Archive

Archive for April, 2013

Everything But The Beef For Chipotle’s Barbacoa Beef (Copycat) Recipe.

April 30th, 2013 2 comments

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I’m still excited about Nibbles of Tidbits’ version of Chipotle’s Barbacoa Beef Recipe — It’s one of our most popular posts and rightly so.  Many think it tastes like the real thing and so do we.

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Since it was recently made again, the ingredients were photographed and added to the original post (and here to announce it) to assist with shopping and preparation.  Enjoy.

Then I’m Gonna Kiss Your Pineapple: It’s Pickin’ Day Under The Light.

April 29th, 2013 No comments

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It’s easy to grow a Pineapple in a pot, or at least Mr. Freis makes it look that way.

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You don’t have to live in Hawaii to enjoy the splendor and luxury of growing a Pineapple.

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It takes a long time to grow — At least 2 years before it first bears fruit.  Know that.

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It’s a special day when your homegrown Pineapple is ready to pick and eat.  Exciting!

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Cut it off the stalk, trim excess stalk if necessary and voila — You’ve got a Pineapple.

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It’s like you chose a perfectly ripe, juicy Pineapple, but instead grew and picked it — Brilliant.

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It’s a magnificent thing — I’m grateful for the visual experience, education and tasting.

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Let’s get more Pineapple growing ASAP — It’s going to take a while, but it’s worth it.

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We’re also growing grapes and may attempt Wine — Post title inspired by a B-52’s song.

Off Street Café: You’ve Got Some Fine Muffins Wherever You Are.

April 26th, 2013 No comments

Eggs Benedict

Off Street Café — It’s off a street alright, but twice I could hardly recall where.  I now know it’s off Studebaker and Artesia in (yes) Cerritos and it’s worth finding, especially for breakfast.

Breakfast Skillet

We last enjoyed the Eggs Benedict, a Southwest Skillet and a Coconut Pineapple Muffin.

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Off Street Café’s English Muffins are surprisingly extra good — They’re made in-house I’m told.

Off Street Cafe

The restaurant was once featured on Restaurant Impossible with Robert Irvine.  Chef Irvine revamped their Dinner Menu and a one-and-a-half-day renovation gave Off Street Café a French provincial, livelier atmosphere.  It looks okay, but we prefer the old fashioned counter.

Happy Five Year Anniversary Nibbles Of Tidbits: Let’s Eat To Many More.

April 24th, 2013 No comments

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Look at the Cake I didn’t make — It’s pretty and proper since today is Nibbles of Tidbits 5 Year Anniversary.  Time sure flies and life is short so savor each moment.  Happy Anniversary to us!

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The top line may push it a bit, but I concur with the general finding.  All is good — Thank God.

California Wine Festival: Days Of Wine Tasting Near The Beach.

April 23rd, 2013 No comments

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Our first experience at the California Wine Festival — Wine glasses lined up for tasting.

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We grabbed a couple glasses and sought out the FOOD, because it’s how we roll.  Plenty of Wine was all around and available from noon to 4 — Best get some food in us to start.

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Ribs and Chicken Wings from The Point Restaurant & Bar in Dana Point.

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Messy with a Wine glass in hand, but the meat fell off the bone and both were flavorful.

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Tall tables were scattered throughout the event and came in handy when free.

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For a list of Participating Wineries, check with the California Wine Festival.

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Pasta from Gemmell’s Restaurant may not look like much in the photo, but it was amazing!

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I don’t know what it was, but if everything they make tastes as good, I’ve been missing out.

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A generous Taco Plate from Chelas Mexican Grill was another winner for me.

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Wine has the leading role at this event, so the heartier food options were appreciated.

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VIP Pavilion (above) — It didn’t look more exciting, but had more chairs and shade.

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Grilled Fish Tacos from Rubio’s.

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Sushi from Mahé.

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White Chocolate Dipped Strawberries from Celebrity Cruises.

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Cheers — We’re hoping to win a free Celebrity Cruise, if they haven’t picked the winner yet!?

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An Alcove similar to one on a Celebrity Cruise Ship — Our favorite Festival Sponsor.

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We had White Wine on this warm, sunny day — Missed out on Red and want to do it again.

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We frolicked and planked on Doheny State Beach afterwards and then went out for Sushi.

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One fine day.

Counterintelligence As It Relates To Food: Does It Matter Here?

April 21st, 2013 No comments

Giant Burger

I prefer an Iced Tea and small Cheeseburger, but like the photo and others linked here.

Join The Fun At OC’s 4th Annual California Wine Festival.

April 18th, 2013 No comments

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California Wine Festival — Seems like a great way to spend a beautiful day.  We’ll be at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point this Saturday for the Beachside Wine & Food Fest.  We look forward to sipping Wine from all over California to live Caribbean music on the beach.

Time Is On Our Side For A Big Anniversary This Year: Yes It Is.

April 17th, 2013 No comments

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Guess who/what will be celebrating a big anniversary this month?  It’s not the pictured couple if you’re trying to decipher the faces — I don’t know who they are (probably models), but what a great way to commemorate.  Come back April 24th with Champagne in hand for the answer.

It’s Now Built, But Will YOU Come To The Triangle?

April 16th, 2013 1 comment

Saddle Ranch

Do you know The Triangle (f/k/a Triangle Square) in Costa Mesa?  Yes, it’s called The Triangle now and it’s hoping to attract more guests than there ever was — I hope it does too, since the space has historically underperformed.  I’m not sure why, since parking isn’t that bad.

El Corazon

New Restaurants and Bars are open and due to open this Saturday, April 20th — The Saddle Ranch Chop House and El Corazon de Costa Mesa to name just two.  And I’m most excited to see a coming soon sign for Tavern Bowl.  Things seem to be pointing upward for The Triangle.

The Triangle

I liked the colors of Triangle Square better, but perhaps it’s one of the ways The Triangle is hoping to capture more attention — And one should pay attention, and GO, since it is built and looks to be tasty and fun there.  Be there or you’re a square.  Success is wished to all by us!

Miguel’s Jr.’s Not So Junior Wet Bean & Cheese Burrito (And More).

April 14th, 2013 No comments

Miguel's Jr's Burrito

Did you see our post regarding Miguel’s Jr. Homestyle Mexican Food Restaurant?  We recently discovered it and decidedly liked it after one meal — Now after a few more (Wet Bean & Cheese Burrito and Taco Salad with Shredded Chicken), it’s serious.  We’re in heavy like.

Miguel's Jr.'s Taco Salad

As previously noted we REALLY like Miguel’s Jr.’s Beans and now appreciate their massive Burritos and homestyle flavor of their Shredded Chicken — All is well prepared and well priced.

Sweet Land Of Remarkable Liberty: 29 Palms My Country Tis Of Thee.

April 10th, 2013 No comments

29 Palms

God Bless the United States Military — We treasured our tour of 29 Palms Military Base.  We salute family friend Marine Brent and all who fight/fought for our liberty to enjoy an astounding day rock climbing in Joshua Tree, then lunch and Beers at the Joshua Tree Saloon.  Priceless.

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The Joshua Tree Saloon Grill & Bar serves it up if/when hungry in the desert.

Fish Sandwich

We enjoyed a post-hike, minor-rock-climbing lunch there.

Burger & Fries

I don’t recall the menu item names — Their website is being redesigned.  Check here later.

Pastrami Sandwich

We basically got Burgers, a Reuben and Mahi Sandwich, with Tea and Brews amongst Bro’s.

Burger & Salad

Some meals were custom, like the Burger on Marble Rye — Shut up you old bat!  What?

Custom Burger

Though the food was good, most respect is for our U.S. Soldiers and all they endure.

Military Vehicles

Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light, protect us by Thy might, of thee I sing.

Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park — Would you believe we drove to Big Bear after all this? Long story.

Miguel’s Jr. Homestyle Mexican Food: First Stop In Orange County.

April 9th, 2013 No comments

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Miguel’s Jr. Homestyle Mexican Food — It’s on 17th Street, near Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa.  A Taco Bell once occupied the space.  It’s Miguel’s Jr.’s first fast-food-type restaurant in Orange County, and after a quick bite I’m already glad it’s here and want to taste more.

Tostada

One of Miguel’s Jr.’s listed core values is to ‘Deliver a positive experience that exceeds expectations’ — I didn’t know that walking in, but now see it’s true.  Everyone seemed genuinely friendly, and the Beans on the pictured Tostada with Shredded Chicken were extra good.  I’ll need a Bean & Cheese Burrito there real soon.  Miguel’s Jr.’s prices aren’t bad either.

California Wine Festival Soon Sipping In The OC: Mark Your Calendar.

April 6th, 2013 No comments

California Wine Festival Crowd

The California Wine Festival — It’s happening at Laguna Cliffs Marriot Resort & Spa on Friday, April 19th and at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, April 20th, 2013.  Hope to see you there!

Wine Toast

Get tickets and more information here — Cheers to food and California WINE at the beach.

Tracy’s King Crab Shack: The Best Alaskan King Crab Bisque In Town.

April 3rd, 2013 4 comments

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From Alaska to California and hopefully back for more — I’ve never been there, but our resident photographer cruised Alaska last year and came back exclaiming he had the ‘Best Crab Bisque’ ever.  It was at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau and he couldn’t stop talking about it.

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I tried to find its recipe online, but could not, thus resorted to having it shipped from Tracy.

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It’s not cheap (mostly due to shipping), but I learned it’s worth it — Wow!  I see now.

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Though not as pretty as when it’s served to you in Juneau, Alaska, it cooked up flawlessly.

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One has the option to add Cream, Milk or Stock — I added Cream, as recommended by Tracy.

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She also suggests a squeeze of Lime at the end — It has generous pieces of King Crab.

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This King Crab Bisque is superb without a Lime squeeze and magnificent with one.

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Tracy’s King Crab Shack was recently featured on Top Chef, as shown in a few TV pics.

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Chef-testants had to quickly create a dish with Tracy’s Crab Legs — The Best Legs in Town.

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Tracy’s King Crab Shack Story and Stovetop Instructions are above.

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Thanks to Matt for the beautiful Alaskan photos and tip on Tracy’s — I’m hooked on all!

Sweetheart You Must Know ‘Yolanda’s Fridge’ Of Beverly Hills!?

April 2nd, 2013 No comments

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Meet Yolanda’s FridgeThe latest STAR on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  It would inspire me to cook and eat (and drink) well.  All is easily identifiable and accessible.  It’s pretty like Yolanda too, and better stay pretty since it’s a walk-in fridge with see-through doors.  I love its contents in both photographs.  Pre-washed and ready to eat is a most ideal treat.

Yoland's Fridge

Where’s the Grey Poupon?  Hopefully there’s a hidden fridge too for the less attractive food, condiments and leftovers.  I wonder!?  Yolanda’s Fridge is on Twitter — Why not ask it.  Huh?

Happy April Fools’ Day: Twenty-Four Hours To Bite At Your Own Risk.

April 1st, 2013 No comments

April Fools Day Food

May your day be filled with Jelly Belly Corn on the Cob, quartered Orange Starbursts, Green Apple Runts, Caramel Sauce Gravy, Yellow Starburst Butter and Graham Cracker Chicken.

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Don’t pass up allowable time to pull one over — Photo credit and recipes are here and here.