Dine 909 tag:www.insidesocal.com,2008-10-01:/dine909//439 2009-11-26T02:21:33Z :9 Movable Type 4.25 Euro Deli closing its doors tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.151988 2009-11-26T02:21:05Z 2009-11-26T02:21:33Z San Bernardino's Euro Deli, which replaced a short-lived Quiznos at 292 E. 40th St. (at Waterman Avenue), is apparently itself going to be short-lived.News assistant Kristina Hernandez reports that there is a going-out-of-business sign on their door.One would think that... John Plessel Quiznos at 292 E. 40th St. (at Waterman Avenue), is apparently itself going to be short-lived.

News assistant Kristina Hernandez reports that there is a going-out-of-business sign on their door.

One would think that the business, which shares a building with a Starbucks, would be in a decent location, what with all the mountain commuter traffic during weekdays, at least.

Apparently, that's not the case.

So, if you're in the mood for a bratwurst, you better hurry!
]]> Thanks, Jack! Broguiere's egg nog found at my local Stater's tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.151359 2009-11-20T10:07:45Z 2009-11-20T10:07:26Z Well, imagine my surprise last week when I went to my local Stater Bros. to pick up ingredients for making butter pecan ice cream when I spotted a lone bottle of Broguiere's egg nog sitting on the shelf in the... John Plessel Well, imagine my surprise last week when I went to my local Stater Bros. to pick up ingredients for making butter pecan ice cream when I spotted a lone bottle of Broguiere's egg nog sitting on the shelf in the dairy case.

Perhaps someone high up in the Stater Bros. chain of command saw my plea from last year.

Whatever the reason, it took about a half-second for me to grab it off the shelf and throw it into my cart.

It's not cheap -- Stater's sells it for $6.99 a quart -- but it sure beats driving to Montebello to pick it up directly from Broguiere's dairy, as I did last Christmas Eve.

I had a second surprise when I sat the bottle on the conveyor belt at the checkstand and realized it was one of the Huell Howser bottles.

You see, Broguiere's has several different designs printed on their glass bottles, and since Huell did a pair of his "Visiting..." shows from there, so they decided to use his image as one of them, as a "favorite visitor."

Anyway, if you are an egg nog fan and want to try some delicious, good old-fashioned nog, you really should give Broguiere's a try.

I had quite a difficult time finding it last year, but in addition to Stater's, I hear it's available at Gerrard's in Redlands and Wolfe's Market in Claremont. Good luck.

Any other Inland Empire sightings? Feel free to comment below!
]]> ]]> <![CDATA[Recession buster — free lunch or dinner — at Alfredo's]]> tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.151133 2009-11-18T21:33:21Z 2009-11-18T21:56:34Z Dine 909 favorite (before Dine 909 even existed...yes, their number is programmed into my cell phone) Alfredo's Pizza and Pasta is offering a very generous bargain to frugal diners.Sunday through Thursday, buy a meal and an appetizer at regular price... John Plessel Dine 909 favorite (before Dine 909 even existed...yes, their number is programmed into my cell phone) Alfredo's Pizza and Pasta is offering a very generous bargain to frugal diners.

Sunday through Thursday, buy a meal and an appetizer at regular price and get another meal of equal or lesser value for free!

Yep...buy a lunch and an appetizer and get a free lunch of equal or lesser value. Ditto for dinner.

Alfredo's has always been generous with their deals (I don't think I've ever paid full price for a pizza there), but this is the first time I've ever seen them offer any kind of bargains during their lunch hours, so you'd be wise to take advantage.

If you've never been to Alfredo's (which has been in San Bernardino for three decades), where have you been?

The food is delicious, the service is friendly and the portions are huge!
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With dinner, you get minestrone soup or green salad with either Italian or ranch dressing. And, of course, fresh rolls with garlic butter. Yum!

Back to the deal...the stipulations:

  • Again, it's only valid Sunday through Thursday.
  • It's good for dine-in only
  • It's not valid on holidays
  • You need a coupon, but the coupons are available at the register...ask for one when you come in
  • It's not valid with any other offer
  • One free meal per coupon
  • It's a limited-time offer
Pretty standard stuff.

Alfredo's is at 251 W. Base Line (between Arrowhead and Mountain View avenues) in San Bernardino. They're open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. You can call them at (909) 885-0218.
]]> An icon transformed: Norco's Cowboy Bob's Big Boy tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.151061 2009-11-18T07:29:20Z 2009-11-18T10:25:07Z Tonight in Norco, Bob's Big Boy got the boot.Actually, a pair of boots and a cowboy hat.What seemed like half the town of Norco showed up to celebrate the culmination of a two-year journey for the Western-clad statue.When the restaurant... John Plessel Tonight in Norco, Bob's Big Boy got the boot.

Actually, a pair of boots and a cowboy hat.

What seemed like half the town of Norco showed up to celebrate the culmination of a two-year journey for the Western-clad statue.

When the restaurant was in the planning stages in late 2007, the planning commission of "Horsetown USA" didn't think the iconic mascot was Western enough. So they requested a makeover.

The restaurant's headquarters, having complied once before by putting a Tyrolean hat on the Big Boy statue in Alpine-themed Gaylord, Mich., agreed to the change.

The restaurant opened in March of this year, but without the customized Big Boy.

The statue finally arrived late last month and the date for the big debut was chosen.
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Everybody seemed to be in a celebratory mood as they waited for the big moment.

These kinds of events are seldom without a fair amount of pomp, and tonight's event was no exception.

We had presentations and proclamations by various Norco Chamber of Commerce members; city council members; Assemblyman Jeff Miller's office; Norco's mayor, Kathy Azevedo; and a seemingly endless supply of Norco and Corona beauty queens.

You had your Misses, your Pre Teen Misses, your Junior Teen Misses, your Young Misses, your Toddler Misses and your Baby Misses.

You had your Norco queens, your Norco rodeo queens and your Miss Circle City Corona queens.

But Miss Norco? She was missing in action, but I believe all her princesses were there.

So after all the city folks, the business folks and the beauty folks had their say, it was time to show Cowboy Big Boy to the world.

We waited while the owner and the manager tracked down the key to unlock the padlock that secured the chain holding down the tarp covering Big Boy.

Then we began the countdown from 20... 19... 18... 17... 16... 15... 14... 13... 12... 11... 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1!

Cowboy Big Boy was unveiled!

Of course, there was still more pomp to come: Photo ops, a ribbon-cutting and, perhaps best of all, cake!

The excitement outside the restaurant slowly filtered inside the restaurant, as diners ate or patiently waited for a table.

The restaurant, needless to say, was packed!

Employees eagerly doled out the rest of the hors d'œuvres to those seated and those still waiting for a seat.

They even had a raffle to celebrate the evening, with winners taking home Big Boy goodies like T-shirts, Bob's seasoned salt and jars of relish.

All in all, it was a good time. Really, what else are you gonna do in Norco on a Tuesday night?

Congratulations, Norco, on your one-of-a-kind Big Boy! Long may he ride.

If you want to pay a personal visit to Cowboy Big Boy, head on over to 3521 Hamner Ave. in Norco.






























































]]> Eat pizza, help schoolkids tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.150071 2009-11-16T20:18:10Z 2009-11-16T20:56:03Z Tomorrow (November 17), the Original Graziano's Italian Restaurant and Bar is hosting a fundraiser for Saint Peter and Saint Paul school in Rancho Cucamonga.The event will take place from opening to closing at the restaurant, 1615 N. Mountain Ave. (at... John Plessel Saint Peter and Saint Paul school in Rancho Cucamonga.

The event will take place from opening to closing at the restaurant, 1615 N. Mountain Ave. (at 16th Street).

All you need to do is mention the school and Graziano's will donate 20% of your purchase to the school.

Grazie, Grazianos! ]]> Free (late) lunch tomorrow tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.150025 2009-11-16T16:11:47Z 2009-11-16T16:12:28Z Wendy Leung Jamba Juice will offer free flatbreads to the first 150 customers starting at 2 p.m. Tuesday. The new California Flatbread comes in four flavors -- Tomo Artichoko, Smokehouse Chicken, Mediterran Yum and Four Cheesy.]]> Taco joint turns 21, Wahoo! tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.149764 2009-11-13T19:16:35Z 2009-11-13T19:18:12Z Everybody knows the 21st birthday is the best. Celebrate it with Wahoo's, on 11561 Foothill Blvd. in Rancho Cucamonga next Saturday starting 11 a.m. The first 21 guests will receive a special goody bag. Gift cards and coupons for free... Wendy Leung
Celebrate it with Wahoo's, on 11561 Foothill Blvd. in Rancho Cucamonga next Saturday starting 11 a.m. The first 21 guests will receive a special goody bag. Gift cards and coupons for free meals will also be handed out.  ]]> Helping out for the holidays tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.149557 2009-11-12T02:52:14Z 2009-11-12T02:53:06Z Now that we are sliding into the holiday season, several Inland Empire eateries and grocery stores are inviting customers to help out the less fortunate.First up, we have Victorville's Johnny Rebs', which is sponsoring a Thanksgiving food drive. Those who... John Plessel
First up, we have Victorville's Johnny Rebs', which is sponsoring a Thanksgiving food drive. Those who bring at least two canned or boxed foods suitable for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner (e.g. a box of stuffing or mashed potato flakes, a can of gravy or cranberry sauce, etc.) will receive 15% off their meal.

The donated food will be given to the Victor Valley Rescue Mission, which will be holding its Thanksgiving Banquet for the needy from noon to 3 p.m on Wednesday, November 25. Last year, the mission served nearly 700 Thanksgiving meals, this year they expect to serve over 1,000.

In other words, your donations to Johnny Rebs' will definitely be put to good use.

So, if you want to help the hungry and "put some South in your mouth" at the same time (and get 15% off!), visit the Victorville Johnny Rebs' at 15051 Seventh St.

Also, if you are interested in donating a turkey to Victor Valley Rescue Mission, please call (760) 955-5958.
]]> Yogoo à la Mode, 7890 Haven Ave. (at Town Center Drive), Suite 8, Rancho Cucamonga.

Yogoo, which recently celebrated its second anniversary, is collecting for food the Rancho Cucamonga-based GAP Food Bank.

Those who bring in donations through December 21 will receive a free yogurt with the purchase of a yogurt.

Guidelines for donations:

  • Plastic, paper or aluminum packaging is preferred over glass bottles and jars.
  • The food bank is unable to refrigerate items. Please purchase non-perishable items and check expiration dates.
  • Pull top cans are preferred over those that require a can opener.
  • Smaller-sized items are also preferred, as they are easier to store and distribute.
Suggested items:

  • Breads and crackers -- boxes of crackers; boxes of spaghetti, pasta, rice; breakfast cereal bars
  • Fruits and vegetables -- canned fruits and vegetables; fruit cups; canned soups; canned spaghetti/tomato sauces
  • Proteins -- canned stew; canned tuna or chicken; canned chili; canned pasta sauces; peanut butter; Vienna sausage; bags of dried beans
Collecting cash donations through January 31 are your local Ralphs and Food 4 Less markets.

Local stores will have donation canisters at checkstands as part of its "Bringing Hope to the Table" campaign.

Money collected will go to a variety of Southern California food banks and hunger relief organizations, including Second Harvest Food Bank, which serves San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Ralphs/Food 4 Less also recently announced plans to expand their fresh food rescue program. This company-wide project, called the Perishable Donation Partnership, will increase the company's number of stores that donate safe, perishable food. The supermarket chains work with Feeding America-affiliated food banks (like Second Harvest) that have the capacity to safely handle and distribute fresh food.

This initiative not only increases the amount of fresh food Ralphs and Food 4 Less donates, it will help improve the diets of individuals and families who depend on hunger relief programs by giving food banks access to a variety of nutritious meats, fruits and vegetables.

So, the next time you pass through your local Ralphs or Food 4 Less checkstand, drop a quarter or two (or a twenty) in the donation canister.

Dine 909 salutes these three in their efforts to solicit donations for the needy. If any of you Dine 909ers know of any other places that are also helping to raise donations, please feel free to email us or leave a comment below.]]> What does Fall taste like? Find out at the Pomona Moose Lodge! tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.149445 2009-11-11T22:31:33Z 2009-11-11T22:31:38Z Another quickie, this time from the Daily Bulletin and the Upland Now blog:The Pomona Moose Lodge will be holding a Taste of Fall dinner and raffles event at 6 p.m. Friday (November 13) at the lodge, 916 N. Central Ave.,... John Plessel Daily Bulletin and the Upland Now blog:

The Pomona Moose Lodge will be holding a Taste of Fall dinner and raffles event at 6 p.m. Friday (November 13) at the lodge, 916 N. Central Ave., Upland.

Now, I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason why the Pomona Moose Lodge is located in Upland, but who am I to judge?
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Kids and guests are welcome. Prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children up to 10 years old.

The event is being put on by the Publicity Committee of the Women of Moose. For more information, call the lodge at (909) 579-6422.

Click here to see the original blurb from the Daily Bulletin and here for the one from the Upland Now blog.]]> Hungry for goodies? Head to Rancho Cucamonga today tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.149443 2009-11-11T14:15:20Z 2009-11-11T02:47:03Z Just a quickie from the pages of the Daily Bulletin:The Rancho Cucamonga Woman's Club is holding its annual "New to You" and Bake Sale today (November 11) beginning at 11 a.m.The event will take place at the clubhouse in Alta... John Plessel Daily Bulletin:

The Rancho Cucamonga Woman's Club is holding its annual "New to You" and Bake Sale today (November 11) beginning at 11 a.m.

The event will take place at the clubhouse in Alta Laguna Mobile Estates, 10210 Base Line Road.

According to the club, "It's a great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done, buy some yummy goodies and meet some of the wonderful women who devote their time, efforts and love to so many worthwhile projects."

Click here to read the original blurb.
]]> Another two Inland Empire fresh & easys on the way tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.149391 2009-11-10T22:52:08Z 2009-11-10T22:52:27Z John Plessel Ontario Now blog today, we learned that an Ontario fresh & easy has an opening date: Wednesday, December 2.

The store at 2645 E. Riverside Drive (at Archibald Avenue) is now accepting, as per usual, nominations for their grand opening $1,000 charity donation.

If you have a local charity you'd like to nominate to receive the money, click here to do so, but hurry! You've only got until next week to put in your nomination. Employees at the new store will select which charity will receive the donation.

Click here to read the original post at Ontario Now.
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They're also hiring for the north Rialto store, 2015 N. Riverside Ave. (at I-210), which means it'll also be opening soon. The job postings went up October 30. The job numbers are 13278 for Customer Assistant and 13276 for Kitchen Table Coordinator, in case you're interested.

Click here to get to their job search page.

A second Rialto store is planned at Foothill Boulevard and Cedar Avenue.

When the north Rialto store opens, it'll be the closest fresh & easy to The Sun, so you'll probably see me there from time to time...so good luck on the job hunt!]]> Drink up, it's chilly outside tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.149303 2009-11-10T02:00:48Z 2009-11-10T02:12:32Z Wendy Leung ]]> Want free breakfast and lunch today? tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.149081 2009-11-07T09:42:22Z 2009-11-07T09:42:58Z Well, of course, you're gonna have to work for it.I'm aware it's extremely late notice, but the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District is conducting a cleanup of the neighborhood around Citrus Valley High School in Redlands.And what about the free... John Plessel work for it.

I'm aware it's extremely late notice, but the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District is conducting a cleanup of the neighborhood around Citrus Valley High School in Redlands.

And what about the free meals?

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for volunteers by Oscar's Mexican Restaurant and the Gourmet Pizza Shoppe (a Dine 909 favorite), both of Redlands, and Mimi's Cafe of San Bernardino.

All three restaurants are worth paying for meals at, by the way.

The cleanup takes place from 8 a.m. to noon today (November 7).

Clean up efforts will be assisted by volunteers from Hands on Inland Empire and from three of Redlands' high schools: Redlands, Redlands East Valley and Citrus Valley.

Interested in volunteering? Volunteers should meet outside Citrus Valley High School, 800 W. Pioneer Ave., Redlands.
]]> <![CDATA[Thoroughly modern McDonald's opens — deals ensue]]> tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.148341 2009-11-05T01:14:05Z 2009-11-11T21:12:22Z A new, modern-style McDonald's opened a week ago in Fontana (17017 Sierra Lakes Parkway, at Sierra Avenue).Surprisingly, I'm lovin' it. It's a slightly smaller restaurant, without a Playplace. It's very modern inside and if it weren't for the menus and... John Plessel A new, modern-style McDonald's opened a week ago in Fontana (17017 Sierra Lakes Parkway, at Sierra Avenue).

Surprisingly, I'm lovin' it. It's a slightly smaller restaurant, without a Playplace. It's very modern inside and if it weren't for the menus and posted advertisements, you'd scarcely know you're in a McDonald's. Personally, I think it's a great direction for the company.]]>
  • Sundays -- 69¢ small coffee; toy giveaway from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Mondays -- $1.49 six-piece Chicken McNuggets; free balloons for the kids from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesdays -- Buy one Big Mac, get one free; toy giveaway from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesdays -- Buy one breakfast extra value meal, get a breakfast sandwich free.
  • Thursdays -- 50% off a Happy Meal with the purchase of a premium salad; free balloons for the kids from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Fridays -- Buy one Filet-O-Fish, get one free; toy giveaway from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Saturdays -- 39¢ kiddie cones; free balloons for the kids from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
They're offering free Wi-Fi on two upcoming Mondays: November 16 and 30.

Then on December 5, they'll have the Ronald Show at 2:30 p.m., along with a raffle.

If you're in the area (heading to Costco or Lowe's, perhaps?), you might think about stopping by. I'm sure you'll be surprised.]]> New Jewell shines in Riverside tag:www.insidesocal.com,2009:/dine909//439.148644 2009-11-04T09:17:13Z 2009-11-04T09:17:50Z The taste of New Orleans has come to downtown Riverside.The grand opening of the Crescent Jewell Restaurant, 3597 Main St. (at Sixth Street) is set for 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday (November 5).The restaurant had a soft opening late last... John Plessel The taste of New Orleans has come to downtown Riverside.

The grand opening of the Crescent Jewell Restaurant, 3597 Main St. (at Sixth Street) is set for 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday (November 5).

The restaurant had a soft opening late last month. It occupies the space formerly held by the Back Stage Restaurant.

Owner Norman Copeland previously owned and operated Bayou Seafood Grille in Rancho Mirage. He's returning to his roots, as he grew up and was a former educator in Riverside. He graduated from North High School.

The restaurant specializes in Creole/Cajun food and also offers some American dishes such as steaks, pork chops and salads.

The eatery will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. They will offer a happy hour Monday through Friday.

For more information, you can reach them at (951) 684-1001.
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