Diningout 10 22 17 by High Desert Media Group

OCTOBER 22, 2017

DINING OUT MAINTAINING

THE MOJO Shakeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza Parlor serves up your favorites Page 8

Ninja Sushi Page 11 Wood Grill Buffet Page 16

DINING OUT

Sunday, October 22, 2017

From the publisher’s desk

’m surprised to learn in a Metro story inside today’s edition that Chinese is the most popular ethnic cuisine in the United States. While I would have expected that to be the case 50 years ago, the dramatic increase in the number of Mexican restaurants nationwide made me think that surely Mexican would be our most popular ethnic cuisine. But according to surveys, Chinese is hanging on to a slim lead, with Italian hanging tough too (must be the East Coast bias or influence). The other survey surprise to me was that Japanese held down the fourth spot in the surveys, but was far from challenging for the top spot. Everywhere I go nowadays I run into multiple Japanese restaurants, and very good ones I might add. On a recent trip to the Midwest, we were delighted to find excellent Japanese restaurants in Omaha, Nebraska, and Sioux City, Iowa. There are good ones in Philadelphia too. Personally, my other ethnic favorites are Indian and Thai, and both of those cuisines seem to be gaining in popularity nationwide as well. We’ve found great Indian food in South Bend, Indiana and outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We’ve found great Thai food in Orlando, Florida and Pinehurst, North Carolina, of all places. The melting pot that is the United States has certainly expanded our dining options, with numerous types of ethnic cuisines coming among Americans’ favorites. There are still a lot of meat-and-potatoes lovers, but their numbers are rapidly being overtaken by those who desire the variety of great ethnic cuisine. — Steve Hunt

DINING OUT President and Publisher From the publisher’s desk �� 2 Weekly specials �� 3 Happy Hour specials �� 4 Where to dine �� 5 Most popular ethnic cuisines �� 6 Bring your own beverage �� 7 Shakey’s Pizza Parlor �� 8 Food in photos �� 10 Ninja Sushi �� 11 Food in photos �� 12 Restaurant grades �� 14 Wood Grill Buffet �� 16 Dining Out is published by the Victor Valley Daily Press, 13891 Park Ave., Victorville, CA 92392. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.

Steve Hunt Advertising Manager Lisa Woodhart Contributing writers Kathy Young Martial Haprov Steve Hunt Contributing photographers James Quigg, Janice Osborn, Kathy Young, Lisa Woodhart Cover and page design Ivan Hundric Copy editing Steve Hunt

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Friday

A1 Grill, Teriyaki and Roll Daily Deals

Buy one specialty roll, get second roll 50 percent off (with coupon in this publication only!)

Burgerim Daily Deals Monday

Merguez Burger in a combo meal or a la carte Marshmallow Dream

Tuesday

Trio combo meal Turkey burger

Wednesday

Fries Flourless cake

Saturday

Salmon burger Chicken strips Chicken sandwich Salads

Sunday

Salmon burger Chicken strips Chicken sandwich Salads

Cross Eyed Cow Pizza Daily Deals

S u n d a y : Champagne Tuesday: Military extra 10 Daily Deals brunch, all you can eat, 9 a.m. percent off with military ID Monday - all day to 2:30 p.m. ($13.95 adults, 15-inch large one-topping Wednesday: Senior 65+ Daily Deals $7.95 kids) thin crust pizza for $9.99 with extra 10 percent off Monday through the purchase of a pitcher of Thursday: Buy 4 regular Sunday: Lunch specials — beer or 4 soft drinks. priced adult buffets, get 1 adult Mile High Cafe mini pizza, 2 toppings with buffet free Daily Deals soup or salad $11.95 or half Monday through Sunday: Friday: Buy 9 regular M o n d a y t h r o u g h Buy one medium pizza, get sandwich with soup or salad priced adult buffets, get 1 adult Sunday: $10.95 the second 2-topping medium buffet free Daily breakfast and lunch pizza for $7.99 specials

El Salvador Del Mundo Daily Deals

Wednesday Pupusa $1.99 all day

Firehouse Subs Daily Deals

Wednesday: Kids eat for 99 cents

Ninja Sushi Daily Deals

W Spoon Buffet

Daily Deals (cannot be

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Thursday

Trio combo meal Turkey burger

Di Napoli’s Firehouse

Wood Grill Buffet Daily Deals

Taco Tuesday: after 4 combined with any other Monday through p.m. offers) Sunday: All sushi and rolls 50 Wednesday: Wing Night Monday: Buy 2 regular percent off (all day) adult price buffets, get 1 kid’s after 4 p.m. Friday: Seafood Night after buffet (3-7) free or (8-11) half Shakey’s Pizza 4 p.m. price

Los Domingos

Apple Valley and Barstow

Daily Deals

Taco Tuesday (Apple Monday through Friday: Valley only): $2 full-size tacos 2 slices with 2 toppings and a Wednesday: half-priced drink for $6.95 margaritas, 3 to 8 p.m.

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DAILY SPECIALS

Wagyu beef burger Chicken wings

DINING OUT

Sunday, October 22, 2017

A1 Grill, Teriyaki and Roll

HAPPY HOUR

SPECIALS

Los Domingos

only) and drink specials Happy Hour Saturday , 8 p.m. to Monday Night, 5 p.m. Apple Valley and Barstow midnight: Live band to close: Happy Hour Happy Hour Sunday, 4 to close, bar 9-inch small one-topping Monday, 5 to 8 p.m., 20 percent off on teriyaonly thin crust pizza with 6 wings bar only ki bowls and specialty rolls NFL Football Package for $12.99 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily NFL Football Package $2 Beers (Bud Light & $2 Beers (Bud Light & (with coupon from this publiCoors Light) Monday through Coors Light) cation only!) $4 Shots (Jager Bombs & Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.: $4 Shots (Jager Bombs & Cactus Coolers) Under $5 menu: Cactus Coolers) Di Napoli’s $2 Tacos (Chicken & mojo potatoes ½ order $2 Tacos (Chicken & Beef) Firehouse $.99,cheesy garlic bread Beef) Happy Hour ½ order $2.49, pepperoTuesday, 3 to 7 p.m.: Mile High Cafe ni pizza twists 4 twists for Monday - Thursday, 3 Drink specials to 8 p.m. $2.99, boneless chicken Happy Hour Wednesday, 8 p.m. to Friday - Sunday, 5 p.m. midnight: Family karaoke Taco Tuesday, 4 to 9 wings with choice of dipping to close (Apple Valley only) and drink p.m.: $2 tacos, $2 enchila- sauce $4.99, small 9-inch $4 well drinks, $1 off specials das, beer specials pizza one topping, thin crust wine, $1 off beer $4.99 Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., 20 percent off appetizers Pint $2.99, 22-oz super Ninja Sushi bar only at bar only mug $3.99, Lime-A-Rita or Happy Hour NFL Football Package Straw-ber-Rita $3.99 Monday through $2 Beers (Bud Light &

Firehouse Subs Happy Hour

Monday through Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m. Any small sub + chips + small drink $5.99

Coors Light) $4 Shots (Jager Bombs & Cactus Coolers) $2 Tacos (Chicken & Beef) Friday, 8 p.m. to midnight: Karaoke (Apple Valley

Sunday: Large beer, 2 for $7; small beer, 2 for $3.50; Wood Grill Buffet small sake 99 cents; Sake Happy Hour Bomb 99 cents (with $10 Monday through minimum food order) Friday, 2 to 4 p.m. S e n i o r H a p p y H o u r, Shakey’s Pizza $8.99

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Serves Alcohol

Breakfast

Brunch

Catering

Dinner

Happy Hour

Online Ordering

D C

14950 Seventh St., Victorville 760-245-4900

D Burgerim

The Mall of Victor Valley, 14400 Bear Valley Road, #701, Victorville

Mile High Cafe

8832 Orange St., Hesperia 760-947-8844

B C

Wood Grill Buffet

14135 Main St., Hesperia 760-981-4418

D C A

AMERICAN

Apollo Burger

Valley 760-646-9966

W Spoon Buffet

14689 Valley Center Drive, #C, Victorville 760-241-0900

D C HEALTHY

Ninja Poki Yaki

17878 Wika Road, Apple

D C

ITALIAN

Cross Eyed Cow Pizza

19242 National Trails Highway, Oro Grande 760-241-1987 www.crosseyedcowpizza. com/

17856 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-242-5802 www.dinapolisfirehouse.com

Shakey’s Pizza

H O

14120 Bear Valley Road, Suite 103, Victorville 760-952-0010 www.shakeys.com

D C A

JAPANESE

A1 Grill, Teriyaki & Roll 15061 Bear Valley Road, Hesperia 760-949-8900 www.a1grill.com

D C

Di Napoli’s Firehouse

D C

com

D C

SUBS & SALADS

Firehouse Subs 13325 Main St., Suite 108, Hesperia 760-983-5512 www.firehousesubs.com

Ninja Sushi

WHERE TO DINE

D C

SALVADORIAN

Sunday, October 22, 2017

760-243-4494 www.burgerim.com

El Salvador Del Mundo

15329 Palmdale Road, Suite J, Victorville 760-241-8308

D C

15850 Apple Valley Road, #116, Apple Valley 760-242-3913

D C

MEXICAN

Los Domingos

17790 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-946-5344 www.losdomingosapplevalley.

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SYMBOL KEY

DINING OUT

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Chinese edges Mexican as most popular ethnic cuisine in U.S.

hat constitutes ethnic food differs from person to person. Someone of Italian descent may dine regularly on garlic-infused pasta dishes, while a person from another area of the world may find such foods exotic. In the cultural melting pot of North America, various cuisines representing countries that span the globe are within armâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s length for many people. According to Technomic, a Chicago-based research firm, 77 percent of Americans enjoy ethnic foods while dining out once a month. Around 38 percent order ethnic food weekly. In addition, many more people prepare ethnic cuisine at home. A growing interest in ethnic foods is fueled by young people. Technomic notes that

millennials are more apt to want to try various cuisines and then incorporate them into their regular dining experiences. The National Restaurant Association found that 60 percent of people are likely to tie their favorite ethnic food to their family history. Interest in ethnic foods tends to be highest in urban areas where restaurants and ingredients may be more readily available. When it comes to the top ethnic cuisines enjoyed throughout the states or provinces and territories, Chinese, Mexican and Italian rally for the top spots on dinersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plates. While the NRA has Italian cuisine as earning top-billing, Technomicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list says that Chinese food, at 76 percent, followed by Mexican food (74

percent) and Italian (71 percent) comprise the biggest ethnic draws. Japanese or sushi comes in a distant fourth at 32 percent in the United States. The statistics portal Statista indicates that, as of January 2015, Chinese, American and Italian foods are quite popular in Canada. However, the percentage of people who cook these foods as opposed to eating them out at a restaurant varies. Chinese food is most widely enjoyed in a restaurant setting, while Italian food is frequently whipped up at home. A s i m m i g rat i o n t i d e s change, ethnic cuisine may change with them. However, interest in experiencing ethnic dining is likely to remain consistent.

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ining out is a luxury that many people enjoy one or more times a week. In addition to enjoying the cuisine, many patrons are lifting their glasses in a cost-saving trend. The BYOB movement, which can refer to “bring your own bottle,” “bring your own booze,” “bring your own beer,” or “bring your own beverage,” used to be limited to dining establishments without permits to sell liquor. Nowadays, many restaurants promote BYOB so their customers can feel more comfortable and customize their experiences even further. BYOB traces its origins to strict liquor laws and high taxation that can make acquiring liquor licences prohibitive for some estab-

lishments. In New Jersey, for example, municipalities generally are allotted one liquor license per every 3,000 restaurants, although loosening those restrictions is under consideration. Liquor licenses in New Jersey can be expensive. In the town of Montclair, N.J., for example, such licenses may cost business owners more than $1 million. Price tags can be similar elsewhere, like nearby Philadelphia. In the mid-1990s, BYOB operations were few and far between in the City of Brotherly Love. Now, according to a report from the Independent Hotel, BYOB restaurants are far more common. Restaurants in cities that are close to areas with vineyards, such as San Francisco, which is a stone’s throw from the

famed Napa Valley region, have long encouraged diners to bring their own bottles of wine. BYOB stipulations also vary from restaurant to restaurant. While toting in a favorite bottle or cocktail may be free at various establishments, Food & Wine notes that some restaurants have corkage policies. This breaks down to a charge per check or even per bottle to allow patrons to enjoy their own wines. Corkage can run anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred, depending on the restaurant and its existing wine list. Corkage fees may be high to discourage the consumption of less expensive bottles of wine, which can affect restaurants’ profits and create potentially uncomfortable situations for

customers. Since the markup of wine and other spirited beverages can be as high as 400 percent, BYOB is cost-effective, even when corkage fees are considered. Plus, in an ever-changing economy, BYOB offers restaurateurs yet another way to entice budget-conscious customers. And the BYOB phenomenon has served as a catalyst for innovation. There are web-based guides to finding BYOB restaurants nearby. Plus, wine purse and bag designers are increasingly creating stylish ways to tote beverages to tables. Bring your own beverages remains a popular trend in dining out, helping diners save money and helping restaurant owners drum up business.

7 Sunday, October 22, 2017

Bring-your-own-beverage restaurants expand customer possibilities

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DINING OUT

COVER STORY

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Shakey’s still serving savory sustenance after 60 years Pizza parlor chain parlays small gamble into international success

By Martial Haprov For Dining Out

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Sebrina Runestad, a shift leader at Shakey’s in Victorville, shows off a special order pizza last week. James Quigg, Dining Out

ICTORVILLE — There’s something to be said for a business that’s found success over six decades. The name that grew from the inside of a remodeled gro cery store to a brand known worldwide must be doing still be doing something right. Ac t u a l l y, i t s s t i l l doing many things right. More than 60 years after launching in Sacramento, Shakey’s Pizza Parlor is known for its quality pizza, party friendly atmosphere — and don’t forget the Mojos. Originally established as “Ye P ublic H o u s e ,” a s p o t t o ge t piz z a a nd b e e r, what would become S h a key ’s o p e n e d i n 1954 in a former grocery store-turnedrestaurant. Its founder, Sherwood “Shakey” Jo h n s o n , d e l i g h t e d in adding his flair for Dixieland jazz and live ragtime music to the dining mix. The character and identifiable theme of Shakey’s helped rapidly expand the franchise, and its concept helped it become iconic beyond its humble beginning. A staple in pop culture for many years,

Shakey’s disappeared from the Victor Valley in the mid-1990s before making its triumphant return last y e a r, n o w l o c a t e d just west of the Mall o f Vi c t o r Va l l ey o n Bear Valley Road in Victorville. Arguably its most s y n o ny m o u s l y i d e n tified menu item is Shakey’s Mojo potatoes, circular-cut potato wedges drenched in a subtly spicy and smoky batter and deep fried to a crisp golden brown. While the Mojos may not seem to describe a meal in and of itself, it’s rare to find diners at Shakey’s without an order or more of them — or, at least, a plate that minutes earlier was loaded with them. If you’ve never b u r n e d yo u r m o u t h f ro m at t e m p t i n g t o devour the Mojos too soon, chances are you k n ow s o m e o n e wh o has. S h a k e y ’s m e n u also highlights several chicken dishes for which diners identify the long-standing parlor, served either as “golden fried,” wings or strips. The chicken is indeed delicious on its own, but it also serves as a great vehicle for any of Shakey’s signature sauces, wh i c h i n c l u d e M i l d and Tangy, Sweet and

Spicy, Hot and Spicy, Scorchin’ Hot, Honey Barbecue, Smoky Barbecue and Classic Ranch. But of course, what would a visit to Shakey’s be without its iconic pizza? After all, it has several specialty pies to choose from featuring incredible combinations. Try, for instance, t h e Te x a s B B Q Chicken, with sliced chicken breast, red o n i o n , f re s h c i l a n tro and a sweet and smoky barbecue s a u c e . O r t h e r e ’s Shakey’s Special, featuring salami, pepperoni, Italian sausage, seasoned ground beef, mushrooms and black olives. And if you’re not sure which pie would suit you best, we recommend visiting S h a ke y ’s fo r t h e i r Bunch of Lunch buffet, serving all-youcan-eat pizza, chicke n , Mo j o p o t at o e s , pasta, salad and more. I t ’s n o w o n d e r Vi c t o r Va l l ey re s i dents heralded the re t u r n o f S h a key ’s to the area, just as it isn’t hard to figure out how this brand g rew from a small store in Sacramento to more than 500 across the globe. Check out Shakey’s Pizza Parlor at 1 4 1 2 0 B e a r Va l l e y Road, Suite 103, in Victorville, visit www. shakeys.com or call Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in Victorville is known for its Bunch of Lunch buffet, which features pizza, pasta, salad, chicken, Mojo potatoes and more. James Quigg, Dining Out 760-952-0010.

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Sunday, October 22, 2017

COVER STORY

DINING OUT

Sunday, October 22, 2017 Fresh vegetables, golden fried chicken and Mojo potatoes from Shakeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza Parlor in Victorville make the perfect lunch (you can get pizza, pasta and salad too). James Quigg, Dining Out

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Sunday, October 22, 2017

DINING OUT

This closeup of Kenny’s Sunburst Salmon Roll at Ninja Sushi shows the intricate topping with a dot of Sriracha sauce. Kathy Young, Dining Out

By Kathy Young Dining Out

any diners who love Japanese sushi rolls have their favorite “go to” rolls — their “comfort foods” if you will — that are consistent in taste, texture and appearance and always flavorful and a treat to eat. For example, the California Roll is a universal favorite with avocado, crab, cucumber and rice rolled with seaweed

or the Golden California Roll variation, which is deep-fried and with a bit more “crunch.” You’ll find these rolls at most sushi restaurants. Ninja Sushi owner Peter An has made a name for his Apple Valley restaurant by creating rolls that rotate in and out as “Special Sushi Rolls” during the year. And by “special,” we mean “unique to the Ninja” and attracting area sushi lovers in droves. Currently two favorites

for the local sushi crowd are the Hurricane Roll and Kenny’s Sunburst Salmon Roll. Dining Out wants readers to have the best culinary experience when visiting the restaurants we write about here, so a visit to Ninja Sushi was in order. The two current “Special Rolls” were creating quite a stir. The Hurricane Roll is a real kick, with avocado, cucumber, rice, spicy crab and “crab stick” wrapped

in seared salmon and topped with salmon roe, served with green onion, sesame seeds with mustard and a dot of Sriracha sauce. (The sauce is where the “kick” comes in.) This roll is $11.99. Because this writer is very fond of salmon, the Kenny’s Sunburst Salmon Roll was going to be on our order. It also has a “kick” and is unique in that it has no rice. The roll is salmon wrapped around spicy crab

meat, topped with a thin slice of lemon and jalapeno pepper, dotted with a bit of Sriracha and served on a bed swirled with garlic sauce and chili oil. As we said, no rice, but it was flavorful and the garlic and lemon gave an interesting tang to the roll and tamed the jalapeno and chili oil’s “fire” a bit. Both rolls are incredibly beautiful, as well. All in all, a double thumb’s up for Ninja Sushi’s newest signature and very special rolls.

Currently unavailable during Happy Hour, which at Ninja Sushi is “All Day Every Day” and “All You Can Eat,” Kenny’s Sunburst Salmon Roll is listed on the whiteboard at the restaurant’s Sushi Bar and is $9.99. Ninja Sushi is located at 15850 Apple Valley Road, #1161, Apple Valley. The telephone number is 760242-3913. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

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Ninja Sushi is known for its imaginative signature sushi rolls

DINING OUT

Sunday, October 22, 2017 The Hurricane Roll at Ninja Sushi includes green onion and sesame seeds with spicy crab wrapped in seared salmon. Kathy Young, Dining Out

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Your salad can be a myriad of flavors, colors and textures at Wood Grill Buffetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abundant salad bar. Jim Quigg, Dining Out

Nothing Brings People Together like Good Food.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.

Don't miss it! Dining Out!

Every Sunday - Get the scoop on where to eat in the High Desert.

VV-00060353

Be Rated Among the High In the High Desert Call Lisa 760-951-6253

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Uncork & Unwind

DINING OUT

Sunday, October 22, 2017

RESTAURANT GRADES

(All grades provided by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health and represent the latest grade given. A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79. To view restaurant grades for yourself, visit www.sbcounty.gov/dph/ehsportal/ Facilities/Food)

Adelanto

Adelanto Market �� 93 Adelanto Senior Nutrition �� 100 Adelita’s Tamales Mexican Food �� 90 American Legion Post 229 �� 94 Bargains R Us �� 99 Baskin-Robbins �� 90 Bellagio Club �� 100 Bravo Burgers... #6 �� 83 Carl’s Junior #39 �� 91 Circle K #8644 �� 91 Columbia Middle School �� 100 Crisp Crust Pizza �� 96 Del Taco #1000 �� 93 Denny’s Restaurant #7840 �� 94 Express Bakery �� 90 Fat Boyz Grill �� 93 Fresh Wok Chinese Fast Food �� 90 JDS Fast Food �� 93 KFC/Long John Silvers �� 91 La Fiesta Pizza �� 99 La Pizza Loca #1 �� 91 Lee’s Donuts �� 97 Little Caesar’s Pizza �� 90 Migulelito’s Mexican Food �� 90 Panaderia Azteca �� 99 Raul’s Mexican Food �� 94 Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill #220 �� 94 Saul’s Produce �� 99 Saul’s Restaurant �� 92

Starbuck’s Coffee #10429 �� 96 Subway #39979 �� 93 Thai Siam Restaurant �� 90 The Flame Broiler �� 91 VFW Post 94-10 �� 92

Apple Valley

Juice It Up �� 90 Yogurtland �� 90 Apple Valley Arco AMPM �� 97 Apple Valley Golf Operations �� 95 Apple Valley Moose Lodge �� 93 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar �� 95 Ashwood Golf Course Snack Bar �� 96 Baskin-Robbins �� 97 Carl’s Junior #165 �� 97 China Wok �� 95 Del Taco #1007 �� 91 El Pollo Loco #3715 �� 97 Golden Chopstix �� 97 Historic Apple Valley Inn �� 96 Jack in the Box #5400 �� 94 Jimmy Johns �� 98 KFC Apple Valley �� 97 Linko Sushi �� 96 Ninja Sushi �� 90 Papa John’s Pizza �� 93 Pieology Pizzeria �� 98 The Pizza Factory �� 96 Spirit River Cafe �� 97 Starbucks Coffee #9873 �� 97 Subway #38118 �� 96 Taco Bell #28214 �� 98 The Galley �� 98 Wienerschnitzel #768 �� 95 3D’s Bakery �� 94

Barstow

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Barstow Community Hospital �� 100 Barstow Senior Nutrition �� 98 Barstow Station Ice Cream �� 95 Barstow Station Subway �� 92 Barstow Station McDonald’s �� 92 Casa Jimenez �� 94 Slash X Ranch Cafe �� 97 Subway and Jumpin’ Juice & Java �� 98 Viking Grill �� 98 Alberto Mexican Food �� 80 Amigos Mexican Restaurant �� 96 Ample Korean Restaurant �� 98 Arby’s �� 99 Ate 8 �� 97 Black Bear Diner �� 93 Burger King (Main Street) �� 98 Burger King (Montara) �� 97 Canton Restaurant �� 92 Carl’s Junior (Main St) �� 96 Carl’s Junior (Lenwood) �� 93 Chili’s Grill & Bar �� 97 China Town Buffet �� 93 Chipotle Mexican Grill �� 93 Dae Ho Restaurant �� 96

Hesperia

Casa Delicias ��94 Desert Barn Brewery ��98 El Torito ��100 Five Guys Burger & Fries ��100 Hesperia Golf & Country Club ��100 Hesperia Pizza Factory ��91 Jeff’s French Dips & Subs ��95 Juliano’s Italian Restaurant ��98 Thai-Lotus Restaurant ��94 Whiskey Barrel ��93 Yogurtland ��95 A1 Grill, Teriyaki & Roll ��90 Arby’s ��96 Baconballs Cupcakery ��100 Baker’s Burgers (Main St.) ��97 Baskin-Robbins (Main St.) ��100 Burger King (Main St.) ��94 Burger King (Mariposa Road) ��93 Cancun Mexican & Seafood Restaurant ��94 Carl’s Junior (Main St.) ��95 Carl’s Junior (Bear Valley Road) ��100 Casa Jimenez ��97 China Palace ��97 Chipotle Mexican Grill ��100 Ciceros Pizzeria ��99 Corral Family Restaurant ��90 Country Kitchen Restaurant ��93 Domino’s (Main St.) ��97 Don Garcia Mexican Restaurant ��96 El Charro ��96 El Pollo Loco (Main St.) ��96 Fina’s Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant ��92 Firehouse Subs ��95 Fresh Wok ��95 Fujisan Sushi ��96

Victorville

El Charro Oaxaca ��97 El Parrandaro Family Restaurant ��94 El Pescador Seafood & Mexican Grill ��94 El Tio Pepe ��97 Farmer Boys (Hesperia Road) ��95 Farmer Boys (Bear Valley Road) ��90 Farmer Boys (Roy Rogers) ��93 Fatburgers ��90 F&D Buffet ��96 Fratelli’s Pizzeria ��94 Freddy’s Steakburgers ��90 Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant ��90 Goody’s Family Restaurant ��95 Gridiron Pizza ��96 Good Fellas Grill ��93 Golden Chopstix ��97 Golden Gate Restaurant ��91 Hanabi Sushi ��95 Holland Burger Cafe ��95 House of Joy ��95 Itchy Foot Island Deli ��90 Juan Pollo ��98 Shakey’s ��98

Shakey’s (Bear Valley Road) ��98 33 Degree Frozen Yogurt ��98 Adelita’s Restaurant ��93 Ala AlDeen Restaurant ��91 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar ��97 Arby’s (La Paz) ��94 Arby’s (Bear Valley Road) ��94 Archibald’s Drive-Thru ��92 Baja Fresh Mexican Grill ��91 Baja Taco ��94 Baker’s Burgers (7th Street) ��97 Baskin-Robbins ��92 Note: Not all restaurants in the High Desert Bob’s Cajun Boil ��96 are listed due to space limitations. This list Bosco’s Diner ��90 will be updated periodically. Broken Saddle Saloon & Steakhouse ��94 Brooklyn Italian Pizza & Pasta ��91 Burger King (Outer 7th) ��94 Burger King (Hesperia Road) ��96 Burger King (Bear Valley Road) ��92 Burger King (Palmdale Road) ��94 Burgerim ��91 Cafe 154 ��90 Carino’s Italian ��92 Carl’s Junior (7th Street) ��96 Carl’s Junior (Bear Valley Road) ��98 Charley’s Philly Steak ��91 Chateau Chang ��96 Chili’s Grill & Bar ��95 Chipotle Mexican Grill ��97 Chuck E Cheese’s ��96 Church’s Chicken (Palmdale Road) ��90 Cordova’s Bakery ��99 Costco ��100 D’Vine Wine Bar ��98 Del Taco (Palmdale Road) ��96 Del Taco (7th Street) ��91 Del Taco (Hesperia Road) ��100 Denny’s (Valley Center) ��96 Diamond Panda ��90 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ��92 Domino’s (Palmdale Road) ��93 Don Bento’s Mexican Food ��98 Donut Inn ��90 Down Home Grill ��90 Edible Arrangements ��97

Gloria’s Kountry Kitchen ��94 Golden Corral .Buffet ��93 Habit Burger Grill ��96 Hidden Tavern ��90 Italian Kitchen ��96 Jersey Mike’s Subs (Main Street) ��98 Katsunori Sushi ��92 La Casita Mexican Cafe ��92 Little Caesars (Main Street) ��98 Little Caesars (Bear Valley Road) ��99 Louisiana Cajun Seafood House ��97 Molly Brown’s Country Cafe (Smoketree) �92 Oak Hills Brewing Co. ��99

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Del Taco #1 ��98 Del Taco #2 ��98 Del Taco #201 (Lenwood) ��90 Denny’s (Fisher) ��92 Denny’s (Lenwood) ��94 Denny’s (Main St) ��98 Desert Manna Ministries ��97 Diamond’s Pizza ��92 DiNapoli’s Firehouse ��99 Domino’s (Main St) ��100 Dunkin Donuts ��97 Fat Burger (Lenwood Road) ��91 Hana Grill (Lenwood Road) ��93 Idle Spurs Steak House ��91 In-and-Out Burger (Lenwood Road) ��98 Jack-in-the-Box (Main Street) ��94 Little Caesars (Main Street) ��91 Long John Silver’s ��97 Los Domingos ��97 Mr. Kabob ��95 Panda Express Lenwood ��94 Panda Express (Main Street) ��100 Pizza Hut (Armory Road) ��95 Oggis Brewhouse ��96

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DINING OUT

Sunday, October 22, 2017 Just a few samples of dinner options from Wood Grill Buffet in Hesperia. Jim Quigg, Dining Out

Wood Grill Buffet in Hesperia boasts plentiful selections By Kathy Young Dining Out

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overs of words, expressions and their origins are right at home when it comes to food, it seems; and Wood Grill Buffet is the perfect place for pairing food for the mind and body. Frequent diners at Hesperia’s popular buffet restaurant have developed a new appreciation for “eating their words.” Take the term “groaning board,” for example. The phrase comes from 17th Century England and

means a dining table laden with a large amount of food — platters and bowls heaped with edibles waiting to be served to hungry guests. The term also means “feast” as in what we enjoy at our holiday tables this time of year. “Groaning board” definitely comes to mind as diners embark on their first or second trip through Wood Grill Buffet, plates in hand and appetites on high alert. The refreshment island where you can serve yourself coffee, milk, tea, soft drinks and more is

quite near the dessert area, but hungry diners move with determination toward the back of the serving area. Cold plates and utensils await those ready to start their meal with a tour of the salad bar. Others know to check the line of diners waiting at the grill to assess the perfect time to get another plate and select burgers, steaks cooked to order, pizza, fried chicken, various seafood and shellfish options as well as the ever-popular sides like mashed potatoes and hot

vegetables that make every plate a well-rounded meal. The only sounds will be from happy and satisfied diners who have eaten their fill. By then — and if you have room — you’ll be ready for a tour of the dessert selection, which includes several kinds of pie, cake, cookies, cobbler, soft-serve ice cream and more. As noted in earlier articles about Wood Grill Buffet, the Oreo Cream Pie and flan are two very popular choices. (There may be some “groaning” when

those looking for dessert realize the pie and flan are all gone.) Weekends are busier than ever at Wood Grill Buffet with the addition of breakfast served from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. A “made to order” omelet station is open for business, and if you like Mexican breakfast items, Wood Grill is your kind of place for such tasty dishes as chorizo and eggs, menudo and more. There are various specials like Taco Tuesdays after 4 p.m. On

Wednesdays, enjoy Wing Night also after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday enjoy Wood Grill’s happy hour from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Senior Happy Hour is $8.99. Enjoy $2 off the buffet fare each Monday, too. Wood Grill Buffet is located at 14135 Main St., Hesperia. The telephone is 760-981-4418. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.