Think your burger is the best?

The Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its first Dad’s Best Backyard BBQ Burger Contest at the Yucaipa farmers market June 22.

The entry fee is $10 and must be submitted by Friday (June 15). Winners will receive the “Golden Tong” Award plus a deluxe BBQ Gift Basket.

Contest forms are available at the chamber office, 35139 Yucaipa Blvd.

Plus, there will be a Classic Car Show in conjunction with the contest. Pre-1980s vehicles are eligible.

There will be also be games plus bounce houses, a face painter and food.

For more information, call 909-790-1841.

Oh, how I hate giving away my secrets.

But some secrets are too good not to share.

Matano’s Little Italy, a tiny Italian deli in old town Yucaipa, is one such secret.

A co-worker had told me about them, and my initial attempt to try Matano’s ended in failure when I got to the shop and saw a note that they were on vacation…for a month.

Undaunted, I returned a few weeks later and am I ever glad I was persistent.

I had the best sandwich I’ve had in a very long time.
Continue reading “First bites: Matano’s Little Italy” »