May 2010 Archives
For those of you bemoaning the loss of Zendejas from the Colton restaurant scene, weep no more!
The rumors are true...Zendejas has reopened.
I drove by last week and there was a giant "Now Open" banner hanging on the front of the building.
They closed abruptly last August after Colton Police ordered the restaurant to shut down its dance floor operations and the city kept the site's dance permit in limbo.
The entertainment revenue was keeping the restaurant afloat in the slow economy.
Well, apparently, they've worked out their issues with the city.
If you want to check out the resurrected Zendejas, it's at 1030 S. Mount Vernon Ave.
A little ways north of there, the Bob's Big Boy at 201 E. Valley Blvd. has closed "for remodeling."
Usually, that's a euphemism for "out of business," but when I drove by there were actually workers milling about in the restaurant. That's probably a good sign.
I remember how excited I was when I found out in 2006 that the restaurant was preparing to open and when they finally opened in early 2007.
And how that excitement was quelled the first time I went there.
Subsequent visits were equally lackluster.
Let's hope the "remodeling" means they're getting their act together and will open with renewed focus on customer service.
In the meantime, I highly recommend two other Inland Empire Bob's Big Boys -- in Calimesa and, especially, Norco.
The rumors are true...Zendejas has reopened.
I drove by last week and there was a giant "Now Open" banner hanging on the front of the building.
They closed abruptly last August after Colton Police ordered the restaurant to shut down its dance floor operations and the city kept the site's dance permit in limbo.
The entertainment revenue was keeping the restaurant afloat in the slow economy.
Well, apparently, they've worked out their issues with the city.
If you want to check out the resurrected Zendejas, it's at 1030 S. Mount Vernon Ave.
A little ways north of there, the Bob's Big Boy at 201 E. Valley Blvd. has closed "for remodeling."
Usually, that's a euphemism for "out of business," but when I drove by there were actually workers milling about in the restaurant. That's probably a good sign.
I remember how excited I was when I found out in 2006 that the restaurant was preparing to open and when they finally opened in early 2007.
And how that excitement was quelled the first time I went there.
Subsequent visits were equally lackluster.
Let's hope the "remodeling" means they're getting their act together and will open with renewed focus on customer service.
In the meantime, I highly recommend two other Inland Empire Bob's Big Boys -- in Calimesa and, especially, Norco.
Don't say we never gave you nothin'.
If you want to try Taco Bell's new Limeade Sparkler (classic or cherry) for free, click here and print your coupon.
But be quick about it, 'cause the free offer expires after half a million coupons are redeemed.
Oh, we've already printed ours.
If you want to try Taco Bell's new Limeade Sparkler (classic or cherry) for free, click here and print your coupon.
But be quick about it, 'cause the free offer expires after half a million coupons are redeemed.
Oh, we've already printed ours.
We've written about them before, but today (May 25) is Ten Dollar Tuesday at over at SoCal Gift Cards (part of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, as is Dine 909).
All $25 gift cards are $10, and all other gift cards are 60% off. Of course, $10 for a $25 gift card is also 60% off.
Seems like they keep offering better deals.
Initially, the gift cards were mostly 25% off, then 50% off and now today they're 60% off.
You've got all day today to save at this link or via phone before 2 p.m. to 877-525-8185.
All $25 gift cards are $10, and all other gift cards are 60% off. Of course, $10 for a $25 gift card is also 60% off.
Seems like they keep offering better deals.
Initially, the gift cards were mostly 25% off, then 50% off and now today they're 60% off.
You've got all day today to save at this link or via phone before 2 p.m. to 877-525-8185.
According to this article from the Redlands Daily Facts, fast-growing, über-popular Redlands craft brewery Hangar 24 is hiring at least six people through a job fair.
According to the brewery's website, they will be hiring a minimum of four beer tenders, along with two tour guides.
The positions are all part-time and hourly.
The job fair will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday (May 23) at the brewery, 1710 Sessums Drive.
Two other positions that the brewery is looking to fill, but not as part of the job fair, are cellarman and delivery driver.
For more information on both the job fair and the other two positions, click here.
It's a shame they don't have an open position for beer blogger.
According to the brewery's website, they will be hiring a minimum of four beer tenders, along with two tour guides.
The positions are all part-time and hourly.
The job fair will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday (May 23) at the brewery, 1710 Sessums Drive.
Two other positions that the brewery is looking to fill, but not as part of the job fair, are cellarman and delivery driver.
For more information on both the job fair and the other two positions, click here.
It's a shame they don't have an open position for beer blogger.
McDonald's has been promoting their new McCafé Frappés with a series of events throughout Southern California.
First up was Santa Ana last Thursday (May 6) , followed by the event in Riverside last night (May 11), which Dine 909 happened to spot on Twitter and stopped by.
For this final event, we've got a little advance warning.
It'lll be from 6 to 8 p.m. tomorrow (May 13) at the McDonald's at 27774 Base Line.
Music will be provided by Power 106's Flava Unit, and you'll be able to sample both the mocha and caramel McCafé Frappés for free!
Last night in Riverside, there was also a steady stream of free food provided -- McNuggets, fries and Snack Size Fruit and Walnut salads were handed out in Riverside.
They even had prize giveaways, including a $50 McDonald's gift card.
The events are being promoted via Twitter, so for updates and more information, follow @McDonalds_SoCal on Twitter.
For information on tomorrow night's "Tweetup," click here.
Who knows...you may see us there.
First up was Santa Ana last Thursday (May 6) , followed by the event in Riverside last night (May 11), which Dine 909 happened to spot on Twitter and stopped by.
For this final event, we've got a little advance warning.
It'lll be from 6 to 8 p.m. tomorrow (May 13) at the McDonald's at 27774 Base Line.
Music will be provided by Power 106's Flava Unit, and you'll be able to sample both the mocha and caramel McCafé Frappés for free!
Last night in Riverside, there was also a steady stream of free food provided -- McNuggets, fries and Snack Size Fruit and Walnut salads were handed out in Riverside.
They even had prize giveaways, including a $50 McDonald's gift card.
The events are being promoted via Twitter, so for updates and more information, follow @McDonalds_SoCal on Twitter.
For information on tomorrow night's "Tweetup," click here.
Who knows...you may see us there.
...unless you happen to be a member of the military stationed overseas.
That's because the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council has again teamed up with Operation Gratitude to send the sweet treats to troops based elsewhere.
It's the fifth year that the two groups have combined forces to support the troops.
However, this is the largest one-time donation by a single council ever received by Operation Gratitude.
During their annual cookie drive, Girl Scouts ask buyers to support deployed troops by purchasing an extra box of cookies. The boxes are then delivered to troops all over the globe as part of their I CARE Cookie Program.
A team of Girl Scouts will deliver the cookies to the Van Nuys Armory on Saturday morning (May 15) and then prepare them for shipping.
Thanks and congratulations, Girl Scouts, and enjoy those cookies, folks! And please, stay safe!
That's because the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council has again teamed up with Operation Gratitude to send the sweet treats to troops based elsewhere.
It's the fifth year that the two groups have combined forces to support the troops.
However, this is the largest one-time donation by a single council ever received by Operation Gratitude.
During their annual cookie drive, Girl Scouts ask buyers to support deployed troops by purchasing an extra box of cookies. The boxes are then delivered to troops all over the globe as part of their I CARE Cookie Program.
A team of Girl Scouts will deliver the cookies to the Van Nuys Armory on Saturday morning (May 15) and then prepare them for shipping.
Thanks and congratulations, Girl Scouts, and enjoy those cookies, folks! And please, stay safe!
So I was getting onto the 215 Freeway at Waterman Avenue the other day, and as I looked down, I spotted a big dirt lot where Yamazato of Japan once stood.
No more sushi bar. No more teppan grill. No more funky water wheel out front.
No more Chinese restaurant stashed away in back.
Yamazato's closed back in December 2008 and the restaurant had stood vacant since then.
Now it's gone, but what will take its place? A new restaurant? Or just more parking lot for the Hilton?
My guess is the latter.
No more sushi bar. No more teppan grill. No more funky water wheel out front.
No more Chinese restaurant stashed away in back.
Yamazato's closed back in December 2008 and the restaurant had stood vacant since then.
Now it's gone, but what will take its place? A new restaurant? Or just more parking lot for the Hilton?
My guess is the latter.
...half-price!
How else would you complete that sentence?
This seems to be the time for frozen coffee drinks. Tomorrow night The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is giving away 12-ounce Ultimate Ice Blended drinks, and from 3 to 5 p.m. every day until May 16, Starbucks is offering half-price Frappuccinos during their "Happy Hour."
Of course, Starbucks' "Happy Hour" is technically two hours, but we're not complaining.
Not too many restrictions on this one...one per customer and this offer can't be combined with any other offers or discounts.
For more details on Starbucks' half-price Frappuccino "Happy Hour," click here.
Inland Empire Starbucks are, well, pretty much everywhere.
How else would you complete that sentence?
This seems to be the time for frozen coffee drinks. Tomorrow night The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is giving away 12-ounce Ultimate Ice Blended drinks, and from 3 to 5 p.m. every day until May 16, Starbucks is offering half-price Frappuccinos during their "Happy Hour."
Of course, Starbucks' "Happy Hour" is technically two hours, but we're not complaining.
Not too many restrictions on this one...one per customer and this offer can't be combined with any other offers or discounts.
For more details on Starbucks' half-price Frappuccino "Happy Hour," click here.
Inland Empire Starbucks are, well, pretty much everywhere.
As you might be able to tell from the headline above, someone is giving away an Ultimate Ice Blended, whatever that is.
Well, that someone is The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and an Ultimate Ice Blended is their frozen coffee drink.
From 4 to 7 p.m. tomorrow night (May 11), you'll be able to walk in to a participating Inland Empire Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store and walk out with a complementary 12-ounce Ultimate Ice Blended drink during their "Ultimate Summer Open House."
Your options: Ultimate Honey-Kissed, Ultimate Caramel or Ultimate Dark Chocolate.
Of course, there are restrictions. The free offer is not valid at locations in Ralphs stores, in casinos, on campus or in airport locations (sorry, LA/ONT flyers!). Oh, and one per customer, please!
Inland Empire Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations include Redlands, Fontana, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont and Chino Hills.
For more information on the offer, click here.
Just in case you can't get enough blended ice coffee drinks, click here for another offer.
Thanks to the oh-so-mysterious e for tipping us off on this!
Well, that someone is The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and an Ultimate Ice Blended is their frozen coffee drink.
From 4 to 7 p.m. tomorrow night (May 11), you'll be able to walk in to a participating Inland Empire Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store and walk out with a complementary 12-ounce Ultimate Ice Blended drink during their "Ultimate Summer Open House."
Your options: Ultimate Honey-Kissed, Ultimate Caramel or Ultimate Dark Chocolate.
Of course, there are restrictions. The free offer is not valid at locations in Ralphs stores, in casinos, on campus or in airport locations (sorry, LA/ONT flyers!). Oh, and one per customer, please!
Inland Empire Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf locations include Redlands, Fontana, Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont and Chino Hills.
For more information on the offer, click here.
Just in case you can't get enough blended ice coffee drinks, click here for another offer.
Thanks to the oh-so-mysterious e for tipping us off on this!
Jamba Juice continues to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its founding in San Luis Obispo with different "Feel Good" specials each weekday.
Jamba Juice locations can be found throughout the Inland Empire. The specials are good through the end of May at participating locations.
- Mondays bring "Ideal Meal Monday," with $3 12-ounce Ideal Meals.
- Tuesdays bring "Buy Two Tuesday," with $1 off a second item of equal or lesser value.
- Wednesdays bring "Wake Up Wednesday," with $2 steel cut oatmeal.
- Thursdays bring "Tasty Thursday," with $1 baked goods with purchase of a menu drink.
- Fridays bring "All Fruit Friday," with $3 All Fruit Smoothies.
Jamba Juice locations can be found throughout the Inland Empire. The specials are good through the end of May at participating locations.
So, you still haven't decided where you want to take Mom for Mother's Day?
Let us help you out with a few suggestions:
Café Champagne at Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula
On the menu: Prime rib, Tuscan-style chicken and gnocchi, Sangiovese braised beef short ribs, toasted orzo Greek salad, cheese blintzes, house-made tiramisu, warm banana bread pudding. Full menu available here.
Cost: $49.95 adults, $19.95 children 5 to 12 years old, 4 and under free
Time: Noon to 5 p.m., with live music from noon to 4 p.m.
Information: 951-699-0099
Ponte Family Estate Winery
35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula
On the menu: Belgian waffle and omelette bar, white port poached chicken breast with pistachio cream, prime rib, spiral-sliced ham, Alaskan halibut en croûte, cheesecakes and lemon meringue and Key lime pies.
Cost: $49 adults ($44 for wine club members), $25 children under 12 years old ($22 for children of wine club members)
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 951-694-8855
Let us help you out with a few suggestions:
Café Champagne at Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula
On the menu: Prime rib, Tuscan-style chicken and gnocchi, Sangiovese braised beef short ribs, toasted orzo Greek salad, cheese blintzes, house-made tiramisu, warm banana bread pudding. Full menu available here.
Cost: $49.95 adults, $19.95 children 5 to 12 years old, 4 and under free
Time: Noon to 5 p.m., with live music from noon to 4 p.m.
Information: 951-699-0099
Ponte Family Estate Winery
35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula
On the menu: Belgian waffle and omelette bar, white port poached chicken breast with pistachio cream, prime rib, spiral-sliced ham, Alaskan halibut en croûte, cheesecakes and lemon meringue and Key lime pies.
Cost: $49 adults ($44 for wine club members), $25 children under 12 years old ($22 for children of wine club members)
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 951-694-8855
Continue reading Last-minute Mother's Day suggestions.
There's an easy way you can help the hungry on Saturday (May 8), and you don't have to go far to do so...just out to your mailbox.
This Saturday is the National Association of Letter Carriers' annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive.
It's simple: Just gather up some non-perishable food items (canned meats, fish, soup, juice and vegetables, and pasta, cereal and rice are all good -- no expired items or anything in glass containers, though), put them in a bag and leave them at your mailbox early on Saturday (before your letter carrier usually visits).
Your carrier will pick up the food and it will be distributed to a local food bank or pantry.
The drive is being co-sponsored by Feeding America, which operates in Riverside as the Second Harvest Food Bank, so you know your donations will be distributed right here in the Inland Empire.
Thanks in advance for your donations!
This Saturday is the National Association of Letter Carriers' annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive.
It's simple: Just gather up some non-perishable food items (canned meats, fish, soup, juice and vegetables, and pasta, cereal and rice are all good -- no expired items or anything in glass containers, though), put them in a bag and leave them at your mailbox early on Saturday (before your letter carrier usually visits).
Your carrier will pick up the food and it will be distributed to a local food bank or pantry.
The drive is being co-sponsored by Feeding America, which operates in Riverside as the Second Harvest Food Bank, so you know your donations will be distributed right here in the Inland Empire.
Thanks in advance for your donations!
OK, we've mentioned this site before, but it has grown, and the discounts have gotten steeper.
SoCal Gift Cards (part of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, as is Dine 909) now has at least 50% discount on all their offerings.
Last time we wrote about them the discount was 25%.
Currently participating restaurants include Café Calato (Rancho Cucamonga), Salsitas Mexican Grill (Rancho Cucamonga), Canton Bistro (Redlands), Kool Kactus Café (Loma Linda), Joe's Sushi (Riverside), Napoli Italian Restaurant (Loma Linda), Taco Village (Redlands), Phood on Main (Riverside), Crescent Jewell Restaurant (Riverside), Ruby Tuesday (Temecula), Monark Asian Bistro (Riverside), Mill Creek Cattle Co. (Mentone/Redlands) and Zorro's Mexican Restaurant (Redlands), to name about half of the restaurants.
It's a great way to check out those restaurants you've been wanting to try without taking too much of a risk.
They have other discounts, as well, including salons and day spas, amusement parks, a florist and a University of Redlands concert.
Feel free to swing by their website and check 'em out.
SoCal Gift Cards (part of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, as is Dine 909) now has at least 50% discount on all their offerings.
Last time we wrote about them the discount was 25%.
Currently participating restaurants include Café Calato (Rancho Cucamonga), Salsitas Mexican Grill (Rancho Cucamonga), Canton Bistro (Redlands), Kool Kactus Café (Loma Linda), Joe's Sushi (Riverside), Napoli Italian Restaurant (Loma Linda), Taco Village (Redlands), Phood on Main (Riverside), Crescent Jewell Restaurant (Riverside), Ruby Tuesday (Temecula), Monark Asian Bistro (Riverside), Mill Creek Cattle Co. (Mentone/Redlands) and Zorro's Mexican Restaurant (Redlands), to name about half of the restaurants.
It's a great way to check out those restaurants you've been wanting to try without taking too much of a risk.
They have other discounts, as well, including salons and day spas, amusement parks, a florist and a University of Redlands concert.
Feel free to swing by their website and check 'em out.
Got a sweet ride?
Wanna show it off and help feed the hungry in the process?
Then come down to the inaugural car show and charity food drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (May 8) in lots 9 and 10 of the Lake Perris State Recreational Area, 17801 Lake Perris Drive, Perris.
Admission to the event is free for both participants and spectators with a donation of canned goods. (They initially were charging $20 to participate.)
If you are interested in participating, roll-in begins at 9 a.m. and is open to all classes: American and foreign; car enthusiast; hot rods; street rods; muscle cars; and special interest (car/truck /motorcycles). All vehicles are welcome. Prizes will be awarded to winners in the car show.
For more information, registration, and updates please call 951-940-5600.
Wanna show it off and help feed the hungry in the process?Then come down to the inaugural car show and charity food drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (May 8) in lots 9 and 10 of the Lake Perris State Recreational Area, 17801 Lake Perris Drive, Perris.
Admission to the event is free for both participants and spectators with a donation of canned goods. (They initially were charging $20 to participate.)
If you are interested in participating, roll-in begins at 9 a.m. and is open to all classes: American and foreign; car enthusiast; hot rods; street rods; muscle cars; and special interest (car/truck /motorcycles). All vehicles are welcome. Prizes will be awarded to winners in the car show.
For more information, registration, and updates please call 951-940-5600.
In this post from her RC Now blog, Rancho Cucamonga reporter (and Dine 909 contributor) Wendy Leung notes that fondue restaurant The Melting Pot has closed.
Dine 909 had the occasion to visit the Melting Pot once.
We had a late reservation (9 p.m., I think) and we weren't seated until at least 30 minutes after that. Then, we were rushed through our meal.
The server seemed like he couldn't be bothered.
We thought they were overpriced and in a poor location.
No. We're not surprised they closed.
If you missed out on the fondue experience at the Melting Pot, you might want to give Hip Kitty Jazz and Fondue in Claremont a try.
Judging by their all-inclusive meal for two, it seems just as pricey, but it looks as though you get more for your money. And as a bonus, you get live entertainment with your meal.
Dine 909 had the occasion to visit the Melting Pot once.
We had a late reservation (9 p.m., I think) and we weren't seated until at least 30 minutes after that. Then, we were rushed through our meal.
The server seemed like he couldn't be bothered.
We thought they were overpriced and in a poor location.
No. We're not surprised they closed.
If you missed out on the fondue experience at the Melting Pot, you might want to give Hip Kitty Jazz and Fondue in Claremont a try.
Judging by their all-inclusive meal for two, it seems just as pricey, but it looks as though you get more for your money. And as a bonus, you get live entertainment with your meal.
Beginning today, your local El Pollo Loco will be serving up two new grilled chicken sandwiches.
Each sandwich is made with a marinated chicken breast atop a grilled telera roll. Shredded lettuce and pico de gallo are added.
The guacamole chicken sandwich (on the left) also includes, um, guacamole, while the jalapeño chicken sandwich (on the right) gets sliced jalapeños, Pepper Jack cheese and a spicy Southwestern sauce.
I'm usually a Pollo Bowl kind of person when I head over to El Pollo Loco, but I'll likely give these sandwiches a try.
If you give 'em a try before we do, let us know in the comments below.
Each sandwich is made with a marinated chicken breast atop a grilled telera roll. Shredded lettuce and pico de gallo are added.The guacamole chicken sandwich (on the left) also includes, um, guacamole, while the jalapeño chicken sandwich (on the right) gets sliced jalapeños, Pepper Jack cheese and a spicy Southwestern sauce.
I'm usually a Pollo Bowl kind of person when I head over to El Pollo Loco, but I'll likely give these sandwiches a try.
If you give 'em a try before we do, let us know in the comments below.
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Fine and not-so-fine dining in the Inland Empire.
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