Music at the Mansion MMXI.IV, Sunday, August 14, 2011, 3 P.M.

“Music at the Mansion,” continues with the third concert in the series to be held at 3:00 p.m. on August 14, 2011 in the intimate setting of the historic Knickerbocker Mansion Country Inn on Knickerbocker Road in Big Bear Lake. Arts Council board member, Barbara King, an accomplished pianist, has organized a group performers, most of whom are the talented musicians and artists from the Big Bear area, and some young talents who are “home for the summer” from their respective college campuses where they continue to pursue their degrees in Fine Arts. The eclectic mix of performances at this concert will include Caitlin Barney with selections from her new Celtic CD, Amber Carpenter, a member of the Young Americans, home from their European Tour, Elaine Fitzpatrick, Las Vegas professional vocalist offering selections by Cole Porter and Amber Parle, attending UC Davis, with selections from musical theater. Favorites Sharon Rizzo, cellist with the Redlands Symphony and Alicia and Tawny Williams, the “Violin Twins” will perform selections by Vivaldi and Dvorak for classical music fans. Also on the program is a duet featuring the vocal talent of Suzy Carpenter and her daughter. These performers and a few surprise selections will round out the afternoon of music to please everyone’s taste.

As part of the very popular “Dinner Theater” originated by the Arts Council, a delightful special dinner by Chef Thomas, assisted by Sous Chef, Robert, will be served after the concert for those who want to enjoy the ambience of the Mansion’s beautiful dining room.

The cost is $20 for the concert, which begins at 3:00 pm, and $25 for dinner, which immediately follows the performance. Selections from the Mansion’s excellent regular menu are served. Reservations are required and can be made at 909-585-5916.

Proceeds from these concerts support the arts in our community, as well as in our schools.

El Pollo Loco Now in Big Bear

The nation’s flame-grilled leader celebrates its 30th anniversary, bringing its citrus-marinated, flame-grilled goodness to Southern California’s favorite mountain getaway! COSTA MESA, CA – May 14, 2010 – Following much anticipation around the flame-grilled leader’s arrival, El Pollo Loco will open its doors at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 in Big Bear Lake. This is Big Bear Valley’s first El Pollo Loco. The new restaurant is the first El Pollo Loco for franchise partner, Pollo Loco Big Bear, Inc. Located at 41383 Big Bear Blvd. on the corner of Big Bear Blvd. and Conklin Avenue, the new restaurant is approximately 2,900 square feet and offers bright, comfortable seating for 68 guests. The restaurant employs approximately 30 new hires from the local community and is open seven days a week, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Drive-thru service is offered, along with dine-in and take-out service. Catering for special events and celebrations is also available. Big Bear Valley’s first El Pollo Loco restaurant highlights the chain’s fresh, citrus-marinated chicken and Carne Asada style Sirloin steak cooking on the grill and features an open dining area with flexible seating and a cozy fireplace that encourage customers to relax and enjoy the El Pollo Loco dining experience. A self-serve salsa bar is also available so guests can easily customize their menu selections with any combination of El Pollo Loco’s signature salsas. All are prepared fresh every day. “We are thrilled to bring the people of Big Bear Valley our fresh, natural, citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken, as well as a wide variety of fresh Mexican entrees featuring our signature chicken and Carne Asada style flame-grilled Sirloin steak,” said John Toth, President of Pollo Loco Big Bear, Inc. “We think the people of this community are primed and ready for the distinct flame-grilled taste of El Pollo Loco-- flavor they won’t find anywhere else.” Founded in Guasave, Mexico in 1975, El Pollo Loco, pronounced “L Po-yo Lo-co” and Spanish for “The Crazy Chicken,” opened its first U.S. restaurant in 1980 and is famous for the unique preparation of its award-winning “pollo”-- fresh chicken marinated in a special recipe of herbs, spices and citrus juices passed down from the founding family. The marinated chicken is then flame-grilled, hand cut and served hot off the grill with warm tortillas, freshly prepared salsas, and a wide assortment of side dishes. Rounding out the menu are fresh flavorful entrées inspired by the kitchens of Mexico, including signature, grilled burritos, Pollo Bowl® entrees, Pollo Salads, tacos, quesadillas, Chicken Tortilla Soup and more.