My Dinner at Ra Pour

Hi neighbors -

So I'm really excited about this blog post.  I don't think I've ever reviewed a restaurant on this blog but something about Ra Pour makes me want to share my experience with everyone.  To me Ra Pour is more than just the premiere of upscale dining in the Inland Empire.  To me it represents what we as a community could  show the rest of the world what living is like in the IE.

Right now our community is having a tough time with high unemployment and numerous budget cuts. We are in dire need of a solution that will revitalize our communities.  In my opinion, until our local housing and construction industry returns to its former glory, one option I see is entertainment revenue.

Anyone from any walk of life wants to go out and have a good time.  If we can share with the rest of the world and communicate with our own community what the Inland Empire has to offer I think we can draw in revenue from our surrounding communities like San Gabriel Valley, San Diego county and Los Angeles while also keep local spending  within our community therefore contributing to our own revitalization.  We are already witnessing the fact that the state isn't going to contribute to our growth, so it's up to us.

I suppose I am very reflective on all of this because the redesign for this blog is launching soon and then soon after will come the launch of the website - IEShineOn.com.  A website consisting of Inland Empire dining, shopping and attraction listings - a trustworthy go-to for locals and out-of-towners to use when looking for a good time in the IE.  A project I have been working on for almost eight years which has turned into a small business.  So when I went to Ra Pour and then was impressed I thought back to the site I was building.  This restaurant gives me hope in what can be achieved in the Inland Empire and for our community's future.  I can only hope that IEShineOn.com can be a hopeful beacon to others as well.

Wow - seriously side tracked.  Let's talk about Ra Pour.  I have been anticipating the opening of Ra Pour since before its opening.  To my limited knowledge I don't think there's another restaurant quite like it in the Inland Empire.  It's an ultra-chic, modern, sexy restaurant serving delicious gourmet dishes.  Oh, and there's live jazz!  You can say I was already expecting great things.  Here are just a few pictures I took from my dinner.  I hope you enjoy them and thanks for bearing with me.  I tend to babble on when I get reflective...and with lack of sleep.  ;-)

Till next time...

At first entrance you're already set to be impressed

Arrived early enough to catch their dinner staff in their last huddle before
it got busy...and boy, did they get busy!

From front to back: Chicken and waffles (about the moistest chicken and waffles
I've ever had), Middle: Mezze Platter (hummus, tzatziki, mouhamarra, eggplant caviar
and very warm pita bread); Back: Lobster pops with lemongrass-coconut sauce.
DELISH!

Paella - which my friend attempted to eat all on her own.  Ambitious!

Planked Loch Duart Salmon (bacon crust, lentils, roasted roots and
kumquat marmalade)

You may have seen this on our Facebook page but I just had to share again.
This is their chocolate ganache plate and homemade whoopie pies.  Yes, they were
as good as they looked.

Inland Empire Valentine's Fun Guide

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hi neighbors!

In case you weren't already aware from every retail promotion out there that's been repeatedly bonking you over the head with reminders, Valentine's Day is in a couple weeks.  I'm not much for romance but I enjoy any celebration that encourages love (oh and sweet delicious treats)!  I've gathered a list of local Valentine's events, romantic dinner spots, and deals that will get you more in the mood than a chalky heart candy and a baby in a diaper with a bow and arrow will - we hope ;-)  And for those who could care less about hearts and all that jazz, we've got something for you too!

Take a look and let us know if we should add something to our guide.  We'd love to hear from you in our blog comments, Facebook and Twitter.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

WHAT TO GET...

image c/o of milb.com

1. Let the 66eres mascot Bernie deliver something special to your someone special.  Get a sweetheart bouquet or a special "Bernie Red" rose bouquet with vouchers for an additional date night at Angels Stadium to watch the Halos for $140.  Click the link for more details.




2. Chocolate or candy! - Need a sweet treat for your sweet treat?  So many local places but here are just a few...

• Palm Springs Fudge & Chocolates
• Smiles Sweet Shop (Fontana)
• A-Kline Chocolatier (Claremont)
• Old Town Sweet Shop (Temecula)
• Candy Cupboard (Idyllwild)

image c/o of My Delight Cupcakery

3.  Cupcakes!  The Inland Empire is crazy for cupcakes!  Here are our local stars...

• My Delight Cupcakery
• Casey's Cupcakes
• Suite 106 Cupcakes
• [Desi]gn Cakes & Cupcakes
• Some Crust Bakery

WHAT TO DO...

1. Big event happening over in Riverside is "Love in Riverside." First, you can record your Valentine’s message Feb. 7-11 at the Culver Center of Arts from 12-5 p.m. and on Feb. 14 from 12-6 p.m..  On Feb. 11,  2-6 p.m., and Valentine’s Day, 5-7 p.m, watch the broadcasts outside of the Culver Center of Arts on large LED screens, or check out the "Love in Riverside" YouTube channel.  

2. Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley is holding their second annual "You Stole My Heart - Cutest Pet Photo" Contest.  Voting will be based on how many Facebook Likes each picture receives and will conclude on Feb. 10 at 4 p.m.. The winner will be announced at 9 a.m. on Valentine’s Day.  Vote for your favorite!




3. How about pre-Valentine's Day plans?  On Feb 11, you can check out "A Celebration of Love."  Enjoy the greatest love arias from the Italian operatic repertory performed by the Redlands Symphony.  Enjoy classics from Puccini, Verdi and Tchaikovsky.  Can you hear the love in the air?

4. Live music, candlelit dinner, Romeo & Juliet contest and more!  Enjoy some old-fashioned romance at Riley's Farm's St. Valentine's Dinner & Dance on Feb. 11 or Valentine's Day.

5. Want to do good and celebrate Valentine's?  Head to Cuistot Restaurant in Palm Desert for the Hearts Afire Valentine Dinner benefiting the AIDS Assistance Program.

6. If you're looking for something more casual then check out the weekly film series playing at the Dos Lagos Stadium.  They've got movies that will make the ladies' hearts flutter.

7.  Parents!  You can get your kids in on the fun by heading to the Riverside Art Museum on Feb. 11 for a fun Valentine's craft like a treasure box or Valentine's cards.  Fun and best of all - free!

8. This isn't so much Valentine's related but did you know the Inland Empire has a Foie Gras Club in Redlands?  They're having their inaugural event on Feb. 12 from 2-5 p.m.  This could be a cute and something out-of-the-box date night possibility...


PFFFTT! TO VALENTINE'S...

Image c/o of Roscoes Famous Deli

1. Maybe V-Day isn't quite for you.  You can join some like-minded folks at Roscoes Famous Deli in Chino Hills for their "Love Sucks" party.  (I couldn't help but add this event to the list - the name alone is hilarious and look at the image to the left...HA!)

2. Don't have a date for the big day?  That's ok!  Check out 99.1 KGGI's "Race for love" speed dating event.  Could be fun...


DEALS
1. Getaway to Castle Wood Cottages in Big Bear.  Stay 1 night and get 20% off.  Stay 2 nights or more and get 30% off.  Plus you'll get $20 off a Fireside Massage for Two from Mountain Mobile Massage & Spa.

2. Anyone up for a "Massage-a-Trois?"  International Day Spa in Redlands is promoting their Valentine's "Massage-a-Trois" package where you and your loved one can learn massage techniques from their staff and try on each other.  Ooo-la-la

3. Or keep it simple and head to the movies!  Right now Groupon has a stellar deal!  Two AMC tickets for $12 or four AMC tickets for $24.  Hurry because this deal only lasts a couple days!

ROMANTIC SPOTS
1. Mario's Place (Riverside)

2. Owen's Bistro (Chino)

3. The Sycamore Inn (Rancho Cucamonga)

4. Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue (Claremont) - live music, drinks and dark corners...enough said. ;-)

5. Caffe Allegro (Upland & La Verne) - candelight, delicious Italian food...O and the bread.  Don't get me started on the bread!

6. Thornton's Winery's Romantic Rendezvous (Temecula)

7. And everyone's favorite, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (Riverside)

Whew...this has turned out to be a very long guide but I'm sure we're still missing a bunch of great romantic spots, deals and events.  Please share any events, discounts, etc. with us on Facebook and Twitter and we'll add to our list.

Till next time...Happy Valentine's!

#InlandEmpire Super Game Night Guide

Hi neighbors -

So it's the mother of Bowls - Super Bowl Sunday!  Whether you're a die hard fan or just a casual watcher game days are a great excuse to get together with friends, eat some greasy comfort food and yell at the TV.  Here is a list of just a few local spots where you can enjoy the game, some brews and friends.  And if you're not into the game but looking for something else to do we also have something for you in our guide below.

Let us know what you think.  Did we miss a big no-brainer?  Let us know by leaving us a comment, FB post or tweet.

Game on!

1. Yard House (Rancho Cucamonga) - 100-250 beers on tap - whoa!

2. Lake Alice Saloon & Eatery (Riverside) - Voted Best Bar in the I.E. by IE Weekly magazine

3. Espiau's Restaurant & Cantina (Claremont) - Wear your colors and show your spirit here!  Did you see their festive seasonal window display in the picture up top?  The leprechaun is especially adorable.  HA!

4. Events Sports Grill (Riverside) - Considered a locals favorite and a friend's recommention.  Haven't tried it but definitely has all the components of a great sports bar.

5. Upper Deck Sports Lounge (Redlands) - Did you know that Splash Kingdom Waterpark (formerly Pharoah's Adventure Park) has a sports lounge?  Massive sports lounge and no cover.  Ready to check this place out!

Not really into the game?  

image c/o International Day Spa

6. International Day Spa (Redlands) - And for the those who need a little pamper, pay $46 for regularly priced $59 treatments.  Choose from a 30 minute POM facial or a 30 minute Swedish/American massage with an aloe heat cream compress. Special rates are only available on Saturday 2/4/12 and Sunday 2/5/12.  Leave the game fans and get some R&R!  
Doesn't their cozy exterior in the picture here just reach out and give you a hug?  

7. Do good and have fun!  Prevent Child Abuse Riverside County is having a Super Bowl Sunday Game Day fundraiser. “On Feb. 5, more than a dozen former NFL All-Pros team together with Prevent Child Abuse Riverside for the 3rd Annual Super Bowl Sunday game day event, “Legends of the Gridiron.”


8. Totally not into the game?  How about shop and do good?  The Redlands American Cancer Society Discovery Shop has a 25% off entire store sale!  Ooo let me know what you get if you go.  Tag us @IEShineOn - would love to see!


O before I forget, I'm planning a special giveaway in a couple weeks.  You know my affinity towards eating so you can probably guess this giveaway will be food related.  You'll know more next week.  Just keep checking back with us on  FB or tweet.


Till next time...

Holiday Shows, Pageants and of course..."The Nutcracker"

 

Images courtesy of http://www.brava-arts.org/

Hi neighbor -

Have you been feeling the holiday spirit? It's almost unavoidable now that we're in our second week of December and especially with all the Christmas tree lightings, parades and other festivities that are happening. On top of the lightings and the parades the IE is bustling with holiday shows, pageants and theater productions - like everyone's Christmas favorite "The Nutcracker." We've compiled a list and want to share it with you. We hope you and your family make some time to check them out during this busy season.

If we've missed any, please give us a shout so we can share with all our neighbors. You know where... :) Facebook and Twitter.

Till next time...

Enjoy!

1. Mannheim Steamroller Holiday Concert (San Bernardino) – 12/7, Wednesday

2. "The Nutcracker" performed by California Riverside Ballet (Riverside) - 12/9-11, Fri-Sun. - New York City Ballet principals Janie Taylor and Sebastien Marcovici will perform as Sugar Plum and Cavalier.

3. Mariachi Christmas (San Bernardino) – 12/10, Saturday

4. “The Nutcracker” by BRAVA (Riverside) – 12/17-18, Saturday-Sunday (Landis Performing Arts Center)

5. "The Nutcracker" performed by the Inland Pacific Ballet at Claremont's Bridges Auditorium and Rancho Cucamonga's Lewis Family Playhouse. Celebrating their 18th season! - Now through 12/18

6. Moreno Valley Wind Symphony Seasons Greetings! (Moreno Valley) – 12/8, Thursday

7. “A Christmas Carol” (Rancho Cucamonga) – 12/9-10, Fri-Sat

8. La Sierra University Big Band Concert (Riverside) – 12/10, Saturday – Oh and it's FREE!

9. “A Christmas Carol" (Temecula) – 12/7-10, Wed-Sat

10. “It’s a Wonderful Life — The Radio Drama” (Upland) – now through 12/16 at The Grove. You can get 50% off tickets at Goldstar.com

11. “A Christmas Show of a Lifetime” (Corona)– 12/16-18, Fri-Sun

12. Bob and Bing's Holiday Road Show (Rancho Cucamonga) - 12/18, Sunday, at the Lewis Family Playhouse

13. “A 1950’s Christmas at the Mansion” (Big Bear) – 12/18, Sunday

14. “Home for the Holidays” with Broadway stars Dale Kristien and Bill Hutton (Upland) – 12/18, Sunday. You can get 50% off tickets at Goldstar.com

15. “Holiday Follies 2011” (Fontana) – now through 12/30 – Fontana residents get 25% off the ticket price!

Our first IEShineOn "Local Stars"

Hi neighbors -

My site is once again delayed from my previous ideal launch date, which is frustrating. And in these moments of frustration and doubt I have to remind myself of why I'm creating this site and its original inspiration. A big reason why I decided to create a destination site for the Inland Empire is that this area is my roots. I was raised here and my parents still reside and do business here.

They have owned their business for over 27 years and it's these type of long time  family run businesses that exist in the IE that give our community character. So for our next blog series I would like to focus on local businesses that have been family run or owned for over 20 years and we're going to call these folks our "Local Stars." These are the places that make this area unique, and like I've been saying, one of a kind.

I'm not going to reveal the location of my parents' business but let's just say they have been standing over this grill and greeting generations of customers off Rte. 66 for over 27 years. They have seen young families grow up and bring their kids to the same place of business where they ate as a child. It is their continued drive and their support of all my dreams that I dedicate my first Local Stars blog post to them.

Here's a picture of the proud couple on their first days of starting out their new life and business.  The picture is from a distance but you can tell they're smiling and feel the optimism through the photo. I hope through whatever Life throws at me that I tackle it head on with as much gusto!

I feel I have a legitimate stake in the continued growth of this community and it's my responsibility to do what I can to give back to the area that gave me the foundation to go for my dreams. If you can understand how I feel and would like to nominate a business to be spotlighted in our "Local Stars" blog series we'd love to hear from you. Give us a shout on FB or tweet us!

Till next time...

7 Local Spots for Halloween Costume Shopping

Hi neighbors -

Does everyone have their Halloween costume ready? I'm headed out this weekend to put the finishing touches on mine. I've decided to be Sue Sylvester from the show "Glee." I'm a fan of her can-do attitude (can-do or "I will crush you" attitude more like haha). What are you going to be? Are you still looking to put something together?

Check out our list of local costume shops and antique stores below. Maybe you'll find the last embellishment to top off the costume or find inspiration for the perfect costume this year. We'd love to see what you get. Snap a pix and post on our wall or give us a shout on FB or tweet us and let us know if you head to any of the shops below.

Enjoy!

1. Koyal Wholesale - largest Halloween costume shop in the Inland Empire! Locations all around the IE.

2. Wizard's Party House (Moreno Valley) - over 20,000 sq ft. of party supplies

3. Halloween Hub (Riverside)

4. Geraldine's Costume & Props (Cathedral City)

5. Hobo Vintage (Redlands) - Voted 2011 Best Vintage Store by IE Hotlist & 2010's Best Thrift Store by the IEWeekly

6. Treasures and Junk Antique Mart (Ontario) - 17,000-square foot antique mall featuring 80 individual spaces with multiple dealers

7. Pomona's Antique Row - check out the directory of for a list of spots (then stop by Joey's BBQ...mmmm...bbq...)