Mark your calendar for the upcoming Upland Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of the Inland Empire: An Evening of Elegance - Monte Carlo Style, slated for Friday, Jan. 15 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Claremont.

“There are many ‘taste’ events throughout the year, but the Taste of I.E. features delicious samplings from the local area craft brewers and vintners, with specialty foods from Inland Empire restaurants, all served in an upscale club lounge atmosphere,” said Terri Galdo, Chamber operations manager.

Featured purveyors include; The Orchard Restaurant DoubleTree Claremont, Eden Garden Fusion Grill Upland, Pine Haven Café Upland, Café Allegro Upland, Nuno’s Bistro and Bar Upland, Antonio’s Italian Restaurant Rancho Cucamonga, and Gold Standard Catering Rancho Cucamonga;

Also, Pappas Artisanal Restaurant La Verne, Dale Brothers Upland, Vom Fass Claremont, Judi’s Cookies Upland, John and Shirlee’s Habanero I Scream Riverside and more.

Community together

In addition to playing Monte Carlo casino games, attendees can bid on exciting and dance the night away. Souvenir signature wine and beer glasses are included to remember the evening’s festivities, plus photo booth.

“It is exciting to see the community coming together to support our local businesses. We appreciate the generosity of all local restaurants, vintners and craft breweries that are supporting the Chamber,” said Galdo.

Tickets are $75 per adult and available online at www. uplandchamber.org or at Suggested attire is “Evening Wear.”

Sponsorship opportunities by Hilton Claremont is located at 555 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont.

The UCC serves as the voice of the business community, a public relations arm of the City and Upland’s “front door” where visitors come and are greeted warmly and given information. This information includes not only local sites and areas to visit but also a reliable source for business and residential relocation to Upland.

Gino L. Filippi is a fourth-generation Cucamonga Valley vintner. He can be reached at ginoffvine@aol.com