The State refreshes
The State in downtown Redlands has reopened following an extended hiatus.
In July, the eatery reopened following a seven-month closure during which the restaurant and patio were refurbished.
The State is also expanding beyond the Inland Empire, prepping a location at 504 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia.
The State is at 22 E. State St., Redlands, and also at Victoria Gardens at 7900 Kew Ave., Rancho Cucamonga.
Farmer Boys keeps growin’
Farmer Boys is growing again.
The Inland Empire-based chain — which just turned 40 last week — opened its newest location Aug. 23 at 28180 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta.
Hours are 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
It’s the second Farmer Boys location in the city. The chain is also close to opening a second Chino location at 7031 Kimball Ave.
So long, Saweetie
It appears that McDonald’s latest musical collaboration meal will soon go the way of the McDLT.
The Saweetie Meal — which follows previous collaborations with Travis Scott, J Balvin, and BTS — consists of a Big Mac, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium french fries, and a medium Sprite.
Suggested McNuggets sauces are Tangy BBQ and “Saweetie ‘N Sour” sauces.
The limited-time meal launched Aug. 9.
Guests who order the meal via the McDonald’s app by Sunday, Sept. 5, could win the grand prize in the chain’s “Saweetstakes”: Two limited-edition Brandon Blackwood bags along with tickets to see Saweetie perform live at the Day N Vegas festival in November.
For rules and more information, visit mcdonaldssaweetstakes.com.
Vampires, beware!
Burger King has launched its latest limited-edition burger, and Dracula would be wise to avoid it.
The Garlic and Bacon King includes two quarter-pound beef patties, topped with bacon, garlic pieces, two slices of American cheese, and mayo on a sesame seed bun.
A single Garlic and Bacon King is also available.
Local pricing is around $7.69 for the Garlic and Bacon King and $6.39 for the single Garlic and Bacon King.
Tiki time
Escape Craft Brewery is hosting this year’s Tiki Fest from noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 at the brewery’s original barrelhouse location, 721 Nevada St., Suite 401 (not the newly-opened Downtown Oasis).
The free event will feature hourly beer releases, tiki beer cocktails, live music, Polynesian dancers, a tiki makers market, and a special release tiki glass and swag.
The event is family-friendly.
Now open
Sosa’s Mexican Food is now open in San Bernardino.
The new eatery is at 4077 University Parkway, Suite 102.
The location was formerly an Alberto’s Mexican Food.
Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
Brew fest is nigh
Tickets are available now for this year’s Lake Arrowhead Brew Fest.
The event is set for noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Tavern Bay Beach Club, 28399 North Shore Road, Lake Arrowhead.
Nearly two dozen breweries and homebrew clubs will be represented at the event.
In addition, food will be available from a handful of food vendors, including Buddy’s Change Your Life BBQ, Jetties Waterfront Kitchen + Drink, Richeeze, and The Wingman.
There will also be live music.
General admission tickets are $55, which includes unlimited beer sampling and a souvenir tasting glass.
VIP tickets — which include unlimited beer sampling, seating and refreshments in the lakeside VIP tent, exclusive VIP-only beer offerings, a souvenir tasting glass, and a VIP gift — are $90.
Designated driver tickets are $15.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit lakearrowheadbrewfest.com.
So long
Bleu Pitt Cafe in San Bernardino is shutting down Friday, Sept. 10, after six years in operation.
The cafe is also trimming its menu until then, continuing to offer salads, coffee drinks, smoothies, and other beverages, while discontinuing its sandwiches and baked goods.
Bleu Pitt Cafe is at 165 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 17.
Thanks to frequent contributor Twitter user @KoHoSo for the heads up on the closure.
