Recently in Shoppin' and eatin' Category

Victoria Gardens and Bass Pro Shops aren't the only spots boasting Santa Claus.

Kris Kringle will make a brief appearance at the poinsettia tree at Terra Vista Town Center from 1 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 12. You can bring your own camera for pictures.

You might have noticed a large banner on Haven and Foothill announcing that WiFi is available. The old school shopping center seems to be getting new technology. The three hot spots are at -- Target and Big 5; Aaron Brothers; and from DVD Planet to Bally's. 

 

Is it harder to find a job if you're not into Facebook?

It seems like it, especially if you want to work for Nestle. The cookie joint is gearing up to open at the end of the year at Victoria Gardens. This sign is posted in front of the shop, which is across from Starbucks.

Several newcomers have opened at the mall, including Dukez (Men's apparel), Swee'Ts (funnel cakes and other carnival food), Raylight-Flashwear (clothes that light up) and Gelato Ice & Bites.

Two sit-down restaurants, Paisanos and Candelas, are expected to open at the end of the year or in January. Paisanos, an Italian restaurant, will be near AMC. Candelas, a Mexican restaurant, will be near Fleming's.

It looks like Victoria Gardens will have a Chipotle in the future. A liquor license notice is seen posted at a shop near Pinkberry.

Santa Claus, pictured here, will make his official debut at Victoria Gardens tonight with family entertainment starting 6:30 p.m. and a tree lighting ceremony at 7:45 p.m.

Victoria Gardens will be opened 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Wednesday.
The mall is closed on Thanksgiving.
On Black Friday, JCPenney opens at 4 a.m., Macy's at 5 p.m. and the rest of the mall at 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
On Christmas Eve, the last day Santa will be at the Santa Depot, the mall is opened 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The mall is closed on Christmas.

Bass Pro Shops is having its own party on Black Friday. The Great Turkey Campout starts 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving when customers will pitch their tents and camp out until Friday morning. Employees will pass out hot chocolate, coffee and smores until 8 p.m.
                                                                                                                    Thomas Cordova/Staff Photographer   

Jamba Juice, located at Victoria Gardens near Starbucks, will offer free flatbreads to the first 150 customers starting at 2 p.m. Tuesday. The new California Flatbread comes in four flavors -- Tomo Artichoko, Smokehouse Chicken, Mediterran Yum and Four Cheesy.

Everybody knows the 21st birthday is the best.

Celebrate it with Wahoo's, on 11561 Foothill Blvd., next Saturday starting 11 a.m. The first 21 guests will receive a special goody bag. Gift cards and coupons for free meals will also be handed out. 

Restaurant vacancy? What restaurant vacancy, asks Victoria Gardens.

Two sit-down restaurants are fighting the clock to open in time for the holiday season. Paisano, an Italian restaurant, is scheduled to open at the end of this month. The restaurant will open near the AMC Theaters, filling the void left by Sisley's in January.

Candelas, a Mexican restaurant with locations in San Diego and Coronado, is expected to open in January or earlier, said Masa Liles, director of marketing for Victoria Gardens. The eatery will take over the space left by Wapango, which also closed in January.

Peppermint, pumpkin and winter dream lattes will be free this Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The Holiday Open House offer is at all California locations.

Does anyone out there know what "winter dream" is?