Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Those who volunteer their time to help others, support nonprofit organizations, work phone banks for special causes or devote their energy/resources to help those less fortunate will be the special guests at a grand opening party for the new Lazy Dog Cafe (The Patios at Valencia Town Center, 24201 Valencia Blvd). The new restaurant is inviting anyone who fits the bill to attend Spirit of Philanthropy on Tuesday, December 1 starting at 11:30 a.m. Simply call the restaurant to make your complimentary lunch reservation (661) 253-9996. The meals are part of Lazy Dog Café’s pre-opening activities that offer its service and kitchen staffs an opportunity to master their skills before opening to the general public, said owner Chris Simms.
“We wanted to do something special for those in the community who give of themselves to help others,” said Simms, whose family is considered Southern California’s premiere “dine-esty”
Lazy Dog Cafes were just named one of the “hottest” restaurant concepts in the United States by Nation’s Restaurant News, the “bible” of the industry. The critically acclaimed eateries specialize in eclectic American fare with touches of Italian, Chinese, Mediterranean and South American. Favorite items include a classic American Campfire Pot Roast, “Inside-out”
Award-winning Hatch Design in tandem with Architects Design Consortium is overseeing the creative rustic design that has been described as “Frank Lloyd Wright meets Ralph Lauren.” The décor will include such accents as a massive chandelier crafted from Aspen logs, generous use of real ledge stone, and fabric and leather lined booths and chairs featuring rich hues of chocolate and rust (many bearing dog-print fabrics). Artistic touches include a fire hydrant-styled beer tap in the bar area and in keeping with the canine theme, guests are encouraged to submit 4” x 6” photographs of their dogs and the most striking or humorous will be displayed in a designated area of the restaurant.
Simms believes that Lazy Dog Café will prove to be a popular hot spot during Happy Hour and for those seeking a fun, dynamic atmosphere to enjoy cocktails thanks to the large bar area complete with six high-definition flat-screens for watching sporting events. Those seeking to enjoy their cocktails outdoors will frequent the adjoining 48-seat heated patio, a lushly landscaped area featuring Adirondack patio chairs and two outdoor fire pits. The restaurant will offer more than 21 draft beers including several locally hand-crafted micro brews, selections from a carefully selected, price-conscious wines served by the glass or bottle and any one of Lazy Dog Café’s signature cocktails made by the trained “bar chefs” who use only the “finest, freshest” ingredients.
Hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Brunch will be served Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit www.lazydogcafe.com.
