Dine 909: McDonald’s giving away free food daily through Christmas Eve

McDonald’s is the latest chain to offer holiday freebies for its customers.

Through Dec. 24, McDonald’s is giving away free food items, themed to fictional characters associated with the holidays.

For instance, Dec. 22 features Frosty the Snowman, appropriately accompanying the giveaway of any size McFlurry.

Even Festivus is represented on Dec. 23, with Frank Costanza and a free bakery sweet.

The items are available via the app and require a minimum $1 purchase.

For the complete giveaway calendar, visit mcdonalds.com.

Miguel’s BOGO

Miguel’s California Mexican Cocina is offering a buy-one-try-one deal for a limited time.

The location at Dos Lagos, at 2715 Lakeshore Drive, Corona, is currently offering the deal on five popular entrées. (The Frontage Road location is temporarily closed.)

Items available for the buy-one-try-one promotion include Maria’s Chopped Salad, Flautas, Al Carbon Tacos, El Chimi Burrito, and Olde No.2, an enchilada and taco combo plate.

In addition, Miguel’s is continuing its all-day happy hour, with $4.99 margaritas and beer, plus small plates from $3-$6.

The restaurant is open for takeout and delivery.

Flexitarian option

It’s not just the big chains that are offering the new generation of meat substitutes.

Cheesewalla in Redlands is now offering Beyond Meat as an option in its grilled cheese sandwiches and other entrées.

Cheesewalla is at  5 E. Citrus Ave.

Mas tamales

Tamales have been spotted at another fast-food chain.

Wienerchnitzel is offering beef tamales for a limited time, smothered in chili and cheese.

The chain is also offering another seasonal treat: Peppermint-dipped cones, along with peppermint shakes and Oreo cookie peppermint shakes.

Meal in a box

Pizza Hut has brought back its Triple Treat Box, which features two medium one-topping pizzas, five breadsticks and 10 Cinnabon Mini Rolls.

The pizzas are available on Hand-Tossed or Thin ‘N Crispy crusts. Original Pan crust and specialty pizzas are available for an additional cost.

Suggested price is $20.99, though a quick check revealed it’s $21.99 at some area locations.

Dining options include contactless delivery, carryout, or curbside pickup.

Royal release

Claremont Craft Ales has released limited quantities of Royal, its bourbon barrel-aged imperial oatmeal stout.

Two variants are also available: ClaraBoya features raspberry and cocoa nibs, and Oxford features cinnamon and cocoa nibs.

Cost is $12 for a single 16-ounce can of Royal or ClaraBoya; $13.50 for a 500 mL bottle of Royal; $40 for a variety pack with two 16-ounce cans of Royal, a 16-ounce can of ClaraBoya, and a 16-ounce can of Oxford; and $45 for a vertical tasting pack consisting of 2018 through 2020 vintage bottles of Royal.

A Royal vertical tasting will take place via Zoom from 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20.

Curbside pickup is available 2-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at the brewery, 1420 N. Claremont Blvd., Suite 204C.

To order, visit www.claremontcraftales.com.

Have a ball

Looking for a unique, last-minute present for that special someone?

How do they feel about beer, pizza, sports, and…Coca-Cola?

Oggi’s Sports | Brewhouse | Pizza has partnered with Coca-Cola on a 30th-anniversary ornament to be given away with the purchase of a $25 gift card.

The ornaments are available while supplies last at Oggi’s restaurants.

Other gift items include T-shirts, pint glasses, hoodies, and growlers.

Inland Empire locations include Upland, Fontana, Apple Valley, and Barstow.