Rapour Restaurant

Distinctive small plates dining, hand-crafted cocktails and live jazz in Rancho Cucamonga's Victoria Gardens.

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Behind the Making of Chef Tips at Rapour Restaurant and Lounge

On January 10th Chef Jason Hill, whose online Chef Tips, give culinary advice and how-to lessons from the top chef's in America, came to Rapour to film our Executive Chef, Greg Stillman, making his famous wood-fired Neapolitan Pizza.

Hill has worked with some of the best chefs in the industry, including James Boyce (Le Cirque, The Phoenician, Loews Coronado, Studio, Cotton Row), Homaro Cantu (Restaurant Charlie Trotter, Chicago’s Moto) and famed French chef Michel Richard (Citrus, Citronelle, Bistro M, Central). Hill has also written countless newspaper articles highlighting his quick, simple and delicious family recipes. 

Hill's wife Veronica accompanied him on the photo shoot.  Veronica Hill also has a big online presence with her California Travel Experts site offering travel tips and highlighting places to see, explore, and dine in Southern California.  Last December, the Hills discovered Rapour for themselves and were so taken with the food and the ambience they decided to share their discovery with others.

They also filmed our Mixologist shaking up our famous Signature Cocktail, the Mexican Firing Squad and the making of the perfect Rockin' Rose which will also be featured on Chef Hill's Chef Tips at a later date.

You can see the entire segment on making a Neapolitan Pizza at www.facebook.com/ChefTips and enjoy the behind the scenes photos on this blog.

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Off the Chain

Chain restaurants are in every city...usually found in or around a mall.  You know what to expect.  The decor is the same, the bar is located in the same spot in each restaurant, and the menu is constant no matter what town you're in.

This is what makes the individually owned and operated restaurant, like Rapour, such a gem.  It is unique and one of a kind.  What chain restaurant could  you go to where they create house made sauces and ketchup?  Ever hear of another corporate restaurant that uses fresh juices in their alcoholic beverages?

We source our produce from local farmers.  To you, farm-to-table freshness assures you are getting food sources that are organically grown, free of chemicals that may be found in produce coming from foreign countries.

At Rapour you get a unique dining experience.  Our small plate selections are not found at any other local restaurants.  You can get a steak anywhere....but you can't find duck confit, paella, chipolte braised short ribs or shrimp gambas on any other menu but ours.   Lobster can be found mainstream, but we have Lobster Pops and our Lobster Mac and Cheese that takes this delicacy to a whole other dimension.

So pull away from the chain and explore the kind of culinary creativity that can only be found in individually owned and operated restaurants.  Our name may not be familiar at first, but we'll have you coming back after the first bite.

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Chef Greg Stillman to Teach Paella Making Class

Have you ever experienced Spanish Mediterranean cooking?  Paella is an internationally known rice dish that originated in Valencia, Spain.  Today every region in Spain has their paella version.  In fact, there as many varieties as there are cooks!

But on February 23rd, Executive Chef Greg Stillman will give you a hands on demonstration how he creates this dish using a variety of seafood delicacies.  You get to go behind the scenes of the Rapour kitchen and learn the secrets of creating this dish.  And once the Paella comes out of the large metal pan, you will get to enjoy this dish along with your choice of a glass of sherry, or one of our Rapour red or white house wines.

The class begins at noon on February 23rd and ends at 2 p.m.  There's limited space, so you will want to book an advance reservation by calling [phone].  This class costs $25/person and advance payment is requested.

Learn the art of Spanish cooking at the expert hands of our Chef, Greg Stillman.

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Hump Day Got a Little Happier at Rapour

Chicken and Waffles is a signature dish at Rapour and appears on its small plates menu.  But on Wednesdays and Sundays this dish expands to PLATTER size.  With eight of these scrumptious chicken and waffles, at only $16 per platter,  you and your friends can nibble your way to satisfaction on Wednesdays from 5p to 10p and Sundays from 8-10p served right in our  Lounge or heated patio.   

Pair these with any of our Signature or Vintage cocktails at only $5 all day Wednesday.  And on Sunday's (only)  we're offering Bloody Marys for $5.

Our chicken and waffles taste like no other.  Made with a fried malted waffle, Tabasco reduction, candied jalapeno and maple, you'll be lickin' your lips, wanting more.  If you haven't tried these, you just don't know what your missing!  

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Ever wonder how to make an authentic Neapolitan Pizza like they do in restaurants?  Rapour's own Chef Greg Stillman takes you through all the steps from start to finish.

Guest hosting on Jason Hill's You Tube program, Chef Tips, Stillman shows you all you need to turn out your own version of the Neapolitan Pizza.

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Big Apple Style rings in 2013 at Rapour

Start spreading the news! Rapour Restaurant & Lounge is adding a New York eXperience to their New Years Eve party. In the days of Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack, the supper club was the big thing. Rapour takes this vibe to the 21st Century. New Years Eve is designed as one big party. The dinner seating begins at 7 p.m. Executive Chef Greg Stillman has gone all out on the menu featuring "Big Apple" items such as a choice between an Apple soup with parsnips and Camembert croutons, or a Smoked Salmon and frisée salad with local citrus. Entrees feature a grilled New York steak or a pan seared California sea bass with gourmet side dishes. Pastry Chef Jessica Simpson has created decadent dessert choices ranging from chocolate fondant to a lemon pudding cake. Entertaining during dinner is sultry vocalist Amanda Castro who brings a blend of Latin, New Orleans blues to jazz. Her vocals are unique and she provides her audience with a spell binding musical experience. At 10:30 p.m. the party cranks up a notch in the Rapour Lounge. Rapour's favorite DJ P.J. Butta begins mixing it up with Top 40 hits, Old School and Hip Hop vibes to get your hands in the air and your feet on the dance floor. Those who have purchased table reservations in the lounge will enjoy a bottle of either Grey Goose or Ciroc and an array of our mixers along with a selection of hors d'oeuvres. As the minutes dwindle down and 2012 gives way to 2013 Rapour will show the Big Apple Ball Drop on their 120" screen. It will feel like you're in Times Square - only you'll be warmer and have a much better view. At the stroke of midnight Rapour will pour the champagne to toast in the New Year. And just like the New York Rockin' New Years Eve, the party will continue until 2 a.m. This is a time for celebration! Californians have come through difficult years and things are starting to look a little brighter. Let's celebrate 2013 together! Dinner: $60/person + tax and gratuity (Advance payment) VIP Lounge: $1,000/table (up to 10 people and $500 advance deposit) No Reservation: $20 Valet parking available: $5/car To reserve: [phone]

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Amanda Castro to Jazz Up New Years Eve eXperience

Amanda Castro of Rancho Cucamonga has gone from Los Osos High School to Southern California jazz club headliner.  She has a different twist on the genre than other jazz singers in that she specializes in lesser known jazz songs of the 1920's and '30's adding her twist of Latin, New Orleans soul and blues.

Singing her sultry vocals, she has appeared at several Southern California clubs such as:  Angel's, Nola's, Steamers and the Hip Kitty.  She performed for Rapour's first anniversary in November and was such a hit, Rapour is bringing her back for an encore performance for their New Years Eve New York eXperience.

Jazz is an important part of Rapour.  While guests experience a culinary tour de force, on the weekends and Sunday Brunch, the cultural experience of jazz is added to the mix.  Rapour has featured up and coming artists as well as established musicians such as Booker T, The Avila Brothers, Nisan Stewart and Kenneth Crouch.  On Sundays you will find the Rapour Jazz Trio playing.  This group generally consists of Ed Roth, Steve Stevens and Andrew Ford. Each of these musicians has played back up or on records for famed artists such as Chaka Khan, Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire and more; and are successful in their own right.

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Appetizers, Mezze, Dim Sum, Tapas - No Matter What You Call Them Small Plates are the Next Big Thing

A casual approach to dining combined with the desire for culinary adventure and wanting to share a variety of dishes has lead to the popularity of small plate meals.  Small plates is the latest trend in many restaurants.  

The smaller sized portions, at lower prices than full plated entrees, encourage sharing and socialization.  Whether to whet an appetite or compose an entire menu, small plates can provide a culinary impact that is as tasty as it is artfully presented.

For centuries small plates have preceded the main course.  Depending on the country, they've been called Antipasto, Tapas, Mezze, Dim Sum or Appetizers.  Today, people are ordering more small plates than ever before.  The portions are right sized and it gives people the opportunity to try new things without risking an entire entree.

The popularity of small plate meals is growing.  Customers are content to snack, nibble and graze through an entire assortment of them.

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Greg Stillman Creates Food Art at Rapour

Rancho Cucamonga is not generally known for its gourmet cuisine; but Chef Greg Stillman intends to change that idea.  Stillman is the Executive Chef at Rapour Restaurant and Lounge.  He comes with an impressive career, having worked at Thomas Keller's famed French Laundry in Napa Valley and Joachim Splichal's Patina Group in Los Angeles.

Stillman is creative -- a master of mixing the culinary metaphor -- utilizing international influences, seasonal ingredients and farm to table freshness.  Among his creations is the Lobster Pop, a unique take on the Chicken and Waffle --with a jalepeno pepper kick, and Paella using mussels among others.  

Recently Rapour switched to a small plates menu.  Stillman took many of the main dishes that were on the original menu and pared them down to smaller portions.  Each dish is presented like a work of culinary art.  The taste and the texture of the food is  spectacular!  Nothing has been sacrificed in this switch-over.

Stillman's small plate fare offers the opportunity for Rapour guests to try a wide variety of food selections and they can do so at a considerable value.  Prices start at $4 for small plate dishes.

Having once worked at Patina's Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzaria, Stillman learned the art of making gourmet Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas.  He brought this skill to Rapour as well. There is a wide selection of wood fired pizzas on the menu in addition to the small plates.  On Thursday nights all of the pizzas are only $10.

In Rancho Cucamonga, Rapour's Greg Stillman is the go-to-guy for quality cuisine.  Foodies will appreciate the presentation and the taste of each bite.

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More than a meal, things get jazzy at Rapour

On the weekends, the Kenneth Crouch group plays jazz during the hours of 7-9p.m. at Rapour Restaurant and Lounge.  Crouch is a branch of a musical dynasty.  His uncle, Andre Crouch, is well known in the gospel and jazz music circles.  In fact, the Andre Crouch Choir performed the back-up for Michael Jackson's definitive song, "Man in the Mirror."

Kenneth Crouch is a talented keyboardist who has been influenced by his uncle and Herbie Hancock.  Jazz is his forte, but he has also played for contemporary rhythm and blues artists and rock stars such as Lenny Kravitz, Chaka Khan and Eric Clapton.

Rapour Restaurant and Lounge is more of an experience than just a restaurant.  Offering a wide variety of small plate items and wood fired pizzas, Rapour blends   dining with jazz on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  The Kenneth Crouch Jazz Group is the mainstay of the weekends, but other up and coming local artists are showcased during the week.  Bands such as Seville Street Blues, Anders Royal and Vintage Soul play on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

After hours on the weekends (11 p.m.to 2 a.m.) Rapour turns down the lights and turns up the volume.   The party gets started as DJs spin contemporary dance music and the lounge side of the room becomes the focus for the fun.

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Open 11a for Black Friday with Happy Hour All Day!

Are you shopping the IE this Friday?

If so, shop 'til you drop at Victoria Gardens, then stop into Rapour on Friday November 23rd. We will open at 11a. Shoppers, bring in your days shopping VG receipts during our business hours (receipts dated 11-23-12) to be entered into a drawing for a FREE BRUNCH FOR FOUR! Grab a bite, enjoy HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY LONG! This means all our cocktails and wines are only $5 and beers are $1 off.

We are featuring a special Black Friday Patron Pomegranite Sage Martini cocktail, too!

Enjoy live jazz during the evening hours 7- 9 pm along with our fabulous small plates. 'Tis the season to Eat, Drink, Lounge and Listen at Rapour.

Gift certificates also available - visit our website for special offers! 

http://www.RapourRestaurant.com 

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RSVP Today! Holiday Wine & Dessert Pairing Class

The holidays are right around the corner!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012 from 6:30-8p

Come to our Holiday Wine and Dessert Pairing Class - our 2nd in our Chef Series and learn from our Pastry Chef, Jessica Simpson which wines to pair with which dessert flavors and spices! Make your holiday dinner or party a success! The class will be held in our Lounge.  COST: $30 per person. You will enjoy a tasting of three wines and three gourmet desserts. RSVP today, space is limited call 909-899-7999.  Stay after class and enjoy our small plates, 1/2 price bottles of red and white wines and listen to Vintage Soul play the blues!

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Grammy Award Winners to Perform at Rapour During LIVE ELECTION WATCH PARTY

Rapour Restaurant and Lounge - Victoria Gardens

Starting at 6p on Tuesday, November 6th, 2012 bring your friends, family and team to Rapour for a historic night of live election coverage on our 120" screen. 

This event is free to watch, and is a non-partisan event, everyone is welcome! Event will run 6p-Midnight. You'll be treated to very special musical guests - featuring Hall of Fame Inductee BOOKER T. JONES performing with Grammy Award Winners THE AVILA BROTHERS & JESSE JOHNSON!  Space is limited so make your dining reservation today!

We'll be serving our delicious small plate selections and hand-crafted cocktails. We expect to fill up fast so RSVP today at 909-899-7999 or on OpenTable at www.RapourRestaurant.com

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Rapour Salutes Military Veterans Nov. 11th

With a full price purchase of a Sunday Brunch meal ($19), Veterans and Active Military showing their military ID will receive their Sunday Brunch FREE . Select from a wide choice of starters and main plates, enjoy a Mimosa or Bellini on the house, French pressed coffee and whole organic tea also available. And sit back and enjoy the easy Sunday morning sounds of the Rapour Jazz Trio. Bottomless Mimosas and Bellinis are available for $10.

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Art Show at Rapour Sunday 9/30/12

YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!

If you love eating delicious food and listening to live jazz, then come to Rapour Sunday September 30, 2012 from 11a-3p for a one day only Art Show. 

Artwork will be on display by 6 local artists, including the talented Demar Douglas.

The art show is free to come browse, and our plated brunch is a great value for just $19 - including a Mimosa or Bellini. Reservations strongly suggested. Call 909-899-7999 or book on OpenTable at www.RapourRestaurant.com. Rapour is located at 7900 Kew Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga in Victoria Gardens (south of Express, near Ulta)

Hope to see you there!

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Tuesday Night Live Blues at Rapour!

She'll be back! If you missed Kris Bradley's live performance last week, she will performing again this Tuesday night September 25th from 7-9p at Rapour in Victoria Gardens during our REDS, WHITES & BLUES Tuesdays! Experience our new sharable small plates style of dining with friends, enjoy one of our select bottles of red or white wines for 1/2 off and listen to Kris sing th

e blues this Tues. night, Sept. 25th.

Get your seat-- drop in early and catch our Happy Hour starting at 3p - Signature and Vintage Cocktails made with freshly pressed juices and house-made syrups for just $5 in the lounge. Beers are $1 off and wines by the glass are just $5. You'll find our small plates delicious at just $4!

Call us to learn more about our other live music line-ups on Tuesday and Thursdays! 909-899-7999

Expect more @ Rapour. We're right on Kew! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_Z_3HWz59c&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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Join Us! Sept 22, 2012 Pizza Making Class with Chef Stillman at Rapour!

For just $25, you can learn how to make a Neapolitan style pizza with Executive Chef Greg Stillman in Rapour's kitchen!

Mark your calendar, Saturday September 22nd 11a-1p at Rapour in Victoria Gardens.

Included is a gourmet 10" pizza, side salad, glass of wine and personalized instruction by Chef.

Class size limited to 20 people so give us a call and register now at 909-899-7999. 

One Hope Winery will donate part of the wine proceeds to help fight AIDS and Breast Cancer, so sign up today!

Hope to see you soon!