Inland Empire foodies rejoice: Inland Empire Restaurant Week is back and it’s twice as big.
The folks at the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau have been hard at work and have enticed 116 122 restaurants to participate — almost more than double the 60 that participated in the inaugural event this spring.
Whether you live in the East Valley, the West Valley, the mountains communities or Riverside County, there’s something nearby to choose from in 30 different communities. Participating restaurants have lunch deals ranging from $10 to $20, and dinner deals priced between $20 and $40.
Most of the deals include several courses. For instance, the $10 lunch at the Grand Oak Steakhouse and Bar in Cherry Valley includes either soup or salad, your choice of three half-sandwiches or pasta, and a dessert. All you have to do is decide where to eat and enjoy.
Some, such as Slater’s 50/50 in Rancho Cucamonga, have whipped up special entrées in honor of the event, including a Tequila Chorizo Fundido Burger (ground beef, guacamole, onion ring, fire roasted green chili and tequila chorizo fundido on a brioche bun) and a chicken sandwich made with buttermilk fried chicken, southern coleslaw and Korean hot sauce on a brioche bun.
Looking at the restaurant list, we’re very excited, but a little daunted. There are so many options, how can we possibly choose?
Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Mexican, American, barbecue, French or perhaps something a little more exotic like Portuguese, Cuban or Persian, you’re in luck. There are even vegan and vegetarian options.
Restaurants run the range from chains — like El Torito, Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant and Market Broiler — to celebrated independents like Duane’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, Owen’s Bistro, Pappas Artisanal and ProAbition, just to name a few.
The event’s website (www.inlandempirerestaurantweek.com) makes it easy to search. You can sort by cuisine or price, or narrow your choices down by city and/or cuisine. Just don’t delay. The event starts tomorrow (October 17) and runs only through October 26.
The event kicks off tomorrow night with the black-tie 18th annual Vintner’s Gala at the Ontario Convention Center.
For previews, click here and here.
For a full, searchable list of participating restaurants, click here.
For updates, follow the event on Twitter and Instagram and “Like” ’em on Facebook.