« Leonor's Vegetarian Mexican -- Valley Village style | Main | Stop-in Donuts vs. Starbucks: Sweet showdown »
June 27, 2007
Tasty characters
By Carol Rock
Siren of Valley Vittles
Ran into Joe Comella of Final Score at a chamber mixer the other night and we chatted over a beach-themed array of macaroni salad and corn dogs (caterers can do amazing thing to car dealership showrooms these days). I would wager there are only a few people who don't know Joe, a Santa Clarita host for nearly three decades.
His popular sandwich shop, long a staple on Lyons Avenue in Newhall, moved in the last couple of years from cramped quarters to the roomy space at Lyons near Valley Street abandoned by the departure of Pasta Grill. I think Joe moved so he would have more leg room, because when he's not making sure the deli items are fresh and made to the customer's liking, he's out working the floor.
In other words, there's no such thing as a quick stop into Final Score. You gotta check in with Papa Joe, that's just the rule. He goes from table to table, talking about the food, your family, the community, constantly keeping up a friendly patter that's earned him legions of loyal fans.
OK, the food does that on its own, but visiting with Joe is a fun pastime too.
A quick note about the ambiance. I'm not a sports person, but I do enjoy going into a place where the walls are lined with pictures of local athletes - both boys and girls - and the plasma screens are divided between the news and a few different games. It's like going into the den for a bite, because you know you're going to see a favorite uncle or cousin, whether it's on the wall or at the next table. Final Score is no place to hide, because it's the epitome of small town with a great kitchen.
Speaking of the food, one of the trademarks of Final Score is the relish they add to sandwiches - a fresh, crisp mix of tomatoes, kosher pickles, onions and vinaigarette with a special bite - you can even ask for it on the side if you're passing on the french roll and getting a salad. More than once, a hankering for that flavor has made me stop in.
Final Score's menu is diverse and long; there's no way to leave hungry, with the variety of sandwiches, salads and hot and cold entrees, pizzas and specialty concoctions. Yes, they brew their own iced tea (smile) and portions are generous. If you have special requests, bring 'em on, because customer satisfaction is at the top of the menu. You won't fight a server who wants to load your plate with fatty sides; it's the wrestling with your own cravings that will burn the calories.
Joe is pretty proud of being in business for 28 years as everybody's favorite sub sandwich store and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Like most restauranteurs, he hopes that the redevelopment efforts in Newhall will bring in more customers as the downtown changes and becomes more pedestrian and tourist-friendly. I know he's already drawing theater crowds, both actors needing a nosh before rehearsal and audience members looking for a good dinner that doesn't break the bank. Add that to the sports and after-work crowds and the Final Score is a win-win.
Nutritional Info: Final Score/23254 Lyons Avenue/Newhall/ (661) 254-6557/Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Posted by crock at June 27, 2007 3:16 PM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.insidesocal.com/MT/mt-tb.cgi/13864