Don Martin begins move into San Bernardino Zendejas space

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Wow…that was quick!

Barely over a month since Zendejas closed, workers have already been seen in the building and today I noticed there’s a sign up.

Don Martin will be opening soon at 1970 Ostrems Way.

I know it’s probably supposed to be pronounced Dohn Mar-TEEN, but I can’t help imagining Mad Magazine cartoons.

Am I the only one?

Shtoink!

Starbucks drops Wi-Fi restrictions

If you’re one of those who likes to take their laptop to Starbucks and spend hours working on projects, this will be very good news.

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Starbucks is now offering free Wi-Fi for all its customers.

That means you no longer have to have a Starbucks card to log on. You no longer have to make a purchase to be granted access. You are no longer limited by time.

The unlimited, free, AT&T-provided connection is available at all of Starbucks’ company-owned stores in the U.S.

In addition, participating Starbucks are partnering with Yahoo! to bring you the Starbucks Digital Network, with exclusive access to digital perks such as unlimited access to Zagat ratings; free access to subscription editions of USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times; and exclusive free downloads from Starbucks Entertainment and the iTunes music store.

Follow the jump to see a video promoting the new partnership.
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North San Bernardino Togo’s makes its move

If you’re craving a Togo’s sandwich and head over to the north San Bernardino store that was next to the Starbucks on University Parkway, you’ll be in for a little surprise.

That’s because that location has, um, relocated just south of the old one, from 4275 University Parkway to 4077 University Parkway.

Togo’s is now open in the former home of Noble Roman’s/Tuscano’s, near the Chevron station.

Baskin-Robbins is making the move, too, but they’re not quite ready. They’ll be open November 3, according to a sign posted at the new site.

Honeybaked Cafe fades away

I know this is months-old news for some of you, but in writing my post on the recently-closed Rancho Cucamonga Mels’ Drive-in, I thought of the Honeybaked Cafe at Ontario Mills.

(Actually, I think it was officially dubbed the “Honeybaked and Cafe,” which kind of bugged me.)

I’d been there a handful of times and had good meals, but hadn’t gone there in a long while and got to wondering if it was still in business.

Turns out it’s not.

It closed late May/early June of this year, if the comments on Yelp are any indication.

A drive-by this week confirmed the closure — in fact, crews were inside prepping the location for its next incarnation.
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Are you ready to RA-ck?

Caution: Puns a-plenty ahead!

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant at The Shoppes at Chino Hills is hosting a Red Carpet RA-ck Star party beginning at 9 p.m. tonight (October 28). The party lasts until 1 a.m.

Guests are invited to channel their inner rock star as they dress to
walk the red carpet and get “inked” up by temporary tattoo artist.

Food specials include the aptly-named Hotel California Roll ($5), RA-ck Star
Roll ($5) and Pour Some Tempura Scallops on Me ($5). Themed drinks
include Bad to the Bone Beer Specials ($3), the Tastes Like Teen Spirit
cocktail ($5) and Welcome to the Jungle Juice ($6).

DJ Digi will be spinning a mix of rock and Top 40 all night all night long.

Those who enter the RA-ck Star Air Guitar Contest will have a chance to
win a RA gift basket filled with goodies.

The Chino Hills RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is at 13925 City Center Drive. RA has another Inlane Empire location in Corona.

Taste the harvest at the Asistencia on Saturday

Roberto Argentina, executive chef at Redlands’ Farm Artisan Foods, will prepare a gourmet brunch and give cooking demonstrations as a highlight of a special event held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday (October 30) at the Asistencia, 26930 Barton Road, in Redlands.

“Harvest Tastes at the Asistencia” is presented by the San Bernardino County Museum and the Museum Association, and portions of the program proceeds will benefit exhibit restoration at the historic site.

Reservations are necessary and tickets are on sale now at $75 per person.

Harvest Tastes will offer guests an opportunity to learn cooking techniques at demonstrations by Chef Argentina assisted by the museum’s director, Robert McKernan. Guests can also peek into the kitchen and watch brunch being prepared by Argentina and his staff.

After the meal, Michele Nielsen, the museum’s curator of history, will offer informal tours of the historic site.

To make reservations and purchase tickets, visit the museum’s web site or call 909-307-2669 ext. 225.

Update: Michel Nolan has written an article on the event for Friday’s paper. You can read it online here.

Scary processed food costume = $2 burrito

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This year, Chipotle Mexican Grill is continuing its tradition of offering a deal to those who dress up for Halloween.

However, instead of inviting customers to dress as menu items, the theme this year is “The Horrors of Processed Food.”

Show up after 6 p.m. on Halloween to any Chipotle dressed as a horrifying processed food product (Cheese Whiz, anyone?) and get a burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos for only $2.

Your purchase will benefit Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, a non-profit campaign with the goal of educating people about the importance of eating unprocessed food made with simple, fresh ingredients.

Chipotle will donate up to $1,000,000 to the campaign.

As a bonus, you can enter their online costume contest, where you could win $2,500, $1,000 or a burrito party for 20.

To enter, take a picture of yourself in your processed food costume inside or in front of a Chipotle restaurant on Halloween and submit it online to www.chipotle.com/boorito on or before November 8.

I’ll give you a suggestion, but you gotta split the money with me if you win: The Blackjack Taco. Now that’s something scary indeed.

Update: Chipotle will be donating $1,000,000 to Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, according to this tweet.

Baker’s Drive-Thru’s Easter Seals Halloween fundraiser on now

For the umpteenth year, Easter Seals and Baker’s Drive-Thru are teaming up for a Halloween fundraiser that won’t rot your teeth.

You can purchase “Safe Halloween” coupon books at your local Baker’s until midnight on Halloween. Proceeds will be used to support local children and adults living with disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Each $1 book includes 37 free and discounted offers valued at over $340.

Inside, you’ll find discounts and free products and services from Southern California eateries, amusement parks, sports and entertainment centers, including Baker’s, Fiesta Village, Scandia Amusement Park, Perris Auto Speedway and Cal State University San Bernardino athletics.

A full 100% of proceeds from book sales will benefit Easter Seals Disability Services.

Over the years, Baker’s Drive-Thru has raised more than $2 million for Easter Seals in Southern California.

Baker’s Drive-Thru restaurants can be found throughout the Inland Empire.

Mel’s Drive-In abruptly closes

The Rancho Cucamonga Mel’s Drive-In (11550 Fourth St.) shut down yesterday.

I received a tip (via email to dine909@inlandnewspapers.com) from a reader who had gone there with her husband for a late lunch and were informed by the employees that they had been told that it was their last day.

Sure enough, I went by today and saw a pair of notes on the door that read:

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“MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2010

CLOSED

The Signature Center and Mel’s Drive-In announce that Mel’s Drive-In will be closing its Rancho Cucamonga location on October 25, 2010. Mel’s has made a decision to focus on expanding its flagship locations. Mel’s values its customers and welcomes its Rancho Cucamonga customers at all of its other locations. The Signature Center is actively working with a tenant to operate in the Mel’s building and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

Please watch for announcements.”

“To Our guests:

As of Sunday Oct. 24th Mel’s Drive-In Rancho Cucamonga Will be closing its doors for business.

Thank you for your patronage and we will miss you.

The staff and management”

Apparently people who were showing up for cruise night had no idea that it would be the Rancho Cucamonga Mel’s last.
Continue reading “Mel’s Drive-In abruptly closes” »