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| Price list |
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| This is a single scoop of Dr. Bob's ice cream, in a cup. The flavor is Oreo. |
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| Available flavors at the LA County Fair 2011 (9/25/11) |
Monday, September 26, 2011
LA County Fair 2011
So I went to the LA County Fair and I finally tried Dr. Bob's Homemade Ice Cream at the manufacturing plant/ice cream store, located on the Fairgrounds. It was founded by Cal Poly Pomona professor, Dr Robert Small, who in 1999, decided that he wanted to create the best ice cream possible, made with the finest ingredients like Tahitian and Madagascar Vanilla, and Scharffen Berger Chocolates http://www.scharffenberger.com/ . I had the Oreo ice cream. It looked purplish in the light, but tasted like Cookies and Cream Ice Cream (which is what an Oreo cookie is). I had the single scoop in a cup. It was an extremely generous single scoop (enough to share with others, if you wanted). According to the website, the ice cream has a 16 percent butter-fat content. Pictures of said ice cream and some articles about Dr. Bob's are below. To check out more information about Dr. Bob's Ice Cream, you can go to the following website http://www.drbobsicecream.com/
Friday, September 16, 2011
Small privately managed burger joints
California may have [(In-N-Out), Baker's, EZ Take Out] Carl's Jr, (these high class knock-offs, like Five Guys, The Habit, Burger Lounge, Fuddruckers, Fatburger, Eureka Burger, Rounds,) Jack In The Box, Burger King, Wendy's and McDonald's, but nothing compares to having a a flame-grilled burger from an hamburger place founded by Greeks. What makes these burgers better; is it the choice of ground chuck they use, the seasoning, the sesame seed bun, the seedless bun, the lettuce (chopped or whole leaf), tomato (whole slices, half slices), onion (red or white/yellow, chopped, grilled, whole), mayonnaise or the secret sauce? I visit all these hamburger joints (though most of the time, I usually get a cheeseburger), and though they all taste practically the same (I still visit them to support them), the burgers all taste good, with their aforementioned ingredients dripping out of the bun. These so-called hamburgers at places like Carl's Jr, McDonalds, Jack In The Box, Wendy's and Burger King, (this is the best example I can come up with) they look like White Castle burgers with ketchup, mustard and pickles in them. Their Famous Star, Big and Tasty, Jumbo Jack, Dave's Hot and Juicy, and Whopper sandwiches look like a hamburger found at a restaurant like Farmer Boys, Andy's, Ranch Burger, Everest Burgers, John's, Titan Burgers, Legends, Johnny's, and The Hat, but yet they have a special name; that's what a hamburger on the West Coast looks like.
Since when did eating hamburgers become a high-class thing? Made with Angus beef; I've tried Angus beef at Carl's Jr and McDonald's, and to me, it was a little dry, a little too much meat, and the taste was just, okay. What's the big deal? Ground sirloin (as far as I know, is only available and advertised at Jack In The Box), was a little better, but I thought hamburgers were made with ground chuck, a cheap cut of beef, and that was used to make beef patties. Speaking of ground chuck, the ratio should be a 70% meat-30 % fat content or a 80% meat-20% fat content; that's where the taste of the patty comes from. If there is no fat, then there's hardly any flavor and you are just left with something that is going to require additional flavor, which is unnecessary, If you want a lean burger, have ground buffalo (which could be considered ground chuck, cause it is also ground bovine), turkey, chicken, or other bird, like ostrich or you can have ground fish, reptile or for those that subconsciously want meat, but consciously know it is ethnically wrong, have a vegan patty.
Plus, you just can't beat good Onion Rings at these places, though Farmer Boys tried to fill a niche by serving "tractor tire" size rings, but those medium sized ones, just seem to taste better.
If you don't want a burger, then have a chicken sandwich or a gyro or a sandwich or chili fries. I know that Carl's Jr serves Chili Fries and at In-N-Out, you can have fries prepared Animal Style, with a slice of American Cheese on top of the secret sauce dressed fries, but can you get chopped onion with your chili and cheese, or with your secret sauce, on top of the fries?
Well, I guess it's all a matter of taste or what type of mood you are in, but for those that choose to eat burgers, don't tell me that a sandwich from the Burger Lounge or McDonald's is better than a burger from Andy's or Johnny's?
If you would like more information about the places that I mentioned, you can go to their respective websites or you can visit Chino (Ranch Burger, Andy's, Titan Burgers, John's), Ontario (Andy's, Titan Burgers), Upland (Everest and Legends), The Hat (Glendora, Upland, Brea), and Pomona (Johnny's).
Since when did eating hamburgers become a high-class thing? Made with Angus beef; I've tried Angus beef at Carl's Jr and McDonald's, and to me, it was a little dry, a little too much meat, and the taste was just, okay. What's the big deal? Ground sirloin (as far as I know, is only available and advertised at Jack In The Box), was a little better, but I thought hamburgers were made with ground chuck, a cheap cut of beef, and that was used to make beef patties. Speaking of ground chuck, the ratio should be a 70% meat-30 % fat content or a 80% meat-20% fat content; that's where the taste of the patty comes from. If there is no fat, then there's hardly any flavor and you are just left with something that is going to require additional flavor, which is unnecessary, If you want a lean burger, have ground buffalo (which could be considered ground chuck, cause it is also ground bovine), turkey, chicken, or other bird, like ostrich or you can have ground fish, reptile or for those that subconsciously want meat, but consciously know it is ethnically wrong, have a vegan patty.
Plus, you just can't beat good Onion Rings at these places, though Farmer Boys tried to fill a niche by serving "tractor tire" size rings, but those medium sized ones, just seem to taste better.
If you don't want a burger, then have a chicken sandwich or a gyro or a sandwich or chili fries. I know that Carl's Jr serves Chili Fries and at In-N-Out, you can have fries prepared Animal Style, with a slice of American Cheese on top of the secret sauce dressed fries, but can you get chopped onion with your chili and cheese, or with your secret sauce, on top of the fries?
Well, I guess it's all a matter of taste or what type of mood you are in, but for those that choose to eat burgers, don't tell me that a sandwich from the Burger Lounge or McDonald's is better than a burger from Andy's or Johnny's?
If you would like more information about the places that I mentioned, you can go to their respective websites or you can visit Chino (Ranch Burger, Andy's, Titan Burgers, John's), Ontario (Andy's, Titan Burgers), Upland (Everest and Legends), The Hat (Glendora, Upland, Brea), and Pomona (Johnny's).
Is there something wrong with Owen's Bistro?
Yeah!; They're too dang slow. I want my food now; What's taking them so long to fill my glass; I asked for water 2 min ago, and they haven't brought it. The hostess just completely ignores us and we've been waiting here for 15 min. You know what I'd say, "You're at the wrong place buddy, there's a Cock-A-Doodle up the street or a Farmer Boys south of here."
Oh yes, Owen's Bistro; From The People That Brought You Brown Bag-It. Owen's Bistro, a little American Bistro, located right here in old town Chino, CA. Opened in 2001, discovered by my father, couple years after, and now thoroughly enjoyed by me since 2006, is a small sit-down restaurant, with a very relaxed atmosphere, located between the Chino Youth Museum, alleyway, and the downsized Foodland Market.
You enter through the back of the outdoor seating area (the patio), and the Hostess asks if you made a reservation. If you did, then she will ask, if you want indoor or outdoor seating. Me, my family, or extended family will usually choose the outdoor seating, if the weather is nice (warm). When I dine at Owen's, I'm pretty much in a rut, on what I order and it's usually, soup (all the soups are good. Doesn't matter what kind of soup, I trust the chef's judgment. Besides he usually makes soups out of vegetation that I would never eat. For example, Beet bisque with cotton candy), a beef dish (usually steak, but sometimes short ribs) and a chocolate dessert (For example, peanut chocolate mousse). The beef dishes are usually an additional 6-9 dollars, but sometimes they are worth the additional price. To drink, I usually drink tea (hot or iced) or soda, and occasionally I'll try a Riesling (a white wine with a fruity finish).
The business is slow, but that allows you to converse with the people at your table and to enjoy the wine that you are given or the wine that you ordered. As stated, it is a relaxed atmosphere, so you can just metaphorically let you hair down and just sip your wine, beer, or other beverage. Talk about current events, discuss the ridiculousness of a certain song just because you can't decide what holiday it is (That's for my sister who doesn't really like the song Saturday In The Park, by Chicago, but she does like Carole King and Janis Joplin), Entertainment, debates on certain subjects, or you can pick the brain of the Hostess or resident sommelier and ask them about the wine that you or others are drinking.
Each course comes in a nice presentation, but it can only be enjoyed for a short while, until you start mixing the pepper-crusted NY into the bleu cheese sauce, along with some rosemary red potatoes and asparagus.
The Mousse with Peanut Sauce, is presented in a martini glass with a sprig of Mint Leaf; it is a very fine presentation, but I've never actually mixed the mint into my mousse because I usually eat the mint first.
Even though I have praised Owen's, there have been some bad days where the food and/or service wasn't up to par. One dinner, I tried the chicken because it was within the price range but when I got it, I was expecting it to be moist, but it was a little dry. It was still good, but it could have been better. The fair service could be caused by what happened beforehand, but they still try to be in good spirits to make sure that you are having a good time.
I think people complain and put down Owen's for their faults because they are probably in a hurry and weren't expecting this type of service. The reason why it doesn't bother me as much, is because I'm used to it and not really in a hurry. Plus, if I want something, I can always give the wait staff a friendly reminder and they'll remember and I'll be pacified as soon as possible. It does bug me a little bit (if it's slow, and I'm not distracted, but if the place is busy, then I'll have to understand and they will apologize because, the staff are very friendly) but not enough to write scathing reviews. I mean one way to ask about the atmosphere, is to take the time and walk down to the restaurant, introduce yourself and ask about their establishment to gauge how the atmosphere is going to be, go to their website or ask frequent customers.
They also have an Italian Night, which is similar to Olive Garden's Never-Ending Pasta Bowl or Romano's Macaroni Grill, Build Your Own Pasta dish, but much better. It does end, but you get salad and a dessert, instead of more pasta. I usually get pasta with meat sauce, salad and mousse.
If you want to try this wonderful restaurant, you can find them on Facebook.com or owensbistro.com
Oh yes, Owen's Bistro; From The People That Brought You Brown Bag-It. Owen's Bistro, a little American Bistro, located right here in old town Chino, CA. Opened in 2001, discovered by my father, couple years after, and now thoroughly enjoyed by me since 2006, is a small sit-down restaurant, with a very relaxed atmosphere, located between the Chino Youth Museum, alleyway, and the downsized Foodland Market.
You enter through the back of the outdoor seating area (the patio), and the Hostess asks if you made a reservation. If you did, then she will ask, if you want indoor or outdoor seating. Me, my family, or extended family will usually choose the outdoor seating, if the weather is nice (warm). When I dine at Owen's, I'm pretty much in a rut, on what I order and it's usually, soup (all the soups are good. Doesn't matter what kind of soup, I trust the chef's judgment. Besides he usually makes soups out of vegetation that I would never eat. For example, Beet bisque with cotton candy), a beef dish (usually steak, but sometimes short ribs) and a chocolate dessert (For example, peanut chocolate mousse). The beef dishes are usually an additional 6-9 dollars, but sometimes they are worth the additional price. To drink, I usually drink tea (hot or iced) or soda, and occasionally I'll try a Riesling (a white wine with a fruity finish).
The business is slow, but that allows you to converse with the people at your table and to enjoy the wine that you are given or the wine that you ordered. As stated, it is a relaxed atmosphere, so you can just metaphorically let you hair down and just sip your wine, beer, or other beverage. Talk about current events, discuss the ridiculousness of a certain song just because you can't decide what holiday it is (That's for my sister who doesn't really like the song Saturday In The Park, by Chicago, but she does like Carole King and Janis Joplin), Entertainment, debates on certain subjects, or you can pick the brain of the Hostess or resident sommelier and ask them about the wine that you or others are drinking.
Each course comes in a nice presentation, but it can only be enjoyed for a short while, until you start mixing the pepper-crusted NY into the bleu cheese sauce, along with some rosemary red potatoes and asparagus.
The Mousse with Peanut Sauce, is presented in a martini glass with a sprig of Mint Leaf; it is a very fine presentation, but I've never actually mixed the mint into my mousse because I usually eat the mint first.
Even though I have praised Owen's, there have been some bad days where the food and/or service wasn't up to par. One dinner, I tried the chicken because it was within the price range but when I got it, I was expecting it to be moist, but it was a little dry. It was still good, but it could have been better. The fair service could be caused by what happened beforehand, but they still try to be in good spirits to make sure that you are having a good time.
I think people complain and put down Owen's for their faults because they are probably in a hurry and weren't expecting this type of service. The reason why it doesn't bother me as much, is because I'm used to it and not really in a hurry. Plus, if I want something, I can always give the wait staff a friendly reminder and they'll remember and I'll be pacified as soon as possible. It does bug me a little bit (if it's slow, and I'm not distracted, but if the place is busy, then I'll have to understand and they will apologize because, the staff are very friendly) but not enough to write scathing reviews. I mean one way to ask about the atmosphere, is to take the time and walk down to the restaurant, introduce yourself and ask about their establishment to gauge how the atmosphere is going to be, go to their website or ask frequent customers.
They also have an Italian Night, which is similar to Olive Garden's Never-Ending Pasta Bowl or Romano's Macaroni Grill, Build Your Own Pasta dish, but much better. It does end, but you get salad and a dessert, instead of more pasta. I usually get pasta with meat sauce, salad and mousse.
If you want to try this wonderful restaurant, you can find them on Facebook.com or owensbistro.com
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Old Town Root Beer Company
I like root beer and my favorite commercial root beer is CA founded A&W, followed by Mug, Barqs', Dads' and Hires. Why is A&W my favorite? It's because it is made with real vanilla and it says so on the can.
BUT....the point of this blog is to talk about the place written in the title spot; Old Town Root Beer Company Temecula/San Diego, and why I like it and the next time you are in Temecula, you need to visit.
I first visited Old Town Root Beer Co, while visiting Old Town, San Diego, 3 years ago. I was in the mood for a root beer float and I thought I would try one from there. I'll have to tell you, it was really good. The service was good too.
In 2010, I wanted to get some root beer for my cousin for Christmas as a secret santa gift and I wanted to go to the Root Beer Company in San Diego. I called them and found out that they didn't exist anymore, so I called the one in Temecula. They told me that they exist, so I drove down to Temecula.
When I walked into the Old Town Roor Beer Company, there were hats, souvenirs, pictures and newspaper clippings and bottles of assorted root beers and soda, located inside an old western style building. I perused the shelves of soda trying to decide what to get my cousin for Christmas, since he was also a root beer connoisseur. Upon recommendation by the owners, I was told to get the Root Beer Sampler, which contained a collection of root beers for him to try; so I got that. Before I left, I also purchased an Old Town Root Company root beer, their first brew. It was a unique brew because unlike other root beers that I tried, this one contained honey. It was quite an unusual taste because I'm used to the tastes of A and W, Barq's and Mug, but I got used to the taste and I continued to drink it. It was a very tasty drink and I would have to come back and try the others.
The proprietors of the establishment were very nice people (they were the owners) and I shot the breeze with them and asked them how it came about...etc.
10 months later, I stopped into The Old Town Root Beer Company, Temecula location, again to purchase more root beer. This time, on a recommendation from Rebecca, who was working the counter and was very knowledgeable, told me to try a D-n-A, so I did. It was actually quite tasty. The taste of mint, mixed with the base formula, was quite tasty. I decided to purchase two more bottles to take home with me. I purchased OTRB Co. Route 66 and a Virgil's. On the way out, I did some advertising for the company ( I don't know if it helped, but I think it did because customer recommendations always seem to work) because some patrons came in and I told them about my purchases and how Rebecca, the CSR behind the counter, was very knowledgeable and was very helpful.
So I took my purchases home and I opened the Route 66 Bottle. It was quite tasty and you can taste the spiciness of the cinnamon complimenting the base formula. Later, I opened the Virgil's root beer and it was quite good and very smooth. It had a good frothiness to it. I read the side of the Virgil's bottle and it apparently is a commercially sold root beer because it had the "Facts" on the side, but besides that buzzkill, I found out what it was made with and I was surprised to found out that it was made with, anise, licorice, vanilla, cinnamon, wintergreen, nutmeg, others you can read herehttp://www.reedsinc.com/virgils/
So I had a fun adventure and I'm thinking of going back, might bring somebody next time, who knows.
For more information about Old Town Root Beer Company, go to Facebook.com and http://oldtownrootbeercompany.com/
BUT....the point of this blog is to talk about the place written in the title spot; Old Town Root Beer Company Temecula/San Diego, and why I like it and the next time you are in Temecula, you need to visit.
I first visited Old Town Root Beer Co, while visiting Old Town, San Diego, 3 years ago. I was in the mood for a root beer float and I thought I would try one from there. I'll have to tell you, it was really good. The service was good too.
In 2010, I wanted to get some root beer for my cousin for Christmas as a secret santa gift and I wanted to go to the Root Beer Company in San Diego. I called them and found out that they didn't exist anymore, so I called the one in Temecula. They told me that they exist, so I drove down to Temecula.
When I walked into the Old Town Roor Beer Company, there were hats, souvenirs, pictures and newspaper clippings and bottles of assorted root beers and soda, located inside an old western style building. I perused the shelves of soda trying to decide what to get my cousin for Christmas, since he was also a root beer connoisseur. Upon recommendation by the owners, I was told to get the Root Beer Sampler, which contained a collection of root beers for him to try; so I got that. Before I left, I also purchased an Old Town Root Company root beer, their first brew. It was a unique brew because unlike other root beers that I tried, this one contained honey. It was quite an unusual taste because I'm used to the tastes of A and W, Barq's and Mug, but I got used to the taste and I continued to drink it. It was a very tasty drink and I would have to come back and try the others.
The proprietors of the establishment were very nice people (they were the owners) and I shot the breeze with them and asked them how it came about...etc.
10 months later, I stopped into The Old Town Root Beer Company, Temecula location, again to purchase more root beer. This time, on a recommendation from Rebecca, who was working the counter and was very knowledgeable, told me to try a D-n-A, so I did. It was actually quite tasty. The taste of mint, mixed with the base formula, was quite tasty. I decided to purchase two more bottles to take home with me. I purchased OTRB Co. Route 66 and a Virgil's. On the way out, I did some advertising for the company ( I don't know if it helped, but I think it did because customer recommendations always seem to work) because some patrons came in and I told them about my purchases and how Rebecca, the CSR behind the counter, was very knowledgeable and was very helpful.
So I took my purchases home and I opened the Route 66 Bottle. It was quite tasty and you can taste the spiciness of the cinnamon complimenting the base formula. Later, I opened the Virgil's root beer and it was quite good and very smooth. It had a good frothiness to it. I read the side of the Virgil's bottle and it apparently is a commercially sold root beer because it had the "Facts" on the side, but besides that buzzkill, I found out what it was made with and I was surprised to found out that it was made with, anise, licorice, vanilla, cinnamon, wintergreen, nutmeg, others you can read herehttp://www.reedsinc.com/virgils/
So I had a fun adventure and I'm thinking of going back, might bring somebody next time, who knows.
For more information about Old Town Root Beer Company, go to Facebook.com and http://oldtownrootbeercompany.com/
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