Mondo Mongo's 

At last, food lovers and music aficionados alike have reason to head to Grover Beach, thanks to Mongo's, a natural foods restaurant and all-ages music venue that just opened up on Grand Avenue.

Mongo's (yes, named after the horse-punching character in the 1970s comedy "Blazing Saddles-) is the brainchild of former NFL Super Bowl Champion and Orcutt native Tom Rehder, who has teamed up with local chef Tim Boll and music-booking agent Dan Kitchen to create a venue that promises to taste as good as it sounds.

From an all-organic coffee bar serving up fresh-baked goods early in the morning to lunch and dinner made largely with organic, locally grown produce and meats, Mongo's strives to offer food that is good for you and the community.

"We're committed to supporting the local, family farmer whenever possible,- says Bolle, who previously spent four years running an organic foods catering company.

Menu choices include Hawaiian chicken wings, a Charter-Oaks cheeseburger on a home-baked bun, Thai chicken salad with peanut dressing, and homemade chocolate fudge torte. There's also a full-service bar pouring everything to whet your whistle, including several local organically grown wines.

But Mongo's isn't just an eating establishment. With its well-designed acoustic sound system it's also a place to see top-notch music acts in a sophisticated environment, "a music place for grown-ups,- as Rehder puts it.

Their grand opening act, which featured the country-rock band Poco, was such a smash that they actually had to turn people away at the door. We suggest you purchase your tickets in advance. Whichever way you buy your tickets, you'll feel good knowing that a percentage of the proceeds will always go to a local charity.

Mongo's will continue to add to their menu to offer quality and variety that matches perfectly with their music lineup. For more info, call 489-3639 or go to www.mongomusic.net.

FAST FACTS

SLO resident Michelle Shoresman is competing in the Ironman Florida triathlon on Nov. 5 to raise money for Enhancement Inc., a local nonprofit organization that provides quality-of-life assistance to breast cancer survivors. Shoresman, whose own mother died of breast cancer 18 years ago, is hoping to raise $7,680, a dollar for every lap she swims, mile she bikes, and turn she takes on the running track. For more info about the race, Enhancement Inc., or to be a sponsor, call 781-0466....

... Students attending Cuesta College can now earn their teaching credential or bachelor's degree right on the school's SLO and North County campuses, thanks to an educational partnership with four accredited California Universities. The program is designed to meet the needs of working adults by offering accelerated evening classes supported by local academic advisers and university representatives. Cuesta College is thrilled to offer this opportunity to its students and the community. For more info call 546-3116 or go to www.cuesta.edu/campus/univpart/....

... Hearst Castle has announced that it will offer a 10 percent discount on several of its tours to all Senior Citizens and AAA members. In addition, a 10 percent discount will be offered for any food or beverage item purchase and all retail purchases over $10 will receive a 25 percent discount. Come to the Castle with proof of age or AAA membership and enjoy the savings. For more info, call 444-4445 or go to www.hearstcastle.com.

CORRECTION

Please forgive us for sending you to the Green Earth Expo last weekend. We made a mistake. The Expo, which is held at the SLO Vets Hall, is this weekend, Oct. 15. If you want to know more (and we promise you, this info is all right), turn to page 55 and read the Detours piece written by Katie Renz. Then go to the Expo and find out how easy it is to be green.

New Times contributor Alice Moss compiled this week's Strokes & Plugs. E-mail her at [email protected]