March 2011 Archives
OK, bacon lovers...Denny's has the "cure" for your cravings.
They've cooked up an entire menu just for you.
There's bacon breakfasts, a triple-decker, eight-slice BLT, bacon meatloaf and a bacon sundae.
That's right...a bacon sundae!
It's maple flavored syrup with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of diced hickory-smoked bacon on top. Of course, that's topped by another layer of syrup and vanilla ice cream topped with even more bacon and a drizzle of syrup.
Whew!
You could say Denny's has gone "whole hog" on the bacon thing.
Continue reading Denny's revels in Baconalia.
I've written about what is probably the best deal on Chinese food on Tuesday, with Magic Wok's $2 single-entrée bowl deal.
But what do you do the rest of the week?
Recently-opened Wok N' Grill, 905 N. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino, has your answer on Wednesdays, at least.
They're offering the same deal as Magic Wok, only a penny cheaper -- a single-entrée bowl is $1.99 on Wednesdays.
While not quite the spectacle that Magic Wok was, a short line queued up the entire time I was there last night.
But what do you do the rest of the week?
Recently-opened Wok N' Grill, 905 N. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino, has your answer on Wednesdays, at least.
They're offering the same deal as Magic Wok, only a penny cheaper -- a single-entrée bowl is $1.99 on Wednesdays.
While not quite the spectacle that Magic Wok was, a short line queued up the entire time I was there last night.
Continue reading Wok N' Grill's big Wednesday deal.
We received a press release from the City of Redlands today announcing the expansion of Hangar 24 Craft Brewery.
While keeping its beer-making operations at 1710 Sessums Drive, it's adding a 22,000-square-foot distribution center at 1939 W. Park Ave.
The center will include the brewery's administrative offices as well as a 4,000-square-foot "cold room." They had been shipping barrels to a Colton warehouse for distribution.
The brewery's business has been growing by leaps and bounds, going from sales of 1,100 barrels in 2008 to more than 10,000 barrels last year.
The new center will help them toward their goal of being able to distribute to all of Southern California and eventually expanding to the rest of the West Coast.
In other Hangar 24 news, they've begun bottling of 22-ounce beers. The larger-size bottles of its Columbus IPA will be ready for sale in the tasting room at 11 a.m. April 9th and in stores beginning April 11th.
While keeping its beer-making operations at 1710 Sessums Drive, it's adding a 22,000-square-foot distribution center at 1939 W. Park Ave.
The center will include the brewery's administrative offices as well as a 4,000-square-foot "cold room." They had been shipping barrels to a Colton warehouse for distribution.
The brewery's business has been growing by leaps and bounds, going from sales of 1,100 barrels in 2008 to more than 10,000 barrels last year.
The new center will help them toward their goal of being able to distribute to all of Southern California and eventually expanding to the rest of the West Coast.
In other Hangar 24 news, they've begun bottling of 22-ounce beers. The larger-size bottles of its Columbus IPA will be ready for sale in the tasting room at 11 a.m. April 9th and in stores beginning April 11th.
Even as there are new restaurants popping up here and there, closings also seem to be happening fairly regularly.
In downtown San Bernardino, long-time (since 1953) establishment Nena's Mexican Restaurant (their website is still up), 642 N. D St., has ceased operations.
The restaurant, which was sold by Nena herself a few years ago, had recently only been open at lunchtime and for special events.
At one time, the eatery was home to many a county employee birthday lunch. We used to do the same for Sun staffers, too, when we were still located downtown.
I can think of only three other sit-down restaurants downtown -- Molly's Cafe, Yum Yum, and Mardi Gras -- when once there were many.
Speaking of Sun staffers, former Sun staffer Julie Farren wondered about a frequent haunt, Casa Sanchez, at 265 W. Highland Ave., in San Bernardino.
The restaurant closed abruptly and already has a real estate advertising banner stretched across it.
Signs advertising restaurant specials still hang in the window, but nothing to indicate why they closed.
So, if your dream is to own an old-school IHOP restaurant, now's your chance!
In downtown San Bernardino, long-time (since 1953) establishment Nena's Mexican Restaurant (their website is still up), 642 N. D St., has ceased operations.
The restaurant, which was sold by Nena herself a few years ago, had recently only been open at lunchtime and for special events.
At one time, the eatery was home to many a county employee birthday lunch. We used to do the same for Sun staffers, too, when we were still located downtown.
I can think of only three other sit-down restaurants downtown -- Molly's Cafe, Yum Yum, and Mardi Gras -- when once there were many.
Speaking of Sun staffers, former Sun staffer Julie Farren wondered about a frequent haunt, Casa Sanchez, at 265 W. Highland Ave., in San Bernardino.
The restaurant closed abruptly and already has a real estate advertising banner stretched across it.
Signs advertising restaurant specials still hang in the window, but nothing to indicate why they closed.
So, if your dream is to own an old-school IHOP restaurant, now's your chance!
Continue reading Roundup of recent closures.
The Little Debbie Million Smile Mission has reached the Inland Empire.
And boy, can we use them!
The Smile Missionaries have been tooling around the country in an Airstream trailer, connecting with Little Debbie fans, taking pictures of smiles to add to their mosaic and doling out free Little Debbie snack cakes.
We love free!
Oh...and you can win prizes, including Kodak cameras, printers, photo frames, Kodak Gallery gift cards and Little Debbie gift boxes. You could even win the grand prize -- your very own 16-foot Airstream Sport trailer!
Where can you find the Little Debbie Smile Mission? Follow the jump to find out.
And boy, can we use them!
The Smile Missionaries have been tooling around the country in an Airstream trailer, connecting with Little Debbie fans, taking pictures of smiles to add to their mosaic and doling out free Little Debbie snack cakes.
We love free!
Oh...and you can win prizes, including Kodak cameras, printers, photo frames, Kodak Gallery gift cards and Little Debbie gift boxes. You could even win the grand prize -- your very own 16-foot Airstream Sport trailer!
Where can you find the Little Debbie Smile Mission? Follow the jump to find out.
Continue reading Little Debbie bringing smiles to the Inland Empire.
An interesting little Mexican food war has begun on South E Street in San Bernardino.
A former KFC restaurant at 477 S. E St. was converted years back into an Alberto's Mexican Food. It lasted for a while and then was replaced by an Alanberto's Fresh Mex.
And hey...since we're on the subject...what's up with the names of all these former Alberto's? Albaro's...Adalberto's...Alanberto's...Albertaco's...Alvaro's...Albiero's...Rigoberto's...Ramberto's? Do sign companies charge by the letter? Seriously...can't we come up with something a little more creative?
Sigh.
Meanwhile a former Tacos Mexico directly across the street (480 S. E St.) has recently been transformed into...you guessed it...Alberto's Mexican Food. They've got a Grand Opening banner hanging out front -- facing the former Alberto's.
I'm curious to see how this will all pan out.
Perhaps the Alberto's will eventually become a Rigoberto's. Hmm.
A former KFC restaurant at 477 S. E St. was converted years back into an Alberto's Mexican Food. It lasted for a while and then was replaced by an Alanberto's Fresh Mex.
And hey...since we're on the subject...what's up with the names of all these former Alberto's? Albaro's...Adalberto's...Alanberto's...Albertaco's...Alvaro's...Albiero's...Rigoberto's...Ramberto's? Do sign companies charge by the letter? Seriously...can't we come up with something a little more creative?
Sigh.
Meanwhile a former Tacos Mexico directly across the street (480 S. E St.) has recently been transformed into...you guessed it...Alberto's Mexican Food. They've got a Grand Opening banner hanging out front -- facing the former Alberto's.
I'm curious to see how this will all pan out.
Perhaps the Alberto's will eventually become a Rigoberto's. Hmm.
Courtesy of this tweet, we learned that the Mira Loma Five Guys Burgers and Fries, at 6285 Pats Ranch Road, Suite A, opened today!
As with the recently-opened Rancho Cucamonga location, the Mira Loma location will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Besides the Rancho Cucamonga location, the Mira Loma store joins the current I.E. locations in Temecula and La Quinta.
Future Inland Empire locations include: San Bernardino, Redlands, Moreno Valley and Corona.
Click here to read Andrew Edwards' story on the chain's expansion into the Inland Empire.
As with the recently-opened Rancho Cucamonga location, the Mira Loma location will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Besides the Rancho Cucamonga location, the Mira Loma store joins the current I.E. locations in Temecula and La Quinta.
Future Inland Empire locations include: San Bernardino, Redlands, Moreno Valley and Corona.
Click here to read Andrew Edwards' story on the chain's expansion into the Inland Empire.
The Shoppes at Chino Hills will be gaining both an Irish pub and a coffee house/ice cream shop in the coming months.
Currently located at Hollywood and Vine, Dillon's Irish Pub & Grill will be expanding into the Inland Empire this fall. Dillon's will set up shop in an 8,000-square-foot space near H & M. Dillon's claim to fame is comfort food and a wide variety of draft beers at affordable prices.
The Hollywood location offers $3 draft beer pints. Not too shabby.
Hmm...suddenly, I'm craving a black and tan.
Dripp, a new coffee boutique, is preparing to open this summer at 13855 City Center Drive, Suite 3015, across from California Pizza Kitchen. The Chino Hills Dripp is the first of what owner Rabih Sater hopes to be a chain of coffee shops.
Utilizing a unique Japanese slow drip technique, Dripp will hand-brew one cup of coffee at a time, to order, using specialty-roasted, ground daily coffees and espressos from around the world. Dripp will also offer a variety of ice cream flavors and freshly baked cookies which can be combined for made-to-order ice cream sandwiches.
Currently located at Hollywood and Vine, Dillon's Irish Pub & Grill will be expanding into the Inland Empire this fall. Dillon's will set up shop in an 8,000-square-foot space near H & M. Dillon's claim to fame is comfort food and a wide variety of draft beers at affordable prices.
The Hollywood location offers $3 draft beer pints. Not too shabby.
Hmm...suddenly, I'm craving a black and tan.
Dripp, a new coffee boutique, is preparing to open this summer at 13855 City Center Drive, Suite 3015, across from California Pizza Kitchen. The Chino Hills Dripp is the first of what owner Rabih Sater hopes to be a chain of coffee shops.
Utilizing a unique Japanese slow drip technique, Dripp will hand-brew one cup of coffee at a time, to order, using specialty-roasted, ground daily coffees and espressos from around the world. Dripp will also offer a variety of ice cream flavors and freshly baked cookies which can be combined for made-to-order ice cream sandwiches.
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., which operates both Panda Inn and Panda Express here in the Inland Empire, is among the many restaurant chains (and local restaurants) donating to the relief effort in Japan.
Through the end of March, Panda Express, Panda Inn, and the non-I.E. Hibachi-San restaurant locations across the country will have in-store drop-boxes allowing guests to make contributions of any amount.
All guest-donated proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross.
Also, contributions by the company's 18,000 employees will be donated to the compassion relief organization, Tzu Chi Foundation, which is currently providing two hot meals per day in Oarai Town to the thousands of displaced people living in shelters.
The best part? Panda will match 100% of the proceeds collected at Panda Express, Panda Inn, Hibachi-San locations and by associates nationwide.
Panda Express locations can be found throughout the Inland Empire. You'll find Panda Inn at 3223 E. Centrelake Drive in Ontario.
Through the end of March, Panda Express, Panda Inn, and the non-I.E. Hibachi-San restaurant locations across the country will have in-store drop-boxes allowing guests to make contributions of any amount.
All guest-donated proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross.
Also, contributions by the company's 18,000 employees will be donated to the compassion relief organization, Tzu Chi Foundation, which is currently providing two hot meals per day in Oarai Town to the thousands of displaced people living in shelters.
The best part? Panda will match 100% of the proceeds collected at Panda Express, Panda Inn, Hibachi-San locations and by associates nationwide.
Panda Express locations can be found throughout the Inland Empire. You'll find Panda Inn at 3223 E. Centrelake Drive in Ontario.
The latest in a series of restaurant fundraisers for Rancho Cucamonga's Freedom Courtyard project are happening Sunday (March 27), March 31 and April 4.
- Sunday's fundraiser is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Antonino's Italian Restaurant and Bar, 7945 N. Vineyard Ave., Suite D-7. The restaurant will donate 20% of your tab when you present this flier. Antonino's will support the fundraiser whether you dine in or take out.
- The fundraiser on Thursday, March 31, will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Applebee's, 10709 Foothill Blvd. The restaurant will donate 15% of your check when you present this flier.
- The third fundraiser will be Monday, April 4, at Wahoo's Fish Taco, 11561 Foothill Blvd. Wahoo's will donate 20% of your total bill when you give them this flier.
Newly-elected 2nd District County Supervisor Janice Rutherford is looking to bring the rapidly expanding food truck industry to San Bernardino County.
She has asked San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services staff members to look into other nearby jurisdictions' (i.e. L.A. and Orange counties') food truck regulations and operations to examine reversing a long-standing prohibition.
She has also announced what I believe is the first ever (apart from a few smaller events) food truck festival in the Inland Empire.
The Chino Valley Foodie Festival is scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Don Lugo High School, 13400 Pipeline Ave., Chino.
It's a great idea, and it'll be the first exposure for lots of folks to these gourmet mobile eateries.
Another big plus: It's a fundraiser for the Chino Valley Unified School District.
We've all read the stories about their budget woes.
She has asked San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services staff members to look into other nearby jurisdictions' (i.e. L.A. and Orange counties') food truck regulations and operations to examine reversing a long-standing prohibition.
She has also announced what I believe is the first ever (apart from a few smaller events) food truck festival in the Inland Empire.
The Chino Valley Foodie Festival is scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Don Lugo High School, 13400 Pipeline Ave., Chino.
It's a great idea, and it'll be the first exposure for lots of folks to these gourmet mobile eateries.
Another big plus: It's a fundraiser for the Chino Valley Unified School District.
We've all read the stories about their budget woes.
Continue reading The Inland Empire's first ever (I think) food truck festival is coming.
Newly-elected 2nd District County Supervisor Janice Rutherford is on a mission near and dear to Dine 909's heart -- legalizing food trucks.
In the latest issue of her newsletter, the Rutherford Report, she verifies something I've heard rumblings about lately, but haven't confirmed until now.
Food trucks, where the food is actually prepared in the truck, are illegal in San Bernardino County.
Sure, you've seen ice cream trucks rolling though your neighborhood, but that's because they're selling you prepackaged goods. That's just fine and dandy.
But if you took that ice cream, dipped it in an egg wash, rolled it in some cornflakes and tossed it briefly in the deep-fryer, you wouldn't be able to sell it.
The prohibition has been in effect as long as anyone can remember, she notes.
In the latest issue of her newsletter, the Rutherford Report, she verifies something I've heard rumblings about lately, but haven't confirmed until now.
Food trucks, where the food is actually prepared in the truck, are illegal in San Bernardino County.
Sure, you've seen ice cream trucks rolling though your neighborhood, but that's because they're selling you prepackaged goods. That's just fine and dandy.
But if you took that ice cream, dipped it in an egg wash, rolled it in some cornflakes and tossed it briefly in the deep-fryer, you wouldn't be able to sell it.
The prohibition has been in effect as long as anyone can remember, she notes.
Continue reading Janice Rutherford: Let the food trucks roll!.
Just in time for meatless Fridays for lots of people, the sole San Bernardino Long John Silver's, 145 E. Highland Ave., has reopened!
The restaurant had been closed since last year and the location was wiped from the LJS website.
The story, as told to me by a the wife of a guy who gets his haircut at the barbershop across the street, is that the restaurant closed after a kitchen fire and the reconstruction was held up when the contractor wasn't being paid due a snafu with the insurance company.
Makes perfect sense to me.
Anyway, Donna, I'm sure you're glad that they have reopened, just in time to get fish and chips (but no chicken planks!) on Friday.
The restaurant had been closed since last year and the location was wiped from the LJS website.
The story, as told to me by a the wife of a guy who gets his haircut at the barbershop across the street, is that the restaurant closed after a kitchen fire and the reconstruction was held up when the contractor wasn't being paid due a snafu with the insurance company.
Makes perfect sense to me.
Anyway, Donna, I'm sure you're glad that they have reopened, just in time to get fish and chips (but no chicken planks!) on Friday.
Beaumont's police officers and firefighters are used to serving the community by fighting crime and putting out fires.
From 5 to 8 p.m. tonight (March 18), the city's public servants will take on a different kind of service at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar, 1585 E. Sixth St., in Beaumont.
Beaumont police officers and firefighters are volunteering to wait tables in order to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The volunteers will work with Applebee's staff to serve customers, with all tips given to the "Boys in Blue" to be donated to MDA.
Since 2007, the city has held numerous events and raised over $103,103 to support MDA and the fight against neuromuscular diseases.
The next scheduled event is a Mardi Gras Celebration from 4 to 9 p.m. April 9 at the Albert A. Chatigny Sr. Community Recreation Center, 1310 Oak Valley Parkway.
The event will feature games, food vendors, a beer garden, and live music by local jazz bands Ransom Jack and Rod Tankerson. The event will also include a special appearance by the city's own band, Jam with the Man.
For more information, call 951-769-8520 or visit the city's website.
From 5 to 8 p.m. tonight (March 18), the city's public servants will take on a different kind of service at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar, 1585 E. Sixth St., in Beaumont.
Beaumont police officers and firefighters are volunteering to wait tables in order to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The volunteers will work with Applebee's staff to serve customers, with all tips given to the "Boys in Blue" to be donated to MDA.
Since 2007, the city has held numerous events and raised over $103,103 to support MDA and the fight against neuromuscular diseases.
The next scheduled event is a Mardi Gras Celebration from 4 to 9 p.m. April 9 at the Albert A. Chatigny Sr. Community Recreation Center, 1310 Oak Valley Parkway.
The event will feature games, food vendors, a beer garden, and live music by local jazz bands Ransom Jack and Rod Tankerson. The event will also include a special appearance by the city's own band, Jam with the Man.
For more information, call 951-769-8520 or visit the city's website.
Upland's My Delight Cupcakery, 1520 Mountain Ave., is promising eats, beats, liquid treats and sweets during its seventh Sunday Social from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday (March 20).My Delight is providing the sweets; the White Rabbit Truck is providing the eats; the Boba Truck is providing the liquid treats; and DJ Mike Styles will provide the beats.
The first 25 customers will get a special giveaway, and customers who RSVP via Facebook or Twitter will get a 10% discount.
The cupcake menu hasn't yet been announced, but they are planning to have the L.A. Cupcake Challenge-winning Late Night Breakfast cupcake available.
The event will happen rain or shine, and unfortunately, it appears the former is likely.
I went to their last event and had a great time. I'm planning to go to this month's event as well.
Personally, I'm looking forward to checking out the White Rabbit Truck and getting some lumpia and maybe some chicken adobo tacos. Mmm!
This year's National Pancake Day celebration at the International House of Pancakes, held at the beginning of this month, didn't fall flat.
IHOP were hoping to raise $2.3 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.
Instead, they raised a sweet $2.5 million, topping last years' $2.1 million. It's the highest amount collected since IHOP began the event in 2006.
All told, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million for charity with the event.
If you participated (and ate your share of the more than four million pancakes that were served that day), give yourself a hand!
Click here for more information.
IHOP were hoping to raise $2.3 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.
Instead, they raised a sweet $2.5 million, topping last years' $2.1 million. It's the highest amount collected since IHOP began the event in 2006.
All told, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million for charity with the event.
If you participated (and ate your share of the more than four million pancakes that were served that day), give yourself a hand!
Click here for more information.
On March 27, Jeff Gordon will be racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.
However, you'll be able to get up close and personal with his car the Thursday before the race.
Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet will be displayed from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 24 in the parking lot of the Ralphs at 14574 Base Line in Fontana.
Fans will be able to pose for photographs with the car.
Gordon has teamed up with the AARP to raise awareness of and help combat senior hunger.
Accordingly, the appearance will also be a food drive. Fans are asked to bring non-perishable food to donate.
Donations will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank serving San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
And if you want to make a monetary donation to the Drive to End Hunger, simply text HUNGER to 50555 to give $10. You don't have to wait until Thursday to do that.
For more information on the Drive to End Hunger, click here or visit their Facebook page here.
However, you'll be able to get up close and personal with his car the Thursday before the race.
Jeff Gordon's No. 24 Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet will be displayed from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 24 in the parking lot of the Ralphs at 14574 Base Line in Fontana.
Fans will be able to pose for photographs with the car.
Gordon has teamed up with the AARP to raise awareness of and help combat senior hunger.
Accordingly, the appearance will also be a food drive. Fans are asked to bring non-perishable food to donate.
Donations will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank serving San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
And if you want to make a monetary donation to the Drive to End Hunger, simply text HUNGER to 50555 to give $10. You don't have to wait until Thursday to do that.
For more information on the Drive to End Hunger, click here or visit their Facebook page here.
Late last month, San Bernardino Unified School District's Wilson Elementary School was adopted by three local restaurants.
It's all part of the Adopt-A-School program, which is a partnership between the school district and the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce.
How will the restaurants support the school's students?
It's all part of the Adopt-A-School program, which is a partnership between the school district and the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce.
How will the restaurants support the school's students?
- George's Burgers, 715 W. Highland Ave., San Bernardino, will provide monthly certificates to honor deserving students.
- Sizzler Restaurant, 110 W. Redlands Blvd., Redlands, will provide incentives and tours of the restaurant for students to improve achievement.
- Tony's Diner, 18291 Cajon Road, San Bernardino, will provide 100 gift certificates monthly for children's meals to recognize students' accomplishments. The Devore restaurant has also agreed to donate an additional 500 certificates each year for mid-year and year-end celebrations.
The Upland Mimi's Cafe, 370 N. Mountain Ave., is again hosting a fundraiser.
This time it's for Foothill Family Shelter, an Upland-based organization which provides transitional housing for adults and children in the West Valley (Upland, Ontario, Pomona, Montclair, Claremont and Rancho Cucamonga).
Their mission is a noble one: To assure children and adults a future by helping to provide them and their families a means to a home, a job and self-esteem that will endure.
Mimi's will donate 15% of your check to Foothill Family Shelter if you present this flier when you dine.
The fundraiser will run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. today (March 15).
So, if you want a delicious way to help provide housing for homeless or about-to-be-homeless families and help them get their lives back on track, head to the Upland Mimi's Cafe today, and don't forget to bring the flier!
This time it's for Foothill Family Shelter, an Upland-based organization which provides transitional housing for adults and children in the West Valley (Upland, Ontario, Pomona, Montclair, Claremont and Rancho Cucamonga).
Their mission is a noble one: To assure children and adults a future by helping to provide them and their families a means to a home, a job and self-esteem that will endure.
Mimi's will donate 15% of your check to Foothill Family Shelter if you present this flier when you dine.
The fundraiser will run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. today (March 15).
So, if you want a delicious way to help provide housing for homeless or about-to-be-homeless families and help them get their lives back on track, head to the Upland Mimi's Cafe today, and don't forget to bring the flier!
Time is running out!
This is the last weekend to buy Girl Scout Cookies in the eastern Inland Empire from the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council. Their cookie sales will officially end Monday (March 14).
Those of you in the West Valley, whose cookies are supplied by the East Region of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, have until March 20 to get your fix.
For more information, visit the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council's website and click on the Cookies Now image or call call 800-400-447; or visit the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles website and click on the Cookie Locator image or call the Montclair service center at 909-399-0808.
This is the last weekend to buy Girl Scout Cookies in the eastern Inland Empire from the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council. Their cookie sales will officially end Monday (March 14).
Those of you in the West Valley, whose cookies are supplied by the East Region of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, have until March 20 to get your fix.
For more information, visit the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council's website and click on the Cookies Now image or call call 800-400-447; or visit the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles website and click on the Cookie Locator image or call the Montclair service center at 909-399-0808.
Hangar 24 Craft Brewery's second annual Homebrew Competition is rapidly approaching.
It's happening Saturday, May 21.
Prizes will be given for first, second and third place in several categories.
Last year's competition had winners in 23 individual categories and overall best.
The winner will have his or her beer brewed by Hangar 24 for consumption in their tasting room and entered into the Great American Beer Festival's Pro-Am Competition.
Entries (two 12-ounce bottles) and entry fee ($5) must be mailed or hand-delivered to Hangar 24 between April 23 and May 15. Entries can also be dropped off at Beer, Beer and More Beer in Riverside.
More info
It's happening Saturday, May 21.
Prizes will be given for first, second and third place in several categories.
Last year's competition had winners in 23 individual categories and overall best.
The winner will have his or her beer brewed by Hangar 24 for consumption in their tasting room and entered into the Great American Beer Festival's Pro-Am Competition.
Entries (two 12-ounce bottles) and entry fee ($5) must be mailed or hand-delivered to Hangar 24 between April 23 and May 15. Entries can also be dropped off at Beer, Beer and More Beer in Riverside.
More info
Preparing for a Vegas trip last month I spent a bit of time online researching restaurant reviews on Yelp and happened to stumble upon the Buffet of Buffets.
What is the Buffet of Buffets, you might ask?
It's an all-day trip to any of seven buffets at properties owned by Harrah's: Caesars Palace, Paris, the Rio, the Flamingo, Planet Hollywood, Imperial Palace and Harrah's itself.
The cost of this culinary expanse? $44.99 for Harrah's Total Rewards members and $49.99 for non-members. (Membership in Harrah's Total Rewards is free, by the way.)
An eighth buffet, the Village Seafood Buffet at the Rio, can be added for an additional $15 per visit.
While I didn't indulge in the Buffet of Buffets back in February (when the price was only $39.99 for Total Rewards members), I returned to Vegas last week and took the plunge.
Follow the jump to see how far I got.
What is the Buffet of Buffets, you might ask?
It's an all-day trip to any of seven buffets at properties owned by Harrah's: Caesars Palace, Paris, the Rio, the Flamingo, Planet Hollywood, Imperial Palace and Harrah's itself.
The cost of this culinary expanse? $44.99 for Harrah's Total Rewards members and $49.99 for non-members. (Membership in Harrah's Total Rewards is free, by the way.)
An eighth buffet, the Village Seafood Buffet at the Rio, can be added for an additional $15 per visit.
While I didn't indulge in the Buffet of Buffets back in February (when the price was only $39.99 for Total Rewards members), I returned to Vegas last week and took the plunge.
Follow the jump to see how far I got.
Continue reading Food and overloading in Las Vegas.
I drove by the site of the proposed In-N-Out Burger location in Rialto (Riverside Avenue, just south of the 210) on my way back from the dentist this morning, and the former fire station that was on the property was gone!
A friend of mine who works nearby said that the station was torn down about a week and a half ago.
In addition to the proposed In-N-Out, the parcel is slated to be home to two other restaurants one a fast-food outlet and one a sit-down establishment.
Corona-based Miguel's Jr. has signed a "letter of interest" to take the other fast-food spot.
Several restaurants have expressed interest in the third, sit-down, spot, but no names have been publicly mentioned.
More details in this story from Jim Steinberg.
A friend of mine who works nearby said that the station was torn down about a week and a half ago.
In addition to the proposed In-N-Out, the parcel is slated to be home to two other restaurants one a fast-food outlet and one a sit-down establishment.
Corona-based Miguel's Jr. has signed a "letter of interest" to take the other fast-food spot.
Several restaurants have expressed interest in the third, sit-down, spot, but no names have been publicly mentioned.
More details in this story from Jim Steinberg.
Ubiquitous coffeehouse Starbucks is celebrating its 40th anniversary this week by launching new products and giving away treats. Said treats include new Petites desserts and $40 gift cards.
From 2 to 5 p.m. during the company's "Tribute Days" (today through Saturday (March12)), you'll be able to sample a free Starbucks Petite sweet with the purchase of your favorite handcrafted beverage.
The new mini desserts, which launched Tuesday, include: Cake Pops (available in Birthday Cake, Rocky Road and Tiramisu flavors), Red Velvet Whoopie Pies, Mini Cupcakes (Carrot Cake and Peanut Butter) and Sweet Squares (Lemon and Salty Caramel).
For those of you who on Foursquare, if you check in and unlock the Tribute badge at participating Starbucks today through Saturday, you might get rewarded with a $40 Starbucks gift card. The company will give away 500 gift cards randomly over the three-day period.
Not on Foursquare? You can also enter via email. Details are here.
Follow the jump to find out about their new offerings.
Continue reading Starbucks celebrates 40th with new items, free stuff.
As they've done in the past, Panda Express is celebrating the introduction of a new entrée by giving it away.
The Chinese fast food restaurant is giving away a single serving of Golden Treasure Shrimp today (March 9).
All you need is this coupon.
The new entrée consists of tempura shrimp, with red and green bell peppers in a zesty citrus sauce. It debuted March 2.
Panda Express can be found throughout the Inland Empire.
The Chinese fast food restaurant is giving away a single serving of Golden Treasure Shrimp today (March 9).
All you need is this coupon.
The new entrée consists of tempura shrimp, with red and green bell peppers in a zesty citrus sauce. It debuted March 2.
Panda Express can be found throughout the Inland Empire.
Inland Empire burger lovers, your options just got a little better.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries, whose burgers bested Southern California favorite In-N-Out's in the 2010 Zagat Fast Food Survey, opens today in Rancho Cucamonga.
The new restaurant, 7945 Haven Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The Rancho Cucamonga location joins the current I.E. locations in Temecula and La Quinta.
Future Inland Empire locations include: San Bernardino, Redlands, Moreno Valley, Mira Loma and Corona.
Click here to read Andrew Edwards' story on the chain's expansion into the Inland Empire.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries, whose burgers bested Southern California favorite In-N-Out's in the 2010 Zagat Fast Food Survey, opens today in Rancho Cucamonga.
The new restaurant, 7945 Haven Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The Rancho Cucamonga location joins the current I.E. locations in Temecula and La Quinta.
Future Inland Empire locations include: San Bernardino, Redlands, Moreno Valley, Mira Loma and Corona.
Click here to read Andrew Edwards' story on the chain's expansion into the Inland Empire.
Late notice on this one, but in case you're wondering what to have for dinner tonight (March 7), how about heading to Wahoo's Fish Taco, 11561 Foothill Blvd., in Rancho Cucamonga?
Wahoo's is again hosting a fundraiser for the Freedom Courtyard project planned for Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga.
The restaurant will donate 20% of your tab when you present this flyer.
To learn more about the project, click here.
Wahoo's is again hosting a fundraiser for the Freedom Courtyard project planned for Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga.
The restaurant will donate 20% of your tab when you present this flyer.
To learn more about the project, click here.
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Fine and not-so-fine dining in the Inland Empire.
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