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If you're like me, you are always looking or
ways to save money, especially when
dining out. In today's economy, every
penny counts when dining out. Generally,
you will pay a little less and get a little more
when dining in the Inland Empire, as over-
head for Restaurants is less than in a
big city.
In addition to all the ways you save when-
ever you dine out in the Inland Empire,
there are other ways you can really stretch
your dollar. Here are some things to
consider when dining out that will save you
money:
· Try to share a main entrée or have an
appetizer for an entrée. Most entrees are
reasonably priced and the portions are
adequate enough to substitute for a full
dinner entrée.
· Go to restaurants that have early bird spe-
cials. Most of the time, the portions are the
same as the regular dinners but cost less.
· Another promotion that many restaurants
offer is Happy Hour. This is a great time to
order appetizers at greatly discounted
prices and sip on your favorite drink.
· Ask the restaurant staff if you can order a
lunch size portion during dinner time
There are also many venues and resources
where you can get coupons and discounts
to use at local eateries. From free appe-
tizers, to buy-one-get-one-free meals, to
free meals for the kids, picking up a
coupon can really pay off.
Whatever you do to save money while
dining out in the Inland Empire, you will
always find your dollar is well spent, and
your pallet is satisfied.
As a food critic for over 25 years, I have
seen a lot of growth, with exciting restau-
rants opening up in the Inland Empire
area. Sure, we have our share of major
large chain restaurants, but more and
more unique and quality restaurants, bak-
eries and other food related shops are
now available to the Riverside and San
Bernardino Counties. Due to the many
cultures we have here, the Inland Empire
has become a substantial source for many
different flavors and combinations you will
not find anywhere else.
Supporting small independent restaurants
and related food businesses is very impor-
tant. In addition to the obvious things like
the amount of time and gas it takes having
to travel to Los Angeles or Orange
Counties to dine out, every dollar spent in
locally owned restaurants goes back into
this great community. Besides, we have
enough great restaurants in our area, so
one does not have to go elsewhere to eat.
I encourage you to enjoy the more relaxed
atmosphere and lower prices that draw vis-
itors and residents to the Inland Empire-
especially in your culinary experience.
Only in a land of so much variety will you
find all the new exciting restaurants right
along the history of the established, all at
lower prices and easier access. As a visitor
to the Inland Empire, or a long-time resi-
dent, you are truly fortunate to have all
these choices of cuisine within a days
travel. What else would you expect in the
land where you don't have to go far to find
it all. So enjoy! Take advantage. Try it all.
I look forward to a great year and know the
culinary scene in the Inland Empire will
thrive thanks to your and my efforts to dine
locally. I encourage you to check out the
local restaurants featured in our dining
guide. Whether you are looking for a quick
stop for lunch or a formal night of dining
and drinks, you will find the best choice in
the pages to follow.
Dine for Less in the Inland Empire
LEGEND
These restaurant previews are
meant as a brief guide to the
Inland Empire's great restaurants.
I hope they whet your appetite!
To help you with your culinary ad-
venture, for each restaurant I've
listed the type of cuisine, a brief
sampling of the menu, price
range, type of payment ac-
cepted,
and
the
amenities--
whether kid friendly or not, if
alcoholic beverages are served,
availability of banquet rooms and
catering, entertainment, etc.
The price ranges, payment meth-
ods and some amenities are rep-
resented by symbols. Please
refer to the symbols key below
when
reading
your
favorite
restaurant preview.
Now go and have a great
meal! You deserve it, and you
really can't go wrong with this
dining guide.
$
Under $10
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Between $10-$20
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Between $21-$30
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$31 and over
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D
INING GUIDE
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Welcome to the
I.E. Dining Scene!