts an all-star cast: renowned Riverdance lead Darren Maguire, button accordion genius David Munnelly (accordionist for The Chieftains for four Print Zone Entertainment 7040 Avenida Encinas 104-115 Carlsbad, CA 92011 info@NorthCountySun.com www.HotinNorthCounty.com Advertising Office (760) 635-9100 Fax (760) 635-9200

Publisher: Andy Lee Publisher’s Assistant: Serena Lee Graphics: Kaitlyn Berry Information: Mauri Sysko Editor: Paula Berg Writer: Andrea Nakamura Photo Front Cover: Dave Siccardi

Home Delivery: Sun Distributing Rack Distribution: Dominion Distribution Web: Scott Schafthausen Layout: Rosie Holub Ad Design: Sealevel Design Printing by: San Diego Web Offset

years), the great Kieran Munnelly on flute and bodhran (Musician of the Year 2010, LiveIreland.com who has played with everyone from Bobby McFerrin to Francis Black), the Kerry Trad Orchestra, along with a host of actors and singers in a sparkling Irish night! “….Music, dance, and song that leaves everyone breathless” (The Village News). Tickets: $35 - $39.

Orchestra Nova – “Holiday Spectacular” Sunday, December 11, 4pm.

Concert Hall, Presented by the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Make your holiday season extra special this year for your family and friends with this spectacular holiday show.

Back by popular demand, this heartwarming, toe-tapping show has it all – a wonderful children’s choir, a sing-along, fantastic vocalists and many other surprises!

This performance is generously sponsored by Mrs. Jean Will and Donald & Janet Sutherland. Tickets: $20-$46.

Enjoy an elegant post-show dinner reception and wine tasting after each Orchestra Nova performance at the Center this year. Special guest appearance will be made by the one and only, Maestro Jung-Ho Pak! Seats are limited.

The Nutcracker Friday, December 16, 7pm, Saturday, December 17, 1pm & 7pm.

Concert Hall, Presented by West Coast Ballet Theatre This family oriented, grand-scale production of the classic children’s tale features international guest artists, spectacular sets, gorgeous costumes, dazzling pyrotechnics, special effects, flying fairies and snow.

To purchase tickets call California Center For The Arts Escondido ticket office at (800) 988-4253 or visit www.artcenter.org.

La Jolla Playhouse Jesus Christ Superstar December 1-31 La Jolla Playhouse welcomes Director Emeritus Des McAnuff back home with his acclaimed Stratford Shakespeare Festival production of Jesus Christ Superstar. This ground-breaking rock opera tells the story of the last week of Christ’s life. The zeal with which Christ’s followers are hailing him as the Son of God becomes a source of dismay to his disciple Judas Iscariot. Fearing that this tide of religious fervor will provoke brutal repression by the occupying Romans, Judas must make his fateful choice between faith and betrayal.

For more information call (858) 550-1070 or visit www.lajollaplayhouse.org.

This bimonthly entertainment publication is home delivered free, and can be found at over 100 locations throughout North County. This publication is a free publication. This publication is an independent paper. The views expressed in articles submitted by businesses or residents do not necessarily represent the views of the editor or the publisher. This publication is meant to be a friendly, family oriented publication. The publisher reserves all rights in editing of content and advertising copy to fall in line with publisher’s idea of family oriented content. We ask our readers to report any factual errors, which will be corrected in a subsequent publication. Advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. Publisher is liable only for the cost of the advertiser’s space. Any advertising error must be reported immediately. This publication is not responsible or liable for any problems with any of the advertisements in this publication relating to workmanship, or ad content. Directory Listings are paid advertisements. It is recommended that you call each venue on Calendar of Events to confirm date and times. Missed ads or ads with mistakes will go in subsequent publication.

10 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

DISNEY ON ICE Presents Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY 3 January 25 – 29 The toys are back in town!

Toy Story 3, the Academy Awardwinning smash hit blockbuster, is so hot it’s cool, as everyone’s favorite toys take to the ice in Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3!

An accomplished creative team and a cast of world-class skaters are bringing Woody, the pull-string cowboy; space ranger Buzz Lightyear; Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl; and the rest of the Toy Story gang to fans and families around the country in this all-new, high-energy ice spectacular.

Inspired by the #1 animated movie of all time, Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2, everyone’s favorite characters are hitting the ice in this sensational live production coming to San Diego!

Catch all the heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody,

Win Free Tickets!

Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever. Plus a few new faces join the fun, including Barbie’s groovy bachelor Ken and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. It’s the biggest Toy Story experience ever on ice, jam-packed with fast-paced adventure such as Buzz’s galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe-down on the set of “Woody’s Roundup.” Relive the humor, friendship and charm of Toy Story when Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 takes family fun to infinity and beyond!

Disney on Ice is playing at the Valley View Casino Center

(formerly called the San Diego Sports Arena) at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. Tickets are $16-$40 and are available at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. To discover more about Disney On Ice, visit www.DisneyOnIce.com.

Win Free Tickets to Disney on Ice! The North County Sun along with www.

HotinNorthCounty.com is excited to announce a great holiday ticket giveaway to see Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3 at Valley View Casino Center. It’s easy to win FREE tickets. Just visit our entertainment website at www.HotinNorthCounty.com and fill in the simple registration form. Winners will be randomly selected and notified by phone and email. Some restrictions apply. Promoters are not liable in the event of date, time change, or cancellation. See you in January at Disney on Ice!

The Santaland Diaries Returns for the Third Year to New Village Arts Theatre December 1-24, Thursdays and Fridays 8pm; Saturdays at 3pm & 8pm, Sundays at 2pm New Village Arts continues its holiday tradition with Joe Mantello’s adaptation of David Sedaris’ highly acclaimed The Santaland Diaries, directed by Ensemble Member Samuel Sherman and starring NVA Ensemble and Actors Equity Member Daren Scott. The Santaland Diaries follows one out of work actor who decides to become a Macy’s elf to pay the holiday bills. The story launched the

Old Globe Theatre Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

December 1-31 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 14th year, the family favorite features the songs “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day” and “Fah Who Doraze,” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Tickets start at $24.

Some Lovers December 1-31 Tony Award winner Steven Sater (Spring Awakening) joins forces with Academy and Grammy Award-winning music legend Burt Bacharach for a World Premiere musical that re-imagines O.Henry’s The Gift of the Magi for today’s audiences. On Christmas Eve, estranged lovers Molly and Ben are haunted by the memory of happier times, and like the unforgettable melody of a favorite song, their memories bring them together again. A timeless love story that takes place over 20 years, Some Lovers features a new score by Bacharach. Tickets start at $35.

Dividing the Estate January 14-February 12 Nominated for a 2009 Tony Award for Best Play, Dividing the Estate is Pulitzer Prize winner Horton

career of writer and commentator David Sedaris with its sardonic take on the Christmas holiday and is intended for mature audiences only.

David Sedaris has gained an international audience for his top selling books and collections of stories such as Me Talk Pretty One Day and Naked. He was nominated for a Grammy for the category “Best Spoken Word Album” for Dress Your Family in Corduroy & Denim. He has cocreated plays like The Book of Liz, Stump the Host and One Woman Shoe, an Obie Award-winning play. David Sedaris has also won awards for his solo material, including the Thurber Prize for American Humor. Time magazine in

2001 named him Humorist of the Year.

Director Samuel Sherman has stage managed The Santaland Diaries for the past two years and will be stepping into the director position for the first time this year. Sherman has extensive experience in all areas of theatre, including design, acting and behind-the-scenes jobs and serves as the Production Manager of New Village Arts.

Tickets are $20. The theatre is located in the heart of Carlsbad Village, at 2787 State Street. For more information go to www.NewVillageArts.org or call (760) 433-3245.

Foote’s comedy about family, money and greed. Living in present day Texas and ruled by octogenarian matriarch Stella, the family must confront their past as they prepare for an uncertain future when their family fortune begins to diminish. Stella’s children debate whether or not they should divide the estate while their mother is still alive in order to ensure themselves financial independence. Director Michael Wilson, considered the foremost interpreter of Foote’s work, reunites with Dividing the Estate’s Broadway creative team and members of the cast to remount this modern classic. Tickets start at $29.

The Recommendation January 21-February 26 Aaron is smart, charming and over-privileged. Iskinder, his new college roommate, comes from a middle-class, immigrant family and is under-connected. Soon the best of friends, Aaron takes Iskinder under his wing, sharing his world of favors and fortune. But the safe haven of college lasts only so long. After a chance encounter with an accused felon sets off a chain of events that puts Aaron’s life at risk, the two men are forced to rethink the meaning of friendship.

The Old Globe Theatre is located at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park. Call (619) 234-5623 or go to www.oldglobe.org.

Weidners Gardens has Freshest Poinsettias— They Grow Their Own!

If you are looking for the most amazing display of fresh Poinsettias, there is no place better in San Diego than Weidners Gardens in Encinitas. They have the freshest Poinsettias because they grow their own! There are literally thousands of poinsettias in their green house in every shade of red imaginable. Take advantage of their growerto-you prices. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a family holiday photo in Santa’s sleigh surrounded by poinsettias.

Also, from now until the end of December, or until they run out, you can dig your own Pansies. Clip their coupon from their ad and kid’s can dig one FREE Pansy. Must present coupon. Also, this is the time to order fruit trees. What a great holiday gift that will last forever!

Weidners Gardens is located at 695 Normandy Rd. just east of Freeway I-5 between Leucadia and La Costa exits. Call (760) 436-2194 or visit www.weidners.com

New Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa Set To Open In June 2012 Cobbling together parcels of land, forging great working relationships with a city and designing an appealing hotel was just the beginning for the new Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa, currently under construction across from Carlsbad State Beach. Developer Bill Canepa has spent a decade breathing life into the hotel project.

Canepa’s passion for San Diego North County is behind one of the few new hotels being built in California. At the time of its groundbreaking in January 2011, it was the only major hotel under active development west of the Mississippi and is the only Hilton Resort currently under construction in the U.S. The new Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa is scheduled to open in June 2012.

Set across from a spectacular stretch of beach, Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa will bring a new kind of resort to the city – a resort that will make visitors and guests feel as if they have become a part of this relaxed, Southern California haven, if only for a short time – and yearn to return. The elegant, contemporary resort will offer unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and state-of-the-art amenities including a complete spa, signature restaurant and diverse meeting and event space.

The property will feature 215 guest rooms including 8 suites, many with panoramic ocean views. Modeling the California Craftsman style, the resort architecture was inspired by the work of the famous architects Charles and Henry Greene whose interest in wood and metal work while

studying architecture at MIT in the late 1800s merged with the inspiration from examples of Japanese architecture at the World’s Columbian Exhibition in 1892. The result is a stunning example of contemporary Craftsman architecture built the way the Greene Brothers might do it today.

With a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and a short walk to gorgeous South Carlsbad State beaches, the ocean is integrated in the very identity of the resort. Sitting at the crest of a series of gently rolling berms, the resort takes full advantage of its western exposure and sweeping ocean views. Drawing inspiration from the setting, the handsome and abundant plant palette echoes the coastal landscape with large use of mounding fragrant and flowering coastal shrubs and trees. Paving materials and colors reflect and harmonize with the natural sandstone formations of the Carlsbad coastline A perfect retreat for guests will be the masterfully designed 5,600 square foot Ocean Crest Spa. The Spa will feature 7 treatment rooms, a couple’s room with tub and private outdoor relaxation area, and men’s and women’s relaxation rooms and locker rooms. A full array of massage, facials and body treatments as well as manicures and pedicures will be offered on the menu. A 1,200 square foot Fitness Center offers aerobic area, free weights and state-of-the-art cardio equipment. The central west-facing courtyard features a 4,000 sq. ft. free-form swimming pool, a children’s splash pool, an outdoor fire pit with comfortable ocean view seating.

Hilton Developer Bill Canepa

With over 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, the hotel offers a prime location for any size business group. The 8,500 square feet of indoor event facilities include the 5,700 square foot oceanfront ballroom which divides into four meeting rooms and a board room. There is 5,000 square feet of flexible pre-function space. The 12,000 square feet of outdoor space includes ocean view gardens that can seat 500 guests outdoors for lunch or dinner.

Owned and operated by Wave Crest Hotels and Resorts, the property will fill the niche for visitors seeking a casual, comfortable resort experience along the beach in North county San Diego and a welcome retreat for weddings and social events for area residents.

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 11 Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

San Diego Civic Theatre Riverdance December 2-4, Fri 7:30pm, Sat 2pm &7:30pm, Sun 12:30pm & 5:30pm Few shows have touched audiences like Riverdance, the Original International Phenomenon, now on its farewell tour. This thunderous celebration of joyful music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, plays in The Civic Theatre for 5 performances only.

Now in its sixteenth phenomenal year, Riverdance has been seen live by more than 22 million people in over 350 venues throughout 40 countries across 4 continents. It has traveled more than 600,000 miles (or to the moon and back!) and even sold more than 3 million copies of their Grammy Award-winning DVD (certified Platinum in the US).

An innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song, Riverdance draws on Irish traditions and the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music to the present day capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures. This extraordinarily unique show features an international company performing to the magic of Bill Whelan’s music. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, there is no better time to share the magic of Riverdance with your family.

Mannheim Steamroller at the San Diego Civic Theatre December 6, Tuesday, 7:30pm Mannheim Steamroller performs live for one night only at the San Diego Civic Theatre on December 6 at 7:30. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis directs and co-produces with Magicspace Entertainment. The show features the favorite

Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with stateof-the-art multimedia effects in an intimate setting.

Already a multi-platinum recording artist, in 1984 founder Chip Davis recorded an album of Christmas music combining the group’s signature mix of Renaissance instruments with rock & roll beats. The resulting album propelled Mannheim Steamroller to become the biggest selling Christmas music artist in history, and one of the top 50 biggest selling musical acts ever (they’ve sold almost 40 million albums).

The story of founder Chip Davis is a true-life tale of a modern day “Renaissance Man,” from founding his own record label, American Gramaphone, which has been ranked by Billboard the #1 independent label, to creating the Mannheim Steamroller “lifestyle” of food, apparel and other products.

Cats January 10-15 Cats opened on Broadway October 7, 1982 at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City and continued to live up to its motto “Now and Forever.” On June 19, 1997, CATS became the longest running musical on Broadway.

It ended its 18 year run on September 10, 2000 with 7,485 performances. That record was broken by The Phantom of the Opera on January 9, 2006 when Phantom celebrated its 7,486th curtain.

Five continents, 26 countries, over eight and a half million audience members and almost 30 years later, Cats is still America’s most loved family musical. Celebrating not only its Broadway touring legacy but the birth of the musical spectacular, Cats is still revolutionary and awe inspiring.

Civic Theatre Ticket Office is located 1100 Third Avenue, San Diego. For more information about these events call (619) 570-1100. Ticket prices vary; visit www.sandiegotheatres.org.

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol at Sunshine Brooks Theatre December 15-18, 22-24, Various times Oceanside Theatre Company presents “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol,” written by Tom Mula, at Sunshine Brooks Theatre December 15-18 and 22-24. This Christmas-spirited theatrical production is directed by Christopher Williams, artistic director of Oceanside Theatre Company and teacher of MiraCosta College. The audience discovers what happens to Ebenezer Scrooge’s mean, sour, pruney old business partner Jacob Marley after his death. (Well, “Marley

was dead, to begin with...”) This is a journey of laughter and sadness, redemption and renewal, during which even Scrooge’s heart is opened and redeemed – all thanks to the main character Marley.

General admission $18. Sunshine Brooks Theatre is located at 217 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside.

For more information please call (760) 433-8900, or visit www.oceansidetheatre.org.

Autism & Animals, an Evening in Del Mar with Temple Grandin December 5, Monday, 6-9pm Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs, Inc. (TLCAD) presents Autism & Animals, An Evening with Temple Grandin, to fund and provide service dogs to TERI, Inc. and ACT Today! The benefit takes place at L’Auberge Del Mar in beautiful coastal Del Mar, and features hors d’oeuvres and a welcome cocktail, no-host bar, opportunity prizes, and a special presentation by keynote speaker Temple Grandin, PhD, arguably the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Dr. Temple Grandin has received numerous awards including the Meritorious Achievement Award from the Livestock Conservation Institute. She was named a Distinguished Alumni at Franklin Pierce College, and received an honorary doctorate from McGill University. In 2010, Grandin was the focus of a semi-biographical HBO film, titled Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes as Grandin. The movie was nominated for 15 Emmys, and received five awards, including

Outstanding Made for Television Movie and Best Actress in a Drama. That same year Dr. Grandin was included in the annual Time 100 issue that names the people who most affect our world. Dr. Grandin is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America.

Following the December 5 benefit at L’Auberge Del Mar, TLCAD is also sponsoring a private speaking engagement featuring Temple Grandin, who will speak about “Different Kinds of Minds” to Qualcomm engineers, on December 6.

ACT Today! is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing treatment, services and support to families to help their children with autism achieve their full potential. Tickets are $125 per person. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. For more information please visit www.tenderlovingcanines.org or call (858) 461-6827.

L’Auberge Del Mar is located at 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar.

YMCA’s Poinsettia Ball Supports Those in Need Through Holiday Merriment December 10, Saturday For the 21st year, the Paul Ecke, Jr. Poinsettia Ball will define the meaning of giving back while having fun on December 10.

For many of North County Coastal’s most generous community members, entering into the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA’s Gary E. Biszantz Family Gymnasium on the evening of the gala is a holiday tradition.

The Poinsettia Ball has raised millions of dollars over the years to build YMCA facilities, support enriching programming and fund the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA’s financial assistance and scholarship programs. Due to this event, over 2,300 children, families and seniors received scholarship aid to participate in Y programs last year. On top of this, over 200 children with active duty military parents were able to attend Camp Operation Appreciation, free of charge, to experience summertime fun with their friends. In addition to this, the Poinsettia Ball makes it possible for campers with special needs to have a one-onone aide, as well as gives children from underprivileged or abusive families the experience of a lifetime of having fun at the Y. This year’s gala committee has chosen to celebrate the spirit of this cause and the holiday season with a Very Merry Masquerade theme. This whimsical and magical theme will whisk guests into an event of merriment and making dreams come true for disadvantaged families in the community.

The 21st Annual Poinsettia Ball is emceed by the wonderful Barbara-Lee Edwards, Co-Anchor for KFMB Channel 8 News, as she gracefully guides guests through an evening of fine dining by Roppongi Catering, silent auction bidding and dancing to music by Wayne Foster Entertainment.

The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA’s Poinsettia Ball truly offers an evening of entertainment while supporting those in need. For more information visit www.ecke.ymca.org.

San Marcos Theatre West Presents Frosty the Snowman December 1-4, ThursFri 7:30pm, Sat-Sun 2 and 6pm The City of San Marcos Theatre West Youth Theater presents the musical production Frosty the Snowman at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive on December 1-4.

The show features a cast of local actors age 7 to 17.

Ticket prices are $7 for youth/students/seniors and $10 for adults. Tickets for the 2 pm show on Saturday are $7 for all ages. Tickets are available in advance or may be purchased at the door. For more information or tickets, go to www.san-marcos.net or call (760) 744-9000.

VERY FUNNY!

Laguna Playhouse Presents This Wonderful Life

“What is comedy? Comedy is the art of making people laugh without making them puke.” Steve Martin Are you looking for some great comedy in North County?

Doc’s Saloon is the only regularly scheduled Comedy Club in North County. Comedy prevails every 1st and 3rd Friday night starting at 8:30 PM. Each night Doc’s Saloon proudly presents three great comedians plus a headliner. Their comedians have appeared on Jay Leno, David Letterman, HBO and at many famous comedy clubs and venues throughout the country. Seriously, for only $10 it’s the best deal in San Diego County.

Besides great comedy nights, other entertainment at Doc’s Saloon includes: North County’s only regularly scheduled Magic Show every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month starting at 7 PM; Open Mic Night featuring some

Share the hope and humor of Frank Capra’s adored Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life this season with The Laguna Playhouse production of This Wonderful Life running December 1 through December 24. Written by Steve Murray, this heartwarming holiday treat stars the virtuosic James Leaming who portrays George Bailey, Clarence the Angel, Mary, Old Man Potter, and over thirty more of Bedford Falls’ finest citizens.

Directed by Peter Amster, This Wonderful Life is the first of two family-friendly holiday focused productions in the playhouse’s 2011/2012 season lineup.

Tickets are $30-$65. Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. For more information or to purchase tickets call (949) 497-2787 or visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com

North County’s Comedy Club: Joey’s Smokin’ BBQ and Doc’s Saloon of the best local musicians around every Tuesday at 7 PM; Teen Night is Saturday Night. Come and be entertained by 14-19 year olds on Joey’s Patio Lounge from 7 to 11 PM and enjoy listening to local teen talent. Bring the kids and enjoy milk shakes, pizza, burgers and more.

Searchin’ for some good eats? Joey’s Smokin’ BBQ provides some of the best barbeque west of the Mississippi.

And, for all you beer aficionados, Doc’s Saloon has just become an Ale House offering 17 craft beers on tap. Come and sip or slosh down some of the finest tasting beer around.

Joey’s Smokin BBQ and Doc’s Saloon is located at 6955 El Camino Real, (within walking distance to the La Costa Resort and Park Hyatt Aviara Resort) Carlsbad, 92009. Call (760) 929-1396 or visit www.joeyssmokinbbqdocssaloon.com.

December 1-24

12 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet at Poway Center for the Performing Arts January 21, Saturday, 8pm Celebrate Mardi Gras with Grammy Award-winning Cajun band, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet! One of the longest standing and most beloved Cajun bands in the world, Beau Soleil holds the distinction of being the most frequent guest on National Public Radio’s legendary program, A Prairie Home Companion. BeauSoleil

is synonymous with New Orleans’ Cajun music.

Tickets are $10-$42. Poway Center for the Performing Arts is located at 15498 Espola Road, Poway. For more information go to www.powayarts.org or call (858) 748-0505.

YMCA Annual Open House Membership Drive January 7, Saturday, 9am-2pm On January 7, from 9am – 2pm, the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA welcomes new members who aspire for a healthier life. In addition to offering huge discounts to the community, the Y will be hosting an exciting Open House Membership Drive on their campus located on Saxony Road. The gymnasium will transform into a Fun Zone, with live entertainment, inflatable obstacle courses, free lunch, arts and crafts, face painting, and a program fair.

The YMCA has been helping people get in shape for over 150 years in America and over 130 years right here in San Diego County. With that kind of history and expertise, joining the Y seems like the obvious solution to help you achieve health and fitness success. With their annual Open House event coming up, now you really have the opportunity to reach your personal goals. On Saturday, January 7, the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA will join other YMCAs across the county to open their doors to new members.

This is the only day of the year that the Joiners Fee is removed and families or individuals can save up to $150 to begin their path towards enrichment.

With facilities, programs and classes to serve infants through seniors, the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA truly has something for everyone. Facilities and programs available to help individuals and families meet their New Year’s resolutions include: exercise classes at different levels,

strength training, aquatics, sports leagues and more.

Membership with the YMCA i n c l u d e s access to the 25-meter by 25-yard competition pool and warm water instructional pool, soccer arenas, gymnasium, various fitness rooms and studios, plus over 180 aerobic and fitness classes per week, including studio cycling, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates mat classes, SportWalk and more. Everyone is invited to visit the Y and discover the wide variety of exercise programs and facilities for the whole family.

In addition to the variety of fitness options, the Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA has become a home away from home for many in the community. The lobby hosts seniors sharing coffee together, kids build lifelong friendships in camps or at the Skate Park and friends and parents are linked to support each other. One fitness participant shared, “When my husband passed away, it was the YMCA that helped me through it. The YMCA is much more than a workout facility, it’s a welcoming and supportive family.” Join the fun at 200 Saxony Road in Encinitas, or visit www.ecke.ymca.org for more information.

Hansen’s Carries Best Selection in Ski and Snow Gear Thirty years ago, Hansen’s began selling snow gear. They were actually one of the first to pioneer ski and snowboard retailing in San Diego. As the story goes, In 1962, Don Hansen moved his surfboard business from a small shack in Hawaii to a building in Cardiff. It was there that his shaping business really began to grow. By the mid-1960’s, Hansen Surfboards was shipping surfboards to many parts of the world. Hansen’s, now located in Encinitas, is the largest surf shop in San Diego County and they do a huge retail winter business as well.

They carry a full selection of snowboard jackets, snowboard pants, ski jackets, ski pants, skis, snowboards, clothing, boots, bindings, goggles, gloves and anything else you might need for the mountains. Some of the ski and snow-

board lines they carry are: Armada, Liberty, Line, Stokli, K2, Volkl, Burton, Flow, Gnu, Lib-tech, Ride and Salomon.

Some of their skiwear and ski gear lines include: Bogner, Kjus, Spider, Obermeyer, Nils, Descente, and North Face.

Some of their winter clothing line labels include: UGG, Sanuk, Vans, Toms, Olukai, Billabong, Quicksilver, Oneil, Volcom, Ruca, Hurley and Roxy Hansen’s has a full-service ski and snowboard rental and repair shop. For ski and snowboard rental rates call (800) 480-4754. This winter, shop at Hansen’s for all your ski and snowboard equipment as well as your winter and snow apparel. Hansen’s is located at 1105 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas 92024. Their website address is www.hansensurf.com.

Amazing, Luxurious 1-hr Massage for only $25 at Zendona Are you looking for the most affordable, professional, and luxurious foot and body massage in North County?

Look no further! Located in nearby San Marcos, Zendona Foot and Body Massage is the most reasonably priced professional, relaxing spa experience in North County. Relieve muscle ache, pain and stress with a relaxing, detoxifying and soothing foot, legs, arms, head, and neck 1-hour reflexology session for only $25! Or, indulge yourself with a luxurious, private, head-to-toe 1-hour full-body massage for only $39.99! * Please clip their money saving coupons from their advertisement in this issue.

Located in nearby San Marcos, just 15 minutes by car from the coast, Zendona is open seven days a week from 10am to 10pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but it is highly recommended to call ahead. There are no sales people trying to sell you an annual membership, but you may want to stock up on a few holiday gift cards for friends and relatives.

Zendona Foot and Body Massage is located just off the 78 Freeway at 730 Nordahl Rd. Suite 106, San Marcos 92069 (across from the Kohls/WalMart shopping center). Call (760) 796-7945 or visit their website at www. zendonafootmassage.com.

HOLIDAY MOVIE DIRECTORY Thinking about catching a move over the holidays?

We put this movie list together so you can view local theaters and find recently released movies and new December releases. For theater locations, show times and information call the numbers or visit the websites listed below.

NORTH COUNTY MOVIE THEATERS LA Paloma Theatre 471 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 436-7469 www.lapalomatheatre.com Edwards San Marcos Stadium 18 Cinemas 1180 West San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos, CA 92069 (760) 471-3734 www.regmovies.com Cinepolis La Costa (coming soon) Moviemax at Westfield Plaza Camino Real 2601 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 720-7000 www.moviemax.com Krikorian Metroplex 15 at Vista Villa 25 Main Street, Vista, CA 92083 (760) 945-7469 www.kptmovies.com UltraStar Flower Hill Cinema 2630 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014 (858) 646-9425 www.ultrastarmovies.com Cinepolis Del Mar Heights 12905 El Camino Real, Del Mar, CA 92130 (858) 794-4045 www.cinepolisusa.com Regal Cinemas Oceanside 16 401 Mission Drive, Oceanside, CA 92054 (760) 439-1733 www.regmovies.com Cinema Star Mission Marketplace 13 431 College Blvd, Oceanside, CA 92058 (760) 806-1790 www.cinemastar.com Regal Cinemas Escondido Stadium 16 - 350 W. Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025 (760) 291-0251 www.regmovies.com Carmel Mountain 12 - 11620 Carmel Mountain Rd, at I-15, San Diego, CA 92128 (800) 326-3264 www.pacifictheatres.com Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18- 10733 Westview Parkway, San Diego, CA 92126 (858) 635-7716 www.regmovies.com NEW MOVIES Sidewalls Puss in Boots Beneath the Darkness Five Star Day A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas J. Edgar Immortals The Descendants The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 Happy Feet Two

The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch Tyrannosaur Eames: The Architect and the Painter The Muppets Arthur Christmas Hugo My Week With Marilyn Rampart A Dangerous Method The Artist

DECEMBER RELEASES Sleeping Beauty Shame Answers to Nothing New Year’s Eve Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy The Sitter W.E. Young Adult We Need to Talk About Kevin I Melt With You Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows The Iron Lady Carnage

Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Albert Nobbs We Bought a Zoo In the Land of Blood and Honey The Darkest Hour War Horse Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Angels Crest A Separation

Jean Marc de Angelis Studio: Elegant, Modern, Perfection Jean Marc de Angelis is a third generation luxury and fashion hair stylist from Marseille, France.

His great talent and family experience quickly allowed Jean Marc to rise to the top and make the De Angelis name a staple in the French industry.

After conquering France, Jean Marc moved to the US in 1995 when Beverly Hills celebrity hair

stylist José Éber called at his door and offered him the opportunity to be the artistic director and head hair stylist of his salon at the Four Seasons in Carlsbad (now the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort). In 2009, Jean Marc and his wife, Michèle, decided that it was time to give a new spin on their trade and open the Jean Marc de Angelis Studio in Carlsbad.

Jean Marc provides the best and most up-to-date styling around. Always craving for perfection, he carefully selects members of his staff and constantly trains his team of stylists so that they reflect the impeccable style of the salon with every cut.

The Jean Marc De Angelis brand is more than a hairstyling studio; it is a complete lifestyle package. With thou-

sands of visits to date, his blog (thejmdstyle.com) has tons of great articles on beauty tips, recipes, and restaurant reviews, a monthly newsletter, a Facebook page and a twitter feed. Additionally, Jean Marc creates a new haircut season biannually to showcase his take on the seasonal hairstyling trends before they come out.

In an effort to continuously expand on the salon’s services, Jean Marc has added Elixis™, a new revolutionary laser service designed to remove small areas of excess fat, tighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and cellulite in a safe environment and in short sessions, right at the salon.

Jean Marc de Angelis Studio is located in the La Costa Town Center at 7740 El Camino Real, Suite D, La Costa 92009. Call (760) 753-0007 or visit www.thejmdstyle.com.

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 13 Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

Oceanside Events

San Diego Holiday Art Festival

Oceanside Parade of Lights December 10, Sat, 6-9pm Fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, kayaks and dingys dress up in holiday swag and circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers at the harbor, restaurants and beach.

Many of the boats feature people dressed up like Santa waving to the crowd. One of the best viewing spots is along the side of the Oceanside Harbor, near the fishing dock and police station. Harbor Village at North Harbor has shops, dining, and seating areas. For more information call (760) 722-5751 or visit www.oceansideyc.com.

Christmas at the Mission – a Night of a Thousand Lights December 14, Wed, 6-9pm Start the evening off right by singing your favorite Christmas Carols in the Historic Church of Mission San Luis Rey from 5-6pm. The Historic Church is all dressed up, and strolling carolers put everyone in the Christmas spirit. Guests are surrounded by the historic buildings and gardens lit up by thousands of lights and luminaries.

The main event takes place in the Rose Garden where area restaurants offer a taste of their specialties. Tickets are $35. Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is located at 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside. To make reservations call (760) 757-3651 or email events@sanluisrey.org.

Gatorade Championship Tour Event December 3-4, Sat-Sun, 7am-5pm South Harbor Jetty Surfing Competition will qualify west coast competitors for the West Coast Championships and U.S. Championships. Event sponsored by Western Surfing Association. For more information call (949) 369-6677.

December 2-4, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm

Events at the Maritime Museum Tim Flannery & Friends in Concert on Star of India December 17, Saturday; Gate opens at 7:30pm; Concert at 8:00pm Returning for his annual concert, Tim Flannery and friends perform their colorful blend of folk, country and traditional music and storytelling aboard the Star of India.

Some of San Diego’s most popular artists have been known to join Tim Flannery for a special night of music, including Eve Selis and Steve Poltz; but you never know who might show up this year. Tickets for the concert are $40 for adults 21 and older.

Annual Holiday Buffet and Viewing Party on Board the Historic Berkeley December 18, Sunday, 5-9pm The best place to see the annual Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay is from the historic ferryboat Berkeley at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The parade judges are stationed aboard the Berkeley and the brightly decorated boats pull out all the stops when they pass by. Enjoy a delicious holiday buffet and no-host bar from 5pm– 9pm. Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 are free. Tickets to the buffet and parade include museum admission. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots program.

Winter Sailor’s Days for the Whole Family December 19-January 1 from 9am-2pm The Star of India and other ships are having Sailor’s Days every day from December 19 through January 1 from 9am-2pm. Adults and children alike can experience first hand various activities such as what it is like to make rope for sailing, move cargo, raise and lower huge sails, tie sailor’s knots, climb through a steam engine and more.

Each child can participate in a scavenger hunt around the ships learning history while having fun; and every child wins a prize from their treasure chest. All activities are included with regular admission; adults $14 and children $8. Historic Bay Tours for 45 minutes on the Pilot boat can be added to regular admission for only $3 more.

Maritime Museum Winter Family Day December 28, Wednesday, following the Holiday Bowl Parade from 11am-3pm Find out what all the excitement is about at the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Winter Family Day. On December 28, kids 12 and under can take home a nautical craft they make themselves. A Historic Bay Cruise on San Diego Bay aboard the historic Pilot boat is available for just $3 plus the cost of admission. And best of all, kids 12 and under get free museum admission all day! Two kids free with each paying adult. Free crafts for kids of all ages.

The Maritime Museum is located on the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego at 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego. For more information call (619) 234-9153 or visit www.sdmaritime.org

Kick off the holiday season by spending the weekend at the annual San Diego Holiday Art Festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 4. The show is produced by Warren Cook, creator and producer (from 1972-1989) of the famed Harvest Festival.

The festival features 200 of America’s best contemporary craft and fine art exhibitors, offering over 12,000 original works. Every category of fine art and contemporary craft – encompassing painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, jewelry, pottery, wood, mixed media,

clothing, weaving, glass, metal and stone – are thoroughly presented by a variety of artists. Get an even closer look as several artists demonstrate their processes for making such unique arts. In addition to the numerous arts, crafts and holiday gifts, the festival highlights musical and other live entertainment. Delicious local holiday food and drink are available from area restaurants and caterers.

The Del Mar Fairgrounds is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar. Tickets are $7-$8 and available at the door. For more information, call (805) 461-6700 or visit www.holidayartfestival.com.

San Diego Natural History Museum Among Giants Now through December 31 Widely regarded as the premier whale photographer of the world, Flip Nicklin, a National Geographic contributing photographer, presents images featured in his latest book, Among Giants. For anyone who has marveled at the majesty of whales, this book is guaranteed to inspire; its unmatched images of these glorious beings an inescapable reminder of our responsibility as stewards of the ocean.

Wacky Science Sundays with Ms. Frizzle and The Magic School Bus Wahoo!

December 4, 11, 18, Sundays, 12:15pm & 2:15pm Watch free, live performances every Sunday at the Museum. Get ready to explore the wild and wacky worlds of mysterious creatures, fascinating habitats, and phenomenal hands-on science! December’s theme is Geology!

Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins Now through January 2 Discover the unique nature and science of the Earth’s polar regions, and how they are indicators of climate

change. Visitors relive polar expeditions though the eyes of great explorers, learn about the formation and size of icebergs, and conduct experiments.

Discover polar bears and penguins and the impact that global warming is having on their icy homes in the Ice Cave Theater.

All That Glitters: The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals Now through April 8 Every ruby, sapphire, diamond, and opal has a history as old as the Earth itself. Discover how the same Earth processes that build landscapes produce dazzling gemstones and precious metals right here in San Diego County, one of the most famous gem-producing regions in the world. The exhibition features a stunning selection of spectacular natural mineral crystals, exquisite jewelry, and works of art.

The Natural History Museum is located at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park. Admission $11-$17. For more information, visit www.sdnhm.org or call (619) 255-0210.

City of San Marcos Offers Fun Friday Nites! For Children December 9 &16, January 20, February 3 San Marcos Community Services is offering a fun program for children called Fun Friday Nites! The program is offered for children aged four to twelve years old and takes place from 6-10pm on one Friday night each month. Children enjoy a night of games, crafts, pizza and movies with their friends. The program is supervised by

trained recreation leaders and takes place at the San Elijo Recreation Center.

The cost is $20 per child. Parents must register in advance at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos. Visit www.san-marcos.net or call (760) 744-9000 for more information.

Featuring Tattoo Artist Daren Jones This issues SD-too.com feature artist is Daren Jones of Ink Pushers Tattoo in San Diego. Daren is fairly new to the San Diego tattoo scene, after finishing up his apprenticeship he began work at Skull & Bones tattoo in downtown San Diego and now resides as a permanent artist at Ink Pushers Tattoo. Daren enjoys putting a modern touch on vintage style imagery with a blend of classic traditional and chicano style designs.

Having tattooed for over three years now Daren is still fairly new to the tattoo industry but shares a common goal with that of SD-too.com, the goal to educate, not only the client but also himself. As an artist in the tattoo profession Daren takes the time to consult with clients and go over the artwork they want tattooed. This helps to ensure that he is the right artist for the job, or if there is another artist that specializes in what the client is looking for, he will refer them to ensure that the client is ultimately happy with the artwork they are getting.

Another way Daren educates himself is to continually read about new advances in the tattoo industry. Anything from new art styles to state-of-the-art sterilization techniques. He is always trying to advance his learning and avoid becoming complacent in his industry. Daren’s aspirations include traveling around the world to hone his craft with other talented artists and to achieve a personal level of

happiness in his talents and ability as a tattoo artist. Though this level is yet to be defined, he’ll know when he reaches it. From there he hopes to continually grow as an artist and keep building on the foundation he has created.

Stop into Ink Pushers for a visit or look for Daren’s artwork to be featured in future tattoo industry publications and in local San Diego art shows. He is always looking for new ways to have his artwork seen and get his name out there. Like most of the artists on SD-too. com, exposure is everything. SD-too.com features the best local San Diego artists that share the passion for good art and also the drive to get the art off of the shop walls and out for the world to see. If you are a local San Diego tattoo artist and want to be involved with SD-too.com please visit their website or email them at info@SD-too.com.

See The Difference Fast at Before-N-After in San Marcos Before-N-After physician supervised personal care and weight loss programs provide affordable, fast and effective results. They have recently opened their newest 2,000 sq. ft. location on San Marcos Blvd., in San Marcos.

Before-N-After’s licensed providers offer personal care at affordable rates, with no contracts or hidden fees. Here are some examples: Botox $7.99 per unit, Dysport $3.00 per unit, and Juvederm XC for $395. per syringe.

Their Weight Loss Clinic also offers amazingly affordable programs such as their customized weekly programs as low as $20 per week which include Phentermine, Phendimetrazine,

Lipo-tropic injections, diuretics, vitamins and B-2 injections. The New Patient program for only $9.99 includes a one-on-one interview, physical exam, measurements, diet overview, with a week's regimen of suppressants, (2) B-12 injections, diuretics and vitamins. Lipo injections are $10. with meds.

Isn’t it time to look and feel your best? Please call (888) 240-6242 or visit their San Marcos location at 727 W. San Marcos Blvd #106, San Marcos, CA 92078 www.beforenafter.us.

14 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

New Year’s Eve Dinner and Party Directory San Diego’s Balloon Parade Sheraton Carlsbad Resort hotel room packages are available. For VIP reservations, has more Big Balloons New Year’s Eve Bash call (866) 492-6590.

Everyone is invited to Marriott Gaslamp Quarter than Macy’s Parade join the New Year’s Eve Includes food assortments, unlimited well-drinks, free-

Bash at Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa. The New Year’s Eve Bash for adults and kids opens its doors at 6:30pm following the spectacular firework show put on by LEGOLAND® California. Kids will enjoy wishing their parents “Happy New Year” at 9 p.m. with a countdown and balloon drop at the resort’s family-friendly party. Pingpong games, video games, face painting, arts & crafts, karaoke, and dancing will entertain the little ones and make their New Year’s Eve special and fun. A kid’s buffet complete with Mac N Cheese and Mini Hot Dogs will also be available. For the more sophisticated palette, adults can indulge in freshly tossed salads, hot main dishes including Frutti Di Mare and Petite Fillet Mignon, and coffee. Wine and champagne can also be pre-purchased and full cash bars will be available. Early bird discounted tickets are available through December 11. Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa and Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar is located at 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad 92008. For dining reservations or New Year’s Eve Bash tickets visit www. sheratoncarlsbad.com.

New Year’s Party at the Park Hyatt Resort Aviara A very special five-course dinner will be served at the Vivace on New Year’s Eve from 6-10pm. Menu includes Culatello, Poached Pear, Gnocchi Fritti, Honey Mascarpone; Grilled Kobe N.Y., Butternut Squash Puree, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts; and Fruit and Vanilla Frangelico Gelato.The Cost is $120 per person and includes admission to the Lobby Lounge New Year’s Celebration complete with live music, a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight! Park Hyatt Aviara Resort is located at 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad 92009.

Reservations, and party tickets call (760) 448-1234, or visit www.parkhyattaviara.com Belly Up Tavern New Year’s Eve Party Happy Hour 5:30-8pm. Music by Candye Kane. 8:30pm‘til it turns 2012. Music with Dave Wakeling (The English Beat). This is a party not no be missed! Belly Up is at 143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach. Call (858) 481-8140 or visit www.bellyup.com Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Legoland Midnight strikes at 6pm in Legoland California with the earliest New Year’s celebration in San Diego County – Kids’ New Year’s Eve! The party begins with a mini-concert in Holiday Fun Town during the day and continues with games and special musical performances from 2:306pm in Miniland U.S.A. Like the famous Times Square party, Kids’ New Year’s Eve features a countdown followed by a huge LEGO® brick dropping 22-feet into 2012; dazzling fireworks cap off the night. For more information on Kids’ New Year’s Eve, visit www.legoland.com or call (760) 918-LEGO. Il Fornaio New Year’s Eve Dinner Il Fornaio, a landmark in Del Mar, will offer a special New Year’s Eve menu. This classic restaurant began as an Italian baking school in Milan, Italy, in 1972. Today, there are over 2,500 Il Fornaio bakeries throughout Italy. Il Fornaio is located at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar CA. Call for reservations (858) 755-8876 or visit www.ilfornaio.com.

333 Pacific Steak & Seafood New Year’s Eve Dinner 333 Pacific is a member of the renowned Cohn Restaurant Group. Make your reservation early for New Year’s Eve. Dinner will be served from 5pm-11pm consisting of a 4-course menu and a Champagne toast for $54.95.

Come to dine or just to ring in the New Year. 333 Pacific Steak & Seafood is located at 333 Pacific Street, Oceanside 92054. Call (760) 433-3333 or visit www.333pacific.com.

Vigilucci’s New Year’s Eve Dinner Ring in the New Year from Carlsbad to Coronado in party style. Parties are held at all seven of their locations.

For parties or group events call (760) 930-0334 or visit www.vigiluccis.com.

New Year’s Eve at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego San Diego’s biggest annual rock star-worthy bash is hosted at the Hard Rock Hotel. Every New Year’s Eve the Hard Rock opens the entire hotel up to showcase multiple parties under one roof. This year, New Year’s Eve 2012 will feature five venues, three floors, 11 DJs and over 5,000 party people. While the headlining acts are not yet finalized at time of publishing, we have a preview of the entertainment lineup, including a Starry Eyed Music Take Over in Edge Ballroom with Jon Dadon, Erik Till, Collin Perry and Freshmaker. Outside, DJs Tony Arzidon and Chris Garcia will spin dance beats at Woodstock and Float, and downstairs in Club 207 DJs Kurch and Craig Smoove will take on DJs Decon and Diggs. Tickets start at $60, and

flowing champagne and DJs in all of their venues including: Latitude Lounge and ALTITUDE Sky Lounge. Tickets are $150 and the event is open to those 21 and up. 660 K Street, San Diego. For more info: www.marriott.com or www.sandiegogaslamphotel.com. Call (619) 696-0234.

Sailing into the New Year The USS Midway invites everyone to celebrate New Years Eve on board. Enjoy views of the bay and sip champagne while watching the city lights from the flight deck.

Dance to the music of Big Daddy Orchestra. The party begins at 8 pm. Black tie (optional) dinner includes open bar. $159/person. 910 North Harbor Drive. (619) 575-5500 or visit www.peartreescatering.com.

New Years Eve Party on the Catamaran in Mission Bay All inclusive ticket includes drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and top local entertainment. Come aboard the party boat as it floats around Mission Bay with banging beats on this historic Sternwheeler. Two party times are: 8:30pm – 10:30pm and 10:45pm – 1am. For tickets visit www.newyearsevesandiegoparty.com.

New Years Eve at W Hotel Party in style at San Diego’s W Hotel on New Years Eve. The W will be one of downtown’s can’t-miss New Year spots with lots of music from 8pm-2am. 421 West B Street.

For tickets www.clubzone.com. (619) 398-3100 US Grant Hotel New Year’s Eve Party Toast to a New Year of unparalleled possibilities with an enchanted evening in Grant Grill Lounge. Sip craft cocktails with standing room only at no cover charge, or guarantee an extraordinary affair with the Lounge Package, including Reserved Lounge Seating for Two, Bottle of Champagne, Chef’s Selection of Shareable Bites, Party Favors, and live entertainment featuring renowned jazz vocalist Whitney Shay. The adjoining Grand Lobby of The US Grant will feature the smooth sounds of their resident Lounge DJ spinning an eclectic blend of Jazz, Downtempo, Bossa Novas and Deep House. Reserved Lounge Seatings starting at 9:30pm / Reservations 619744-2077. $135 per couple. In the Gaslamp District at 326 Broadway • San Diego, CA 92101 www.usgrant.net Hotel Del Coronado The reception begins at 7pm in the Crown Room followed by dinner in the Ballroom, dancing to the contemporary sounds of local favorites The Mar Dels and a champagne toast. Cost is $275 per person or $325 per person for preferred ringside seating. Also offering separate parties at Kidtopia from 7pm-12:30am for kids ages 4-12 ($100 for the first child and $90 for each additional child). Teens, ages 13-17, have fun at Vibz Teen Lounge ($60 per person). Celebrations include dinner, crafts, beach games, bonfires and more. For more information visit www.hoteldel.com/holidays and call (619) 435-6611 for reservations.

Hilton San Diego Bayfront Big Night NYE Big Night NYE includes: endless full, open bars, twelve massive themed party areas, 6 dance floors, bands and DJ’s including Little Hurricane, Mex, Heavygrinder, Happee, Edgartronic, Mike Czech and many more, and first-class cuisine stations. Best of all, event tickets are all-inclusive.

The various party zones include: Mardi Gras Ballroom and Stage; Vegas Casino Lounge; 91X Stage & Ballroom; Retro Ballroom; Hip Hop Zone with 93.3; Electronica Club; and more. Visit www.bignightsandiego.com to purchase tickets or to find more information.

New Year’s Eve Party at FLUXX San Diego’s award winning super-club is known to throw NYE bashes every year. FLUXX’s 2012 New Year’s Eve party will showcase beats by local favorite DJ Sid Vicious, also featuring Rico DeLargo live on the trumpet.

A surprise live celebrity performance has not yet been announced at time of publishing. Tickets start at $40. For VIP reservations, call (877) 722-1051.

House of Blues Block Party Dec 30- Groove International Presents New Years Eve Pre-Party Burlesque Bash. House of Blues (5th Ave Side Stage), doors open 9pm, ages 21+.

Dec 31- Club Victory Presents Block Party New Years Eve. House of Blues, doors open, 9pm, Ages 21+. 1055 Fifth Avenue, San Diego. Call (619) 525-1931 or go to www.houseofblues.com.

New Year’s Eve at The Shout! House Shout in the New Year in style with a live rock ‘n’ roll dueling piano show, food, drinks and fun. New Year’s Eve tickets include guaranteed seating, prime rib buffet, party favors and a champagne toast, with Party Package pricing starting at $35 per person. For more information, call (877) 603-6071

December 28, Wednesday, 10am

The 21st Annual Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade makes the scenic bayside streets of downtown San Diego come alive with its energy. Once again, the Parade, presented by San Diego County Credit Union - A Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl Production, will precede the Holiday Bowl football game at Qualcomm Stadium.

This exciting family event brings together world-class marching bands from all over the country, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons, which is more than any other parade in the country, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Over 100,000 spectators will line the streets to enjoy the parade along with a nationwide television audience on the USA Network.

The theme for the parade this year is “Imagination in Flight” and the Grand Marshall is Vice-Admiral Ed Martin. Parade festivities begin in the television broadcast area, where the final results of the annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener National Dog Races and the Bumble Bee Foods 5K are announced. After the parade, check out the Family Festival as activities continue at the Broadway Pier. There will be lots of games and a variety of entertainment continuing after the parade, sponsored by Amtrak.

The parade telecast is produced by Cox Communications and can be seen locally on Channel 4 San Diego. The parade will also be nationally televised. For more information about the Parade, go to www.holidaybowl.com. Reserved disabled parking will be available to parade attendees by the ConVis International Visitor Center, located at the corner of Harbor Drive and Broadway. Please be advised that Harbor Drive will be closed at 7:45am. No cars will be allowed on Harbor Drive after 8:30am, so please arrive early. For information about parade-day trolley service and transportation, visit www.sdmts.com.

Talented Teenagers Wanted For “Teen Scene” Event in Carlsbad January 28, Saturday, 4-9pm Teenagers aged 13 to 19 are invited to enter “Teen Scene,” a talent contest presented by City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation. Categories include teen bands, five minute video shorts and original artwork. “Past winners of the ‘Battle of the Bands’ have gone on to open for major rock acts, play legendary venues and get airplay on local commercial radio stations,” says Rachael Shay, Special Events Supervisor for the City. “The event fosters teen expression in a safe environment.”

“Teen Scene” features ten teen bands competing for the title Carlsbad Battle of the Band Champion. The event also hosts a film festival with 5-minute movie shorts, a Gametruck, a dance room and an art café. The deadline to enter for bands is January 6. The deadline to enter short films and artwork is January 18.

Teen Scene takes place from 4 to 9pm on Saturday, January 28, at Calavera Hills Community Center, 2997 Glasgow Dr. in Carlsbad. Tickets are $8 at the door. For more information, visit www.carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec or call (760) 434-2843.

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 15

16 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com

WHAT’S COOKING IN NORTH COUNTY Diego Magazine; “Best Martini” by North County Times Reader’s Choice Awards; and “Best Outdoor Dining” by San Diego Magazine Critic’s Pics. 333 Pacific embodies an upscale, contemporary modern style that encapsulates seaside California elegance. Their menu boasts Prime steaks and the freshest seafood. The steaks are prepared in a 1,800 degree broiler to ensure the juiciest and most flavorful steak with a perfectly charred outer crust. Other menu items include chops, crab, lobster, an assortment of fresh fish, oysters on the half shell, ceviche, and a variety of sushi rolls. Dinner is served nightly from 5pm; Lunch is served Friday-Sunday 11:30-3pm and Happy Hour is daily in the 333 Vodka lounge.

With the Holidays upon us, 333 Pacific is the place to enjoy a special dinner with family and friends. Make your reservation early for Christmas Day when a special 3-course menu will be served for $49.95. The menu begins with choices such as butternut bisque or beet salad; entrees include 8oz filet mignon with maitre d butter,

Lobster and Truffle Risotto or pan roasted Sea Bass with black trumpet mushrooms. To complete your dinner, Gran Marnier Cheesecake or Flourless Chocolate Torte will be offered among other choices. New Years Eve Dinner will be served from 5pm-11pm consisting of a 4-course menu and a Champagne toast for $54.95. Come to dine or just to ring in the New Year.

Whether you are planning a company event or family gathering, 333 Pacific offers two unique and private dining spaces. The Ocean Wine Room is a beautiful setting for any occasion, seating up to thirty-six guests for lunch or dinner and accommodating up to 45 guests for a cocktail reception. The Pacific Board Room, with beautiful hand crafted tables, is a more intimate space with seating for up to 16 guests. For groups larger than 36, the Ocean View Terrace has a 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean and the famous Oceanside Pier and seats up to 65 guests.

333 Pacific Steak & Seafood is located at 333 Pacific Street, Oceanside 92054. Call (760) 433-3333 or visit www.333pacific.com.

Coming in July 2012 is the new Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa’s first-class dining experience at

Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge. The resort’s signature ocean view restaurant will be departing drastically from the general concept of a hotel restaurant. Chandler’s will be a world of its own.

Destined to become the most sought-after restaurant in North County, Chandler’s will bring innovation and style to the local restaurant scene, with eclectic, seasonal menus inspired by locally grown fresh products. Three stunning outdoor seating areas, one with a fire pit, will allow guests to enjoy the best of Southern California weather. A full bar with inspired signature cocktails will be the heart of the restaurant. For more intimate gatherings of up to 40 people, the resort’s Private Dining Room will have an amazing whitewater ocean view with an outdoor covered terrace.

A private Wine Room will allow guests to personally select their favorite wine from a world-class selection of

wines. Superior, knowledgeable and attentive service, never transcending into overly formal, will enhance the quality of the dining experience and provide guests with an unparalleled memorable experience.

Set across from a spectacular stretch of beach, Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa will bring a new kind of resort to the city – a resort that will make visitors and guests feel as if they have become a part of this relaxed, Southern California haven, if only for a short time – and yearn to return. The elegant, contemporary resort will offer unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and world-class amenities including a complete spa, signature restaurant and diverse meeting and event spaces.

Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa (Opening July 2012) is located at 1 Ponto Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011. For more information, visit www.hilton.com.

La Costa Resort and Spa

The first refinements of the La Costa Resort and Spa’s latest $50 million renovation project have been revealed with newly decorated rooms and suites, a redesigned spa, and an all new lobby sports lounge called Diversions that overlooks the golf course and soon-to-be swimming pool. Finishing touches still to come are a new adult-only swimming pool called Edge that will have magnificent golf course views of the completely redesigned golf course that will open just in time to welcome the return of the Kia Classic LPGA Golf Tournament in March 2012.

Restaurants on the property are getting ready for the holidays. The Blue Fire Grill and the Legends Bistro will open Christmas Eve with an elegant evening celebration

from 5-10pm and will feature a three-course prix-fixe menu for $45 in addition to their regular menu. The Legends Bistro will also be serving a prix-fixe menu for $39 as well as their regular menu.

After an exciting day of opening gifts, the Blue fire Grill keeps the excitement going from 5-10pm by offering a wonderful three-course Christmas Day Dinner for $45, plus their regular menu. The Legends Bistro will also offer a special Christmas Day Dinner for $39 in addition to their regular menu.

For room or dinner reservations, please call (800) 8545000 or visit www.lacosta.com.La Costa Resort and Spa is located at 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad 92009.

Peter White Christmas. ‘Tis the season for smooth jazz in the Grand Ballroom, and no one does it better than jazz all-stars Peter White, Mindi Abair, and Kirk Whalum. The highly anticipated holiday concert will be held on Sunday, December 18. Other Park Hyatt events include their Teddy Bear Tea, Happy Hours, Sunday Brunches, Christmas Eve and Day special dinners, New Year’s Eve dinners and a New Year’s Eve celebration in the Lobby Lounge complete with live music, a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight!

Enjoy this holiday season with your loved ones at one of Park Hyatt Aviara’s specialty restaurants. Special fourcourse dinners by Chef de Cuisine, Jesse Paul, will be served on Christmas Eve and Day at the Vivace. The menu includes Zuppa di Sedano Rapa, Celeriac Bisque, Porcini Ravioli, Sage, Brown Butter; and Porchetta con Fagioli e Rape, Roasted Suckling Pig, Rapini and Cranberry Beans, and Salsa Verde. Price per person is $85.

The Argyle Steakhouse provides a four-course dinner consisting of Torchon of Foie Gras, Seared and Pâté; Butter Poached Lobster; Vintage Farms Natural Prime Filet; and Mint and Chocolate Profiterole. Cost is $95 per person.

Admission to the Lobby Lounge New Years celebration is an additional $25.

A very special five-course dinner will be served at the Vivace on New Year’s Eve from 6-10pm. Menu includes Culatello, Poached Pear, Gnocchi Fritti, Honey Mascarpone; Grilled Kobe N.Y., Butternut Squash Puree, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts; and Fruit and Vanilla Frangelico Gelato.The Cost is $120 per person and includes admission to the Lobby Lounge New Year’s Celebration.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort is located at 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad 92009. Hotel and dinner reservations call (760) 448-1234, or visit www.parkhyattaviara.com.

menu at Twenty/20 Grill Wine Bar. Christmas Day Dinner will include; wild mushroom bisque with truffle oil & goat cheese crostini, slow roasted Brant Farms beef sirloin with a cabernet braised short rib, potatoes fondant & local mushrooms, and for dessert a chocolate custard cake with caramelized bananas & white chocolate. They also offer special holiday plates for the kids. Reservations are required.

New Year’s Eve Dinner, sans the kids, will include a five-course pre-fixe menu at Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar. There will be two seating times: 5:30-6:30pm and 8-9pm.

Reservations are required. Festivities and celebrations (complimentary with dinner) follow with an adult-focused party in the hotel lobby starting at 9 p.m. DJ Jeff Carroll will get the party started and cash bars are available.

Everyone is invited to join the very popular family-friendly New Year’s Eve Bash at Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa that is for adults and kids. The New Year’s Eve Bash opens its doors at 6:30pm following the spectacular firework show

put on by LEGOLAND® California. Kids will enjoy wishing their parents “Happy New Year” at 9 p.m. (midnight on the East Coast) with a countdown and balloon drop at the resort’s family-friendly party. Ping-pong games, video games, face painting, arts & crafts, karaoke, and dancing will entertain the little ones and make their New Year’s Eve special and fun. A kid’s buffet complete with Mac N Cheese and Mini Hot Dogs will also be available. And for the more sophisticated palette, adults can indulge in freshly tossed salads, hot main dishes including Frutti Di Mare and Petite Fillet Mignon, and coffee. Wine and champagne can also be pre-purchase and full cash bars will be available. Early bird discounted tickets are available through December 11.

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa and Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar is located at 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad 92008. Call (760) 827-2500 or visit us at www.twenty20grill. com for dining reservations or to purchase New Year’s Eve Bash tickets www.sheratoncarlsbad.com.

333 Pacific Steak & Seafood 333 Pacific Steak & Seafood is a member of the renowned Cohn Restaurant Group. With a stunning, up-close view of the Oceanside Pier and Pacific Ocean, 333 opened their doors in December 2008. Since then they have received numerous awards such as: “Hot Restaurant 2010” by San

Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort There’s an abundance of holiday happenings at the Park Hyatt Aviara. Every year they have a Decorated Christmas Tree Charity Auction with beautifully decorated Christmas trees displayed throughout the hotel’s lobby and hallways.

For the second year in a row, the Resort will be hosting a

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa Christmas Day Dinner and New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar is a holiday must this year!

Enjoy Christmas Day Dinner with a 3-course a la carte

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 17

WHAT’S COOKING IN NORTH COUNTY menu of fast casual, healthy and affordable comfort food.

That’s a lot to say, but it doesn’t even touch upon this oneof-a-kind, special find in La Costa. Prices are reasonable because the food is ordered at the counter and served to you at your table.

Their chef-prepared items are made in-house from scratch using locally grown and regionally sourced ingredients. They offer affordable healthier options including craft your own salads, hand-carved meats, hand cut Belgian-style fries with tasty dipping sauces, and oldfashioned Boylan fountain drinks that are caffeine-free and made with pure cane sugar. Their Santa Maria TriTip is something not to miss, and this also goes for the made-from-scratch carrot cake! Other menu items include

Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna, Grilled Salmon or Shrimp Salads, Oven Roasted Turkey, and Mom’s Meatloaf.

On a nice weather winter day, enjoy their large and lovely outdoor patio. They also offer a variety of family style meals To-Go; take them home in a pot and just heat them up. Their holiday catering is affordable and available. Tin Leaf’s eco-friendly interior and exterior designs are reminiscent of a big city bistro, featuring table tops made from plastic milk bottles and patio chairs made from recycled plastic. What a refreshing idea!

Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen is located in the Vons shopping center at the corner of Aviara Parkway and El Camino Real at 6985 El Camino Real #108, Carlsbad, 92009. Call (760) 431-5323 or visit www.tinleafkitchen.com.

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant: A festive hacienda style restaurant complete with a large cantina, patio, Mexican food and margaritas. (760) 471-2150 Big John’s Rhythm City Grill: Louisiana style specialties from jambalaya and catfish, to chicken fried steak and gumbo, and jazz on the weekends. (760) 736-9202 Bruno’s: Sicilian style Italian food with pizza, pasta, and lunch/brunch buffets. (760) 744-7700 Canapés: A casual, gourmet restaurant and wine bar offering a fresh dining experience with an extensive selection of wine and beer and weekly entertainment. (760) 510-2088 China Wokery: Frequented by locals seeking top notch Chinese cuisine. (760) 471-6066 Cocina del Charro: Locally owned and operated with delicious carne asada and seafood specialties, zesty margaritas and a popular Sunday brunch. (760) 471-6644 55 Yard Line: Football is a passion at this local pub/tavern/ sports bar. (760) 744-1960 Fish House Vera Cruz: Awesome seafood menu and seafood market. (760) 744-8000 IHOP: Pancakes and breakfast every day of the week along with lunch and dinner. (760) 471-2108 India Princess: Remarkable flavors of Indian cuisine in an authentic setting. (760) 744-7599

Katsu Sushi & Teppan Grill: Sushi, teriyaki, tempura, noodles, and steak with skilled master sushi chefs. (760) 744-7156 King & Thai Restaurant: Aromatic cooking of Asian favorites using fresh, quality ingredients. (760) 744-1008 Old California Coffee House & Eatery: A popular spot for coffee, smoothies, baked goods, salads, sandwiches and vegan/vegetarian items with live music every weekend.

(760) 744-2112 Old California Mining Company: Hand rubbed tri tip is just one of the specialties at this “Gold Rush” era venue.

(760) 761-4900 San Marcos Brewery & Grill: One of the landmark spots where they make their own craft beers and have for years, serving steaks, seafood, salads, burgers and more. (760) 471-0050 Sublime Alehouse: The newest restaurant to join Restaurant Row features gourmet comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, and small plates plus 56 taps and beer flights. (760) 510-9220 Tony Roma’s: World famous BBQ plus steaks and seafood.

The onion loaf is a must. (760) 736-4343 Old California Restaurant Row is located right next to the Edward’s Theaters at 1020 San Marcos Blvd. For more information, visit www.oldcalrestaurantrow.com.

Italian baking school in Milan, Italy, in 1972. Today, there are over 2,500 Il Fornaio bakeries throughout Italy.

In 1981, Il Fornaio came to the United States and now boasts some of the most successful restaurants in America.

With their rich Italian culture, they feature menus from different Italian regions every month. Their pasta dishes are the most asked for menu items and include their famous Cappellacci Di Zucca which is fresh ravioli filled with butternut squash and walnuts with tomato sauce, brown butter, fresh Parmesan and crispy Sage. All of their pastas are made from scratch and 90% of the ingredients are imported from Italy. Their pasta specialties include Cannelloni Al Forno, Linguine Mare Chiaro, and a wonderful Lasagna Ferrarese.

In addition to the pasta dishes, the Il Fornaio menu includes, appetizers such as Antipasto Della Casa (shown in photo), Bruschetta Al Pomodoro, and others. They also

offer a wide variety of soups that are made on-site including their Minestrone and their Vegan Minestrone. Other menu items include specialty pizzas, free-range rotisserie chicken, thinly pounded veal, beef tenderloin and Porterhouse steak.

Their restaurant caters events with up to 250 guests.

Happy Hour is served Monday– Friday from 4-6pm and includes certain full size menu appetizers for only $5 and artisan cocktails and house wine for only $5. Sunday evenings at sundown they have outdoor movies called “Fellini and Bellini.” Fellini is a famous director and Bellini are Champagne and peach cocktails. Ask them about their very popular on-site cooking classes. Cooking classes make great holiday gifts.

Il Fornaio is located at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar CA. Call (858) 755-8876 or visit www.ilfornaio.com.

Adding to their breathtaking ocean views, Pacifica Del Mar has once again upped the ante with a new and amazing half-million dollar renovation to their Ocean Bar. The new stylish architecture has customers pouring in and

talking up a storm. The Ocean bar at Pacifica Del Mar is one of North County’s local hot spots. It’s a place where high style and Del Mar culture come together for lovely libations and exquisite cuisine. The Ocean Bar showcases more than 150 of the world’s finest vodkas from more than twenty countries. Happy Hour is nightly from 4-6:30pm and all night long on Mondays and Tuesdays. Happy Hour features $1 off all drinks along with discounted bar menu items. Wednesdays are Vodka and Gin nights when happy customers get any of the two for $6 all night long.

Awarded the prestigious Gold Medallion for “Best Seafood Dining in San Diego,” and Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence,” the cuisine at Pacifica Del Mar has become a dining experience of choice. A very special Christmas menu consists of a three-course prix fix selection. Enjoy Chino Farms butternut squash soup, apple foam and sweet

and salty pecans. Add to that, an organic mixed greens salad, their famous Japanese clam chowder, roasted Chino Farm beets, Dungeness crab cakes, and compressed pear and apple. The main course selections include oven roasted free-range turkey, slow cooked Angus prime rib, filet mignon, pan roasted sea bass, sugar spiced salmon, seared Atlantic sea scallops, grilled swordfish, or spinach and ricotta ravioli. Dessert choices are also included.

The Breeze Café is attached to Pacifica Del Mar and was once hailed by critics as one of San Diego’s best kept secrets. Overlooking the shimmering Pacific, it is a celebrated coastal gathering spot for casual, outdoor dining.

Call now to reserve your family dinner or corporate holiday party. Pacifica Del Mar is located at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 92014. Call (858) 792-0476 or visit www. pacificadelmar.com.

Off The Hook

This family owned and operated seafood grill is really off the hook! Their motto, “Reel Fish. Done Right. Done Fast” is a mouthful but pretty much says it all. They have a lunch and dinner selection plan that absolutely works. First you select your favorite fish; then you choose your favorite flavoring; and then you tell them how you want it - either 1) as a sandwich 2) as a salad 3) in a bowl or 4) on a plate.

Ask them about their Two Meal Deal — you get two meals for $20. Off the Hook selections include favorites such as ahi, halibut, swordfish, mahi mahi, ono, salmon, trout, snapper, etc. Flavor selections include lemon butter, garlic butter, Cajun, blackened, lemon olive oil, garlic olive oil, or teriyaki.

They serve great appetizers such as Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Deep Fried Calamaris, Coconut Shrimp, as well as Grilled Fish Tacos, Fish and Chips, Halibut and Chips, Salmon and Chips, Grilled Fish Wraps, delicious Red or White Clam Chowder, Cole Slaw, Fresh Veggies, Green Salad, Brown Rice and Garlic Bread. They have a kids menu, cater for any occasion, and sell fresh fish by the pound.

Off the Hook is open everyday from 11:30am -8pm and is located in the Target/Barnes & Noble shopping center on the corner of Leucadia Blvd and El Camino Real at 1042 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, Encinitas 92024. Call (760) 6328553 or visit www.offthehookseafoodgrill.com.

Tin Leaf Tin Leaf is one of the newest players among the growing number of fine dining spots in North County. They offer a

Old California Restaurant Row Find 17 international restaurants in one convenient location at Old California Restaurant Row, North County’s largest dining and entertainment venue. At Restaurant Row, diners can savor the flavors of Italy and Mexico along with exotic dishes of Thailand, China, Japan and India.

You can find American classics such as steak, seafood, chicken, burgers and Louisiana-style specialties. Many of the restaurants offer nightly entertainment as well as happy hour specials plus private banquet rooms for company parties and special events. Here’s a quick guide to Restaurant Row.

Il Fornaio Il Fornaio, a landmark in Del Mar, will be open Christma’s Eve, New Year’s Eve and Day. On New Year’s Eve they will offer a special menu. This classic restaurant began as an

Pacifica Del Mar

18 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 19

WHAT’S COOKING IN NORTH COUNTY

Vigilucci’s Ristorante & Pizzeria One of Roberto Vigilucci’s favorite spots, Vigilucci’s Ristorante & Pizzeria in Leucadia is one of North County’s best-kept secrets. Many have yet to discover the private patio that sits just outside the rear of the restaurant. This early 1900s cottage was transformed into a cozy outdoor

Leucadia Sushi Leucadia Sushi Bar, owned and operated by Japan-born Toshi and Kayoko Takami, is one of the best sushi restaurants in San Diego. They will be open during regular business hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Toshi

Canapés Canapés (can-a-pays) has just completed their re-model and now is even sexier than before. Stop by and indulge in one of their “Weekly Dinner Specials.” Sunday’s Special is their Wine & Entrée Combo; purchase any entrée and

dining area. Separate from the main dining room, the cottage offers four rooms and a charming romantic courtyard, which is an ideal setting for an intimate dinner party with family and friends, a perfect spot for a holiday party, birthday party or company event. Private space is available for large or small parties. Situated adjacent to Robbie’s, (another Vigilucci creation) diners have direct access to their full menu of live entertainment. Roberto suggests dining on the private courtyard for a special evening, relaxed luncheon or an intimate party of up to 100.

A gem in the heart of Leucadia, Vigilucci’s Ristorante & Pizzeria offers fantastic food, great cocktails and an assortment of fine wines and beer. They feature authentic thincrust pizzas that are hand tossed and baked in a woodburning brick pizza oven that was imported from Florence Italy. Locals favor the Pizza Filetto, which has filet mignon and gorgonzola cheese or the Pizza Bufalina made with buffalo Mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil. Other menu items include Northern Italian influenced pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, and prime steaks.

This holiday season let the Vigilucci’s Restaurant Group plan and host your special evening or event. Visit their website at www.vigiluccis.com for a list of all of their upcoming events from cooking classes to wine dinners. Ring in the New Year from Carlsbad to Coronado in party style. Parties are held at all seven locations. For parties or group events call (760) 930-0334.

Live music is offered next door at Robbie’s from 6:3010pm. Happy Hour is daily from 4pm -7pm. Other Vigilucci’s locations include: Cucina Italiana, Seafood and Steakhouse, Ristorante Coronado, Trattoria Italiana, Ristorante La Jolla, and Robbie’s. Follow them on Twitter and friend them on Facebook. Vigilucci’s Restaurant Group would like to extend warm wishes for the holiday season and gratitude to all of their customers for their continued support. Happy New Year!

Vigilucci’s Ristorante & Pizzeria is located at 534 N. Coast Highway 101, Leucadia 92024. Call (760) 634-6753 or visit www.vigiluccis.com.

is a master sushi chef and his authentic Japanese sushi is the highest quality, most delicious, and most affordable in North County.

Try one of Toshi’s newest creations, the Sushi Burrito.

This large Sushi Burrito is made of spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, crab, and fried onion and comes with a special soy sesame pepper sauce, all wrapped in soy paper. Another new item not to be missed is Toshi’s special Ninja Roll. The Ninja Roll is made with rice and shrimp tempura inside.

It’s topped with eel, tuna, crab and crunchy tempura, with a sweet eel and spicy mayo sauce. Also try Toshi’s Edomae (Tokyo) style of nigiri sushi such as his Aburi Salmon, Aburi Albacore, and his famous Chilean Sea Bass. Very tasty!

Leucadia Sushi is truly a unique experience. Chef Toshi prepares his sushi art for all to see and places small delectable plates on a high-tech refrigerated conveyor belt so the customer can view and choose from many types of

sushi. The Japanese term for this type of sushi service is called “kuru-kuru” sushi. This is the only kuru-kuru sushi bar in North County.

Located near the beach on Highway 101 in Leucadia, their Happy Hour Specials are served nightly from 5-6 pm. and on Tuesdays it’s Happy Hour all day! Happy Hour includes $2 Sapporo beer, $2 ice cold sake, $2 glass of wine and 20% off appetizers including gyoza, chicken teriyaki, and shrimp and vegetable tempura. Leucadia Sushi is a favorite restaurant of locals and anyone that has eaten there before. It’s great, authentic, fresh, delicious food with a fun atmosphere for the whole family. They are open six days a week and closed on Mondays.

Leucadia Sushi Bar is located at 996 N. Coast Hwy 101, Leucadia 92024. Call (760) 635-9312 www. leucadiasushibar.com.

receive an $8 glass of wine at no cost. Monday’s Special is Burger Mania; for only $6.50 you get a 100% Angus beef burger served with tomato, red onion, dill pickle chips, romaine lettuce, mayo and Dijon mustard, on a grilled poppy seed Kaiser roll. Tuesday’s Special is their Killer Fish Tacos and includes grilled or battered tacos in corn tortillas with crisp cabbage, mango pico de gallo salsa and a splash of lime cilantro crema for only $6.50. Wednesday’s Special is their Steal a Bottle or Two; get 1/2 off select wines by the bottle. Thursday’s Special is a Linguine & Meatball Feast; enjoy a bountiful portion of linguine smothered with beef and pork meatballs, fresh marinara, shaved Parmesan and fresh basil, served with warm bread for only $6.50.

Canapés is a destination restaurant, where food, wine and beer enthusiasts indulge their passions sans the pre-

tension and price tag of “stuffier” counterparts. Prepare for a relaxed setting in which to meet with friends after-work for wine, beer, cocktails and over 40 small plate delights (canapés) from around the world. Better yet, stay for dinner and enjoy one of their many full-course dinners with an honest selection of wines by the glass or a bottle from their cellar.

Carnivore, vegetarian, vegan or simply health-conscious, Canapés is for everyone. Every day their kitchens offer fresh local produce, Angus beef, seafood, and dairy products to ensure the fare is as luscious as it can be.

Canapés is located in Old California Restaurant Row at 1032 W. San Marcos Blvd. # 196, San Marcos, CA 92078.

They are open everyday 4pm-10pm. Happy Hour is Sun-Thur 4pm-6pm. Call (760) 510-2088. www.canapesgrill.com.

534 N. Hwy. 101 | Leucadia | 760.634.6753

Piz z alucci SundayS available all day on Sundays.

Bring the whole family for an inexpensive meal.

5 caesar or Mixed Green Salad

$

7 Kids Menu (kids 10 and under, includes soft drink) $

10 Pizza Menu Including Vegetariana, Quattro Stagioni, Salsiccia e Funghi and others $

Visit vigiluccis.com for complete Pizzalucci Sundays menu.

Exp 1/31/12

Exp 1/31/12

Exp 1/31/12

Dine-in only. Not valid with any other offer/discount.

20 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com

WHAT’S COOKING IN NORTH COUNTY

Joey’s Smokin’ BBQ and Doc’s Saloon Along with some of the best award-winning Memphisstyle barbeque in San Diego, comedy and live entertainment, Joey’s announces that they have now become the

The Tavern The Lumberyard Tavern is celebrating their 2 year anniversary this month. They have quickly become a favorite to locals and visitors alike for their deliciously consistent food, drinks and service. For breakfast on the weekend,

Pelly’s Fish Market Over the holidays, especially on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Pelly’s Fish Market are serving the fresh-

El Callejon El Callejon, which means, a narrow street or an alley, is an authentic Mexican restaurant with locations in Encinitas and in Vista. There are several things that make this place truly unique and distinctive. Their award-win-

Del Mar Diner

newest Ale House in Carlsbad! That’s right, Joey’s now offers 17 craft beers on tap to go along with their already superb wine selections.

Joey’s secret family recipes and dry rubs accompanied by flavorful sweet and wet sauces enhance their melt-inyour-mouth baby back ribs, tender pulled pork and freerange hand pulled chicken, along with a variety of Kobe beef and Angus beef burgers. On the lighter side, they offer a light and healthy bistro menu.

Are you looking for some great comedy in North County?

Doc’s Saloon is North County’s only regularly scheduled Comedy Club in North County. Comedy prevails every 1st and 3rd Friday starting at 8:30 PM. Each night they proudly present three great comedians plus a headliner. Their comedians have been on Jay Leno, David Letterman and HBO as well as many famous comedy clubs and venues.

For only $10 it’s the best deal in San Diego County.

Other entertainment includes: North County’s only regularly scheduled Magic Show every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month starting at 7 PM; Open Mic Night every Tuesday at 7 PM and features some of the best local musicians around; Teen Night is Saturday Night. Come and be entertained by (14-19 year olds) on the Joey’s Patio Lounge from 7 PM to 11 PM and enjoy listening to local teen bands with milk shakes, pizza, burgers and more.

Sunday morning breakfasts are really scrumptious with a one-of-a-kind menu that includes Joey’s famous BBQ Scramble. We suggest trying an ice cold craft beer, Mimosa or a Bloody Mary and staying for some great Sunday morning football!

Joey’s Smokin’ BBQ and Doc’s Saloon is located at 6955 El Camino Real, (within walking distance to the La Costa Resort and Park Hyatt Aviara Resort) Carlsbad, 92009. Call (760) 929-1396 or visit www.joeyssmokinbbqdocssaloon.com.

try their breakfast burritos, mouthwatering eggs benedict variations, or their juicy steak and eggs, with specially priced Mimosas and Bloody Marys.

For lunch, try one of their famous 1/2 pound handpressed Angus beef burgers served on their famous pretzel bun. Their Border Burger with chipotle aioli, pepper jack cheese and jalapenos is a can’t miss!

Other local favorites include the Chicken Club Wrap, Shrimp Burger, and the Pulled Pork Sandwich. The highlights of their dinner include the wonderfully fresh Ahi Napoleon and Grilled Shrimp. They are known for their inventive salads, thin-crust pizza, and the best BBQ ribs in North County. Always a crowd pleaser, the jumbo pork chop with a baked apple compote is a stunner.

Thirsty? Laurie Delk, The Tavern’s new Director of Beverage Operations, is busy stocking the shelves with a

number of wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails to wet your whistle. While you may know her by her blog “100 beers. 30 days,” she is hard at work planning exciting tastings and events for all palates!

They have late night Happy Hour on Fri and Sat nights from 11pm- close. Monday night is football with $3 drafts and .50 wings. Tuesday is Tri-Tip night with Cardiff Seaside Market’s famous Burgundy tri-tip, which includes a sandwich, fries and 16 oz beer $9.95. Industry night is Sunday night, where industry people get half-off their tab!

The Lumberyard Tavern will be open on Christmas Eve and Day as well as New Year’s Eve and day. They are also taking reservations for upcoming holiday parties.

The Tavern is located in the Lumberyard shopping center at 967 S. Coast Highway 101. Call (760) 479-1657 or visit www.lumberyardtavernandgrill.com.

est fish in town! One of the original fresh fish markets in Coastal North County, Pelly’s offers a complete catering service that will suit any family get-together, bowl game, or corporate holiday party. Ask them about special orders for the holidays or their amazing holiday seafood platters! Big sellers are their cevice, stone crab, or bay shrimp salads, as well as their popular fresh local lobster!

On any given day, depending upon the season, Pelly’s offers large fillets of ahi, yellow tail, albacore, mahi-mahi, halibut, Atlantic salmon, swordfish, sea bass, and a wide assortment of local shellfish including oysters, clams, crab, and shrimp. Locals know Pelly’s as the best place for delicious lunches and dinners, especially their shrimp scampi dinner and their exceptional crab cakes. Try some of their

famous Manhattan red or Boston white clam chowder. A cup is only $3.25 and a large bowl is only $4.50. Look for their ad in this paper and find a coupon for free chowder with any menu item over $15.

Pelly’s may not be a fancy, sit down restaurant, but the quality of their freshly prepared seafood more than makes up for it. They offer everything from grilled fish tacos, to grilled scampi and lobster. Their very affordable chargrilled seafood plates are wonderful, as well as their chargrilled mahi-mahi, swordfish, or halibut plates. Check their board for the Catch of the Day. Pelly’s Fish Market is open 7-days a week. They are located in the Poinsettia Village Shopping Center at 7110 Avenida Encinas #101, Carlsbad CA 92011. Call (760) 4318454 or visit www.pellysfish.com.

ning food is a very unique type of Mexican cuisine that captures the essence of Mexico’s rich flavors. You will not find any burritos, chimichangas or nachos on the menu. Instead, you will find fabulous authentic dishes prepared using recipes that originate throughout Mexico with flavorful choices like true Chipotle sauce, Mole, Tamales de Oaxaca, cilantro sauce, and many other specialties.

Their amazing tequila collection is second to none.

El Callejon carries about 1,000 different tequilas in their Encinitas restaurant and about 500 in their Vista location.

It’s a remarkable collection that they have accumulated over the years. If you like tequila, you have to come and see it. They also have some Agave plants on display at the restaurants to show you how tequila begins. Their Cantina features margaritas. Their margaritas are made the way they were meant to be made: by using freshly squeezed

lime juice, triple sec and tequila. That’s it! They don’t use any artificial mixes or sweet and sour to diminish the flavor. The result is impressive and memorable. By using one of their many tequilas, you will surely find the perfect combination to fit your taste.

El Callejon is open every day of the year except Christmas. However, they are known for their catering and banquet options. They are more than prepared to take care of any special event you may have coming up or your company’s Christmas party or New Year’s party. Happy Hour is everyday of the week from 3-7pm. There, you will be able to sample some of their delicious and authentic cuisine served as appetizers. When you are craving some of the best Mexican food, you can’t miss with El Callejon.

El Callejon is located at 345 S Coast Hwy 101 in Encinitas and 20 Main Street in Vista. Call (760) 634-2794 or visit www.el-callejon.com.

The Del Mar Diner is a very new addition to the Del Mar restaurant scene, and as far as we know, is the only classic diner in Del Mar! Located in the Del Mar Heights Village Shopping Center, they have an extensive menu that includes all of your favorite diner items and more.

Stop by the Del Mar Diner for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. The diner isn’t fancy but the food is quite good. For breakfast try their pancakes, waffles, eggs and omelet

dishes and specialties such as their eggs benedict.

For lunch they offer home style soups, a wide assortment of salads, along with a variety of sandwiches and hamburgers.

Clip their money saving coupon on their ad in this issue and receive 15% OFF your total purchase of food and drinks.

Del Mar Diner is located at 2638 Del Mar Heights Rd., Del Mar 92014. Call (858) 259-4880.

www.HotinNorthCounty.com www.NorthCountyClasses.com

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 21

Authentic$Mexican$Food$Restaurant

el1callejon.com

Live$Music Fri$&$Sat$6$to$10

Amazing$Margaritas

Happy$Hour Everyday$3$to$7

Catering$&$Banquets Gift$Cards 345$S.$Coast$Hwy$101$1$760163412793$1$Encinitas 20$Main$St.$Krikorian$Theaters$1$760175815651$1$Vista

$5 off

Any 2 lunch Entrees

With this Cupon. Limit one coupon per table Not valid on Holidays. Not valid with other offers or Happy Hour. Expires 1/15/2012 NCS

$10 off

Any 2 dinner Entrees

With this Cupon. Limit one coupon per table Not valid on Holidays. Not valid with other offers or Happy Hour. Expires 1/15/2012 NCS

22 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com

WHAT’S COOKING IN NORTH COUNTY

Carlsbad Ranch Market

Tip Top Meats Tip Top Meats is an amazing butcher shop, a gourmet European-style delicatessen and a full service European marketplace. Nobody in San Diego County comes close to the quality, service and value that Tip Top provides. Tip Top Meats is famous! People come from far away to expe-

Broken Yolk Café It’s pretty much the same old story at the Broken Yolk... great food, great service, and great prices. This is what everyone has come to expect time after time.

There are a few things about the Broken Yolk Café

If you want to impress the folks at your family gettogether or your company’s holiday party, Carlsbad Ranch Market offers their daily home made, famous, Mexican Tortilla Dip, Guacamole, and Salsas along with a huge assortment of locally made Tortilla Chips, and fresh Julian Pies. Because these pies are always fresh baked without preservatives, you just can’t buy them anywhere; they are a real San Diego treasure. Carlsbad Ranch market usually offers them for less cost than most other grocery stores.

Carlsbad Ranch Market is an indoor fruit and vegetable stand and much more. Locals know this amazing

neighborhood market for their locally grown produce and their extensive line of breads, tortilla chips, dips and salsas. There isn’t a salad bar around that compares to the price and selection of their cold and hot salad bar.

Daily made delicious soups, tortilla pie, lasagna, pastas, rice dishes, hot vegetable dishes and cold salad bar are sold by weight. Buy a little or pile it on; either way, it’s so hard to hold back when you see their amazing selection.

Carlsbad Ranch Market (located next door to Tip Top Meats) is at 6118 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92011. Call (760) 438-3202. You can also find them on Facebook.

rience this one-of-a-kind delicatessen. Tip Top has been providing the highest quality meat and poultry for North County residents since 1967. Owner, John Haedrich, a big friendly guy, always greets his customers with a big smile and handshake, and employs some of the friendliest, and knowledgeable butchers, servers and staff around.

For all of your holiday, party, or dinner provisions Tip Top Meats will be open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. If it’s traditional turkey you want, you will love their fresh, direct-from-the-farm, hormone-free all natural Diestel Turkeys. You can order these either fresh, frozen, traditionally cooked, or broiled in one of their twelve ovens.

It is highly recommended that you place your order early before it’s too late.

If you would like to try something different and simply delicious try Tip Tops famous Cajun-style Turkduckn. It’s a boneless turkey that weighs between fifteen and eighteen pounds and is stuffed with bread stuffing, chicken breast

and duck. You can order this fully cooked, or ready for you to cook at home.

Begin your day with breakfast at Tip Top. The Big John Breakfast consists of three eggs any style, home fried potatoes, toast and (all you can eat) of their delicious thick sliced smokehouse bacon, pork link sausage or polish sausage, bratwurst or ham for only $7.98. For lunch, try one of their giant size cold sandwiches such as their roast beef, roast pork, ham and cheese, turkey, club, or liverwurst for only $7.49. All sandwiches are served on your choice of bread. The Big John Burger Combo is a large 1/2 pound of quality lean beef that comes with French fries and a soda for only $5.98. All of their dinners are giant portions of the highest quality beef or poultry. Their steaks are absolutely magnificent.

Tip Top Meats is located at 6118 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad 92011. Call (760) 438-2620 or visit www.tiptopmeats.com.

that many of you may not know about or might have forgotten.

For all you early birds: Did you know that they have a great early bird breakfast menu for only $4.99 served every day of the week from 6am to 8am? It’s the best deal around! And, for all you Iron Men and Iron Women: Did you know that they have a Broken Yolk Iron Man and Iron Woman Special? It’s a 12-egg omelet filled with mushrooms, onions and American cheese, smothered with their own house-made chili and more cheese. It’s served on a 15-inch pizza pan with a generous pile of home fries and two biscuits. This is for one person only and you yet a one-hour time limit to gobble it down. If you can handle this meal, you will go down in Broken Yolk history and get your name engraved on their Hall of Fame plaque. Cost is $24.99. Go for it! Although, we’re not sure if you will feel like participating in an Iron Man event right after.

If you’re not quite up for the Iron Man Omelet, their other omelets are still large size meals. Between $9.49 and $9.99 you can build your own 4-egg omelet with a selection of cheese and as many ingredients as you like.

Lunchtime at the Broken Yolk includes a wide selection of burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and paninis.

And again, all of their menu items are large portions.

For something really special, try their Grilled Eggplant and Goat Cheese Panini. It’s grilled eggplant, zucchini, red onions, roasted red peppers, alfalfa sprouts and goat cheese, served on crispy focaccia bread with pesto mayo for $8.99. Can’t beat it!

There are six Broken Yolk Café locations throughout San Diego with three in North County: La Costa location is 7670 El Camino Real 92009, and San Marcos location is 101 S. Las Posas Rd. San Marcos 92078. Call (760) 943-8182 www. thebrokenyolkcafe.com.

Winter Wonderland Cake Show December 17, 10am-3pm The 3rd Annual Winter Cake Show, “Winter Wonderland” is coming to Ro Z’s Sweet Art Studio in San Marcos December 17 from 10am-3pm. There will be amateur, professional,

youth and teen categories with prizes for entrants and raffles for guests.

Ro Z’s Sweet Art Studio is a school of cake decorating, baking, confectionary arts, a retail supply store, and a great place to have a party. They also offer classes throughout the year.

Ro Z offers cake decorating classes, workshops and courses that include piping, fondant, pulled sugar, chocolate,

modeling, carving, topsy turvy, and much more. Their Cake Decorating School is a great place set in a non-intimidating environment with quality instructors. Ro Z and her staff teach the latest methods and techniques to make your decorating experience more efficient and effective.

If you are interested in entering the cake show please call (760) 744-0447 or visit www.rozsweetartstudio.com.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium We’ve Got Free Tickets!

Dec. 21, Wednesday, Kickoff 5pm

Top teams from the Mountain West and Western Athletic Conference will square off in the seventh annual San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl on December 21, at Qualcomm Stadium. Hard-hitting college football action and spectacular pre-game and halftime pageantry make this a must see event for the entire family.

Last year’s contest between San Diego State (9-3) and Navy (8-4) was one of the hottest bowl tickets of 2010. More than 48,000 fans watched as San Diego State defeated Navy 35-14. The bowl victory was the first for the San Diego State program since the 1969 Pasadena Bowl. Aztecs’ running back Ronnie Hillman rushed for 228 yards and 3 TD’s. Hillman’s 228 rushing yards broke the bowl game’s single-game rushing record (129 yards).

He also tied Navy’s Reggie Campbell (2005) and TCU’s Jeff Ballard (2006) for most rushing touchdowns in the game’s 6-year history.

Prior to last year’s game, there were concerns about the condition of the field at Qualcomm Stadium, where only 24 hours earlier the field was flooded over by 1.5-million gallons of water from heavy rains. City and stadium officials spent all night pumping and draining the stadium, and were even able to get the paint down for the logo at midfield before kickoff.

The beneficiary of this year’s San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl is the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. $1 from each ticket sold goes directly to the charity. Tickets for the 2011 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or by visiting www.

PoinsettiaBowl.com.

Win Free Tickets to the Poinsettia Bowl!

It’s easy to win a free pair of tickets to the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Just visit our entertainment website at www.HotinNorthCounty.com and fill in the simple

registration form. Ticket winners will be randomly selected and notified by phone and email. Sponsors and promoters are not responsible for date change, delay or cancellation of event for any reason. Only one entry person per is permitted to register. Best of luck! See you this December at the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium!

Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

24 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells 2011 Win Free Tickets!

What’s your favorite sound of the season? Ours is Jungle Bells, and they are ringing in holiday merriment at the San Diego Zoo from December 9 through January 1 (except December 24.) Each evening, the Zoo is open until 8 p.m. and transformed into a wild, wintery wonderland of music, lights, treats, and, of course, animal encounters. Come be cheered by a cheetah, or awed by an armadillo—after all, ‘tis the season! Bring your family and friends to munch holiday specialties and experience some seasonal cheer—Zoo style!

• The holiday magic begins with a Bell Ringers’ Welcome in the front plaza on Front Street.

• Share your wish list with the Jolly Ol’ Elf himself at Santa’s Workshop in the Mercado on Front Street.

• Be amazed by Animal Magic for the Holidays at Discovery Outpost • Hop aboard the Tinseltown Trolley on Front Street and take a mini tour of our twinkling, animal-shaped light sculptures around the Zoo. • Find out who’s really stirring during Dr. Zoolittle’s The Night Before Christmas in the Clark Theater in Discovery Outpost.

• Listen to traditional holiday songs and classic bluegrass tunes performed by violinists “Angels with

Strings” in Wegeforth Bowl.

• Take a magical jaunt down the Candy Cane Lane Light Trail to reach the “Blitzen Light Experience” at the Treehouse complex.

• Applaud the Jumpin,’ Jammin’ Elves as they perform amazing feats at Sydney’s Grill • Have fun at Scrooge’s Playground and Magical Jumping Waters in Discovery outpost.

• Cruise the Zoo on the Reindeer Express Buses.

• See the Zoo from the perspective of the most famous reindeer of all aboard Rudolph’s Skyfari Aerial Tram.

• Take a ride on the North Pole Miniature Train.

• Marvel at our Elephant Odyssey Edible Christmas Tree • On December 8, watch as our pandas receive a snowy treat for the holidays.

Lights, Camera, Action: the San Diego Zoo has opened its brand new 4D Theater near Skyfari West, and we’re showing wintery films full of surprises. If you haven’t experienced 4D, it’s a film that you can see and hear but also feel, smell, and sense. Wind in your face, snow on your head, a pat on the back—it’s like you’re there, part of the action. For Jungle Bells, the San Diego Zoo 4D theater will be showing the world premiere of Ice Age 3: The Warm Up. Join Manny, Sid, and Diego in this 15-minute

Coast Through Town on Santa’s COASTER Express December 3, Saturday All aboard! Santa’s COASTER Express has become one of North County’s most popular holiday events among young children ages 3-10. Families can board one of two round-trip trains departing Oceanside Transit Center on December 4. The 90-minute experience includes festive decorations, music and special treats delivered by Santa and his friends. You can choose between two trains leaving at 10am and 1pm.

There is a limit of six tickets per person and must be purchased in advance at the Oceanside Transit Center, 205 S. Tremont. Please note that you may want to call NCTD well in advance, as tickets sell out quickly!

Passengers should arrive at the station 20 minutes before Santa arrives to secure parking. Due to limited space, please do not bring bicycles or strollers aboard the train.

Santa’s COASTER Express runs during rain or shine.

Tickets are $6 each. Proceeds for the event benefit the Community Resource Center, which provides safety, stability and a path to self-sufficiency for victims of domestic violence and families in needs. To find out more visit www.gonctd.com.

Maned Wolves Make Public Debut at San Diego Zoo Standing three feet tall, with long legs and reddish brown hair, the San Diego Zoo’s two newest residents are stopping people in their tracks for a better look. A pair of maned wolves made their public debut in November.

The species has not been seen at the San Diego Zoo for more than 30 years. A new exhibit was built for the two young females, Jasmine and Jamie, in the Zoo’s Polar Rim zone. The sisters cautiously explored their surroundings before running through the grass and then eating it.

Although not considered threatened, this South American species has been on the decline largely as a result of habitat loss and degradation. The maned wolf can be found in open forests, savannas and marshlands. It is

omnivorous, eating small mammals, insects, reptiles, birds, fruits and vegetation.

In addition to the maned wolves, guests can see other rare canine species at the Zoo including New Guinea singing dogs, African painted dogs, Arctic wolves as well as Arctic and fennec foxes. For tickets and information visit www.sandiegozoo.org.

Taking Care of Your Eyes is so Important If you are thinking that it’s been a while since your last eye exam, then it probably is.

So often we neglect taking care of our eyes and our vision. If you are looking for a caring and professional optometrist, then Dr. Kristin Peterson-Salgado of Solana Beach Family Optometry is the person to see.

Dr. Kristin Peterson-Salgado graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1993 with high honors then went on to graduate from the University of California, Berkeley School of Optometry in 1997. For 13 years she has been practicing medically-based optometry with a focus on ocular disease, geriatrics, traditional and hard-to-fit contact lenses, diabetic exams, and Lasik or cataract surgery pre-operative exams.

Dr. Peterson-Salgado opened her private practice in Solana Beach in 2010 with a desire to continue her medically based practice while also incorporating vision exams for the entire family. Dr. Peterson-Salgado enjoys fitting all types of contact lenses, including bifocal, monovision, rigid gas permeable, and astigmatic lenses. She also has an extensive background in the treatment of dry eye conditions. She is board certified in the treatment and management of ocular disease and can prescribe medications for eye infections, allergies, and dry eyes.

Dr. Peterson enjoys spending time with her family, jogging, camping, playing sports, visiting family and friends, and going to the beach. She grew up in Del Mar and currently lives in Solana Beach with her husband (4th generation Solana Beach resident) and their 2 kids.

Call for an appointment to see Dr. Kristin Peterson-Salgado at Solana Beach Family Optometry at (858) 259-8239 or stop in at 977 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite B, Solana Beach CA 92075.

version of the film that you’ve got to experience to believe!

Just back for the holidays, the Zoo’s Inside Look VIP tour is decked out with a Jungle Bells theme! Go behind the scenes to see two jungle animals, either tigers and okapis or jaguars and sun bears. Each tour includes special encounters with other jungle dwellers and a chance to pose for photos with colorful macaws. These two-hour tours take a maximum of 7 people at a time for a Zoo excursion on our comfortable VIP cart. To register or for more information, visit us online or call 619-718-3000.

Win Free Tickets to the San Diego Zoo! A Fabulous Free Holiday Gift !

It’s easy to win free tickets to the San Diego Zoo. Just visit our free entertainment website at www.HotinNorthCounty.com and fill in the simple entry form. Ticket winners will be randomly selected and notified by phone and email. Some restrictions apply. Only one entry per person is permitted. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Best of luck!

See you soon at the world famous San Diego Zoo!

New Outdoor Skating Rink at Winterfest in Poway Community Park December 16-19, Fri 4-9pm, Sat-Mon 1-9pm The coolest place this winter is the new ice skating rink at Poway Community Park which hosts the City of Poway’s Winterfest. The event features an outdoor synthetic ice skating rink, free arts and crafts, kids karaoke, musical entertainment, and more. A snow hill for sledding will be featured on Saturday, December 18. Over 3,000 children and adults are expected to attend. Except for the ice skating, everything is free, including the snow hill.

Skating costs $5 for ages 2-17 and $7 for ages 18+. Skate rental is included or participants can bring their own ice skates. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Community Services Office in Poway City Hall, at the Poway Community Swim Center or online at www.poway.org

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 25

JUNGLE BELLS A DIFFERENT HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE Put a new twist on your holiday celebrations this year at the San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells. Enjoy seasonal treats and a host of other wild activities for the whole family. December 10 to 23, 25 to 31, and January 1. Visit sandiegozoo.org for more information.

26 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

Farmers Insurance Open – PGA Golf Tour Returns to Torrey Pines Jan. 23-29 We’ve Got Free Tickets!

This will be the sixtieth year a PGA tour event has been held in San Diego beginning with the San Diego Open in 1952. For fifty straight years the Century Club of San Diego has been the local non-profit organizing body for the tournament.

2012 marks the fourty-fifth time the event is being held at Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the third year that Farmers Insurance has been it’s main sponsor. The event will be held at Torrey Pines from January 23 to January 29.

Bubba Watson captured the 2011 Farmers Insurance Open with a 16-under par score of 272 and one shot win over Phil Mickelson. Watson birdied the 72nd hole for victory. Phil Mickelson needed an eagle to force a playoff and pitched his third shot 66 yards, to 4.4 feet and he made the birdie putt to fall one shot behind. “The putt on the 71st hole was the most important. I know I had a chance to win. I birdied all the par 5s today and it came out to the right number,” said Bubba Watson, who

earned his second PGA TOUR win. “I’ve got more hardware in my house and a new surfboard. I knew I had to shoot a number in the 60’s and was able to achieve that.

I knew I needed to make the birdie putt to win because I knew Phil was going to go for it. I didn’t know he laid up.

I was trying to not get emotional and not get too excited and I made the putt.” “I love playing in San Diego and really like being in contention,” said Mickelson. “Bubba played a great round of golf.”

Many other of the greatest names in golf have captured the San Diego PGA tour stop in recent years.

This list includes Tiger Woods (6 wins), San Diego local favorite, Phil Mickelson (3 wins), John Daly, Davis Love lll, Jose Maria Olazabal, and Mark O’Meara, to name a few. The 2012 Farmers Insurance Open will feature a field of 156 players. Advance tickets can be charged by phone by calling (858) 886-4653 or by visiting www.farmersinsuranceopen.com.

Win Free Tickets to the 2012 Farmers Insurance Open!

It’s easy to win free tickets to the Farmers Insurance Open. Just visit our entertainment website at www.HotinNorthCounty.com and fill in the simple registration form. Ticket winners will be randomly selected.

Winners will be notified by phone and email. Some restrictions apply. Promoters are not liable in the event of inclement weather, or other unforeseen reasons that may cause a delay of event, day or time change, or cancellation. Must be 18 years or older to win tickets. See you at the 2012 Farmers Insurance Open!

The Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart and The Mickey Hart Band to Perform Music Therapy Charity Show at the Belly Up Tavern Interview by Andy Lee The iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame percussionist of the Grateful Dead and distinguished musicologist, Mickey Hart, will perform with his new band The Mickey Hart Band at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach on December 5. Hart, considered one of the most accomplished drummers of our time, is donating 100% of the ticketing fees for tickets sold on www.mickeyhart.net to the American Music

Therapy Association (A.M.T.A). Hart is deeply involved in helping A.M.T.A fund and promote research that uses music therapy to treat neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Autism. Music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. This cause is close to his own heart, since Hart’s mother was afflicted with Alzheimer’s and did not speak to him for more than a year until one day when he played drums again for her.

In August, The Mickey Hart Band debuted to packed houses in New York and San Francisco. The well thought out, hand-picked lineup for Hart’s new, world/stellar

Peter White Christmas at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort December 18, Sunday, 7pm ’Tis the season for smooth jazz cheer as guitar favorite Peter White returns to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort on Sunday, December 18, for a night of jazzy holiday standards. In its remarkable seventh year, the highly anticipated Peter White Christmas always thrills guests with an upbeat and entertaining show. White leads an all-star lineup featuring saxophonists Mindi Abair and Kirk Whalum, performing dazzling arrangements of holiday favorites in the Resort’s Grand Ballroom. As a chart-topping performer, Peter White has kept smooth jazz fans worldwide enthralled by his spirited melodies, soulful grooves and an inviting, instantly recognizable acoustic guitar style. Always finding unique ways to bring his modern sensibilities to cherished pop classics, his seasonal renditions are sure delight.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort is thrilled to welcome back Saxophonist/Singer/Songwriter Mindi Abair, who performed at the Resort’s annual “Jazz at the Park” Concert Series in July. Abair’s own brand of pop-meets-jazz adds a refreshingly unique voice to an exciting new generation of contemporary jazz artists. Abair has five successful major label solo releases to her credit, including her album, In Hi Fi Stereo, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart.

Kirk Whalum makes his Park Hyatt Aviara debut and will spice up the holiday concert with his unmistakably rich tenor sound. A 12-time Grammy Award nominee, Whalum’s stellar solo career includes the breakthrough album For You that remained nearly two years at the top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart. His gospel-influenced style is sure to bring a soulful mood this memorable night of holiday smooth jazz.

Peter White Christmas is being held in Park Hyatt Aviara Resort’s Grand Ballroom at 7pm. Tickets are $75. To purchase, visit www.aviarajazz.com.

music band features vocalists Crystal Monee Hall and Tim Hockenberry, bassist Dave Schools (Widespread Panic), drummer Ian “Inx” Herman, guitarist Gawain Matthews, percussionist Sikuru Adepoju, and keyboardist Ben Yonas. The show includes brand new material as well as selections of his greatest hits and Grateful Dead songs.

The Mickey Hart Band is currently in the studio recording their new album to be released in the spring of 2012. I

MICKEY HART Continued on page 27

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 27 Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

Win Free Concert Tickets to Six Shows at the House of Blues The North County Sun along with www.

HotinNorthCounty.com have once again partnered with the House of Blues San Diego and Live Nation, the biggest concert promoter in the United States, to give away tickets this holiday season to see these Six great shows at the world famous House of Blues. Win tickets to see: Gary Hoey’s Christmas Show on December 17; Gospel Sunday Brunch January 8 (2-4 people); NOFX on January 9; Eric Johnson on January 22; Allstar Weekend on January 27; and G Love & Special Sauce on February 19.

Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits! Experience the world famous Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues every Sunday.

December 17

January 8

Gary Hoey’s Christmas Show Gospel Sunday Brunch MICKEY HART Continued from page 26 recently had the pleasure to speak with him and asked him about his new band, his legacy and about some of his early childhood influences.

A. How did you learn to play drums? Did you have formal training?

M. Well, first it was just by trial and error. I didn’t have a teacher. I was really young, just experimenting with the pots and pans. I had a drum pad. My dad was a drummer. But he had left when I was an infant. He left a drum pad behind and the drum pad entranced me. One day my mother asked me if I wanted to learn how to play the drums. She also happened to be a drummer in her youth. She taught me the rudiments of drumming, like military or marching band rhythms. When I became a teenager I took formal lessons from a professional. He was a big band jazz drummer. Then about 13 or 14 I learned to read music. I started on the drum pad when I was 3. I was playing it every day. Let’s call that the beginning.

A. When you got your first drum set, you were living with your mom?

M. I didn’t get a drum set. I just got a drum….a single snare drum. It wasn’t until a couple of years later that I got a second-hand drum set.

A. What kind or style of music influenced you when you were a kid?

M. My first influences were Pigmies from the Ituri Rain Forest. It was my first musical influence. I had found a recording of the Ituri Rain Forest music. A collection of Count Basie and Duke Ellington records were given to my Mom, and in the middle of it was some indigenous music from Africa. The Pigmies were one of them. I just loved the Pigmies. That was it for me. My interest in the world’s music was jump started right then. I loved Basie and all that. I also started listening to Latin music. It was very, very popular back in the 50s.

A. Especially for a percussionist, right?

M. Yes, it was polyrhythmic. So I jumped into Latin music.

All the great Latin players like Tito Puente were emerging on the streets in New York City.

A. What was your first memorable music performance?

M. I would say it would have to be a solo performance on the beach. People used to go to the beach and light fires, hang out and drink beer. But I was way too young - about 11 years old. I had a pair of Bongos. I went to the beach. There was this fire. The little party had moved on. You know..teenagers. And so I just sat around and put a little wood on the fire.

And started playing to the fire, around the fire, and all of a sudden a young woman came up, and another one came up. So people started showing up and they started dancing as I was playing. That was my first performance.

A. Wow! M. I realized, Wow! Girls! That’s when I thought; I’d like to do this forever! It was all about the opposite sex. It was a mating

Menu includes live sweet gospel music mixed with cornbread muffins and maple butter, caramel sticky buns, cheese-filled tortellini salad with smoked salmon, capers, red onions and pear tomatoes, traditional Caesar salad, hickory smoked bacon and sausage links, homemade biscuits and country gravy, breakfast potatoes with sautéed onions and peppers, homemade waffles, omelet station, southern fried chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, Creole chicken and shrimp jambalaya, carved smoked turkey breast with prime rib of beef, white chocolate walnut brownies, homemade fruit cobbler and white chocolate banana bread pudding. *Menu items may vary slightly and are subject to change.

It’s easy to win a free pair of tickets to see one of these six great shows at the House of Blues San Diego. Just visit www.HotinNorthCounty.com and fill in the simple entry form. Select your top three choices. Ticket winners will be randomly selected and contacted by phone and email. We cannot guarantee your selections. Only one entry per person is allowed. Some restrictions apply. Must be 18 years or older to win tickets. Promoters are not liable for change in dates, times or cancellations. Best of luck, and see you soon at the House of Blues!

January 22

January 27

February 19

January 9

Eric Johnson

Allstar Weekend

G Love & Special Sauce

NOFX

ritual to me. The girls loved the rhythm and the sound of the drums. I thought, yep, this is for me. I already knew it, but that really sealed the deal as it were. Music brings people together. It celebrates life. And here I was doing it as an eleven year old. And these girls were really pretty.

A. And later...on a bigger stage?

M. Later I put together a trio. We played cha cha, and polka music. There was a slide trombone player, an accordion player, and me on the drums.

A. Is there a certain time period you played with the Grateful Dead that stands out to you?

M. Oh yeah. I would say the 60s and into the beginning of the 70s were the most powerful. We were just discovering the music then. We really didn’t play our instruments that well, so we were learning the skills and learning how to create and circumnavigate into new music topography. We were basing it on the blues, Appalachian music, country and American-based music. And, I brought the world influence into the band with the rhythms of the world. We all brought spice into the stew, and it worked. It was a magical mix. And once you learn it you just repeat it in some way, shape, or form, over the years, and you perfect it. The discovery part happens in the first few years.

A. You are playing a show at the Belly Up on December 5, and 100% of the proceeds are going to the charity, Music Therapy. How did you get involved with Music Therapy?

M. My mother had advanced Alzheimer’s. I isolated her and played the drums for her a while and she spoke my name.

I realized that music has that kind of power. And that was the catalyst that got me involved using music as therapy, as a medicine. Then I became involved with Oliver Sacks and testified before the U.S. Senate about the power of rhythm and healing. One thing led to another. So I’ve been working with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and the motor impaired.

We’ve been spending years to find out what the process is about rhythm and the broken neuro pathways. We’re trying to figure out the code. I’m working on a cellular level with scientists. I’m working on the scientific side now as opposed to the therapeutic side. That’s really the most exciting part of music, besides the cosmic sounds of music as a healing agent. It’s the most exciting frontier in music.

A. Lets talk about your new band. You’ve been working really hard putting this together for a couple of years.

Now you are playing some shows and are in the recording studio and getting ready to release a new record this year.

M. That’s right. We’ve been working really hard. We’ve been trying to find the right band and get them all in one room together. I’d compose the song and they’d perform the song. In some cases they’d compose with me. It was very collaborative. These musicians were chosen for their ability to be able to go outside of the box and to be able to play a new kind of music. And also to be able to perform the rhythms of the universe in which it’s based upon.

A. You call it world music?

M. It’s a combination of the world’s music and also stellar, the music of the cosmos. A lot of the sounds that you’ll be hearing are light waves that have been translated by epic events. They are sounds from 13.7 billion years ago in the beginning of time and space of the Big Bang. We also incorporate present sounds like earthquakes and things that happen here on Earth. There’s Saturn, there’s Jupiter, there’s pulsars, novas, many different kinds of stars and galaxies. The epic events give off radiation and light. We capture it in radio telescopes. I have a team of scientists and we transfer that into a sound spectrum for hearing. I then play those using computers and so forth. We play with the sounds of the universe. I think I was chosen for that specifically. We also have wonderful songs from Robert Hunter. This is rock and roll; only it’s modern music. The big difference here is that we’ll be playing with the sounds of the universe.

A. The album should be out around March?

M. Yea, this is like a break-in tour. This is just a warm up.

We’re breaking the music in here. It’s really exciting. We’re falling on it for the first time. It’s a lot of energy. Trance music.

A. Last question. After you’re gone, how do you want to be remembered?

M. First of all, as a great father. I would like my wife to remember me in the best of ways and my children. That’s the most important thing. And, of course, the legacy of the rhythm. Everything that I have to do with music, mostly rhythm-based. That’s my footnote. As a rhythmist and what I’ve done in the world. Not only in entertaining but also in therapy as a healing power, rhythmically speaking, specifically. Those are the things that are really important to me.

All the other stuff, the recordings and all that, they’re all secondary. That’s the way I see myself, as kind of a pioneer of rhythm—a student of the world. I try to make a better world and think that I would like to be remembered as doing that.

Mickey Hart is dedicated to preserving sounds of the world with Smithsonian Folkways, the institution that records, preserves, and sells recordings of musical traditions at risk in collaboration with the American Folklife Center (A.F.C.) at the Library of Congress. In 1999, Mickey was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the American Folklife Center where he headed the Sub-committee on the Digitization and Preservation of the Center’s vast collections. There he helped to establish the “Save Our Sounds” project, a collaboration between the A.F.C. and the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, where he currently serves as a Member of the Board of Directors. Hart’s CD will be available through Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.

Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour January 21-22, Saturday-Sunday

The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil are proud to present Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour in San Diego on January 21 and 22 at the Valley View Casino Center. This electrifying once-in-a-lifetime production combines Michael Jackson’s music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. Proudly sponsored by Sun Life Financial, the show is written and directed by Jamie King, the leading concert director in pop music today, and features more than 60 international dancers, musicians and acrobats.

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world, Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop. The Immortal World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where you’ll discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree – the wellspring of his creativity. The secrets of Michael’s inner world are unlocked: his love of music and dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature.

Tickets are on sale now for San Diego performances of Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour.

The Valley View Casino Center is located at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd in San Diego. Tickets are $50 to $250 each and are available by calling (800) 745-3000 or by visiting www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson.

28 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

Win Free Tickets to Three Great Shows at the Belly Up Tavern The North County Sun along with www.

HotinNorthCounty.com is proud to announce a great holiday ticket giveaway to North County’s premier concert venue, the Belly Up Tavern! This extra special ticket giveaway with the Belly Up Tavern gives true meaning to the words “Happy Holidays!” Enter our ticket giveaway and win tickets to see: Venice Christmas Show on December 15; Shawn Colvin on December 18; and New Years Eve Concert with the English Beat on December 31.

Those who know the BUT keep going back again and again. Those who don’t, seriously need to explore the BUT. The Belly Up Tavern is one of the most intimate, provocative, and electrifying venues you’ll ever experience! We suggest you come early, because seats are not reserved. Stop in and grab a bite at the Wild Note Café, and they may let you in to claim a seat a little earlier!

It’s easy to win a free pair of tickets to one of these three great nights at the Belly Up Tavern. Just visit our free entertainment site at www.HotinNorthCounty.com and fill in the simple registration form. Winners will be randomly selected and will be notified by phone and email. Only one entry is allowed per person.

Select your first, second, and third choice of shows.

We cannot guarantee your selections. Promoters are not liable in the event of date or time change or show cancellation. Some restrictions apply. Must be 21 or older to win tickets. Good luck, and see you at the Belly Up Tavern!

December 15

December 18

December 31

Venice Christmas Show

Shawn Colvin

New Years Eve Concert with the English Beat

Orange County's Jobs For Autism Presents: Lukas Pacific Symphony Nelson & Promise of the Real Vivaldi’s Four Seasons December 8-10, Thurs-Sat, 8pm One of the most beloved works of the Baroque repertoire, Vivaldi’s lyrical masterpiece paints tantalizing pictures of Earth’s changing seasons. Also on the program, Grieg’s Holberg Suite, a collection of delightfully fresh Baroque-style dances originally composed for piano and only later adapted for string orchestra. $25-$110.

Nutcracker for Kids December 10, Sat, 10am & 11:30am Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head after seeing Tchaikovsky’s delightful Christmas ballet – performed in a condensed 45-minute version created just for kids.

This seasonal favorite finishes with a grand finale and is sure to sell out!

Pacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings are fun and fascinating 45-minute concerts designed especially for children 5-11. Enjoy family fun time together while enhancing your child’s (or grandchild’s) love of music.

Messiah December 11, Sunday, 3pm Blazing trumpets, thundering timpani and a chorus of heavenly voices! For many, the holiday season isn’t complete without the electrifying and uplifting “Hallelujah” chorus of Handel’s glorious “Messiah,” the most famous oratorio ever written. Through some of the most beautiful music ever written, “Messiah” conveys a message of hope and remains fresh and meaningful each and every year. $25-$100.

A Michael W. Smith Christmas December 15-17, Thurs-Sat, 8pm A three-time Grammy Award-winning singer who has sold more than 13 million albums, Michael W. Smith embodies the spirit of the season! He joins Pacific Symphony to share his hits – “Friends” and “Go West Young Man” – as well as music from his popular Christmas albums. During the first half of this concert, Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman and the orchestra present an array of holiday favorites including “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Sleigh Ride,” and music from the classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Plus, the audience is treated to the classic tale, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” narrated by John McCook. $30-$155.

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth January 12-14, Thurs-Sat, 8pm After the second performance of his Symphony No. 5, Tchaikovsky proclaimed the work a failure. When Chopin first played his Piano Concerto No. 2, he was proclaimed a national hero. Despite these varied premieres, both compositions have now attained immortality. Composer Osvaldo Golijov’s piece was inspired by a book by Galileo. $25-$110.

All of the concerts take place in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets are $15-$155. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

San Diego Symphony

Benefit Concert Gives Voice to Autism in the Workplace December 10, Saturday, 8:30pm

Jobs For Autism (JFA), a San Diego based non-profit organization dedicated to assisting young adults within the autistic spectrum find meaningful employment, and Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real (POTR), a phenomenal American rock n’ roll band that promises to be real in all that they do, will be performing at a benefit concert to be held on December 10, at 8:30pm at the Birch North Park Theatre in San Diego, California.

All proceeds directly benefit Jobs For Autism, which promotes autism employment support services to help assure a more fulfilling future for those within the spectrum.

When asked if he would perform to help raise awareness and give a voice to Autism in the workplace, Nelson didn’t hesitate for one second. This is what he and his band Promise of the Real are all about. Singer/songwriter, Lukas Nelson, son of famed musician Willie Nelson, says, “I consider myself a writer first and foremost, a guitar player second and a performer last. But they’re all pieces of the puzzle.”

Meaningful employment is the final piece that completes the puzzle for those within the autistic spectrum.

Helping these individuals to live a fulfilling and successful life is the goal. Jobs For Autism is a not-for-profit organization that was created for the purpose of spreading awareness to business and employers of the potential, capabilities, skills and abilities possessed by many of those within the autistic spectrum. It is the hope and mission of JFA that by demonstrating the abilities of these individuals, employment and career opportunities will be more readily available to them.

The benefit concert will be at the Birch North Park Theatre, located at 2891 University Avenue, Ste. 1, San Diego CA, 92104. Further information about the concert, as well as tickets, can be obtained at the box office, or by calling the box office at (619) 239-5714, or visiting the theatre’s website at www.birchnorthparktheatre.net.

December 12/1-4 Vivaldi’s Four Seasons 12/5 Camera Lucida #4, 7:30pm 12/9-11 Beethoven’s Ninth 12/16-18 Holiday Pops January 1/10 Brahms’ Violin Sonata: Lortie, 7:30pm 1/12 Brahms and Schumann, 7:30pm 1/13-15 Lortie Plays Schumann 1/20-21 Ballroom with a Twist, 8pm 1/25 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 7:30pm 1/28 Ballet Folklorico de Colombia, 8pm 1/29 Passport to the World, 2pm 1/31 Passport to the World Tickets can be purchased at 750 B Street, San Diego.

For more information call (619) 235-0804 or visit www.sandiegosymphony.com.

4th & B 345 B St San Diego (619) 231-4343 www.4thandbevents.com *doors open 1 hour prior to showtime unless otherwise noted * ARTIST

DATE

The Springsteen Experience

Fri.,12/2, 8:00pm

Lee “Scratch” Perry w/ Shoreline Rootz / E.N. Young / DJ Carlos Culture

Fri.,12/9, 9:00pm

The Motels

Sat.,12/10, 8:00pm

BCMG Presents X-Mas Party

Wed.,12/14, 8:00pm

Bring On The Bright Lights Presents Sat., 1/28, 8:00pm Nada Surf w/ The Soft Pack & Special Guests Bring On The Bright Lights Presents MUTEMATH The Odd Soul Tour

Fri.,2/3, 8:00pm

Adam Ant, The Good, The Mad and the Lovely Posse

Sat.,2/4, 8:00pm

International Singing Star Cristina Fontanelli Performs “Christmas in Italy” Dec. 8, Thursday, 7:30pm International singing sensation Cristina Fontanelli will sing a program of Italy’s best-loved songs, arias, Neapolitan and Christmas classics during her 1st Annual “Christmas In Italy” concert at the Neurosciences Institute, La Jolla, on Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. Called a “vocal genius” by the New York Sun, Ms. Fontanelli’s show is a love letter to her wonderful Italian heritage and a tribute to her grandparents.

The highly acclaimed soprano has performed with opera companies and in concert halls around the world,

at the Clinton White House, The Presidential Inaugural Ball in 2005, as well as appearances with Tony Bennett, The Boston Pops, and Feinstein’s at the Loews Regency, the St. Louis Symphony and three world tours with the Mantovani Orchestra. She was awarded the OSIA Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts, has been cited as one of the top alumnae of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and has been named “Woman of the Year” by many Italian organizations throughout the country.

The Neurosciences Institute is located at 10640 John Jay Hopkins Dr., San Diego, CA 92121 and tickets for “Christmas In Italy®” are sold on-line through www.brownpapertickets.com. Tickets range from $38 to $48 .

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 29 Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

BELLY UP TAVERN Upcoming Shows

CONCERTS

www.bellyup.com • 143 S. Cedros, Solana Beach, CA 92075 • Ph: 858.481.8140 facebook: @BellyUpTavern • twitter:@BellyUpMusic • youtube: @BellyUpSolanaBeach DECEMBER Thurs Dec 1, 8pm Fri Dec 2, 5:30pm Fri Dec 2, 9pm Sat Dec 3, 8pm Sun Dec 4, 8pm Mon Dec 5, 8pm Tues Dec 6, 9pm Fri Dec 9, 5:30pm Fri Dec 9, 9pm Sat Dec 10, 9pm Sun Dec 11, 8pm Mon Dec 12, 9pm Tues Dec 13, 9pm Wed Dec 14, 8pm Thurs Dec 15, 8pm Fri Dec 16, 9pm Sun Dec 18, 8pm Mon Dec 19, 9pm Wed Dec 21, 9pm Thurs. Dec 22, 9pm Fri Dec 23 9pm Tues Dec 27, 8pm Wed Dec 28, 9pm Thurs Dec 29, 9pm Fri Dec 30, 9pm Sat Dec 31, 5pm Sat Dec 31, 9pm JANUARY Wed Jan 4, 8pm Fri Jan 6, 9pm Sat Jan 7, 9pm Fri Jan 13, 9pm Sat Jan 14, 9pm Sat Jan 15, 9pm Fri Jan 20, 9pm Sat Jan 21, 9pm Sun Jan 22, 8pm Mon Jan 23, 8pm Wed Jan 25, 8pm Fri Jan 27, 9pm Sat Jan 28, 9pm Sun Jan 29, 9pm Tues Jan 31, 8pm

AN EVENING WITH LEO KOTTKE Happy Hour with Pete Johnson and Jus’ Blues Baby Frog’s Fitness Pres: An ATOMIC GROOVE CHRISTMAS JASON MRAZ – YOU ARE LOVED LOS LOBOS w/Mike Eldred Trio THE MICKEY HART BAND w/guest PETER MURPHY, SHE WANTS REVENGE w/Hussle Club HAPPY HOUR WITH THE FABULOUS PELICANS The Young Guns -9th Annual ugly sweater party with The Young Guns and DJ Divel Evening with THE CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD “Go Tell It On the Mountain”BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA w/Special guests Sara & Sean Watkins DIGITALISM (Live Show) w/Data Romance Dinosaur Jr. performing BUG in its entirety w/ Henry Rollins interview Dinosaur Jr. Live Pierced Arrows THE MANZAREK – ROGERS BAND feat Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek & Roy Rogers w/ Stripes and Lines VENICE CHRISTMAS SHOW w/ Charlie Vaughn and The Daily Routine UNWRITTEN LAW w/ BLACK PACIFIC SHAWN COLVIN w/ Josh Damigo PINBACK w/Ghetto Blaster cross promotion with Casbah show KOTTONMOUTH KINGS “Jingle Bowl” w/Big B & Sprung Monkey Jungle Productions pres Justin Martin with Jungle Resident DJs Matt Marabella, Mikey Leon, and Ryan Orey A CASH’D OUT CHRISTMAS w/The Palominos CRACKER & CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN An Evening with LEFTOVER SALMON BEATS ANTIQUE w/Lynx THE GREYBOY ALLSTARS – WEST COAST BOOGALOO with FRED WESLEY NYE Happy Hour – CANDYE KANE NEW YEAR’S EVE – ENGLISH BEAT w/guest Dick Dale w/guest PATO BANTON w/guest THE COUNTRY BUDDY “DICK BLUE BALL” A FARMER’S CELEBRATION Of the Life & Times of Country Dick Montana & Buddy Blue FEATURING A GALLERY OF RENEGADES,ROGUES, & REBELS 40 Oz To Freedom w/guest WAYWARD SONS & THE PETTYBREAKERS HANDSOME FURS w/guest AGENT 51, Pivit & Death On Wednesday DEAD MAN’S PARTY w/guest THE STEVE MORSE BAND w/guest MARK HUMMEL’S BLUES HARMONICA BLOWOUT w/JOHN MAYALL, Billy Boy Arnold, Curtis Salgado & Sugar Ray Norcia THE WOOD BROTHERS w/ Sarah & Christian Dugas *seated show OZOMATLI w/guest OZOMATLI w/guest MARCHFOURTH MARCHING BAND THE JAYHAWKS w/guest

MiraCosta College Concerts Back to the Future December 4, Sun, 3pm Listen to guitars travel through time as they play traditional music arranged for groups of guitars and new music written for guitar ensemble.

Celebrate MiraCosta: Student Showcase & Recital December 4, Sun, 7:30pm The first half of this special event showcases solo student artists from the applied classical music program. The second half features the jazz/commercial musicians and student combos.

Frequency Winter Concerts December 7-8, Wed-Thurs, 7:30pm These end-of-semester concerts are given by the Frequency Vocal Jazz Program and feature ensemble rep-

Get tickets at www.livenation.com, the venue box office, all Ticketmaster outlets including Ritmo Latino, or charge by phone at 800.745.3000.

DATE

ARTIST & SUPPORT

VENUE

Led Zepagain – Tribute to Led Zeppelin w/ 6ONE9, Sons Fri., 12/9, of Zap 8:30pm

House of Blues

91X Wrex the Halls – Night 1 w/ Florence and the Machine, Death Cab for Cutie, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds w/ Cage the Elephant, The Airborne Toxic Event, The Naked and Famous

Sat., 12/10, 6:15pm

Valley View Casino Center

91X Wrex the Halls – Night 2 w/ Blink 182, Social Distortion w/ Pennywise, DMC, Switchfoot, Everlast, Mutemath

Sun., 12/11, 6:15pm

Valley View Casino Center

Sophie 103.7 Holiday of Miracles Benefit for Rady Children’s Hospital presented by Cox Wireless featuring Lenny Kravitz w/ Mat Kearney

Sun., 12/11, 8:00pm

House of Blues

Flashback Wednesdays featuring American Roulette (Green Day tribute) FREE

Wed.,12/14, 7:00pm

House of Blues (Voodoo Stage)

theBREAX – CD Release Party w/ Fonzworth Bentley, DJ KidRiz, Dannu, NomiS, Hosted by Quinnell Bash of ABDC’s Street Kingdom

Thu., 12/15, 8:00pm

House of Blues

Gary Hoey – Ho Ho Hoey Holiday Show w/ Endoxi

Sat., 12/17, 8:00pm

House of Blues

Flashback Wednesdays featuring Mud Clutch (Tom Petty tribute) FREE

Wed., 12/21, 7:00pm

House of Blues (Voodoo Stage)

Eventvibe Presents Nero

Tue., 12/27, 9:00pm

House of Blues

Flashback Wednesday featuring Have a Cigar (Pink Floyd tribute) FREE

Wed., 12/28, 7:00pm

House of Blues (Voodoo Stage)

Groove International Presents New Years Eve PreParty Burlesque Bash

Fri., 12/30, 9pm

House of Blues (5th Ave Side Stage)

Fat Wreck Chords Presents NOFX w/ The Bombpops, Old Man Markley, No Use For A Name

Mon., 1/09/2012, House of Blues 7pm

Fat Wrecks Chords Presents NOFX w/ Pour Habit, Old Man Markley, Lagwagon

Tues., 1/10/2012, 7:30pm

House of Blues

Wilco w/ White Denim SOLD OUT

Sun., 1/22/2012, 8:00pm

Copley Symphony Hall

Eric Johnson

Sun., 1/22/2012, 8:00pm

House of Blues

Adicts w/ World Friendship Society

Sun., 1/29/2012, 7:00pm

House of Blues

Tainted Love

Sat., 2/18/2012, 8:30pm

House of Blues

August Burns Red w/ Silverstein, Texas In July, I The Breather

Fri., 2/3/2012, 7:00pm

House of Blues

Iced Earth and Symphony X w/ Warbringer

Wed., 2/22/2012, House of Blues 7:00pm

Ani DiFranco

Tue., 3/20/2012, 8:00pm

The Pink Floyd Experience

Wed., 3/28/2012, House of Blues 8:30pm

ertoire as well as performances by selected soloists. Many songs are selected from the Great American Songbook and performed either a cappella or with the student rhythm section.

MiraCosta Jazz Collective/MiraCosta Latin Jazz Orchestra December 9-10, Fri-Sat, 7:30pm The MiraCosta Jazz Collective and Latin Jazz Orchestra combine forces for a high energy evening of music. Original arrangements of Latin, funk, and soul jazz styles are being showcased.

MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra (MOJO) December 11, Sun, at 3pm One show only! The MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra (MOJO) takes the stage for an eclectic and exciting afternoon concert showcasing the music of great past and pres-

House of Blues

ent jazz composers and arrangers of the big band genre.

Lend Me Your Ear December 13, Tues, 7:30pm This concert features the Fall 2011 songwriting class performing pieces composed as part of class projects. All students perform during the show. The songs delve into personal aspects of students’ lives that require the attention of a listener.

Holiday Joys December 14, Wed, 7:30pm Celebrate the season with MiraCosta’s orchestra and choirs as they present music old and new for the holiday time.

All concerts are held on the Oceanside Campus, located at 1 Barnard Drive. General admission is $10; students/seniors $8. Tickets can be purchased at www.miracosta.edu/buytix or by calling (760) 795-6815.

Free Concert Tickets to 4th & B The North County Sun along with www.

HotinNorthCounty.com is proud to announce another great concert ticket giveaway with 4th & B in the Gaslamp! 4th & B is San Diego’s celebrated home for live music and after-hours nightlife! Together, we are giving away five pairs of tickets to each of these great shows: The Motels on December 10 and Adam Ant on February 4.

Win Free Tickets!

It’s easy to win a free pair of tickets to one of these two shows at 4th & B. Just visit www.HotinNorthCounty. com and fill in the simple registration form. Select your favorite concert. Ticket winners will be randomly selected. Only one entry per person is allowed. Must be 21 or over to win tickets. Some restrictions apply. Promoters are not responsible for date, time or show cancellations.

Best of luck, and see you soon at 4th & B!

December 10

February 4

The Motels

Adam Ant

30 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

Fox TV’s American Idol Returns In January Local Talent “Shocking” Interview by Andy lee American Idol Season 11 premieres on Sunday, January 22, following the NFC playoff game (around 7pm).

The judges, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler, and Jennifer Lopez, along with Host, Ryan Seacrest, return for another amazing season.

San Diego, Aboard the USS Midway—On the very last day of auditions for Season 11, I had the pleasure of meeting the American Idol judges to ask them about the upcoming season, the local talent, and how hard it was for contestants to make it through...to get a golden ticket. Generally speaking, they all agreed that the bar was very high for contestants this season, that the people who showed up to audition were extremely talented for the most part and that making the necessary cuts was awfully difficult.

Jennifer Lopez: You know, in the beginning it’s great...and as we start doing more and more cuts, it gets worse.

Randy Jackson: It’s tough.

Jennifer Lopez: I remember last year when we had to go down to 24. That was the toughest. We had so many good people.

Andy Lee: Do you think it’s going to be tougher this year?

Randy Jackson: It’s tougher this year. But I think, you know, it’s really funny... we saw some really good people that got cut in the Hollywood rounds last year, but we saw them come back this year a lot better.….. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens.

Andy Lee: Do you think you are going to have to be even more critical this year than last year?

Randy Jackson: YES! This is the best talent show ever. This is the ultimate! The Grand Poobah!

Jennifer Lopez: You can’t help but get more critical after a year like last year. You know last year the top twelve were so amazing, so talented. Everything we do is like, they’re not even as good as the Top 40 (from last year). We can’t really let them through.

Andy Lee: Today, are you even more critical because today is the final day of auditions?

Randy Jackson: Hard, dude. Chopping!

Jennifer Lopez: (making a chopping motion with both hands) Chop, chop, chop!

Andy Lee: How about the San Diego talent? How did we shake out?

Randy Jackson: Amazing, dude, amazing.

Andy Lee: Compared to other cities?

Randy Jackson: Amazing!

Steven Tyler: Yesterday, there was one after another, after another.

Randy Jackson: Shocking!

Andy Lee: Were there a lot of auditioners from other cities, like L.A., here in San Diego?

Randy Jackson: More from the San Diego area....

Oceanside, Encinitas, from all around.

Andy Lee: What about instruments during the auditions.

Did you get to hear the talent play any instruments while they were auditioning?

Jennifer Lopez: No. During Hollywood week.

Randy Jackson: During Hollywood week you’ll hear them jam.

Steven Tyler: One guy last night had a homemade guitar made out of a suitcase.

Randy Jackson: It was dope.

Steven Tyler: It was a dopra. It was dope, bro.

Walking back to my car, I noticed a tall young lady holding a puppet in her hand. She was coming back from lunch for a call-back audition. I asked someone standing next to me, “What’s that?” He answered, “She’s a ventriloquist, and she has an awesome voice.” I’m wondering if she’s going to make it through. Who knows? I just hope another amazing singer like Adam Lambert, from San Diego, makes it to the top again.

Old-Fashioned Holiday Wonderland in Del Mar Santa’s Coming to December 4, Sunday, 2-5pm Bressi Ranch Village Come to Del Mar’s Annual City of Del Mar, the event features horse-drawn carriage Center Old-Fashioned Holiday rides, local restaurant tastings, a choir, band, dance perWonderland on Saturday, December 4, from 2pm to 5pm, in downtown Del Mar Plaza. Kick off the holidays with your family and friends while supporting local schools and the Del Mar community.

Sponsored by the Del Mar Village Association and the

formances, and a cake walk. Children’s attractions include a snow play area, a holiday crafts and fun zone, face painting, and a special visit from Santa. At 5pm, the annual tree-lighting ceremony takes place at the L’Auberge Del Mar Resort amphitheater.

Del Mar Plaza is located at the intersection of Camino Del Mar (Coast Highway 101) and 15th Street. Admission to the event itself is free, with various offerings from downtown businesses and vendors. To obtain more information call (858) 755-1179 or visit www.delmarmainstreet.com.

North County Home Lights Up For Christmas Holiday A home on Knob Hill in San Marcos has one of the largest Christmas light displays in San Diego County.

With over 80,000 Christmas lights, hundreds of lighted outdoor figures and thousands of feet of electrical wiring, Christmas on Knob Hill is a fabulous winter wonderland in North County. It began more than 20 years ago with only a few strands of holiday lights. Each year the display grew as more lights and figures were added. Those additions quickly turned into a much larger project.

Along with the Christmas light display, Santa Claus has also become a featured guest at North County’s own North Pole. Each year, Santa makes a special twoweek appearance before Christmas to visit with all the boys and girls. Kids are welcome to bring their Christmas lists to share with Santa or

Share the holiday spirit with your friends and neighbors at Bressi Ranch Village Center in Carlsbad on Saturday, December 17, from noon to 3pm. Bring the kids and your cameras and snap a photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the courtyard area between Peet’s Coffee and Perfectly At Home. Santa will be giving away free holiday activity booklets to each child that visits with him, and Mrs. Claus will have free coupon booklets for adults.

Bressi Ranch Village Center is located just off Palomar Airport Road at 2629 Gateway Road at the intersection with El Fuerte Street, in Carlsbad. This event is free. For more information, visit www.shopbressivillagecenter.com.

Holiday at the Rancho December 3, Saturday, 5-8pm they can drop them into his mailbox anytime. Christmas on Knob Hill has been featured in magazines, newspapers and on local San Diego news shows as one of the best Christmas light displays in San Diego County. Stop by and see what makes this one of the best Christmas light displays in town and enjoy a San Diego Christmas.

Christmas on Knob Hill is located in San Marcos at 1639 Knob Hill Rd. San Marcos, CA 92069 http://maps.google.com

L8 Nites and Kringle Mingle L8 Nite Thursdays December 1, 8, 15, 22, Thursdays, 5-8pm Come to downtown Encinitas and visit Santa at the Center Courtyard of the Lumberyard. Santa checks if you have been naughty or nice from 5:30-7:30pm. Santa is just one component of the Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association’s new L8 Nites program. L8 Nite’s are a series of Thursday evenings where over 35 retail stores are staying open late, offering discounts and treats, live music, carolers and Santa Claus. Come enjoy holiday shopping in historic downtown and enjoy special sales, goodies and refreshments at participating stores. These events are along Hwy 101, in the Center Courtyard of The Lumberyard.

For more information call (760) 943-1950.

December 17, Sat, 12-3pm

Encinitas Kringle Mingle December 4, Sunday, 2-6pm Cardiff 101 Main Street presents the 4th Annual Kringle Mingle with holiday cheer, tasty treats, a visit from Santa, musical performances, and a gift fair with local craft vendors. For more information visit www. cardiff101.com. This event is being held in the Cardiff Town Center.

For more information visit www.encinitas101.com.

Create treasured holiday memories at “Holiday at the Rancho” presented by City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation, at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying LC Lane in Carlsbad. The classic holiday celebration starts with entertainment, a tree lighting ceremony, crafts, cookie decorating and a very special visit by Santa. Get holiday shopping done at the handmade craft boutique, and bring a blanket and chair for the classic holiday movie, “A Christmas Story,” shown outdoors on the big screen.

Tickets are $8 at the door, free for ages 3 and under.

Train rides, souvenir photos with Santa, refreshments and merchandise are available for an additional fee.

The event also serves as a drop-off location for Toys for Tots, a program of the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve that distributes new toys to less fortunate children in the community. Attendees who donate a new, unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots will be entered in a prize raffle drawing. For more information, visit www.carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec or call the Special Events Hotline at (760) 434-2843.

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 31 Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

Botanic Garden of Lights includes Belgian Horses, Carolers and Snow December 8-23 & 26-30, 5-9pm

December 1-January 1, Thurs-Sun The 17th annual “Holiday of Lights” at the Del Mar Fairgrounds runs through Sunday, January 1. The “Holiday of Lights” is the largest animated seasonal lights display on the West Coast and has become a San Diego County holiday tradition.

Gather the family, some Christmas cheer and hop in the car for a spectacular drive around the historical and world renowned Del Mar Race Track. With more than 400 lighted animated scenes, this 1.5 mile drive around the track will delight the entire family. “Holiday of Lights” is open Sunday-Thursday 5:30-10pm and FridaySaturday 5:30-11pm. Tickets $14-$49.

Returning this holiday season is the “Holiday Hayride.”

Grab your holiday hot chocolate or cider, a great big Christmas cookie, and settle down in a pile of hay inside an open hayride. Afterwards enjoy holiday music, carolers, food, fun, fire pits for roasting marshmallows, and even “holiday spirits” in the Paddock (for those over 21).

The Holiday Hayride takes place on December 2, 9 and 16, from 5:30-8:30pm. Tickets $10.

Holiday of Lights is closed November 28, and December 5 and 12. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at (858) 792-4252 or visit www.delmarfairgrounds.com.

La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival December 4, Sunday, 2–4:30pm

The 54th Annual La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival kicks off from Girard and Kline at 2pm December 4. This year’s theme is “Classic Christmas.” The Parade and Festival attracts thousands of multi-generational attendees and participants, many who return year after year. The Parade is unique in that it is organized and conducted by community volunteers and is fully funded through community sponsorships and donations.

Parade kicks off at Kline & Girard Street and ends at the La Jolla Recreation Center. The Parade will be followed by the Holiday Festival at the Recreation Center, ending with the lighting of the Christmas Tree, sponsored by the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club and GDC Construction. Join in all the fun on Sunday, December 4 in La Jolla. Visit www.ljparade. com to register, volunteer, or to get more information.

Photo by John Bryant

After the sun goes down, the San Diego Botanic Garden is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 100,000 sparkling lights illuminating the Garden for a magical holiday experience. Leave the hustle and bustle of the malls behind and enjoy a relaxing evening strolling through the lighted Garden. Adding to the sparkle is the “Poinsettia Garden” festively decorated with many varieties of poinsettias.

Live music fills the air nightly from 6-8pm. One night has the Peace on Earth Christmas Carolers; while another night features lively Mariachis. Beginning December 16, a team of big Blond Belgian draft horses provides wagon rides through the lower area of the Garden, the only way to see the lights in this part of the Garden at night. Don’t miss the Nutcracker exhibit displaying a collection of over 50 Nutcrackers. Huddle around the Lawn Garden Campfire

Holiday Village and Tree Lighting Ceremony in San Marcos December 3-4, Sat 3-8pm, Sun 9am-4pm The City of San Marcos presents its Annual Santa’s Magical Village at the San Marcos Civic Center, Saturday, December 3 from 3 to 8 pm and Sunday, December 4 from 9 am to 4 pm. The event features an indoor holiday boutique as well as free activities for children including ornament making, sand art, candle creation and more! Entertainment includes bands and holiday carolers throughout the weekend. Food is available for purchase on both days.

The spectacular lighting of the San Marcos holiday tree takes place on December 3 at 6:30pm when Santa Claus has the honor of climbing to the top of the tree and turning on the thousands of twinkling lights. Entertainment for the tree lighting ceremony begins at 5:30 pm.

LEGOLAND California Holiday Events Holiday Snow Days at LEGOLAND California December 1 through January 2 LEGOLAND California is gearing up for the biggest, brightest and coolest holiday celebration ever with Holiday Snow Days. The celebration began in November when snow fell for the first time ever at the family theme Park and continues with the lighting of the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree and concludes with the annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party. New this year, Fun Town is transformed into a winter wonderland with a snow play area where families can build a snowman using LEGO carrots and other fun LEGO elements and throw snowballs at targets.

Along with the snow-filled fun, Holiday Snow Days feature festive entertainment including carolers, elves, strolling magicians, Santa and his holiday helpers, an enchanting holiday musical, and nightly fireworks December 26 through 31. All Holiday Snow Days activities are included in the price of admission.

SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium Holiday Happenings December 1-31 SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium is celebrating the holidays with a not-to-be-missed holiday-themed Daily Dive Show, a ‘green’ crafting event and other festive activities. SEA LIFE is also sharing ‘green’ holiday tips with visitors in hopes that guests will take care of our environment now and throughout the year. All holiday activities are included in the price of admission.

“Let It Snow” December 1 through January 2 “Let it Snow,” an enchanting mini-musical returns to Legoland California with a holiday story that is sure to warm guests’ hearts. Share in the spirit of the season with 10-year-old Emily as she wishes for some holiday magic!

Emily’s toys spring to life in a musical celebration as they help her realize her Yuletide wish. The 20-minute musi-

to roast marshmallows or make S’Mores. If the weather permits, there is snow from December 9 through 16 and 26 through 30.

Of course, Santa greets young and old alike each night before Christmas from 5:30–8:30 pm in the brightly lit Gazebo, providing a terrific photo opportunity. To keep you warm, there is hot mulled wine in the Lawn House Garden, and The Coffee Hut is open offering hot coffee and cocoa. El Pollo Loco provides healthy Mexican fare each night. And, finally, children can create a variety of special holiday crafts to take home.

Admission is $4-$12. There may be additional fees for some activities. For more information call (760) 436-3036 or visit www.sdbgarden.org.

Photo by Becky Reeb

17th Annual Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

Breakfast with Santa is on Sunday, December 4 from 9 to 11:30am in the Community Center. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and may be purchased at the door. Pictures with Santa are also available.

The Civic Center is located at 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos. For more information, please call (760) 744-9000 or visit www.san-marcos.net.

Encinitas’ 25th Anniversary Holiday Parade and TreeLighting Ceremony December 3, Saturday, 5pm

cal show features the Park’s signature song, “Season of Imagination.”

Nightly Tree Lightings December 1-24 Legoland California hosts nightly tree lighting ceremonies December 1 through December 24 where a lucky child will be randomly selected from the audience to help pull the switch that lights up the LEGO Christmas tree. The giant LEGO Christmas tree has become the centerpiece of the holiday season at Legoland California. The tree stands more than 30-feet-tall and is made of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO bricks.

Holiday Fireworks December 26-31 A stunning display of fireworks light up the sky over Legoland California nightly December 26 through 31 at 7 pm as part the Park’s Holiday Snow Days celebration.

The dazzling fireworks show features a vibrant soundtrack of traditional and contemporary holiday music. The best viewing spot for the fireworks is Miniland U.S.A., which also is decked out for the season with wintery scenes in every miniature city.

For more information on the holiday happenings at LEGOLAND, visit www.legoland.com or call (760) 918-LEGO.

On Saturday, December 3, at 5:30pm, come join the tens of thousands of spectators enjoying more than 100 floats and bands as the Encinitas Holiday Parade rolls along Coast Highway 101. The parade follows a 5pm tree-lighting ceremony at the Lumberyard (near Starbucks).

Grand Marshal, Don Hansen, leads the approximately 100 entries, all reflecting this year’s theme: “Encinitas 25 – Celebrating Our Beginning,” as this year celebrates the City’s 25th anniversary of incorporation. Don Hansen is a longtime Encinitas icon that started his world-famous Hansen’s Surfboards shop in Oahu in 1961 and moved it to Cardiff in 1962. Saying he’s a big fan of the community and the annual parade, Hansen notes, “I love living here!

Encinitas is still the best little beach town on the West Coast. I’m honored to be Grand Marshal. The parade is great for the community. It gets better every year.”

This year the parade features additional judging categories for “Best Representation of Community” (New Encinitas, Old Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, Olivenhain) and “Best Representation of the Year 1986” (think Madonna attire, Magnum P.I., big hair). The parade takes place along Coast Highway 101 between D Street and J Street.

Free shuttle service is offered at locations near Interstate 5. Call (760) 633-2740 or visit www.EncinitasParksandRec.com for more info.

32 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

Monster Jam Returns For Car-Crushing Monster Truck Action At Qualcomm Stadium January 21, Saturday, 7pm For one night only, fans witness the world’s best monster trucks battling it out in the ultimate event of intense speed, racing and destruction as Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam returns to San Diego with sixteen massive trucks that will be part of the dirt-flying, car-crushin’ action at Qualcomm Stadium. This year’s powerhouse truck lineup includes the legendary Grave Digger, celebrating its 30th Anniversary of car crushing mayhem, along with the all-new season trucks, Metal Mulisha (driven by Motocross legend and Temecula resident Brian Deegan) and Son Uva Digger (driven by Ryan Anderson, son of Grave Digger icon Dennis Anderson); plus the San Diego debuts of Lucas Oil Crusader and Tasmanian Devil, as well as Monster Jam World Finals Champion El Toro Logo and many more!

(Truck line-up is subject to change.)

One of the most popular touring family entertainment sporting events in the world, the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is a high-flying, car-crushing explosive event of demolition, speed, power and unbelievable stunts with the world’s best monster trucks and drivers whose skills provide an awesome spectacle of “rock-and-roar” that will bring fans to their feet cheering for more!

In addition to the world-class racing and freestyle competition action, die-hard fans can come to the stadium early to enjoy the Party in the Pits pre-show experience, which gives fans unparalleled access to view their favorite trucks up-close, meet the star drivers for autographs and take photos! Pit Passes are available, free of charge, at any participating San Diego County Ford Dealers through January 20 while supplies last.

Prices range from $12-$30. Tickets are on sale now and available at the Qualcomm Stadium box office at 9449 Friars Road San Diego, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. For more information visit www.MonsterJam.com.

Trout Season Returns Once More to Lake Poway Grab your poles and head to Lake Poway! During November, the Lake was stocked with an impressive 3,000 pound stock of Nebraska rainbow trout! The Lake will be stocked bi-monthly until April for an overall season total of 19,500 pounds. Lake Poway currently holds the County record for rainbow trout caught at 17.85 pounds and their reputation as the “Big Trout Destination” still holds true!

Don’t miss your chance to catch the next big one!

During Trout Season, gates open for fishing and boating at sunrise, Wednesday through Sunday. The full-service Lake Poway Grill and Tackle offer fishing permits, bait, boat rentals, grill items and refreshments. Lake Poway proudly proclaims to have the best permit and boat prices in the area. Seniors 55+ and Military receive reduced rates.

State Fishing Licenses are not required. For additional information, or to view the complete stocking schedule, visit www.poway.org/lakepoway or call (858) 668-4772.

6th Annual San Elijo Hills 5K Run/Walk and Street Fair January 21, Saturday, 8am This event features a challenging 5K course, as well as a 1K course and a 100 yd Kids’ Dash. This year’s activities also feature a large post-race street fair and community event with many local vendors, music, food, jumpies, and games for the kids. Street fair and community event is 9am-4pm.

There is a Friday night pre-race check in. The location for check in is yet to be determined as is the check in on the morning of the race. The rates are $5-$50, depending on your age, what course you take and how many people participate. Families can choose to run or walk the course individually or as a family.

The Street Fair and community event take place on Schoolhouse Way from San Elijo Rd. to Elfin Forest Rd. For more information on the course visit www.sanelijohills5k.com.

Tri-City Medical Center Holiday Bowl at Carlsbad Marathon & Qualcomm Stadium Dec. 28, Wednesday, Kick-off at 5pm Half Marathon January 22, Sun, 6am-12pm The 26.2- and 13.1-mile courses feature tours through quaint Carlsbad Village, along oceanfront Pacific Coast Highway, and past sandy beaches and picturesque lagoons. Participants stay motivated and entertained with support stations and live bands every mile, and thousands of spectators and volunteers lining the course. The event organizer, In Motion Inc., announced that over 10,000 runners and walkers from all over the US and many foreign countries are participating in the race weekend festivities.

The Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon works with 23 charities who use the event to raise funds and awareness. Race participants are encouraged to “run for a reason” by fundraising for one or more of these organizations.

The race weekend also includes a Health & Lifestyle Expo which features exciting vendors, interactive displays, free samples, and bargains on apparel and equipment.

Free and open to the public, the Expo is also where all marathoners and half-marathoners pick up their timing tag, bib number and T-shirt. The Expo is held on January 20-22, Fri 2-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, and Sun 7am-12pm, under a big-top tent at the Westfield Plaza Camino Real.

Both races start and finish at Westfield Plaza Camino Real located at 2525 El Camino Real in Carlsbad. The half-marathon’s wave starts at 7:30am. For more information, visit www.carlsbadmarathon.com or call (760) 692-2900.

San Diego Sunroad Boat Show Returns to San Diego Bay January 26-29, Thurs – Sun, Various Times The San Diego Sunroad Boat Show is back by popular demand. Hosted by the Sunroad Resort Marina, the 22-year annual tradition is January 26-29 and expands this year with the addition of more floating docks to moor several larger vessels. Attendees can enjoy free boat rides, food, music, beer and spirits – making a great time for all to enjoy a day on San Diego Bay. The San Diego Sunroad Boat Show is in the Sunroad Marina, located downtown at 955 Harbor Island. General entrance fees are $10. Military, EMTs, Police and Fire personnel are free on Thursday, January 26 with ID. For show times and more information, please call (619) 497-5254 or visit www.bigbayboatshow.com.

NorthStar Limousine Service Has the Lowest Rates in San Diego Looking to go out and have some fun over the holidays and just don’t want to drive?

Want to go out, drink, and party, and not end up with a DUI? NorthStar Limo has the absolute lowest limo rates in town. They actually charge less than a taxicab and have only a one-hour minimum! If you’re thinking about calling a cab, or asking a friend to be a designated driver, call NorthStar Limos first. We’re sure you will be very pleased. By the way, NorthStar Limo is also available for all of your corporate needs. Their service is the friendliest and the most professional around. Don’t wait.

Call NorthStar Limousines now! (760)613-8290 or visit www.northstarlimos.com.

Considered “America’s Most Exciting Bowl Game,”

this is the thirtyfourth year of the Holiday Bowl. The game is supported by a year of events, including the nationally televised Big Bay Balloon Parade, an outrigger challenge and luau, a golf tournament, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and their famous wiener dog races. The Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl kicks off at 5pm, Wednesday, December 28, at Qualcomm Stadium. The game matches teams from the Pac-12 and Big 12 Conferences.

The 2010 game featured the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs the Washington Huskies in front of 57,921 fans and an ESPN national television audience with a 4.0 viewer rating. On an uncommonly frigid night in San Diego, the Washington Huskies upset the heavily-favored #18 Nebraska Cornhuskers, 19-7. The Huskies were led by sophomore RB Chris Polk, who carried 34 times for 177 yards and a touchdown on his way to earning the game’s Offensive MVP Honors.

The Holiday Bowl serves as an annual economic boon to the San Diego Community. In its 34-year history, the Holiday Bowl has generated over $500 million in economic impact. Seven of the last eight Holiday Bowl games have sold out.

The charity benefiting from this year’s Holiday Bowl game is Freedom Station. Freedom Station is becoming a leader in providing temporary lodging facilities, as well as educational and career guidance to our Nation’s injured and disabled military heroes who are medically retired or discharged. Their mission is to aid them as they begin the transition from defenders of freedom to productive members of America’s civilian work force. The Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) community enhancement organization. For more information about Freedom Station visit www.freedomstation.org.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased through the bowl’s ticket office at Qualcomm Stadium, by phone at (619) 283-5808, or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

La Costa Resort and Spa Welcomes Back the Kia Classic The LPGA Kia Classic will return in 2012 to the renowned La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, where the inaugural event was held in 2010. The tournament, which will feature a 144-player field, will be played March 19-25, 2012.

“We are excited to return to the newly renovated La Costa Resort and Spa for the third edition of the Kia Classic,” tournament director Dennis Baggett said. “The Southern California region, and San Diego in particular, has been a longtime supporter of the LPGA Tour, and we look forward to bringing the world’s best female golfers back next season.”

Due to a $50 million renovation project that has taken place at La Costa over the past year, the 2011 Kia Classic was moved to Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms in the City of Industry, Calif. The tournament returns in 2012 to a venue that has hosted numerous professional golf tournaments throughout the years.

La Costa Resort and Spa, home to one of golf’s iconic venues, renamed its 18-hole North Course “The Champions.”

The Champions Course has recently undergone a complete restoration to enhance its reputation as a world-class golf destination.

Current LPGA Tour rookie Hee Kyung Seo won the inaugural Kia Classic at La Costa as a sponsor exemption in 2010. Seo earned membership on the LPGA Tour for the 2011 season with her victory and she currently leads the race for the 2011 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year.

In 2011, the Kia Classic was the stage for another breakout win as Germany’s Sandra Gal became a Rolex First Time Winner with her thrilling one-shot victory over eight-time LPGA Tour winner Jiyai Shin at Industry Hills Golf Club.

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 33 Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

2011 La Costa Canyon Varsity Girls Tennis, a Cinderella Season

By Staff Writer As the 2010 tennis season came to a close last fall, the La Costa Canyon girls record stood at just 8-7 in CIF Division I, and the team had failed to make the Division I finals for the 10th consecutive year. As the head coach departed, a thick air of uncertainty engulfed the varsity girls tennis program at LCC. A lengthy search for a new coach, which ended just weeks before the start of the 2011 season, and a new crop of young untested freshman left many patrons wondering about the competitiveness of the team in the Avocado West and even the future of the program.

New head coach, Erik Mateljan, and new assistant coach, Jimmy Santangelo, had their work cut out for them as the team took the court in late August. A team had to be molded from the morass of drama, immaturity, egos and jilted parents in just a few short weeks before the team’s first match against SDA. As the season unfolded, it became surprisingly apparent that three freshmen and a sophomore from Colorado would provide some much needed fire power to the team.

Freshmen, Nicole Yermanos and Nicole Camaratta, and Sophomore, Rachel Bosler, became the top singles players while freshman, Shawn Specht, joined returning Mavericks Kelsey Richer, Anya Tugucheva, Lauren Morrison, Blair Middlebrook, Shelby Wailes, Megan Bertha, Nicole Drago, and Allie Mulloy on the doubles teams.

This young team took the Avocado West by storm compiling a 9-0 league record. Their overall 12-3 record seeded the Mavericks #4 at the start of the CIF Division I team tournament on November 1st. After breezing through the first two rounds, the Mavericks faced-off against the #1 seed, the heavily favored Westview Wolverines. Lead

by tremendous play by their doubles teams, the Mavericks pulled off the upset defeating the Wolverines 10-8 and found themselves in the Division finals against Torrey Pines. Although the Mavericks lost to powerhouse Torrey Pines in the finals, this marked the first time in eleven years that an LCC Girls Tennis team had made it to the CIF Division I finals.

The team also experienced tremendous success in the League tourLeft to right: Blair Middlebrook, Jimmy Santangelo (Assitant Coach), Shelby Wailes, nament the following Rachel Bosler, Lauren Morrison, Shawn Specht, Nicole Camaratta (League Single week. It would be LCC’s Champ), Erik Mateljan (Head Coach), Megan Bertha, Allie Mulloy, Kelsey Richer crowning achievement (League Doubles Champ), Anya Tugucheva (League Doubles Champ). Shawn Specht to a Cinderella season as & Shelby Wailes (League Double Finalists), Anya Tugucheva & Kelsey Richer (League the finals in both doubles Doubles Champions) Not pictured: Nicole Yermanos, Nicole Drago. and singles featured all LCC players. Nicole Camaratta won the League Singles Championship while the team of Anya Tugucheva and Kelsey Richer won the League Doubles Championship.

After such a successful season, LCC has established itself as a force to be reckoned with, and has laid a strong foun12/5 @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 5:30pm dation of young players to build upon for the future of La Costa Canyon girls tennis.

12/11 vs. Buffalo Bills, 1:15pm

San Diego Chargers Schedule

U.S. Tennis Association National Hard Court Tournament at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club December 1-4 The USTA National hard Court Tournament, which features men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles divisions for players 40 and over, is taking place December 1 through December 4. The Club also hosts USTA National Father & Son and Grandfather & Grandson Hard Court Championships from December 2 through December 4. All events are open to USTA members. Last year former ATP touring professional Jeff Tarango captured the Men’s 40 and Over Singles Championship, while Gretchen Magers, a former WTA touring professional and current San Diego resident, won the Women’s 40 and over singles title. Both have entered again this year, as has Peter Smith, former tournament champion and current head coach of the USC Men’s Tennis team.

“It’s going to be an incredible week of tennis as many of the top players from around the country in the 40 and over division will be coming to La Jolla to compete for the title,” said Bill Kellogg, Tournament Director. Past winners of the Pacific Coast Men’s Doubles Championship include Jack Kramer, Ted Schroeder, Bobby Riggs, Pancho

Segura, Don Budge, Tony Trabert, Stan Smith, Bob Lutz, Arthur Ashe, Dennis Ralston, John McEnroe, and many other world-class champions.

Named “Club of the Year” for 2011 by the San Diego District Tennis Association, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is designated one of the “Top 25 Tennis Resorts” by Tennis Resorts Online. The Club also hosts the USTA National Senior Women’s Hard Court Tennis Championships in May. Since 1942 the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club has been home to the Pacific Coast Men’s Doubles Championships, one of the five oldest tennis events in the world. First held in 1890 at The Hotel Del Monte in Monterey, California, the event was created to promote the sale of real estate on the Monterey peninsula. The original concept pitted the best players from the East versus those from the West. This coast-to-coast rivalry was the inspiration for the Davis Cup. For more information go to www.ljbtc.com or call (858) 530-1707.

No More Time Share Wasted Vacation Opportunities, Maintenance Fees, and Property Taxes ViaPointe works with individuals and families that are considering making their first purchase of a timeshare and Resort Services Inc. also works closely with current owners who have a vested interest in their deeded timeshares and consider the timeshare as an asset that should produce a return every year. Today’s timeshare owners realize that the value of a timeshare is not based on the deed but on how it is being used. Increased maintenance fees and special assessments tied to a deeded timeshare have gotten out of control. These fees must be paid every year, whether you use your time or not and has owners upset and frustrated. ViaPointe Services Inc. has been successful in helping owners drastically reduce their maintenance fees and eliminating property taxes all together.

As a result of today’s economy, many owners would like to be timeshare free. Timeshares are tough to sell, even in the best of times. ViaPointe Resort Services Inc. helps owners sell or liquidate their timeshares and instantly

stop all fees by totally removing their name from the deed.

The more owners understand about their options through timeshare analysis, the better the odds are of maximizing the value of their timeshare. By upgrading existing owners to RCI Points, the owner’s vacation choices become limitless giving them access to all of RCI’s 6,500 resorts around the world. Owners also benefit from the added flexibility to use their points for cruises, hotel stays, major theme park tickets, airfares from over 300 airlines around the world, and car rentals.

ViaPointe Resort Services, Inc. offers a no cost, no obligation analysis of current owner’s timeshare(s). Their analysis focuses on the owner’s concerns, increased maintenance fees, special assessments, vacation weeks going to waste, difficulties exchanging weeks, the need for more flexibility, or wanting to sell or liquidate their week(s).

Through ViaPointe Resort Services Inc., owners develop a much better understanding and the ability to solve their problems. Visit their newest office located upstairs in the Carlsbad Village Faire Plaza, for a no cost, no obligation, analysis of your timeshare week(s). Please stop by or call them at (760) 494-0211.

12/18 vs. Baltimore Ravens, 5:20pm 12/24 @ Detroit Lions, 1:05pm 1/1 @Oakland Raiders 1:15pm

Kids’ Marathon Mile at Legoland January 21, Sat, 8-11am The Kids’ Marathon Mile at Legoland is a one-mile run/walk with age-staged races that loops through the theme park. Although geared for children ages 12 and younger, the non-competitive event is open to people of all ages.

Every registered child in the event is a winner and receives a shiny finisher’s medal, colorful T-shirt, a free one-day Child Hopper Ticket to the Legoland California and SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium, and one free UltraStar Cinemas child’s admission movie pass and popcorn.

In addition to being a family-friendly event, the Kids’ Marathon Mile at Legoland helps schools raise much needed funds through its Run for Your School Program.

If there are at least 10 entries from a particular school, the entrants from that school automatically become members of a school team and the school receives $2 for each paid entry.

Held during the Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon race weekend, the event also features a Diaper Dash for babies who still travel on all fours and a free family expo with entertainment and fun activities.

The registration fee for the Kids’ Marathon Mile is $20$25. The size of the event is limited in order to ensure the best participant experience. For more information or to register for the Kids’ Marathon Mile, visit www.carlsbadmarathon.com or www.legoland.com or call (760) 692-2900.

34 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com Find more entertainment at www.HotinNorthCounty.com

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Kevin Moore and Big Tree Specialists KM and Big Tree are masters of design and construction of pools, spas, water features, giant trees, hard and soft landscapes, and lighting up your front and back yards with the latest in L.E.D. lighting. L.E.D. outdoor landscape lighting will save you up to 90% on electricity. You will never have to change light bulbs again! L.E.D. lighting will illuminate your yard and home with brighter, richer, and warmer light.

Call now and receive FREE project design! Call Kevin at (760) 402-5010. Lic # B1-C27 394783. Licensed, bonded, and insured.

CATS Irving Berlin’s White Christmas January 17–22, Tues–Fri December 13-January 1, Various times 7:30pm, Sat 2 & 7:30pm, The classic holiday movie White Christmas comes to the Sun 1 & 6:30pm stage at last! This brand new musical shines with clasThere’s no better sic Irving Berlin hits like “Blue Skies,” “How Deep is the way to introduce your Ocean?” and, of course, the unforgettable title song. Irving family to the wonders Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of two buddies of live theater than with the magic, the mystery, the putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding memory of Cats. What began as a musical about cats after their perfect mates in the process. Full of dancing, laughter Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’s airport bookshop, has become one of the longest runWhite Christmas promises a merry and bright theatrical ning shows in Broadway’s history. Winner of seven Tony experience for Awards including Best Musical, Cats features 20 of Andrew the whole famLloyd Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song, ily! Tickets are “Memory.” Tickets are $20-$80. $20-$85.

The Box Office is located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information about these performances go to www.SCFTA.org or call (714) 556-2787.

Find a Complete Directory at www.NorthCountyClasses.com

WINTER CAMPS AND CLASSES

KNUCKLEHEADS GYM WINTER BREAK CAMP Knuckleheads Gym State of the art video technology is coupled with kid friendly interactive gym equipment gives boys and girls an incredibly fun, safe, and healthy way to stay fit! Join their Winter Break Camp. Register before December 16 and receive a $15 Knuckleheads Gift Card to use any way you want. Must present our coupon from the coupon pages in this edition. Knuckleheads Gym is located at 6102 Avenida Encinas, “M” Carlsbad 92011.

Winter Break Camp will fill quickly! Call now to register (760) 438-8600 or visit www.knuckleheadscarlsbad.com.

KIP PUTERBAUGH AVIARA GOLF ACADEMY GOLF SCHOOLS AND CAMPS The Kip Puterbaugh Aviara Golf Academy at the Aviara Golf Club has 6 in the top 19 of 100 instructors in California voted by Golf Digest. They offer day schools, golf lessons, and clinics everyday. Ask about their Holiday Junior Camp and specials. Golf instruction for everyone of all levels and ages. Personal instruction and gift certificates available. (760) 438-4539 www.aviaragolfacademy.com JUNIOR GOLF CLINICS AND CAMPS Daily afternoon golf clinics and lessons for juniors of all ages and skill levels at the Kip Puterbaugh Aviara Golf Academy located at the Aviara Golf Club.

Holiday Junior golf camps available for boys and girls 10-18 yrs. old. Your junior golfer is sure to improve and have fun. Call to reserve (760) 536-6568 or visit www.aviaragolfacademy.com KIP PUTERBAUGH AVIARA GOLF ACADEMY The premier golf school in Southern California. Ask about our specials. 1,2 and 3 day schools with Golf Digest ranked top Master Instructors, corporate and group outings. Golf lessons and half-day packages the perfect gift for the holidays. Book your school or gift now at (760) 438-4539 www.aviaragolfacademy.com

WINTER INTERSESSION FUN CAMP FOR KINDERGARTENERS La Costa Valley Preschool and Kindergarten offers intersession fun camps for kindergarten students (through age 6) over the winter break. Small groups enjoy science, technology, art, crafts, music, outdoor fun and more.

They are enrolling now for holiday camps. Call, 760-4362797 or visit, www.lacostavalleypreschool.com

YMCA ARTS AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA proudly presents award-winning instructors of dance, music and art for participants of all ages and skill levels. They are there to help you experience the joy of self-expression and enrichment of the spirit, mind and body. Visit their website at www.ecke.ymca.org or call (760) 942-9622 for our complete schedule and class descriptions.

MOMMY OR DADDY AND ME CLASSES La Costa Valley Preschool and Kindergarten now offers Mommy or Daddy and Me introductory preschool classes for children 24-36 months of age. Children enjoy fun activities with the comfort of their parent nearby.

Classes begin monthly and meet once per week for 90 minutes. Call, 760-436-2797 or visit their website, www.lacostavalleypreschool.com.

RO Z’s SWEET ART STUDIO CAKE DECORATING AND BAKING Ro Z’s offers a wonderful variety of Cake Decorating, Sugar Art, Baking and Cooking Classes in a comfortable setting. Demonstration, Hands-On, Kids and Tweens, Teens, Birthday and Private Parties. Fab Friday Dinner Parties.

Complimentary Beverages. Classes include: Cake Design Certificate Series with partner Palomar College; Teen Cake and Art classes with partner City of Encinitas; Baking 101; Cake Design in Spanish; Gumpaste and Sugar Art; and a variety of other classes and workshops. Roz’s Sweet Art Studio 277 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, San Marcos 92078 (760) 744-0447 www.rozsweetartstudio.com.

YMCA PRE-SCHOOL The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA offers a top-rated Preschool that is ready to help your child develop, learn and play. Their program has full licensing, newly renovated facilities, excellent staff and curriculum based on Piaget’s developmental theories. They encourage your child to explore, ask questions, to be creative, and to make choices and decisions. Learn how your child can thrive in their Preschool at www.ecke.ymca.org/programs/preschool.html or call (760) 942-9622.

YMCA FITNESS CLASSES The Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA offers over 180 fitness classes each week! From yoga and Pilates to studio cycling, Zumba and Boot Camp, there is something for everyone of all fitness levels and all ages. We also offer excellent personal training opportunities to achieve your goals with a one-on-one, trained and experienced staff member. Please visit www.ecke.ymca.org or call (760) 942-9622 for more information!

SERVICES DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE

ENCINITAS FORD

FURNITURE UPHOLSTERY

LA COSTA UPHOLSTERY

Slipcovers, Restyling, Patio Cushions, Custom Furniture, Headboards, Cornice Boxes, 30% OFF all fabrics. Large Showroom. See our ad in this issue. (760) 744-1360 Free Estimates. www.lacostaupholstery.com

SMOG TEST ONLY CENTER

BEFORE-N-AFTER

EYE CARE

SOLANA BEACH FAMILY OPTOMETRY

Comprehensive eye care for children and adults.

Child-friendly exams. Contact lens fittings. Full service optical department. Designer frames and sunglasses. Dr. Kristin Peterson- Salgado.

Located at 977 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite B, Solana Beach 92075. Call (858) 259-8239 or visit www.sdeyevision.com.

ENCINITAS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL This is the school you’ve been dreaming of. They offer pre-kindergarten through 8th grade classes with small class sizes, and strong academic accountability. The extraordinary campus is located near a nature reserve.

ECDS is located at 3616 Manchester Avenue, Encinitas.

Call now for a campus tour (760) 942-1111 or visit www. ecdschool.org.

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FOREIGN LANGUAGE AT LINGUA NATAL Lingua Natal is San Diego’s #1 foreign language program.

They offer Spanish, French and Mandarin language classes and a full-emersion program for babies through adults.

Lingua Natal is located at 983 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite A, Solana Beach, CA 92075. Call (858) 792-0750 or visit their website at www.linguanatal.com.

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KID’S KUTS

Clip their coupon from our coupon page and receive $3 OFF Kid’s Haircut, or $10 OFF Family of Three Haircut, or $5 OFF Adult Haircut.

Kid’s Kuts is located at 282 El Camino Real #B, Encinitas 92024. Call (760) 436-6273 or visit www.kidskutsencinitas.com.

ZENDONA FOOT & BODY MASSAGE

Clip their coupon in this issue and receive a 1-hour reflexology massage for only $25!

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peaceful, expert foot reflexology and head-totoe full body massage. Located in North County at 730 Nordahl Rd. Suite 106, San Marcos, CA 92069. Call (760) 796-7945 or visit www. zendonafootmassage.com.

HOME AND GARDEN

Pansy in December (or until all gone). One Pansy per child per adult. Must clip and present their coupon from our coupon pages. Time to order fruit trees! 695 Normandy Rd, Encinitas 92024.

Call (760) 436-2194 or visit www.weidners.com.

TIMESHARES

CARPINELLI CONSTRUCTION

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New home construction, remodel, room additions, outdoor living room, plumbing and more! “Make your home your castle” with Carpinelli Construction. Licensed and insured.

Call for FREE estimate. (760) 726-3236 or visit www.carpinelliconstruction.com.

Learn about how to save money selling your timeshare or how to maximize the value of your timeshare. ViaPointe offers no-cost and no-obligation analysis of your timeshare. They are located upstairs at the Carlsbad Village Faire shopping center. Call (760) 494-0211.

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Licensed and bonded. Call (760) 402-5010. Lic #B1-C27 394783 Big Tree Specialists.

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TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION Lowest rates, luxury limos, and professional service. Rates are an average of $10 per hour less than a taxi. NorthStar is the only limo company with a one-hour minimum. $75 per hour for stretch limo. Call (760) 613-8290.

AUTO CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ENCINITAS/DEL MAR)

Whether you decide to stay in San Diego or venture away the Auto Club will help you book hotels, flights, cruises, map out your trip, or put a whole package together for you. Call Sher or Sandy at (760) 635-4070.

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 35

(offer ends 1/31/12)

36 • December ’11–January ’12 • www.HotinNorthCounty.com

www.HotinNorthCounty.com • December ’11–January ’12 • 37

Glad tidings of great theatre!

Three glittering shows, unrivalled fun and full of Holiday spirit, there’s something for everyone this Holiday Season at North Coast Repertory Theatre. From the raucous and hilarious Mistletoe, Music and Mayhem! to the always funny and unpredictable An UnScripted Carol to everyone’s favorite holiday tradition, Sister’s Christmas Catechism, North Coast Rep is North County’s Holiday Headquarters. (These shows are not part of the regular season subscription.)

MISTLETOE, MUSIC AND MAYHEM!

by Phil Johnson, Rayme Sciaroni & Matt Thompson

December 8-18, 2011

A line-up of original comedy scenarios mixed with a bevy of holiday inspired songs that will melt your heart and tickle your funny bone.

AN UNSCRIPTED CAROL presented by Improv Theatre

December 19-20, 2011

An UnScripted Carol is a show where keen imaginations steeped in Dickens and Christmas work feverishly to create theatre on the spot. A holiday treat that is never, ever the same story twice and gives fans of A Christmas Carol a whole new way to celebrate the season!

SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM

by Maripat Donovan with Marc Silva & Jane Morris

December 21-24, 2011

It’s going to be one ho-ho-holy night as Sister tackles the question that’s been puzzling historians through the ages: Whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? CSI-goes-to-Bethlehemin-Solana Beach as Sister delivers a sleigh load of side-splitting holiday laughs.

North Coast Repertory Theatre BOX OFFICE HOTLINE: OR ONLINE 24 HOURS AT: 858-481-1055 OR 888-776-NCRT 987

LOMAS SANTA FE DRIVE

www.northcoastrep.org

S TE D,

SOLANA BEACH , CA

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