Blog - Frank Motors

Congratulations to the Mommy and Me Contest Winner!

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Elise Fornaca Posted in Community News, Frank Motors Group, UT San Diego Leave a comment

Mother’s Day is one of the most important holidays of the year because we have the opportunity to celebrate one of the most important people in our lives, our Mom. This holiday is very special to the Frank Motors Group, serving San Deigo, so they teamed up with the Union Tribune to sponsor the “Mommy and Me” Photo Contest.

To celebrate the unique bond between Mother and child, San Diegan’s voted on their favorite Mother’s Day photos that were submitted. Among the thousands of adorable photos presented, one stood out from the rest and that was Jocelyn Cabrera’s photo. Her winning photo not only captured the precious moment of her with her child wearing her graduation cap, but also won a $500 Makeover that included hair and makeup by the prestigious Swagg salon, plus a $200 gift cad from Visa. Frank Motors is excited to present Jocelyn with this first place award for the best “Mommy and Me” photo moment. We hope you enjoy, Jocelyn, you deserve it!

Thank you for all those who submitted their photos and thank you to all of the moms out there for being so amazing!

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Wins Multiple Awards

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Elise Fornaca Posted in Frank Hyundai, Hyundai News Leave a comment

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport has been turning heads and racking up awards since its release during the fourth quarter of 2012. Each of the awards it has been honored can attest to the all-around quality of the Santa Fe Sport, which make it the perfect vehicle for any occasion.

One of Ward’s 10 Best Interiors

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport’s upscale and highly-functional interior was acknowledged by the editors of WardsAuto, which named it to this year’s Ward’s 10 Best Interiors list. “The latest version of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the essence of a midsize family CUV: well-crafted, tastefully appointed and affordable, despite a decidedly upscale look and feel,” said Tom Murphy, executive editor, WardsAuto. The Editors have been studying the vehicles since February, selecting 10 winners from a filed of 46 vehicles with new or significantly refreshed interiors. The 2013 Santa Fe Sport features a flowing interior look designed for passenger functionality and comfort. From heater rear seats and available eight-way power driver seat, to a standard 40:20:40 folding-rear seat back, the vehicle boats flexibility and functionality for all. Cloth seating is a YES Essentials® seat fabric treatment provides soil-resistant, anti-odor and anti-static properties for livability to keep your vehicle clean on whatever adventure you decided to take. The 2013 Santa Fe Sport also offers optional panoramic sun roof and premium window switch trim, along with heated steering wheel and sliding second row. Hyundai Santa Fe designers wanted to make sure that first-class touches were available to you; so with 2.4 liter models and Turbo models, you can option to include a push-button starter with proximity key and LCD screen. All of the above are what make the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport not only one of Ward’s 10 Best Interiors, but also a great car for any occasion.

Best In Class Winter SUV/Crossover under $28,000 by New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA)

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport also won Best in Class by NEMPA Annual Winter Vehicle Awards, which honor the best trucks, cars, crossovers and SUVs for handling winter driving conditions. “The Santa Fe Sport is an exceptional vehicle with strong performance from a choice of four-cylinder engines and an all-wheel drive system that meets any challenges thrown at it…It’s good fuel economy also make it a smart choice for consumers, which is why we named it Best in Class SUV/Crossover under $28,000,” said Keith Griffin, NEMPA president. Whether you are trekking up through the mountains, or flying through the sands in Baja, you can be sure that the 2013 Santa Fe Sport will get you there safe and sound, while still leaving room your wallet to go on amazing adventures and create wonderful memories.

But that’s not all…

The Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) name the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport “Best Compact CUV” during the 2013 Mudfest competition in Snoqualmie, Washington this past year. Additionally, it has won “Best New Crossover” in the Midsize and Large Crossover category in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine and “Crossover of the Year” by the editors of Autobytel since its launching on 2012.

All of this recognition is just proof that the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport can take you anywhere you want to go safely and in style at a price affordable to you. Come down to Frank Hyundai serving San Diego and see what all the hype is really about!

Buttercup Squash Nectar with Vanilla Spiced Run, Acai Berries, Fromage Blanc

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Elise Fornaca Posted in Recipes Leave a comment

“Floating on the Amazon River in an old wooden sailboat, I arrived at the hot, humid and rainy city of Manaus. You can’t even jump in the water to cool off without becoming lunch for the piranhas. Feeling under the weather, my local guide took me to the medicine man who gave me a bowl of deep purple-colored acai berry juice. For centuries, indigenous Indian tribes in the Amazon River basin have used the acai berry, a rainforest fruit known for its healing powers. Traditionally, fresh acai berry clusters are crushed to make wine. For sipping, I prefer to infuse a bottle of white rum with 1 cup dried acai berries, 1/2 cup cacao nibs, 1 tablespoon black peppercorns and 1 split vanilla bean. Refrigerated for 3 months, this makes the sexiest potion.” -Chef Bernard

Guyana

Buttercup Squash Nectar

Vanilla Spiced Rum, Aςai Berries, Fromage Blanc

Chef Bernard’s recipe for Buttercup Squash, Vanilla Spiced Rum, Acai Berries, Fromage Blanc from Guyana.

Serves 6

Squash Nectar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup minced shallots

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, cayenne pepper

2 3-pound buttercup squash, halved, seeded

2 quarts vegetable stock

1 cup dry vermouth

1 stalk lemongrass, split

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

1/4 cup heavy cream

to taste sea salt and freshly ground white pepper

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place squash on baking sheet, cut side up. Sprinkle flesh with brown sugar. Bake 35 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven. Cool. Scoop flesh from shell. Set aside. Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add shallots. Cook 2 minutes without browning, stirring often. Add cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and cayenne pepper. Cook 1 minute, stirring often. Pour in vermouth. Bring to simmer. Add squash, stock and lemongrass. Simmer 25 minutes. Discard lemongrass. Puree soup in blender until smooth. Strain through sieve into pot. Whisk in maple syrup, ginger and cream. Bring back to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

Presentation

6 teaspoons fromage blanc

1/4 cup aςai berries

1/4 cup apple juice

3 tablespoons vanilla spiced rum

6 sprigs chervil

In small bowl, soak aςai berries in apple juice for 10 minutes. Ladle nectar into warm soup cup. Drizzle with spiced rum. Spoon fromage blanc in center. Garnish with aςai berries and chervil.

2014 Toyota Highlander

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Elise Fornaca Posted in Frank Toyota, Toyota News, Uncategorized Leave a comment

Frank Toyota would like to welcome the All-New, Redesigned 2014 Toyota Highlander to San Diego! It is designed with the modern family in mind. Life can move pretty fast and the 2014 Highlander helps make every moment count. It’s refined premium interior comes not only with advanced safety features and the latest technology to keep you connected, but also plenty of cargo space for the whole family. It’s spacious interior seats eight, so everyone can experience the journey together. The Highlander’s improved performance and handling makes this vehicle the whole package for going places.

SLEEK AND STRONG EXTERIOR

The redesigned 2014 Toyota Highlander’s look is one your kids can’t wait to show off! It offers a progressive silhouette, lower roof line and sculptured side panels. But it becomes the total package with a newly designed rear lift-gate with one touch power open-close and driver selectable memory height settings.

REFINED INTERIOR

The 2014 Toyota Highlander’s interior offers your family functionality unlike any other. It allows you to stay connected, while creating memories on all of your adventures. It’s interior utilizes premium materials for an upscale experience, while still increasing its spaciousness to seat 8, so everyone can enjoy. 2014 Toyota Highlander at frank toyota in san diego This vehicle provides a versatile experience in which the second row can be designed as bench seating for three passengers or two captain’s seats featuring a collapsible tray with cup holders. Both the second and third rows have 40/60 split for more passenger storage and flexibility. Additionally, the rear cabin space increased by up to 34% for added storage. No matter what the occasion, the 2014 Highlander makes it work for you and your family. Designers added additional functionality with features such as Automatic High Beam System, Auto Cruise Control, Smart Key, Driver’s Seat Memory, Heated and Ventilated Seats, Heated Second Row Captain’s Seats and Heated Steering Wheel.

Finally, Toyota wanted to make sure that you can stay connected while the world around you while traveling on the road, so the 2014 Toyota Highlander comes equipped with the latest technology. This includes Toyota’s Entune® media system, which is an upgrade from the Display Audio System that comes standard in Toyotas.Toyota’s Entune® app suite comes with 12JBL speakers and an 8 inch display screen. The 2014 Toyota Highlander also offers Rear Seat Entertainment Systems for those long road trips with the kids.

Belgium Dark Beer Steamed Black Mussels

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Elise Fornaca Posted in Recipes, Uncategorized Leave a comment

“Down the Galerie de la Reine under a misty sky, I made my way to the landmark brasserie, Chez Leon. Walking through the door, one can feel the footprints of the souls who have eaten there since the mid 1800s. Moules frites are the house specialty, with a side of fries and Leon’s brew, a delicate beer with sweet-and-sour orange peel aroma. Dunking my bread into the broth of a pot of steaming mussels, I was transported back to a simpler time when you could hear horses’ footsteps on the cobblestone and the clicking of beer glasses in celebration of friendship.” -Bernard

Belgium

Dark Beer Steamed Black Mussels

Apple Wood Smoked Bacon

Serves 6 family style

4 pounds black mussels, beard removed, scrubbed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup diced apple wood smoked bacon

1 cup diced eggplant

1/4 cup chopped shallots

2 portobello mushrooms, stemmed, gills removed, diced

1 cup diced leeks, white part only, washed

12 ounces dark beer

1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 lemon, zested

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley

1 loaf sourdough bread

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Soak mussels in cold water for 30 minutes to purge sand. Preheat broiler to medium high. Cut bread into 1-inch thick slices. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Toast under broiler on both sides until golden. Transfer to bread basket. Keep warm. Transfer mussels to colander. Add olive oil to large stockpot over medium heat. Add bacon, eggplant, shallots, mushrooms and leeks. Cook 5 minutes without browning, stirring often. Add mussels, beer, fennel seed, lemon zest and black pepper. Raise heat to high. Cover. Cook 5 minutes or until liquid starts to boil. Uncover. Using slotted spoon, rotate mussels from bottom to top to ensure even cooking. Add cream. Cover. Cook additional 5 minutes or until shells open. Sprinkle mussels with parsley. Serve with toasted sourdough bread.

Recipe: Barolo Braised Lamb Shank

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Elise Fornaca Posted in Recipes Leave a comment

“Braising is a tried-and-true cooking method from Northern Italy, where Veal Osso Bucco a la Milanese is a traditional preparation. Humble, versatile and easy to prepare, you can add your favorite ingredients to jazz up this regional specialty. Bicycling through the rolling hills, I saw vast fields of maize being hand-harvested. This new crop of golden grain will be stoneground into cornmeal for polenta. Back at the farmhouse, we cooked polenta in a copper pot over a wood fire and blended it with local cheese and orchard fruits. Lamb shank can be prepared a few days in advance, and is even better when reheated.”

-Chef Bernard

Italy

Barolo Braised Lamb Shank

Stone Fruit Polenta, Hazelnut Gremolata

Serves 4

Gremolata

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup hazelnut meal

2 tablespoons minced parsley leaves

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested

Combine all ingredients in small mixing bowl. Set aside.

Lamb Shank

2 tablespoons grapeseed oil

4 1 1/4-pound lamb shanks

to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cups peeled, diced carrots

2 cups peeled, diced celery roots

1 cup peeled, sliced parsnips

1/2 cup peeled, diced rutabaga

1/2 cup chopped red onions

3 cups diced tomatoes

6 sprigs thyme

3 bay leaves

6 cloves garlic, crushed

1 bottle Barolo wine

1 quart beef stock

Preheat oven to 350°F. Add oil to large dutch oven over high heat. Season shanks thoroughly with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides to golden brown. Remove shanks. Reduce heat to medium. Add carrots, celery, parsnips, rutabaga and onions. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, thyme, bay leaves and garlic. Cook 5 minutes. Return shanks to pot. Pour in wine. Raise heat to medium high. Simmer 5 minutes. Add beef stock. Return to simmer. Cover. Place in oven. Cook 2 1/2 hours or until meat is tender and separates slightly from bone. Using slotted spoon, gently transfer shanks to baking dish large enough to hold them all. Transfer vegetables from broth to small skillet. Cover. Place pot on stove top over medium heat. Reduce broth by two thirds. Skim and discard fat from sauce. Strain through fine sieve into baking dish with shanks. Sprinkle shanks with gremolata. Bake shanks and vegetables 10 minutes.

Polenta

1/2 cup diced sun dried plums

1/4 cup dried cherries

1/4 cup diced dried apricots

1/2 cup apple juice

3 cups vegetable stock

pinch saffron threads

1 cup fine cornmeal

1/2 cup goat cheese

to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Toss plums, cherries and apricots with apple juice in small bowl. Set aside. Add stock and saffron to sauce pot over medium heat. Bring to simmer. Slowly stir in cornmeal. Return to simmer. Cook, stirring constantly until thickened to the consistency of mashed potatoes. Thin with more vegetable stock if necessary. Fold in goat cheese and fruit mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Presentation

1 tablespoon truffle oil

6 sprigs lemon thyme

Scoop polenta in center of warm shallow pasta plate. Place shank beside polenta. Arrange vegetables around shank. Spoon sauce onto plate. Drizzle with truffle oil. Garnish with thyme.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Vehicle

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Elise Fornaca Posted in Frank Motors Service, Frank Scion, Frank Subaru, Frank Toyota, Frank Used Car Center, Subaru Service, Toyota Service Leave a comment

So you just bought a car, and whether is it new or used, that is easily one of the most exciting day you’ve had all month, maybe even year. It’s exciting not only because it’s your new car, but also because you just made a huge investment in you’re future. You want your vehicle to last, right? Well, keeping your vehicle properly maintained is the number one way you can do that.

Maintaining your vehicle ensures lengthening its life and optimizing fuel economy you so it will keep you going for years to come. Having your vehicle regularly maintained, also ensures that there is no damage and it keeps you and any of your passengers safe on the road.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD CHECK UP?

Be sure to take your vehicle into the Frank Motors service department to give your car a good, thorough check up that includes a variety of procedures that help keep your car healthy. Why is this so important? Getting the engine air filter cleaned is important because when it gets clogged, it dramatically lessens the fuel economy of your vehicle. This means that you will not be getting your money’s worth at the gas station and your car will need to work that much harder to get you to where you want to be. Having your break pads changed and the rotors inspected is especially important because it ensures the safety of your loved ones while driving. Additionally, having your tires rotated guarantees that you have even tire wear. This elongates the life of your vehicle and helps to maintain good fuel economy. It also allows for a safe drive along the roads.

FUN FACT! A good way to test the wear on your tires at home is with the penny test! Take a penny and put it in the tire tread with the President’s head down. If you can see the President Lincoln’s neck and up, you need new tires.

The Reason: Under the tire tread, there are “wear bars” that determine how much wear and tear has been caused to the tires. Once you hit the wear bar, it means its time for new tires. The penny trick is a good at-home tool for measuring the depth of your tire’s tread and letting you know when its time to take your car in to Frank Motors for service.

OIL CHANGE

But, the most important rule of vehicle maintenance is the OIL CHANGE.

Dirty engine oil creates friction and causes the engine to work harder to get you where you need to be. The harder it works, the worse your fuel economy will be, eventually causing your car to give up altogether and break down. This is not something you were expecting that day you purchased it, was it? A regular oil change will prevent this from ever happening. What is considered “regular?” It differs based on whether you purchased the car new or used. For used vehicles, you should get an oil change around every 3,000 miles and for new vehicles, around every 5,000 miles. Frank Motors Service Department recommends that you come in for an oil change every 3,750 miles, no matter your vehicle, just to be safe.

VISIT FRANK FOR SERVICE!

Frank Motors offers a variety of different services to make sure that your vehicle is properly maintained. At Frank Toyota, we offer a $19.95 oil change because we want to make it quick, easy and inexpensive for you to ensure your vehicle’s healthy life. Additionally, Toyota Care offers 1 year free maintenance on your Toyota vehicle. Frank Motors Fast Lane Service ensures that you can get your car fixed up and back to you as fast as possible. At Frank, we understand the importance of vehicle maintenance, so we offer service at all of our locations—Frank Toyota and Scion, Frank Subaru, Frank Used Car Center, Frank Hyundai and Eqqus. However, if you do not own a vehicle of these make or model, not to worry! Frank Subaru services makes and models of any kind!

So if you are looking to keep your car as perfect as the day you bought it, bring it down to any Frank Motors location on the Mile of Cars, in National City. Only 7 minutes from Downtown!

Frank Subaru and San Diego Subies Club Team Up for Fundraising BBQ and Car Wash

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Elise Fornaca Posted in Community News, Frank Subaru, Frank Used Car Center Leave a comment

On Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Frank Used Car Center in National City, the San Diego Subies club (a club for all of those in San Diego who own and love their Subaru’s) and Frank Subaru will team up to sponsor a Fundraising BBQ and Car Wash for one of San Diego Subies very own, Valerie Andersen.

Valerie is a family member of a deployed San Diego Subies club member, who suffered a massive stroke that completely cut off all function from her left carotid artery due to a blood clot. While in surgery, neurosurgeons were unable to retrieve the blood clot and as a result, her brain swelled. Due to her stroke and the swelling that followed, Valerie has lost all neurological command functions and has recently been placed in Hospice care. Valerie’s main passions in life are her family and her small business. She has two children, Danny, 14 and Trina, 18 with her husband of 19 years, Neil. She fulfilled her life long dream of owning her own salon; however, because of all the medical bills, her salon, where all her family’s resources lie, will not survive.

“The community of National City is a family, so when someone is in need it is important to get the community together and lend our support in any way we can,” says Frank Subaru General Manager Ron Fornaca.

Like Valerie, Frank Subaru (family owned and operated) and the San Diego Subies club (a family themselves) understand Valerie’s passions and dreams, which is why they are reaching out to help this family during this devastating time.This Fundraising BBQ will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at the Frank Used Car Center on the Mile of Cars at 2829 National City Blvd. National City, San Diego 91950 from 10:00am-3:00pm. There will be good food, good friends, a raffle and plenty of prizes. All proceeds will go to Valerie and her family for medical expenses.

Please come out and support Valerie and her family! See you there!

Alexis Johnson Third Annual Charity Fishing Tournament

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Jessica Bellman Posted in Community News, Frank Toyota, Uncategorized Leave a comment

Charity Fishing Tournament- Fun For a Cause

Frank Toyota’s General Sales Manager, Marco Fenelli and his fishing partner Justin Hanold, fished a charity event on April 7th at El Capitan Reservoir. The event was organized as a benefit for a young lady, Alexis Johnson, who at 15 years old found out that she had bone cancer.

About Alexis Johnson

In July of 2006, Alexis Johnson suffered a severe ankle injury which caused her to have surgery where nine screws and a metal plate were. In April of 2007, the metal hardware was removed allowing her to pursue her love of softball with an intent to pursue as a career. For some time after, Alexis felt pain in her right knee, the same leg she had surgery on. In February 2008, after pushing through the unknown pain, she made the JV Softball team, but was continuing to experience pain that eventually made her seek help at an urgent care facility.

Urgent care sent Alexis to Children’s Hospital the next day. On March 26th, 2008, Alexis was diagnosed with a type of bone cancer known as Osteosarcoma. Within a year of diagnosis, Chemotherapy, and 3 surgeries later it was decided that she would have to have her leg amputated above the knee. It is now 5 years later and she is a success story. CANCER free and following her passion to pass it forward and become a Pediatric Oncologist. She is well on her way (2 years) through schooling and is in need of a prosthetic leg that fits her and fits her needs.

Josh Sidley, a senior at Poway High, wanted to do his senior project to help make Alexis Johnson’s dream of a new “leg” come closer to a reality. He organized the Alexis Johnson Third Annual Charity Fishing Tournament to help raise money for Alexis.

Tournament Success

Fast forward to the winners of the event… Our very own, Marco Fenelli and Justin Hanold took first with biggest bass of the event 6.25#. Upon receiving their winnings they immediately turn to Alexis and handed their winnings over to her. It was truly heartfelt by many. Check out their winning bass below. Great job Marco and Justin!

Alexis Johnson Third Annual Charity Fishing Tournament

Frank Motors Sponsors 2nd Chance Prom

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Elise Fornaca Posted in Community News Leave a comment

On April 8, 2013, hundreds of guest gathered at the Andaz Hotel in Downtown San Diego to celebrate their second chance at going to Prom. KyXy 96.5 held this event, Second Chance Prom, so the San Diego community could have a chance to re-live their Prom all over again. But KyXy’s Second Chance Prom did more than just grant adults their wish to go back to their High School Prom night; it raised money to benefit the upcoming event “A Night to Remember,” which is a free Prom honoring student ages 14-22 with special needs.

Frank Motors Made it A Night to Remember

The Frank Motors Group, whose main initiative is giving back to the community, saw this event as their chance to give these students a night they will truly remember. The idea of being able to give these students such an incredible experience touched the members of the Frank Motors Group and they decided to lend their support in any way possible. In addition to giving a generous donation of their own, the Frank Motors Group supplied the Prom photos and backdrop where guests posed with their dates and good friends to, once again, create lifelong memories.

That night, members of the Frank Motors Group joined the San Diego community to celebrate their own second chance at Prom so that a student would get his or her first chance. “These kids deserve all of our support,” stated Gary Fenelli, Frank Toyota General Manager. “As a part of our mission at Frank Motors Group to support the community, we saw this as an opportunity to give back by helping ‘A Night to Remember’ with their fundraising and keeping their event free to the kids.” As he spoke, Gary smiled at the woman standing next to him, the girl he took to his own Prom many years ago, his wife, Francine. Gary, along with the rest of the Frank Motors Group, understands the true significance of Prom and are thrilled to help give these students a night they will never forget.

To find your photo or see how guests recreated their 2^nd chance at Prom, you can “Like” the Frank Motors Facebook page or visit the Frank Motors Website http://www.frankmotors.com/prompics/