About John Plessel

John Plessel is Systems Editor for The Sun and has been blogging for Dine 909 since 2008.

Four days of 49¢ Slurpees ahead

OK, so it’s not going to be scorching in the Inland Empire this Memorial Day weekend, but 7-Eleven stores are still going to offer you a cheap way to cool down.

The ubiquitous convenience store chain will be selling medium Slurpees for just 49¢ today (May 24) through Monday (May 27) at participating locations.

Just try not to get brain freeze.

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Craft Brewing Co. turns three, invites other Inland Empire breweries to the party

Lake Elsinore’s Craft Brewing Co. is celebrating turning three next month and has invited a baker’s dozen of Inland Empire brewers to the party (and one from a little further south).

The shebang kicks off at 1 p.m. (noon for V.I.P.s — more on that later) and lasts until 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1.

In addition to unlimited tastings from 15 breweries, there will be food and music.

Head over the jump for the details, and a special offer if you act fast.

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Military families eat free at Chick-fil-A tomorrow night

Whether or not you agree with chain president and chief operating officer Dan Cathy’s stance on marriage equality, this is one thing that we can all agree that Chick-fil-A is doing right.

Area locations are giving military families a free meal tomorrow night (May 22).

The restaurant’s third annual Military Appreciation Night will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at all 52 Southern California locations.

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Slater’s 50/50 is coming to Rancho Cucamonga

Slaters 5050 Rancho CucamongaWe’ve been scooped!

And by one of our own, no less!

If you happened to catch fellow blogger David Allen’s post on Friday, you might have read that Slater’s 50/50 is coming to Rancho Cucamonga’s Victoria Gardens.

The Orange County-based burger restaurant, famed for its half bacon-half ground beef patties and its diverse and numerous beer selections, is set to move into the spot vacated by Harry’s Pacific Grill, 8009 Day Creek Blvd., sometime this summer.

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Taste of Brews is next Saturday

Beer lovers, we’ve found the perfect way to kick off your Memorial Day weekend.

The Taste of Brews returns to Riverside’s White Park (3901 Market St.) on Saturday, May 25.

Not only can attendees sample from dozens of breweries, including several from the Inland Empire, but there will be several food trucks and local restaurants providing comestibles, and three bands to enjoy.

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Food trucks rolling to Saturday’s Redlands Optimist Chili Cook-off and Car Show

Food truck fans will want to head to Redlands on Saturday.

Not only are there some delicious food trucks scheduled at the Hangar 24 AirFest and fifth anniversary, but there will be a (dare I say better?) selection of trucks at the Redlands Optimists’ annual Car Show and Chili Cook-off.

Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sylvan Park, University Street and Colton Avenue, your suggested $5 admission donation will benefit the Optimists’ charitable work with children.

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New Google Maps leads to brewery discovery

Being the geek that I am, I signed up yesterday to preview the new Google Maps.

Today I got my invitation, so I quickly checked it out.

While going through the tour of the new web app, I decided to search for “Breweries, San Bernardino County,” since I’ve been working on a map of Southern California breweries for our sister blog, Beer Goggles.

While searching, I found a new brewery…thank you Google Maps!

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Total Wine and More celebrating American Craft Beer Week with tastings

Total Wine and More has been hosting a series of beer tastings this week (May 13 to 19) to celebrate American Craft Beer Week.

The Rancho Cucamonga store, 8201 Day Creek Blvd., is offering different breweries’ beers (including several Southern California breweries) to sample for a nominal fee.

Head over the jump for the schedule.

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Trio donating 10% to Stroke Recovery Center this week

May is National Stroke Awareness Month and the help the cause, this week Trio Restaurant has been donating 10% of lunch and dinner proceeds to the Stroke Recovery Center in Palm Springs.

OK, so the week is more than half over, but the fundraiser continues through Sunday (May 19), so you’ve got all weekend to enjoy some great food and help support (and if you’re quick, you can still catch tonight’s prix fixe!).

Trio is at 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Click here for reservations.