March 2010 Archives
...let's see, are we forgetting anyone? Oh yes, the Inland Empire Food and Wine Festival in Ontario.
Ah...spring is in the air and food festivals are cropping up everywhere. Odd thing is, they're all happening in April.
These food festivals are great ways to sample items from local restaurants without having to risk paying for a full meal.
First up is the Inland Empire Food and Wine Festival, which is part of the Inland Empire Super Show. It takes place April 10 and 11 at the Ontario Convention Center.
If you're still hungry, the next day is Taste of the Pomona Valley at the Pomona Fairplex.
On April 22, you can experience a Taste of the Chino Valley at the Chaffey College Chino Community Center.
Two days later, you can have a Taste of Claremont at Taylor Hall in Claremont.
Follow the jump for all the details on these events.
Ah...spring is in the air and food festivals are cropping up everywhere. Odd thing is, they're all happening in April.
These food festivals are great ways to sample items from local restaurants without having to risk paying for a full meal.
First up is the Inland Empire Food and Wine Festival, which is part of the Inland Empire Super Show. It takes place April 10 and 11 at the Ontario Convention Center.
If you're still hungry, the next day is Taste of the Pomona Valley at the Pomona Fairplex.
On April 22, you can experience a Taste of the Chino Valley at the Chaffey College Chino Community Center.
Two days later, you can have a Taste of Claremont at Taylor Hall in Claremont.
Follow the jump for all the details on these events.
Continue reading Taste Pomona, Claremont, Chino Valley and....
Italian food lovers in the west side of the Inland Empire have two more choices for fine dining...one old and one new.
First up is the wonderful Paisano Ristorante Italiano, which used to be in north Fontana and has relocated to Victoria Gardens.
Their re-opening was delayed by a few months, but they've open for about a month now, and from what I hear, the new restaurant is more elegant than the last.
Dine 909 loved Paisano's in its old incarnation, but we have yet to visit the Rancho Cucamonga restaurant.
If you want to check it out for yourself, it's at 12574 North Main Street, near the entrance to the AMC Theatres. It's in the spot formerly occupied by Sisley Italian Kitchen.
First up is the wonderful Paisano Ristorante Italiano, which used to be in north Fontana and has relocated to Victoria Gardens.
Their re-opening was delayed by a few months, but they've open for about a month now, and from what I hear, the new restaurant is more elegant than the last.
Dine 909 loved Paisano's in its old incarnation, but we have yet to visit the Rancho Cucamonga restaurant.
If you want to check it out for yourself, it's at 12574 North Main Street, near the entrance to the AMC Theatres. It's in the spot formerly occupied by Sisley Italian Kitchen.
Continue reading Two more Inland Valley options for fine Italian dining.
There's not a ton of info on this, but Vegan Los Angeles will be hosting their "Vegan Cooking Show" at two local spots:
To RSVP, call 626-552-8394 or email info@veganlosangeles.com.
- Upland: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday (March 28) at the Loving Hut, 903-B W. Foothill Blvd.
- La Verne: 2 to 4 p.m., April 24 at the La Verne Public Library, 3640 D St.
To RSVP, call 626-552-8394 or email info@veganlosangeles.com.
No, not Loma Linda...yet.
Calimesa's fresh & easy opened its doors...oh, a little less than an hour ago. It's at 1126 Calimesa Blvd., just off Interstate 10.
Next up: The second Ontario location for the neighborhood market, at 2275 S. Euclid Ave. It opens two weeks from today, April 7. That'll be followed a week later (April 14) by the La Quinta store, 78-130 Calle Tampico.
Of course, still no word on the Loma Linda store or that third Moreno Valley store.
However, this Twitter conversation makes us think we'll hear something very soon regarding the former.
Of course, we've got our own little bird telling us things, so we'll be sure to let you know when we hear anything.
Calimesa's fresh & easy opened its doors...oh, a little less than an hour ago. It's at 1126 Calimesa Blvd., just off Interstate 10.
Next up: The second Ontario location for the neighborhood market, at 2275 S. Euclid Ave. It opens two weeks from today, April 7. That'll be followed a week later (April 14) by the La Quinta store, 78-130 Calle Tampico.
Of course, still no word on the Loma Linda store or that third Moreno Valley store.
However, this Twitter conversation makes us think we'll hear something very soon regarding the former.
Of course, we've got our own little bird telling us things, so we'll be sure to let you know when we hear anything.
Thanks to the anonymous tipster who commented on our Tillamook Cheese entry from last week letting us know that today (March 23) is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops.
The Scoop Shops are few and far between here in the Inland Empire, but we have a handful:
Once upon a time, there was a Scoop Shop in Riverside, but it closed a couple of years back.
Hey, anonymous tipster, you do know that Tillamook also sells ice cream, don't you? Are you a Ben & Jerry's employee trying to drum up interest? Ben? Jerry?
Free cones are available until 8 p.m. tonight. Enjoy!
The Scoop Shops are few and far between here in the Inland Empire, but we have a handful:
- Rancho Cucamonga: 12513 North Main Street (Victoria Gardens)
- Victorville: 14400 Bear Valley Road, Space #729
- Palm Springs: 110 South Palm Canyon Drive
- Rancho Mirage: 71800 Hwy 111 (The River at Rancho Mirage)
Once upon a time, there was a Scoop Shop in Riverside, but it closed a couple of years back.
Hey, anonymous tipster, you do know that Tillamook also sells ice cream, don't you? Are you a Ben & Jerry's employee trying to drum up interest? Ben? Jerry?
Free cones are available until 8 p.m. tonight. Enjoy!
The Tillamook Loaf Love tour rolled into town Friday, bringing cheesy goodness to the Inland Empire.
One of three simultaneous I.E. stops for the tour took place at the Fiesta Food Warehouse in Fontana. Other stops Friday were at Stater Bros. markets in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario.
Today (March 20), the tour is scheduled to hit the following locations from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
A third wave will hit Monday from noon to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
Along with samples of the medium and sharp Cheddar Baby Loaf cheeses, they handed out recipes and $1 off coupons for Tillamook cheese. Yum!
They also showed off their modified VW Microbus, Yum 2.
Oh...and they graciously posed for pictures. See them after the jump!
One of three simultaneous I.E. stops for the tour took place at the Fiesta Food Warehouse in Fontana. Other stops Friday were at Stater Bros. markets in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario.
Today (March 20), the tour is scheduled to hit the following locations from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- Chino: Stater Bros., 4721 Riverside Drive
- Claremont: Sprouts, 835 W. Foothill Blvd.
- Ontario: Stater Bros., 1105 W. Philadelphia St.
A third wave will hit Monday from noon to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
- Rialto: Stater Bros., 571 E. Foothill Blvd. and 168 E. Baseline.
- San Bernardino: Fiesta Food Warehouse, 1578 W. Baseline.
Along with samples of the medium and sharp Cheddar Baby Loaf cheeses, they handed out recipes and $1 off coupons for Tillamook cheese. Yum!
They also showed off their modified VW Microbus, Yum 2.
Oh...and they graciously posed for pictures. See them after the jump!
Continue reading Loaf Love tour comes to the Inland Empire.
Our weekly lunch reviewer Elaine Lehman has written her 90th review -- congratulations, Elaine!
Elaine is a diner after our own heart...she loves to find cheap and good places to eat here in the Inland Empire.
The topic of her milestone review? Tio's Mexican Food, 16953 Sierra Lakes Parkway, Suite 114, Fontana, in the same center as Mimi's Cafe.
We always look forward to Elaine's reviews every week, even if she's never invited us to join her.
Perhaps she'll ask us to number 100.
Read this week's review here.
Elsewhere in the paper today, we get David Cohen's semi-annual look at highlights from San Francisco's Fancy Food Show.
Click here to read part one.
Elaine is a diner after our own heart...she loves to find cheap and good places to eat here in the Inland Empire.
The topic of her milestone review? Tio's Mexican Food, 16953 Sierra Lakes Parkway, Suite 114, Fontana, in the same center as Mimi's Cafe.
We always look forward to Elaine's reviews every week, even if she's never invited us to join her.
Perhaps she'll ask us to number 100.
Read this week's review here.
Elsewhere in the paper today, we get David Cohen's semi-annual look at highlights from San Francisco's Fancy Food Show.
Click here to read part one.
If you haven't yet been to Riverside's highly-praised Restaurant Omakase / Bistro O, you've got 'til the end of the month to give it a try.
That's because the founders of Restaurant Omakase / Bistro O will close its doors March 31 in preparation for their new restaurant, The Salted Pig, which is projected to open in early Fall 2010.
In a press release, Brein Clements, executive chef and co-proprietor with his wife, Roryann Clements, said, "We are sad to bid farewell to Restaurant Omakase / Bistro O, our labor of love over the past four years."
"But, we are excited for the opportunity to create a whole new restaurant offering for the community, one that can be described as a casual, inviting and 'whimsical' restaurant which will offer a quirky combination of a rustic pub and upscale steakhouse in both its atmosphere and menu items."
A farewell celebration has been planned for March 24 through 31 where Chef Brein will offer customers a glimpse at some of the various snacks and appetizers he has created for The Salted Pig's diverse, internationally inspired menu. They will be offered at a special price during the restaurants regular dinner hours.
That's because the founders of Restaurant Omakase / Bistro O will close its doors March 31 in preparation for their new restaurant, The Salted Pig, which is projected to open in early Fall 2010.
In a press release, Brein Clements, executive chef and co-proprietor with his wife, Roryann Clements, said, "We are sad to bid farewell to Restaurant Omakase / Bistro O, our labor of love over the past four years."
"But, we are excited for the opportunity to create a whole new restaurant offering for the community, one that can be described as a casual, inviting and 'whimsical' restaurant which will offer a quirky combination of a rustic pub and upscale steakhouse in both its atmosphere and menu items."
A farewell celebration has been planned for March 24 through 31 where Chef Brein will offer customers a glimpse at some of the various snacks and appetizers he has created for The Salted Pig's diverse, internationally inspired menu. They will be offered at a special price during the restaurants regular dinner hours.
Continue reading Haven't yet tried Riverside's Restaurant Omakase? You better hurry!.
Area T.G.I. Friday's restaurants are celebrating with 1¢ crispy green bean fries. Makes sense, right?
In addition to the appropriately-colored penny appetizer (with purchase of two drinks), they've also got half-price appetizers in the bar from 3 to 7 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to close and special prices on Irish drinks: Guinness Draught, Jameson and Ginger, and Irish Car Bombs.
If you're a member of their Give Me More Stripes reward program, you'll get double stripes on food purchases all day.
Inland Empire T.G.I. Friday's locations include San Bernardino, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Corona and Temecula.
In addition to the appropriately-colored penny appetizer (with purchase of two drinks), they've also got half-price appetizers in the bar from 3 to 7 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to close and special prices on Irish drinks: Guinness Draught, Jameson and Ginger, and Irish Car Bombs.
If you're a member of their Give Me More Stripes reward program, you'll get double stripes on food purchases all day.
Inland Empire T.G.I. Friday's locations include San Bernardino, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Corona and Temecula.
After lamenting the lack of Loaf Love for the Inland Empire a few months back, it turns out that Tillamook will indeed be bringing some Loaf Love our way this week.
They've added two several Inland Empire dates to the Loaf Love Tour:
It seems the modified VW microbuses will be flooring it in Fontana and steering into San Bernardino after all.
Unfortunately, no other Inland Empire dates appear to be scheduled during this "Los Angeles" leg of the Loaf Love Tour.
Coincidentally, on our trip to Costco the other day, we purchased some of that delicious Tillamook vintage white sharp Cheddar cheese. Mmm...tangy!
Did Dine 909 have any part in bringing the Loaf Love Tour to the Inland Empire? We'll probably never know, but we'd like to think so.
You can thank us silently as you sample that yummy Tillamook cheese.
They've added - Noon to 7 p.m. Friday (March 19), Fiesta Food Warehouse, 16950 Foothill Blvd. (at Sierra Avenue), Fontana
- Noon to 7 p.m. Monday (March 22), Fiesta Food Warehouse, 1578 W. Baseline (at Medical Center Drive), San Bernardino
It seems the modified VW microbuses will be flooring it in Fontana and steering into San Bernardino after all.
Unfortunately, no other Inland Empire dates appear to be scheduled during this "Los Angeles" leg of the Loaf Love Tour.
Coincidentally, on our trip to Costco the other day, we purchased some of that delicious Tillamook vintage white sharp Cheddar cheese. Mmm...tangy!
Did Dine 909 have any part in bringing the Loaf Love Tour to the Inland Empire? We'll probably never know, but we'd like to think so.
You can thank us silently as you sample that yummy Tillamook cheese.
Chipotle is opening its third location in Rancho Cucamonga next Friday at
Victoria Gardens (near Pinkberry). The first 100 customers will get a
free T-shirt and be entered in a drawing for a year's worth of free burritos. Chipotle is opened daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Greeks were famous for their pi.
Marie Callender's is famous for their pie.
Tomorrow (March 14) happens to be Pi Day (and, coincidentally, Albert Einstein's birthday).
In honor of Pi Day, participating Marie Callender's restaurants are giving guests a free slice of pie with a purchase of an entrée!
As usual, there are caveats: One slice per entrée, the offer excludes cheesecakes, and it's not valid with other offers, discounts or coupons.
The deal is only available tomorrow, so grab that π while you can!
Marie Callender's is famous for their pie.
Tomorrow (March 14) happens to be Pi Day (and, coincidentally, Albert Einstein's birthday).
In honor of Pi Day, participating Marie Callender's restaurants are giving guests a free slice of pie with a purchase of an entrée!
As usual, there are caveats: One slice per entrée, the offer excludes cheesecakes, and it's not valid with other offers, discounts or coupons.
Inland Empire Marie Callender's locations include San Bernardino, Redlands, Claremont, Ontario, Corona, Riverside, Victorville, Temecula and Palm Desert.
The deal is only available tomorrow, so grab that π while you can!
If a Ruby Tuesday closes in San Bernardino and there's no one around to notice, does anybody care?
Sad to say, that seems to be the case.
We get email here at Dine 909 from time to time asking about particular restaurants.
We got no such queries regarding San Bernardino's Ruby Tuesday, which closed January 30.
I probably wouldn't have even noticed had I not gone to Costco (which is across the street) and noticed the restaurant was dark.
I went by later and saw a terse note taped to the inside of the door:
Sad to say, that seems to be the case.We get email here at Dine 909 from time to time asking about particular restaurants.
We got no such queries regarding San Bernardino's Ruby Tuesday, which closed January 30.
I probably wouldn't have even noticed had I not gone to Costco (which is across the street) and noticed the restaurant was dark.
I went by later and saw a terse note taped to the inside of the door:
January 30, 2010
To all of our friends, guests and neighbors:
Regrettably, Ruby Tuesday San Bernardino will close its doors today. It has been an honor to serve this community.
If there are any questions, please contact our Temecula location at 951-694-0011.
Sincerely,
Ruby Tuesday
Continue reading Good-bye, Ruby Tuesday.
P.F. Chang's has always had a few items on its menu that were gluten-free. Now they have expanded their gluten-free menu.
They've got everything from an appetizer to a soup to fried rice to over a dozen entrées, including five new beef entrées.
All the items are gluten-free as prepared or have been modified to be gluten-free, and are served on distinctive plates to identify them from other items.
I can personally vouch for one of their original gluten-free items -- the flourless chocolate dome -- it's delicious!
Be aware that the gluten-free items are made in the same kitchen as items containing gluten.
Gluten-free soy sauce is also available.
Inland Empire P.F. Chang's locations include Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, Chino Hills, Temecula and Rancho Mirage.
Click here to see the entire gluten-free menu.
Follow the jump to see the menu, with prices.
They've got everything from an appetizer to a soup to fried rice to over a dozen entrées, including five new beef entrées.
All the items are gluten-free as prepared or have been modified to be gluten-free, and are served on distinctive plates to identify them from other items.
I can personally vouch for one of their original gluten-free items -- the flourless chocolate dome -- it's delicious!
Be aware that the gluten-free items are made in the same kitchen as items containing gluten.
Gluten-free soy sauce is also available.
Inland Empire P.F. Chang's locations include Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, Chino Hills, Temecula and Rancho Mirage.
Click here to see the entire gluten-free menu.
Follow the jump to see the menu, with prices.
Continue reading P.F. Chang's expands gluten-free menu.
Wienerschnitzel has begun offering a trio of fish-based entrées in the hopes of luring Catholics, who traditionally eschew meat on Fridays during the Lenten season.
Included in their "UnDer the Sea" menu are:
Chick-fil-A, on the other hand, is trying to make up for slower Lenten Friday sales by offering free food.
Why does Chick-fil-A have slower sales on Fridays during Lent?
Well, chicken is meat, which is a no-no on Fridays for Catholics who are observing Lent.
The vast majority of menu items at Chick-fil-A, not surprisingly, include chicken.
So how is Chick-fil-A making up sales? By offering to give you two meals for the price of one.
Here's how it works: Eat at Chick-fil-A on Fridays during March, and bring your receipt back any other day during March to get that same meal for free. The "March Mania" promotion is available at participating Southern California restaurants.
An intentional snub by Chick-fil-A's founder, S. Truett Cathy, who happens to be a devout Baptist?
Doubt it. Just two different chains using two different ways of "fishing" for customers.
Included in their "UnDer the Sea" menu are:
- Sea Dog: an Alaskan Pollock fish fillet, crunchy lettuce and tartar sauce, served on a bun.
- Fish Wrap: an Alaskan Pollock fillet topped with a combination of salsa and mayonnaise and wrapped in a flour tortilla.
- Fish N' Chips: two deep-fried fish fillets laid atop French fries.
Chick-fil-A, on the other hand, is trying to make up for slower Lenten Friday sales by offering free food.
Why does Chick-fil-A have slower sales on Fridays during Lent?
Well, chicken is meat, which is a no-no on Fridays for Catholics who are observing Lent.
The vast majority of menu items at Chick-fil-A, not surprisingly, include chicken.
So how is Chick-fil-A making up sales? By offering to give you two meals for the price of one.
Here's how it works: Eat at Chick-fil-A on Fridays during March, and bring your receipt back any other day during March to get that same meal for free. The "March Mania" promotion is available at participating Southern California restaurants.
An intentional snub by Chick-fil-A's founder, S. Truett Cathy, who happens to be a devout Baptist?
Doubt it. Just two different chains using two different ways of "fishing" for customers.
Attention Panda Express fans!
On Wednesday (March 10), you'll be able to get a free single serving of their new honey walnut shrimp...if you're a fan of theirs on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.
They'll be posting coupons for the free entrée on those social networking sites.
We here at Dine 909 are Facebook holdouts. Or you could say we're Twitter snobs.
Of course, Panda Express has only tweeted twice. I guess they don't have much to say.
But we're now following them on Twitter, so we can get our coupon!
The new dish is "made with fresh tempura shrimp, wok-tossed in Panda's signature gourmet honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts," according to a press release.
Sounds delish...log in and get ready for Wednesday!
Update: Follow this link for the coupon.
On Wednesday (March 10), you'll be able to get a free single serving of their new honey walnut shrimp...if you're a fan of theirs on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.They'll be posting coupons for the free entrée on those social networking sites.
We here at Dine 909 are Facebook holdouts. Or you could say we're Twitter snobs.
Of course, Panda Express has only tweeted twice. I guess they don't have much to say.
But we're now following them on Twitter, so we can get our coupon!
The new dish is "made with fresh tempura shrimp, wok-tossed in Panda's signature gourmet honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts," according to a press release.
Sounds delish...log in and get ready for Wednesday!
Update: Follow this link for the coupon.
According to this post over at the Pomona Now blog, Bravo's "Top Chef" season two winner Ilan Hall will offer a cooking demonstration and three-course dinner at 6 p.m. Sunday (March 7) at the Collins College of Hospitality Management's Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch, which is at Cal Poly Pomona.
The dinner will be limited to 75 guests. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door, and are available by cash or check only.
Proceeds from the demonstration dinner will support the Collins College of Hospitality Management and the United Culinarians, a student club designed to give students an opportunity to develop their culinary knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
Hall is chef and owner of The Gorbals in Los Angeles. Some of the items he is planning for the event:
Click here for further information and the full menu.
The dinner will be limited to 75 guests. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door, and are available by cash or check only.
Proceeds from the demonstration dinner will support the Collins College of Hospitality Management and the United Culinarians, a student club designed to give students an opportunity to develop their culinary knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
Hall is chef and owner of The Gorbals in Los Angeles. Some of the items he is planning for the event:
- Bacon-wrapped Matzah balls
- Mini latkes with smoked applesauce
- Lamb breast with hummus, grilled lemon
- Sticky toffee pudding with Dr. Bob's ice cream
Click here for further information and the full menu.
I had heard a couple of weeks back that West Coast Whoopies in Calimesa had closed.
I held off writing anything until after I had a chance to check it out for myself.
Lo and behold, after a recent tour of the Yucaipa Adobe, I drove over to Calimesa to find a giant "for lease" sign in the spot formerly occupied by West Coast Whoopies.
However, the Web site for West Coast Whoopies is still alive and kicking.
I remember from our visit last year that Queen Whoopie Maker Alisa Evans had her fingers in lots of pies, so to speak, and at the time, they had just started a separate facility somewhere in Yucaipa.
So, the retail bakery may be gone, but I'd like to believe the Whoopie pies (and cakes and breads and more) live on!
I held off writing anything until after I had a chance to check it out for myself.
Lo and behold, after a recent tour of the Yucaipa Adobe, I drove over to Calimesa to find a giant "for lease" sign in the spot formerly occupied by West Coast Whoopies.
However, the Web site for West Coast Whoopies is still alive and kicking.
I remember from our visit last year that Queen Whoopie Maker Alisa Evans had her fingers in lots of pies, so to speak, and at the time, they had just started a separate facility somewhere in Yucaipa.
So, the retail bakery may be gone, but I'd like to believe the Whoopie pies (and cakes and breads and more) live on!
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Fine and not-so-fine dining in the Inland Empire.
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