AUGUST 27, 2017
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MORE THAN JUST PIZZA RESTAURANT GRADES Page 14
APOLLO RESTAURANT Page 16
Cross Eyed Cow offers fabulous desserts, too! Page 8
INSIDE:
CHEF CHATPage 11
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Sunday, August 27, 2017
From the editor’s desk
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t’s common for people to judge a book by its cover, or in the case of restaurants to judge them by their buildings or sometimes even by their decor. As most of us know, however, that would be a grave mistake. It’s not what a restaurant looks like on the outside or even inside that really counts. It’s what’s on the menu and how those who prepare and cook the food that really separates your favorites from the alsorans. But a lot of other things behind the scenes also come into play that make the best restaurants so superior to all others. One of those things is creativity. In the case of Apollo Restaurant in Victorville and A1 Grill, Teriyaki & Roll in Hesperia, their menus exude creativity. Owner Victor Gurrola and his staff at Apollo take great pride in creating food that is different, special and delicious, like
the Tater Bomb. Victor roams the world tasting and trying dishes and returns home ready to try out new ideas that he knows his customers will love. At A1 Grill, Teriyaki and Roll, owner Mrs. Koo develops her own healthy sauces for her dishes, putting her own spin on Asian specialties and delivering mouth-watering flavor with every bite. Her smile captures the satisfaction she receives from every happy customer or heartfelt compliment. We all know which restaurants have the money to spend on fancy buildings and exotic interiors, but foodies in the High Desert know where to find the real deal when it comes to great food at affordable prices. The restaurants in this magazine fall into the latter category, in my opinion. I hope you’ll try them all out and see for yourself whether or not I’m right. — Steve Hunt
DINING OUT From the editor’s desk �������������������������� 2 Weekly specials ������������������������������������ 3 Happy Hour specials ����������������������������� 4 Where to dine �������������������������������������� 5 Fun food facts �������������������������������������� 6 Ways to reduce sodium intake �������������� 7 Cross Eyed Cow Pizza �������������������������� 8 Food in photos ����������������������������������� 10 El Salvador Del Mundo ������������������������ 11 Food in photos ������������������������������������ 12 Restaurant grades ������������������������������ 14 Apollo Restaurant ������������������������������ 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 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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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
A1 Grill, Teriyaki and Roll Daily Deals
Baconballs Cupcakery
Daily Deals Buy one specialty roll, get second roll 50 percent off Monday: Half off sprin(with coupon in this publica- kles Tuesday: $1 French maction only!)
Trio Combo Meal Turkey Burger
Friday
Fries Flourless Cake
Saturday
Salmon Burger
Sunday
Salmon Burger Chicken Strips Chicken Sandwich Salads
Cross Eyed Cow Pizza Daily Deals
Daily Deals Wednesday
Pupusa $1.99 all day
Firehouse Subs Daily Deals
Wednesday: Kids eat for 99 cents
Idle Spurs Daily Deals
Tu e s d a y t h r o u g h M o n d a y t h r o u g h Sunday: Daily dinner speFriday: 2 slices with 2 top- cials pings and a drink for $6.95
Di Napoli’s Firehouse Daily Deals
Los Domingos
Apple Valley and Barstow
Daily Deals
Mile High Cafe
Daily Deals Monday through Sunday
Daily breakfast and lunch specials
Ninja Sushi
Daily Deals Monday through Sunday: All sushi and rolls 50 percent off (all day)
Sunday, August 27, 2017
DAILY SPECIALS
Burgerim
Chicken Strips Chicken Sandwich Salads
Shakey’s Pizza
Daily Deals Monday through Sunday: Buy one medium Pizza, get the second 2 topping medium pizza for $7.99
Monday through Taco Tuesday (Apple Sunday: Lunch specials — Valley only): $2 full-size Mini pizza, 2 toppings with tacos Wood Grill Buffet soup or salad $11.95 or Wednesday: half-priced Daily Deals half sandwich with soup or margaritas, 3 to 8 p.m. Taco Tuesday after 4 p.m. salad $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) after 4 p.m. Mundo
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arons Wednesday: Buy 1, get 1 half off, jumbo cupcakes
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Sunday, August 27, 2017
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS
A1 Grill, Teriyaki and Roll Happy Hour
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 Monday through Sunday
3 p.m. to close: $5 Well Drinks, $1 off Wine, $1 off Beer
Firehouse Subs Happy Hour
Monday through Sunday: 2 to 5 p.m. Any small sub + chips + small drink $5.99
Idle Spurs Happy Hour
Tu e s d a y t h r o u g h Sunday: 4 to 6 p.m., drink specials
Los Domingos
Apple Valley and Barstow
Happy Hour
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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
Mile High Cafe Happy Hour
Taco Tuesday, 4 to 9 p.m.: $2 tacos, $2 enchiladas, beer specials
Ninja Sushi Happy Hour
Monday through Sunday: Large beer 2 for $7, small beer 2 for $3.50, small Sake 99 cents, Sake Bomb 99 cents (with $10 minimum food order)
Shakey’s Pizza Happy Hour
Monday through Friday: 3 to 6 p.m. Under $5 menu Mojo Potatoes ½ order $.99, 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 $4.99 Pint $2.99, 22oz Super Mug-$3.99, Lime-A-Rita or Straw-ber-Rita $3.99
Cross Eyed Cow Pizza’s famous garlic bread knots are a favorite of regulars. James Quigg, Dining Out
B
Breakfast
R
Brunch
C
Catering
D
Dinner
H
Happy Hour
O
Online Ordering
WHERE TO DINE
D
A
H
Mile High Cafe
8832 Orange St., Hesperia 760-947-8844
B
C
A
Wood Grill Buffet
14135 Main St., Hesperia 760-981-4418
AMERICAN
Apollo Burger 14950 7th St., Victorville 760-245-4900
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Burgerim The Mall of Victor Valley, 14400 Bear Valley Road, #701, Victorville 760-243-4494 www.burgerim.com
D C
B
D C A
H
DESSERTS
Baconballs Cupcakery 10326 E Ave., Hesperia 760-881-9956
HEALTHY
Ninja Poki Yaki 17878 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-646-9966
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D C ITALIAN
Cross Eyed Cow Pizza 19242 National Trails Highway, Oro Grande 760-241-1987 www.crosseyedcowpizza. com/
A
D C
Di Napoli’s Firehouse
17856 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-242-5802 www.dinapolisfirehouse. com
www.a1grill.com
D C Ninja Sushi
15850 Apple Valley Road, #116, Apple Valley 760-242-3913
D C A
MEXICAN
Los Domingos 17790 Wika Road, Apple Valley 760-946-5344 www.losdomingosapplevalley.com
R
H
Shakey’s Pizza
14120 Bear valley Rd., Suite 103, Victorville 760-952-0010 www.shakeys.com
D C A
H O
JAPANESE
A1 Grill, Teriyaki & Roll 15061 Bear Valley Road, Hesperia 760-949-8900
D C A
D C A
H
H
SUBS & SALADS Firehouse Subs
13325 Main St., Suite 108, Hesperia 760-983-5512 www.firehousesubs.com
O
D C
SPORTS BAR SALVADORIAN
El Salvador Del Mundo 15329 Palmdale Road, Suite J, Victorville 760-241-8308
B
D C
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Serves Alcohol
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Idle Spurs Steakhouse 690 Old Highway 58, Barstow 760-256-8888
SYMBOL KEY A
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Sunday, August 27, 2017
Facts about your favorite foods you may not know FOOD TIPS
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ood is more than just a way to sustain life. Food can make a person feel good, provide avenues to engage with family and friends and serve as a way to experience other cultures. Certain foods are universally enjoyed, while others may appeal to only a few people. Many people have favorite foods,
even if they know little about these foods. Check out these fun facts about some popular foods. • Pasta sauce: If enjoying a plate full of pasta topped in rich, red marinara sauce can cure what ails you, then you will be happy to learn that cooked tomatoes are very good for personal health. Tomatoes are naturally high in vitamin C, and the process of making tomato sauce increases the antioxidant activity in tomatoes, which can make the body less susceptible to illness. Tomato sauce contains lycopene, which might reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and macular degeneration. • Red meat: Steak or a juicy burger is a favor-
ite for many people. But through the years there have been mixed reviews on the benefits and disadvantages of eating red meat. Iron in red meat is easily absorbed by the body, and beef also sup-
plies vitamin B12, which helps maintain healthy nerve and red blood cells. Red meat has a bad reputation because it can be high in fat and cholesterol. However, choosing the right cuts, such as lean
eye round roast and sirloin, can offset the negative aspects of red meat. There’s also evidence that grass-fed beef contains two to five times more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef.
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There are some simple ways to cut back on sodium
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menu can ask for low-sodium recommendations or if existing menu items can be prepared without sodium or with lower amounts of sodium. • Read labels. According to the AHA, 75 percent of the sodium in the average American diet comes from salt added to processed foods. Diners who have resolved to push away the done so. But the HSPH notes that people over age 50, people who have high or slightly elevated blood pressure, diabetics, and African Americans are at high risk of developing the health problems related to excessive sodium consumption. Because sodium is so prevalent, some peo-
ple may think that cutting back on its consumption must be nearly impossible. However, there are some simple ways to cut back on sodium. • Ask for low-sodium recommendations when dining out. The AHA notes that the average person consumes 25 percent of
salt shaker at the dinner table might still be exceeding their daily recommended sodium limits if they are eating prepackaged foods with high sodium levels. Food manufacturers use salt to give prepackaged foods longer shelf lives, so concerned diners should read labels before taking items home from the grocery store.
his or her overall sodium at restaurants. Some places now require restaurants to list total sodium content alongside offerings on their menus, and diners living in such areas should choose only those meals that are low in sodium. Diners who live in areas where sodium levels are not listed on the
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alt is widely relied on to give foods some added flavor. Many people may feel that unsalted foods are not as tasty as their salty counterparts, but it’s important that people of all ages understand the threat that excessive sodium consumption poses. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, kidney problems may result from excessive sodium consumption. In addition, the American Heart Association notes that excess sodium and salt in the body puts a person at risk for a host of ailments, including stroke, heart failure, stomach cancer, and osteoporosis. Cutting back on sodium should be a goal for anyone who hasn’t already
Sunday, August 27, 2017
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Sunday, August 27, 2017
Carnivorously colossal cuisine Cross Eyed Cow Pizza in Oro Grande delivers food that’s as tasty as it is sizable
By Martial Haprov For Dining Out The unlucky cow pizza is a favorite at Cross Eyed Cow in Oro Grande. James Quigg, Dining Out
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RO GRANDE — You’ve probably seen the iconic cow. And whether you knew it or not, it was calling — err, mooing — your name. If you haven’t seen the cow, or you haven’t answered the moo, you’re missing some of the best pizza in the High Desert. Grace Preston is the restaurant’s marketing manager. She tells Dining Out that Cross Eyed Cow, located on National Trails Highway in Oro Grande, continues to evolve, though never steering from its core. “We have a lot of new stuff coming so it’s easy to keep it fresh,” Preston said. Her mother, Donna, a n d s t e p fat h e r, Ji m Granger, opened Cross Eyed Cow in September 2012. They recently flew to Miami to pick up and drive back a food truck they purchased to expand the restaurant’s reach. They plan to do some trial-and-error testing out at Grange Motor Circuit in Apple Valley, but soon after they hope to be a fixture at all sorts of community events. The food truck will “take the simple route in the beginning,” Preston said, offering pizza and soda — after all, it’s the pizza that’s helped put Cross Eyed Cow on the map. “Baby steps, you know?” Their pies include m o n s t ro u s favo r i t e s
like the Unlucky Cow, a combo pizza with pepperoni, sausage, ham, beef, salami, green peppers, mushrooms and black olives; the Iron Hog, a “meat lovers pizza”; and the Hippie Veggie, with mushrooms, red onions, green peppers, black olives, pineapple, tomatoes, jalapenos and red peppers. The food truck may boast the tasty pies, but the restaurant’s full menu is packed with additional offerings. Sub sandwiches include the Mayor Joe’s, a combination of housemade chicken salad, mayo, cashews, craisins, lettuce and tomatoes; and the Train Wreck, served open-face with the restaurant’s specialty housemade meatballs, marinara, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cross Eyed Cow is known for its delicious pies and hearty sandwiches, but even its salads are loaded with flavor and goodness, like their CaliWinter, a bed of spinach and lettuce topped with artichokes, red onion, red peppers, black olives, bacon, shaved Parmesan and croutons. Dessert is an option for those who didn’t overstuff on the pizza and sandwiches. Notable on that menu is an ice cream sandwich with two homemade chocolate chocolate chip cookies serving as barriers to the creamy, icy middle. The restaurant offers more than food — there
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variety,” Preston said. “We even had someone from Italy come here and tell us our pizza was better than theirs from home.” Travelers and local diners are steady faces you’ll see at Cross Eyed Cow, much like the staff. Taylor Groffel, who now serves as the store manager, has been with the restaurant since day one when he started as a cook. Preston’s brothers also work here and employees are so familiar that many diners have their preferred servers and even cooks.
“Everyone who comes here, they become a part of our family,” Preston said, “whether or not they live close by.” To fill up on Cross Eyed Cows tasty offerings, visit them at 19242 National Trails Highway in Oro Grande. Call 760-241-1987, visit www.crosseyedcowpizza.com or find them on Facebook for more information including menu and hours. Cross Eyed Cow also caters. For information, call the restaurant or send them a message on Facebook.
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are visual treats to enjoy before, during and after the visit. Inside, Route 66 decor and photos adorn the walls. Outside, a restored trailer is planned to open in the fall that will sell Route 66 memorabilia and trinkets. Being located on Route 66 is part of Cross Eyed Cow’s charm and while the restaurant has a steady crowd of local diners from the Victor Valley and Barstow areas, Route 66 travelers regularly make this eatery a must-see stop on their tour. “We really do get a wide
Above: The staff at Cross Eyed Cow Pizza shows off some of the restaurant’s delicious food and drink options. Below: The Mayor Joe sandwich is named after Oro Grande’s unofficial mayor, Joe Manners. James Quigg, Dining Out
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Sunday, August 27, 2017 Left: These are the ingredients for the delicious Horchata drink at El Salvador Del Mundo restaurant: Pumpkin seeds, rice, sesame seeds, cinnamon, morro seeds and cacao. Right: Salvadoran tamale of pork and chicken, steamed in a plantain leaf at El Salvador Del Mundo restaurant. Photos by Kathy Young, Dining Out
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Sunday, August 27, 2017
‘Always cook with love’
El Salvador Del Mundo’s Marisol Rivas puts her heart and soul into her dishes
CHEF CHAT By Kathy Young Dining Out
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El Salvador Del Mundo owner and chef Marisol Rivas says all of her recipes are packed with love. James Quigg, Dining Out
seeds, cinnamon, morro seeds and cacao, roasted and ground fine, mixed in the rice “milk” and served cold. El Salvador Del Mundo, serving authentic Salvadoran food, is located at 15329 Palmdale Road, Suite J, in Victorville. The telephone number is 760241-8308.
• Chef: Marisol Rivas • Restaurant: El Salvador Del Mundo, opened two years ago in Victorville and owned by Marisol and her husband, Raphael Cardenas. • Background: Marisol and Raphael moved to Los Angeles and eventually came to the High Desert. At home, Marisol prepared her favorite Salvadoran dishes for friends and family — especially pupusas and “tamals.” Everyone was so impressed with her
wonderful dishes — everything is natural, organic and made without preservatives, so the dishes are healthy and very tasty — and at her friends’ urging, Marisol opened her own place. • Where did you learn to cook? I learned to cook with my mother. All of the recipes we serve at El Salvador Del Mundo are my mother’s recipes. • What is your favorite dish? My favorite is Sopa
de Pollo Salvadorena or Salvadoran Chicken Soup. We cook an entire free-range chicken in a big pot with different vegetables. The chicken is served on the side with a bowl of the vegetable soup. Everything is organic with no preservatives and, of course, the chicken is hormone-free. • What is your favorite restaurant? Because I grew up near the ocean, I love seafood. I enjoy dining at Marisco’s in San Pedro.
• What are your future plans? I would like to open a second location of El Salvador Del Mundo, but we have met so many wonderful customers, especially older diners who come here to enjoy our food. I know it would be difficult to be in two places at once. • What is your best tip for cooks? Always cook with love. The best food in the world is filled with love from your heart.
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upusas are stuffed corn tortillas served with a cabbage slaw that has a “kick.” The stuffing can be cheese, spinach, pumpkin, loroco (an edible herb), revuelta (meat, beans and cheese) or other combinations. Salvadoran tamales are masa (corn) with a filling of cheese, chicken, beef or pork, wrapped with plantain leaves and are softer than traditional Mexican tamales that are wrapped in corn leaves. Both versions are steamed. Salvadoran tamales are served unwrapped with the opened plantain leaf providing the backdrop for the delicious dish. Try the “fresh natural waters, too. Horchata is made from different kinds of seeds and nuts. At El Salvador Del Mundo, Horchata is made from pumpkin seeds, rice (which provides the creamy base for the drink), sesame
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Sunday, August 27, 2017 Left: Cross Eyed Cow Pizza offers a wide variety of pizzas, as well as sandwiches and salads. Right: This salad is loaded with tasty ingredients. James Quigg, Dining Out
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Sunday, August 27, 2017
RESTAURANT GRADES
(All grades provided by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health and represent the latest grade given.)
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
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Di Napoli’s Firehouse • Pizza • Pasta • Salads • Dinner Entrees • Beer • Wine • Cocktails
Dough, Breads and Sauces made Fresh Daily.
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
Victorville
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Valid w/coupon only. Not valid w/other offers. Dine in only. Valid Only at Apple Valley location. Limit 1 coupon per party, per visit, per table. Excludes taxes, gratuity, alcohol beverages & Gift card purchases. VVDP
Purchase of $35 or more
Valid w/coupon only. Not valid w/other offers. Dine in only. Valid Only at Apple Valley location. Limit 1 coupon per party, per visit, per table. Excludes taxes, gratuity, alcoholic beverages & Gift card purchases. VVDP
RESTAURANT GRADES
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 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 Fratelli’s Pizzeria ��������������������������������������94 Goody’s Family Restaurant ������������������������95 Gridiron Pizza �������������������������������������������96 Good Fellas Grill ���������������������������������������93 Golden Gate Restaurant ����������������������������91
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 Note: Not all restaurants in the High Desert Brooklyn Italian Pizza & Pasta �������������������91 are listed. This list will be updated with more Burger King (Outer 7th) �����������������������������94 restaurants in future weeks.
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Dunkin Donuts ������������������������������������������97
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Wienerschnitzel #768 ��������������������������������95 Burger King (Main Street) ��������������������������98 3D’s Bakery ���������������������������������������������94 Burger King (Montara) ��������������������������������97 Canton Restaurant �����������������������������������92 Carl’s Junior (Main St) ��������������������������������96 Barstow Barstow Community Hospital ����������������� 100 Carl’s Junior (Lenwood) �����������������������������93 Barstow Senior Nutrition ���������������������������98 Chili’s Grill & Bar ���������������������������������������97 Barstow Station Ice Cream �����������������������95 China Town Buffet ������������������������������������93 Barstow Station Subway ���������������������������92 Chipotle Mexican Grill �������������������������������93 Barstow Station McDonald’s ����������������������92 Dae Ho Restaurant �����������������������������������96 Casa Jimenez �������������������������������������������94 Del Taco #1 ���������������������������������������������98 Slash X Ranch Cafe ����������������������������������97 Del Taco #2 ���������������������������������������������98 Subway and Jumpin’ Juice & Java ��������������98 Del Taco #201 (Lenwood) �������������������������90 Viking Grill �����������������������������������������������98 Denny’s (Fisher) ����������������������������������������92 Alberto Mexican Food �������������������������������80 Denny’s (Lenwood) �����������������������������������94 Amigos Mexican Restaurant ����������������������96 Denny’s (Main St) ��������������������������������������97 Ample Korean Restaurant �������������������������98 Desert Manna Ministries ���������������������������97 Arby’s ������������������������������������������������������99 Diamond’s Pizza ���������������������������������������92 Ate 8 �������������������������������������������������������97 DiNapoli’s Firehouse ���������������������������������99 Black Bear Diner ��������������������������������������93 Domino’s (Main St) �������������������������������� 100
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Sunday, August 27, 2017
Apollo Restaurant: ‘The Nordstrom of food’ Many signature items on Victorville eatery’s menu developed by owner Victor Gurrola By Kathy Young Dining Out
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ictor Gurrola is originally from the High Desert and commutes several times a week to his Apollo Restaurant in Victorville. H e a n d h i s s t a f f, including several culinary-trained chefs working daily in the Apollo kitchen, take great pride in everything they do, from food preparation through the finished result as well as in menu development. Many of the signature items on the Apollo menu have been developed by Victor himself. He does a lot of traveling and samples dishes wherever he goes. The Tator Bomb, a ginormous “tater tot” with jalapeno pepper and cheese, is one of his creations and is so labor intensive it is only available on Fridays. Being “the Nordstrom of food” is quite a compliment because as hardcore shoppers know, Nordstrom is as famous for its customer service as it is for its fashions and accessories. Apollo Restaurant’s philosophy is, “We make it nice or we make it twice” from start to finish. Perfectly fried onion rings — brown, beautiful and delicious; Belgian fries — potatoes cut onsite, washed, rinsed again, and then fried twice and topped with one of several “treatments” such as parmesan cheese or garlic. Their burgers
Apollo Restaurant employee Albert Esparza holds one of the restaurant’s fabulous creations. It’s no wonder Apollo wins the Daily Press Best of the Desert Award year after year. Photo courtesy of Jose Huerta
start w i t h b e a u t i f u l l y m a rb l e d beef freshly ground and cooked to perfection by one of those trained chefs, who then assemble the burger with its sauces and “accessories,” making the perfect “package” when your order arrives at your table. The food you order
from Apollo isn’t “pre-” anything — it’s not premixed, pre-formed, or even “pre-pared” off site. Even their suppliers are into social media. Potato farmers email pictures their crops so Victor can see what he is buying. Apollo Restaurant prepares every thing on its menu except for soft drinks and pickles.
They even make their own sauces — Ranch, Thousand Island, Floozy Lucy, a spicy jalapeno Ranch for the burger bearing its name; Jalapeno, Tiger sauce; the Hoisin P-I-G for a new off-off-menu selection, the “Notorious P-IG” Vietnamese banh mi sandwich; and BBQ. If you have a penchant for delicious burgers,
fries, wraps, and salads, Apollo Restaurant is your kind of place. Their doors open at 10:30 every day except Sunday; they close at 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Every member of the Apollo team can answer all your questions about the food they serve. The fun names of these menu
and “off-menu” dishes — Mac N Down, Floozie Lucy, Mannimal, Roy Boy, the Luther, to name but five — don’t always give you a hint of the delicious fun in store when you place your order. Apollo Restaurant is located at 14950 Seventh St., Victorville. They are on Facebook, Yelp and Zmenu. Their telephone number is 760-245-4900.