Beyond Societys Control

The new home for info.

2011-09-21T17:00:00.001-07:00

Here it is, enjoy.

Temecula food: Chronic Tacos, get your fix

2009-04-06T15:03:00.001-07:00

Temecula, Ca – Is it the middle of the afternoon and you’re seriously hungry? Well, you are in luck. Chronic Tacos is your fix. Located in the Tower Plaza center off Rancho California Rd in Temecula, Chronic Tacos offers a wide array of Mexican-American food. Picky eater? Chronic Tacos has everything from Burritos to breakfast and tacos to tamales. They even have a catering menu suited to serve 10, 25, or 50 person parties.

We were just cruising around without a plan when we happened upon this little gold nugget eatery. Being vegetarian, we are skeptical of restaurants. Will there be anything we can eat? Are they going to be irritated if we ask questions? As soon as we looked at the menu, I was happy. Not only are there a ton of different veggie options, they also have a potato taco for only $1.09! Plus, all of the staff members were friendly and knowledgeable about the food, and willing to answer anything we asked.

Our “picky eater” got a Potato Taco with only cheese and my husband and I each got a Veggie Taco. I asked, “What are you veggie options?” The cook (who ended up being one of the owners) said that I could have any of the rice, beans, salsa, and toppings as well, he would sauté up some fajita veggies if I wanted. Of course we both opted for the huge stack of sizzling red, orange and yellow peppers and onions. We asked about the rice. As most veg*ns know, most restaurants use chicken or beef stock to make their rice. Chronic Tacos uses water and spices to make their two kinds of rice, White Lime and Spanish.

Carnivores need not worry. If meat is your thing, Chronic Tacos has plenty of it. Take your pick from Carne Asada, Pollo Asada, Carnitas, Al Pastor (spicy pork), Breaded Fish (Tecate beer battered Mahi-Mahi), Grilled Fish, and Shrimp. Any of these options can be added to your burrito, tostada or taco. Or if you are in the mood for breakfast, try a chorizo, machaca, or gringo burrito (egg, potato and bacon). Just thirsty? Chronic Tacos offer fountain drinks, Rockstar, bottled water and beer by the bottle or glass.

The best part about Chronic Tacos is the price. Nothing on the menu is more than $7.50 (not including catering menu) with most prices falling between $3 and $6. In the near future, Chronic Tacos will be hosting live music in the evenings for your listening pleasure. So go have yourself some Chronic! Check them out online at www.eatchronictacos.com, or call the Temecula restaurant at 951-491-0373. Temecula’s Chronic Tacos is located at 27523 Ynez Rd, Temecula, Ca 92591.

If you are interested in playing at Chronic Tacos in Temecula, they are looking for mellow acoustic performers over 21 years old. Please contact Nick Newcomer at 949-929-4768.

Temecula food: Chronic Tacos, get your fix

2009-04-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Temecula Food: Spuntino’s Pizza serving up an authentic slice of Italia

2008-11-11T03:11:00.001-08:00

In a town that has a pizza place in every center, you have to stand out among the competition. You have to be authentic Italian with just enough commercial American and exotic intrigue. And you have to serve a damn fine pizza.

Even though I am mostly of Irish decent, I am irrationally drawn to Italian food like I am returning to my homeland. Having originally stopped at the Baron’s shopping center to get coffee, we found ourselves walking into Spuntino’s instead.

Spuntino Pizzeria and Delicatessen
31891 Rancho California Rd Suite 200
Temecula, Ca 92590
951-699-7722
951-699-7724 fax

Spuntino’s Pizzeria and Delicatessen is wedged between a Subway and a Starbucks at the head of a beautiful courtyard. Inside, Spuntino’s is dual purpose; serving customers pizza, fresh salads, and sandwiches, as well as grocery items of dried pasta, olives, wine and much more. The front of the store houses the delicatessen, sliced meat and cheese, cold salads, fresh breads, and the salad/sandwich center. The real wood fire pizza oven is in the back, with about six or seven wooden tables curving through the middle of the shop. Along the side by the register is the Italian grocery.

On the menu you will find a multitude of options. From Pizza Bruschetta, bruschetta on a wood fired pizza crust (my all time favorite pizza), to Pizza Wurstel, hot, tomato sauce, mozzarella and oregano, you are sure to find the perfect pizza. Along with the usual pizzas, Meat Lovers, Vegetarian, Margherita, there are quite a few unique and exotic toppings like smoked salmon, anchovies, peas and French fries. If pizza is not what you are looking for, try one of the many types of salads, pastas, sandwiches or a calzone.

Finish off your meal with some strong Italian coffee or one of the many fresh desserts. Our table ordered Lemon Chello Sorbet and a Mocha Sorbet, both were exceptional. In my homeland if pizza were a place, Spuntino’s would now be the Capital City.

Temecula Food: Spuntino’s Pizza serving up an authentic slice of Italia

2008-11-11T03:11:00.000-08:00

Spuntino Pizzeria and Delicatessen
31891 Rancho California Rd Suite 200
Temecula, Ca 92590
951-699-7722
951-699-7724 fax

FOOD: Board’z Grill in Murrieta; A Little Something for Everyone

2008-09-02T15:04:00.001-07:00

Murrieta, Ca - This is a review I have been meaning to write for some time now. It is not for lack of things to write, just procrastination. I guess I have a more thorough basis of knowledge now having been to Board’z Grill on numerous occasions since it opened back in early spring.

On our first visit, my husband, daughter and I each ordered our own meals. My husband ordered the Garden burger for $6.95. Safe bet, I thought. The Board’z sauce has mayo in it, so ask for it on the side or without if you are a vegetarian like us. I was sure it would be a frozen patty with little to no taste, but I was so wrong. The veggie patty appears to be a homemade black bean burger with just enough kick to keep your taste buds buzzing. The menu says the burger comes with cheddar, but every time we order the Garden burger it comes with 2 slices of Swiss cheese melted on top of the patty. Top all that off with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and sprouts and you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

I became a little jealous after seeing his Garden burger before I realized I had one of Board’z tasty Tube’z to tackle. The Tube (AKA Burrito) was a large flour tortilla stuffed full with a generous helping of ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, crunchy hash browns, carrots, sprouts and finished off with green sauce. Quite a good bargain at $3.95!

Having a daughter who loves Mac and Cheese means we can never get out of a place without ordering it. We were thinking that she can have her generic kid’s meal that is ultra bland for picky kids, but we were dead wrong yet again. Board’z makes some of the best Mac and Cheese I have tasted in a restaurant. Perfectly al dente macaroni noodles drenched “Board’z Style” in a homemade white cheddar cheese sauce with the random bell pepper and secret spice that even the pickiest kid will love. The Kid’z Meal comes with a drink and an Oreo cookie, but the grown ups like it so much, that we order the side portion and share.

Speaking of Side’z, this brings me to the single biggest reason to at least try Board’z Grill: the Roasted Red Potatoes. Okay, so maybe you don’t have an unnatural love for all things potato like I do, but believe me they are good. Pan roasted to a crisp caramelized edge with a smooth creamy center and tossed with oil and herbs, these spuds will melt in your mouth without lightening your wallet. All of Board’z Side’z are only $2.95 for a huge plate full of food! Choose from the afore mentioned goodies as well as a Garden or Caesar Salad, Steamed Veggies, French Fries, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Corn on the Cob, or Rigatoni with Broccoli. I have only tried the Rigatoni and found it to be a little on the watery side, but delicious no the less.

Board’z also has an extensive Salad menu including a Chop, Cobb, Wedge, Caesar, Mediterranean, and Oriental salad to fit whatever mood you are in. If poultry is your thing, Board’z will set you up with some of their specialty chicken by the piece or whole. Order ala cart or with Side’z for a tasty dinner that you didn’t have to slave over. Do you crave breakfast at all hours of the day and night? Board’z serves breakfast all day! Order one of the Muffin’z: scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheese and Board’z sauce on an English muffin with your choice of meat. The Veggie Muffin comes with avocado, tomato, sprouts, hash browns, carrots and cheese with Board’z sauce. Don’t feel like a burger, try out one of the six Pita’z Board’z has to offer. All this plus an appetizer menu to satisfy one and all.

Located near the 215 intersection with Los Alamos Road near the Murrieta Post Office, Board’z is the last stop for grub for those of us heading north from Temecula. If you are from the area, you may remember this store being a California Grill or Bob’s Burgers, both of which resided in the building and has since vacated. After speaking with the staff, Board’z business is booming and they are looking to open more stores in the vicinity. Call ahead 951-600-4851 and place an order, you won’t be disappointed.

FOOD: Board’z Grill in Murrieta; A Little Something for Everyone

2008-09-02T15:04:00.000-07:00

Village Pizza scores big in Big Bear

2007-08-07T11:52:00.001-07:00

Big Bear, Ca - It was the 58th annual Old Miner's Day Parade that brought us to the quaint little city in the mountains. Having a little cheerleader in the family, we as parents get to traverse all over the southland in pursuit of the next parade our princess is marching in. Last Sunday we made the long, beautiful drive up the mountain to Big Bear Lake. Parade entrants check in early, so we take that chance to peruse the local eateries. With parking spots at a premium, we snagged the first spot we saw next to a Starbucks and Village Pizza.

Village Pizza is a family owned and operated restaurant at 40568 Village Drive, Big Bear, Ca. There is a small arcade just in front of the open kitchen, plenty of tables and booths inside, as well as covered tables on the patio. We walked in at 11:30am, right when the doors opened, so we were the first in line for pizza. Village Pizza does not sell pizza by the slice, but a small cheese pizza (10 inch) is only $8.50. We ordered a small salad ($2.95) and a fresh brewed ice tea ($1.95) to go along with our small pizza. The salad was typical side salad fare, though it was very fresh and plenty for the two of us to share. The ice tea was real brewed tea, not fakey imitation crap; real tea gets bonus points from me. The cheese pizza was delicious. The crust was light and crispy and cooked to golden perfection. Underneath the pile real California cheese was a sweet tomato sauce to blend it all together. Even two hours later the pizza was excellent.

Village Pizza also serves up soups, sandwiches, pastas and side dishes if you are not in the mood for pizza. Come in before 2pm and take advantage of the lunch special, $5.75 for a personal pan pizza with one topping, a salad and soft drink. For the grown up in the group, Village Pizza also has wine, Burgundy, Blush or Chablis; and a wide variety of domestic and imported beer on tap and in the bottle. Next time you are chillin’ in Big Bear, take a break at Village Pizza. The food is great, the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is relaxed.

Village Pizza scores big in Big Bear

2007-08-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

The Simpson’s Movie saves the day

2007-08-01T05:24:00.001-07:00

I will admit I have not watched an original Simpson's episode in quite sometime. Still, I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the feature film. Trying to avoid a packed theater, I went with the family to the 11am showing on Monday morning. Doing so I had the haunting tune "Spider Pig" stuck in my head for the rest of the day!

Staying true to the original Simpson's, the family is heavy on the character stereotypes. Lisa is trying to save Springfield from pollution, Homer, inevitably, is the root cause of the major downfall. Marge is the nagging worrywart who suspects Grandpa's rambling to be a sign of the end and Maggie is the hardest hardcore baby with a pleasant disposition in town. The only real difference is Bart. Still up to his old school shenanigans, we get to see the troubled softer side of the mischievous older brother. After being dared by Homer to skateboard naked to town and back, Bart realizes his father's selfishness after he crashes and Homie doesn't help him. Keep a close eye to the screen while Bart is skating and you may see more of the boy than you had hoped. Rumors of the full frontal scene is more than just hype, it is a reality.

All in all, The Simpson's Movie was a success. It made me laugh and didn't make me think too much. Everything you want from the beloved cartoon family. Most of the characters are there, considering the whole town was locked under an inescapable dome through most of the movie it would be hard not to. As well, we are introduced to a few new characters along the way. It took twenty years to get America's favorite family on the big screen, but Director David Silverman and writers Matt Groening and James L. Brooks get it right. The Simpson's Movie is silly and stupid, heartwarming and funny, a great comedy for the fans and first timers alike.

The Simpson’s Movie saves the day

2007-08-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

Food for Thought: Fazoli’s new menu more Blah than Ahhh

2007-07-12T07:54:00.001-07:00

A year ago when I should have written a review on Fazoli’s fast Italian restaurant, I would have given a much favorable view. Being a vegetarian for a few years now, I have come to truly appreciate the few eateries that accommodate my lifestyle. Fazoli’s USED to be one of my favorites.

A couple of months ago, Fazoli’s changed ownership. In turn, everything changed, and not for the better. I used to love the build your own pasta menu. An absolute gem for the meat eaters and vegetarians alike. For $2.99 I could choose whole wheat penne pasta over the less nutritious white in spaghetti, fettuccine or penne. I had the option of five different sauces and I could add meat or veggies for one dollar more. The small portion was more than enough, but if you had a serious hunger, the regular was a very reasonable $3.99. Being so satisfied with this section of the menu, I admit, I rarely ventured outside my usual except to switch up the sauces. My favorite part of the dine-in experience was the complimentary garlic breadsticks brought to my table by a very friendly and often talkative older woman. Whom I am sure loved the interaction with the wide variety of people.

With any regime change there is always a need to “revamp” what was already in place. In the case of the new “Ahhtalian” menu, that meant tossing the build your own pasta option, scrapping the whole wheat pasta, peppers & onions topping and two of five sauce choices, and raising the prices. Now if want spaghetti marinara I have to pay $3.49 for a small serving or $4.49 for the regular. Not to mention, my usual topping of broccoli is now $1.69! To make matters worse, on the 3 occasions I have visited Fazoli’s since the change, I have yet to see the nice old woman with breadsticks once. I certainly hope she did not lose her job, but it would not surprise me. Now if you want more than the one breadstick you get with your decidedly smaller meal, you have to go up to the counter, wait for someone to acknowledge you and ask for more.

I am a habitual carryout menu hoarder, so I dug into my pile of dusty old papers to find the old Fazoli’s menu I knew I had to compare to the new one I acquired on my recent outing. Without much surprise, 95% of the menu prices are more expensive now; the exception being 2 desserts which dropped 20 and 50 cents, however, the third dessert was raised 20 cents in price. As well, the price for whole pizza is down by $1 for cheese only and $2 for one topping. Gone are the Meatball Subs and Chicken Caesar Paninis. Say goodbye to the Deep Dish Pizzas and Pizzarinos. Arrivederci fast fresh Italian.

Food for Thought: Fazoli’s new menu more Blah than Ahhh

2007-07-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

Movie Review: Transformers meet the eye

2007-07-12T07:51:00.001-07:00

One of the most anticipated movies of the summer, Transformers rolled in to theaters over the holiday week. Staying true to the original cartoon series, the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons battle it out over the ever important Allspark, the creator of life…in a cube.

Unfortunately for Earth, the Allspark, and Megatron the leader of the Decepticons, landed in the frosty Arctic Circle many years ago. Having tracked the Allspark to Earth, but not knowing exactly where, Decepticons of all different shapes and sizes descend upon the military and their intelligence headquarters. It is up to the Autobots and an unassuming high school kid, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), to find the Allspark first and stop the Decepticons from destroying the Earth.

A little less than meets the eye, the plot was full of holes, but none the less entertaining. The movie was filled with cheesy non commercials for phones, disks and the most obvious, Chevrolet. The Autobots had to turn into something right? The special effects were okay, though they moved a bit fast. It was hard to tell who was who between the two robot factions in the fight scenes. The romance that blossomed between nerdy Sam and gorgeous Mikaela Banes (Megan Fox) was inevitable and only a touch on the cheesy side. Sam’s parents (Kevin Dunn and Julie White) however, provided the much needed comedic refreshment. If you have two hours to kill, Transformers fits the bill, but wait a few weeks. It is not worth waiting in line outside the theater for and hour just to get a good seat.

Movie Review: Transformers meet the eye

2007-07-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Movie Review: Live Free and Laugh Hard

2007-07-12T07:50:00.001-07:00

What better way to spend a sweltering day before the Fourth than in a nice cool movie theater? And what better movie to see than the fourth installment of the Die Hard series? John McClane (Bruce Willis) is back with a vengeance, wait that was the last movie. Either way, our favorite incredibly unlucky and hard to kill hero is back in true form. Live Free or Die Hard comes at you with full force from the beginning without slowing down for a minute.

With the much needed technology help from Matt Farrell (Justin Long, you will recognize him from the Apple Computers commercials), Detective McClane takes on the very sophisticated internet scammer, and former agent, Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant). Car crashes, gunfights, helicopter chases, kidnapping and hand-to-hand-to-foot contact ensue with the ever present comedic relief and wait for it….. The eventual tagline “Yippee Ki Yay…”

The story was well written, though a little predictable. The special effects were amazing even if a little unrealistic. With only a few minor errors, Californians will recognize some areas as not being in DC, Live Free or Die Hard does come together as a great action film. Fast paced, hard hitting and action packed, just the way you like your John McClane.

Movie Review: Live Free and Laugh Hard

2007-07-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

Food for Thought: Andy’s Cafe, Not Your Ordinary Restaurant

2007-07-11T04:41:00.001-07:00

Murrieta, California - “This is not an ordinary quick service restaurant.” Andy’s Café in Murrieta is indeed out of the ordinary. Family owned and operated for about a year now, Andy’s Café is one of few “mom and pop” treasures in the Temecula/Murrieta area. With large chain restaurants springing up everywhere, Andy’s Café makes it mark as a great local eatery.

With a menu ranging from breakfast to burgers and salad to seafood, Andy’s Café has something for everyone, including those with limited funds. Nothing on the menu is over $15, with most breakfasts and sandwiches priced at around $7. On our visit, I enjoyed the wonderfully delicious Vegetarian Sandwich with Fresh Fruit ($6.95). All sandwiches and burgers, nearly twenty different selections including Gardenburger, come with a choice of french fries, onion rings, fresh fruit, potato salad or cole slaw. Vegetarians make sure you ask for no mayo; instead get a side of Italian dressing as the sandwich is dry without it. My husband ordered a Short Stack ($3.55) and Country Potatoes ($2.95) from the all-day breakfast menu. Both were thoroughly enjoyed. Andy’s Café is also a bakery with an extensive list of cakes and pies to indulge in which are “Prepared fresh daily on premises.” Next time you are in Murrieta I suggest you make a stop at Andy’s Café, located at 40469 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd Suite G-6.

Food for Thought: Andy’s Cafe, Not Your Ordinary Restaurant

2007-07-11T04:41:00.000-07:00

Anna Nicole Smith, dead at age 39

2007-02-08T06:14:00.001-08:00

Hollywood, Fla. - Anna Nicole Smith has died after collapsing in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Despite theefforts of paramedics, she did not survive. Anna had been transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in
Hollywood just after 2:00 PM EST and was pronounced dead around 3:45 PM EST.

Anna had been hospitalized for a week last November with pneumonia. Her son Daniel died of a drug overdose on September 10. People Magazine is reporting her new born (Sept 7 2006) daughter, Dannielynn is in the Bahamas with family.

Smith was born Vickie Lynn Hogan on Nov. 28, 1967, in Houston, one of six children of Donald Eugene and Virgie Hart Hogan. She married Bill Smith in 1985, giving birth to Daniel before they divorced two years later. More info will be posted as it comes in.

Anna Nicole Smith, dead at age 39

2007-02-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

Smashing Pumpkins announce 6th album release

2007-02-07T03:51:00.001-08:00

Chicago - The Smashing Pumpkins have announced thier long awaited 6th album, 'Zeitgeist', due out July 7, 2007. The announcement was made this morning by BC (Billy Corgan) on the Smashing Pumpkins myspace page. Also listed are a handful of show dates, mostly large rock festivals, in Europe for this summer. This will be the band's first new album since 2000's Machina. Check back for more information.

Smashing Pumpkins announce 6th album release

2007-02-07T03:51:00.000-08:00

Arizona Treasures: Visit the Grand Canyon Caverns for beauty and adventure

2006-07-19T01:45:00.001-07:00

Grand Canyon Caverns

Mile Marker 115 Route 66

Peach Springs, Arizona 86434

www.grandcanyoncaverns.com

One of my favorite things to do is travel. What’s even better is stumbling across unbelievable treasures. On my latest outing, a trek halfway across the country for Thanksgiving, I discovered the Grand Canyon Caverns. We were on our way home after just about being stranded in Flagstaff, when we decided to take Historic Route 66 for a little while. A large slightly chipped and fading sign stating the wonders of the Grand Canyon Caverns piqued our interest and we turned down the little old road to the caverns.

It was if it was meant to be, as we walked in they were just starting the last tour of the day. The caverns are open from 9am to 5pm in the summer and 10am to 5pm in the winter seven days a week, and are complete with a full restaurant (unfortunately we had already eaten). The fee for entry into the caverns is a very fair $12.95 (if you are a AAA member you get $1 off) and the gift shop items are all reasonable priced as well. You can also choose a flashlight tour for a couple dollars more and an explorative tour, which takes you off the trails and deep in the caverns, for just under $50 per person.

One rule in the GCC is no food or drinks. That is because it is one of the only 3% of all caverns that are dry. Meaning all the water that formed it 345 million years ago is now gone. Two hundred ten feet under the ground and at a very warm 56 degrees the caverns were amazing! I was surprised that we were going on a guided tour. Most other attractions are serve yourself. Our guide, Randy, was very informative and friendly. It was nice to get a feel for the history of the place as we were looking around. For instance, the name of the Caverns used to be Peach Springs Caverns (the nearest town) until it was discovered that the oxygen in the caverns filters in from the Grand Canyon through 63 miles of limestone rock! The sites were unbelievable and the history was amazing!

I can’t say enough good things about the Grand Canyon Caverns! I recommend that anytime you find yourself on I-40 in western Arizona, take a side trip and check out this natural wonder!!

- Jeney Kingsbury

Arizona Treasures: Visit the Grand Canyon Caverns for beauty and adventure

2006-07-19T01:45:00.000-07:00