It’s going to be a long Labor Day weekend here in Anaheim. This means it’s time to celebrate. I don’t know about you, but some good wine is exactly what I need right now.

If you haven’t been to OC Custom Wine yet, it’s time you take a short drive over there. On second thought, perhaps you should get a good friend to drive you. Or if all else fails, it would take you about 30 to 40 minutes to walk from our apartment.

The main reason you should go this weekend is because right now they have a Fingerlakes International Wine Competition Gold Medal winning wine ready for you to taste. Their 2007 Sonoma Cabernet Franc will be available until its sold out. They will also have the following wines:

• A multiple award winner: 2007 Central Coast Muscat
• A multiple award winner: 2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
• A multiple award winner: 2007 Central Coast Petite Sirah
• 2007 Napa Valley Merlot
• 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

OC Custom Wine allows you to blend their wines and will make custom wine labels for you. Check out their new tasting menu, as seen on their Facebook page.

Have you been to OC Custom Wine right here in the vicinity of The Crossing.

Photo Credit: OC Custom Wine

Comprehending the actual size of dinosaurs can be hard. An experience coming soon (Sept. 1-5 2010) to the Honda Center right here in Anaheim and in the vicinity of The Crossing will give you the chance to experience what it would be like to walk among dinosaurs.

Walking With Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular is a theatrical experience created by internationally renowned designers using 17 life-sized dinosaurs.

Performance times are the following:

• Wednesday – 7 p.m.
• Thursday – 7 p.m.
• Friday – 7 p.m.
• Saturday – 11 a.m. / 3 p.m. / 7 p.m.
• Sunday – 1 p.m. / 5 p.m.

Tickets to to Walking With Dinosaurs in Anaheim, California

Visit the Honda Center Box Office, call 800.745.3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

For fun, you can create your own dinosaur name. If you do, tell us what it is on Facebook.

The number of local markets grew 16 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to the USDA. Our state, California, has the most farmers markets in the U.S. in 2010.

Why Should I Shop at a Farmers Market?

• You can find fresher produce with more variety.
• You can meet the farmers, growers and creators of the products you choose to buy.
• The farmers receive more money when you buy from them directly.
• The local economy is supported.
• It reduces your carbon footprint.
• It’s a great opportunity to meet other people in the community.
• It supports sustainable community living–something we at The Crossing Anaheim value.

2 Farmers Markets in Anaheim, California

1. Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market
   - A certified California farmers market.
   - Open Thursdays noon to 7 p.m.
   - Located on Center Street Promenade and Lemon Street in Downtown Anaheim.
   - live music every week. See who’s performing this week.
   - craft fair, as well.
   - food trucks.
2. Euclid Farmers Market
   - open seven days a week 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
   - established in 2009
   - 525 S. Euclid Ave.
   - offer samples, according to a user on Yelp
   - items are averagely priced, according to Yelp
   - list hot items/deals on their website

1 Farmers Market near The Crossing Apartments

Henry’s Farmers Market is another option that is not actually in Anaheim, but is only 5 miles away from our new apartments. The closest one is in Fullerton. These stores can be seen throughout the entire state. They provide ocean-fresh seafood, natural beef, pork, lamb and poultry. Also, bulk bins, a full-service deli and natural and organic body products can be found.

Which one of these options have you been to?

Photo Credit:Ben

Alright, all you who live in Anahiem, did you know that a hot pepper shares the name of the city in which you reside?

If you like it hot (when it comes to food,) you’ve probably heard of the narrow and moderately hot vegetables called Anaheim peppers. But have you ever wondered how the name originated?

Once upon a time back in the 1990s–when you had big hair and ate Atomic Fireballs if you needed something spicy– a farmer named Emilio Ortega brought a variety of chile pepper seeds to the Anaheim area.

These particular seeds were developed by Dr. Fabian Garcia in New Mexico about 100 years ago who was seeking a chile pepper that was bigger, fleshier and milder. When Ortego’s seeds became wildly popular with the neighbors, he knew he was onto something good. He later founded the Ortega Chile Packaging Company,which was the first commercial food operation in the state of California. The Ortega name is still known today.

Anahiem peppers are green when young and turn a bright red as they mature. When shopping for them at Ralph’s which is less than two miles away or another grocery store within the vicinity of The Crossing Apartments, avoid ones that look soft or wrinkled and pick ones with deep colors. Many restaurants and cooks use them to make chile rellenos.

Varieties of the pepper are also grown in New Mexico, but tend to be hotter than those grown in California. If you’d like to see some ways to cook them, keep reading. Otherwise, hope this information gives you more insight into the area in which you live.

3 Delicious, Spicy and Healthy Anaheim Pepper Recipes

1. Forbidden Rice Succotash. If you didn’t know (I didn’t,) forbidden rice is a strain of Chinese black rice and is considered to be both food and medicine in China. It is much healthier and more flavorful than white rice. This recipe made the creator’s dad very happy.
2. Mexican Pizza. The sauce for this pizza is made with black beans. It’s not at all like some greasy, gut-busting kinds you’ll find at many fast food spots.
3. Farmer Market Salsa. This cook advices people to stay away from peppers with stretch marks because they are the spiciest.

Remember: the seeds of peppers pack the most heat, so remove them if you want a milder, but still flavorful dish.

If you have your own Anaheim pepper recipe, share it with us on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Badagnani

We’ve got some exciting news for all residents at The Crossing: live culinary entertainment from some big name chefs will arrive for our property in August.

Aren’t you excited? If you love food, I can’t see why not. Of course, maybe you need a few more details. OK. I’ve got them for you (and will have even more specifics soon.You’ll want to bookmark this site, subscribe to the rss feed or just come back. It would make us smile!).

The Big City Chef blog recently featured Hash Brown Potato Cakes.

Maybe you’ve heard of or watched Food Network’s “Private chefs of Beverly Hills.” Well, the stars of the show–Big City Chefs–will be providing our apartment community with fun and fabulous food. They do live chef demos, wine lectures and exciting hands-on cooking classes. Go check out their website for more information and to read their blog. We’ll have dates and specifics soon.

Do you think this is a good idea? (Let us know what you think on Facebook.)

This is surely a great opportunity for food lovers–one that is unique to our wonderful California. Who knows some other good food happenings in the vicinity of The Crossing or in all of Anaheim?

Photo Credit: greg.turner

Come enjoy a gourmet lunch on your lunch hour! Buffet style lunch specials include pasta dishes, pizzas, salads, garlic bread and a Chef’s special for only $8.75! Available Monday-Friday 11:00am-2:00pm

1070 North Tustin Ave Anaheim, CA 92807
714-575-0076

To everyone who has a pet, we know they are an extension of your family and you love to bring them everywhere you go. There are several events coming up in June that encourage the presence of your four-legged friend!

On Sunday, June 6th The Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook-off is a great outdoor event to attend. Come and meet GSROC (German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County) at this 26th annual dog friendly event featuring the Chili Cook-off, craft booths, food vendors, kids carnival, entertainment and more. GSROC will have wonderful dogs available for adoption and great merchandise for sale. The event is from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and is located off of El Camino Real & W. Main street in Tustin. Visit www.tustinchilicookoff.com for more details.

Also, on Saturday, June 26th there is the DAWG Walk, Pet Faire & Pancake Breakfast down in Mission Viejo at The Village Green from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. Leash up your dog to join the fun and festivities at the fields by the Potocki Conference Center, with a scenic walk on the beautiful Oso Creek Trail. This annual dog friendly event benefits D.A.W.G., Dedicated Animal Welfare Group and the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter. For more information visit www.dawg.org.

Sometimes when we go out to eat, we want to bring our furry pals as well. These great restaurants accommodate you and your pet so that you both can enjoy a treat together!

In Anaheim:
Knowlwood Restaurant – 5665 East La Palma Avenue (714) 779-2501

In Orange:
Café Capri – Italian – 320 E Katella Avenue (714) 639-5320
Lazy Dog Café- Eclectic 1623 West Katella Ave (714) 769-7020

In Tustin:
Bluewater Grill – Seafood – 2409 Park Avenue (714) 258-3474

In Yorba Linda:
Fitness Grill – Italian/Global – 18246 Imperial Hwy (714) 993-5421

These places are just to name a few…check out ocdogfriendly.com for information on many places to go with your pooch!

Written by: Krystal Lampignano

If you are looking for a serene place to relax on a beautiful day, visit our newly opened Citrus Lounge. It features an outdoor bar area with picnic tables and cabanas. Soon we will have fresh lemons and limes to pick right from the garden to add to your Mojito or iced tea – we encourage our residents to help themselves. Pomegranate trees will also soon be bearing fruit.Coming at the end of June is our Culinary Courtyard. This outdoor demonstration kitchen will be fully equipped with a barbecue, Viking cook top and myriad edible plants to pick and use in your dishes. Some of the things to be featured are: Guava trees, Strawberry plants, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage and Mint.

Be on the lookout for a Resident Newsletter to keep everyone informed with upcoming events and the latest Community news.

Written By: Krystal Lampignano