Dine 909tag:www.insidesocal.com,2008-10-01:/dine909//4392010-02-09T20:55:22Z:9Movable Type 4.25Happy National Bagel Day!tag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1636332010-02-09T19:58:02Z2010-02-09T20:55:22ZSeems there's a special day for everything...even bagels!Bet you never knew there was a National Bagel Day. Well, you're not alone!I found a couple of reports online that indicated Panera Bread was giving away bagels today, but nothing on Panera's...John Plessel Bet you never knew there was a National Bagel Day. Well, you're not alone!
I found a couple of reports online that indicated Panera Bread was giving away bagels today, but nothing on Panera's Web site, nor their Twitter or Facebook pages. So, you might want to take those reports with a grain of salt. Or a poppy seed.
Regardless, you might want to take time today to celebrate with your favorite bagel and a schmeer of cream cheese. Yum!
Mazel tov!]]>
Déjà vu...Denny's offering free Grand Slams tomorrowtag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1635722010-02-09T03:47:02Z2010-02-09T18:40:34ZAnnounced during the Super Bowl (as they did last year), Denny's is repeating it's colossally-popular Free Grand Slam event.They're giving free Original Grand Slams from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow (February 9).Of course, last year's giveaway drew lines around...John Plessel
Denny's is repeating it's colossally-popular Free Grand Slam event.
They're giving free Original Grand Slams from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow (February 9).
In addition to the Grand Slam giveaway, Denny's has other promotions lined up. Follow the jump to find out more.]]>
Free birthday Original Grand Slam: Remember when you used to get a
free meal at Denny's on your birthday? Well, now you'll be able to get an Original Grand Slam on your birthday. Just show proof and eat up.
Free burger and fries: Through Valentine's Day, the first 500,000 people who sign up for their Denny's Rewards marketing program will receive a free burger and fries, valid March 1 to 7. Of course, enrolling also puts you in the running for...
Free Original Grand Slam for a year: Denny's will select 52 "winners" (one per week), who will be able to receive one free Original Grand Slam every week for a year. Gym membership not included.
Endless pancakes and fries: Beginning Wednesday (February 10) and continuing for a limited time, Denny's is offering free refills on orders of French fries and pancakes. Completely unlike other restaurants who might offer bottomless steak fries or might currently be having an all-you-can-eat pancake special.
Click here(.pdf file) to read more about the promotions.
Last year, I drove by a nearby Denny's on the way to work, saw the line, and kept on going. I suspect I'll do the same tomorrow.
If you decide to brave the crowds, feel free to comment below.]]>
What's your fantasy...does it involve chocolate?tag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1599452010-02-03T20:16:05Z2010-02-03T20:18:49ZJohn Plessel
Update: Joy Juedes over at the Redlands Daily Facts has done a story on the event. Click here to read her article.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Redlands is hosting the 16th iteration of its Chocolate Fantasy fundraiser this Saturday (February 6) at the Mitten Building, 345A N. Fifth St., Redlands.
The black tie-preferred event, which runs from 7 to 11 p.m., will feature hors d'œuvre, Champagne, live and silent auctions, dancing to a live band, and, of course...chocolate!
This year's live auction includes a seven-day/six-night stay at Wyndham Ka'Eo Kai on Kauai, Hawaii; a gourmet dinner for eight (with wine pairings) by Farm Artisan Foods owner and chef Roberto Argentina; a six-day, five night stay (including airfare) at Westin Regina Resort in Puerto Vallarta; a limo ride for four to attend a live taping of CBS' "Two and a Half Men"; a pair of Trek adult beach cruiser bikes; and a Mexican dinner fiesta for fifty.
Among the dozens of silent auction items: a two-night stay at the Avi Resort and Casino in Laughlin, NV; a Saturday night stay with Sunday brunch at the San Bernardino Hilton; a gift certificate for Joe Greensleeves; a guitar signed by Kevin Costner via KFRG; passes to the Palm Springs Tramway; passes to Sea World; and an Ontario Reign luxury box suite from Toyota of San Bernardino.
Whew!
Proceeds from the event fund programs for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Redlands.
Tickets are $90 at the door or $75 in advance by calling 909-798-4599.
However, because you're a fan of Dine 909, we'll let you in on a little secret. If you're quick, you can get tickets from our friends over at SoCal Gift Cards for only $48.75. That's nearly half off the door price!
At the time of this post, there are 11 tickets left.
On your mark...get set...go!]]>
Free KIND! Free KIND! Free KIND!tag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1590452010-02-01T23:08:37Z2010-02-01T23:21:17ZWhen you head into your favorite Starbucks this Friday (February 5), you'll get a little something extra with your Caramel Macchiato.You see, Starbucks will be giving out bite-size KIND bar samples at their stores nationwide.And just what is a KIND...John Plessel
Starbucks this Friday (February 5), you'll get a little something extra with your Caramel Macchiato.
You see, Starbucks will be giving out bite-size KIND bar samples at their stores nationwide.
And just what is a KIND bar?
If you haven't already found out by clicking the link above, it's a healthy snack bar that's billed as being made "from ingredients you can see and pronounce."
Sounds pretty sensible to me. They're also connected with a Web site that encourages random acts of kindness, which bodes well for their corporate culture.
Starbucks will be sampling two of the KIND bars they carry: Fruit & Nut Delight and Cranberry Almond+Antioxidants.
For more information, click here to read the KIND January newsletter.]]>
fresh & easy opens in Rancho Cucamonga (again)tag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1594372010-01-28T00:03:02Z2010-01-28T01:54:30ZJohn Plessel
fresh & easy locations in Rancho Cucamonga doubled today.
Of course, there was only one to begin with, but now there are two.
The new location, which opened its doors at 10 a.m today, is at 8956 Foothill Blvd. (at Vineyard Avenue), in the Thomas Winery Plaza.
It joins the original Rancho Cucamonga location about 3½ miles east at 12188 Foothill Blvd. (at Day Creek Boulevard), which opened inSeptember.
The recipient of the $1,000 check (which fresh & easy grants at each grand opening) is Citrus Little League.
Of course, still no word on the Loma Linda, Rialto, Moreno Valley (Cottonwood Avenue), Calimesa and Ontario (Euclid Avenue) store openings, although I hear the Rialto store will open sometime in March. I suspect the second Ontario location will open shortly after that. ]]>
Food safety during stormstag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1592242010-01-26T01:21:57Z2010-01-26T01:23:00ZWith one series of storms having passed through last week and another storm on the way, the fine folks at the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health have issued tips for safe home heating and safe cooking (and storage)...John Plessel The tips are pretty common sense:
Don't use gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices to heat your home.
Throw away food (including food containers with screw-caps, and home canned foods) that has touched flood or storm water.
Throw away perishable food that has been at 41 degrees or warmer for more than two hours.
Don't use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and
prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula.
This is especially important to remember if the power goes out, as it has in the mountains during the recent storms.
Follow the jump to read the county's press release. ]]>
When power outages occur during emergencies such as winter storms, the use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating, or cooking can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside a living area which can poison the people and animals inside.
DEHS also advises residents to throw away food that may not be safe to eat. Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Also, do not eat perishable foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers that have been above 41°F for over 2 hours. Thawed foods that contain ice crystals, or are 41°F or below, can be refrozen or cooked. Food containers with screw-caps, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come in contact with floodwater because they cannot be disinfected. Cans which have come in contact with flood or storm water can be disinfected by removing the label, washing the can and dipping in a solution of 1-cup bleach to 5 gallons of water. Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula.
For more information on safe food handling practices, contact the San Bernardino County Public Health, Environmental Health Services division at (909) 884-4056 or visit the website at www.sbcounty.gov/dehs.]]>
P.F. Chang's new Happy Hour prices make us really, really happytag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1590442010-01-25T21:07:54Z2010-01-25T21:08:36ZEarlier this month, P.F. Chang's launched a new Happy Hour, which runs from 3 to 6 p.m. every day.Every day.EVERY DAY.A quick glance revealed nearly all of the items on the Happy Hour menu are at least $2 off their...John Plessel
P.F. Chang's launched a new Happy Hour, which runs from 3 to 6 p.m. every day.
Every day.
EVERY DAY.
A quick glance revealed nearly all of the items on the Happy Hour menu are at least $2 off their usual prices. Most of the items I compared were $3 less.
Happy Hour items are priced from $3 to $6...get it? 3 to 6 p.m. -- $3 to $6 prices? Clever, huh?
Of course, there is one item (a glass of Pabst Blue Ribbon) that's only $2, but let's pretend we didn't see that.
We stumbled upon the Happy Hour this past Friday afternoon at the Victoria Gardens location in Rancho Cucamonga.
The result? For $20 and pennies per person (including tax, but not tip), we had a delicious, filling meal that included a wide variety of food, a high-end Margarita and dessert.
Looking at the list, I think next time (which I hope is soon), I'd probably substitute one order each of shrimp dumplings (Happy Hour price $5) and seared ahi tuna (Happy Hour price $6) for the full-price Mongolian beef.
Also, I'd probably bypass the Margarita (as good as it was) for a large jar of Gekkeikan Saké (Happy Hour price $4) to share.
Did I mention that the Happy Hour prices are in effect every day?
Another point which needs emphasizing is that the discounts are available both in the bar and in the dining room, which is a huge plus.
You can see the whole glorious Happy Hour menu for yourself by clicking here.
Tips for travelers: P.F. Chang's Happy Hour is only in select states right now, and certain locations in participating states are not offering it (the Planet Hollywood Casino, Las Vegas, location is one).
It appears that all four Inland Empire locations (7870 Monticello Ave., Rancho Cucamonga; 3475 Tyler St., Riverside; 3445 Grand Ave., Chino Hills; and 40762 Winchester Road, Suite #400, Temecula) are participating.
If you're a P.F. Chang's fan (Hi, Traci!), this is a great way to get your fix and not spend a lot of dough. If you have never tried their food, this is a great way to give them a try without a lot of risk.
If you have gone, or decide to check it out for yourself, feel free to leave a comment below. ]]>
Amapola debuts weekend buffettag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1590432010-01-23T10:36:07Z2010-01-23T10:36:26ZA short while back, Amapola Rico Taco began offering an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet on Saturdays and Sundays at two of its San Bernardino locations -- 1279 W. Base Line (at Mount Vernon Avenue) and 1060 Harriman Ave.I'd been to Amapola...John Plessel
Amapola Rico Taco began offering an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet on Saturdays and Sundays at two of its San Bernardino locations -- 1279 W. Base Line (at Mount Vernon Avenue) and 1060 Harriman Ave.
I'd been to Amapola in the past and have to admit I hadn't been impressed.
However, this past weekend, I headed to the Base Line location to give the buffet a try.
The verdict?
Great food. Better price.
The buffet is loaded with Mexican delicacies, including menudo, chilaquiles, tamales, enchiladas, chorizo con huevos y papas, machaca, chile verde, carne asada and albóndigas.
I enjoyed almost everything I tried. ]]>
The price.
It's only $8.95 for adults and $4.25 for kids. And that includes coffee or soda.
If you only want menudo, it'll only cost you $7.25. Trust me...pay the extra $1.70 and get the full Monte.
Apparently, word has already spread, since the dining room was mostly full the whole time we were there.
The buffet is offered from 7 a.m. until about 2 p.m.
If you've already been to Amapola's buffet, or decide to give it a try, feel free to comment below. ]]>
Join the Grub Club for an Afghani feasttag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1589142010-01-22T10:12:19Z2010-01-22T10:12:49ZAllan Borgen and Jeff Williams of the Let's Dine Out show on NewsTalk 590 KTIE are hosting a Grub Club event at Afghan Palace Cuisine, 8685 Base Line, Rancho Cucamonga.The event, a 17-course feast, will take place at 5 p.m....John Plessel
Let's Dine Out show on NewsTalk 590 KTIE are hosting a Grub Club event at Afghan Palace Cuisine, 8685 Base Line, Rancho Cucamonga.
The event, a 17-course feast, will take place at 5 p.m. January 31.
17 courses? Wow...that's like eight meals rolled into one!
Cost is $22.95, which includes tax, tip and beverage.
Seating is limited and reservations are required by January 28. R.S.V.P. to Allan Borgen at 909-910-3463.
For a "taste" of what to expect, you can read Allan's review of Afghan Palace Cuisine here.]]>
RDF meets OSFtag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1587012010-01-21T01:40:07Z2010-01-21T01:55:40ZThe folks at the Redlands Daily Facts recently visited the oxymoronic new Old Spaghetti Factory in Redlands.We get an earful from pretty much the whole crew: Staff writers Joy Juedes (who drops the name of a certain food blogger), Jesse...John Plessel
Redlands Daily Facts recently visited the oxymoronic new Old Spaghetti Factory in Redlands.
We get an earful from pretty much the whole crew: Staff writers Joy Juedes (who drops the name of a certain food blogger), Jesse B. Gill and Chantal M. Lovell; sports writer Kevin Trudgeon; paginator Nichole Owens and head honcho Jennifer M. Dobbs.
The verdict is pretty much unanimous -- they all enjoyed their meals.
You can read the entire review for yourself by following this link.]]>
Market Broiler still celebrating 20 years with specialstag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1585142010-01-19T22:06:22Z2010-01-20T00:17:07ZLast night I had a wonderful (and inexpensive) meal at Market Broiler at the Ontario Mills mall.I've seen the advertisement announcing 20th anniversary deals on that electronic billboard off the southbound 15 near Fourth Street, but I haven't had a...John Plessel
Market Broiler at the Ontario Mills mall.
I've seen the advertisement announcing 20th anniversary deals on that electronic billboard off the southbound 15 near Fourth Street, but I haven't had a chance to check them out for myself until last night.
I swear the Riverside location has been there for more than 20 years.
They have three deals that are offered every day:
Fish and chips ($7.95)
Fresh catch of the day ($9.95)
Snow crab platter ($9.95)
They also have four daily deals, all priced at $9.95:
Mondays: Design your own duo
Tuesdays: Sirloin steak and shrimp
Wednesdays: Caramelized salmon
Thursdays: Triple "S" combo (Salmon, snapper and shrimp skewer)
In addition to the meal specials, they are offering half-price wine on Mondays and Tuesdays,
and half-price appetizers (one per guest) on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Click here to see all the deals. ]]>
Since we went on a Monday night, my two companions and I had different configurations of the "Design your own duo." I chose mahi-mahi and shrimp.
There's really nothing that's as simply delicious as mesquite-grilled shrimp sprinkled with lemon juice and then dipped in melted buttter. Ah!
The mahi-mahi was also delicious and done to perfection.
The meals (with the exception of the fish and chips) come with warm sourdough bread and two sides. We all had the cheese potatoes and loved them!
The offers have been running since October, and it's unknown how much longer they're going to be in effect. So, if you're a seafood lover, do yourself a favor and head on over to take advantage.
In addition to the Ontario Mills location (at the north side of the mall, across from AMC Theaters), they have their original location in Riverside (3525 Merrill St., across from Riverside Plaza). They also have locations beyond the Inland Empire in Orange, Huntington Beach and Fremont. ]]>
Taco Bell founder dies at 86tag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1584092010-01-19T02:07:33Z2010-01-19T02:56:27ZThe Inland Empire has been called the birthplace of fast food, and Glen William Bell Jr. was one of those who got his start here.He is best known for founding the restaurant which still bears his name, Taco Bell, but...John Plessel He is best known for founding the restaurant which still bears his name, Taco Bell, but also co-founded Taco Tia here in San Bernardino and had a hand in the creation of Wienerschnitzel (founder John Galardi worked for Bell; Bell created their chili recipe; and Bell's wife came up with the name).
He was also friends with Neal T. Baker, who founded Baker's Drive-Thru, and former Bell employee Ed Hackbarth founded Casa del Taco, now simply known as Del Taco.
Bell died yesterday (January 17) at his home in Rancho Santa Fe. He is survived by his wife, Martha, three sisters, two sons and four grandchildren.
A link to the press release from Taco Bell can be found here (hover over Our Company at the top, then click on Latest News).
Sun writer Andrew Edwards spoke to Stater Bros.' Jack Brown and Juan Pollo's Albert Okura about Bell's legacy and has included their comments in an obituary for tomorrow's paper. You can find it online here. ]]>
Tummies ready? Here some the Girl Scout cookies!tag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1580022010-01-15T05:54:38Z2010-01-15T05:55:55ZIn just a few short weeks, the annual Girl Scout cookie sale will begin.This year, the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council (which covers most of the Inland Empire) are doing away with the pre-orders and just selling cookies.Hooray for...John PlesselIn just a few short weeks, the annual Girl Scout cookie sale will begin.
This year, the Girl
Scouts of San Gorgonio Council (which covers most of the Inland
Empire) are doing away with the pre-orders and just selling cookies.
Hooray for instant gratification!
This year's cookie sale runs from January 24 through March 14.
The Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council gets their cookies from ABC Bakers.
The cookies they're offering this year are:
Thin Mints
Peanut Butter Patties
Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Caramel deLites
Shortbread
Lemonades
Thanks-a-Lots
Daisy-Go-Rounds
]]>
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.
The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles will be going the traditional route, taking pre-sales from January 23 through February 5, with booth sales from February 26 through March 21.
Their cookie offerings this year are:
Lemon Chalet Cremes
Trefoils
Do-Si-Dos
Samoas
Dulce de Leche
Thank U Berry Munch
Tagalongs
Thin Mints
Their supplier is Little Brownie Bakers.
Whether you'll be buying Samoas or Caramel deLites, Tagalongs or Peanut Butter Patties, get ready to open up your wallets and your mouths to take in this annual journey into cookie goodness!]]>
Free pastrami! Free pastrami! Free pastrami!tag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1580042010-01-14T00:53:01Z2010-01-14T00:54:44ZIt turns out that tomorrow (January 14) is National Pastrami Day. Who knew?To celebrate, Togo's Sandwiches is giving away a free pastrami mini classic sandwich to the first 100 customers at each store.The giveaway takes place from 3 to 5...John Plessel To celebrate, Togo's Sandwiches is giving away a free pastrami mini classic sandwich to the first 100 customers at each store.
The giveaway takes place from 3 to 5 p.m.
There are Togo's locations scattered throughout the Inland Empire, including San Bernardino, Redlands, Fontana, Upland, Corona, Chino Hills and Temecula. ]]>
No loaf love for the Inland Empire?tag:www.insidesocal.com,2010:/dine909//439.1577512010-01-13T22:28:24Z2010-01-13T22:33:31ZSan Diego? Check.Los Angeles? Uh huh.Orange County? Yep.Inland Empire? Not so much.We here at Dine 909 love Tillamook Cheese...with a particular fondness for the vintage white extra sharp Cheddar in the black wrapper that you can usually find at Costco.Yum!But...John Plessel Los Angeles? Uh huh.
Orange County? Yep.
Inland Empire? Not so much.
We here at Dine 909 love Tillamook Cheese...with a particular fondness for the vintage white extra sharp Cheddar in the black wrapper that you can usually find at Costco.
Yum!
But does Tillamook return the favor?
In a word, no.
The creamery cooperative has embarked on its "Loaf Love Tour" to promote its Baby Loaf medium Cheddar cheese.
The modified VW microbuses are currently in Arizona and will be in Southern California starting next month. They'll be in various San Diego locations February 17 through March 14; Los Angeles March 17 through April 12; and Orange County from April 14 through May 16.
From there, they travel to Bakersfield.
So, according the tour schedule, no Inland Empire dates.]]>
Note to Tillamook: The Inland Empire is not in Orange County.
Will we see those cute little vans revving through Rialto; tooling around Temecula; motoring through Montclair; or cruising through Colton? They'd look particularly cute rolling down the "Mother Road."
It appears unlikely.
If you want to experience the "Loaf Love Tour," it seems you'll have to drive into L.A. or Orange County to do so, but we'll know more when actual dates are posted.
If only there were a way Dine 909ers could contact Tillamook and politely ask if the Inland Empire is included in the tour.
They're giving free Original Grand Slams from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow (February 9).
In just a few short weeks, the annual Girl Scout cookie sale will begin.