Try some sandwich platters from Subway

We’re getting close! Are you ready?  Let us give you a hand.

Snacks: CVS has everything you could possibly need for game snacks – sweet or salty – and drinks. Don’t forget the paper plates, napkins and silverware. It’s all here.

Dinner: It’s going to be a long afternoon and you want to be prepared. Check out Don Pancho’s for catering trays of your favorite Mexican dishes. Don Pancho’s is located at 285 N McDowell Blvd. Phone: 775-2474

Or how about grabbing a pile of hamburgers and fries from Burger King? Did you know that they will be giving out free onion rings during superbowl weekend? Visit The Plaza North Burger King located at 211 N. McDowell for more details. Phone: 765-0240

Did you know that a large Old Chicago pizza weighs 5 pounds without the toppings? Yummy for Superbowl Sunday!

Subway Sandwiches has a fantastic catering menu – including sandwich platters and giant subs.  February is also Subway’s FebruANY month, so all foot longs are only $5 each. The Plaza North Subway is located at 221 N. McDowell. Phone: 765-0240

Pizza Lovers will want to belly up to Old Chicago Pizza – and you don’t even need to leave your house – they deliver! Add in some fresh Old Chicago cookies and salads, and you have it made. Old Chicago Pizza Takeout and Delivery is located at 203 N. McDowell. Phone: 766-8600

Dessert? Not a problem. Brain Freeze Frozen Yogurt has you covered. Grab a couple of cartons of frozen yogurt and some favorite toppings and enjoy your own private frozen yogurt party at home. Brain Freeze is located at 231-B North McDowell Blvd. Phone: 789-9813.

Wait – you can’t watch the game because you don’t have a TV? Not to worry! Kmart has plenty of them! Come on down and get yours!

May the best team win!

Access our merchants directly from your phone!

Did you know that we have quite a few stores with dedicated phone apps?

CVS: The CVS App allows you to scan your medication refill, refill from your account, transfer prescription and view your prescription history. You can also find your nearest CVS, look at the weekly deals, and find the local minute clinic for minor medical needs. The CVS app even has a QR scanner.

Kmart: On Kmart Mobile, you can find your nearest Kmart, find out what deals are in the latest ad, find products. access a personal shopper, and more.

Massage Envy:  The For ME APP is your massage coach when you are on the go.  Find a Massage Envy location, create a customized massage, review your knowledge of the different types of massages, save your favorite massages. For spa users, you can also learn about the different types of facials that Massage Envy offers.

Starbucks: With the Starbucks Mobile App you can locate the nearest store, register your Starbucks card, check your balance, reload the card, collect rewards and pay! You can also save your favorite drinks and Starbucks foods, explore the different coffee blends, and use the bar code scanner.

GNC: The GNC App also has its own scanner, plus the daily deal which you can instantly share on Twitter, Facebook, by email or via text. You can set up your own account and get reminders to take your supplements. Your 20% discount gold card can be stored on your phone, you can see the GNC twitter feed and of course, you can instantly find a GNC store no matter where you are.

Weight Watchers: Now you can stay trim and fit wherever you are!  The Weight Watcher App allows members ton track and calculate food values, access recipes, create shopping lists, check point values of exercise, and much more! Non members can also enjoy certain features of the Weight Watchers app, including the featured recipes, the meeting finder, the shopping list and two sample interactive cheat sheets for our what happens to be our favorite food choices – pizza and cocktails!

Redwood Chiropractic is located at 225 N. McDowell, Petaluma

But don’t fret, we have you covered.

Dr Dao Truong of Redwood Chiropractic is having a FREE patient appreciation day this upcoming Saturday, January 28, to help figure out all those aches and pains and start the process of making it all better. New patients receive a complete consultation, examination and all x-rays free, plus a report of findings (a $450 value).  Appointments are suggested and begin at 8 am. Call 707 775-2545 for more information.

Redwood Chiropractic is located at 225 N. McDowell (right around the corner from Starbucks)

Click here to go directly to The Plaza North Facebook page

Here are some highlights from the last few weeks on The Plaza North’s Facebook page.

From Weight Watchers -  The Ten Foods to Always Have on Hand and an opportunity to sign up for the Free Weekly Email Newsletter.  The Plaza North Weight Watchers is located at 279 N. McDowell (between CVS and Kmart).

From T-Mobile – the Zinio App for on the go newsstand reading. The Plaza North T-Mobile is located at 201 N. McDowell (by Starbucks).

From Massage Envy – Deep Muscle Therapy. The Plaza North Massage Envy is located at 247 N. McDowell (between Kmart and Hobbytown).

From Subway – Three fresh fit morning melt sandwiches are each under 200 calories each! The Plaza North Subway is located at 221 N. McDowell.

From CVS – healthy recipes online and this week’s ad. The Plaza North CVS is located at 291 N. McDowell.

In a Dragon year, everything is magnified tenfold. And after the rather meat-and-potatoes Metal Rabbit year we just lived through in 2011, we are in for the ride of our lives. Commotion, turmoil and general hullabaloo will characterize the Dragon year ahead. As of January 23, 2012, better get ready to rock and roll — or else crawl under a rock until it’s over. Chinese New Year Astrology

Are you ready for some “general hullabaloo”? We are! The Year of the Dragon is kicking off in the next few days – hold onto your seats!

Why not start celebrating with some truly outstanding Chinese food? And where better than at Hunan Village, right here in The Plaza North.

Savvy diners have already discovered Hunan Village – delicious, well prepared food, great staff, and a beautiful, calm setting .

Here’s what they’re saying:

Best tasting chow mein in Petaluma- just like my childhood days in San Francisco Chinatown.  Friendly staff too. G. “Gilligan” W.

Second time return for togo. Love the food I ordered. I love spicy food and they made it spicy the way I like. Soup still hot when I got home. Price is decent and very generous portion. Will definitely return again or order for delivery. Strongly recommend this place for anyone who likes Chinese food. MK B.

love it, love it….no need to say more when you got the right food you ordered everytime. Will put this place on one of my favorite place for togo or dine in. Strongly recommended this place for Chinese food lover.  Price is right, too.  Miranda W.

Celebrating the New Year at home? No problem! Hunan Village does takeout.

Here’s the Hunan Village Menu.

Hunan Village is located at 295 North McDowell Boulevard (next door to CVS). Phone: (707) 763-7156

GNC's on the go blender deluxe makes smoothies and juices. Available on sale for only $29.99

Are you looking for the one appliance that does it all? The one appliance that is going to help you get a healthy start to the new year? Then look no further than the GNC On-The-Go Blender Deluxe.  It works as a blender and as a juicer and can even mince nuts and granola.

Introducing the GNC On-The-Go Blender Deluxe

In just seconds, make smoothies, shakes and more! The stylish and compact On-The-Go Blender Deluxe is designed to look great in any kitchen. The powerful 300 watt motor, dual speed option and pulse control delivers premium performance. Choose from a 20oz or 28oz cup to make and take your morning smoothie with you, just don’t forget the leak proof to-go lid, pick the flat lid with a straw or the no spill lid with spout.

Feel like juice instead? Simply add the 28oz attachment to the blender and to watch it work like a full-size expensive juicer! Mince nuts or granola in the 10oz chopping cup with ease! Made of food-grade stainless steel and shatter resistant BPA free plastic, you can be sure you are getting a quality appliance. All cups and lids are dishwasher safe – making cleanup a breeze!

15 Piece Deluxe Set Includes:

•  2 –BPA Free 28oz Cups
• 2- Leak Proof To-Go Lids
• 1- Powerful Stainless Steel Base with 300 Watt Motor
• 1- Ultra Sharp Stainless Steel Mixing Blade
• Includes GNC’s Custom Recipe Book with Healthy Delicious Smoothies

Plus These Exclusive Additions

• 2- BPA Free 20oz Cups
• 2- Flat Lids with Straws
• 2- Stay-Fresh Lids
• 1 – 10oz Cup
• 1 – 28oz Juicer Attachment
• 1- Ultra Sharp Stainless Steel Chopping Blade

The On-The-Go Blender Deluxe is only $29.99 through February 23rd and includes all the accessories you need for quick, healthy blending, mixing and juicing. It’s an all-in-one appliance at an unbelievable price.

GNC is located at 277 North McDowell (between Kmart and CVS). Phone: (707) 763-4772

Here’s the how-to video:

Let’s start at Afendi’s Turkish Grill, where you can find the Wedding Dress Soup – a hearty red lentil soup perfect for these winter days.  Ask for some of Afendi’s signature home baked bread to make your meal complete. Afendi’s is located at 299 N. McDowell Boulevard (between Bank of the West and CVS). Phone: (707) 763-1998

At Hunan Village, soup is on the menu year round.  At last count, Hunan’s menu included 14 different soups. Ranging from familiar favorites such as Won Ton Soup and Hot and Sour soup, Hunan also features noodle soups, beef soups and seafood and chicken soups. Hunan Village is located at 295 N. McDowell Boulevard.  Phone  (707) 763-7156

Don Pancho’s has a hearty soup menu of its own.  Served in deep bowls filled with meat, fish or chicken, these flavorful Mexican soups warm the stomach and the soul. Don Pancho’s is located at 285 North McDowell Boulevard (between CVS and Kmart)  Phone: (707) 775-2474.

At Fuji, the Japanese Miso soup is delicately flavored and delicious. Eat in or take some home for a fragrant meal. Fuji is located at 255 N McDowell Blvd (between Kmart and Hobbytown). Phone: (707) 778-8600.

For quick soup on the go, try Subway.  Every day the soup menu changes for a fresh and interesting variety. Subway is located at 221 N. McDowell, near Starbucks. Phone:  (707) 765-0240.

Every meal at Afendi's starts with a complimentary glass of Turkish tea

Every meal at Afendi’s Turkish Grill starts with a glass of hot tea.

But this is not your ordinary cup of tea. Imported from Turkey and fresh brewed at the restaurant, tea at Afendi’s signals the beginning of a magical and delicious escape from the world outside.

Here’s what happens: You enter the restaurant and remove your coat. You sit down and get yourself comfortable. Soon after, the tea arrives in delicate gold rimmed glasses with matching saucers. After adjusting the cup you carefully drop the sugar cube into the hot liquid. Then stir gently with the small Turkish teaspoon until the sugar melts.

The first sip. Then a sigh of relief. Real sugar, real tea, real dishes. Amazing what this small ritual can do. It immediately removes the diner from everything that has happened up to that moment.  All cares are left at the front door, all worries are calmed. Nothing exists except the hot sweet tea and beautiful relaxing world you have just entered.

Chef and Owner Serdar “Joe” Besir pulling some freshly baked bread out of the oven

Afendi’s Turkish Grill is the creation of Serdar “Joe” Besir, a master chef who has 30 plus years of experience cooking in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Germany, New York, and now – Petaluma.  Afendi’s is not just a labor of love for Joe in the kitchen, but also an opportunity for Joe and his staff to showcase their legendary hospitality. Guests are treated well and attentively, and often Joe will come directly out of the kitchen to visit diners and to see how the meal is going.

Both elegant and comfortable, diners can choose from tables and chairs or banquette seating. There is a sense of privacy for the diners and we have found that Afendi’s is a good place for quiet relaxed conversation. Middle Eastern music plays in the background and adds to the pleasant, relaxed atmosphere

It's hard to go wrong with Afendi's Chicken and Rice

The two biggest roadblocks to trying a new restaurant – especially one that has an unfamiliar cuisine are usually:

1) “what am I going to order?”

2) “what if I don’t like it?”

These are valid concerns. At Afendi’s, the descriptive menu and helpful staff makes it easy to put together a pleasing meal, even for a first timer.  Are you a chicken lover? There are at least five different chicken dishes, including a chicken pot pie and chicken kabobs with rice.

Meat lovers will find plenty to enjoy at Afendi’s. In addition to chicken, diners can also try the lamb and beef or go for all three at once and order the mixed grill. Additionally, the Turkish food at Afendi’s is not particularly spicy unless clearly indicated.

The Kanafe comes to the table warm in its own pan

Afendi’s also has plenty of choices for non-meat eaters, including the salads, vegetable pies and our personal favorite, the Special Combination Appetizer Plate, which features an assortment of  Middle Eastern favorites, including homemade hummus and dolmas. Served with Joe’s signature homemade bread, it is a complete meal in itself, usually with leftovers to take home.

On our latest visit to Afendi’s, we tried the Kanafe. This melted cheese dessert arrives warm from the kitchen in its own pan. Sweet, thick, and slightly chewy, we couldn’t stop eating it, even while protesting that we were already too full for one more bite!

Afendi’s is located at 299 N. McDowell Boulevard (between Bank of the West and CVS). Phone: (707) 763-1998

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If you like to get your coupons online – Valpak, Coupon Spree and Money Mailer all have websites.  The same coupons that you receive in the mail are now available on your computer. Log on, find your city, choose your coupons, print them up and you are good to go!

Gold N Time Jewelers Owner Rob Chase and Carl and Chester from OADS admire the newly painted Sale sign in front of the store.

A few days before Christmas, we were strolling around The Plaza North with the camera, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the pre-holiday excitement.

We were walking between Kmart and CVS and came upon two artists finishing up the “Sale” sign in front of Gold N Time Jewelers. As it turns out, Gold N Time Jeweler owner Rob Chase had commissioned Carl and Chester to come up with a window painting design to advertise his pre-Christmas sale. Carl and Chester are clients of OADS, Old Adobe Developmental Services, and I think we can agree that they did a fantastic job, plus earning some money for OADS through Rob’s donation.

Rob and Captain Scott from the Salvation Army, Petaluma Corps

While we were standing there chatting, Captain Scott Schneider of the Salvation Army Petaluma Corps stopped by to pick up a donation from Rob for the Christmas meal program that the Salvation Army runs. Rob mentioned that just the day before, he and his wife had purchased and delivered Christmas presents for the women and children in the local battered women’s shelter.

We talk a lot about why people should shop Petaluma. There is talk about supporting local sales taxes, about creating local employment and even about our carbon footprint and the effect on the environment when we drive our cars.

Here is another reason, amply illustrated by Gold N Time Jewelers. Local store owners, employees and shoppers are very generous in this town to those in need.

During this Christmas season, The Plaza North hosted the Salvation Army Bell Ringers, the Boy Scout Christmas Tree Lot and the Highway Patrol Toy Drive and Car Seat Event. Our merchants and their employees have hosted food drives, clothing and housewares drives, cancer prevention cut-a-thons and walk-a-thons, and many, many more amazing and wonderful events that support those in need.  And our merchants and employees do this year-round.

A lot of great things can happen when you shop Petaluma!