Recently in Temecula Category
OK, so it's all the way down in Temecula, but it's as close as it's gonna get to San Bernardino County.
Grillmaster Bigmista will be sharing his grilling tips and serving up free barbecue samples from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday (June 10) at the fresh & easy at 44060 Margarita Road (at De Portola Road).
In other summer food news, fresh & easy is currently having a summer side dish contest.
Submit your recipe (using only fresh & easy brand products, naturally) for the perfect summer side dish before September 9 and you could win the grand prize of: a new grill, a $500 fresh & easy gift card, and bragging rights when your side dish is sold in fresh & easy stores next summer.
Three finalists will win a new grill and a $100 fresh & easy gift card.
For more on what fresh & easy is grilling up for summer, click here. Click here for more information on the contest.
Grillmaster Bigmista will be sharing his grilling tips and serving up free barbecue samples from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday (June 10) at the fresh & easy at 44060 Margarita Road (at De Portola Road).
In other summer food news, fresh & easy is currently having a summer side dish contest.
Submit your recipe (using only fresh & easy brand products, naturally) for the perfect summer side dish before September 9 and you could win the grand prize of: a new grill, a $500 fresh & easy gift card, and bragging rights when your side dish is sold in fresh & easy stores next summer.
Three finalists will win a new grill and a $100 fresh & easy gift card.
For more on what fresh & easy is grilling up for summer, click here. Click here for more information on the contest.
Claim Jumper is hosting a Tip-A-Cop fundraiser for Special Olympics from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday (April 14).
The premise is simple: Police personnel help out the wait staff and in return, get tipped by guests.
The tips are donated to charity.
I've been to several of these Tip-A-Cop events in the past and, although there always seems to be a bit of confusion, they're usually a lot of fun.
Claim Jumper has an Inland Empire presence in Rancho Cucamonga (12499 Foothill Blvd.), San Bernardino (1905 Commercenter East), Temecula and Corona.
For more information on the Claim Jumper Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, click here.
The premise is simple: Police personnel help out the wait staff and in return, get tipped by guests.
The tips are donated to charity.
I've been to several of these Tip-A-Cop events in the past and, although there always seems to be a bit of confusion, they're usually a lot of fun.
Claim Jumper has an Inland Empire presence in Rancho Cucamonga (12499 Foothill Blvd.), San Bernardino (1905 Commercenter East), Temecula and Corona.
For more information on the Claim Jumper Tip-A-Cop fundraiser, click here.
NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson will be making a pair of appearances in the Inland Empire this week.
So what does this have to do with Dine 909?
Johnson is also part owner of Piedmont Distillers, a North Carolina-based craft spirits distillery.
In other words, he's a moonshiner.
He's meeting with fans in celebration of both the introduction of his legal moonshine here in California and this weekend's final Pepsi Max 400 at the Auto Club Speedway.
He'll be autographing bottles of Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon and the limited-edition Midnight Moon Hall of Fame Collector's Series at Stater Bros. markets in Fontana and Temecula.
From 4 to 6 p.m. tomorrow (October 5), Johnson will be at the Stater Bros. in the Sierra Crossroads, 11225 Sierra Ave. in Fontana. From 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday (October 6), he'll be at the Stater Bros. at 31813 Temecula Parkway in Temecula.
For those of you unfamiliar with moonshine, "Midnight Moon is made from American corn, 80 proof and triple-distilled to deliver an ultra-smooth, clean tasting spirit that is often preferred over the world's best vodkas," according to a press release.
The Midnight Moon Hall of Fame Collector's Series was created to commemorate Johnson's induction into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame earlier this year. Each of the six unique bottle designs features a collage of historic photos that document his racing career.
Drinking and driving don't mix, but Johnson is proof you can have a successful career in both.
So what does this have to do with Dine 909?
Johnson is also part owner of Piedmont Distillers, a North Carolina-based craft spirits distillery.
In other words, he's a moonshiner.
He's meeting with fans in celebration of both the introduction of his legal moonshine here in California and this weekend's final Pepsi Max 400 at the Auto Club Speedway.
He'll be autographing bottles of Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon and the limited-edition Midnight Moon Hall of Fame Collector's Series at Stater Bros. markets in Fontana and Temecula.
From 4 to 6 p.m. tomorrow (October 5), Johnson will be at the Stater Bros. in the Sierra Crossroads, 11225 Sierra Ave. in Fontana. From 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday (October 6), he'll be at the Stater Bros. at 31813 Temecula Parkway in Temecula.
For those of you unfamiliar with moonshine, "Midnight Moon is made from American corn, 80 proof and triple-distilled to deliver an ultra-smooth, clean tasting spirit that is often preferred over the world's best vodkas," according to a press release.
The Midnight Moon Hall of Fame Collector's Series was created to commemorate Johnson's induction into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame earlier this year. Each of the six unique bottle designs features a collage of historic photos that document his racing career.
Drinking and driving don't mix, but Johnson is proof you can have a successful career in both.
So, you still haven't decided where you want to take Mom for Mother's Day?
Let us help you out with a few suggestions:
Café Champagne at Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula
On the menu: Prime rib, Tuscan-style chicken and gnocchi, Sangiovese braised beef short ribs, toasted orzo Greek salad, cheese blintzes, house-made tiramisu, warm banana bread pudding. Full menu available here.
Cost: $49.95 adults, $19.95 children 5 to 12 years old, 4 and under free
Time: Noon to 5 p.m., with live music from noon to 4 p.m.
Information: 951-699-0099
Ponte Family Estate Winery
35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula
On the menu: Belgian waffle and omelette bar, white port poached chicken breast with pistachio cream, prime rib, spiral-sliced ham, Alaskan halibut en croûte, cheesecakes and lemon meringue and Key lime pies.
Cost: $49 adults ($44 for wine club members), $25 children under 12 years old ($22 for children of wine club members)
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 951-694-8855
Let us help you out with a few suggestions:
Café Champagne at Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula
On the menu: Prime rib, Tuscan-style chicken and gnocchi, Sangiovese braised beef short ribs, toasted orzo Greek salad, cheese blintzes, house-made tiramisu, warm banana bread pudding. Full menu available here.
Cost: $49.95 adults, $19.95 children 5 to 12 years old, 4 and under free
Time: Noon to 5 p.m., with live music from noon to 4 p.m.
Information: 951-699-0099
Ponte Family Estate Winery
35053 Rancho California Road, Temecula
On the menu: Belgian waffle and omelette bar, white port poached chicken breast with pistachio cream, prime rib, spiral-sliced ham, Alaskan halibut en croûte, cheesecakes and lemon meringue and Key lime pies.
Cost: $49 adults ($44 for wine club members), $25 children under 12 years old ($22 for children of wine club members)
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 951-694-8855
Continue reading Last-minute Mother's Day suggestions.
P.F. Chang's has always had a few items on its menu that were gluten-free. Now they have expanded their gluten-free menu.
They've got everything from an appetizer to a soup to fried rice to over a dozen entrées, including five new beef entrées.
All the items are gluten-free as prepared or have been modified to be gluten-free, and are served on distinctive plates to identify them from other items.
I can personally vouch for one of their original gluten-free items -- the flourless chocolate dome -- it's delicious!
Be aware that the gluten-free items are made in the same kitchen as items containing gluten.
Gluten-free soy sauce is also available.
Inland Empire P.F. Chang's locations include Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, Chino Hills, Temecula and Rancho Mirage.
Click here to see the entire gluten-free menu.
Follow the jump to see the menu, with prices.
They've got everything from an appetizer to a soup to fried rice to over a dozen entrées, including five new beef entrées.
All the items are gluten-free as prepared or have been modified to be gluten-free, and are served on distinctive plates to identify them from other items.
I can personally vouch for one of their original gluten-free items -- the flourless chocolate dome -- it's delicious!
Be aware that the gluten-free items are made in the same kitchen as items containing gluten.
Gluten-free soy sauce is also available.
Inland Empire P.F. Chang's locations include Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, Chino Hills, Temecula and Rancho Mirage.
Click here to see the entire gluten-free menu.
Follow the jump to see the menu, with prices.
Continue reading P.F. Chang's expands gluten-free menu.
For some people, New Year's Eve is the biggest party night of the year. Time to go all out and shake loose the dust of the old year while reveling in the anticipation of the year to come.
Some of us, however, will be working.
If you're one of those party people, you've probably had your celebration planned months ago, but in case you haven't, here's a quartet of suggestions for you.
Of course, it helps if you have a bit of spare cash left over from Christmas.
Some of us, however, will be working.
If you're one of those party people, you've probably had your celebration planned months ago, but in case you haven't, here's a quartet of suggestions for you.
Of course, it helps if you have a bit of spare cash left over from Christmas.
Continue reading No New Year's Eve plans? Here's a few suggestions.
Regular readers of Dine 909 know what Fridays bring, besides paychecks, of course.
That's right...new reviews!
This week Elaine Lehman drives all the way out to San Bernardino to have lunch at Vicky's on Waterman Avenue at Mill Street.
I've eaten at Vicky's many times, but not lately. I sometimes wonder as I drive by if they're still in business. Now I realize why I wondered that.
They close at 3 p.m. on weekends.
I never knew that. I had suspected that they kept odd hours, but now it's confirmed.
Elaine seemed to easily make it there when they were open and enjoyed her burger special.
You can read her critique (and check out their business hours) here.
That's right...new reviews!
This week Elaine Lehman drives all the way out to San Bernardino to have lunch at Vicky's on Waterman Avenue at Mill Street.
I've eaten at Vicky's many times, but not lately. I sometimes wonder as I drive by if they're still in business. Now I realize why I wondered that.
They close at 3 p.m. on weekends.
I never knew that. I had suspected that they kept odd hours, but now it's confirmed.
Elaine seemed to easily make it there when they were open and enjoyed her burger special.
You can read her critique (and check out their business hours) here.
Continue reading It's Friday...you know what that means.
So it's Christmas Eve and I've got a few minutes squeezed in-between holiday preparations to play catch-up from the week's Inland Empire food news.
First of all, we've got a pair of food reviews, as usual, from the Bulletin and the Sun. David Cohen traveled to Temecula to dine at Creekside Grille, located at Wilson Creek Winery. Elaine Lehman traveled to Yucaipa to have lunch at the Beach Cafe. I don't get down to Temecula very often, but next time I'm in Yucaipa, I may seek out the Beach Cafe. It sounds right up my alley.
Read David's review here. Read Elaine's review here.
Next up, from David Allen's blog, we read that Connal's has replaced the old Mi Taco at 1226 W. 7th St. in Upland. The Connal's chain, which was established in Pasadena 50 years ago, has doubled in size with the new location.
That's right...after 50 years, they now have two locations to serve you!
David also notes that Connal's is very generous with its portions. In his column, David recounts a little bit of the history of Connal's, and hinted at the possiblility of adding Mi Taco's signature Matador Salad (of which David has the recipe) to their menu.
If you are a fan of Mi Taco's Matador Salad, David might even share that recipe with you if you ask politely. You can email him here.
First of all, we've got a pair of food reviews, as usual, from the Bulletin and the Sun. David Cohen traveled to Temecula to dine at Creekside Grille, located at Wilson Creek Winery. Elaine Lehman traveled to Yucaipa to have lunch at the Beach Cafe. I don't get down to Temecula very often, but next time I'm in Yucaipa, I may seek out the Beach Cafe. It sounds right up my alley.
Read David's review here. Read Elaine's review here.
Next up, from David Allen's blog, we read that Connal's has replaced the old Mi Taco at 1226 W. 7th St. in Upland. The Connal's chain, which was established in Pasadena 50 years ago, has doubled in size with the new location.
That's right...after 50 years, they now have two locations to serve you!
David also notes that Connal's is very generous with its portions. In his column, David recounts a little bit of the history of Connal's, and hinted at the possiblility of adding Mi Taco's signature Matador Salad (of which David has the recipe) to their menu.
If you are a fan of Mi Taco's Matador Salad, David might even share that recipe with you if you ask politely. You can email him here.
Continue reading Playing catch-up, again.
So, you've got your Babe's Slim Pig N's in Redlands and its sow-sister Babe's Babe's Bar-B-Que Grill and Brewhouse in Rancho Mirage.
You've got your Famous Dave's in Redlands and Rancho Cucamonga.
You've got your mom-and-pops, like Bobby Ray's Bar-B-Que in San Bernardino and Gram's Mission Barbeque Palace in Riverside.
And beginning Monday, you've got another choice: Virginia Barbecue. A small chain with restaurants in Virginia (betcha could've figured that out), Maryland, Delaware and Michigan, will open its first California store right here in the Inland Empire.
Continue reading New Q in the IE.
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Fine and not-so-fine dining in the Inland Empire.
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