Recently in High Desert Category

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 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.

From ace photojournalist/vegetarian/former Dine 909 contributor Eric Reed, we get word that the High Desert has gotten its second Chipotle Mexican Grill.

The new Victorville location is at 14120 Bear Valley Rd., Suite 100, just off I-15 near the Mall of Victor Valley.

It joins the Apple Valley location, which is due east at 19179 Bear Valley Road.

He's glad to have two of the "best burrito shops in the known world," according to his email.

I'm glad that I have new lunch option on my way to Las Vegas.

He's still waiting for that second High Desert fresh & easy location to open, however...

Good news -- sort of -- for those of us worried about the potentially-Salmonella-tainted-peanut butter cookie dough.

The number of schools which received and sold the potentially dangerous dough is down from 13 to three, but the lone San Bernardino County school is among them.

The three schools:

• Barstow Intermediate School, Barstow
• Fremont Elementary, Alhambra
• 93rd Street Elementary, Los Angeles

So, if you happened to have purchased some Sweet Success Frozen Peanut Butter Cookie Dough recently from someone who goes to school at Barstow Intermediate School, you are asked to dispose of it.

Read the updated press release here.

Making my way back from Las Vegas last night, I suggested we stop at Sonic in Victorville -- since it's a rarity here in Southern California -- and grab a snack.

To my delight, I saw they had a Sticky Bun Dough Blast. Of course, I was curious to know if it was good or not, so I asked the lone carhop, the very helpful K3vin. He said it was pretty good, so I decided it was worth a shot.

I'm very glad I did.

Sonic's "Blasts" are their equivalent of a McFlurry/Blizzard/etc. -- ice cream with candy or other sweet treats blended in. The Sticky Bun Dough Blast has bits of sticky bun dough -- sweetly cinnamony with a hint of maple syrup flavor -- and praline pecans blended throughout and sprinkled on top, with a dollop of whipped cream. What a delicious treat!

Of course, at 578 calories for a regular size, it's not something you want to have every day, but as a very occasional treat I'd have to say it was worth the extra calories.

I just couldn't decide if it tasted more like French toast or horchata. You'll have to try one for yourself and let us know. Don't wait too long...the Sticky Bun Dough Blast is only available for a limited time.