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Pascal Besset, founder of Angel's Salumi & Truffles in Carlsbad and a chef with decades of European culinary experience, has introduced his newest concept Savory Farms, a gourmet "market within a market" designed to bring the craftsmanship and everyday accessibility of European food culture. After building Angel's Salumi & Truffles into a nationally distributed brand known for premium charcuterie, truffle products, and humanely raised meats, Besset set out to create something closer to home — a place where exceptional ingredients meet real-life convenience. Savory Farms embodies that vision with a curated selection of imported specialty goods, hand-selected wines, fresh daily breads, French-inspired pastries, prepared sandwiches and salads, and a robust assortment of high-quality meats, including wagyu, duck, venison, and other specialty cuts. Guests will also find the full Angel's Salumi collection and an extensive lineup of truffle products from the Maison F. Crayssac line. The market doubles as a destination for gourmet gifting, offering ready-made and custom baskets, corporate gifts, vegan and pork-free options, and nationwide shipping. What's Now The Timken Museum of Art welcomes the holiday season with its beloved Jewels of the Season installation, transforming the museum into a sparkling winter wonderland through December 31. This year's display features a glittering forest of decorated trees, a 12-foot centerpiece tree, whimsical topiaries, and a model train from the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Created in collaboration with San Diego State University's School of Theatre, Television, and Film, the exhibition showcases the museum's treasured collection of more than 1,400 handcrafted ornaments by San Diego artists Florence Hord and Elizabeth Schlappi — intricate works often compared to Fabergé eggs. Preserved and donated by Lynne Thompson, the collection now fills 11 trees throughout the museum, with ornaments inspired by city landmarks, tall ships, and even the San Diego Zoo's first panda, plus new additions that add fresh holiday magic each year. The Forum Carlsbad presents its 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration on December 5, from 6 to 8pm, featuring live performances, holiday characters, Santa's grand arrival, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and a magical snowfall finale. Enjoy photos with Santa, live music, strolling entertainers, festive treats, and interactive activities throughout the evening. Holiday fun continues all month, with complimentary Santa visits on weekends, a pet adoption event with Amazing Strays Rescue on December 14, and the nightly Christmas Tree Wonderlights show, illuminating the plaza every hour from 5 to 9 pm, from December 6 through 25. What's Next Oceanside will celebrate its dynamic culinary scene with the second annual Swell Plates Series, running January 14 through February 11, 2026. Held in conjunction with California Restaurant Month, the event highlights the city's creativity and growing reputation as a top dining destination, home to Michelin-starred, Bib Gourmand, and highly acclaimed eateries. Participating restaurants will offer a signature "swell plate" crafted with locally sourced ingredients — from harbor-fresh seafood to South Morro Hills produce — each marked with the "Season of Swellness: Swell Plates Series" logo on menus. This year's lineup features more than 18 standout venues — Michelin-starred Valle, Bib Gourmand Dija Mara, Michelin Guide-recommended 24 Suns, Odie's Pizza, Matsu, The Plot, Wrench and Rodent, and more — plus special Swell cocktails at The Privateer and Frankie's, showcasing female-led kitchens, plant-forward cuisine, sustainable practices, and collaborations with local artists and the Oceanside Museum of Art. SWELL PLATES: PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT OCEANSIDE ALL OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHY The Forum Carlsbad Savory Farms Valle, Swell Plates Series Jewels of the Season RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2025 31