‘Tis the season for sales, something that...

‘Tis the season for sales, something that seems never to go unnoticed by the folks at Mandell’s Liquor & Wine Shop in Ventura. As has been the case for many a holiday season, the shop’s extensive wine selection has been discounted through Jan. 2.

Amy Capper, general manger of the shop, said the sale tends to attract the wine connoisseurs in the area. “Our regulars just come in looking for high-quality, high-priced wines that are 20% off,” she said. “We have people coming in spending hundreds of dollars. Sometimes people buy $1,500 or $1,600 worth of wine.”

As for the average customer, Capper said: “They come in, find out there’s a sale, and say, ‘Hey, I’ll get some more.’ ” Mandell’s is at 3915 Telegraph Road.

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Peruvian cuisine has arrived in Ojai, courtesy of the month-old Papagallo’s restaurant, a sibling of the well-respected Santa Barbara establishment of the same name. The Ojai restaurant is adjacent to the Ojai Playhouse on Ojai Avenue, in the spot formerly occupied by the Cabo Grill, and MK’s before that.

Husband-and-wife owners Laura and Jorge Ricci are featuring the same menu as at the Santa Barbara establishment. “A lot of typical dishes from Peru,” Laura said. “Paellas, tamales, vegetarian dishes upon request. Everything is made from scratch.”

The restaurant is open 5 to 10 p.m. seven days a week, with music and dancing on the weekends. “We’ll have South American, Brazilian and salsa” music, Laura said, “and maybe some ballroom dancing.”

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If you’re looking to do-it-yourself this holiday season, the Lov At First Bite chocolate shop in Simi Valley is holding a free candy-making class Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Students will learn chocolate molding and other candy basics. Class size is limited, so call 584-9108 to save a spot. The shop is at 5716 E. Los Angeles Ave.

Tip: If you do it yourself, you get to lick the bowl.