Taste of Vista- Wednesday, June 19th

Taste of Vista has become one of my favorite events to attend each year. Come out with me and experience the 11th Annual Taste of Vista, Wednesday, June 19, 2019 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Enjoy food and drink from Vista restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries, all while enjoying live music scattered throughout the Historic Downtown. The Food & Beverage ticket holders will receive a taste cup. Plan early and scoop your tickets up now.  You can purchase here.

Exciting 2019 Lineup for Moonlight Presents

Vista, CA (February 28, 2019) – For its fourth season of concerts and movie nights, Moonlight Presents will offer an expanded calendar of events at the City of Vista’s Moonlight Amphitheatre, the picturesque outdoor venue located within Brengle Terrace Park. Generously sponsored by Vista-based Dr. Bronner’s, concert packages and single tickets will go on sale Sat., March 9 by phone at (760) 724-2110, online at moonlightstage.com, and in person at VisTix.

“Moonlight Presents was intended to expand the amphitheatre’s offerings outside of our summer season of Broadway musicals,” said Managing Director Colleen Kollar Smith. “Last year, we grew our audience by more than 40 percent over the previous years’ attendance. We are thrilled that our community is embracing The Moonlight as a year-round entertainment destination. With the generous underwriting from Dr. Bronner’s, we are able to offer an eclectic line-up in 2019 which to date is our largest presenting season.”

The line-up:

Classic Albums Live
Friday, April 12, 2019: The Eagles’ Hotel California
Gates: 6 pm
Show: 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 13, 2019: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours
Gates: 6 pm
Show: 7:30 pm
Ticket Price Range for Each Concert: $15 - $40
Classic Albums Live returns to The Moonlight stage with two ultimate albums, The Eagles’

“Hotel California” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours.” Go back in time with this perfect re-creation of these unforgettable timeless albums. Classic Albums Live has become the ultimate destination for music lovers wanting to hear the greatest albums performed live. Some of the world’s most skilled musicians and vocalists will re-create “Hotel California” and “Rumours” live, note for note, cut for cut, followed by a second act of Greatest Hits from each band. Friday night, enjoy hit Eagles’ tracks like the GRAMMY® winning “New Kid in Town,” as well as deep cuts like “Wasted Time.” You’ll want to return on Saturday to enjoy the thrilling energy and genius of Fleetwood Mac’s hits “Go Your Own Way,” “The Chain,” and “Dreams.” “Hotel California” and “Rumours” will play exactly as you remember on the turntable.

May the Fourth Be With You Celebration!
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Gates: 6 pm
Concert: 6:30 pm
Show: 8 pm
Tickets: $10 & $15

Star Wars: The Force Awakens on the big screen along with the hottest cantina band, The Millennial Falcons, on stage before the movie.

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Gates: 6 pm
Show: 7:30 pm

Ticket Price Range: $15 - $40

Hailed as one of the most exciting live acts on the road today, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers are musical beacons of the Southwest fueled by witty and insightful lyrics, crunching guitar riffs, a dynamic rhythm section, and tequila. Bridging the gap between rock and roll, roadhouse Americana, and the sound of the southwest, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers have carved out their own path for more than 15 years. They’ve traveled the world, sent eight albums to the top of the Billboard Internet Sales Chart, launched an annual music festival in Mexico, started their own line of ultra-premium tequila, and built a global community of music-lovers and peacemakers – all the while remaining 100% independent.

The PettyBreakers
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Gates: 6 pm
Show: 7:30 pm
Ticket Price Range: $15 - $40
The PettyBreakers is the nation’s premiere Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band. The band accurately re-creates the sights, sounds, and concert experience of a Tom Petty concert. You will hear all of the classics that you know and love: “American Girl,” “Break Down,” “Free Falling,” “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” and more. If you are a Tom Petty fan, you will not want to miss this evening that honors the music of the legendary American musical icon.

Movie Night: Back to the Future
Friday, May 31, 2019
Gates: 6:30 pm
Show:  8:00 pm
Tickets: $5 & $10

Hop in your DeLorean and enjoy the quintessential 80s movie coming to The Moonlight! 80s themed pre-movie fun for the family.

John Waite
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Gates: 6 pm
Show: 7:30 pm
Ticket Price Range: $22 - $57
70s and 80s rock icon John Waite and his band will perform his catalogue of hits from his 40-year career as a solo artist and his time as lead singer of the bands The Babys and Bad English. His catalogue of hits includes the #1 worldwide hit “Missing You,” The Babys’ “Isn’t It Time,” and Bad English’s “When I See You Smile,” which rank amongst some of his biggest international hits and are still heard on radio today. Others songs include “Tears,” “Change,” “These Times Are Hard for Lovers,” “Every Step of the Way,” and “If Anybody Had a Heart.” John Waite’s talent for power ballads and driving arena rock occasionally touched on new wave-styled power pop making him a fixture of the rock and roll scene. John Waite continues to forge his own singularly personal path of celebrating the present while engaged by the promise of the future. The story is far from over for the Lancaster, England-born rock star/balladeer/storyteller who was inspired onto his musical path by blues, soul and country along with a deep connection to the Celtic folk music of his homeland.

Into the Woods in Concert
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Gates: 6 pm
Show: 7:30 pm
Ticket Price Range: $10 - $45
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece. This one-night-only fundraising concert version of this modern classic brings to life the story of a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. With an all-star cast of Moonlight favorites and orchestra, this is an evening you won’t want to miss! This is a co-production between Moonlight Stage Productions and the Moonlight Cultural Foundation. Proceeds benefit the Moonlight Cultural Foundation. Please note: tickets for this performance will go on sale on March 30, 2019.

Movie Night: The Goonies
Friday, October 25, 2019
Gates: 5:30 pm
Show: 7 pm
Tickets: $5 and $10
Bring the family to watch a group of misfit kids who set out to find a pirates’ ancient treasure in this great 80s classic. Goonies themed activities before the movie!

Sweet & Tender Hooligans: The Ultimate Tribute to Morrissey and The Smiths
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Gates: 6 pm
Show: 7:30 pm
Ticket Price Range: $15 - $40
Los Angeles-based Sweet and Tender Hooligans, hailed as the ultimate tribute to Morrissey and The Smiths, have delivered for more than two decades a finely crafted show that pays homage to the legendary singer and British indie band. Performing to sold-out crowds throughout the US, Mexico, and the UK, front man Jose Maldonado channels Morrissey so convincingly that Moz himself has even jokingly taken the stage with the opening line, “Hello, we are the Sweet and Tender Hooligans and I’m Jose.” From their era-perfect style to Maldonado’s Morrissey-inspired coif, the band never fails to satisfy even the most rigorous Smiths purists.

The Doo-Wop Project
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Gates: 6:00 pm
Show: 7:30 pm
Ticket Price Range: $15 - $40
Back by popular demand at The Moonlight, The Doo-Wop Project begins at the beginning: tracing the evolution of Doo-Wop from the classic sound of five guys singing tight harmonies on a street corner to the biggest hits on the radio today. In this epic concert, go on a musical journey from foundational tunes of groups like The Crests, The Belmonts, and The Flamingos through their influences on the sounds of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, and The Four Seasons all the way to DooWopified versions of modern musicians like Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5. Featuring stars of Broadway’s smash hits The Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, the Doo-Wop Project brings unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to re-create — and in some cases entirely reimagine — some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history!

Simon and Garfunkel Live in Central Park Revisited
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Gates: 5:30 pm
Show: 7 pm
Ticket Price Range: $15 - $40
In 1981, more than 500,000 music fans gathered in Central Park to witness the legendary reunion of folk duo Simon & Garfunkel. Award-winning recording artists Lee Lessack and Johnny Rodgers re-create that magical night. With dulcet vocals harmonizing over lilting guitar, you will hear all of the beloved poetic masterpieces that made Simon & Garfunkel famous: “Mrs. Robinson,” “Homeward Bound,” “Scarborough Fair,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Sound of Silence,” and many more.

Movie Night: Elf
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Gates: 5:30 pm
Show: 7 pm
Tickets: $10 & $15
Experience the adventures of Buddy the Elf in this modern Christmas Classic on the big screen! Arrive early for a snow play area for the kids and other holiday-themed activities for the family.

Top of the World: A Carpenters Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Gates: 5:30 pm
Show: 7 pm
Ticket Price Range: $15 - $40
This Carpenters tribute band brings the most authentic versions of the original duo’s music to the stage. No doubt you will be singing along as they perform holiday hits along with Carpenters favorites like Close To You, We’ve Only Just Begun, Rainy Days and Mondays, Yesterday Once More, Top of the World, Superstar, and more. Lead singer Debbie Taylor captures the warm tones and contralto range that made Karen’s voice so unique. Sit back and enjoy as Debbie and her band take you on a nostalgic journey through the Carpenters Christmas album and other hits while sharing some of the backstories behind the music.

The previously announced 39^th summer season of Moonlight Stage Productions at the Moonlight Amphitheatre includes Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” (June 12 – 29), Roald Dahl’s “Matilda The Musical” (July 17 – August 3), “West Side Story” (August 14 – 31), “Victor’/Victoria” (September 11 – 28). Subscriptions go on sale March 9 followed by single tickets on March 30.

Keys Creek Lavender Farm Guest Cottage- A Delightful Local Getaway

Maybe you have been to the very quaint Keys Creek Lavender Farm in Valley Center during Lavender season or participated in an off-season event like a soap making class, brunch or high tea. Did you know that you can also join in the occasional organized retreat (or create your own), and you can also rent the on-site guest cottage or a yurt (they have 6 total) on airbnb? The cottage is elegantly appointed in a French Provential meets farmhouse blend. There are no televisions to distract. When you come here it is about relaxing and recharging. I enjoyed a stay with friends where we chose to hike, wander the grounds, take photos, read and play games. 

The kitchen is utilitarian with only a small dorm fridge, microwave and sink. I recommend bringing food in and/or going to Yellow Deli which is just down the road a mile and a half. Upstairs you will find a spacious master suite decorated with delightful charm. Downstairs there is a pullout queen sofa bed that can sleep two extra guests. There is a tiny bathroom inside and also outdoor toilets available. Showering is strictly in the clean country air, and there is even an antique bathtub on the deck, if you dare. 😉 In the warmer months you can take a dip in the pool but it is not heated in the winter. A hot tub is available for your relaxation and pleasure year-round. There are many decks and seating areas to enjoy the lovely property and views. At night there are all kinds of lights illuminating the property and the many noises of the country including frogs, crickets and farm animals. It’s really quite magical. We really enjoyed our stay.

If you want to get away from it all without having to travel far, this is your place. Book it for your next getaway at: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14691489?guests=1&adults=1

Newer Restaurant/Eatery Buzz Around Town

Newer Restaurant Buzz Around Town!

Recently closed:

Ohana Cupcakes (Oceanside), Little Cakes (Carlsbad location only), Pisco (Carlsbad), Tea Lane tea house (Fallbrook), Solace & the Moonlight (Encinitas)

Vista

Culichi Town- Opening soon. Sinaloa style Mexican food. This is a chain. They offer very interesting food items- do not expect typical Mexican offerings. Please check out the menu to see for yourself.

Wildwood changed hands and adjusted their name as well, now it is going by Wildwood Crossing. New owners, new chef, updated interior.  Live music lives on. Check their schedule online. Great menu and reviews are coming in solid, including mine.

Cat & Craft- a delightful coffee shop that offers treats and savories and has a cat adoption sanctuary located in the same building. Make an appointment ($12) to hang out in the cat room for an hour while you sip your coffee.

Shak's Mediterranean Bistro- Brought to us by the folks of the former Armenian Cafe in Vista. Serving fresh Mediterranean, Lebanese foods. This is one of my faves! I recommend the gyro plate!

Dog Haus- Delish dogs and burgers served on toasted Hawaiian rolls. Lots of fun and interesting toppings! Messy, messy goodness.

Carlsbad Ranch Market- Small specialty market with fresh foods and local produce, some hard to find items and a hot bar, soup and salad bar and a small restaurant with some great happy hour offerings like burgers and craft beers. I can't wait to try it!

Que Tortas!  This is a very casual sandwich shop that serves their signature torta sandwich on a house-mad delicious bolillo roll. They also serve soup, a delicious fruit bowl with loads of varied fruits, acai bowls, smoothies, juices and aguas frescas. Locally owned and run. Stop in and tell the owner Martin hello.

Black Rock Coffee at 823 E. Vista Way.

Oceanside

EXHALE- by the people who brought us the very popular Local Tap House (LTH). Serving innovative wood-fired cuisine.

Blade 1936- Coming soon. Originally was supposed to open in October of 2018 in the former Blade-Tribune historic building in Oceanside. They will be serving modern Italian food.

Dija Mara-  Acclaimed Balinese fusion offerings.

Tambo Cafe- Peruvian Cafe from the folks that brought us Panca Peruvian.

Mangia e Bevi- Ocean Ranch is the location of this restaurant brought to us by the San Diego famous Tore Trupiano Family (Dominic's on the Harbor). Tore is using recipes influenced by his Grandma and bringing them to life with new inspiration. This is not your traditional Italian in the sense that you are used to it. Come in and ask Tore why.  I highly recommend the Chicken Saltimbocca!  So good!

Pacific Coast Spirits- Arriving this spring is a new distillery and restaurant that will serve farm-to-table style food and small batch spirits in their Coast Highway location.  It will be a big one with 12,000 square feet of space.

Senor Grubby's- Freshly opened an additional restaurant on Tremont St. in Oceanside.  Get your fill of  "California Grub" as they call it there...their twist on Mexican influenced foods that you love.

FUGU Taiyaki- Deserts and rolled ice cream. 420 Mission Ave, Oceanside.

Carlsbad

Toast Gastrobrunch- A delightful brunch spot brought to us by the Sammy's Woodfired Pizza people. Takes the location of former Sammy's, then Pisco.

Clara- Fresh, market-driven foods and signature cocktails. Delish!

Jeune et Jolie- Serving upscale French food.

Harumama Carlsbad- Noodle house with some unusual menu items. I love their udon noodles!  Adorable savory or sweet character buns.  2958 Madison Street

Windmill Food Hall- This artisan food hall will host many food and drink vendors in the old TGI Fridays building across from the Carlsbad Outlets. Construction hit a few snags and they are running behind schedule.

Eureka!- Currently scheduled to open at the end of April in the Bressi Ranch area of Carlsbad (off Palomar Airport Road), Eureka is bringing brews and designer burgers to you and expanding their popular chain.

Richard Walker's Pancake House- Another expanding family restaurant has opened their doors at Square at Bressi Ranch in Carlsbad. From 6:30AM to 2:30PM, they are serving up some of your favorite breakfast items, for sure specializing in pancakes. They are perhaps best known for their fresh-baked apple pancakes. They also have Swedish pancakes, omelettes, crepes and a few lunch items. No reservations are accepted.

Texas de Brazil- Enjoy Texas de Brazil, where Brazilian Churrasco blend w/ the spirit of Texas hospitality.

Handel's Ice Cream- They serve 50 flavors each day (rotating menu) and make the product on-site daily with yummy mix-ins. 2825 State Street in Carlsbad Village.

San Marcos

My Yard Live- Coming soon.  This will be a large-scale, family-friendly dining and entertainment hub.  They will offer live music, food, drink, games and activities for all ages. Scheduled to open late June.

Fallbrook

Prohibition Brewing Co Station- For right now, it's just alcohol offerings, but hopefully food will be added in the near future.  

Meet The Jacklins of Eclectic Vintage Design in Oceanside

 

 

Meet Kim and Rick Jacklin of Eclectic Vintage Design in Oceanside!  Three years ago they purchased a building on Mission that sold used furniture. Their intent was to paint the beautiful furniture there and offer workshops to customers to teach them how to paint their own furniture. Today, you can find them in their brand new, beautiful location at 4259 Oceanside Blvd where creative classes are offered and you can find the goods of dozens of local crafters and makers, as well as free-trade goods.

 

Rick, a San Diego native and SDSU graduate, wanted to return to North County after he retired from his CPA position in Northern Idaho. His wife Kim is a retired bank executive.  She has an extensive background in commercial and residential design. As an artist herself and with a large community of artists surrounding her, she understands the compelling artistic drive and passion to create. She also understands first-hand the frustration with the process of getting crafted goods to the marketplace. She believes that with so many cheap imports flooding our markets today, that our talented artisans and makers are often overlooked. Rick and Kim's goal is to help local vendors and the local community find each other! Their desire is to create a unique retail experience which is beneficial for both the artist and the shopper. Through various workshops and creative parties, they hope to help people enjoy their own  talents and learn new ones too.  Stop by soon and see what they are all about!  Tell them that you learned about them on Around The Town! Remember, when you shop at stores like Eclectic Vintage Design, you are doing the important and rewarding work of supporting local artisans and makers as well as local small business!

Setting Up a Household Emergency Kit

It's always good to be prepared for an emergency, so I just wanted to get everyone thinking about being prepared, just in case.  There are many situations that require an emergency kit for peace of mind and emergency preparedness ranging from big storms to wildfires. When an emergency situation strikes, time is of the essence. Find a sturdy, portable container or tote and assemble the following:

• 3 days worth of food and water, and can opener if needed
• first aid kit
• battery powered or hand crank flashlights, radio and batteries if needed
• duct tape and trash bags for sheltering (see www.ready.gov for details)
• regional maps
• items for personal sanitation or specific family needs (hygiene, pet supplies, etc.)
• medical masks to protect against air-quality issues and infections
• small amount of cash in case ATM's are down (5 days worth is ideal)

Remember to keep your kit updated and fresh. Check twice a year or more if needed. Has your power gone out? not a bad idea to unplug appliances and electronics, turn off heating/cooling systems to avoid damages that come with power surges once the electricity is restored. Leave on one lamp so you will know when power has been restored. It is a good idea to make a family emergency plan that includes meeting places (one nearby and one further away). Keep a copy of this plan in your kit. Teach all family members to text. Even if phone lines are down or backed up, texting will usually go through. Being prepared = peace of mind.

The Importance of Adding Local Theatre to Your Life

When I was a young girl growing up in the Bay Area, in order to get out of the neighborhoods and onto the freeway, you had to drive past this little old playhouse in the city of Lafayette. I remember the rustic wood shingled building and a sign that had masks on it much like this picture. I always wondered what went on behind those walls. I had no idea. I never met anyone that went to see a production there. I just knew that someday I wanted to find out what it was all about.

Flash forward, (I won’t say how many years 😉) and local theater has become a big part of my life. I’m very thankful that Moonlight Stage Productions, The Star Theatre, Vista's Broadway Theater, productions at local high schools and the former Avo Theatre have pulled me in. I can’t tell you what a treat it is that local theater has become a regular part of my life and something that I value and look forward to. I’ve seen some really amazing shows and I feel like I am greatly enriched because I have. I love that local theater gives local talent a chance to grow and bloom and we all get a first row seat. I also love that they provide so many opportunities to get our young ones involved, both on the stage and in the audience. I would like to encourage you to make local theater part of your life as well if you haven’t already.