June 2010 Issue | Download the Full Issue

Pala Mesa Resort’s Aquaterra Room is starting to acquire a reputation as a place for superb food as well as casual fun. But that’s just the beginning of the rewards that await you at one of North County’s hidden gems.
For Cinco de Mayo, a select group of guests tasted gourmet creations with the common theme of avocados, paired with Oro Azul Tequila—all overseen by executive chef Sean Sullivan. It was a way to enjoy the holiday in an intimate, quiet setting, without all the noise and hoopla.
I recently had lunch and dinner in the Pala Mesa Resort’s Aqua Terra Room, and learned first hand what a great deal it is—especially if you, for example, join the Aquaterra Dining Membership Program, and get half off on every meal for a year!
The membership costs just $99. It’s an amazing value, which will pay for itself the first couple of times you use it. The membership program also provides special room rates at the resort, a complimentary appetizer party, complimentary round of golf, and other discounts and special offers.
You can also get a great deal on a country club membership.
It’s like having your own private resort in your own backyard!
So far Pala Mesa Resort is a very well kept secret—although obviously the resort would like that secret to get out!
“Our problem is getting people here to experience the resort,” says Kevin Poorbaugh, food and beverage manager at Pala Mesa.
He speculated that perhaps 75% of our readers are not aware of what a great property is just down the road. And it’s one that isn’t just suitable for special occasions.
People drive up and down I-15 or Old 395 and think—wrongly—that Pala Mesa Resort is a private club. But it’s open to the public, including its unique golf course, built in 1964, one of the best, most challenging courses in the area.
It’s a great value for anyone living along the 20 miles or so of The Boulevard.
Let’s start with the restaurant, a true find. Chef Sullivan is very particular. Everything must be fresh, nothing frozen.
Once perceived as a formal dining experience—dress up where you needed a special occasion, the Aquaterra is working to change that perception: to a place that serves great food, in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Priced so you don’t need an excuse to drop by.
“It’s California casual,” says Poorbaugh. The menu offers seafood specialties such as Mediterranean seabass and crispy barramundi, steaks that run the gamut from 14 oz. veal porterhouse, to eight ounce filet mignon and 14 oz. angus beef rib eyes. There’s also a sushi bar and a variety of nightly specials, all served in a warm atmosphere overlooking Pala Mesa’s first tee.
Around lunchtime the Aquaterra has a “Ten in Ten Minutes” menu where you can get a delicious lunch within ten minutes—or it’s free. It also offers a “Build Your Own Burger” bar and “Daily Twitter Special,” which anyone can sign up for to get updates.
For lunch I started off with peanut butter stuffed jalapeños and baked avocado. My waitress smilingly described the jalapeños as being like “a peanut butter and jelly sandwich—with a kick.” She was right. They were tempura fried with a raspberry dipping sauce and sent all of my taste buds firing simultaneously.
You don’t often think of cooking with avocados, but these halved dark green beauties were stuffed with gorgonzola, prosciutto, roasted garlic, red pepper, with a chianti glaze. Incredibly rich and delicious!
I enjoyed that with the French onion soup au gratin made with Swiss cheese, pernod, sourdough croutons and parmesan cheese. Real comfort food!
I came back for dinner a few days later and tried the crispy sweetbreads, made with a mustard reduction, wild mushrooms, truffle oil and crispy potatoes. Very rich and very tasty.
My entree was braised boneless short ribs with a puff pastry crust. They were as tender as could be, swimming in an exquisite, savory wine sauce.
This was served with something I had not tried before, polenta fries, garnished with sun dried tomato ketchup. That turned out to be quite a treat, crunchy and succulent—and, I’m told, very good for you.
While at lunch I met golf pro, Travis Inchcliff, one of three pros at the 18-hole; par 72 championship course, which was awarded 4 stars by Golf Digest and voted one of San Diego’s top ten courses by Zagat.
He talked about the individualized instruction as well as instruction in groups, depending on your preference. The popular men’s and ladies’ leagues are suitable for all skill levels. Forty-five-minute sessions are followed by four holes of golf to put into practice what you have learned. Sessions are held all year round.
Which brings up a nice thing about the course, it is playable after heavy rains, due to good drainage and little standing water.
There are also Junior clinics on Sundays. “It’s fun and a good way to get your kid started in golf,” says Inchcliff.
The fast greens are kept in tip top condition. “It’s not a real long course but it plays longer than its yardage would indicate,” he says. “It has two unique nines. Every hole is different. It’s challenging because the greens are fast but not beyond the abilities of most players. We don’t have any carries where you have to hit two hundred yards.”
"We have a variety of green fees, all of which represent great value,” says Inchcliff. “They vary according to different days of the week and times of the day, but they average about $55.”
He adds, “We also have extremely competitive golf memberships available. The initiation fee and monthly unlimited golfing dues are structured so individuals or families can select full play, weekend play, weekday play - whatever fits their lifestyle best. The membership is a great value all by itself, but when you factor in the many extras our members receive like golf cart usage and range balls included in the membership, plus 25% discounts at Aquaterra restaurant, our hotel rooms and the Pro Shop, it's an unbeatable offer. It's really like joining a country club, except you are saving on the membership and the lifestyle elements that surround your golfing experience."
Pala Mesa Resort isn’t just about food and golf, although for many people that would be enough. It also has great affordable accommodations, including 133 oversized guest rooms and suites, all with golf course, pool or mountain views.
There are over 17,600 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor meeting and banquet space. The outdoor function and meeting space includes several patios and terraces for open-air receptions.
The resort also offers customized menu planning for wedding receptions and special accommodation packages for guests. You can take your vows in exquisitely manicured outdoor wedding gardens. Receptions are adorned with dramatic waterfalls, a classic grand staircase, panoramic mountain views and an antique mission bell.
The resort is hosting their second annual Discover the Jewel Bridal Show June 6, offering a good way to explore all the wedding options at the property.
Pala Mesa Resort is quite simply a comfortable place to stay and a good value. In these times when the word “resort” has been under the microscope because of high living corporate executives, isn’t it nice to know that you can enjoy a good value, dine well, golf, even host a conference, and not feel as though you will be hauled before a congressional hearing?
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Pala Mesa Resort is located at 2001 Old Highway 395, Fallbrook. For reservations call 760-728-5881 or 800-722-4700 or visit www.palamesa.com.

Hot Summer Nites: A Casual, Family-Friendly Block Party

Connections Fallbrook will present the 14th annual Hot Summer Nites the the second and last Fridays of June, July and August.
It’s a family-friendly festival where three blocks of “the village” are set aside for live music, food and fun. It’s a way to celebrate the endless evenings—and to see lots of cool cars!
The event is 100% run by Connections Fallbrook Networking, an organization made up of 35 business members in downtown Fallbrook who are interested in promoting businesses and helping the community.
According to Connections President Manny Gratz, “Connections is a business networking group that gets together once a week for an hour, and does referrals. We try to figure out ways to generate more business for ourselves and our community, and we find that Hot Summer Nites is a great venue for that.
He adds, “We invite our customers down. Our customers become our friends and our friends become others’ friends. It’s a fun way to get together and see people we haven’t seen for awhile, listen to some music and drink some terrific wine and beer.”
Connections and Fallbrook Village Association volunteers staff each of the Friday night events closing down three blocks of downtown Fallbrook on Main Street, between Fig and Ivy.
“We try to make each night different. We call it a block party. They are all different.” One night you’ll see vintage cars, and another you’ll see Porches, Carreras, Cobras and Vipers. On Open Header Nites you get to see some Nitro!” observes Gratz.
The cars arrive at 4:30 p.m. and events really get rolling by 5:15 p.m. or so when the bands start to play, although the official time to start is 5 p.m. It lasts until 8 p.m.
All of the evenings include food, music, cars and the beer garden. The remaining nights and activities are as follows.
June 9, 5–8 p.m. Sports Cars. Music by LastOneDone.
June 25, 5–8 p.m., Youth, Family, Military and Low Rider Nite. Music by Aunt Kizzy’z Boyz.
July 9, 5–8 p.m. Rods & Relics. This is the fifth year that John Harris has chaired this evening’s entertainment, which includes the Rods & Relics car club with 300 members that last year filled the available space to capacity with classic autos.
July 30, 5-8 p.m., Taste of Fallbrook. Music by Aunt Kizzy’z Boyz, playing their mixture of East Texas style blues.
Sandra Buckingham has chaired this segment of the Hot Summer Nites for four years. About a dozen of Fallbrook’s best eateries will participate. They include La Caseta, Sweet Sicilian Bakery, Da Giorgio’s, Trupiano’s, Rio Rico, Fresco Grill and Rainbow Oaks. People’s Choice awards will be given for the most popular eatery.
Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available to purchase—and not forgetting the kids—hot dogs and pizza.
Aug. 13, 5-8 p.m., Off Road, Race Car, Military, Classic Boat and Open Header Event. Music by Tony Suraci. Mike Mroz, organizer of this event, reports that the streets will be filled with nostalgic classic cars.
“We’ve invited all the nostalgia cars and dragsters out,” he says. Past years have attracted more than 60 cars. You can expect to see Harlan Oren of the Classic V Drive Club (V-Drives are a form of boat), Chris Chase with his Over the Edge Four Wheel Drive group, the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club, the Over the Hill Gang, and, of course Bonsall’s Rods & Relics Club.
August 27, 5-8 p.m., Western Nite and Chili Cook-off. Music by the NiteRiders.
Looking for the perfect bowl of red? Look no further than this event. Between 15-20 contestants make five gallons of the red brew (and sometimes the white variety) for tasting. This culinary cultural event attracts as many as 600.
“It’s kind of low key and a lot of fun,” says Co-Chairman Jane Wilson. “People look forward to it. The samples are small but there are a lot of difference chilis!
You can find out more about Hot Summer Nites by calling 760-723-2232. Or visit www.connectionsfallbrook.com.

Bonsallpalooza: A Benefit Concert For Superior Education

Last year’s Bonsallpalooza was such a success that the Bonsall Education Foundation decided to have another one this year!
The second annual musical entertainment, “Bonsallpalooza 2010” will be held Saturday, June 5, 5–9 p.m. at Pala Casino Spa & Resort and will feature the Intertribal Bird Singers, Amanda Stansky, Carlos Olmeda, Old School and Stepping Feet (the Dave Matthews Band Experience)—plus performances from the Sullivan Middle School Show Choir/Jazz Band.
As a special treat, Bonsall School District Supt. Justin Cunningham will be one of the performers in the VIP reception. He will play on his acoustic guitar.
The foundation, which was created just a few years ago, is a non-profit that funds grants for programs in support of superior public education within the Bonsall Union School District (BUSD). This includes its support of the “Super Six” of academic excellence including: Teaching Excellence, Visual and Performing Arts, Health and Wellness, Science Enrichment, Library and Media Services and Classroom Technology.
Last year’s event raised nearly $20,000, which helped the district to start band classes for grades 4-6. According to event Chairman Jennifer Smith, the goal this year is to raise $30,000.
According to Mrs. Smith, “The community has shown great enthusiasm and support for this event. We are so delighted to have Pala Casino Spa & Resort and other community and media partners helping us underwrite the event so we can fund more school programs for the district.”
As part of this year’s event, the foundation conducted an art contest across the district and a 4th grader from Bonsall West Elementary School, Max Ferrer, won the contest. His original artwork is being used on ads, posters, and T-shirts to promote the event.
Max was honored at a school assembly where the Bonsall Education Foundation President, Erica Perko and school Principal Eric Kosch, gave him a Bonsallpalooza 2010 T-shirt, a framed copy of the advertisement, an art kit and two tickets for his parents to attend the benefit concert on June 5.
The contest judges were local artists including Caroline Taylor, Andrew Marlor and Kristin Lewis.
Musical Artists
Intertribal Bird Singers
Audiences have a rare opportunity to see and hear Intertribal Bird Singers from Southern California. Bird songs are ancient gifts from the Creator to the indigenous peoples of Southern California, Arizona and Mexico, including the peoples of this region, the Kumeyyay of Southern California. Bird songs and bird song dances are rhythmically simple. They are accompanied by gourd or turtle shell rattles filled with palm seeds. The songs perpetuated indigenous cultures through music and dance. To sing the entire body of songs might take all night or longer. When sung socially, the songs may last from two to 10 minutes. There’s often dancing when the songs are sung for entertainment.
Carlos Olmeda
Carlos Angeles Olmeda is musically enigmatic. Although his music is steeped in Folk roots, one can hear him change genres as easily as some people change hats! One minute he'll be playing an acoustic alternative love song, and the next he'll play a love song with a very Latin rhythm, then launching into a country western "barn burner" and then finish the show with a unmistakably Irish pub tune!
Olmeda is known as a “songwriters songwriter” because of his innate ability to create such a diverse musical landscape in one show. He pulls it off by welcoming them into his musical world the same way he would “welcome a new friend into his living room.”
On any given night, fans can hear at least four different songwriting styles in at least two languages performed with heartfelt passion as well as sense of humor. Carlos has the innate ability to make each fan feel as if the song was written for and sung directly to them.
Amanda Stansky
When Amanda was 4 years old, she had her first opportunity to perform at “The Burleson Jamboree.” At the age of 12, Amanda began recording her first EP consisting of original songs. During the recording of her EP “Just Me”, Amanda became a featured artist on Dish Network's national music channel YMCTV (Your Music Channel Television). After graduating from high school a year early in May of 2007, Amanda decided to expand her music to Sydney, Australia. After wrapping up seven months in Australia, Amanda was ready to head back to the states and was given the opportunity to have her song “Are You There?” placed on MTV’s #1 show, “The Hills”. "Are You There" was placed on the premiere episode, "Paris Changes Everything". This episode garnered the most viewers in the history of the show, 4.7 million. Amanda finished her sophomore EP, "Escaping Australia" in September of 2008 in which all of the songs were written or co-written by Amanda. Both EPs are currently available on iTunes.
Amanda was asked to perform at the 2010 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Currently, Amanda is working on a new group of songs with Jim Huff, an award winning songwriter and producer in Los Angeles, California.
Stepping Feet
Is the premier Dave Matthews Tribute band based out of San Diego, California. In 2008, Stepping Feet was nominated as the 'Best Tribute Band' for the San Diego Music Awards. Their mission is to perform the music with the same passion and spirit as the Dave Matthews Band. The soulful sax riffs, blazing violin solos, polyrhythmic drums beats, signature guitar riffs, and powerful vocals are all there as they take you on a journey into the Dave Matthews Band Experience.
Old School
Old School is a professional rock and roll cover band that has rapidly gained popularity among venues and fans since its inception in March of 2008. The band is a tight-knit group of accomplished former members of various original national touring acts, all of whom cohesively utilize their extensive professional experience to produce an entertaining, energetic, and unique show for a wide spectrum of audiences that share one common trait: the desire to have a blast seeing and hearing an explosive band performing timeless songs with an original, raw twist.
The musical entertainment will take place at the Pala Casino Spa & Resort’s Grand Cabaret Room, which seats 900.
Tickets for Bonsallpalooza 2010 are on sale now at: www.startickets.com, the Pala Privileges Center at Pala or every Sunday at the Bonsall Certified Farmers’ Market from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. in the Bonsall River Village Shopping Center. Tickets are $35 each for general seating, main floor VIP Booths are $500, and upper level booths are $300. The optional VIP reception, held just before the event from 3-5 p.m. is $25 additional.
For information about group sales and sponsorship packages, please send an email to concert@bonsallschools.org.

C U R I O S I T Y: A Lot of Fun In The Name of Art

Here’s a recipe for fun: give a bunch of artistic types an empty museum—virtually an empty canvas—and let them decorate it any way they want.
The result is Curiosity: Seasoned to Perfection, a fund-raiser where you will find a fragrance bar, 30 works by local artists, a chance to build your own sand castle and brews to match each of the four seasons that will be highlighted.
Get ready for sensory overload!
“My art is putting on exhibitions or putting on this event,” says California Center for the Arts, Escondido Museum Director Olivia Luther. “Having all this blank space to create something is really fun for us.”
This is the second year for Curiosity, the benefit auction for the CCAE. It will be held Saturday, July 24, 5:30–10:30 p.m. at the Center Museum.
Last year it raised slightly more than $20,000 and benefited the museum. This year’s proceeds will go towards the education, the museum and the performing arts program.
The “blank” space is created when all of the exhibits from the museum are cleared out to make room for new ones. This happens twice a year and creates space for a few days. Last year someone had the bright idea of taking advantage of it for a fund-raiser.
It includes 9,000 square feet inside and 6,000 sq ft. outdoors in the sculpture court, which is adjacent to the museum.
“That creates a blank canvas for us to do anything we want. Last year we did an interactive art project for elementary students. We hung empty frames. They were allowed to create their own masterpieces. Within an hour, the students went way outside their frames to connect and create one long mural. That was great fun!” says Luther.
As they approach the museum, guests will be “embraced” by the soft signs of spring.
Entering the lobby they will see a giant cherry blossom tree on a patch of green lawn. Hundreds of paper and fabric butterflies will hang from the ceiling. The walls will be bathed in pink and green light and the doorways will be adorned with billowing white drapes.
The tables will be covered with soft pale pink linens topped by centerpieces filled with daffodils, bird’s nests, robin eggs, and moss. Bird cages will hang at various locations. The food tables and bar will serve up the tastes of spring.
In the part of the museum devoted to summer, there will be sand on tables so that you can create your own sand castle. It will also have food and drink appropriate to the season.
In another you will be able to create your own scent and take it home with you. The interactive elements will match the season—and so will the performing arts in each section.
Each season will have the decor reflecting it. Food and beverages will also match the season. Stone Brewing will match the beer to the season.
As patrons stroll through the museum, they will be able to indulge in food and drink inspired by an icy blue winter ambiance complete with snow covered trees, fluttering butterflies and cherry blossoms of spring, fireflies and barbecues of summer, and falling leaves with scents of apple pie for autumn.
Under the walkways a professional dancer with oversized butterfly wings will move gracefully.
Each season will feature sumptuous food and scintillating performances, including flying acrobats.
Besides all of this indulgent self-expression, you will also be able to bid at a silent auction on unique works by prominent local artists as well as a variety of other items and experiences supplied by local businesses, such as wine tastings, sports packages, gym memberships, tickets for running shoes, and a cultural package.
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Tickets are $75 for members and $90 for non members, which covers admittance. Last year they did something a little fun; this year will be even bigger!
Group discounts are available. Call 760-839-4120.

Natalie Tinti: 10-Year-Old Author

Fourth-grader Natalie Tinti of Temecula has always enjoyed using her imagination to create beautiful drawings, then taking these pieces of art as a launching pad for detailed stories.
With encouragement from her family and close friends, Natalie decided to gather some of her favorite illustrations and publish a book based on the characters she designed. The result is Sewing a Friendship, a memorable tale about four girls who learn the true meaning of friendship when they extend their clique to include a classmate whose tough exterior often intimidates or scares others away.
In developing these relationships, Sewing a Friendship offers its young readers the opportunity to discuss how they make friends and why it is important to show kindness to everyone.
Sewing a Friendship is for ages six and up, and is filled with many examples of Natalie’s creativity. Her descriptions make the reader feel like they are right there riding along with the wind.
This book is about a valuable lesson in life – how a friendship is formed. It shows that if one really tries and the two sides give in a little, great things can happen and friendships can be made.
As school lets out for summer, the 7-year-olds yearn to spend time together before planned activities pull them apart. They plan a "pink sleepover." As they prepare, though, they hear of a fashion show.
Natalie establishes tension and conflict like a pro. She brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. The girls manage to participate in the fashion show and establish a friendship with Kiki.
And each girl brings her own special talent into play. This is a book that empowers, excellent for a young reader and adults will find it amazing also!
Natalie brings authenticity to the voice of her writing, as she is only 10 years old, and therefore, a peer to the girls she creates in Sewing a Friendship. One of the greatest assets of Natalie’s writing is her ability to evoke a respect and appreciation for girls from all different backgrounds who bring a diverse set of personalities to their playtime together. While one girl enjoys solving math problems, another takes pleasure in finding a way to bring dance and movement into every situation. The character that first appears unlikable is shown to have a deep need for acceptance and love. Natalie has written a book that tells girls to embrace their individuality. There is no push to fit a stereotype or compromise who you are in Sewing a Friendship.
Natalie already has been recognized for her outstanding work as both author and illustrator of Sewing a Friendship, as she recently received a Silver Medal from the nationally-recognized Readers Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest. The positive reviews Natalie has received has prompted acceptance for distribution by the University of Wisconsin, Madison, which will spread word of her book throughout school and community libraries in that area.
Natalie also has been traveling to schools, community centers, and other youth events throughout her hometown and beyond. Natalie has found a great reception for her book and the message it offers to young people, especially girls.
“I developed the girls in Sewing a Friendship based on the people I spend time with every day,” she says about the characters in her latest release. “I believe that we all have special gifts and personalities that can make for wonderful friendships. I hope my book will encourage other girls to reach out and make new friends, even if they think they have nothing in common with a person. You might be surprised!”
Natalie is promoting her school's theme "Kindness is Cool" by writing gratitude letters to fellow students in response to their acts of kindness. She has appeared on the Southern California Life Morning News.
The book, Sewing a Friendship, is available at Natalie’s Web site at www.tintinatie.com, and also through most national bookstores.

Curtian Call: Creating A Niche For Small Scale Adult Theater

The Curtain Call Company will produce Neil Simon’s classic comedy The Odd Couple beginning June 19 at the Fallbrook Hilltop Center.
The Curtain Call Company was formed in October from a group of people who used to be members of the Fallbrook Players but wanted to exclusively do adult theater. We’re not talking the Kit Kat Theater here, but rather shows in which all of the cast members are adults, which is something of a rarity these days.
Their first show was My Fatal Valentine, a dinner theater mystery that was staged at the Fallbrook Golf Club.
Some of the founding members and board members are Don Foulkes, Pamela Lambert, Cari Garrison, Jake LaMont and Mary Fry, president of the group.
Fry, who will be the producer for most of the shows described the upcoming show recently, which, she said, will feature three male actors from Temecula in the three top roles, that of Felix, Oscar and Murray.
She also talked about the mission of the theater group. “I feel that there is a niche for small cast musicals and non-musicals,” she said. So we can safely assume that Curtain Call won’t be producing Show Boat or My Fair Lady anytime soon. But that’s OK, because there are already local groups that fill that space.
But it WILL be producing the enduring classic The Fantasticks, which is almost the definition of a small cast, minimalist stage production but totally charming and entertaining musical with sentiment and good music. That will be produced Aug. 20–29 at the Fallbrook Golf Club.
In between The Odd Couple and the Fantasticks they will put on a musical patriotic revue entitled Song of America from July 15–25, also at the Fallbrook Golf Club. Arranged by Mac Huff, the revue will celebrate “our home, our hope and our freedom.”
The group is working closely with the Fallbrook Golf Club, which may eventually install a gazebo stage that could become the group’s permanent venue.
“We are trying to evolve into an outdoor theater series. We are progressing by baby steps,” says Fry.
Currently shows are held on the patio next to the golf club’s restaurant, the Hukilau. “By next summer we hope to have a big enough following to move from the restaurant patio to ‘the green.’ ”
“We are working on putting together our winter season,” says Fry. “We’re thinking of Steel Magnolias and maybe another murder series.”
Meantime they are looking for members, both actors and non-actors. People who want to see good shows and either want to support that endeavor financially, or want to get involved in the actual production of the show.
And unlike lots of theater groups that require that you shell out a hefty fee in order to be in a show, Curtain Call asks only that you become a member—a basic membership will cost you $40 a year.
And be prepared to have fun, because, says Fry, that’s what it’s all about.
“My philosophy with all volunteer activities is that if I’m not having fun, don’t do it! We are here to have a good time!”
She hopes that you will have a good time, too. “Come out and see the show!” she invites.
They are working on getting a 501 (c)(3) number that will allow them to accept tax deductible gifts.
Tickets are $18 for adults ($38 if you want to have dinner at the Hukilau) and $15 for seniors, military and children. Season tickets get you a discount of $3 per ticket. There will be no dinner before The Odd Couple.
Those aren’t bad prices for dinner and a show, and as Fry observes, “It’s a good dinner, too!”
For more information about Curtain Call Company, visit their Web site at www:curtaincallcompany.com or call them at 760-685-7386. You can buy tickets online at www.tix.com for a $2 service fee.
You can reach the group by mail at Curtain Call Company, P.O. Box 682, Fallbrook, CA 92088-0682.

Champagne Jazz Series

It’s the longest running, biggest and best summer jazz series in the region. Now in its 22nd year, the Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series in Temecula is the granddaddy of such events in the wine country and beyond.
I recently talked to John M. Thornton, who, with his wife, Sally, are owners of the winery about the series—and how it has grown from a very modest event to the most “cool” must-see event this side of the Monterrey Jazz Festival.
Due to the economy, Thornton is fighting even harder to make this a deal that a true jazz afficionado can’t say no to.
“No ifs, ands or buts, concerts are not selling as well as they used to,” says Thornton. But at the same time he and his expert staff have gotten much better at putting on the event, and more critically—at selling it. “No matter how good a show is, you’ve got to sell the tickets,” he says.
The series began in April and by the time it ends in October will have staged 21 nights of jazz. The Thornton formula calls for two artists per concert, with a short intermission in between.
This year you’ll find performers such as Hiroshima, Jeffrey Osborne, Richard Elliot, Keiko Matsui, Acoustic Alchemy.
Concerts are held on Saturday nights or Sunday afternoons. Times are chosen very carefully, according to Thornton.
“People want to have a good time on Saturday nights. The same is true of Sundays, but they need to get home earlier because they have to work the next day. You also have to pick a time when the heat of the day is starting to decline,” he says.
That mandates that Sunday concerts be held starting at 4 or 5 p.m., depending on sunset.
Thornton is aiming at a particular audience in a 60 mile radius from the winery. “Ninety-eight percent of our audience comes from within that radius,” he says.
However, there is a small but avid group of fans, perhaps 2% of the audience, who come from Chicago, Arizona, Nevada, even, occasionally, the U.K.
“Some of them blow out my theory of the sixty mile radius,” observes Thornton.
He assumes that most people are willing to drive about two hours to hear a concert. He relies on a variety of ways to get the word out: word of mouth, the Internet, newspapers, magazines, radio.
“You have to know what medium is reaching your market,” he says.
The concerts are built around the “smooth jazz” model, because that style of jazz sells the best. Thornton doesn’t rely on his own taste in jazz, or on his wife’s taste (“She’s wild about opera!”). “My favorite jazz is the kind that makes the most money!” he says with a puckish smile.
What sells is usually the artist who has most recently released a CD. Along with reliable standbys who have been around forever, such as Dave Koz, Bobby Caldwell and Boney James.
Having picked an artist, Thornton and his staff work hard to provide a top-flight venue for audiences to be blown away by the music, to be charmed by great vintages, and to dine on gourmet delights.
The music lovers sit outside on a large patio that puts them very up close and personal to the artists, who perform in front of the gift shop. They often mingle with their fans as they perform. It’s a very intimate way to enjoy the jazz.
The setting is a major selling point, says Thornton. “Customers are very close to the artists. Some people demand to be seated up front. When the artists wander through the audience while playing, people just melt!” he says. “People want the warm, fuzzy feeling of meeting and mixing. And the artists like it because their egos get stroked.
“An air-conditioned hall would be nice I suppose, but it wouldn’t be the same.”
Instead there is the intimate and acoustically superb Mediterranean fountain terrace, overlooking the wine country.
Food is prepared by the Cafe Champagne, which has been rated five stars for its California Cuisine and won the Golden Bacchus award from the Southern California Restaurant Writers for its wine list.
Two kinds of food are served: the Gourmet Supper Package, which includes a reserved table under a covered patio and a three-course gourmet meal or the outside grill, which serves three kinds of entrees, salad and ice cream.
Everyone gets a wine glass. They can buy a bottle of anything they want. The most popular wines served at the jazz events are Champagnes, Cabernet-Merlots and Chardonnays.
When Thornton first started the series 21 years ago it was much smaller than it is today. “In those days we used what they called ‘pick up’ artists. They were not so well known and the concert was free.”
However the series soon grew in popularity, with some tickets costing $75 apiece. Some of the original artists are still coming back, two decades later, such as Dave Koz and Bobby Caldwell.
It is a very complicated process to fit concert dates to artists’ schedules. Many are from foreign countries, and their schedules are often not flexible. They may be available a particular night or not at all.
The prep time leading up to the concert is also intense, with about 75 staff members involved in putting on a show.
But Thornton still gets a kick out of it. “Especially if it’s a success!”
To find out more about Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series, visit www.thorntonwine.com/jazz.html.

Tea & Fashion Show Benefits Abandoned Pets

A June 6 Tea & Summer Fashion Show in Fallbrook will benefit abandoned pets.
As a bright-eyed Pomeranian sporting a lavender broad-brimmed hat greets you at the door to Silvergate at 420 Elbrook Drive in Fallbrook, you’ll sense you’re stepping into an afternoon tea and fashion show unlike any other.
Yet, like most “high-tea” parties, this one on June 6 hosted in Silvergate’s Great Room includes the typical rituals of sipping afternoon tea with friends and family while delighting in finger sandwiches and  fresh scones.  Piano melodies play in the background, setting a light-hearted, easy-chatting tone.  The simple ceremony of afternoon tea in an elegant atmosphere is a time-honored way to enjoy family and friends, reconnecting generations—especially grandmothers to granddaughters.
Midway through teatime, the fashion show begins.  
Local models stroll about in the latest summer travel fashions from Macy’s North County Fair.  Canine companions accompany some of the models.  “Summer travel fashions with canine companions” is the theme for this show.  No, it’s not a fashion show for dogs (although a few might don a dapper hat or collar).  The fashions are for people – women, men and children of all ages and sizes.
Like Lola, the lavender-hat wearing Pomeranian who greeted you at the door, the canine companions accompanying the models are a reminder of where the funds go.  Proceeds from this event go to saving the lives of lost and abandoned dogs and cats at the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary.
Since its inception in 2002, this no-kill, non-profit sanctuary has saved and found new loving homes for over 2000 pets like Lola.  The Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary is staffed by unpaid volunteers and funded by individual contributions and fund-raisers.  (It gets no government subsidies.)
Tickets are $23 per person (children same price) and are available by reservation only due to limited seating.   If you bring two cans of Pedigree dog food or Fancy Feast cat food, you’ll receive a door prize.  Put on a breezy summer hat and another door prize is yours!  Bring your checkbook too in case you win silent auction items!
The tea begins at 2 pm and ends at 4 on Sunday afternoon, June 6.  If you haven’t already purchased your tickets by June 1, be sure to call and see if more seats are available.   
To purchase tickets, send a check made to Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary for the number of people in your party, a note with your name and the names of others attending with you, your phone to:  P.O. Box 159 – Fallbrook, CA  92088.   If you’d like a return receipt, just include a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Questions?  Call 760-685-0012.

Fresco Grill: The Place For Italian Seafood and More!

The Fresco Grill in Bonsall (and its sister restaurant, Fresco Trattoria in Carlsbad) continues to tittalate the taste buds and has become one of the most popular eateries in the area since it opened in late 2008.
The svelte and charming owner, Leone D’Arcangelo, is constantly on the look out for new and exciting recipes for his customers—all served in a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere.
“I’m very happy with what I have here,” he says.
He knows that in this economy customers have a choice, but he also knows that once you try specials such as his halibut al forno con patate, you won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds!
I tried one of his recent creations for lunch, linguine alle vongole veraci, which is linguine pasta tossed with fresh manila clams in a white wine reduction or fresh tomato sauce.
But first I nearly swooned over the insalata di noci, a salad of organic mixed baby greens, walnuts, poached julienned pears and gorgonzola cheese in a raspberry vinaigrette. Oh, mercy!
As always, the service was superb!
One of D’Arcangelo’s enduring innovations is to serve half or full portions. He likes to encourage guests to try several different entrees. This allows patrons to put together a lunch or dinner of several small portions that combines several taste sensations—and yet suits their budget.
He is pleased that the public continues to embrace his Italian seafood, prepared with recipes that he learned when he was growing up in Sperlonga, which is a coastal hill town slightly south of Rome—and as a chef in the Italian navy.
Try the ahi tuna in crosta, which is seared ahi tuna, polenta crusted, served over mixed greens with a balsamic sweet reduction, served with caponata and mashed potatoes. Or treat your self to the gamberoni nostromo, which is jumbo shrimp sautéed with garlic white wine and lemon over arborio risotto and served with caponata and mashed potatoes.
The owner’s own favorite dish is the linguine mare mosso, which consists of linguine pasta, clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp and mixed fish in a light fish bouillon and tomato sauce—all made with very fresh herbs.
Is your mouth watering yet!
A recent addition at the restaurant is Daniele Righetti, a bar tender from Verona (the home of Romeo and Juliet!), who is in charge of the Fresco Grill’s extensive wine cellar. It has a variety of Italian vintages—including a large collection of Super Tuscans, some local and some from the Napa Valley. You can buy your favorites by the glass or the half bottle.
Righetti says he bounces back and forth between Italy and America.
Why?
“You don’t wear one set of shoes do you?” he shot back. “You change them!”
Fresco Grill does a lot of banquets and catering, plus take-out.
Friday nights there is live music in the style of that favorite American crooner, Frank Sinatra.
Happy hour is Monday–Friday, 4–6 p.m. where appetizers are half price and you take $1 off the price of every drink. One of the most popular appetizers served during the happy hour is artichoke carcifoi, which is deep fried artichokes Roman style, stuffed with gorgonzola cheese.
Fresco Grill is located at 5256 S. Mission Rd., in Bonsall’s River Village. Call 760-631-1944 for hours of operation and to make reservations.
Or visit the Fresco Trattoria Restaurant and Bar at 264 Carlsbad Village Drive, in Carlsbad, at the Carlsbad Village.

Fallbrook’s Wine and A Bite Art Walk

Don’t be surprised to see folks walking around Fallbrook this summer with a map and a bag. They aren’t lost - they are participating in Fallbrook’s Wine & A Bite Art Walk.
Wine and A Bite Art Walk is a special event put on by the Fallbrook Area Visitors Bureau, sponsored in part by San Diego County Supervisor Bill Horn. It consists of four different locations. Each stop features food and wine pairings, as well as various artists. Participants meander their way to each site over the duration of a few hours taking it all in.
Kim Murphy, President of Fallbrook Area Visitor’s Bureau, said this is the third year Fallbrook has held the event, and that it has been great for the community.
“People enjoy walking our quaint little streets here in Fallbrook,” Murphy said. “The event always ends at the Village Square where we have music and more artists, so it’s really just a lot of fun.”
The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month beginning Saturday, July 17, 2010 through this September.
“We actually decided to extend the timeframe this year,” Murphy pointed out. “We used to hold the event for two hours but found participants didn’t have adequate time to get full enjoyment out of all four locations. We lengthened the evening so guests can really take their time and experience everything.”
One of the best things about the Wine and A Bite Art Walk is that it gives Fallbrook Area Visitor Bureau members, as well as other businesses, an opportunity to showcase their goods. Murphy said that nearly all the member restaurants participate in the bite of food portion. The wine is local, too.
“We get the wine from different wineries in the area and go up into the Temecula Wine Valley as well,” Murphy explained. “Each location pours approximately three ounces of wine which is paired with a good portion of food. By the time you make your rounds and hit up all four locations you basically have a full meal with plenty of delicious wine.”
But it’s not just food and wine at each stop, there is also an art demonstration of some sort presented by local artists, stores and galleries.
“We have a number of art galleries and associations in town,” Murphy said. “They generally bring an artist or multiple artists in, so our guests are not only treated to a bit of fine wine and dining, but they also get to watch live artists honing their craft.”
Murphy added that it’s not always painting. One time there was basket weaving and another time there was an actual clay wheel where guests got a chance to try their hand at throwing clay.
“It’s really great,” Murphy exclaimed. “You’re actually seeing the artists at work, and sometimes it’s interactive so you can partake in the demonstration.”
Tickets for the art walk are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event.
Fallbrook Area Visitor’s Bureau actually has several events up its sleeve this year including an inaugural event called PB & J. As Murphy describes it, PB & J stands for a pop, blues and jazz concert…and it’s kind of a big deal.
“We are so excited for PB & J,” Murphy remarked. “We have four amazing performers. We’re hoping to make this a signature event.”
Scheduled performances include the chart-topping band Train (who will be the pop headliner), Grammy winner Robert Kray (blues), SlimMan and Big Band Jazz Machine (both jazz). The date for PB & J is Labor Day, September 6, 2010, at the Pala Mesa Resort & Casino. Tickets go on sale July 19th at 10 a.m. Murphy said organizers are expecting 5,000 plus people to attend.
If you would like to learn more about upcoming Fallbrook Area Visitor’s Bureau events including Wine and A Bite Art Walk or PB & J, call 760-451-3282 or visit www.findfallbrook.com. Look under the events section.

Compete For Glory On An Adult Sports League

The arrival of summer means fun in the sun, and for athletes in the Fallbrook area, a chance to compete for glory on the field.
Adult recreational sports leagues are forming teams for the summer season at Ingold Sports Park, located at 2551 Olive Hill Road in Fallbrook.
Ingold Sports Park boasts a pair of softball fields, two outdoor soccer fields and an arena soccer facility. Adults can sign up to play softball or soccer in a variety of different leagues.
The arena soccer league has a men’s division, a women’s division, and a coed division.
The men’s league plays on Tuesday nights between 6-9 p.m., with up to eight teams in the league.
The women’s league plays on Friday nights between 6-9 p.m. and also has up to eight teams in the league. The coed league plays on Thursday nights between 7-9 p.m. and currently has four teams in the league.
All players must have an Ingold Sports Park identification card to play arena soccer.
Ingold Sports Park also hosts adult slow-pitch softball, in a men’s league, a coed league, and a seniors league.
The men’s league has three divisions – the A league plays on Wednesdays, the B league plays on Thursday and the C league also plays on Wednesday. The coed league plays on Friday nights and in the seniors league, each team plays twice a week, with games going on Monday through Friday.
For the men’s and coed leagues, the team fee is $375 for a regular season that lasts eight games and a postseason that includes every team in the league, giving each team a guarantee of at least nine games for the season. Umpire fees are $17 per game, and scorekeeper fees are $5 per game. The entry deadline is one week prior to the beginning of the next season. A deposit of $225 is due at registration, with the balance due the first night of play. A coach’s packet will be distributed the first night of the season. The completed and signed roster is due by the second week of play.
The league contact for softball is John Stotz, who may be reached at 760-451-0012 or 760-277-7088.
The seniors league is for softball players aged 50 or older, which includes players who will turn 50 this calendar year. Games are played at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with each team playing two games per week.
The cost is $75 per team for 16 games, which includes a team jersey if you do not already have one. Interested players can come to any softball game or practice and sign-up with any league manager or phone Chuck at 760-751-8389 for more information.
The fields at Ingold Sports Park are also available for rent for tournaments and corporate events.
An entrance fee of $2 is charged for all persons over 16. No outside food or drink is allowed, nor are any coolers or ice chests allowed. Alcohol consumption or smoking on the premises is strictly forbidden.
No scooters, rollerblades, bikes, skates or skateboards are allowed. No pets are allowed inside the gates
The Fallbrook Sports Association is a non-profit organization which operates and maintains the Ingold Community Sports Park with the monies received from community donations, and fees collected from sports teams and individual participants at the park. The Fallbrook Sports Association maintains liability insurance for use of the Ingold Community Sports Park with the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). There is no medical insurance coverage provided to any player.
For more information about Ingold Sports Park, or to download the team and player registration forms and league rules, visit the Web site at www.ingoldsportspark.net or call the park at 760-277-7088.

 

The Boulevard Magazine
P.O.B. 1529, Valley Center, CA 92082
Tel. 760.749.1112 Fax 760.749.1688