AUGUST 20, 2017
DINING OUT
A CUT ABOVE
THE REST Firehouse Subs puts heat on the competition Page 8
WEEKLY SPECIALS Page 3 INSIDE:
SIGNATURE DISH Page 11
IDLE SPURS STEAKHOUSE Page 16
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Sunday, August 20, 2017
From the editor’s desk
I
read with great interest Martial Haprov’s story on Firehouse Subs on Pages 8 and 9 of this issue and found it a fascinating tale of a restaurant I knew little about. I’ve enjoyed sandwiches at several national chains, from Quiznos to Subway and from Jersey Mike’s to Jimmy John’s. But now that Martial has introduced me to Firehouse Subs, I’m itching to give their steamed sandwiches a try. One of the things I like most about Quiznos is their ability to grill a sandwich before your eyes, the way you want it. I’m extremely curious now to try one of Firehouse Subs’ hot subs, both to see how I like their steaming process and also to try a couple of their hot sauces. It’s a unique concept, to be sure. My only dilemma may be how to choose between all 50 bottles of hot sauces. I guess I’ll start with what the help recommend, but feel free to email me with your suggestions if you are particularly
fond of one. The other thing I really like about the restaurant is how they give back to the community, especially first responders and schools. Their foundation earmarks money for such things, which is a noble idea from a chain that clearly cares about more than just making great sandwiches and money. Gratitude is important for every person and business. It helps you to stay grounded in what’s important in life, which is thanking those who have helped you along the way or who are instrumental in your success. I’m especially grateful to all of you readers who subscribe to the Daily Press, as well as to all of the restaurant owners who have shown faith in this Dining Out magazine. We hope you are entertained and enlightened by our stories and photographs and that you will visit all of these featured restaurants and see if they become your favorites. Now, off to Firehouse Subs! — Steve Hunt
DINING OUT From the editor’s desk �������������������������� 2 Weekly specials ������������������������������������ 3 Happy Hour specials ������������������������������ 4 Where to dine ��������������������������������������� 5 How to have a safe night out ������������������ 6 Enjoy dining with your kids �������������������� 7 Firehouse Subs ������������������������������������ 8 Food in photos ������������������������������������ 10 Shakey’s Signature Pizza �������������������� 11 Food in photos ������������������������������������ 12 Restaurant grades ������������������������������ 14 Idle Spurs Steakhouse ������������������������ 16 Dining Out is published by the Victor Valley Daily Press, 13891 Park Ave., Victorville, CA 92392. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved.
Editor Steve Hunt Advertising Director Angie Callahan Advertising Manager Lisa Woodhart Contributing writers Kathy Young Martial Haprov Contributing photographers James Quigg, Janice Osborn, Kathy Young, Lisa Woodhart Cover and page design Ivan Hundric Copy editing Steve Hunt To advertise, call Lisa Woodhart at 760-951-6253.
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DAILY SPECIALS
Daily Deals Monday
Merguez Burger in a combo meal or a la carte Marshmallow Dream
Tuesday
Trio Combo Meal Turkey Burger
Wednesday
Wagyu Beef Burger Chicken Wings
Thursday
Trio Combo Meal Turkey Burger
A1 Grill, Teriyaki and Roll
Baconballs Cupcakery
Daily Deals
Daily Deals
Buy one specialty roll, get Monday: Half off sprinsecond roll 50 percent off kles (with coupon in this publicaTuesday: $1 French maction only!) arons
Friday
Fries Flourless Cake
Saturday
Salmon Burger Chicken Strips Chicken Sandwich
Sunday
Salmon Burger Chicken Strips Chicken Sandwich Salads
Cross Eyed Cow Pizza Daily Deals
Wednesday
Pupusa $1.99 all day
Firehouse Subs Daily Deals
Wednesday: Kids eat for 99 cents
Idle Spurs
Monday through Friday: Daily Deals 2 slices with 2 toppings and Tu e s d a y t h r o u g h a drink for $6.95 Sunday: Daily dinner specials
Di Napoli’s Firehouse Daily Deals
Los Domingos
Apple Valley and Barstow
Mile High Cafe Daily Deals
Monday through Sunday Daily breakfast and lunch specials
Ninja Sushi Daily Deals
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Burgerim
Daily Deals
Salads
Monday through Sunday: All sushi and rolls 50 percent off (all day)
Shakey’s Pizza Daily Deals
Monday through Sunday: Buy one medium Pizza, get the second 2 topping medium pizza for $7.99
Monday through Daily Deals Sunday: Lunch specials — Taco Tuesday (Apple Wood Grill Buffet Mini pizza, 2 toppings with Daily Deals soup or salad $11.95 or half Valley only): $2 full-size tacos Wednesday: half-priced Taco Tuesday after 4 sandwich with soup or salad margaritas, 3 to 8 p.m. p.m. $10.95 Sunday: Champagne Wednesday: Wing Night brunch, all you can eat, 9 after 4 p.m. El Salvador Del a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ($13.95 Friday: Seafood Night adults, $7.95 kids) Mundo after 4 p.m.
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Wednesday: Buy 1, get 1 half off, jumbo cupcakes
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4 Sunday, August 20, 2017
DINING OUT A1 Grill, Teriyaki Los Domingos Apple Valley and Barstow and Roll Happy Hour
Happy Hour
Monday through Sunday 3 p.m. to close: $5 Well Drinks, $1 off Wine, $1 off Beer
Monday, 3 to 7 p.m.: Drink specials Tuesday, 3 to 7 p.m.: Drink specials Wednesday, 8 p.m. to midnight: Karaoke (Apple Valley only) and drink specials Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m.: Drink specials Friday, 8 p.m. to midnight: Karaoke (Apple Valley Only) and drink specials Saturday, 8 p.m. to midnight: Live band
Firehouse Subs
Mile High Cafe
20 percent off on teriyaki bowls and specialty rolls from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily (with coupon from this publication only!)
Di Napoli’s Firehouse Happy Hour
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS
Happy Hour 99 cents, Sake Bomb 99 Taco Tuesday, 4 to 9 p.m.: cents (with $10 minimum food Monday through Sunday: 2 $2 tacos, $2 enchiladas, beer order) to 5 p.m. Any small sub + chips + specials small drink $5.99 Shakey’s Pizza Happy Hour
Cheesy Garlic Bread ½ order $2.49, Pepperoni Pizza Twists 4 twists $2.99, Boneless Chicken Wings w/choice of dipping sauce $4.99, Small 9” Pizza one topping, thin crust Ninja Sushi Happy Hour Idle Spurs Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 3 $4.99 Pint $2.99, 22oz Super Happy Hour Monday through Sunday: to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday: 4 Large beer 2 for $7, small Under $5 menu Mojo Mug-$3.99, Lime-A-Rita or to 6 p.m., drink specials beer 2 for $3.50, small Sake Potatoes ½ order $.99, Straw-ber-Rita $3.99
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DINING OUT
Serves Alcohol
B
Breakfast
R
Brunch
C
Catering
D
Dinner
H
Happy Hour
O
Online Ordering
WHERE TO DINE
AMERICAN
Apollo Burger 14950 7th St, Victorville 760-245-4900
D
Burgerim The Mall of Victor Valley, 14400 Bear Valley Road, #701, Victorville 760-243-4494 www.burgerim.com
ITALIAN
D C Idle Spurs Steakhouse 690 Old Highway 58, Barstow 760-256-8888
D
A
H
Mile High Cafe
8832 Orange St., Hesperia 760-947-8844
B
C
A
Cross Eyed Cow Pizza 19242 National Trails Highway, Oro Grande 760-241-1987 www.crosseyedcowpizza. com/
A
D C A
D C A
H
DESSERTS
Baconballs Cupcakery 10326 E Ave., Hesperia 760-881-9956
A
D C
H
Shakey’s Pizza
14120 Bear Valley Road, Suite 103, Victorville 760-952-0010 www.shakeys.com
D C
HEALTHY
Ninja Poki Yaki 17878 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-646-9966
D C Ninja Sushi
15850 Apple Valley Road, #116, Apple Valley 760-242-3913
D C
Di Napoli’s Firehouse
17856 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-242-5802 www.dinapolisfirehouse. com
Wood Grill Buffet 14135 Main St., Hesperia 760-981-4418
B
D C
Hesperia 760-949-8900 www.a1grill.com
A
H O
JAPANESE
A1 Grill, Teriyaki & Roll 15061 Bear Valley Road,
A
H
MEXICAN
Los Domingos 17790 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-946-5344 www.losdomingosapplevalley.com
R
D C A
H
SUBS & SALADS Firehouse Subs
13325 Main St., Suite 108, Hesperia 760-983-5512 www.firehousesubs.com
O
D C
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A
Sunday, August 20, 2017
SYMBOL KEY
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Sunday, August 20, 2017
Enjoy a safe night out on the town by following these tips FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN
A
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night out on the town can be a great way to unwind, enjoy some exotic cuisine and soak up some local culture. While nights out on the town are all about having fun, it’s important to prioritize safety when going out. A safe night out on the town requires men and women to remain alert and aware of their surroundings and plan ahead so they don’t put themselves in potentially precarious positions. • Consume alcohol responsibly. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every day 28 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcoh o l - i m p a i re d d r i ve r. Each of those deaths is preventable if people act responsibly when consuming alcohol. When going out for a night on the town, use a taxi service or ride-sharing company to eliminate the chance of driving while intoxicated. When going out with friends, pick a designated driver who will abstain from alcohol throughout the night. Men and women who drive themselves but feel like they have had too much to drink to drive
home can always keep their cars parked, call a taxi and return for their vehicles in the morning. The cost of the ride home pales in comparison to the cost of being arrested and/or getting into an accident. • Travel in a group. When going out with friends, make sure the group stays together throughout the night so no one ends up alone and vulnerable to criminals. Single men and women should always go out with at least one friend in tow to ensure their safety. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, an American is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds, while only six of every 1,000 perpetrators of such crimes will end up in prison. Groups out for a night on the town should stay together and resolve to look after one another throughout the night, even going so far as to ensure everyone
safely makes it into their vehicles before group members go their separate ways at the end of
from alcohol should be mindful of motorists when driving or walking around during a night on the town. Just because you’re being responsible does not mean everyone is acting similarly. Obey the speed limit and keep ample distance between your vehicle and other cars on the road when driving after the sun goes down. Don’t be afraid to pull over and even telephone the authorities if you notice anyone driving erratically. • Avoid confrontations. The Alcohol Rehab the night. Guide notes that irrita• Be mindful of all bility and extreme mood motorists. Even men swings are warning signs and women who abstain that someone may be
abusing alcohol. When out for a night on the town, men and women may encounter people who have had too much to drink. If a potentially volatile situation presents itself, walk way, even if you feel like you’re in the right. The other person involved may not be of sound mind and might be more prone to violence than he or she otherwise would be if he or she had not been drinking. Nights out on the town with friends are fun, but adults must make safety a priority when sampling local nightlife.
P
arents know taking kids out to eat requires patience. The sights and sounds of a restaurant can be overwhelming and distracting to children used to eating at home. Toddlers have not learned to control their impulses yet, and even school-aged children may experience intermittent
breakdowns when they are uncomfortable or not feeling well. But parents who want to take their
Provide distractions Many young children cannot sit still for long and may need a series of distractions to keep them entertained throughout meals. Pack a bag of tricks that includes toys, games, books, and even a digital device tuned to kids’ favorite programs. Pick restaurants that do not have a long wait to get a seat so that kids’ patience has not worn thin before you even make it to the table. A sightseeing walk around the restaurant also may be able to provide a welcome distraction until the food is ready.
may not be as patient as adults when waiting for their meals to be delivered. Ask servers to bring out the kids’ meals when appetizers are served or think ahead and have some light snacks, such as crackers or dry cereal, available to tame kids’ hunger pangs. Choose restaurants wisely Make concessions as to where and when you eat. Coordinate around nap times so children will be happy and well-rested. Select restaurants that accommodate children. Ask to be seated out of the way just in case your son or daughter acts up. This way you will not disturb other patrons. Restaurants tend to be less busy right before dinner service and directly after. If you can time your meals to these off-peak hours, it may make for a more enjoyable dining experience.
Offer plenty of praise Always let children know when they are doing a great job and behaving well in a restaurant. Engage kids in conversation and keep them entertained. Boredom or attention-seeking behavior can make dining out with youngsters more difficult to manage. A treat or a special reward (sticker or coloring book) can be offered Pack snacks Although the goal to a child who behaves may be to eat out, kids when dining out.
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FAMILY, FOOD & FUN
Post and co-author of “Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18th edition,” says parents can practice dining out by replicating the experience (as much as possible) at home. Ask the children to use inside voices and exhibit proper behavior at the dinner table. Remove children from the table if they misbehave and try again another time. Parents also can acclimate their youngsters to dining out by gradually working their way up to more formal restaurants. Start by dining out at a place where table behavtots out on the town can Practice Daniel Post Senning, ior or noise may be more employ some easy steps to make eating out a fun the great-grandson of tolerable, such as a fastetiquette expert Emily food restaurant, before excursion for everyone. moving on to a casual restaurant and then a nicer restaurant when kids can handle it.
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You can enjoy dining out with children (honest!)
Sunday, August 20, 2017
DINING OUT
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Sunday, August 20, 2017
Fighting fires with filling food Firehouse Subs ups sandwich ante with steamed meats, hotter hot sauces vvdailypress.com
By Martial Haprov For Dining Out
H
what about where there’s steam? That’s where you’ll ESPERIA — Where find uniquely prepared there’s smoke, carnivorous creations to there’s fire. But satiate the biggest appe-
tites. That’s where you’ll find Firehouse Subs, an eatery that’s more than just a sandwich shop. Co-owner Dan Aparekka opened his
Hesperia location last year, of the chain that grew out of Florida in the mid-1990s. It’s the first Firehouse Subs in the Victor Valley and
A process of steaming the meat and cheese is the secret to Firehouse Subs’ hot sandwiches. James Quigg, Dining Out
Aparekka says local eaters are still whole discovering what sets it process apart from competitor of steaming meats and shops. “We do hot subs — a cheeses,” Aparekka told
ing to open a Firehouse location of his own when he decided to become an entrepreneur in the U.S. Aparekka lived in the Australian bush for a decade — “20 minutes out of the city and you’re in the bush” — where he says just about everyone is trained as a volunteer firefighter because of the high volume of fires in the warm months. “In 2012 when we had a big fire in our neighborhood, my neighbor and I stayed to fight the fire,” Aparekka said. “If not for firefighters, we would have lost our
property and maybe our lives. T h e th em e w i th i n Firehouse Subs and the values of the (Sorensen brothers) is very personal for me.” Along with the unique style of steaming the meats and cheeses, Firehouse uses USDA choice meats across the board and piles them sky-high, making sandwiches that will fill up the hungriest of the hungry. “ We u s e p r e m i um-quality meats, so we’re pricier than (the competition),” Aparekka
said, “but we give more meat (than the competition). We cater to a firefighter-sized appetite; we pride ourselves in giving hearty, ‘healthy’ portion sizes.” Wi t h h u n d re d s o f stores nationwide, the chain is also known for its hot sauce counter. “There are 50 bottles up there,” Aparekka said, referring to the sauce counter that’s next to the front door and is the first part of the sandwich counter diners see as they walk into the Hesperia eatery. “We have a huge variety
Firehouse Subs has 50 hot sauces to choose from if you want to fire up your already hot sub. James Quigg, Dining Out
to select from. Every Firehouse owner selects what sells in their community and store so the combination we have here is totally different. “We have different varieties all rated from 1 to 10, 10 being the hottest on the Scoville scale. Our hottest sauces
Sunday, August 20, 2017
are very hot.” To c o o l t h e p a l ate after a consuming a sandwich laden with prime hot sauce, Aparekka says the store has Coke Freestyle, a m ac h i n e t h at wh i c h offers 120 varieties of soft drinks in “cups that are huge” — and they don’t charge for refills. Firehouse also has a cherry limeade that’s exclusive to the chain, “only available here, especially for us.” Firehouse Subs is a vibrant member of each of its local communities. In Hesperia, the shop supports local first responders and schools through a foundation that’s officially separate from the company but is funded primarily by Firehouse proceeds, including the sale of its empty pickle buckets. They also host annual drives to donate bottles of water to firefighters. “This isn’t like a business for me, it’s my hobby,” Aparekka said. “It’s what I really love doing. I really care about my customers’ experience — everyone who tries it says they’re not going back (to competitors).” Visit Firehouse Subs in Suite 108 at 13325 Main St. in Hesperia, across the parking lot f r o m t h e Wa l - M a r t Supercenter. For more information, visit www. firehousesubs.com or call 760-983-5512.
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Dining Out. The meats are pre cooked, but “our steaming process puts moisture back into it and really changes the whole flavor. “You can have a cold sub anywhere — even in your own kitchen. It’s a very unique experience when you have our subs.” The steaming process was the core of the chain started by former firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen in Jacksonville, Florida in 1994. Aparekka said it was the core values of being a first responder that drew him to want-
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Sunday, August 20, 2017
Left, first responders feel right at home at Firehouse Subs. Right, a side salad at Firehouse Subs features, what else? Jalapenos.
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Sunday, August 20, 2017
Shakey’s Firehouse Pizza It’s gorgeous to look at, delicious to eat and growing in popularity
SIGNATURE DISH
By Kathy Young Dining Out
S
Shakey’s thin crust — but you can order it with the “pan crust,” if you prefer — the Firehouse is a spicy pizza with hot sliced sausage, spicy Italian sausage and pepperoni, topped with red onions, diced tomatoes and fresh basil. You couldn’t ask for a more colorful pizza, and as we said above, abso-
lutely gorgeous in its presentation. As for flavor, the Firehouse “heat” m a ke s i t s p r e s e n c e known but definitely does not outstay its welcome. Shakey’s dough is fresh made daily, its signature sauce is plentiful on every pizza made, and the Firehouse, available in small, medium and large, ranges in calorie count
from 151 to 292 calories per slice. If the Firehouse Pizza just whets your appetite, take a look around and see what else Shakey’s has to offer. Shakey’s is a family-oriented pizza parlor with sports and more on several flat screen television sets, a game zone for the kids, and a fun atmo-
sphere with friendly service. Enjoy the allyou-can-eat lunch buffets from 11 a.m. to 2:30 daily, for just $8.79, with eight pizzas to choose from plus a dessert pizza that looks absolutely sinful, plus garden salad bar, fried chicken, spaghetti with sauce (meat or meatless) and of course fabulous Mojo potatoes. Add a
Lunch buffet selections include Firehouse Pizza, a slice of mushroom and olive pizza, pasta with a meatless sauce and a garden salad. Lisa Woodhart, Dining Out
tasty beverage, and you’re good to go. Visit Shakey’s Pizza, 14120 Bear Valley Road, #103, in Victorville. It’s open daily at 11 a.m. and online ordering is available at www.shakeys.com. Check out the online coupons, as well.
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hakey’s Pizza was the first pizza franchise in the country, opening in 1954 in Sacramento when Sherwood “Shakey” Johnson remodeled a grocery store and opened his first Pizza Parlor. Shakey’s Pizza has grown in popularity and offerings to match the tastes of pizza lovers everywhere. Fo r t h i s w e e k ’s Signature Dish, we selected Shakey’s and found that there are actually several “signature pizzas” available daily. So we asked Mina Matta, owner of the recently opened Shakey’s in Victorville, which of the “signature” pizzas was their most popular. H i s a n s w e r? T h e Firehouse Pizza, hands down. Not only does it make for a gorgeous picture, perfect for the center of your table, but it is a tasty creation with a kick. Available on the classic
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Sunday, August 20, 2017 Left, a slice of Shakey’s famous Firehouse Pizza. Right, owner Mina Matta has turned Shakey’s Pizza into a dining destination. Kathy Young, Dining Out
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Sunday, August 20, 2017
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 (All grades provided by the San Bernardino Panaderia Azteca ����������������������������������� 99 County Department of Public Health and rep- Raul’s Mexican Food ������������������������������� 94 Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill #220 ������������� 94 resent the latest grade given.) Saul’s Produce ��������������������������������������� 99 Saul’s Restaurant ����������������������������������� 92 Adelanto Adelanto Market �������������������������������������� 93 Starbuck’s Coffee #10429 ���������������������� 96 Adelanto Senior Nutrition ���������������������� 100 Subway #39979 ������������������������������������ 93 Adelita’s Tamales Mexican Food ��������������� 90 Thai Siam Restaurant ������������������������������� 90 American Legion Post 229 ���������������������� 94 The Flame Broiler ����������������������������������� 91 Bargains R Us ����������������������������������������� 99 VFW Post 94-10 ������������������������������������� 92 Baskin-Robbins ��������������������������������������� 90 Bellagio Club ���������������������������������������� 100 Apple Valley Bravo Burgers....#6 �������������������������������� 83 Juice It Up ��������������������������������������������� 90
RESTAURANT GRADES
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
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 Del Taco #1 ������������������������������������������� 98 Del Taco #2 ������������������������������������������� 98 Del Taco #201 (Lenwood) ����������������������� 90 Denny’s (Fisher) �������������������������������������� 92
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Victorville
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 Bob’s Cajun Boil ������������������������������������� 96 Bosco’s Diner ����������������������������������������� 90 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
RESTAURANT GRADES
Sunday, August 20, 2017
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 Gloria’s Kountry Kitchen �������������������������� 94 Golden Corral .Buffet ������������������������������� 93 Habit Burger Grill ������������������������������������ 96
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 El Charro Oaxaca ����������������������������������� 97 El Parrandaro Family Restaurant �������������� 94 El Pescador Seafood & Mexican Grill ������� 94 El Tio Pepe �������������������������������������������� 97 Farmer Boys (Bear Valley Road) ��������������� 90 Farmer Boys (Roy Rogers) ���������������������� 93 Fatburgers ��������������������������������������������� 90
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Denny’s (Lenwood) ��������������������������������� 94 Denny’s (Main St) ������������������������������������ 97 Desert Manna Ministries �������������������������� 97 Diamond’s Pizza ������������������������������������� 92 DiNapoli’s Firehouse ������������������������������� 99 Domino’s (Main St) �������������������������������� 100 Dunkin Donuts ���������������������������������������� 97
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DINING OUT
16
DINING OUT
Sunday, August 20, 2017
A taste of the Old West in Barstow Idle Spurs Steakhouse and Lounge offers great steaks and seafood plus atmosphere By Kathy Young Dining Out
I
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magine living in the Old West, when ranches were measured in miles instead of acres and cowboys rode the range for weeks at a time, herding cattle, mending fences and sitting around the campfire under the stars. Life was harsh, but the chuckwagon driven by the camp or cowboy cook made certain the cowhands ate well — the food was generally hot, plentiful, and absolutely delicious. If armies traveled on their stomachs, cowboys did as well. Today we certainly enjoy more creature comforts than did the range cowboys, but we can enjoy the atmosphere of life on the range, enjoying hot, plentiful and delicious food at the historic Idle Spurs Steakhouse and Lounge in Barstow. Originally built as the “dream home” of Chuck and Jeannie O’Hara, Idle Spurs Ranch included stables, a beautiful tree-covered patio with billiard table and swimming pool, an indoor bar and recessed seating in the lounge that faced one of the two fireplaces. The Ranch became a popular stop for hungry travelers and local residents, hankering for one of the Ranch’s famous char-broiled steak dinners. The steaks and seafood were supplied by Morgan Meat Company, which was located “just up the road.”
The bone-in Rib Eye steak is an Idle Spurs favorite and is accompanied by vegetables, rice and salad. Kathy Young, Dining Out
Eventually Morgan and Donna Ray of Morgan Meat Company bought Idle Spurs Ranch and changed its name to Idle Spurs Steakhouse. The place underwent a bit of remodeling — the home’s
bedroom was converted to a larger bar, the fireplace lounge and swimming pool were filled in to create a larger lounge and dining areas, and a skylight with live trees and plants became the “center of the
building.” Morgan’s touch is still evident in the elegant woodwork you’ll find everywhere in the restaurant as well as the memorabilia of the Old West decorating the rooms.
A trip to Idle Spurs Steakhouse and Lounge fo r d i n n e r T u e s d ay through Sunday — they are open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. — is definitely a good idea. Every steak is cooked to your order by head chef
Andy Mascarena and his fine crew, and you won’t be disappointed in the accompaniments — salad, vegetables, baked potato, or whatever ‘lights your fire.” Visit www.thespurs.us and see for yourself.