Craving a trendy ambiance, with fun innovative food? Well, for something like that you’ll need to trek all the way to Los Angeles or Orange County , using all your money for gas and parking instead of an awesome meal right? “Rapour” at Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga is eager to prove you wrong. Yes, right here in the good ‘ol IE is a restaurant that looks like a chill café in the afternoon, contemporary lounge at night, and a nightclub on the weekends!
First and foremost- the Food! Rapours creative style is perfect for adventurous foodies. Even a picky eater is bound to find something they love with the wide assortment of flavors offered. The food is served “Tapas-style” so you can order your favorite entrée or pick a bunch of items to try out or share with a friend. Remember, the selection is so diverse that a dish you dislike may be your friends’ favorite, so it’s worth trying out a few.
Start off with the fun “Snack” section and just eat your way down the menu. Check out the Kobe Sliders, and Tempura Mushrooms before sliding over to the “Hot” Section where I fell in love with the tender Crispy Pork Belly and sweet Diver Scallop. Some fellow patrons raved about the Trio of Tacos (Short Rib, Pulled Park, Shrimp), and the Chicken and Waffle plate definitely caught a few eyes as the server brought it out into the restaurant.
The salad lovers in the group won’t be disappointed with the creative styling of the Chinese Chicken Salad or the Arugula, and the pizza fans will enjoy the richness of the Margherita Pizza and the unexpected kick from the Rock Shrimp and Pesto.
I could talk about everything from the “Signature” portion of the menu in great detail, but then I would just be drooling all over the keyboard. Some highlights for me were the Duck Leg Confit with its perfectly roasted crispy skin and tender meat (Something that many people advertise, but few chefs get right!) and the Cast Iron Salmon with a bit of lemon foam. If you are in the mood for something rich, decadent, and “diet-killing” then look no further than the Lobster Mac & Cheese. Butter poached lobster rolling around in mascarpone enriched orzo? An evil genius is at work here.
Don’t worry, although Rapour has plenty of savory they haven’t forgotten the “Sweet Stuff”! If you’re a chocoholic you’ll love the Chocolate Ganache Cake and the Churros con Chocolate. I enjoy desserts, but am not a huge fan of things that are overly sweet. For these types of people they have the Apple Crisp, a spiced streusel with cinnamon toast cream and vanilla ice cream. Plus a selection of sorbets for a non-heavy option.
Rapour has a full bar, complete with mixologist. A bar that has both signature cocktails and vintage cocktails- a rare gem in the IE! I had the Pom Jack, applejack, pomegranate grenadine- they don’t mess around, these cocktails are STRONG! In addition to these, they also have a great selection of wine and beer (Hanger 24 anyone?)
“Rapour After-Hours” is Friday-Saturday from 10:30PM to about 2AM. The restaurant is transformed from a cool place to take the family to a trendy nightclub, complete with DJ and dance floor. The wide selection of drink options stays the same, but there are a few changes to the menu.
One of the most exciting things is the Sunday Brunch! For $19 you get a huge meal with a glass of Champagne, Mimosa, or Bellini. For $10 extra you get unlimited refills! For this type of brunch you get a starter course and a main entrée. A starter course can be anything from the Red Wine Braised Veal Cheek or Deviled Eggs with Smoked Trout to a simpler option of Granola with Fresh Berries and Yogurt. The Main Course is designed to appeal to whatever you have in mind. Feel like breakfast? They have French Toast, Waffles, Pancakes, Omelets, Frittatas, Eggs Benedict- and you better believe that Rapours versions are anything but ordinary. Not feeling very “breakfast-y”? You’ll love choosing between the Shrimp & Grits, Cioppino of Cod, Fried Chicken & Biscuits, Duck Leg Confit, or the Flat Iron Steak Wrap.
Rapour Restaurant & Lounge is a restaurant that the Inland Empire has been waiting for. Trendy, fun, with a diverse menu! It’s a place to bring a date at night, bring your friends for the after-hours nightclub, and you can even bring your Mom here for Sunday Brunch. Victoria Gardens should be proud of their great new addition!
Rapour is located in Victoria Gardens. 7900 Kew Gardens Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. Monday – Thursday 3PM-11PM. Friday-Saturday 3PM – 2AM. Sunday 9am-11PM. Reservations can be made over the phone or through Opentable.
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