February 2011 Archives
At the end of last year, I mentioned that the former Bob's Big Boy in Colton was being transformed into a Food Connection.
Reader Steve wrote, letting us know that a Food Connection was also moving into a former Sizzler location in Norco, at 1750 Hamner Ave., competing with a Polly's Pies, which is right across the street.
Well, this week I finally made it out to Norco to check and...they're already open!
That will make the Colton Food Connection their fourth location when it opens.
Reader Steve wrote, letting us know that a Food Connection was also moving into a former Sizzler location in Norco, at 1750 Hamner Ave., competing with a Polly's Pies, which is right across the street.
Well, this week I finally made it out to Norco to check and...they're already open!
That will make the Colton Food Connection their fourth location when it opens.
In last week's Dine 909 column, I mentioned that long-time Highland restaurant Roberto's Pizza and Italian Dining, 3669 Highland Ave., is "closed until further notice." A reader had emailed us of the closure.
Following up on another email, from reader Shawn, I went by the Iron Chef Cafe, 4275 E. Concours Drive., #30, Ontario, this week to discover it too, has closed.
The reader noted that they began a "kitchen remodel" back in October and never re-opened.
A red do-not-enter sign was displayed in the front door.
The Chinese/Japanese restaurant opened at the end of 2008.
Following up on another email, from reader Shawn, I went by the Iron Chef Cafe, 4275 E. Concours Drive., #30, Ontario, this week to discover it too, has closed.
The reader noted that they began a "kitchen remodel" back in October and never re-opened.
A red do-not-enter sign was displayed in the front door.
The Chinese/Japanese restaurant opened at the end of 2008.
Here's one San Bernardino eatery you probably never heard of: Seasons Restaurant.
It's run by the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of California, Inland Empire, and it's definitely worth a visit.
The hours are limited. They're open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and for dinner from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
A couple of weeks back I had lunch there courtesy of KVCR-TV's Out to Eat host Cliff Young.
Cliff invited a select group of other Inland Empire foodies to sample Seasons' cuisine.
I must say I was impressed with both the food and the service provided by the students and faculty.
It's run by the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of California, Inland Empire, and it's definitely worth a visit.
The hours are limited. They're open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and for dinner from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
A couple of weeks back I had lunch there courtesy of KVCR-TV's Out to Eat host Cliff Young.
Cliff invited a select group of other Inland Empire foodies to sample Seasons' cuisine.
I must say I was impressed with both the food and the service provided by the students and faculty.
Continue reading Seasons Restaurant is worth seeking out.
Chipotle Mexican Grill wants to give you a free burrito, bowl, tacos or salad.
All you have to do is watch a minute-and-a-half promo for NBC's "America's Next Great Restaurant," which premieres at 8 p.m. March 6.
After viewing the video, you'll be able to print a buy-one-get-one-free coupon, which expires a week from the viewing.
The connection? Chipotle founder, co-CEO and chairman Steve Ells, is on the judging and investment panel of the show, along with Lorena Garcia, Curtis Stone and Bobby Flay.
The promotion ends March 6.
Chipotle locations can be found throughout the Inland Empire.
Click here to get started.
All you have to do is watch a minute-and-a-half promo for NBC's "America's Next Great Restaurant," which premieres at 8 p.m. March 6.
After viewing the video, you'll be able to print a buy-one-get-one-free coupon, which expires a week from the viewing.
The connection? Chipotle founder, co-CEO and chairman Steve Ells, is on the judging and investment panel of the show, along with Lorena Garcia, Curtis Stone and Bobby Flay.
The promotion ends March 6.
Chipotle locations can be found throughout the Inland Empire.
Click here to get started.
Wienerschnitzel, which is in the midst of its 50th anniversary celebration and is currently offering 79¢ small soft serve cones and your choice of five chili burgers or five chili dogs (or any combination thereof) for only $5, has teased us via Twitter with their latest promotion, which will be unveiled in a few days:
50¢ hot dogs? $2 chili dog combos?
We'll just have to wait until Sunday to find out.
Hey fans! Thanks for supporting us for 50 years! We have a new 50th anniversary limited time promotion launching on Feb 27... Stay tuned!Hmmm...what will it be?
50¢ hot dogs? $2 chili dog combos?
We'll just have to wait until Sunday to find out.
Inland Valley Hope Partners, which helps people in need by providing food, shelter and supportive services, is teaming up with Mimi's Cafe, 370 N. Mountain Ave., in Upland for a fundraiser from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m Monday (February 28).
The restaurant will donate 15% of your check to Inland Valley Hope Partners when you present this flier when you dine on Monday.
You were planning to go to Mimi's on Monday anyway, right?
Inland Valley Hope Partners serves Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Montclair, Mt. Baldy, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, San Dimas, Upland and Walnut.
They serve around 75,000 men, women and children annually.
They operate four food banks (in Ontario, Pomona, Claremont and San Dimas) and a family residential shelter.
They sponsor the Pomona Valley Certified Farmers' Market.
So, yes, the funds raised will be put to good use. Bring the whole family, and don"t forget the flier!
The restaurant will donate 15% of your check to Inland Valley Hope Partners when you present this flier when you dine on Monday.
You were planning to go to Mimi's on Monday anyway, right?
Inland Valley Hope Partners serves Chino, Chino Hills, Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, Montclair, Mt. Baldy, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, San Dimas, Upland and Walnut.
They serve around 75,000 men, women and children annually.
They operate four food banks (in Ontario, Pomona, Claremont and San Dimas) and a family residential shelter.
They sponsor the Pomona Valley Certified Farmers' Market.
So, yes, the funds raised will be put to good use. Bring the whole family, and don"t forget the flier!
Qdoba Mexican Grill is offering a special deal for us Inland Empirions.
Today (February 24) and tomorrow (February 25) after 5 p.m. (the deal actually started last night), you can score a regular entrée and a regular drink for only $5 with this coupon. (Note: You don't have to print out the coupon...you can just show it on your cell phone.)
For $5, you'd only get a sandwich at some places.
And don't forget their Mexican Gumbo contest, which ends March 6.
The deal is only good at the following Qdoba locations:
Today (February 24) and tomorrow (February 25) after 5 p.m. (the deal actually started last night), you can score a regular entrée and a regular drink for only $5 with this coupon. (Note: You don't have to print out the coupon...you can just show it on your cell phone.)
For $5, you'd only get a sandwich at some places.
And don't forget their Mexican Gumbo contest, which ends March 6.
The deal is only good at the following Qdoba locations:
- 9990 Alabama St., Suite C, Redlands
- 1902 N. Campus Ave., Suite A, Upland
- 2200 S. Grove Ave., Ontario
- 12510 Day St., Suite A-3, Moreno Valley
- 1430 Mountain Avenue, Suite 101, Duarte
A tradition begun in 2006, International House of Pancakes' National Pancake Day celebration is a fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.The concept is simple: In exchange for a free short stack of pancakes, IHOP hopes you'll give a donation for the charities.
This year's celebration will be from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m on Tuesday (March 1).
Last year, IHOP raised over $2.1 million, with a total of $5.35 million raised since 2006.
This year's goal is $2.3 million.
Will you help them reach that goal...and make your tummy happy at the same time?
Heading to or from Vegas today?
Or do you live in the High Desert?
Then you'll want to stop by the Original Tommy's in Barstow, because today's Tommy Tuesday is taking place there.
That's right. You can stop and pick up a chiliburger (or three) for only 65¢ each today.
All you have to do is utter the secret word: Family.
You can buy up to five chiliburgers at that special, 65th Anniversary price, until 10 p.m. today (February 22) only.
I know a certain nurse who might want to leave for work early and pick up some chiliburgers on his way to the Barstow Community Hospital E.R.
The Barstow Original Tommy's is at 2610 Fisher Blvd.
The promotion is being shared with the Las Vegas Original Tommy's at 5208 Boulder Highway.
Or do you live in the High Desert?
Then you'll want to stop by the Original Tommy's in Barstow, because today's Tommy Tuesday is taking place there.
That's right. You can stop and pick up a chiliburger (or three) for only 65¢ each today.
All you have to do is utter the secret word: Family.
You can buy up to five chiliburgers at that special, 65th Anniversary price, until 10 p.m. today (February 22) only.
I know a certain nurse who might want to leave for work early and pick up some chiliburgers on his way to the Barstow Community Hospital E.R.
The Barstow Original Tommy's is at 2610 Fisher Blvd.
The promotion is being shared with the Las Vegas Original Tommy's at 5208 Boulder Highway.
The Food Network "Cupcake Wars"-winning sisters who run Suite 106 Cupcakery in Rancho Cucamonga are showing quite a bit of heart this Valentine's month.
For the month of February, Christy and Rebecca Grammer have been giving a portion of the profits from their winning cupcake flavor, Christy's Southern Red Velvet, to three Inland Empire mothers who have struggled with healthcare costs.
The sisters have dubbed the fundraiser, "Operation Love."
"Our mother taught us that the 'True Art of Baking is with Love,' while our father instilled in us that 'The Key to Success is Generosity,'" explains Christy.
The recipients' medical ailments and routes of treatment vary:
The good news is that there is still time for you to help. The month isn't over yet.
Head on over to Suite 106 Cupcakery, 12434 North Main Street, in Rancho Cucamonga's Victoria Gardens and pick up some of their Christy's Southern Red Velvet cupcakes.
If you would like to have a more direct impact on the lives of the "Operation Love" recipients, please click this link to visit the Suite 106 Cupcakery blog, which gives complete donation information.
For the month of February, Christy and Rebecca Grammer have been giving a portion of the profits from their winning cupcake flavor, Christy's Southern Red Velvet, to three Inland Empire mothers who have struggled with healthcare costs.
The sisters have dubbed the fundraiser, "Operation Love."
"Our mother taught us that the 'True Art of Baking is with Love,' while our father instilled in us that 'The Key to Success is Generosity,'" explains Christy.
The recipients' medical ailments and routes of treatment vary:
- Kai Glasco is a 33-year-old Rancho Cucamonga mother who was diagnosed last year with multiple sclerosis while in the third trimester of her pregnancy. She has opted for a route of natural and holistic healing techniques that address her diet and cervical care. Glasco is the founder of "Our Women Aware Foundation," whose mission is to allow single women of childbearing age the support and or informational resources pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
- Jonetta Weicks of Victorville was also pregnant when diagnosed with colon and liver cancer last year. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
- Shana Hicks is afflicted with Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) a genetic condition involving the abnormal growth of blood vessels. With five brain tumors, Hicks has undergone a half dozen neurosurgical procedures to date.
The good news is that there is still time for you to help. The month isn't over yet.
Head on over to Suite 106 Cupcakery, 12434 North Main Street, in Rancho Cucamonga's Victoria Gardens and pick up some of their Christy's Southern Red Velvet cupcakes.
If you would like to have a more direct impact on the lives of the "Operation Love" recipients, please click this link to visit the Suite 106 Cupcakery blog, which gives complete donation information.
Here's something many in the Inland Empire (and beyond) already know.
The folks over at RateBeer.com merely just confirmed it: Hangar 24 Craft Brewery is one of the best breweries to visit.
The Redlands craft brewery has been ranked number 31 on RateBeer.com's list of Best Breweries to Visit 2011.
Hangar 24 is the only Inland Empire brewery to make the list, which is composed mostly of U.S. breweries with a smattering of Canadian and Belgian breweries mixed in. (The top brewery to visit is Picobrouwerij Alvinne Den Bier - en Proefzolder in Heule, Belgium.)
Congratulations to Hangar 24!
And speaking of...tonight's Cask Beer is their Alt-Bier with the addition of espresso from Augie's Coffee House of Redlands. It's available now until it's gone.
The folks over at RateBeer.com merely just confirmed it: Hangar 24 Craft Brewery is one of the best breweries to visit.
The Redlands craft brewery has been ranked number 31 on RateBeer.com's list of Best Breweries to Visit 2011.
Hangar 24 is the only Inland Empire brewery to make the list, which is composed mostly of U.S. breweries with a smattering of Canadian and Belgian breweries mixed in. (The top brewery to visit is Picobrouwerij Alvinne Den Bier - en Proefzolder in Heule, Belgium.)
Congratulations to Hangar 24!
And speaking of...tonight's Cask Beer is their Alt-Bier with the addition of espresso from Augie's Coffee House of Redlands. It's available now until it's gone.
Included in a press release listing several recent commercial real estate transactions was this little tidbit:
Until then, the Rancho Cucamonga and Rialto locations are just a short drive up the 15 and down either direction on the 210. Road trip!
That's right, Eastvalians, Corky's Kitchen and Bakery is headed your way, but you'll likely have to wait until this fall to get your 24/7 dose of Hobo skillets and Messina burgers.EASTVALE, CA - David Wick and Brandon Beauchemin of NAI Capital's Ontario office represented the lessee, Overeasy, Inc., DBA Corky's Kitchen and Bakery in the lease of a 4,393 square foot retail property located at 12552 Limonite Avenue, Suite 130, Eastvale from WLPX Eastvale, LLC. Corky's Kitchen and Bakery anticipates a Fall 2011 Grand Opening. Value and terms of the lease were not disclosed.
Until then, the Rancho Cucamonga and Rialto locations are just a short drive up the 15 and down either direction on the 210. Road trip!
No, not the entire continent, but one of its "fast casual" restaurants.
Oporto, an Australian restaurant with more than 130 restaurants throughout Australia, New Zealand, U.K., and China, is opening its first U.S. location in...wait for it...Rancho Cucamonga.
I guess you probably figured that out from the headline above.
The restaurant will open a week from tomorrow (February 25).
Oporto's claim to fame is Australian-style food with a Portuguese influence, serving chicken burgers, grilled chicken, "rappas" (wraps), salads and sides including "chips" (fries).
Oporto, not coincidentally, is also the name of Portugal's second-largest city.
Oporto's chicken is fresh (not frozen) and grilled (not fried).
Oporto is also known for its signature sauces including Lemon and Herb, BBQ, Prego and Chilli sauce, which is a flavorful and spicy Aussie-style piri-piri sauce.
Oporto also serves "brekkie," including egg and chicken or Aussie-style bacon burgers served with barbecue sauce. Australian bacon is made from the pork shoulder and has a distinctive, leaner taste.
It appears that the menu will change little from the Australian restaurants.
The restaurant will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Two more locations, in Ontario and Glendora, are planned for later this year.
The Rancho Cucamonga Oporto is at 8220 Haven Ave., in the space formerly occupied by Pei Wei Asian Diner.
For more information, visit their U.S. website here or their Facebook page here.
Update: Business editor Rebecca U. Cho has written about Oporto's opening for the business page. Read her article here.
Oporto, an Australian restaurant with more than 130 restaurants throughout Australia, New Zealand, U.K., and China, is opening its first U.S. location in...wait for it...Rancho Cucamonga.I guess you probably figured that out from the headline above.
The restaurant will open a week from tomorrow (February 25).
Oporto's claim to fame is Australian-style food with a Portuguese influence, serving chicken burgers, grilled chicken, "rappas" (wraps), salads and sides including "chips" (fries).
Oporto, not coincidentally, is also the name of Portugal's second-largest city.
Oporto's chicken is fresh (not frozen) and grilled (not fried).
Oporto is also known for its signature sauces including Lemon and Herb, BBQ, Prego and Chilli sauce, which is a flavorful and spicy Aussie-style piri-piri sauce.
Oporto also serves "brekkie," including egg and chicken or Aussie-style bacon burgers served with barbecue sauce. Australian bacon is made from the pork shoulder and has a distinctive, leaner taste.
It appears that the menu will change little from the Australian restaurants.
The restaurant will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Two more locations, in Ontario and Glendora, are planned for later this year.
The Rancho Cucamonga Oporto is at 8220 Haven Ave., in the space formerly occupied by Pei Wei Asian Diner.
For more information, visit their U.S. website here or their Facebook page here.
Update: Business editor Rebecca U. Cho has written about Oporto's opening for the business page. Read her article here.
In case you haven't seen the ballots in the newspaper, the 2011 Readers' Choice Awards is upon us.
Of course, here at Dine 909, we're mostly interested in the "Best Food & Drink" categories.
To cast your vote, you can either mail in the ballot that's been printed in the paper, or vote online.
There are two different sets of awards to be given...one for The Sun and Redlands Daily Facts, and one for the Daily Bulletin.
To access the online ballots click your paper's name below to begin:
Voting ends February 28, so don't delay!
Of course, here at Dine 909, we're mostly interested in the "Best Food & Drink" categories.
To cast your vote, you can either mail in the ballot that's been printed in the paper, or vote online.
There are two different sets of awards to be given...one for The Sun and Redlands Daily Facts, and one for the Daily Bulletin.
To access the online ballots click your paper's name below to begin:
Voting ends February 28, so don't delay!
The Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council want your blood.
They're teaming up with LifeStream to get it.
All blood donors on February 18, 19, 25 and 26 and March 4, 5, 11 and 12 at LifeStream donor centers in San Bernardino, Riverside, La Quinta and the High Desert will receive a free box of Girl Scout cookies, courtesy of the San Gorgonio Council.
Those who donate at the San Bernardino donor center on February 20 and 27, and March 6 and 13 will also receive a free box of cookies.
In addition, the offer will be extended to several mobile drives as well.
The offer is good while supplies last, naturally.
And if one box of cookies isn't enough, troop members will be at the donor centers and mobile drives to sell you additional boxes.
Follow the jump for all the details.
They're teaming up with LifeStream to get it.
All blood donors on February 18, 19, 25 and 26 and March 4, 5, 11 and 12 at LifeStream donor centers in San Bernardino, Riverside, La Quinta and the High Desert will receive a free box of Girl Scout cookies, courtesy of the San Gorgonio Council.
Those who donate at the San Bernardino donor center on February 20 and 27, and March 6 and 13 will also receive a free box of cookies.
In addition, the offer will be extended to several mobile drives as well.
The offer is good while supplies last, naturally.
And if one box of cookies isn't enough, troop members will be at the donor centers and mobile drives to sell you additional boxes.
Follow the jump for all the details.
Continue reading Girl Scouts out for blood.
Qdoba Mexican Grill is having a contest that's custom-made for lovers of their Mexican Gumbo.Through March 6, when you purchase a Mexican Gumbo meal ($5.99, includes a regular-size drink), you'll be given some Qdoba Mardi Gras beads.
No flashing necessary.
Then, from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 7 (Fat Monday?), bring your bead collection to your favorite Qdoba restaurant to be counted.
The customer with the most beads gets a free entrée a week for a year. Second place gets 20 free entrées. Third place gets 10 free entrées.
The prizes will be given away at each of Qdoba's 11 Southern California locations.
The contest began last Wednesday (February 9), so you better hurry and catch up.
Qdoba has four Inland Empire locations:
- 9990 Alabama St., Suite C, Redlands
- 1902 N. Campus Ave., Suite A, Upland
- 2200 S. Grove Ave., Ontario
- 12510 Day St., Suite A-3, Moreno Valley
Congratulations go out to Ontario's My Delight Cupcakery.
Liset Márquez reports in the Ontario Now blog that the bakery recently swept all three categories in the L.A. Cupcake Challenge.
Their Red Velvet cupcake took top honors for Best Traditional cupcake, while their Late Night Breakfast (think chicken and waffles) cupcake claimed both Best Original and Best Overall categories.
The bakery will have a victory party from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday (February 20).
My Delight is at 1520 N. Mountain Ave., Suite B-108.
Click here to read the full post from Ontario Now.
Update: Liset has posted additional details on the victory party in Ontario Now. Click here to read more. Also, My Delight has created an event page for the party on Facebook. Click here to see it.
Liset Márquez reports in the Ontario Now blog that the bakery recently swept all three categories in the L.A. Cupcake Challenge.
Their Red Velvet cupcake took top honors for Best Traditional cupcake, while their Late Night Breakfast (think chicken and waffles) cupcake claimed both Best Original and Best Overall categories.
The bakery will have a victory party from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday (February 20).
My Delight is at 1520 N. Mountain Ave., Suite B-108.
Click here to read the full post from Ontario Now.
Update: Liset has posted additional details on the victory party in Ontario Now. Click here to read more. Also, My Delight has created an event page for the party on Facebook. Click here to see it.
Two new restaurants have been spotted in San Bernardino recently.
First up is Red Buffalo, which advertises "Great taste, no bull" and offers hot wings, pastrami, steak sandwiches, burgers, chili fries, onion rings, zucchini, chicken wraps and serves breakfast all day.
I'm OK with breakfast all day.
Red Buffalo is in the old Swensen's Ice Cream/Fosdick's Grinders and Ice Cream spot at 2525 N. Del Rosa Ave.
Further south, offering an...um...interesting combination of Chinese and Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food, is Wok N' Grill.
Really, where else can you get kung pao chicken and a gyro?
How about an egg roll with your chicken kabob?
The possibilities are endless.
Wok N' Grill is in the long-vacant former El Pollo Loco location at 905 N. Waterman Ave.
Visit Wok N' Grill's Facebook page here.
First up is Red Buffalo, which advertises "Great taste, no bull" and offers hot wings, pastrami, steak sandwiches, burgers, chili fries, onion rings, zucchini, chicken wraps and serves breakfast all day.I'm OK with breakfast all day.
Red Buffalo is in the old Swensen's Ice Cream/Fosdick's Grinders and Ice Cream spot at 2525 N. Del Rosa Ave.
Further south, offering an...um...interesting combination of Chinese and Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food, is Wok N' Grill.Really, where else can you get kung pao chicken and a gyro?
How about an egg roll with your chicken kabob?
The possibilities are endless.
Wok N' Grill is in the long-vacant former El Pollo Loco location at 905 N. Waterman Ave.
Visit Wok N' Grill's Facebook page here.
The Coca-Cola Freestyle continues its rollout here in the Inland Empire.
The 106-choice beverage fountain can now be found in four more locations since we last checked:
It's a pretty ingenious (and likely foolproof) procedure.
They wave the cartridge about halfway down the right side of the machine and it unlocks the door to the lower half. Inside are banks of cartridges, some with base flavors (Coke, Sprite, Barqs), and others with additive flavors (vanilla, strawberry, raspberry).
Green LEDs indicate cartridges that don't need to be replaced. Red LEDs indicate cartridges which do need to be replaced. A blinking red LED indicates the cartridge you just used to open the door and need to replace.
Once the cartridge is replaced and the door is closed, a menu pops up on the touch screen prompting to flush the just-replaced cartridge. A quick squirt of water and everything is ready to go again.
Also, Coke has created a handy-dandy map of its current Freestyle locations. Follow the jump to see it.
The 106-choice beverage fountain can now be found in four more locations since we last checked:
- Cal Skate, 22080 Commerce Way, Grand Terrace
- El Pollo Loco, 2720 Canyon Springs Parkway, Riverside
- Lucky Greek, 2490 Wardlow Road, Corona
- Stadium Pizza, 32278 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 101, Wildomar
It's a pretty ingenious (and likely foolproof) procedure.
They wave the cartridge about halfway down the right side of the machine and it unlocks the door to the lower half. Inside are banks of cartridges, some with base flavors (Coke, Sprite, Barqs), and others with additive flavors (vanilla, strawberry, raspberry).
Green LEDs indicate cartridges that don't need to be replaced. Red LEDs indicate cartridges which do need to be replaced. A blinking red LED indicates the cartridge you just used to open the door and need to replace.
Once the cartridge is replaced and the door is closed, a menu pops up on the touch screen prompting to flush the just-replaced cartridge. A quick squirt of water and everything is ready to go again.
Also, Coke has created a handy-dandy map of its current Freestyle locations. Follow the jump to see it.
Continue reading Inland Empire adds four more Coca-Cola Freestyles.
A couple of high-profile restaurant closures to report.
The first is the Montclair outlet of the Rockin' Baja Coastal Cantina chain, which was at 9335 Monte Vista Ave., in the space long occupied by Tony Roma's.
Rockin' Baja opened back in December of 2008.
A sharp-eyed reader notified us via Twitter.
A drive-by on Tuesday verified the closure. The building was stripped of any signage and a piece of paper with the word "Closed" on it was taped on the inside of the window in one of the front doors.
A shorter-lived venture is Ruben's Fiesta Maya in Redlands.
The first is the Montclair outlet of the Rockin' Baja Coastal Cantina chain, which was at 9335 Monte Vista Ave., in the space long occupied by Tony Roma's.
Rockin' Baja opened back in December of 2008.
A sharp-eyed reader notified us via Twitter.
A drive-by on Tuesday verified the closure. The building was stripped of any signage and a piece of paper with the word "Closed" on it was taped on the inside of the window in one of the front doors.
A shorter-lived venture is Ruben's Fiesta Maya in Redlands.
Continue reading Ruben's Fiesta Maya, Rockin' Baja close.
In honor of Valentine's Day, Nubi Yogurt is offering its customers a free cup of yogurt when you buy a cup of yogurt.You don't need a coupon, but the deal is only good on Valentine's Day.
The usual restrictions apply: The offer cannot be combined with other offers, one free yogurt per person, you pay for the more expensive of the two.
More details on this Facebook page.
Nubi Yogurt has locations in the Inland Empire in Redlands (10060-B Alabama St., Suite D), Moreno Valley (12420 Day St., Suite B1) and Apple Valley (19201-H Bear Valley Road, Suite A).
According to Joy Juedes' story in the Redlands Daily Facts, Redlands' newest restaurant is Curry in a Hurry, which opened a couple of weeks back.
Joy tells me the Indian restaurant, which grew out of a Redlands Market Night booth, has been doing a brisk business.
It's not difficult to understand why. The owner, veteran restaurateur Kishore Bhat, is focused on offering fresh, economical meals.
Two examples: Single entrée bowls are $3.99. Two item combos only $4.99.
Economical, indeed.
Plus: Spices and some ingredients come directly from India.
Minus: Menu is somewhat limited -- seven or eight items.
Curry in a Hurry is at 1150 Brookside Ave. (at San Mateo Street), Suite I, in Redlands.
Click here to read Joy's story.
Joy tells me the Indian restaurant, which grew out of a Redlands Market Night booth, has been doing a brisk business.
It's not difficult to understand why. The owner, veteran restaurateur Kishore Bhat, is focused on offering fresh, economical meals.
Two examples: Single entrée bowls are $3.99. Two item combos only $4.99.
Economical, indeed.
Plus: Spices and some ingredients come directly from India.
Minus: Menu is somewhat limited -- seven or eight items.
Curry in a Hurry is at 1150 Brookside Ave. (at San Mateo Street), Suite I, in Redlands.
Click here to read Joy's story.
Over the last month, the Dallas-based Boston's Restaurant and Sports Bar, which has a Inland Empire location at 11260 Fourth St. in Rancho Cucamonga, has been raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.The restaurant hopes to raise more than $100,000 for diabetes research in its Boston's Cares campaign.
However, time is running out.
The fundraiser concludes on Valentine's Day.
How can you help?
Throughout the campaign, the restaurant has been selling paper heart valentines for $1 and special heart-shaped Mini Dipper appetizers and Chocolate Amoré desserts. This weekend (Friday, February 11, through Monday, February 14), they're adding heart-shaped pizzas to the mix.
The company is donating the proceeds from the valentines and $1 from each of the food items sold to local JDRF chapters.
Since 2005, Boston's Pizza Foundation has donated more than $609,000 to local charities in the U.S.
This year's Boston's Cares promotion will mark the third year Boston's will partner with JDRF in the U.S., an annual tradition started in 2001 by the chain's Canadian parent company, Boston Pizza.
So, just by taking your sweetheart out for dinner, you can do your part in helping to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.
Sounds like a pretty sweet idea.
Begun by Robert and Alma Watchorn in 1932, the event bearing their name, the Watchorn Lincoln Dinner, is happening Saturday (February 12) at the University of Redlands' Orton Center.
February 12, if you remember from elementary school, happens to be Lincoln's birthday.
The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
The speaker for this year's dinner is attorney and author James L. Swanson, who happens to share Lincoln's birthday and has studied Lincoln's life and death since he was ten years old.
Swanson's New York Times best-selling book "Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer" recounts the April 14 to April 26, 1865, search for John Wilkes Booth through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland and into the woods of Virginia.
It is currently being worked into a screenplay for a major Hollywood production.
He is also the co-author with Dan Weinberg of a photo history of the assassination, "Lincoln's Assassins: Their Trial and Execution."
In addition to Mr. Swanson's presentation, the evening will include a medley of Civil War songs sung by the Redlands Community Chorus, as well as brief remarks from local dignitaries and Lincoln Shrine officials.
Cost for the dinner is $40. Reservations can be made by calling the Heritage Room at 909-798-7632 or by emailing them at heritage@akspl.org.
Click here more information on the Lincoln Shrine and the Watchorn Lincoln Dinner.
February 12, if you remember from elementary school, happens to be Lincoln's birthday.
The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
The speaker for this year's dinner is attorney and author James L. Swanson, who happens to share Lincoln's birthday and has studied Lincoln's life and death since he was ten years old.
Swanson's New York Times best-selling book "Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer" recounts the April 14 to April 26, 1865, search for John Wilkes Booth through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland and into the woods of Virginia.
It is currently being worked into a screenplay for a major Hollywood production.
He is also the co-author with Dan Weinberg of a photo history of the assassination, "Lincoln's Assassins: Their Trial and Execution."
In addition to Mr. Swanson's presentation, the evening will include a medley of Civil War songs sung by the Redlands Community Chorus, as well as brief remarks from local dignitaries and Lincoln Shrine officials.
Cost for the dinner is $40. Reservations can be made by calling the Heritage Room at 909-798-7632 or by emailing them at heritage@akspl.org.
Click here more information on the Lincoln Shrine and the Watchorn Lincoln Dinner.
Will you be the one?
One lucky fan at each U.S. Hooters restaurant will win a 42" HDTV on Sunday (February 6) during the Super Bowl.
This is the fifth year of their TV giveaway.
Hooters has two locations in the Inland Empire:
For more information, click here.
One lucky fan at each U.S. Hooters restaurant will win a 42" HDTV on Sunday (February 6) during the Super Bowl.
This is the fifth year of their TV giveaway.
Hooters has two locations in the Inland Empire:
- Ontario: 725 N. Milliken Ave., 909-989-2209
- Riverside: 6225 Valley Springs Pkwy. #17, 951-697-4668
For more information, click here.
Five Guys Burgers, the east coast fast food chain that got lots of attention after the president paid a visit, is opening in Rancho Cucamonga. Thanks to reader Jonathan Cummings for the news tip.
The burger joint, known for its long list of toppings, will be on 7945 Haven Ave. near Foothill. It's opening in March.
When it opens, you can get a burger then go down Foothill to Vineyard for another burger at In-N-Out. Then decide for yourself if you agree with the results of this Zagat survey, which puts Five Guys as the best fast food burger.
Update: Andrew Edwards has written a story on the chain's expansion plans. You can read it here.
The burger joint, known for its long list of toppings, will be on 7945 Haven Ave. near Foothill. It's opening in March.
When it opens, you can get a burger then go down Foothill to Vineyard for another burger at In-N-Out. Then decide for yourself if you agree with the results of this Zagat survey, which puts Five Guys as the best fast food burger.
Update: Andrew Edwards has written a story on the chain's expansion plans. You can read it here.
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Fine and not-so-fine dining in the Inland Empire.
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