The Inland Empire SoCal Food Beat

Marie Callender's parent files for bankruptcy

2011-06-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Restaurant owner Perkins & Marie Callender's Inc. on Monday filed for bankruptcy protection, brought down by tough competition, the weak economy and rising food costs.
The owner of the Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and the Marie Callender's chains said in the filing it plans to shutter 65 stores and cut 2,500 jobs, or about 20 percent of its work force of 12,350.
The company cited the weak economic climate, particularly in Florida and California, where many of its restaurants are located, for the bankruptcy filing.
There are eight Marie Callender locations in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Perkins restaurants are not located in California.
Documents filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court in Delaware indicated the company could not afford to build new restaurants and upgrade existing ones, so it lost traffic to better-funded restaurant competitors.
The two chains were "adversely affected by the languishing economy, including declines in consumer confidence and sluggish consumer spending and increased commodity costs," CEO J. Trungale said in a statement in November, following its most recent quarterly earnings filing for the period ended Oct. 3, 2010.
Food costs have increased since then, pressuring food makers and restaurant chains alike.
The Memphis, Tenn., company had assets of about $290 million and liabilities of $440.8 million, according to the bankruptcy filing. Top creditors include The Bank of New York Mellon Trust and law firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP.
The company has 160 owned and 314 franchised Perkins restaurants and 85 owned and 37 franchised Marie Callender's.

Press Telegram Aeticle

Black Angus Coupons Expires 06/08/11

2011-05-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Eat Drink Deals

Del Taco New “Mac ‘n Cheese Crunch Bites"

2011-05-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sounds good to me.

Food Beast Article

Cuca's Mexican Food, Loma Linda

2011-04-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

Wet Chili Verde Burrito $9.89

Believe it or not the burrito pictured above is a Chili Verde Burrito topped with a Colorado sauce. I found pork inside but no green chili.

This new incantation of Cuca's is located behind the Starbucks at California and Barton. We visited around 3 pm on a Saturday afternoon, the restaurant was pretty slow at that time. I only know Cuca's from their Burrito stand near Redlands High School. There prices are reasonable and the service is quick. All the food is to go. This new operation is styled as a dinner house.

Sorry to say we were underwhelmed by the service, menu and prices.
It took forever to get waited on, then a long wait for the food. The food is overpriced for the quality of the menu.

I will not be returning to this Cuca's for a few years, doubt if they will be in business then.

A big thumbs down.

Black Angus Lunch Coupon expires 4/29

2011-04-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

Coupon

Jack in the Box Unveils a Bourbon BBQ Steak Grilled Sandwitch

2011-04-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hope this item is better than their last creation "All American Burger". It tasted like a meat and grease stuffed ball of dough.

Food Beast Article

Rose Apple Thai Cuisine, San Bernardino

2011-04-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

UPDATED 04/24/2011
Rose Apple consistently serves the best Thai Food in the Inland Empire.

Thai Iced Tea with Boba

Main Course of the Broccoli Lovers with Chicken Lunch $7.95

Beautiful Thai Traditional Dancer

Lunch Special Drunken Noodles with Tofu $7.95

Lunch Special Pad Thai with Chicken $7.95

Lunch Special Princess Snow Pea with Chicken $7.95

UPDATED 12/06/2009

BEST THAI FOOD IN THE INLAND EMPIRE

Returned to Rose Apple today to follow up on my earlier visit. I thought my last meal was outstanding but wanted to bring my family to confirm my opinion. Today the service was quick and friendly. We all ordered from the lunch menu at $7.95. The dinner menu prices increase on some items to $8.95 and $9.95, very reasonable considering the quality. All of the dishes were fantastic. We could find nothing wrong with our meals. We all agreed this is the best Thai food we have tasted in the area. At this time we consider Rose Apple the best Thai restaurant in the Inland Empire.

Food *****

Green Curry, Jasmine Rice with Soup or Salad, Small Egg Roll & Half Moon Ton $7.95

Rose Apple Thai Cuisine

1981 South Diners Court
San Bernardino, CA 92408

Rose Apple is hidden in a half deserted strip mall behind the Lotus Garden in San Bernardino. It occupies the space of the former Papaya Bay Thai Restaurant. It is a bit cluttered outside, Rose Apple has two pretty fountains and decorations. Inside it is very smart looking. Dark hardwood floors with matching tables and Thai art decorates the walls. Service was quick and sweet.

Rose Apple have lunch specials for $7.95. There is a wide variety of items to choose from. It is best to go to their website to check out all of the specials. The dinner prices seem very reasonable also.

http://roseappleca.com/#/lmenu

Today I chose the Green Curry Lunch. Prior to receiving the entree Rose Apple serves a platter with a bowl of soup or salad, a half moon ton and an egg roll. Today the soup was Tom Kha or Coconut Soup. It was delicious and tasted just like something you would find in Thailand. It is a mixture of lemon grass, coconut milk, mushrooms and a few veggies. The egg roll was small but tasty, the half moon ton was a little fried pastry with what appeared to be cream cheese and crab meat. The main dish was just great. It was presented very professionally on a large plate. The portions were good sized and more than filled me up. The green curry was just a bit hot the way I like it, but not so spicy that it was uncomfortable to eat. The green coconut curry sauce was perfect. You can choose the type of meat for the special, chicken, pork, tofu, mock chicken, mock abalone, beef or vegetable. I chose the pork, it was sliced, well seasoned and tender. The curry had squash, green beans, bamboo shoots and bell pepper. The vegetables were all fresh and the taste of the squash was outstanding. Rose Apple serves a small chocolate mint when the check is presented.

The staff of Rose Apple are really trying to do a good job here. I have visited Thailand many times and this is some of the most authentic Thai food I have had in the Inland Empire. I will definitely go back. I would give them five stars for food, but must go back for a second opinion. If you are in the area please give them a try. They certainly were not busy when I visited for a late lunch today. They serve the special on the weekend. They are open 11-9 on weekdays and 12-9 on the weekend.

Food ****

Ambiance ***

Service ***

Cost $

Repeat - Yes

Eureka Burger, Redlands

2011-04-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

"The Emperor has no cloths"

I found this review (link below) of Eureka Burger on The Burger Review website. I cannot speak on the merits of this very critical review but the Burger Review guys are usually spot on in their assessments. They rate Eureka Burger as one of the worst in the U.S.

I will make it a point to visit this establishment and determine if they are worse than Jack in the Box.

TheBurgerReview,com Review

Restaurant Website

New Viva Villa Fresh Taqueria, San Bernerdino

2011-04-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

Rajas Con Queso Tamales $1.49 each

Menudo $6.99

Tacos de Carne Asada and Tacos de Carnitas $1,39 each

Pancho Villas is no more, replaced by Viva Villa. Completely remodeled, no more Mariachis or buffet, but retaining the full bar.

Change is good! I have visited twice now and enjoyed myself both times.

Order at the counter and the food is delivered to your table. The kitchen is out front for all to see. The tacos are served on homemade tortillas. Service is fast and friendly.

Viva Villas compares to an upscale King Taco.

Great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Four Stars

Five Guys Burgers, Redlands

2011-04-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

UPDATE
NOW OPEN
Sign Outside "Coming Soon"

Located in the JC Penney Plaza next to Nubi Yogurt. More info to come later.

David Allen Review of the Rancho Cucamonga store.

Website

Food Beast - Taco Bell Testing Shells Made of Nacho Cheese Doritos?

2011-04-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

YUCK

Food Beast Story

Denny's has 2 for 1 Maple Bacon Sundae expires 4/9

2011-04-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

Not to my taste.

Yogurtlicious, Loma Linda

2011-04-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

Yogurtlicious is located in a complex on Barton Road just east of Mountain View.

It has a large selection of frozen yogurt and toppings including a variety of fresh fruits. Asiancentric in tastes, a fantastic place to satisfy your sweet tooth.

25805 Barton Rd
Loma Linda, CA 92354

(909) 478-9865

yogurtlicious.com/

Panera Bread - Broccoli Cheddar Soup & Half Italian Sandwich $6.99

2011-04-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

Great Lunch!

1092 E Hospitality Ln

San Bernardino, CA 92408

(909) 478-5723

www.panerabread.com

Little Fisherman Seafood, Redlands

2011-04-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

Little Fisherman now occupies the old Muscle Mike's space on Redlands Blvd. The restaurant does not look very appealing from the street. Inside is nicely decorated with a lot of tables barn style. Besides serving fresh seafood they also call themselves a market, selling fresh fish to go.

You order at the counter, there is only one register so be prepared for a bit of a wait. Entrees start at $10.95, there were lunch specials posted starting at $5.99. They sell all types of seafood. I ordered the Fish and Chips for $5.99, I am not big aficionado of seafood.

The table cloths were soiled throughout the restaurant. It took about 25 minutes to be served my food after ordering. I could see only one cook in the kitchen, no sign of management. The wait staff were friendly but hard to find.

The fish was delicious served with coleslaw and fries with a unique tarter sauce on the side. Overall was disappointed with the service but enjoyed the food.

Probably will return on some rainy day for more of their fish and chips only if there is a lunch special.

Sbarro Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

2011-04-02T11:02:00.000-07:00

The mall based chain can dump their dog units and hoprfully come back stronger.

OC Fast Food Maven Story

April Fools Day 2011

2011-04-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

April Fools :)

Starbucks

OC Register Article - POV of the Wait Staff

2011-04-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Fast Food Maven tweeted this article. Great story and comments.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/job-294296-guest-make.html

Black Angus Dinner Coupons C/O EatDrinkDeals –

2011-04-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

Good until 04/27/11

http://www.eatdrinkdeals.com/2011/03/black-angus-dinner-coupons-2//

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill, Redlands

2011-04-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Fish Taco Combo

Fish Tacos are OK. Prefer a warmer tortilla. Service fast and friendly. I will return.

El Pollo Loco in financial trouble - Fast Food Maven

2011-03-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Sad News

http://fastfood.ocregister.com/2011/03/30/el-pollo-loco-in-financial-trouble/91755/

Five Guys opens today in Rancho Cucamonga 3/9 From Dine 909

2011-03-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

The article say opening units in San Bernardino and Redlands. I hope the food is as good as it looks.

http://www.insidesocal.com/dine909/2011/03/five-guys-opens-today-in-ranch.html

Sizzler, Redlands

2011-03-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

Long time location in downtown Redlands. Standard Sizzler fare. This location generally has good service and a well maintained salad bar. Great place for a quick lunch.

IHOP, Redlands

2011-02-27T15:51:00.000-08:00

$6.99 Breakfast Special with unlimited pancakes.

Can't be beat!

Amapola Rico Taco, San Bernardino

2011-02-27T14:07:00.001-08:00

Amapola is located in a strip mall across the street from Sam's Club. It's a small restaurant well decorated with Diego Rivera posters.

They have a buffet for $8.95 on the weekends. It's inexpensive but, by the looks of it, not worth the price. The lengua burrito was soggy and difficult to eat. The beef burrito was okay but could have been better. The crunchy beef taco was greasy and bland. Service was without a smile; she looked like she wanted to be somewhere else. Felt rushed. Food was served on Styrofoam plates. Surprised it was fairly busy on Sunday afternoon.

Will not return.

1060 Harriman Pl #C1
San Bernardino, CA 92408
(909) 796-6220

http://www.amapola-tacos.com/default.htm