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18 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JANUARY 2025 | I've decided to take a little bit different approach writing our article for the New Year. I continue to receive calls and messages with some compliments which I do appreciate very much. Of course there are always questions, concerns, and complaints about our three venues. These concerns are best addressed to the "Message to Management" either online or in the drop box at the reception desk. That said, I can promise you that every effort is made to ensure your comfort and enjoyment when at either of our three venues. Chef Joshua and his team, our wait staff, bartenders, and everyone involved have the SLCC community and your best interests first and foremost. With the country club designation comes all that that entails — dress code, fine dining, sports bar & grill, casual dining, full lounge & bar, special events, formal and casual, beautiful grounds, and décor. We have it all right here. Our Restaurant is beautiful, the service is outstanding, our newly-remodeled Lounge is elegant yet still fun. Mood is hardly the only aspect of the restaurant experience. Ambiance and service count, and, for many patrons, an attractive cocktail and/or wine and beer program is an added plus. I know some of you have had fun trying the monthly cocktails. If you haven't already, give one of these winter specials a try: Winter "Hotty" Toddy or a Winter White Chocolate Eggnog Martini, Mistletoe Manhattan or a Winter Cider Mimosa … Angel makes them all to perfection. To our tennis buffs, in honor of the Australian Open, the signature cocktail "Illusion Shaker" is served especially for this event, Jan. 12 - 26. Come on down and enjoy watching the matches with friends and neighbors as the Aussies do. Our Restaurant & Lounge staff are wonderful. Often we are understaffed for a variety of reasons but those on duty will jump in and pick up the slack and try to accommodate all members. Menu prices were also brought up. Anyone who goes to the grocery store knows prices have been increasing … a dozen eggs cost 72 percent more than they did a few years ago, chicken is up 95 percent, ground beef is up over 100 percent, just to mention a few items. This holds true for our cleaning supplies, paper products, and condiments. While my family doesn't go out as much as we did before, when we do, we would rather patronage and support our own SLCC. If we don't use it, we may lose it. Chef Joshua is doing all he can to be creative and try to accommodate the members' wishes. With as many diverse members that we have ages 55 to over 100 years old, it would be impossible to please everyone all the time. Chef and his entire team try to make us all feel welcome, respected and valued. While the menu evolves, he strives to keep price and selection based almost entirely on foodstuffs that are currently in season while still trying to keep some past dishes available. I've said it before, if every one of our more than 5,000 residents frequented one of our dining options just once a month, it would enhance the bottom line considerably so that when you just don't feel like cooking or driving outside the community, you have take-out and eat-in choices nearly at your doorstep. Here are our Happy New Year specials for January: Jan. 2 - National Personal Trainer Awareness Day. Enjoy our Hangover Burger: Two ¼# Wagyu Patties, White Cheddar and Yellow Cheddar, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Crispy Shallots, Korean BBQ Sauce, and Fried Egg on a Pearled Waffle Bun. Served with Choice of Fries or House Chips. $18. Upgrade your hangover cure with Angel's special Bloody Mary for $7 with the purchase of the Hangover Burger. Jan. 16 - National Nothing Day. Enjoy a Grown-Up Grilled Cheese. Sharp Cheddar & Provolone Cheese, Shredded Short Ribs, Grilled Onions, and Sundried Tomato on Rye. Served with Choice of Fries or House Chips. $15. I hope your New Year resolutions include frequenting our own Restaurant, Lounge, and Grill. Spend more time with neighbors and friends. Just enjoy all that you have here in your own backyard. We look forward to lots of great new opportunities for celebrating. If there is a theme or ethnic food preference you'd like to enjoy, let us know. Chef Joshua and his team will try to make it happen. Our Restaurant & Lounge are here for you. Don't forget the last Sunday of each month Chef Joshua prepares a spectacular brunch. Reservations required: (951) 769 6654. Until next month, cheers to a New Year filled with laughter, love, good health, blessings, and always remember to stay humble, and kind. ~ Carole Elliott, caroleelliott28@gmail.com Restaurant & Lounge Advisory