Entertainment

In-N-Out Burger Opens In Madera

MADERA – In 1948, Harry Snyder, with his wife Esther, opened In-N-Out Burger, California's first "drive-thru" hamburger stand. Today, hamburgers are still made-to-order, shakes are made with real ice cream, and In-N-Out Associates are still treated like family. Starting today, In-N-Out hamburgers, shakes, and fries will be available at their newest location in Madera, California.

As with all locations, fresh ingredients from In-N-Out will be supplied to the store. Hamburger patties are made from 100% American beef, and whole chucks are boned and ground by In-N-Out's own butchers. All patties are produced and delivered fresh throughout the week to the stores and are never frozen. French fries are made from fresh, whole potatoes and are hand-diced.

L&L Hawaiian BBQ to Donate Proceeds For Maui Island Fire Relief

HONOLULU - In response to the raging wildfires that have destroyed entire Maui communities and all but leveled the historic Lahaina town, L & L Hawaiian Barbecue is joining the relief effort by donating one dollar for every customer order made through its official L&L Hawaiian Barbecue mobile app and online website orders, up to $10,000. The relief effort by the company will run through August 31, 2023, to the American Red Cross of Hawaii, providing shelter and comfort to thousands of people who were forced to evacuate due to the massive fires.

"We are humbly asking our supporters, customers, and franchisees across the nation to join us in our effort to support the people of Maui during this challenging time. This is a time to show the spirit and strength of aloha, which has been our commitment and mission throughout the years," says Elisia Flores, CEO of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.

Red Lobster® Invites Guests to Turn Up for Seafood Summerfest

ORLANDO, Fla. - Red Lobster^® is turning up the heat and bringing guests the hottest summer celebration of seafood with the launch of Seafood Summerfest. Starting today, and for a limited time, guests are invited to live it up during Seafood Summerfest and satisfy their seafood cravings with a variety of sizzling Red Lobster dishes and exciting new beverage offerings that are fire!

Joining the Seafood Summerfest lineup is NEW! BBQ Bacon Grilled Shrimp, which can be enjoyed as an entrée as part of 3 Courses for $18.99*, when paired with a soup or salad and individual-sized starter. Guests can also sink their teeth into the hottest summer duo, Steak and Lobster, or treat their tastebuds to a grilled trio of seafood with Grilled Lobster, Shrimp and Salmon.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Great Hot Dog Joint Opens in Madera, But It's in the Ranchos

RESTAURANT REVIEW – The one type of restaurant missing from Madera is a great hot dog joint. Sure, every truck-stop up and down Highway 99 tries to create a hot dog bar with various sausages and a full line of toppings, but nothing memorable. So, it was exciting news that a successful Hot dog joint from Pismo Beach was relocating to Madera, and the only problem is that it’s actually in Madera Ranchos.

The restaurant has been open for the last two months at the recently defunct former Simply Scrumptious location on Avenue 12. Walking in, you will be impressed with how they used those two months. This place has never looked better. The walls are covered with colorful murals, which show respect to all of the Madera area high schools, and the brightly colored tables and chairs add to the fun atmosphere.

World's Best Vodka Award Won By California Distillery

OXNARD - In news from the "I didn't see that coming" genre, comes the report that a vodka made in California has been named the World's Best. Hailing from the sleepy, seaside town of Oxnard, the top award in the varietal category was awarded to Silvergrin Vodka, beating out the top vodkas from 18 other countries. It is the first time that the World Vodka Awards highest honor has been won by a California brand.

Drawing on the history of vodka as a spirit with deep agricultural roots, Silvergrin is made with a triple-origin mash bill of farm grown Alturas potatoes, organic corn and Dark Red winter wheat. The vodka features a recipe developed by three-time James Beard nominated bartender, Josh Goldman and PhD biochemist, David Brandt.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Cookie Marketing Plan Crumbles with Customers

RESTAURANT REVIEW - There is a new cookie shop in town where someone had the brilliant idea of sending everyone in Madera a coupon for a free cookie. This is the best way to market a new item to a public who might be skeptical of paying $4.50 for a single cookie or over $40 for a dozen. What is better than the company’s confidence saying, ‘the first hit is free’?

What could go wrong with such an idea? Maybe the marketing team at Crumbl Cookies did not anticipate a minimum wage employee deciding the free cookie needs to be limited to one or two selections from the company’s menu of cookies, even though every flavor is listed at the same $4.50 price point. The coupon does not indicate selection limitations other than offering only one free cookie.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Tacos & Beer, with Some Weird Sushi? A Great Place For Friends to Hang Out

RESTAURANT REVIEW - A hidden gem in Madera that was devastated by Covid closures and staffing issues is making a comeback with incredible food as just a fun place for the community to hang out with friends and neighbors. I’m talking about Tacos and Beer on Avenue 17 near Country Club. About a year ago, I was in the process of writing a review on this place after we picked up a tray of what they call “sushi”, then the location closed for a while before I got a chance to try their tacos or beer. This week, I was able to get back and check out the rest of what they have to offer. I have to say I do not understand how this place is not packed every night.

The place has pool tables and dartboards with a state-of-the-art jukebox and televisions everywhere to watch whatever game is playing. I saw a plethora of beer taps, and their menu lists another dozen or so selections of bottled and canned beers. The food menu is filled with tacos and Mexican dishes made from traditional land-based meats (beef, chicken, and pork). Though it looks like they specialize in seafood tacos which is ironic considering what they call sushi does not seem to include anything close to seafood.