By webmaster Larry McIntyre

A short time ago they were just a couple of
Rancho Bernardo kids. They graduated from Rancho
Bernardo High School in 1996, went to college and
started their careers. They loved going up north to
the wine country and became, over time, wine
connoisseurs. Then it happened. They got the
entrepreneurial urge. They took the best ideas from restaurants and bistros in
Northern California, bit the bullet and opened the wonderful new hot spot in
town, The Barrel Room Wine Bar and Bistro, in the plaza in their hometown of
Rancho Bernardo.

Zak Higson and Grant Tondro, owners of The Barrel Room, were the gracious
hosts for our February reception. Also hosting was the Bistro's General Manager
and brother of Zak, Nate Higson, a 1999 Rancho Bernardo High School graduate.
We enjoyed a wonderful evening of wine and sampled tasty dishes such as spicy
lamb chops, Duck quesadillas. bacon-wrapped dates, fried ravioli and more.

The decor is wonderful. A small but comfy wine bar and a terrific area of big
soft leather couches and chairs is perfect for an after-work wind-down with a
glass of wine and tasty hors d'oeuvres. The dining room is comfortable and the
food is delicious. There is also an outdoor patio for dining in the fresh air. The
Barrel Room is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Thanks again to
our hosts for the evening – Zak, Grant and Nate. Go to the photo album to see
photo highlights of the evening.

Door prizes given away to the lucky folks whose business cards were drawn
included a beautiful flower arrangement from Debbie Morales of Holiday Flowers,
a gift basket from Romance where everyday is Valentine's Day. A watch/gift
package from Fred Nasseri of Unicorn Jewelry. A Bernard'O' Restaurant gift
certificate from Larry McIntyre of Legend Editions in celebration of the Original
Community Phone Book going online at RBPhoneBook.com. Thanks to all the
businesses that donated gifts. If your business would like to donate a drawing
prize, please call Cindy Reed at 858-451-3406 or you can email Mary Stanton
at marys@rbbusinessassociation.com

Welcome to our new members! It's with a great deal of pleasure that we
welcome seven new members to the RBBA. They are: Marilyn Murlowski; Matt
Carey; Vivi-Anne Riordan, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage; Erin Gerlitzki,
Hilton Garden Inn; Mary Davis, M. Davis Financial; Mario Zanelli; Diane Serakos-
Anderson, Walters and Ward. Be sure to welcome them all the next time you
see them.

If you would like a business booth for your company at the next function,
simply email Mary Stanton at marys@rbbusinessassociation.com or call Cindy
Creed at 858-451-3406. The cost is $25.