The June/July issue 2023 of The Riversider Magazine

June/July 2023

Locals Only

Steve Nazar's Riverside Roots

Inland Exposures The Riversider | June/July 2023

A full moonrise over Box Springs Mountain and Mt. Rubidoux.

Photo by Julian Jolliffe

D E PA R T M E N T S

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2 Inland Exposures Highlighting our best images of Riverside Photography by Julian Jolliffe Volume 3 issue 3

June/July 2023

8 Love Letter To Riverside Behind locals only 12 Riverside's Finest Patricia and Noah Thetford

It's Mini Golf Shangri La at Castle Park.

Photo by Zach Cordner

The Riversider Magazine

14 Local Retailer Ariete Boutique

16 Hidden Gems Monty’s Barber Shop & Record Store 18 Eastside Arthouse Meet Ekaterina Orlovie

20 C ommunity Bryan Jones Middle School Athletics Director 40 Local Hustle Mikey's Fry House

Restaurant Review 42 Arlington Momo Sushi

F E AT U R E S

44 Bar & Restaurant Guide The Riversider’s guide to all the best bars and eateries

28 Castle Park A New Era of Fun

54 Postcards From Yesterday Mission Inn Avenue

22 Locals Only Illustrator Steve Nazar's Riverside Roots

34 Historical Riverside “Justitia Rei Publicae Fundamentum” The Rise and Restoration of the Riverside County Courthouse

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Altura Credit Union Celebrates the One Year Anniversary of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture and its Positive Impact on our Community

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Love Letter to Riverside

ZACH CORDNER

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In this issue we talk about the History of the Riverside County Court House. Here's a photo of Zach (with thumbs up) and his high school friends getting kicked out by a bailiff for skateboarding in the mid 90's. We loved skating there!

Proof that Zach was rockin' Steve Nazar's T&C shirts in the 80's.

The Riversider Magazine

This issue of The Riversider marks our two year anniversar y! We are so thankful to the Riverside community for the continued support of our magazine. Our goal has been to connect Riversiders with the people, places, and businesses that make our town so special and unique. We look forward to many more years of covering all things Riverside.

We’re excited to share our cover feature on the legendary homegrown Riverside cartoonist and illustrator, Steve Nazar. Growing up in the 1980’s in Riverside, it was common to see people wearing T&C t-shirts with the iconic yin and yang logo on the sleeves, depicting animated characters surfing and skateboarding.

As a kid, I was obsessed with the brand. My friends and I had no idea that Steve Nazar, the illustrator of those t-shirt graphics, did them all from his home studio in Riverside. As a salute to Steve and his art, we let him design our cover featuring his most famous characters bombing down Mt. Rubidoux on skateboards.

We hope you enjoy this feature.

Heading into summer, we thought it was a great time to feature Riverside’s Castle Park. It’s a true landmark that generations of Riversiders have enjoyed during their childhood. We’re extremely nostalgic about the Castle and excited to see the new upgrades to the park. There’s no better time than now to revisit Riverside’s one and only amusement park.

Lastly, our historical feature written by our resident historian, H. Vincent Moses, focuses on the creation of one of the finest courthouses in California, the Riverside County Court House.

This beautiful building has a fascinating history spanning back to 1903. Read all about it in the pages of this issue.

Again, we thank the Riverside community for your ongoing suppor t of The Riversider.

Have a great summer!

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Volume 3 issue 3

June/July 2023

Co-Publisher Alondra Figueroa alondra@theriversider.com

Co-Publisher Zach Cordner zach@theriversider.com

Design Director/Co-Founder

To advertise in

Dwayne Carter

Editor at Large Ken Crawford ken@theriversider.com

Associate Editor

Please e-mail: advertising@theriversider.com

THERIVERSIDER.COM Facebook.com/TheRiversiderMagazine

Mano Mirandé mano@theriversider.com

Copy Editor Shelby Rowe

Staff Photographer Julian Jolliffe

Marketing Director/Hypeman

@riversidermag

Jarod DeAnda jarod@theriversider.com

Advertising Please contact: advertising@theriversider.com

Contributors H. Vincent Moses PhD, Chris Napolitano, Philip Falcone, Jackson Standerfer

Special Thanks: Kaitlin Bilhartz, Patricia Lock Dawson, Philip Falcone, Jeremy Leyva, Shane Clark, Evelyn Cordner, Jack Amarillas, The Standerfer Family, Amber Lussier, Leslee Gaul, Lucia Winsor, Riverside Museum, and all of our advertisers.

Distribution Kimo Figueroa, Abijah Hensley Dedicated to the memory of Aaron Schmidt 1972-2022

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All inquiries, please contact info@theriversider.com

Published by: Riversider Media, Inc. ©2023 The Riversider Magazine 17130 Van Buren Blvd. #595 Riverside, CA 92504 On the Cover: Illustrated by hometown artist Steve Nazar with his iconic 80's characters Thrilla Gorilla, Joe Cool, the Caveman and Tiki Warrior. Mt Rubidoux photo by Julian Jolliffe The Riversider Magazine

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The Riversider Magazine

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Riverside's Finest Patricia and Noah Thetford WORDS: KEN CRAWFORD PHOTO: ZACH CORDNER

Noah Thetford graduated from Riverside Poly High School class of 2023, receiving varsity letters in chamber choir, football, and volleyball. He is recognized as a PUENTE Senior Scholar, which is an education model that combines academic enrichment, counseling, mentoring, and community support by integrating Latino and multi-cultural literature into the RUSD core curriculum. Noah will be attending Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts in the fall where he will play volleyball.

This is a solid resume for someone just out of high school and any parent would be proud to raise a kid who has accomplished so much.

Noah’s mother, Patricia Thetford, has a special reason to be proud of her son. Along with the lengthy list of aforementioned accomplishments, Noah is part of the first cohort of students to graduate with a State Seal of Biliteracy, having completed thirteen years of the Riverside Unified School District’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program. A program Patricia knows all too well as she was a DLI classroom teacher at the genesis of the program in RUSD. The DLI program is a scholastic track that begins in kindergarten with full immersion into a second language, mimicking the experience of children who speak one language at home and one at school. English language instruction is gradually introduced and, by the time the students reach high school, they take one AP level course, per semester. They also take the AP Spanish test in high school. The eventual goal of the program is to have students receive their diplomas with the California Seal of Biliteracy.

The Seal signifies completion of an approved dual language program and indicates that the student can not only speak, but also read and write in more than one language.

Both of my own boys started the DLI program in kindergarten and both of them had Sra. Thetford as their teacher. I remember first meeting her at orientation for my older son. We had been through the lottery process and were awarded a spot. The program was only in the second year but the demand was much greater than the spots available.

I remember feeling both lucky and a bit scared by being in that classroom.

There were no students in the room, only parents.

We had a lot of questions and she patiently answered each of them. She displayed a pleasant confidence that really helped put the parents at ease.

I remember her saying that if she were to see us at Target that she would not speak to us in English. I knew that the kindergarteners would only be speaking Spanish in the classroom and that they would not be told their teacher speaks English so they would be compelled to speak in their non-native language.

This struck me, that she was so committed to the value of the illusion that she felt it was important to give us an advanced warning so we might not be offended. It indicated, to me, and was certainly confirmed, that Patricia sees the DLI program as a mission. It showed me that she believed in what she was doing and was going to make certain that our students were given the best opportunity to succeed in learning Spanish.

Learning another language, not just as an academic exercise, but as a tool to be used to build and bolster communities.

Patricia no longer has her own classroom.

She operates as a “Teacher on Special Assignment” for the DLI program. She serves as advisor to other teachers. What started at one campus thirteen years ago has now expanded to include six elementary schools, two middle, and two high schools with more on the way. Patricia gives time and resources to DLI campuses and teachers across the entire district, and serves as the public face of the program.

At the ceremony celebrating the graduation of the f irst DLI cohor t, Sra. Thet ford gave a speech to the students and their families. Her own son, Noah, included. She gave a co m m e n ce m e n t a d d re s s , ce l e b r a t i n g t h e accomplishment of completing the program and charging the graduates with a mission to take what they learned into the world. Not just the tool of a second language but the passion for people and culture.

Patricia said, “Don’t ever forget how you learned to dance with your hands in the air, sing with your hearts, share your memories, jump high to gain perseverance, soar to touch the sky, speak in two languages so that you can serve and make a difference to the world. Thank you for leading the way so that other DLI students can follow in your footsteps. We are so proud of you and we cannot wait to see where life leads you.

Congratulations. ¡Y ADELANTE!”

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Local Retailer The Riversider | June/July 2023

Ariete Boutique WORDS: ALONDRA FIGUEROA PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

You may have driven past this adorable boutique many times just like I did. A couple of months ago, there was an evening event at the Gramercy Gallery next door, and I noticed this little boutique called Ariete was smart enough to be open late.

I thought it was new and decided to pop in, and I’m so glad I did as I was pleasantly surprised!

The shop is located in the heart of the Brockton Arcade right across the parking lot from The Little Green Onion. Frankly, I don’t know how I’ve missed it as it has apparently been open for several years.

The shop has very clean, modern lines, but there is a breezy, beautiful, natural boho vibe that you can feel as soon as you walk in.

Owner, Cheyenne Jimenez, greets you with her bright smile beaming with youthful energy and assures she is there to help you in any way.

Need a special outfit for an upcoming date or casual brunch? She’ll help you find the right one to ensure you look and feel beautiful.

With all of its stylish pieces from flowy summer dresses to springtime tops and bottoms, it’s clear that this shop’s goods have been carefully selected.

The clothes and jewelry are very fresh and definitely on trend. Cheyenne proudly handles all the purchasing for her store and enjoys going to LA to find what’s new. She also welcomes feedback and tries to honor requests from her customers regarding styles or trends they want to see featured in her shop. So, if you're looking for something specific , she’ll try to find it for you!

I got the chance to sit down with Cheyenne for a quick chat to get more background on the boutique and the lovely owner herself.

Homegrown Riversider, Cheyenne attended The Riversider Magazine

Owner Cheyenne Jimenez

Alcott Elementary, Gage Middle School and graduated from Poly High School in 2016. Cheyenne went on to receive a journalism degree from Azusa Pacific University. In 2021, she was hired as a model by the previous shop owner, Angela Myers, and was quickly taken under her wing.

Cheyenne was given the opportunity to not only model, but to also manage the online marketing and social media for Ariete. She was immediately interested in all aspects of the business and soon Angela decided to sell the store. She gave Cheyenne an amazing opportunity to jump in and buy the business for an unbelievably good deal. Angela wanted someone she trusted to continue her legacy. Cheyenne jumped at the chance and, with the support of her family and her boyfriend Noah’s parents, she purchased the shop in September 2022. Admittedly, there was a learning curve for her on the business end, but she has taken that challenge in stride and truly enjoys being a business owner in Riverside, as it really is her home.

Cheyenne loves being in the Brockton Arcade and wants to continue collaborating with other businesses in and out of the Arcade. She further supports the art galleries by always being open during their events and helps cross promote their artists and art. Ariete also hosts pop-up events in other nearby cities such as Redlands, Temecula, and Orange County. Important to note, they also have fun in-store events for different holidays and special occasions.

For Mother’s Day, they had a store-wide sale, yummy snacks and refreshments, and even a picture wall for you to snap pics with friends while shopping. It was super cute! Keep an eye out for

their upcoming Fourth of July event and follow their Instagram for updates.

Ariete has helped renew the Arcade and it’s brimming with new, fun energy. Cheyenne strives to keep prices reasonable and has a tasteful selection even for those of us who are over twentyone years old, which is why I walk away with a new thing to show off every time—and I’m sure you will, too!

The next time you are looking for a gift or something fab for yourself, be sure to stop by Ariete and say, “hello!” to Cheyenne who I’m sure will be cheerful and ready to help.

Ariete Boutique 6720 Magnolia Ave. (951) 565-1068 Shopariete.com @shopariete

Dear landlocked lovers of the ocean blue,

Surf’s up.

Love, O’side

Scan to explore

VisitOside.org VisitOside.org

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Hidden Gems The Riversider | June/July 2023

Monty’s Barber Shop & Record Store

WORDS: MANO MIRANDÉ PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

Inland Empire locals Iliana Montiel and Fabian Medina shared a bond for their love of collecting records and all things vintage, and dreamt to one day open their own business as a home for their collective passions. Iliana, a professional barber, and Fabian, a DIY record label owner since his late teens, recognized Riverside’s potential as an ideal location for their first business venture. “ We both fell in love with Riverside," Fabian said. "We saw a lot of potential here with the culture and arts. It’s definitely somewhere we want to call home and contribute to the community.”

An unexpected opportunity arose while thrift shopping in Riverside when they discovered Vintique Alley. Located in a quaint strip mall on Magnolia Ave., just a few blocks north of Van Buren, a “For Lease” sign in the window of a vacant business in the complex next to a coffee shop and tattoo parlor caught their attention. On a whim, they contacted the property owner and from that phone call, their dream soon became a reality as Monty’s Barber Shop and Record Store opened its doors in September 2021.

Customers are transplanted into a new world as they step foot inside Monty’s from its quiet exterior.

The walls along the record store’s entrance, plastered with xerox posters of punk shows from years past, capture its DIY spirit, while selections from new wave and post punk to death metal proudly play from the rows of record bins beneath them.

Shelves of VHS tapes and retro memorabilia next to the church pews that make up the waiting area lead out to the brightly colored animal print and faux brick walls surrounding each personally The Riversider Magazine

The Monty's crew from L-R: Kim, Fabian, Iliana, Duke, Saul and Jesse.

decorated barber station. Fabian explains the importance of providing a unique environment for their customers, “I think it really contributes to what barber shops represent. They’re more than just a place to get a haircut, they’re a place where people come together and that’s becoming more and more important in today’s age when we’re becoming so disconnected.”

Monty’s prides itself as a place of acceptance for anyone who walks through its doors. Iliana explains, “ There’s a big margin of people who don’t go to barber shops because there’s not a place for them, they feel uncomfortable. We really aim to get the people who don’t go to barber shops for that reason, yet we’re still delivering good haircuts and crisp fades because ever yone deser ves a great haircut.” Fabian adds, “ We want people to come in a stranger and feel like they’re a part of something when they leave. It ’s really a place for ever yone to come and feel welcome.”

Just as Monty’s has provided an environment of acceptance for its customers, it has become a welcome addition to Riverside’s small business community in its less than two years of existence.

Iliana and Fabian have kept their promise to contribute to the community by hosting events in support of local artists, musicians, and vendors.

The name “Monty’s” is a derivative of Iliana’s last name, Montiel, as a tribute to her father’s undying support for her dream of becoming a f irst-generation business owner. While that dream has successfully become a reality, it has only just begun.

Monty’s Barber Shop & Record Store 9354 Magnolia Ave. (951) 324-1263 montysbarbershop.resurva.com @montysriverside

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Meet YOUR LOCAL ARTIST! PRESENTED BY EASTSIDE ARTHOUSE Written by Julie Vitkovskaya Photos by Rosy Cortez and Jeremiah Fishell

“Being around other artists has truly changed my creative practice,” Ekaterina said. “They inspire and motivate me to keep painting.”

life in Riverside. The mural, titled Love Letter, is located on Sunnyside Drive between De Anza Avenue and Magnolia Avenue, and its vibrant colors add a pop of color to the neighborhood.

Last year, Ekaterina and Juan Navarro, muralist and founder of the Eastside Ekaterina’s inspiration comes from Arthouse, completed a 68-foot-long storytelling and the natural world. As a mural as part of the Beautify Riverside young girl growing up in Russia, she was surrounded by folklore initiative, a communityled beautification “Being around other that told stories of enchanted forests and initiative by the office artists has truly fantastical creatures. of Mayor Patricia Lock changed my creative To Ekaterina, fairytales Dawson that seeks to practice” nurture our hope for improve the quality of

Name: Ekaterina Orlovie Occupation: Artist/Muralist Instagram: @orlovie Website: orlovie.com Finding time to work as an artist is never easy. It’s even harder once you’re a parent.

For Ekaterina, a watercolorist in Riverside who specializes in murals, motherhood requires her to strike the right balance between taking care of her toddler while simultaneously working as a professional artist.

To help her find focus, Ekaterina works alongside other artists at the Eastside Arthouse, a co-working artist studio in Riverside. The studio allowed her to find a greater sense of community and gave her the support she needed as an artist and mother.

The Riversider Magazine

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and young immigrant, and tries to find common ground with the viewer. In murals, the process is similar — the voice of the community is translated into large-scale visual work.

change and allow our imaginations to play. create luminous compositions that are dreamlike. These works were recently on As she paints, Ekaterina is transported to display as part of her solo show at A BLVE a place of beauty. Combining traditional ROSE Gallery in downtown Riverside. watercolor techniques with mixed media applications, Ekaterina uses In her paintings, Ekaterina communicates materials like paper and embroidery to her personal experiences as a mother

“Art gives me a strong sense of belonging, and I want the ability for others to feel that, too -- whether it’s through my artwork or through community-building,” Ekaterina said.

EASTSIDE ARTHOUSE 4177 Park Avenue www.eastsidearthouse.studio @eastsidearthouse

ZACH CORDNER

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Community The Riversider | June/July 2023

Bryan Jones Middle School Athletics Director WORDS: KEN CRAWFORD

Track and field is well-known and weekend meets at high school tracks are certainly common events. What is different here is that the athletes are not high school students and they aren’t here representing private track and field clubs.

These athletes are seventh and eighth graders representing Riverside Unified School District’s seven middle schools.

It is HOT at Ramona High School Stadium.

Hundreds of student athletes are gathered on a sunny Saturday for a full-district track meet.

Parking is difficult to find and the bleachers are The Riversider Magazine

packed with friends and families cheering on as the boys and girls run, jump, and throw in front of a dynamic crowd. Dozens of events covered hundreds of miles but it might be that the individual moving the most meters is middle school athletics coordinator, Bryan Jones.

Jones moves about the event, organizing dozens of adult volunteers, clarifying procedures and event rules, directing officials, and addressing emergencies. It looks like a tremendous task but Jones has a small army of dedicated volunteers that have been doing this for a while, and this

isn’t a one weekend gig. Riverside middle schools also compete in cros s count r y, volley b all, basketball, and soccer. T hey hold one day tournaments in each sport and for each of the two middle school grades.

Athletics are a big part of American culture and high school sports are a rallying point for communities and neighborhoods across the country. Middle school age students, however, usually play their competitive sports in city and privately run leagues. Many leagues are excellent and athletes in these sports can start to draw

JACKSON STANDERFER (5)

attention at very young ages. High school sports tryouts are full of incredible athletes that have often received world class coaching from a very young age.

Most of this training costs money and for many elite level athletes it costs a lot of money.

While middle school sports are not providing elite, professional training, they are providing access to competition for no more than the cost of a

sports physical exam. Much has been written about the youth athletic “paywall” and Jones is aware that adds another layer of importance to what he does. He takes pride in the program’s record of inclusion.

“The dynamic is fantastic! We’ve had plenty of kids go from our track, having never run track, on to high school teams and on to college,” Jones said.

I know from my experience in competitive

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youth soccer that, only a few years ago, coaches at high level clubs were, at least, ambivalent and sometimes hostile toward these scholastic events.

The students who were playing on those clubs wanted so badly to play for their school and to compete with and against their friends that those coaches were left with little choice in softening their positions. Many of them even volunteered their time to coach middle school teams with their club soccer players.

As the size and esteem of these events have increased, Jones is now faced with the possibility of meeting the increased demand with an expansion of what these school teams do during the school year. He is working with high school athletic directors in creating, alongside the single-day tournaments, short athletic seasons in many of the sports.

Schools are often a child’s first connection with a community outside of their own family.

Many of us still hold the bonds and rivalries born at their alma maters into our adult lives. Ask an Arlington grad to even say the words “Poly High” without a sarcastic aristocratic drawl and flick of the nose. Similarly, extra curricular sports are an early entry point into the concept of community and these events allow students to connect those two parts in a very unique way.

“Every event we have is like a reunion. Kids from Gage hugging on kids from Miller, and they’re hugging on kids from Central and Earhart,” Jones said. “They know each other from their outside worlds and this gives them an opportunity to show what they can do.”

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Locals Only

Steve Nazar's Riverside Roots

WORDS: MANO MIRANDÉ PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

In the mid to late 1980s , subcultures like skateboarding, surfing, and BMX’ing dominated youth culture in Southern California and the fashion craze that came along with them was at its peak. Although Riverside is at least an hour’s drive from the nearest beach, surfwear was at the forefront of this rising trend. Local youth begged their parents to drive them to the Tyler Mall and Riverside Plaza to shop for the latest apparel from brands like Quicksilver, Billabong, and Ocean Pacific at retailers like Harris’ Underground and Miller’s Outpost. It didn’t matter if you had never surfed a day in your life—these brands were a necessity as a kid growing up in that era.

The Riversider Magazine

One of the most popular and memorable surfwear brands at the time was, without a doubt, Town & Country Surf Designs, better known as “T&C.” Founded in 1971 by Craig Sugihara, the Hawaii-based company’s easily recognizable yinyang logo became an iconic symbol for fans who proudly wore it on the front pocket of their t-shirts, and tried their best to replicate it in drawings on Pee Chee folders and textbooks during class. In addition to the easily recognizable logo, T&C’s popularity and success was undoubtedly attributed to the lovable cast of hand-drawn cartoon characters featured on their clothing.

I, too, was a dedicated fan of T&C in elementary school, but it wasn’t until my early thirties that I was shocked and proud to learn that the artist responsible for creating these iconic characters was Riverside native, Steve Nazar.

Fan favorites like Thrilla Gorilla and Joe Cool, along with their counterparts, the Caveman, Tiki

Warriors, and the Cool Cats, captured the freedom, spirit , and fun of sur f culture. With quirk y catchphrases and somewhat crass imagery, each design told a story of the mischievous antics the characters got into regularly in a style that was both comical and visually appealing. Nazar ’s vibrant drawings brought each of his characters’ personalities to life, making them feel like a family and providing a sense of belonging to those who knew and loved them.

Born in Philipsburg, PA, in 1957, Nazar moved to California in 1961 at the age of four. After living in Palm Springs for only one year, his family relocated to Riverside in 1962 where he spent the rest of his adolescence. He attended Victoria Elementary, Gage Middle School, and Riverside Community College after graduating from Poly High School in 1975.

“I cherish my memories of Riverside,” Nazar recalls with a grin. “We had so much fun. Kids had more freedom back then. As soon as we hopped on our bikes, we were gone for the day. We’d push them up Mt. Rubidoux and ride them down, go

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to Fairmount Park and ride in those boats. We’d scour the town looking for comic books. I always knew the day when new comics came out at all the local drug stores. I loved Riverside.”

Nazar’s interest in art began at an early age.

“I realized that I was the kid in class that could actually draw and that’s how I got my, you know, respect and my ‘atta boys.’ That was nice in addition to the fact that I enjoyed it so much.” He jokingly added, “It didn’t hurt that all the pretty cheerleaders wanted to go out with the kid that could draw.

Which didn’t happen.”

His knack for drawing, Nazar cites, was inspired by some early artistic influences. “I loved Mad Magazine and National Lampoon. My parents subscribed to the New Yorker and they'd come home with anthologies of New Yorker cartoons.

I was reading those in the fourth grade. They were way over my head, but I’d get about every fifteenth cartoon and it broadened my understanding of not just looking at the cartoons.”

This early understanding that art could be used to convey messages to its audience would unknowingly become a large part of his later work, but his love for cartoon style drawings remained the foundation of his artistic passion.

“I loved comic books, of course, and Saturday morning cartoons. That was art to me. I saw the whole world as having a heavy black outline, and my artwork reflects that.”

After high school, Nazar took his first steps towards a professional art career by enrolling in

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The Riversider Magazine

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graphic and fine art courses at Riverside Community College where he learned valuable trade skills, like how to operate a linotype machine. After completing RCC, he moved to Los Angeles to attend the Hollywood Arts Center School.

“It was a great school up in the Hollywood Hills right by the Hollywood Bowl. It was this old estate that was sectioned off and had a bunch of trails wandering up into the hills,” Nazar said.

“It was past its prime, but anything that got me to just apply myself and finish a drawing was good training.”

With the discipline and skills acquired from his formal art training, Nazar’s lifelong career as a professional ar tist began. By 1984, he was married and worked as an in-house artist at a company in Los Angeles at the age of 27. Unhappy with his current position, a co-worker told him about an upcoming surf and skate company that was seeking cartoonists for their clothing line.

Nazar followed up on the lead and within a matter of days his relationship with Town & Country Surf Design was born.

“I went down to talk to them and we hit it off right away. I went home and drew Thrilla Gorilla and Joe Cool and when I showed it to them the next day, we were off and running.”

While Nazar was able to develop these now iconic characters the same day as his first meeting with T&C, what many don’t know is that they were created with purpose and intention.

“I wanted them to look somewhat like classic animation characters with a good strong thick and thin outline and a lot of expressiveness to them. I tried to picture the surfers that were popular at the time and the main surfer for T&C back then was Dane Kealoha, who just recently passed. He was the inspiration for Thrilla because he was just a big imposing guy and Joe Cool is Shaun Thompson all day long. If you ever look at a picture of Shaun Thompson, that’s him, but he does take his flip flops off when he surfs and that’s

the primary difference.” Nazar adds with a chuckle, “The Caveman was Ken Bradshaw. He was harrier back then, but he had that vibe, and (T&C) already had the cats and the tiki guys when I walked into the place.”

With Nazar ’s creative and ar tistic contributions, T&C’s popularity exploded and brought international recognition to the brand.

In 1988, Japanese home gaming giant, Nintendo, released a video game based on the company which featured Nazar’s characters, titled “Town & Country Surf Designs: Wood, Water, and Rage.”

Although this crowning achievement symbolized T&C’s impact on the industry, like most fads, the company faded from the public spotlight by the end of the following year as consumers moved on to the next rising trend.

After T&C’s collapse, Nazar returned to work as a freelance artist, landing notable clients like Santa Barbara-based sportswear company, Big Dogs. Soon after, he worked for a computer gamedeveloping company where he learned to work with digital media.

“They’d train me on a computer, because pr ior to that I had never even tur ned on a computer. Back then, the computer game industr y was hard up for artists because you can teach someone a computer easier than you can teach somebody to draw.”

This experience allowed Nazar to adapt to a constantly changing, competitive market and

contributed to the longevity of his career as a professional artist.

While T&C’s legacy may remain a distant childhood memor y for some, Nazar’s art and beloved characters continue to spark a sense of nostalgia for countless fans. He regularly makes guest appearances at Comic Cons and other special events around the globe, and his characters li v e o n t h ro ug h p r i v a te co m mis sio ns a n d collaborations with notable clothing companies like The Hundreds and Thrilla Krew.

Today, Nazar continues to draw every day and works as a freelance artist from the comfort of his Long Beach home where he happily helps raise his two grandchildren. Nazar has successfully maintained a lifelong career as a professional artist far before it was considered a legitimate trade. His name deserves recognition among the many Riverside natives whose talents have made a positive impact on the world by doing what they love.

Just as every piece of art he creates begins with an idea and a simple pencil sketch on paper, Nazar continues to remain grounded in his artistic roots.

“I’m just gonna keep doing what I do for the love of doing it. They’re never gonna hang me in The Louvre, I draw silly pictures and I love it.”

Check out Steve Nazar’s work at stevenazar.com or on Instagram @stevenazar and @thrillakrew

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The Riversider Magazine

Castle Park A New Era of Fun WORDS: ALONDRA FIGUEROA PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

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JULIAN JOLLIFFE

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When I think of classic Riverside , my mind immediately conjures up images of days and nights spent at Castle Park as a kid.

The park originally featured what appeared to me as a magnificently large stone castle. Oh my gosh! The excitement I felt as we would run up to the big wooden doors that magically swung open to reveal a mesmerizing blinking and beeping three-story arcade. I loved going there because all of that little kid energy was not only welcomed, it was applauded!

We were all entranced by the arcade games filling the Castle wall-to-wall and it was always a

The Riversider Magazine

joy-filled place for my family and I. Keep in mind, this was all before we’d make our way through the arcade to the four championship miniature golf courses located right outside!

We could spend hours at Castle Park, often starting with mini-golf but always ending the visit playing a few games inside. My brother played all the video games, including air hockey and pinball.

I loved skeeball, Ms. Pacman, and all the whack-a mole games. It was wholesome family entertainment and boy, did we enjoy it!

For those of you who haven’t been since the 80’s or 90’s, Castle Park is now totally different.

Gone are the dark, smok y arcade days, with random pinball games featuring sexy girl art and teen drama. It ’s a new place and you can definitely tell.

The Riversider recently had the pleasure of visiting the park with general manager, Ken Withers, who gave us an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and filled us in on its interesting history, as well as what’s in store for our beloved Castle Park.

Castle Park Golf N Fun was opened in 1976.

It was meticulously designed, built, and operated

by Bud Hurlbut. Castle Park was absolutely Bud’s baby. He was a clear genius, building amazing miniature trains and planes, and garnered fame by designing several rides at Knott’s Berry Farm.

His creation, the Antique Car Ride, was first built at Knott’s and then brought to Castle Park.

Bud also had a train ride in Whittier, and the folklore is that Walt Disney used to frequent it, inspiring him to create some of the rides at Disneyland.

The original Castle Park started with just the castle and the mini-golf courses. The additional amusement park was also painstakingly designed

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Castle Park and built by Hurlbut, and officially opened in 1985.

We were lucky enough to get an inside look at Bud's apartment that he had built for him and his wife in the middle of the attraction side of the park. Yes, they actually lived there during the summers and loved it! Now, it’s administrative offices, but the cool kitchen and bedrooms are still intact. It was so awesome.

Today, the park features 26 family-friendly rides and attractions, a vast selection of carnival midway games, and a super cute water playground called Buccaneer Cove for the younger kiddos to splish and splash during those hot summer days.

There are also a variety of retail and toy

shops, and a completely revamped video arcade.

The old pinball machines, pool t ables, and massive wall of skeeball have been replaced with state-of-the-art modern games that your kids will love to try. They even have an interactive ride, Ghost Blasters, that has you shooting at ghosts while enjoying the ride. I also loved seeing the world’s largest Pacman game and couldn’t wait to try it out!

While you’re there, you can’t miss Castle Park’s award-winning four mini-golf courses, which actually boasts the biggest mini-golf in all of Southern California! It has a whopping 72 holes in total. A local tip is that the first two courses are a little bit

easier than the third and fourth courses, but all are beautifully designed and super fun to play.

Upon entering the park, you’ll encounter the circus style “Big Top” that houses everything from c h il dre n ’s p a r t i e s , s u c h a s b ir t h da y s a n d quinceaneras, to weddings and special performances.

You can also find the park’s resident magician, “Anthony the Magic” there, wowing crowds with his performances.

“Anthony the Magic,” started his career at Castle Park as an operator under Bud Hurlbut.

He fell in love with the fun atmosphere, decided to become a magician, and has been with the park for 25 years. Be sure to take the family and kids

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JULIAN JOLLIFFE

JULIAN JOLLIFFE

The Riversider Magazine

to check out his must-see shows every Saturday at 4:00 p.m.

This summer, Castle Park will be celebrating a million dollar park-wide transformation with a refreshed look and redesigned Tudor-style main gate. The renewed main gate will feature a fabulous new Castle Park sign, shiny new ticket booths, and a fully repainted entrance area.

The upgrade will also sport a lovely regal look with royal signage throughout the park, offering several unique photo opportunities for park-goers. Get ready to post those selfies and candid shots of your friends when you go.

This summer, you can also expect a reimagined ride experience with the reopening of the Saw Mill Plunge. Originally introduced in 1989 and designed by none other than Bud Hurlbut, the better-thanever Saw Mill Plunge will open this July.

The ride will feature a new look, state-ofthe-art operating system, and five new four-person logs created by WhiteWater, a leading water park manufacturer. The ride will float guests through a retro sawmill experience, taking them through twists, turns, and rushing rapids as they head down a giant plunge. Go enjoy the park’s very own water ride, but fair warning—it looks pretty intense. So, prepare to get wet!

The historic carousel is also being refurbished with new paint and is looking fab!

Castle Park is known as the ‘park of firsts,’ as many children enjoy their very first rides there, like their first coaster, first water slide, and first merr y-go-round. The children’s area hosts a handful of cute rides where the little ones can really have fun, but not be too scared. The beauty of Castle Park is that there really is something for ever yone. There’s a great mix of mellow and

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Castle Park

thrilling rides to get everyone excited, even your snarky teenager.

T hey also of fer enter t aining seasonal at tractions throughout the year. Their most popular event is when Castle Park transforms into Castle Dark. It ’s known to be Riverside’s favorite Halloween attraction featuring three mazes, multiple scare zones, and spooky surprises

around every corner! We are looking forward to that when it returns in September 2023.

Also, returning in September is Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration that comes to Castle Park each fall. Be sure to visit this family-oriented daytime event with beautiful colorful decorations, traditional Mexican entertainment, and plenty of hands-on children's activities, including

trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving.

During the holidays, Castle Park turns into a winter wonderland by transforming into Duke’s Very Merry Village. Enjoy delightful decorations throughout the park, holiday-themed rides, delicious holiday snacks, and their bedazzling snow and light show. What a great way to celebrate the holiday this next year with all this good cheer!

They even bring Mardi Gras to Riverside with Castle Park’s unique take on New Orleans’ world famous festival. You can see King Duke’s Cavalcade parade through the park with kid-sized floats and festive beads for all. You have to try the flavors of Mardi Gras tastings with beignets, king cakes, and more delectable themed treats. We were honestly unaware—and are happy to report—that you can truly celebrate all the seasons at Castle Park!

I can’t forget to mention Kevin, the Castle Park peacock, who roams freely around the grounds and can often be spotted near the train station.

We even had the chance to see him in all his glory, as he strutted around for park guests.

Castle Park has been a Riverside icon for over 40 years with generations of Riversiders celebrating many birthdays, first dates, and funfilled nights. Now with its updated look and special upgrades, it’s time to give Castle Park another visit and experience all the park has to offer. You will be pleasantly surprised!

For more info go to castlepark.com or on Instagram @castleparkrs

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Historical Riverside The Riversider | June/July 2023

“ Justitia Rei Publicae Fundamentum” The Rise and Restoration of the Riverside County Courthouse WORDS: H VINCENT MOSES, PHD

The Riversider Magazine

JULIAN JOLLIFFE

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A second trial was held before a jury September 13-22, 1939, with Judge George Freeman presiding over a jur y trial in San Bernardino. The San Bernardino jury dropped Citron’s fee to $2,000, with Fields paying $336.27 in court costs. The Fields trial, however, kept Riverside and her BeauxArts Classical Courthouse in the national news throughout June 1937.

Historical Riverside The Riversider | June/July 2023

Swearing in Judge O. K. Morton (left), October 8, 1928. Riverside County Archives

W. C. Fields around 1934.

From the Library of Congress.

The crew of F. O. Engstram Construction Company of Los Angeles pose for posterity, 1903. Riverside County Archives Early lithograph

On June 17, 1937, the air was electric with anticipation. Judge O. K. Morton was about to deliver his verdict in one of the most famous trials held in the young life of the Riverside County Courthouse.

The hallway outside Depar tment 2 had standing room only, filled with gawkers and reporters waiting for the judge’s decision. They were all there because this case featured the famous vaudeville and movie comedian W.C. Fields, a familiar presence in San Jacinto, and Hemet , a golfer with a low handicap and a celebrated lover of whiskey.

According to his doctor, Fields imbibed up to two quarts of whiskey daily. In 1936, Fields, whose immune system was at a low ebb, fell The Riversider Magazine

seriously ill with pneumonia and was treated

by Dr. Jesse Citron at Riverside Communit y Hospital for over a month. During his hospital stay, the doctor cut Fields’ whiskey allotment to one and a half ounces per day. Dr. Citron said Fields almost died from the infection and that his treatment saved the actor’s life. Citron billed Fields $12,000.

Fields denounced Citron and Citron’s bill in flamboyant vaudevillian language. He entertained the crowds in the hallway during recesses in the trial proceedings with bawdy jokes and his famous juggling routines. When the verdict came down, Judge O.K. Morton favored Dr. Citron, awarding him the $12,000 fee. Fields appealed.

Origin of the Riverside County Courthouse The origins of Riverside County’s beautiful Beaux-Arts Classical Style Court House emerged from a battle with San Bernardino County over a disproportionate increase in assessed property values in the City of Riverside and its surrounds in 1893.

At the time, Riverside and its vicinity belonged to San Bernardino Count y. The proper t y tax increase was intended to renovate and expand the existing San Bernardino County courthouse.

Late local historian Tom Patterson says, “The courthouse tax prodded the Riverside leaders to move for ward with their ef for ts to create Riverside County. The California legislature and Governor Markham obliged; on May 2, 1893, the voters within the proposed county sealed the deal by overwhelmingly voting in favor of creating California’s 57th county. Nine years later, more than 75 percent of the voters in Riverside County approved a bond issue to cons truc t a new courthouse in Riverside.”

Riverside leaders set up a design competition for the new courthouse and named noted and wealthy orange grower, Ethan Allen Chase, design committee chairman. Chase’s committee invited signature architects to submit proposals for the new building, including Arthur Benton, Mission Revival architect of Los Angeles, and the partnership of Burnham and Bliesner of Los Angeles, among others.

Based on the wishes of the Master of the Mission Inn, Frank A. Miller, Benton, his architect for the Inn, submitted a design in Mission Revival Style. However, Ethan Allen Chase’s committee preferred the Beaux-Arts Classical design presented

by Burnham and Bliesner. Their submission reflected the City Beautiful Movement, which then swept the country. Partner Franklin Pierce Burnham’s motif for the cour thouse took its inspiration from the French Beaux-Arts school, as exemplified in the Grand Palais (Big Palace) and Petit Palais (small Palace) constructed for the 1900 Paris Exposition (World’s Fair).

Once again, according to Tom Patterson, “Riverside County’s Courthouse (particularly its colonnaded entrance) more closely resembles the Grand Palais, yet the overall impression resembles the Petit Palais.” Tom went on to say, “The cornerstone was laid with great fanfare on May 7, 1903, by the Grand Lodge of Masons of California; Grand Master Orrin B. Henderson presided, with the assistance of the Evergreen Masonic Lodge, the Riverside Military Band, and Company M of the local National Guard. May 7 was chosen to coincide with the arrival of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was due in Riverside that evening on a campaign tour. Construction of the Courthouse was completed on June 23, 1904, for $160,280.”

Grand Palais, Paris

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packinghouses, and related citrus infrastructure at least $30 million.

Riverside’s agricultural wealth and the vision of its inhabitants could be seen in the newly rising monumental civic structures, craftsman homes, and impressive commercial buildings, such as the New Glenwood, California’s Mission Hotel. While the City and County of Riverside continued their upward climb, the County Court House grew in prestige, destined to become one of California's most architecturally essential structures.

By the end of this era, Riverside and Riverside County were known worldwide as embodiments of the California Dream.

Courthouse Sculptures: Symbols of Justice Under the Law Derived from classical Greek and Roman mythology, the attic sculptures arrayed atop the County Court House represent the establishment of a harmonious and prosperous union under the rule of law.

The two outer configurations symbolize the essential components of commerce, agriculture, and industry, whose law guarantees protection.

The two inner groups represent constitutional and criminal law, fundamental to maintaining a democratic republic. The specific mean of the four groups follows: Far Left: Commercial Law —Agriculture Center Left: Constitutional Law Center Right: Criminal Law Far Right: Commercial Law — Industry Although called the Courthouse, the 1903-04 structure hosted only one courtroom. Most of

the space accommodated offices for the other county departments: Sheriff, District Attorney, County Clerk, Tax Collector, Assessor, Recorder, and Superintendent of Schools, among others.

Gradually, departments unrelated to the court moved to other quarters, making room for additional courtrooms. Mission Inn architect G. Stanley Wilson designed a substantial Beaux-Arts addition to the rear of the Courthouse in 1930.

The Era of Vision and Enterprise: Riverside Joins the American Century as a Leader of the Western Pack Riverside County entered the 20th century on a wave of enthusiasm, prosperity, and innovative enterprise. By 1902, when the Board of Supervisors launched the competition for the design of a new courthouse, Riverside, the capital of the new county, claimed its place as one of the wealthiest towns in California. Surrounded by 20,000 acres of navel orange groves, estimates placed the investment in Riverside groves, canal works,

Victor Miceli: The Judge of Restoration By 1995, minty-one years of use left the famed Courthouse tattered and worn. Victor Miceli, Chief Judge of the Superior Court, referred to the building as “a heavy-weight champion with a glass jaw.”

That year, the Board of Supervisors, at the urging of Chief Judge Victor Miceli, awarded a contract to Tilden-Coil Constructors, Inc., of Riverside to renovate the renowned structure to meet current seismic stabilization requirements.

The $25 million project included the restoration of the Ceremonial Courtroom to its original grandeur and reestablishing the building among California’s architectural treasures.

Judge Miceli endured years of frustration in lobbying county, state, and federal agencies to secure the funding to brace the building against the forces of an earthquake properly; and restore the building in its original Beaux-Arts Style. Once he had the money, Judge Miceli spearheaded the entire project, attending weekly meetings with the archi tec t s and cons tr uc tion manager ; coordinated the acquisition of the furnishings, oversaw the restoration of the interior décor, and declared to all his unbridled fight for a renewed Courthouse.

With the approval of the Board of Supervisors, the Judge prevailed upon then Senator Robert Presley to introduce a bill in the State Legislature,

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Historical Riverside The Riversider | June/July 2023

which allowed the board to increase court filing fees to a maximum of $50, securing funds to restore the Courthouse. The bill passed, and the supervisors initially authorized an increase of $35 per court filing. In this manner, the users of the building paid for the improvement s.

W i t h sig ni f ic ant s t r uc t ural improvement s required, the restoration and seismic improvements price increased to $24.7 million.

The Board of Super visors loaned the project additional funds, which were ultimately repaid by the court filing fees.

Preserving Architectural Values The County of Riverside engaged the San Diego firm of Milford Wayne Donaldson, AIA, renowned preser vation architects, to prepare a formal Historic Structures Report for the Courthouse to inventory, catalog, and evaluate “the historic fabric and furnishings.”

The architects noted: “Because of the need fo r s e ismic s t ab iliz a t io n , e l e m e n t s of t h e Courthouse which represent the historic 19031904 period of significance should be investigated to allow for a historically sensitive structural solution.”

Doable and financially feasible solutions while at the same time preserving the building’s “historic fabric,” presented a significant dilemma.

As a result, the Judge and Supervisors decided The Riversider Magazine

to faithfully restore the distinguished 1904 courtroom (Department 1), the former Board of Supervisors meeting room (Department 8), and a portion of the County Clerk’s Office.

Several subtle restoration sub-projects followed. The walls and woodwork were refinished to match the original colors closely. Doorknobs and back plates were re-fabricated with the original RCO “signature.” They restored the lone original chandelier, which hangs in the vestibule of the Main Street entrance. A combination of electric and gas fixtures with three gas jets was used for emergency backup lighting.

“ The Court is in Recess: ” Discover y and Restoration of the Stained Glass Dome Before restoration, the ceiling of Courtroom 1 had been lowered after World War II, concealing the stained-glass dome. Rediscovered in 1992 by a contractor while installing an additional air conditioning unit in the County Clerk’s Office next to the courtroom, the crown soon came to Judge Miceli’s attention.

While presiding over a jury trial, Miceli was suddenly approached by the excited contractor who whispered to him the news of the stainedglass dome. Miceli recessed the court and climbed through a hole in the “dropped ceiling” to view the stained-glass crown. Right then and there, he vowed to have it exposed and restored.

A local stained-glass artisan, Judy Davis, meticulously restored the crown and three stained-glass windows in the original courthouse.

She had been engaged only to repair the broken pieces. However, she became so enamored of the project that she completed the entire task.

Two pieces of glass in the dome were missing, and Davis replaced them with glass procured from the original supplier in Paris, France.

Pieces of marble above and below the tile wainscoting in the main corridor needed replacing.

From the original construction records, it was determined that the stone is Tennessee Pink and was supplied by a rock quarr y located in Knox County, Tennessee. Although the quarry is now closed, the caretaker found the 1903 invoice and was able to ex trac t some of the same rock from a por tion of the abandoned mine. The caretaker stated, “I am delighted you are preserving a national treasure.”

The rededication of Riverside’s historic Courthouse fulfilled the dream of Victor Miceli, Chief Judge of the Superior Court of Riverside County. Without his irrepressible enthusiasm and passion for the revival of Riverside’s BeauxArts Classical edifice, we would still be trying to find a way to preserve the classic structure.

Its rededication was a tribute to the late Judge Victor “ Vic” Miceli. Riverside owes that great man an actual debt of gratitude.

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Restored Department 1, the late Judge Miceli’s courtroom in 1998, with the stained-glass crown visible at the top of the image. Photo by Bob Fitch, courtesy Riverside County Archives.

Superior Court Judge Victor Miceli

Courthouse in 1932, looking southeast.

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Local Hustle The Riversider | June/July 2023

Best fried shrimp in town!

Mikey’s Fry House Words: Ken Crawford Photos: Zach Cordner

I first came to know of Mikey’s Fry House in the “suggested for you” section of my Instagram feed. The algorithm had me pegged on this one.

It didn’t take many rounds of Mikey’s golden fried fish and fries scrolling up my phone screen for me to give it a follow. I LOVE fish and chips, and Mikey was making it look good all over Perris, Moreno Valley, Eastvale, and Mead Valley. Nothing wrong with the “next towns–over,” but the right time and place to give Mikey’s fish a try remained elusive.

Then I noticed that Mikey’s fryer, under a canopy, got upgraded to a shiny red trailer and his location changed from roadsides half an hour away to parking lots in the Tyler and Magnolia area. Along with the consistent Instagram presence, I started to hear a local buzz about the fish place next to the Target parking lot on Diana Avenue.

The time had come.

I went with my wife to give Mikey’s Fish Fry a shot. The anticipation level was high and that doesn’t always lead to the best experience. In this case, however, Mikey exceeded my expectations.

The Riversider Magazine

I got the cod and my wife got the salmon. Both were hearty, substantial portions of fish cooked to order in a well-seasoned, crispy batter.

Every order comes with a side of fried shrimp and crinkle-cut fries. Everything we had was high quality and well-made including the “secret” sauce.

It serves the purpose of Tartar sauce with the creaminess and the tangy bite but it’s smooth, not chunky, and just a bit spicy. Go ahead and buy the extra sauce to save you the trip back from your car to get more when you run out.

Mikey Sorio brings something unique to the Riverside food truck scene and he does it well.

He takes pride in what he puts out through the pick-up window. I asked him what he thought made his food so good. He said, “My hands are the only ones cooking the food, grandma always

said every set of hands has a flavor.” I don’t know if that ’s true, but I’m not going to argue with anyone’s grandma.

Mikey says he’s taking it day by day but intends to open a brick and mortar shop in Big Bear at some point. While he’s here in Riverside, go check him out on Diana Avenue next to the parking lot of the Target on Tyler and the 91, and follow his Instagram for updates and specials.

Mikey’s Fry House Currently near Tyler St & Diana Ave (951) 539-6968 @mikeysfryhouse

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Dining: Arlington The Riversider |June/July 2023

Momo Sushi WORDS: ALONDRA FIGUEROA PHOTOS: ZACH CORDNER

Momo Roll Uni and Caviar Spoon Nigiri Platter Chef Garu

Nestled near the intersection of Magnolia and Harrison you will find the brand new Momo Sushi.

We had been waiting for them to open because the name drew us in as it’s the same name of our beloved pot belly pig, Momo!

The local feedback has been excellent, making us even more excited to try it. It’s critical to note that Momo Sushi is not your typical all-you-caneat sushi joint. We had a chance to sit down with one of the managers, Minji Gal, to get the low down on this awesome new place.

Momo Sushi specializes in high-end Osaka style and Omakase style sushi brought to us by legendary sushi chef from Osaka, Japan, Chef Garu. He has proudly worked all over the world and the team he works with is truly considered family. Minji herself has been with him for the last twelve years.

Chef Garu and his team were previously working in Glendale, but found the area had become saturated with sushi restaurants. At the same time, they saw an opportunity and need for high quality traditional style sushi in Riverside.

They were especially excited to bring something different to Riversiders and showcase Omakase style sushi, which has been virtually unknown here until now. Omakase roughly translated means, “leaving it up to you” and is a unique dining experience that allows the chef’s talents to shine while serving you a variety of traditional Japanese dishes of his choosing.

At Momo Sushi, aside from the lengthy a la car te menu, Chef Garu of fers Omakase that includes an appetizer and sashimi (sliced raw fish, no rice), chawan mushi (a savory egg custard), sushi 8 pieces, tempura, a hand roll, and a dessert for $80. If you’re feeling like a fancy treat to spoil your special someone, then go for the premium Omakase that includes: an appetizer and premium sashimi, chawan mushi, sushi 12 pieces, grilled Miso Wild Black Cod, a gorgeous caviar spoon, a premium hand roll, and dessert for $150. Yes, it The Riversider Magazine

is expensive, but with this kind of traditional presentation, quality food, and immaculate service is definitely worth it. Like we said, it is a high-end experience to be savored, enjoyed, and remembered.

Minji shared that they are proud to bring Osaka style sushi to Riverside and are truly humbled by the warm welcome and rave reviews they have received since their soft opening in May. Chef Garu has been in the sushi business for about 40 years and has established deep connections that allow him to provide the absolute best quality fish to his customers. Essentially, he’s given the opportunity to pick the best before the rest and he loves to pass this hard earned privilege onto those enjoying his delicious creations.

We were luck y to tr y a sampling of their dishes and wow! All were amazingly creative and yet strongly traditional. We started off with the baked salmon roll, which was served warm and melted in your mouth. Then came a beautiful, brightly colored platter of nigiri, which is a single slice of fish over perfectly mounded rice. It was to die for!

One of my favorites was the Tataki, which consisted of thinly sliced albacore with the best crispy fried onions I’ve ever had in a special homemade ponzu sauce. One of their most popular rolls is the Momo Roll, featuring spicy tuna inside with yellowtail outside topped with jalapeno and a trio of special sauces on the side.

A very unique treat was one of their signature spoons that showcased uni (Sea Urchin eggs) with four different types of caviar and a rich quail egg.

Zach said this was a spectacular salty and creamy

dream come true. He was truly taken aback by the burst of flavors and highly recommends trying any of the spoons.

If sushi seems scary, as it did to me for many years, you can dip your toe in by trying a tasty bento box featured on their lunch menu. This combo style box offers one sushi roll and one kitchen item, such as chicken katsu (fried chicken cutlet) or chicken teriyaki or tempura. This is a great way to ease into trying excellent japanese food and sushi. Be sure to stop by during lunch or dinner to check things out or make a reservation for the ultimate Omakase experience.

Momo Sushi 9844 Magnolia Ave (951) 999-9123 momosushi951.com @momosushi951

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Bar & Restaurant Guide The Riversider | June/July 2023

AMERICAN (NEW) Pixels Bar And Eatery 3535 University Ave (951) 683-7957

ProAbition Whiskey Lounge & Kitchen 3597 Main St (951) 222-2110

The Rustik Fork Eatery

1355 E Alessandro Blvd Ste 101 (951) 656-3555

The Salted Pig

3750 Main St Ste 103 (951) 742-5664

Yard House

3775 Tyler St (951) 688-9273

BAKERIES/DONUTS American Donuts 3355 Iowa Ave (951) 329-3238

Baguette Bakery & Café 767 W Blaine St B (951) 788-5300

Baker’s Dozen Donuts 6100 Magnolia Ave (951) 369-0198

Beignet Spot 4019 Market St (951) 224-9830

Better-Be Donuts Café 1015 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 653-0166

Cakebox

3557 Main St A (951) 660-4179

Casey’s Cupcakes

3649 Mission Inn Ave (951) 328-6908

Chela’s Panadería 4022 Park Ave (951) 680-9983

Christy’s Donuts 8151 Arlington Ave (951) 977-8166

Cookie Co. Riverside 195 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 521-0846

The Cookie Plug

2915 Van Buren Blvd J1 (951) 505-0146

Cupcakes & Curiosities 3569 Main St (951) 452-6271

Delicias del Horno Bakery 3969 Chicago Ave (951) 456-9448

Donut Cravings

7132 Van Buren Blvd (951) 789-8324

Donut Tyme

5225 Canyon Crest Dr (951) 788-5043

Donut Queen

5501 Mission Blvd (951) 369-8797

Dunkin’ Donuts

18641 Van Buren Blvd (951) 384-2882

Dunkin’ Donuts 4922 La Sierra Ave (951) 777-8377

Freshh Donuts 781 W Blaine St (951) 682-5648

P.S. I Crepe You

6095 Magnolia Ave (951) 742-5167

Isabella’s Cupcakes & More 5225 Canyon Crest Dr #28 (951) 782-9200

Linda’s Donuts 3950 Pierce St (951) 351-8288

Lindmair Bakery 9230 Magnolia Ave (951) 688-2131

Lola’s Bakery

4026 Chicago Ave (951) 683-1219

Miss Donuts & Bagel 3962 University Ave (951) 787-0193

Mochinut

1242 University Ave (951) 534-0756

Mr. Blue’s Donuts

19009 Van Buren Blvd Ste 123 (951) 780-3188

Nothing Bundt Cakes

3639 Riverside Plaza Dr #502 (951) 787-1885

Ochoa’s Mexican Bakery 10330 Arlington Ave #3 (951) 359-8128

Ortiz Bakery

421 Iowa Ave #A (951) 787-9138

Pepe’s Panaderia 3511 Madison St (951) 353-8801

Rainbow Donuts 3758 La Sierra Ave (951) 688-7889

Randy's Donuts

Law’s Restaurant

River Ranch Bar & Grill

Riverside Cookie Shoppe

Shooters Sports & Grill

Smoke & Fire Social Eatery

Simple Simon’s Bakery & Bistro

Sire Restaurant

BREAKFAST DINERS & CAFES

3519 Van Buren Blvd (951) 588-5678 6737 Brockton Ave (951) 686-6374

3639 Main St (951) 369-6030

Star Donut

5145 Jurupa Ave #H (951) 530-8006

Steve’s Donuts

7201 Arlington Ave Ste C (951) 323-7153

Uncle Chuang’s Bakery 3740 Iowa Ave #109 (951) 275-8800

Urban Dripp

3750 University Ave #175 (951) 742-5949

US Donuts

4786 La Sierra Ave (951) 352-1893 3720 Sunnyside Dr (951) 823-0797

Winchell’s Donut House 1705 University Ave (951) 682-8834

Woodcrest Donuts

19510 Van Buren Blvd Ste F7 (951) 653-5054

Yvette’s Bakery 6729 Indiana Ave (951) 742-5541

Yum Yum Donuts 3247 Arlington Ave (951) 683-5489

9640 Indiana Ave (951) 354-7021

10226 Indiana Ave (951) 785-9588

6440 Magnolia Ave (951) 683-7473

BARS/LOUNGES Downtown Experiment 3601 University Ave (951) 355-2606

Lake Alice Trading Co 3616 University Ave (951) 686-7343

Locals Public House 191 Alessandro Blvd (951) 780-1800

Mezcal Ultra Lounge 3737 Main St Ste 100 (951) 333-8558

3750 University Ave, Ste 125 (951) 742-5585 5225 Canyon Crest Dr #9 (909) 542-9054

Amy’s

10635 Magnolia Ave (951) 689-0296

Brandon’s Diner

10246 Indiana Ave Ste A (951) 359-3617

Brandon’s Diner 9646 Magnolia Ave (951) 637-2782

Brandon’s Diner Jr Of City Hall 3900 Main St (951) 778-2588

Cafe Le Reve

The Brickwood

141 E Alessandro Blvd Ste 10A (951) 215-0007

The Lobby

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 40 (951) 784-2233

3653 Main St (951) 352-2739 3730 Main St (951) 742-5020

Crest Cafe

Daily Brew Coffee House

The Menagerie

2955 Van Buren Blvd (951) 352-7477

The Presidential Lounge

5620 Van Buren Blvd (951) 352-2690

3581 University Ave (951) 788-8000 3649 Mission Inn Ave (951) 784-0300

VIP Nightclub & Restaurant 3673 Merrill Ave (951) 784-2370

W. Wolfskill

Flo’s Farmhouse Cafe

Joanna’s Cafe

17950 Van Buren Blvd (951) 789-8843

Kountry Folks

3653 La Sierra Ave (951) 354-0437

BAR & GRILLS

4281 Main St (951) 374-1176

Art’s Bar & Grill

BBQ

6712 Magnolia Ave (951) 781-4710

Charley Rokk’s Authentic Texas BBQ

The Riverside Airport Cafe

3357 University Ave (951) 683-9520

Duke’s Bar & Grill

3221 Iowa Ave (951) 248-1143

Events Sports Grill

10560 Magnolia Ave #A (951) 352-2693

Fire Up Grill

3750 University Ave (951) 289-9071

Flat Top Bar & Grill

17960 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0114

Hotz Kitchen & Cocktails 3720 Mission Inn Ave (951) 782-3212

Joe’s Bar & Grill

10909 Magnolia Ave (951) 637-3931

5145 Jurupa Ave (951) 774-0039

Cowboy Burgers & BBQ 5573 Arlington Ave (951) 977-9454

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

3540 Riverside Plaza Dr Ste 314 (951) 683-9700

Gram’s BBQ

3527 Main St (951) 782-8219

Messi Soul Kitchen

4270 Riverwalk Pkwy #104 (951) 588-6252

Mongolian BBQ

1242 University Ave STE 7 (951) 686-0702

Soup Shoppe

6951 Flight Rd (951) 688-3337

Rodeo Cafe

17136 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0388

BREWERIES All Points Brewing Co. 2023 Chicago Ave Unit B8 (951) 213-6258

Euryale Brewing Company 2060 Chicago Ave Ste A-17 (951) 530-8865

Packinghouse Brewing Company 6421 Central Ave Ste 101-A (951) 333-9261

Route 30 Brewing Company

9860 Indiana Ave Ste 19 (951) 776-7083

Route 30 Tap Room 3740 Mission Inn Ave

Johnny’s Burgers 4825 La Sierra Ave (951) 688-1000

Greedy Cat

1400 University Ave Ste 108 (909) 655-7235

Bobaloca

19009 Van Buren Blvd (951) 789-8646

Tim Boba

1450 University Ave Ste N (951) 462-1929

Stone Church Brewing & Bistro

Johnny’s Burgers

HK BBQ House

Bolcupop

Toasted

Thompson Brewing

Mission Burgers 4606 Pine St (951) 682-7272

Ho Choy’s

The California Lounge

9900 Indiana Ave (951) 289-7533

Twee Coffee

BURGERS

MGM Burgers

Ho Ho

Coffee Court Bistro

Krak Boba

Monty’s Good Burger

Hong Kong Fastfood

3737 Main Street (951) 233-0323

Baker’s Drive Thru 2221 Main St (909) 884-5233

Baker’s Drive Thru 6686 Indiana Ave (909) 884-5233

Baker’s Drive Thru 1300 Blaine St (909) 884-5233

Baker’s Drive Thru 10225 Magnolia Ave (909) 884-5233

Baker’s Drive Thru 5396 Mission Blvd (909) 884-5233

Boys Burgers

10737 Magnolia Ave (951) 689-1294

Burger Boss

2585 Canyon Springs Pkwy (951) 656-6500

BurgerIM

10920 Magnolia Ave Unit 105 (951) 441-8868

BurgerIM

1201 University Ave #110 (951) 783-9555

Chris’ Burgers 407 Iowa Ave (951) 781-8542

Cowboy Burgers & BBQ 5573 Arlington Ave (951) 977-9454

Dairy Queen

8610 California Ave, Suite 101 (951) 343-4075

Farmer Boys

3400 University Ave (951) 680-0900

Farmer Boys

2901 Iowa Ave (951) 782-9003

Farmer Boys

3303 Madison St (951) 351-9700

Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express

3457 Arlington Ave Suite 106 (951) 369-4950

George’s Drive-In 9910 Magnolia Ave (951) 688-2471

3394 Madison St (951) 687-3599

1691 Main St (951) 276-1744

3605 Market Street (213) 915-0257

Nikko’s Burgers

9295 Magnolia Ave STE 112 (951) 352-7290

Original Tommy’s

7504 Mission Grove Pkwy S (951) 780-4201

R Burgers

5980 Van Buren Blvd (951) 358-9203

R Burgers

1666 University Ave (951) 784-4350

Riverwalk Burgers & Grill 3812 Pierce St (951) 353-0919

Slaters 50/50

3750 University Ave Ste 125 (951) 742-5585

Star Burgers

7207 Arlington Ave (951) 689-5050

Zorba’s Restaurant 450 Iowa Ave (951) 686-5830

Zorba’s Express 770 University Ave (951) 787-0094

CHINESE Big Sky Bistro

1575 University Ave Ste A (951) 328-1688

Canton Chinese Food 1756 University Ave (951) 684-6126

China Wok Inn

5771 Mission Boulevard (951) 680-9810

Chen Ling Palace 9856 Magnolia Ave (951) 351-8511

Chinatown

10935 Magnolia Ave (951) 785-6197

Frice Szechuan Restaurant 1299 University Ave #104-E (951) 686-2182

3740 Iowa Ave #102 (951) 777-1368 10352 Arlington Ave (951) 785-1188 3511 Madison St (951) 637-2411 1490 University Ave (951) 686-2223

Jade China

3605 Market Street (951) 595-4513 3649 Mission Inn Ave (951) 784-0300 3607 10th St (951) 328-0866

Condron Coffee

3696 Sunnyside Dr (951) 880-3354

Crave Coffee & Tea

2712 Canyon Springs Pkwy (951) 653-9200

3590 Central Ave (951) 289-9436

Little Beijing Chinese Fast Food

Daily Brew Coffee House

5800 Van Buren Blvd (951) 509-1188

Lucky Wok

2995 Van Buren Blvd (951) 688-2888

Monark Asian Bistro

5225 Canyon Crest Dr #64 (951) 683-1073

Mr. China Express

8451 Colorado Ave #8301 (951) 687-8967

Mr. You

19530 Van Buren Blvd G7 (951) 653-1740

Peking Restaurant 11170 Magnolia Ave (951) 687-4822

Wok In Kitchen

5050 Arlington Ave #101 (951) 343-7888

ZiZi BBQ House 3740 Iowa Ave (951) 534-0960

COFFEE/TEA/JUICE

2955 Van Buren Blvd (951) 352-7477

Ding Tea

1575 University Ave Ste E (951) 429-9706

Flavor Theory

11090 Magnolia Ave (951) 977-9698

Goodwin’s Organics Cafe 191 W Big Springs Rd (951) 682-2667

JUJUBAR

19040 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0224

Kung Fu Tea

3678 Central Ave Ste 102 (951) 254-9609

Kraemer’s Coffee Bistro 6734 Brockton Ave (951) 686-4400

Lift Coffee Roasters

2060 Chicago Ave Ste A10 (951) 742-7413

Mi Cafecito Coffee 3605 Market St Ste 2

7 Leaves Cafe

Molinos Coffee

Arcade Downtown

Nekter Juice Bar

Arcade Coffee Roasters

R&B Tea

3672 Chicago Ave Ste A (951) 266-6839

1889 University Ave Unit 105 (951) 462-4142

Arcade Coffee Roasters

Sharetea

1201 University Ave Ste 101 (951) 530-8666 3870 Main Street (951) 266-6839

5225 Canyon Crest Dr. Ste 17A (951) 266-6839

Back to the Grind 3575 University Ave (951) 784-0800

Boba Fiend Tea House 3375 Iowa Ave (951) 823-0700

3660 Mission Inn Ave (951) 276-7147 5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 7B (951) 224-9842

10920 Magnolia Ave Ste 103 (951) 406-5165

Sharetea

3740 Iowa Ave Ste 103 (951) 530-8536

Tastea

11130 Magnolia Ave Unit C (951) 588-8138

6160 Arlington Ave Ste C9 (951) 977-9847 9344 Magnolia Ave (951) 335-0599 3907 Chicago Ave Ste B (951) 742-5341

DELI/SANDWICHES Backstreet Restaurant 3735 Nelson St (951) 683-6650

Butch’s Grinders 4602 Pine St (951) 781-8511

Cheba Hut

3505 Market Street Ste 101 (951) 777-1117

Diane’s Deli

2900 Adams St #B1 (951) 689-2900

D’Elia’s Grinders

2093 University Ave (951) 683-7380

D’Elia’s Grinders

9009 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-3354

European Intl Market &Deli 7120 Indiana Ave G (951) 274-9100

Firehouse Subs

10080 Magnolia Ave (951) 588-8785

Jimmy John’s

3747 Central Ave Ste 102 (951) 779-0010

Jimmy John’s

4270 Riverwalk Pkwy Ste 122 (951) 977-9672

Jimmy John’s

10277 Magnolia Ave (951) 354-2149

Marisa’s Italian Deli

5225 Canyon Crest Dr #20 (951) 788-3899

M & M Deli

1960 Chicago Ave #D1 (951) 684-6861

My Hero Subs 355 Iowa Ave A (951) 784-7370

RiverCrust Deli

6235 River Crest Dr Ste F (951) 656-8145

Subs & Spuds

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste #83a (951) 369-1491

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Bar & Restaurant Guide The Riversider | June/July 2023

Punjab Palace Cuisine of India

1766 University Ave (951) 686-9968

ITALIAN/PIZZA The Sub Station

3663 Canyon Crest Dr (951) 683-4523

Tummy Stuffer 1159 Iowa Ave O (951) 369-1266

The Upper Crust Sandwich Shoppe 3573 Main St (951) 784-3149

FILIPINO Nanay Gloria

10959 Magnolia Ave (951) 977-8831

Aloha Pizza & Pasta Cherry On Top

19009 Van Buren Blvd Ste 125 (951) 780-0800

Cold Stone Creamery 9867 Magnolia Ave Ste C (951) 637-0920

Dairy Queen

8610 California Ave, Ste 101 (951) 343-4075

Dairy Queen

6665 Magnolia Ave (951) 684-6280

Frostbites Crepes & Frozen Delights

FRENCH

10347 Magnolia Ave (951) 352-4903

Le Chat Noir

La Michoacana

3790 9th St (951) 786-9266

GERMAN European International Market & Deli 7120 Indiana Ave G (951) 274-9100

HAWAIIAN Ohana Cravings

3740 Iowa Ave, Ste 104 (951) 742-5555

Ono Hawaiian BBQ 3531 Madison St (951) 351-0888

Ono Hawaiian BBQ

3540 Riverside Plaza Dr #324 (951) 328-1988

Ono Hawaiian BBQ

2721 Canyon Springs Pkwy #101 (951) 656-6188

Park Ave Polynesian Restaurant 4038 Park Ave (951) 344-1090

ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT Afters Ice Cream 1201 University Ave

Baskin-Robbins 7024 Magnolia Ave (951) 682-3131

Canyon Crest Ice Cream & Water 5225 Canyon Crest Dr #27 (951) 675-7385

Cherry On Top

3560 Riverside Plaza Dr (951) 213-6018 The Riversider Magazine

3961 Chicago Ave 951) 248-9142

The Loop

3678 Central Ave, Ste 104 (951) 742-5685

Mixies Ice Cream & Cookies 3605 Market St (951) 595-4520

Spoonful Yogurt Café

4270 Riverwalk Pkwy #120 (951) 729-5882

Toi Moi Italian Ice & Juice Shop 10181 Hole Ave (951) 343-4146

Yogurtland

1242 University Ave Ste A (951) 683-1950

Yogurtland

3510 Tyler St #104 (951) 772-0229

INDIAN Bombay Stores 1385 W Blaine St (951) 788-3042

Gandhi Indian Cuisine

1355 E Alessandro Blvd #205 (951) 653-4147

India Sweets & Groceries 779 W Blaine St (951) 784-7400

Masala Mischief

223 University Ave Ste 150 (951) 224-9692

Namaste Indian Kitchen 6061 Magnolia Ave (951) 275-5316

755 W Blaine St (951) 788-8830

Antone’s Italian Food 4125 Sunnyside Dr (951) 682-5900

Antonio Pizza

195 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 776-1888

Antonious Pizza Cafe 3737 Main St (951) 682-9100

Bella’s Pizza

5196 Arlington Ave (951) 351-3131

Blaze Pizza

3540 Riverside Plaza Dr (951) 789-3212

Blaze Pizza

10920 Magnolia Ave Suite 107 (951) 474-5855

Bricks & Birch

3605 Market Street #5 (951) 500-7776

Capone’s Pizza

7207 Arlington Ave F (951) 689-3520

Dave’s New York Style Pizza

1490 University Ave #102 (951) 787-9900

DeMatteo’s Pizza 7030 Magnolia Ave (951) 682-6198

Dematteo’s Woodcrest

18590 Van Buren Boulevard (951) 429-7317

D’Caesaro Pizza & Italian 6160 Arlington Avenue C4 (951) 687-0777

Enzo’s Pizza

10170 Indiana Ave (951) 351-2375

Farfalla’s Cucina Italiana 5250 Arlington Ave (951) 354-5100

Fast 5 Pizza

5300 Arlington Ave (951) 977-9090

Fast 5 Pizza

1889 University Ave #108 (951) 781-3838

Fiesta Pizza

Lava Coal-Fired Pizza

Amagi Sushi

Mamma Mia Restaurant and Bar

Big Tuna

1725 Spruce St Suite #101 (951) 823-0238

10971 Magnolia Ave (951) 729-5555

Marcello’s Pizza & Pasta 783 W Blaine St (951) 781-9996

4270 Riverwalk Pkwy (951) 343-0201

Fuego Hibachi 3750 Main St (951) 742-5039

Marcello’s Pizza & Pasta

Joe’s Sushi Japanese Restaurant

Mario’s Place

Kotsu Ramen & Gyoza

MOD Pizza

The Lowkey Poke Joint

6519 Clay St A (951) 681-9797

3646 Mission Inn Avenue (951) 684-7755 3444 Arlington Ave (951) 374-5255

New York Pizza Co

9555 Magnolia Ave (951) 353-1929

3522 Madison St Ste 101 (951) 299-8889 11860 Magnolia Ave (951) 299-7699

Mokkoji Shabu Shabu

3570 Van Buren Blvd (951) 688-4000

1575 University Ave Ste B (951) 905-4007

The Old Spaghetti Factory

Momo Sushi

3191 Mission Inn Avenue (951) 784-4417

Papa Joe’s Pizza

5115 Jurupa Ave B3 (951) 680-9090

Papa Joe’s Pizza 10555 Indiana Ave (951) 688-1188

Pietro’s Italian Cuisine 6788 Brockton Ave (951) 784-1310

The Pizza Place...

18955 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-5588

Romano’s Chicago Pizzeria 285 Alessandro Blvd (951) 780-7399

Romano’s

5225 Canyon Crest Dr UNIT 58 (951) 781-7662

Scratch Pizza

4950 La Sierra Ave #8 (951) 359-2023

Shakey’s Pizza Parlor 5941 Van Buren Blvd (951) 689-7700

Tower Pizza

3375 Iowa Ave (951) 518-4300

University Pizza Company 1201 University Ave #116 (951) 823-0630

Viano’s Restaurant 16810 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-3000

6110 Van Buren Blvd (951) 353-8007

JAPANESE/POKE RAMEN/SUSHI

First Class Pizza & Pub

AhiPoki

4290 Riverwalk Pkwy (951) 354-7900

19510 Van Buren Blvd Unit F6 (951) 656-8144

3540 Riverside Plaza Dr STE 310 (951) 530-8255

9844 Magnolia Ave (951) 999-9123

Ohana Sushi

195 Alessandro Blvd Ste 8A (951) 789-0443

Oishii Sushi

6133 Magnolia Ave (951) 784-2550

Ooka Sushi & Hibachi Steak House

3525 Riverside Plaza Dr #200 (951) 779-0099

Otsuka Ramen & Bar

10949 Magnolia Ave (951) 353-9888

Pacific Cabin Sushi 3770 9th St (951) 782-0888

Poke Bar

3740 Iowa Ave (951) 405-8233

Poke Bistro

3375 Iowa Ave Ste K (951) 394-8580

Pokilicious Riverwalk

4290 Riverwalk Pkwy #306 (951) 376-1377

Ramen Okawari

3740 Iowa Ave #104 (951) 680-9411

Rohey’s Wok & Grill 4294 Riverwalk Pkwy (951) 359-5272

Saku Ramen 3643 Main St (951) 742-5849

Soho Ramen Riverside 3605 Market St (951) 595-4528

Sumabi

3530 9th St (951) 823-0278

Sushi Asahi

2955 Van Buren Blvd Suite #D2 (951) 637-1313

Sushi Ok

5228 Arlington Ave (951) 689-8054

Sushi Okoku

10380 Magnolia Ave (951) 343-2225

Sushi R91

1630 Spruce St (951) 682-1323

Sushi Station

19029 Van Buren Blvd #115 (951) 789-0068

Sushi Times

1400 University Ave Ste A101 (951) 777-1037

Sushingon

6060 Magnolia Ave (951) 224-9590

Taiyos Sushi & Poki 11120 Magnolia Ave (951) 343-1112

Teriyaki Plus

7120 Indiana Ave (951) 788-8337

Tomo 7 Sushi

5519 Van Buren Blvd (951) 343-5991

Top Grill

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 94 (951) 530-8668

Vanilla Fish

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 55 (951) 777-1950

Zen Street

3600 Central Ave #1 (951) 683-3648

KOREAN Chimak House

Wang Cho Korean BBQ 3639 Riverside Plaza Dr (951) 788-8889

MEDITERRANEAN Elias Pita

1490 University Ave Ste 103 (951) 686-6800

Fufu’s Mideast Grill 3605 Market Street (951) 595-4527

Georgie's Mediterranean 5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 57 (951) 823-0440

Greek Street Grill

3312 La Sierra Ave Ste 103 (951) 352-0801

The Halal Guys

1201 University Ave, Ste 102 (951) 742-7656

Kabab EL Basha 365 Iowa Ave (951) 289-9511

Kabob House

10901 Magnolia Ave (951) 353-9711

Lucky Greek

3887 Merrill Ave (951) 686-2621

Panini Kabob Grill 1298 Galleria at Tyler (951) 352-6318

Sam’s Pita & Kabab 9799 Magnolia Ave (951) 376-1269

MEXICAN Acapulco Pollo

8151 Arlington Ave Ste O (951) 406-1215

Ahumadas Mexican Grill 7614 Evans St (951) 368-4583

Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar

Birrieria Little Tijuana

12702 Magnolia Ave Unit 25 (951) 268-6895

Brandon’s Diner Jr Of City Hall

Fuego 360 Rotisserie Chicken

Mercado Don Juan #3

3900 Main St (951) 778-2588

3866 La Sierra Ave (951) 456-3705

Cactus Cantina

Green Taco

151 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 789-0211

3812 Pierce St (951) 353-2272

Cañada's Grill

Habanero Mexican Grill

Casa Mota

Ixtapa

Carlos's Tijuana Tacos

Joe Aguilar’s Templo Del Sol

10436 Magnolia Ave (951) 588-6758 8151 Arlington Ave (951) 352-7383

3980 University Ave

Castaneda’s Mexican Food 6751 Indiana Ave (951) 786-0996

Castañeda’s Mexican Food 1450 P University Ave (951) 786-0996

Chilitos Mexican Grill 3847 S Pierce St Ste F (951) 509-1002

Cielito Lindo

10277 Arlington Ave (951) 352-3214

Costa Delmar

4561 La Sierra Ave (951) 588-8798

El Chapala Seafood Restaurant 8201 Arlington Ave (951) 359-7560

El Fogon Mexican Grill 765 Blaine St (951) 782-8959

El Habanero

88 Korean Corn Dog

Antojitos Mexicanos La Ribera

El Ojo De Agua

1201 University Ave #110B (951) 530-8033

Kimchichanga

1995 University Ave (951) 684-9800

Koreana Grill

10051 Magnolia Ave Ste A1 (951) 688-9000

Saet Byul Asian Market 9555 Magnolia Ave (951) 637-5652

Armando’s Mexican Food 4294 Riverwalk Pkwy Ste 200 (951) 343-5896

Ay Mi Pa

3775 Tyler St #1B (951) 729-6174

Azteca Market

5125 Jurupa Ave A2 (951) 530-8791

Bajio Mexican Grill 3760 9th St (951) 786-9573

17028 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-2034

Mariscos El Camaron Loco

10773 Hole Ave (951) 352-0240

Manna Grill

Maria’s Mexican Kitchen

Fish Taco Xtreme

9696 Magnolia Ave (951) 376-1226

11120 Magnolia Ave, Unit A (951) 343-1120

4773 Tyler St Ste 2d (951) 353-1852

3750 University Ave (951) 289-9071

Birrieria Xolos

6160 Arlington Ave (951) 343-5868

3740 Iowa Ave

Fire Up Bar & Grill

2115 University Ave (951) 779-6293

El Patron

3204 Mission Inn Ave (951) 777-1131

El Silencito

1091 Center St (951) 312-6542

El Torito

3639 Riverside Plaza Dr Ste 526 (951) 684-6816

El Trigo

4155 Park Ave (951) 787-6937

Estrella Taqueria Lounge 3635 University Ave (951) 999-4323

16960 Van Buren Blvd Ste D (951) 800-9061

2472 University Ave (951) 224-9145

4093 University Ave (951) 777-1132

1365 University Ave (951) 682-6562

Juan Pollo

6055 Magnolia Ave (951) 683-3513

Kalaveras

1690 Spruce St (951) 742-5761

Kimchichanga

1995 University Ave (951) 684-9800

La Bufadora Baja Grill

497 E Alessandro Blvd Ste B (951) 776-2881

La Bufadora Baja Grill 5650-52 Van Buren Blvd (951) 687-7237

La Cruda Mariscos 6733 Indiana Ave (951) 777-0862

Las Campanas

3649 Mission Inn Ave (888) 326-4448

Las Nuevas Islas 4920 Jackson St (951) 772-0020

Little Green Onions 6723 Brockton Ave (951) 328-1273

Los Cabos Tacos

11840 Magnolia Ave (951) 352-2653

Los Fredo’s Mexican Food 9111 Magnolia Ave (951) 525-3411

Los Novillos Market 2650 Main St (951) 530-8893

Lucies Locadas

1601 University Ave (951) 423-4828

M Taco

4111 Main St (951) 784-7135

3340 Mary St (951) 682-3882 3375 Iowa Ave (951) 787-9292

Mezcal Cantina Y Cocina 3737 Main St Ste 100 (951) 888-2240

Miches De La Baja

1242 University Ave Ste 5 (951) 742-5633

Mi Lindo Apatzingan 9948 Magnolia Ave (951) 688-0908

Mr. Taco

2435 Main St (951) 682-4020

Mr. Taco

18590 Van Buren Blvd (951) 776-9900

Olivia’s Mexican Restaurant 9447 Magnolia Ave (951) 689-2131

Palenque

3737 Main St (951) 888-2240

Pepitos Mexican Restaurant

5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 42 (951) 783-9444

Pepito's Mexican Restaurant 8845 Trautwein Rd (951) 776-8262

Placita

1805 University Ave (951) 405-8730

Ramiro’s Cocina 9418 Magnolia Ave (951) 354-6146

Ranchito Tacos Al Carbon 2995 Van Buren Blvd Ste A1 (951) 359-8646

Rancho La Perla

3700 Van Buren Blvd Ste 109 (951) 688-8682

Retro Taco

3744 Main St (951) 742-5606

Rico’s Tacos El Primo

1788 University Ave Ste 102 (951) 782-9610

Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill 3848 La Sierra Ave (951) 687-2280

Rolando’s Taco Shop

19530 Van Buren Blvd Ste G6 (951) 656-0304

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Bar & Restaurant Guide The Riversider | June/July 2023

Señor Baja

6033 Magnolia Ave (951) 369-5720

Tio’s Tacos

3948 Mission Inn Ave (951) 788-0230

Market Broiler 3525 Merrill Ave (951) 276-9007

Best Thai Cuisine 1735 Spruce St F (951) 682-4251

Oasis Vegetarian Café 11550 Pierce St (951) 688-5423

Sushingon

Tony’s Mexican Food

Pacific Grill

Gra Pow

Plant Power Fast Food

Taco Station

Tony’s Mexican Grill

Pier 76 Fish Grill

Monark Asian Bistro

Roots Restaurant & Bar

6060 Magnolia Ave (951) 224-9590 4088 Mission Inn Ave (951) 782-8226

Tacos Y Más

10203 Hole Ave (951) 687-1344

Taqueria Azteca

5959 Arlington Ave Ste E (951) 509-3670

Taqueria 2 Potrillos 10088 Magnolia Ave (951) 588-8772

Taqueria Mi Ranchito 4724 La Sierra Ave (951) 352-0528

Taqueria Tomateros 9164 Magnolia Ave (909) 257-1545

The Tamale Factory 3663 Main St (951) 342-3023

Tijuana’s Tacos

8151 Arlington Ave (951) 343-7777

Tina’s Mexican Food 2421 University Ave (951) 686-1524

Tio’s Mexican Food 19009 Van Buren Blvd Ste 124 (951) 780-7776

3870 Chicago Ave (951) 788-4410

9670 Magnolia Ave (951) 729-6141

Tuxies Juices

6030 Magnolia Ave Ste 3 (951) 781-1048

Yoli’s Mexican Grill 3225 Market St (951) 801-7104

Zacatecas Cafe 3767 Iowa Ave (951) 683-3939

PAKISTANI Al-Karam Pakistani Cuisine

3457 Arlington Ave Ste 101 (951) 742-5610

Mirchi Restaurant 1385 W Blaine St (951) 400-2825

Punjab Palace

1299 Tyler St (951) 643-8168 3555 Riverside Plaza Dr Ste 108 (951) 341-9297

Rockstar Shrimp 767 W Blaine St (951) 530-8620

Seafood & Crawfish 10173 Magnolia Ave (951) 359-5999

Star Crab

10051 Magnolia Ave (951) 977-9440

STEAKHOUSES Duane’s Prime Steak & Seafood

2955 Van Buren Blvd #F1 (951) 359-1331

Riverside Thai Kitchen 7755 California Ave (951) 729-6675

Royal Orchid Restaurant

9791 Magnolia Ave (951) 354-6100

TK Thai Cuisine

11860 Magnolia Ave Ste T (951) 509-3701

Flat Top Bar & Grill

3434 Arlington Ave Ste 20 (951) 742-5878

17960 Van Buren Blvd (951) 780-0114

SEAFOOD

6736 Brockton Ave (951) 788-1995

Angel Thai Cuisine

Sam's Bann Thai

3203 Mission Inn Ave (951) 742-7694

on instagram

@riversidermag

Craveabowl

Goodwin’s Organic 91 W Big Springs Rd (951) 682-2667

La Sierra Natural Foods 11550 Pierce St (951) 785-2563

Monty’s Good Burger 3605 Market Street (213) 915-0257

3940 University Ave (951) 905-5222

3700 12th St (951) 405-8324

Veg & Go

10271 Magnolia Ave (951) 729-6668

Pho Anh Hot Pot & Crayfish

231 E Alessandro Blvd (951) 215-0585

Pho DJ

5180 Arlington Ave (951) 354-2799

1201 University Ave Ste #115 (951) 213-6233

Pho Ha

VIETNAMESE/PHO

Pho Ha #7

5 Stars Pho Restaurant

4950 La Sierra Ave (951) 772-0700

Cha2o

1400 University Ave Ste A104 (714) 406-3090

Ocean Pho

10185 Magnolia Ave (951) 354-8918 1820 University Ave #101 (951) 680-0790

Pho Star Bowl

10051 Magnolia Ave (951) 299-8130

Phở Vinam Restaurant

1201 University Ave #107 (951) 784-4290

4069 Chicago Ave Ste 100 (951) 742-5272

WINE BARS/WINERIES

Pho 81

3653 Main St (951) 352-2739

2995 Van Buren Blvd Ste A13 (951) 977-8869

Phở 99

4557 La Sierra Ave (951) 688-2671

Pho Anh

5646 Van Buren Blvd (951) 977-9889

The Brickwood

Canyon Crest Winery 5225 Canyon Crest Dr Ste 7A (951) 369-9463

Mario’s Place

3646 Mission Inn Ave (951) 684-7755

ZACH CORDNER

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The Riversider Magazine

Morefire Thai

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

THAI

10920 Magnolia Ave Suite 101 (951) 405-6880

5225 Canyon Crest Dr #64 (951) 683-1073

3649 Mission Inn Ave (888) 326-4448

10359 Magnolia Ave (951) 351-8968

California Fish Grill

497 E Alessandro Blvd #D (951) 780-1132

Pho Anh Hot Pot & Crayfish

“ The Best Donuts in the Inland Empire located here in Downtown Riverside” 3750 University Ave #175 Riverside, CA 92501 (951) 742-5949 Website: urbandripp.com Instagram: @urbandrippdonuts

OPEN EVERYDAY Mornings: Monday through Sunday 7am to 12pm Evenings: Thursday through Sunday 5pm to 10pm Family Founded Owned & Operated

Open Everyday 6:30am to 2pm Live Music Every Sat. & Sun. 10am-1pm Open all day Friday from 6:30am - 9pm

Riverside's #1 breakfast & lunch spot!

6951 Flight Road Riverside, CA 92504 951-688-3337 riversideairportcafe.com @theriversideairportcafe

Now planning our 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat!

Please contact us for sponsorship opportunities to help make this a memorable event for the community!

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PAINTING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN THE OPEN AIR

OCEANSIDE PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL JULY 15—22 —

QUICK PAINT CHALLENGE•PAINT OUTS•WORKSHOPS•EASEL SALES•CELEBRATION•JURIED EXHIBITION•NETWORKING

REGISTER NOW *EARLY BIRD ENDS MAY 1, 2023

JENNIFER BOBADILLA

Utility Power Scheduler/Trader Programadora/Comerciante de Electricidad

GERARDO RODRIGUEZ

Utility Generation Technician Técnico de Generación de Electricidad

Our team works 24/7 to keep the lights on and water flowing.

Nuestro equipo trabaja 24/7 para mantener las luces encendidas y el agua fluyendo.

RiversidePublicUtilities.com

54

Postcards From Yesterday The Riversider | June/July 2023

COURTESY OF CHRIS NAPOLITANO COLLECTION

1930's

The Riversider Magazine

JULIAN JOLLIFFE

2023

KEEP OUR CITY CLEAN & SAFE

MANTENGAMOS NUESTRA CIUDAD LIMPIA Y SEGURA

Download the 311 Mobile App Descargue la Aplicación Móvil 311

NEW SPANISH TRANSLATION FEATURES AVAILABLE NUEVAS FUNCIONES DE TRADUCCIÓN AL ESPAÑOL

RiversideCA.gov/311

56

Save Ferris Friday, June 2 Gov’t Mule

Tim Dillon Live

Sunday, June 11

Friday, June 16

Sebastian Maniscalco Live!

Josh Turner

Friday, July 28

Long Black Train 20th Anniversary Tour

Mike Epps

Edén Munoz

Friday, August 18

Saturday, September 9

Consejos Gratis 2023 Tour

Brian Regan

Jowell Y Randy

Saturday, September 23

Tickets and info at HarrahsSoCal.com.

Must be 18 or older to attend shows.

Entertainment subject to change or cancellation. Must be 21 or older to gamble and attend events. Know When To Stop Before You Start ®. Gambling Problem?

Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. Managed by HCAL, LLC. ©2023, Caesars License Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Riversider Magazine

Saturday, September 16

Reggaetonica Tour with Nio Garcia

Friday, October 27