February 2010 Archives
OK, after hearing and seeing the ads for years, and just over a year after writing a blog post questioning the advertising of something that wasn't available in this state, the curiosity was just too much.I finally tried CiCi's Pizza.
I happened to be in L.A. doing a little CD shopping and planned to stop on my way back in Chino Hills and check out the recently opened pizza buffet.
The verdict?
For the price, it can't be beat, especially now. (More on that later.)
Do they have the best pizza I've ever had?
No, but some of their varieties are actually pretty tasty.
Continue reading First bites: CiCi's Pizza.
How could I have forgotten about this one?
International House of Pancakes is giving away free short stacks of pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. today (February 23).
All they ask in return is that you consider donating money to support children's hospitals via Children's Miracle Network or a local charity.
The money raised by IHOP has grown by leaps and bounds each year, from $300,000 in 2006 to $1,300,000 in 2009.
Their goal is to reach a $5,000,000 for five years, which means they need to raise $1,900,000 this year.
Will you help? Your tummy will appreciate those warm, fluffy IHOP pancakes!
More information can be found here.
Happy National Pancake Day!
International House of Pancakes is giving away free short stacks of pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. today (February 23).All they ask in return is that you consider donating money to support children's hospitals via Children's Miracle Network or a local charity.
The money raised by IHOP has grown by leaps and bounds each year, from $300,000 in 2006 to $1,300,000 in 2009.
Their goal is to reach a $5,000,000 for five years, which means they need to raise $1,900,000 this year.
Will you help? Your tummy will appreciate those warm, fluffy IHOP pancakes!
More information can be found here.
Happy National Pancake Day!
Jack in the Box is promoting its new grilled sandwiches by giving them away.
All day tomorrow (February 23), the fast food restaurant is giving away either one of its new grilled sandwiches with the purchase of a large fountain drink.
Choices are:
All day tomorrow (February 23), the fast food restaurant is giving away either one of its new grilled sandwiches with the purchase of a large fountain drink.Choices are:
- Turkey, bacon and cheddar: Roasted turkey, bacon and Cheddar cheese, with a sun-dried tomato sauce on grilled artisan bread.
- Deli trio: Genoa salami, sliced ham, roasted turkey, Provolone cheese and pickle fillets with a creamy Italian dressing on grilled artisan bread.
TLC's Ultimate Cake Off show comes to the Fairplex tonight to celebrate the Los Angeles Firebirds' roller derby season opener tonight (February 20) against the Brooklyn Red Devils.
Three master cake makers will challenge each other to see whose creation will come out on top...and I do mean on top. Each cake must be at least five feet tall!
Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to taste the incredible cake creations.
The event is being filmed for broadcast later in the year.
Doors open at 7 p.m. The game begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available at the Fairplex or at the Firebirds' Web site.
Three master cake makers will challenge each other to see whose creation will come out on top...and I do mean on top. Each cake must be at least five feet tall!
Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to taste the incredible cake creations.
The event is being filmed for broadcast later in the year.
Doors open at 7 p.m. The game begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available at the Fairplex or at the Firebirds' Web site.
Of course, the irony in that headline is that the north Rialto fresh & easy has been a reality for, oh, about a year now.
It's only recently that the store has been stocked in anticipation of this morning's grand opening.
The opening went off without a hitch.
The crowd was abundant, but not overwhelming.
Rialto Child Assistance went away with $1,000 more in their coffers to help needy Rialto School District kids.
I left with two 12-packs of diet Riot cola for $1.98. Two bucks for a case of diet cola?!?
That must be the easy part.
Follow the jump to see photos from the opening.
Oh, and one more thing before you go: A little bird (Thanks, S!) did tip us off about the Calimesa store opening date. Mark your calendars now for March 24.
It's only recently that the store has been stocked in anticipation of this morning's grand opening.
The opening went off without a hitch.
The crowd was abundant, but not overwhelming.
Rialto Child Assistance went away with $1,000 more in their coffers to help needy Rialto School District kids.
I left with two 12-packs of diet Riot cola for $1.98. Two bucks for a case of diet cola?!?
That must be the easy part.
Follow the jump to see photos from the opening.
Oh, and one more thing before you go: A little bird (Thanks, S!) did tip us off about the Calimesa store opening date. Mark your calendars now for March 24.
Continue reading Rialto fresh & easy a reality.
We here at Dine 909 catch things from here and there and pass them along to you.
Yesterday, we received a fax from the folks at Inland Center regarding one of their tenants: Auntie Anne's.
You see, Auntie Anne's is giving away free pretzels from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (February 20).
Who doesn't like free pretzels, especially from Auntie Anne's? You know the kind...hot, fresh...you can smell them two department stores away. Mmm!
On Saturday, you'll have your choice of an original or a cinnamon sugar pretzel. One per pretzel-eater, please.
Of course, Auntie Anne's is also in Ontario Mills. In fact, there are two...one at each end. Perhaps if you get a pretzel at one, you'll have enough energy to walk all the way to the other one...where you can get another pretzel.
Other Inland Empire locations include the Cabazon Outlets and the Promenade Mall in Temecula.
For more information, or to get a text message to remind you (as if!) to get your free pretzel, click here or on the image above. While you're there, you can also find out how to enter to win one of 100 Auntie Anne's T-shirts.
Yesterday, we received a fax from the folks at Inland Center regarding one of their tenants: Auntie Anne's.
You see, Auntie Anne's is giving away free pretzels from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (February 20).Who doesn't like free pretzels, especially from Auntie Anne's? You know the kind...hot, fresh...you can smell them two department stores away. Mmm!
On Saturday, you'll have your choice of an original or a cinnamon sugar pretzel. One per pretzel-eater, please.
Of course, Auntie Anne's is also in Ontario Mills. In fact, there are two...one at each end. Perhaps if you get a pretzel at one, you'll have enough energy to walk all the way to the other one...where you can get another pretzel.
Other Inland Empire locations include the Cabazon Outlets and the Promenade Mall in Temecula.
For more information, or to get a text message to remind you (as if!) to get your free pretzel, click here or on the image above. While you're there, you can also find out how to enter to win one of 100 Auntie Anne's T-shirts.
Usually when fresh & easy opens a store, they send out a press release about it.
Their stores are eagerly anticipated. People want to know when they're opening.
Earlier today, fresh & easy sent out a Twitter message: So excited about our 3 store openings tomorrow! Northridge, CA, Ventura, CA & Phoenix, AZ (on Ray & 48th)
Then, just moments ago, another Twitter message: CORRECTION: 4 stores opening tomorrow! For all store grand opening event info http://bit.ly/dAKOdR stop by say hello, pick up some treats!
So, I looked. The store they left out was Rialto! Oops!
Um...thanks a lot, fresh & easy.
Their stores are eagerly anticipated. People want to know when they're opening.
Earlier today, fresh & easy sent out a Twitter message: So excited about our 3 store openings tomorrow! Northridge, CA, Ventura, CA & Phoenix, AZ (on Ray & 48th)
Then, just moments ago, another Twitter message: CORRECTION: 4 stores opening tomorrow! For all store grand opening event info http://bit.ly/dAKOdR stop by say hello, pick up some treats!
So, I looked. The store they left out was Rialto! Oops!
Um...thanks a lot, fresh & easy.
Continue reading Surprise! Rialto fresh & easy opening tomorrow.
Congregation Emanu El of Redlands is hosting their 12th annual Food and Wine Ecstasy beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday (February 20).
The event will be held at the congregation's interim synagogue in the Ford Business Plaza, 1473 Ford Street (just south of Interstate 10).
The evening will feature hors d'œuvre and wine tasting as well as sampling of gourmet olive oils, port wine and fine chocolate.
Martha Green, local culinary expert and entrepreneur, will conduct the evening's live auction along with David Cohen, Inland Empire Magazine Restaurant Co-Editor and Sun/Daily Bulletin food critic. The event will also include a silent auction.
Tickets are available for $35 per person presale or $40 per person at the door.
Funds raised will benefit the full service Jewish programming the synagogue offers.
Congregation Emanu El is the oldest Jewish congregation in Southern California. With full-service programming for young and old, a religious school, Sisterhood and Sabbath and festival worship services, the Congregation serves the entire Jewish community.
To purchase tickets and for more information contact Congregation Emanu El at 909-307-0400.
Mazel tov!
The event will be held at the congregation's interim synagogue in the Ford Business Plaza, 1473 Ford Street (just south of Interstate 10).
The evening will feature hors d'œuvre and wine tasting as well as sampling of gourmet olive oils, port wine and fine chocolate.
Martha Green, local culinary expert and entrepreneur, will conduct the evening's live auction along with David Cohen, Inland Empire Magazine Restaurant Co-Editor and Sun/Daily Bulletin food critic. The event will also include a silent auction.
Tickets are available for $35 per person presale or $40 per person at the door.
Funds raised will benefit the full service Jewish programming the synagogue offers.
Congregation Emanu El is the oldest Jewish congregation in Southern California. With full-service programming for young and old, a religious school, Sisterhood and Sabbath and festival worship services, the Congregation serves the entire Jewish community.
To purchase tickets and for more information contact Congregation Emanu El at 909-307-0400.
Mazel tov!
Nubi Yogurt is showing "Love for Haiti" by raising funds for the Haiti relief effort today (February 15).
As a delicious incentive, customers will be getting free frozen yogurt when they donate.
Here's how it works: For a minimum donation of $1, customers will receive a special Haiti cup to fill with frozen yogurt and toppings. It's that simple.
Of course, there are restrictions: One cup per customer and the offer is not valid with any other offer.
In addition, through the end of the month, customers can purchase and sign "Love for Haiti" hearts which will be displayed in the frozen yogurt shops.
The fundraising effort kicked off yesterday with a special "buy one get one free" offer at Nubi, while fundraising partner Ono Hawaiian BBQ donated half of all Valentine's Day sales of chicken katsu and Hawaiian BBQ chicken to the effort.
At the end of the month, all funds collected will be donated to the Haitian relief effort.
You'll find Inland Empire Nubi locations in Moreno Valley, Redlands and Apple Valley. For more information, visit Nubi's "Love for Haiti" page here.
Way to go, Nubi and Ono!
As a delicious incentive, customers will be getting free frozen yogurt when they donate.Here's how it works: For a minimum donation of $1, customers will receive a special Haiti cup to fill with frozen yogurt and toppings. It's that simple.
Of course, there are restrictions: One cup per customer and the offer is not valid with any other offer.
In addition, through the end of the month, customers can purchase and sign "Love for Haiti" hearts which will be displayed in the frozen yogurt shops.
The fundraising effort kicked off yesterday with a special "buy one get one free" offer at Nubi, while fundraising partner Ono Hawaiian BBQ donated half of all Valentine's Day sales of chicken katsu and Hawaiian BBQ chicken to the effort.
At the end of the month, all funds collected will be donated to the Haitian relief effort.
You'll find Inland Empire Nubi locations in Moreno Valley, Redlands and Apple Valley. For more information, visit Nubi's "Love for Haiti" page here.
Way to go, Nubi and Ono!
After pestering us for years with local television and radio spots, we're finally getting a CiCi's Pizza within driving distance.
CiCi's Pizza Buffet will open Monday (February 15) in Chino Hills, at 4200 Chino Hills Parkway.
The buffet will normally cost just $4.99, but if you happen to be one of the first 100 people in line on Monday, you'll receive free buffets for a year!
The announcement of the new 4,800 square foot restaurant comes nearly a year to the day since a certain blog post lamenting the barrage of advertising and complete lack of restaurants within California was written.
Of course, since then things have changed. The Chino Hills restaurant will be the third in the state, following a CiCi's Pizza Buffet in San Diego and a CiCi's Pizza To Go in Gardena.
CiCi's offers 18 varieties of pizza, including specialty pizzas such as Buffalo chicken, BBQ, Mexican pizza Olé, spinach Alfredo and macaroni and cheese.
Besides pizza, the buffet also features pastas, salad and desserts. In addition to the buffet, CiCi's will sell single-topping 15" take-out pizzas for $4.99.
I'm still a little curious to check it out, but for $4.99 for all you can eat, I can tell you I'm not expecting much.
CiCi's Pizza Buffet will open Monday (February 15) in Chino Hills, at 4200 Chino Hills Parkway.
The buffet will normally cost just $4.99, but if you happen to be one of the first 100 people in line on Monday, you'll receive free buffets for a year!
The announcement of the new 4,800 square foot restaurant comes nearly a year to the day since a certain blog post lamenting the barrage of advertising and complete lack of restaurants within California was written.
Of course, since then things have changed. The Chino Hills restaurant will be the third in the state, following a CiCi's Pizza Buffet in San Diego and a CiCi's Pizza To Go in Gardena.
CiCi's offers 18 varieties of pizza, including specialty pizzas such as Buffalo chicken, BBQ, Mexican pizza Olé, spinach Alfredo and macaroni and cheese.
Besides pizza, the buffet also features pastas, salad and desserts. In addition to the buffet, CiCi's will sell single-topping 15" take-out pizzas for $4.99.
I'm still a little curious to check it out, but for $4.99 for all you can eat, I can tell you I'm not expecting much.
Well, I don't know what they go together like, but two of my favorite things: The Ontario Reign and Mexican food, will be together tomorrow (February 10) at the Ontario El Torito, 3680 Inland Empire Blvd.
Reign players will be participating in a karaoke contest, signing autographs and posing for photos with fans from noon to 1:30 p.m. and again from 4 to 8 p.m. during their "Tip-A-Player" event.
El Torito will be donating a portion of the day's profits to the Hope Reigns Foundation, which is the non-profit entity of the Ontario Reign. The foundation is dedicated to providing children in the Inland Empire with educational and recreational opportunities.
A buffet lunch will be available for only $8.99 per person and happy hour will coincide with the players' 4 to 8 p.m. appearance, featuring half-price appetizers and $3.95 margaritas.
The restaurant will be serving a special blue "Reign Margarita" all day.
Reservations are encouraged.
For more information, please call the Reign at 909-941-PUCK (7825).
Reign players will be participating in a karaoke contest, signing autographs and posing for photos with fans from noon to 1:30 p.m. and again from 4 to 8 p.m. during their "Tip-A-Player" event.El Torito will be donating a portion of the day's profits to the Hope Reigns Foundation, which is the non-profit entity of the Ontario Reign. The foundation is dedicated to providing children in the Inland Empire with educational and recreational opportunities.
A buffet lunch will be available for only $8.99 per person and happy hour will coincide with the players' 4 to 8 p.m. appearance, featuring half-price appetizers and $3.95 margaritas.
The restaurant will be serving a special blue "Reign Margarita" all day.
Reservations are encouraged.
For more information, please call the Reign at 909-941-PUCK (7825).
Seems there's a special day for everything...even bagels!
Bet you never knew there was a National Bagel Day. Well, you're not alone!
I found a couple of reports online that indicated Panera Bread was giving away bagels today, but nothing on Panera's Web site, nor their Twitter or Facebook pages. So, you might want to take those reports with a grain of salt. Or a poppy seed.
Regardless, you might want to take time today to celebrate with your favorite bagel and a schmeer of cream cheese. Yum!
Mazel tov!
Bet you never knew there was a National Bagel Day. Well, you're not alone!
I found a couple of reports online that indicated Panera Bread was giving away bagels today, but nothing on Panera's Web site, nor their Twitter or Facebook pages. So, you might want to take those reports with a grain of salt. Or a poppy seed.
Regardless, you might want to take time today to celebrate with your favorite bagel and a schmeer of cream cheese. Yum!
Mazel tov!
Announced during the Super Bowl (as they did last year), Denny's is repeating it's colossally-popular Free Grand Slam event.
They're giving free Original Grand Slams from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow (February 9).
Of course, last year's giveaway drew lines around the building at most Denny's restaurants.
Expect the same tomorrow.
In addition to the Grand Slam giveaway, Denny's has other promotions lined up. Follow the jump to find out more.
They're giving free Original Grand Slams from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow (February 9).Of course, last year's giveaway drew lines around the building at most Denny's restaurants.
Expect the same tomorrow.
In addition to the Grand Slam giveaway, Denny's has other promotions lined up. Follow the jump to find out more.
Continue reading Déjà vu...Denny's offering free Grand Slams tomorrow.
Update: Joy Juedes over at the Redlands Daily Facts has done a story on the event. Click here to read her article.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Redlands is hosting the 16th iteration of its Chocolate Fantasy fundraiser this Saturday (February 6) at the Mitten Building, 345A N. Fifth St., Redlands.
The black tie-preferred event, which runs from 7 to 11 p.m., will feature hors d'œuvre, Champagne, live and silent auctions, dancing to a live band, and, of course...chocolate!
No one under the age of 21 will be admitted.
This year's event will featured food and drink from local providers, including Mill Creek Cattle Co., Hangar 24 Craft Brewery and Farm Artisan Foods.
This year's live auction includes a seven-day/six-night stay at Wyndham Ka'Eo Kai on Kauai, Hawaii; a gourmet dinner for eight (with wine pairings) by Farm Artisan Foods owner and chef Roberto Argentina; a six-day, five night stay (including airfare) at Westin Regina Resort in Puerto Vallarta; a limo ride for four to attend a live taping of CBS' "Two and a Half Men"; a pair of Trek adult beach cruiser bikes; and a Mexican dinner fiesta for fifty.
Among the dozens of silent auction items: a two-night stay at the Avi Resort and Casino in Laughlin, NV; a Saturday night stay with Sunday brunch at the San Bernardino Hilton; a gift certificate for Joe Greensleeves; a guitar signed by Kevin Costner via KFRG; passes to the Palm Springs Tramway; passes to Sea World; and an Ontario Reign luxury box suite from Toyota of San Bernardino.
Whew!
Proceeds from the event fund programs for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Redlands.
Tickets are $90 at the door or $75 in advance by calling 909-798-4599.
However, because you're a fan of Dine 909, we'll let you in on a little secret. If you're quick, you can get tickets from our friends over at SoCal Gift Cards for only $48.75. That's nearly half off the door price!
At the time of this post, there are 11 tickets left.
On your mark...get set...go!
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Redlands is hosting the 16th iteration of its Chocolate Fantasy fundraiser this Saturday (February 6) at the Mitten Building, 345A N. Fifth St., Redlands.
The black tie-preferred event, which runs from 7 to 11 p.m., will feature hors d'œuvre, Champagne, live and silent auctions, dancing to a live band, and, of course...chocolate!No one under the age of 21 will be admitted.
This year's event will featured food and drink from local providers, including Mill Creek Cattle Co., Hangar 24 Craft Brewery and Farm Artisan Foods.
This year's live auction includes a seven-day/six-night stay at Wyndham Ka'Eo Kai on Kauai, Hawaii; a gourmet dinner for eight (with wine pairings) by Farm Artisan Foods owner and chef Roberto Argentina; a six-day, five night stay (including airfare) at Westin Regina Resort in Puerto Vallarta; a limo ride for four to attend a live taping of CBS' "Two and a Half Men"; a pair of Trek adult beach cruiser bikes; and a Mexican dinner fiesta for fifty.
Among the dozens of silent auction items: a two-night stay at the Avi Resort and Casino in Laughlin, NV; a Saturday night stay with Sunday brunch at the San Bernardino Hilton; a gift certificate for Joe Greensleeves; a guitar signed by Kevin Costner via KFRG; passes to the Palm Springs Tramway; passes to Sea World; and an Ontario Reign luxury box suite from Toyota of San Bernardino.
Whew!
Proceeds from the event fund programs for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Redlands.
Tickets are $90 at the door or $75 in advance by calling 909-798-4599.
However, because you're a fan of Dine 909, we'll let you in on a little secret. If you're quick, you can get tickets from our friends over at SoCal Gift Cards for only $48.75. That's nearly half off the door price!
At the time of this post, there are 11 tickets left.
On your mark...get set...go!
When you head into your favorite Starbucks this Friday (February 5), you'll get a little something extra with your Caramel Macchiato.
You see, Starbucks will be giving out bite-size KIND bar samples at their stores nationwide.
And just what is a KIND bar?
If you haven't already found out by clicking the link above, it's a healthy snack bar that's billed as being made "from ingredients you can see and pronounce."
Sounds pretty sensible to me. They're also connected with a Web site that encourages random acts of kindness, which bodes well for their corporate culture.
Starbucks will be sampling two of the KIND bars they carry: Fruit & Nut Delight and Cranberry Almond+Antioxidants.
For more information, click here to read the KIND January newsletter.
You see, Starbucks will be giving out bite-size KIND bar samples at their stores nationwide.
And just what is a KIND bar?
If you haven't already found out by clicking the link above, it's a healthy snack bar that's billed as being made "from ingredients you can see and pronounce."
Sounds pretty sensible to me. They're also connected with a Web site that encourages random acts of kindness, which bodes well for their corporate culture.
Starbucks will be sampling two of the KIND bars they carry: Fruit & Nut Delight and Cranberry Almond+Antioxidants.
For more information, click here to read the KIND January newsletter.
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Fine and not-so-fine dining in the Inland Empire.
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