They may be new owners of the
popular Cafe Merlot but Toni and Rick
Kraft need no introduction to most
RBBA members. Toni is the recently
retired CEO of the Poway Chamber of
Commerce and a well-known figure in
Rancho Bernardo and Poway and serves
on the board of San Diego North
Character Counts, an organization that
promotes and teaches good ethics in
business. Toni and Rick recently
purchased Cafe Merlot from the previous owner Tricia McCormick, who decided
it was time to retire from the restaurant business.

Cafe Merlot is tucked neatly into the Bernardo Winery where you can step into
the past right in the middle of bustling Rancho Bernardo and Poway. The Winery
is filled with quaint shops, a wine tasting room and thousands of knickknacks,
old winery tools and rusting farming equipment. It's a browser's paradise.

Toni and Chef Daniel Reynolds have prepared an enticing menu for breakfast
and lunch of delicously prepared homemade soups, huge salads and wonderful
sandwiches as well as pasta dishes and a variety of daily specials. You can take
advantage of either indoor or outdoor dining. The outdoor dining in midafternoon
is a wonderful rustic setting for a great get-away from the office.

Toni and Chef Daniel prepared an array of tasty hors d'euvres for RBBA
members and guests at the March reception including make-your-own roast
beef and pastrami sandwiches, salads, vegetable trays and a huge tray of
tomato brushetta. Don't miss the March photo album page for photos taken at
the reception. Our thanks to Toni, Rick and Chef Daniel for their hospitality.
Toni tells me her web site will be up soon, but in the meantime you can go to
RBPhoneBook.com or click here for a direct link to Cafe Merlot's Special Offer
and menu page where you can print out a $10 or $5 gift certificate to use on
your next visit. Their complete menu is also located there.

To view some photos from the luncheon click here.
Door prizes given away to the lucky folks whose business cards were drawn
included a large arrangement of beauty supplies as well as a $50 gift
certificate from the Salon at the Vineyard. Two $25 gift certificates from
Toni and Rick Kraft at Cafe Merlot and a $50 gift certifucate to Cafe Merlot
from Larry McIntyre of Legend Editions. If your business would like to donate
a drawing prize, call Cindy Reed at 858-451-3406 or email Mary Stanton at
marys@rbbusinessassociation.com

Your RBBA is now ready to begin its second year. In our first year we built
up membership to nearly 150. We put on 5 receptions, we instituted the First
Annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting and had 3 luncheons including our
Mayor Jerry Sanders, Mark Fabiani of the San Diego Chargers and the upcoming
luncheon April 17th with San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.
Quite a feat. We can't thank our first year Board of Directors enough for their
accomplishments in our inaugural year and we look forward to a very successful
year two.

Welcome to our new members! It's a pleasure to welcome seven new
members to the RBBA. They are: Adrienne French, Sunshine Care; George and
Gayle Slaven, George Plumbing; Craig Fortin; Pacific Western Bank; Leo Serakos,
Bernardo Flooring; Rick and Toni Kraft, Cafe Merlot. 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
Reed at 858-451-3406. The cost is $25.