Recently in Shoppin' and eatin' Category

In 2009, I wrote about the rivalry between two Pomona Mediterranean restaurants serving a nearly identical menu and located in the same strip mall. The "kebob war" was between Aladdin Jr. and The Mirage; both owners had unkind words for the other.

Later that year, The Mirage owner John Hassan sold his restaurant and went on to open Ali Baba down the street on Foothill Boulevard in Claremont. Ali Baba closed in December.

In 2010, I wrote about bike shop Cyclery USA opening in the same Rancho Cucamonga plaza as Competitive Edge. Allegations of back-stabbing and unethical practices were lobbed.

Surprisingly, there have been developments in both stories.

The Mirage, which has changed owners several times since Hassan left, has changed ownership once again and this time, the new owners have changed its name. But much to the chagrin of Aladdin Jr. owner Kal Halik, the new Palms Palace also serves a near identical menu of kabobs, hummus and hookah.

Meanwhile, Competitive Edge has moved shop to Foothill and Ramona, as stated in today's business page article. Owner Mark Ceccarelli said the property manager raised his rent a whopping 40 percent.

I could not get additional information on this alleged rent hike. When I called the property manager, he said, "I decline to comment and I would like to discontinue this call." (Click.)  

Competitive Edge, the bicycle shop that has been on Haven Avenue north of Foothill Boulevard for 20 years, is in the process of moving.

After a rent increase, the owner looked for a new location and found one on Foothill and Ramona.

All the bikes and inventory should be moved in by Thursday. A grand opening may take place some time in February.

Farrell's might have had a bad night last night but generally speaking it has been doing well since it opened last month.

After years of absence, the ice-cream parlor and restaurant opened its first Inland Valley location on Foothill Boulevard, taking over the former Macaroni Grill. Those who grew up going to the Montclair Plaza restaurant or others in Southern California have been returning in droves for the nostalgia factor.

Wait time for dinner ranges from 30 minutes to two hours, even on weeknights. Manager Chad Khalaf said weekday lunch is the time to go without the wait. The recent opening of the Brea restaurant may ease the crowds but Khalaf doesn't expect wait times to change for another six months.

Anybody dined there yet? How long did you wait?

I've heard it from three different people, so it must be true. Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill is getting ready to open. If my sources were to guess, they pit the opening anywhere from end of February to early March.

Building and Safety Official Trang Huynh and other city staff members conducted an inspection of the Victoria Gardens restaurant this week. Huynh said workers are doing the flooring and decorations. He can already see the beginnings of a giant guitar that will hang over the bar area.

In 2010, the Planning Commission gave the ok for the Toby Keith establishment to open with live music and dancing. At the time, Toby Keith officials predicted a January 2011 grand opening with a possible Toby Keith concert. But 2011 passed with little activity in the empty store front opposite of Lucille's BBQ.

Not sure why it has taken so long. Huynh said the contractor and subcontractor were replaced, which explains the delay. Victoria Gardens General Manager Christine Pham said the restaurant had been focused on openings in other cities until now.

 

I stopped by Pho Rancho for a pre-City Council meeting dinner last night. Opened four months ago at the Vons/Trader Joe's center on Haven, Pho Rancho is the fifth Vietnamese noodle shop in the city, to my knowledge.

My pho on Wednesday came with "Here Comes Santa Claus" playing over stereo speakers and the BBC news on the overhead television. Not one of the four other customers seemed fazed. Why wouldn't you want to eat Vietnamese food while listening to Christmas music and learning about David Beckham's new Galaxy deal?

In addition to pho, Pho Rancho also serves rice, spring rolls and banh mi, or Vietnamese baguette sandwiches. Their banh mi, which comes with chicken, pork or beef, are $2.99. That makes me wonder what Subway, which is several doors down and boasts $5 foot-long sandwiches, thinks about the competition.

Chick-fil-A is giving away free breakfast items from Jan. 24 through 28. To participate, you must visit its website from now through Jan. 23 and reserve a time slot and entree. The Rancho Cucamonga location, 12190 Foothill Blvd., is among four in the Inland Valley participating. The Chino Hills, Ontario Mills and Upland Colonies stores are also offering free breakfasts.

With all the restaurants coming and going, it's hard to keep track. Good thing it's not just "going," there are businesses coming, too.

First the sad news. Joey's BBQ on Foothill Boulevard closed last week. Its Upland, Pomona and Chino locations are unaffected. Robin's Dono, a Japanese restaurant on Fourth Street across from Ontario Mills, has also closed.

Here's some good news. Alberto's will take over Joey's BBQ spot. Alberto's is a chain of taquerias with more than 40 locations in Southern California. Cuban restaurant Flamingo Palms is leaving its tiny Archibald Avenue location and moving to the more prominent Fourth Street, in a space where Camille's used to be. Flamingo Palms will be on Archibald for another month. Handel's, the popular ice-cream joint in Upland, is opening another shop on Haven Avenue at the Vons center near the 210 Freeway. Handel's is expected to open mid-February or March. Finally, it was mentioned in this space recently that Felipe's on Archibald and Foothill has closed. Stevie Dee's Diner is expected to take over.

Am I missing anything?