Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

We love Chili’s Skillet Queso and Chips on Chili’s Appetizer Menu.  And now I can make it perfectly at home.  Well, we think so — That’s six of us here who have tried it several times.  I searched the internet for a good copycat recipe and found five.  Enlarge photo above to view them. I took all into consideration to subsequently create my own, slightly different than the other’s variations, based on what I know about its actual flavor and texture.  My Chili’s Skillet Queso copycat recipe is posted below.  For the Dip only.  Chili’s Chips are too good to copy.

To make Chili’s ‘Skillet’ Queso Dip as easy as possible, I combine all ingredients in a small crock pot and occasionally stir — Technically this recipe should be called… Shelly’s Crock Pot Queso Wannabe Chili’s Skillet Queso, which is a long, dumb sounding name, but that’s what it is and how it tastes.

However, for the authentic Chili’s Skillet Queso and Chips experience, I serve the Queso in the small skillet below and pick-up Chili’s Chips to go, since I cannot re-create their thin, delicately crispy texture.  I’ve previously posted about Chili’s amazing Chips and Skillet Queso Dip here.

Shelly’s Crock Pot Queso Dip Recipe — A Copycat of Chili’s Skillet Queso Dip

Ingredients:

16 ounces of Velveeta Cheese (Chopped into small chunks)

(1) 15 ounce Can of Spicy Hormel No-Bean Chili (Or non-spicy version or other non-verified brand)

1 1/4 Cups of Milk

(1) Tbsp. Chili Powder

(1) Tbsp. Cumin Powder

(2) Tsps. Paprika Powder

(1) Tbsp. Lime Juice

(1/4) Tsp. Cayenne Powder (optional)

Salt to taste

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a small crock pot and stir occasionally until evenly melted.  Serve the Queso Dip from the crock pot or transfer to a small skillet or bowl.  If you don’t have a small crock pot, combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan and cook on low stirring occasionally.

FYI:  After this process, I now realize that Chili’s Skillet Queso is most likely not prepared in the small skillet it’s served in, ha — Chili’s may need to clarify ‘Skillet’ too.

We toast to several new restaurants with a view in Huntington Beach.  Here we’re at the Treehouse Lounge at Tanner’s, which is part of the Pasea Hotel & Spa.  You don’t have to stay at the hotel to enjoy its fabulous restaurant, Tanner’s with floor-to-ceiling upstairs and downstairs views of the Pacific Ocean across Pacific Coast Highway.  We enjoyed beers and a couple appetizers there — Grilled Asparagus and Chips, Salsa and Guacamole.  All was fantastically flavorful.

Though the view and food are terrific at the Treehouse Lounge at Tanner’s, more shade is needed upstairs to enjoy all during the day — It’s stylish and comfortable, but there is not enough cover.

We plan to try more from Tanner’s menu, after the sun goes down and the fire pits are lit.

Next door to Tanner’s is The Bungalow, another amazing new restaurant with a view.  Below we toast with specialty drinks at The Bungalow, where a little more shade can be found during the day.  The food is tasty at The Bungalow too, though prepared by the restaurant downstairs and delivered via dumbwaiter upstairs.  The kitchen below it created a special menu just for The Bungalow.

At The Bungalow, it feels like you are enjoying drinks and appetizers at a friend’s house and Tanner’s feels like you’re at a nice beach resort.  Both are a wonderful addition to Huntington Beach.

It’s happened again, a favorite dish is taken off the menu.  For some reason I tend to favor dishes that don’t sell as well as others.  This time it’s not much longer after reporting about it that it’s gone.  It was Simmzy’s Cauliflower with Cilantro Pesto, linked here.  After sitting down with a Beer Flight at Simmzy’s Long Beach location, we learned it’s no longer on their menu.  What? Maybe they will bring it back.  Until that fine day, we tried Simmzy’s Caramelized Brussels Sprouts (pictured), a suggested popular dish.  It’s good, but it’s not their super-tasty Cauliflower with Cilantro Pesto that is now on my copycat list.  I must try to recreate what I can no longer point to and have.  Aside from these dishes, Simmzy’s menu offers much I’d like to try.

It’s from Simmzy’s Eat – Drink – Pub — I had seen photos of great looking food at Simmzy’s and have wanted to dine there for some time.  While in Huntington Beach recently, we stopped at Simmzy’s for a Beer and Starter.  Only one, since we had just dined at Saint Marc footsteps away, but we had to try something.  We opted for the Cauliflower with Cilantro Pesto, caramelized florets with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Lemon (pictured above and described below).  It has such a tasty, bold, lemony flavor I had it again at Simmzy’s Long Beach location a couple weeks later.

Simmzy’s Eat – Drink – Pub’s Long Beach location is on a corner in Belmont Shore (below).

It’s where the Shore House Cafe used to be when I lived in Belmont Shore years ago.

Simmzy’s Menu — Enlarge for a better view.

Simmzy’s Huntington Beach location is pictured above — Most seats offer an ocean view across PCH.

I love sharing small plates of food and Hors D’Oeuvres and I just discovered Saint Marc — That’s Saint Marc Pub-Cafe´ Bakery & Cheese Affinage.  They offer an amazing, lengthy selection of Hors D’Oeuvres, Bacon Bites, Bacon by the Slice, and much more.  It’s in Pacific City, a new-ish indoor/outdoor ocean-front shopping, dining and entertainment center in Huntington Beach.

Saint Marc is located upstairs towards the south end at Pacific City.

It’s an open air indoor/outdoor restaurant, bar, bakery and specialty ingredient shop.  If a table isn’t reserved, seat yourself and secure an iPad for your table — You’ll need one to order food and drinks via Saint Marc’s Touch Menu.  View the food photos and prices, select items and order at your leisure.  Stagger your selections or order all at once.  You’ll also need to swipe a credit card to start.

We’ve dined at Saint Marc twice in the last few weeks and I’m ready to go back < Read that hunny?

When I’m hooked on a dish or restaurant, I want it again and again, and right now it’s Saint Marc.

We’ve only tried a few of Saint Marc’s fabulous sounding menu items and have our sights on others. Pictured from top down is the Watermelon, Feta & Jalapeno stack and select Bacon Slices.

Bacon & Eggs, Saint Marc’s version of Deviled Eggs.  The Bacon makes them.

Bacon Wrapped Dates — One of my favorites.  I plan to try the Bacon Wrapped Artichokes next.

Swedish Meatballs served in a cast iron skillet.

Blue Celery & Walnuts — Celery stuffed with a Blue Cheese spread, topped with Walnuts.

Pretzel Bites & Beer Cheese — The Beer Cheese Sauce is perfect.

Avocado Crostini — You only get one big one per order.  It’s a bit hard to share, but we did.

The Crostini Bread is really good.

Burrata & Grape Essence, it’s called (above) — Burrata is a creamy Cheese.  It’s not Ice Cream on top of that Bread.  I’ve decided I’m not much of a Burrata fan, like others proclaim these days.

Rumaki — Bacon Wrapped Chicken & Water Chestnuts with a Ginger Glaze.  The Chicken was a little dry, but they’re working on improving it we’re told or they’ll take it off the menu.  They care.

Tender Belly Maple Bacon, another slice we tried — Next time I want to try the Apple Pie Bacon.

Wisconsin Cheese Curds — Matt had to have them.  I usually don’t like the texture of Cheese Curds, but I ended up liking these (above).  Maybe because they are fried.  I liked the batter too.

And I haven’t even mentioned the Desserts — Lagniappe on the menu, a little something extra. We had the Beignets and Chocolate Fondue.  The Fondue Chocolate Sauce is the best I’ve had.

An upscale Spork will be your utensil and food is delivered by Saint Marc’s Free Flow Ambassadors.

In front of Saint Marc again — It’s a stylish, inviting place, day or night.

We’ll be back, though there are several interesting restaurants to choose from at Pacific City.

Have you seen our Orange County Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Report?

Just added to it are the pictured Chili Cheese Fries at Santa Fe Cafe at Fullerton Train Station.

It’s entertaining watching the trains go by, while lounging on Santa Fe Cafe’s patio with Chili Cheese Fries, an $8 or $10 Pitcher of Beer and the sunset.  It’s what I’ve enjoyed there thus far.

Be aware of occasional loitering oddballs, otherwise all should be good.

View these Chili Cheese Fries and several others on our on-going Chili Cheese Fries post.

In relation to the post title… Shelly Chili Freis should have been my legal name, if I would’ve been able to change my middle name to Chili, but apparently one can’t change his/her middle name when getting married, only a last name, or it would officially be me.  It’s my unofficial name now.

It’s already December — Another year flew by too fast and my computer just went kaput.  This month starts with a test of my new computer and return to Nibbles of Tidbits’ Food Coloring Series, featuring the relevant colors of Red & Green, and timely food ideas that spotlight them.

Most dishes can be deciphered without a recipe or tailored to your taste.

Previous Food Coloring Series posts are linked here — Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, etc.

Some dishes start off festive, but once the Peppers and Cucumbers get eaten, then what?

If looking for more Red & Green Food Ideas, they’re linked here.

Merry Christmas to me from my new computer.

More to test and explore, after Shrimp Cocktails and picture-perfect Christmas Cookies.

An impressive Snowman Fruit Bowl that’s perfect for the season and looks easy to make.

Credits and additional instructions may be linked: Crostini’s, Shrimp Cocktails, Christmas Cookies, Christmas Wreath Vegetable Platter, BLT Salad, and Snowman Fruit Bowl.  Happy Holidays!

Bacchus Bar & Bistro — Classy is a word that comes to mind.  It may look small on the outside tucked in a corner, but there’s a lot of stylish space inside.  Their menu is impressive too.

I’m happy to discover Bacchus Bar & Bistro (formerly Bacchus Secret Cellar) — It’s down the street from my Irvine office, in the Quail Hill Shopping Center, amongst other businesses.

It’s a perfect place to gather with friends after work — A plan is in the works.

There is comfortable seating throughout — Tall and short tables, couches and a bar.

We tried a few menu items this visit — The Warm Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chinese Sausage, Shishito Peppers, Fried Garlic and Sesame Ponzu (above).  There’s more to be tried.

Lobster & Spanish Chorizo Fondue with Manchego Cheese, Smoked Peppers and Cream Cheese, served with a French Baguette (above) — It’s creamy, unique and pretty good.

We also had the Prosciutto Flatbread with Fontina, Gorgonzola, Fig Jam & Red Onion (above) and the Butterscotch Pot De Creme (below).  The Fig Jam was terrific on the Flatbread and the consistency and flavor of the Pot De Creme was ideal, though rich, but not overly so.

It’s a seamless Wine Store along its parameters and the prices are surprisingly good for such an expensive looking place. Their food prices are reasonable too, another reason to go back. And there’s live entertainment… A guy played the guitar in front of the Wine Case behind me.

The Roman God of Wine’s Wine was delicious as well — Thanks Bacchus!

Note: Camera issues beset this visit. Subsequent dishes shall be posted as clear updates.

His name is Leon (above) and he just turned 8 — We celebrated him and his birthday at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar at Cerritos Mall.  It’s an ideal place for a Dog’s Birthday or any day, since dogs are allowed on their patio and served a complimentary Bowl of Water.

It’s a good place for adults too, though it was Leon’s day, but we pay. 😉

We tried the Sangria Sampler — The White Peach Sangria (middle) was my favorite.

The Lazy Dog Hand Crafted Drafts Sampler hits the human spot too.

Leon chose the Grilled Chicken Breast and Brown Rice from the Dog Menu.

He ate all quickly, much how he eats everything, and appeared to like it.

We had the Brick Oven Spinach & Sundried Tomato Cheese Dip (below), which could use more Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes, but the Cheese combination is good.

And the Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla — Overall, Lazy Dog’s food is consistently good.

Afterwards we went for a walk along Dog Beach in Huntington Beach.

It’s a true dog day afternoon at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and Dog Beach.

There’s a Dog Friendly Patio at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar — Enlarge photo to read their Patio Rules and don’t be shy, bring your dog with you, especially if it’s his or her birthday.

Have you been to Calivino Wine Pub?  It’s in Anaheim, near the Honda Center, Angel Stadium of Anaheim and other happenings, off Katella Avenue. We just learned about it and gladly so, since the food is terrific. We’ve been to other Wine Bar/Pubs that serve great food, like Sealegs and The Twisted Wine, so the test-bar is high, but Calivino unexpectedly stood out.

Calivino Wine Pub is a bit hard to see off Katella.  Its cross-street is Howell — Just turn into the business park area, keep heading left and you’ll see it slivered-in, amongst other businesses and eateries.  Hooters is across the parking lot to drop off the boys on a Girl’s Wine Night out.

Seating includes a long bar and a good combination of couches and tall and short tables.

It’s rare when everything on a menu sounds appealing, well not that rare, but I do want all on Calivino’s Menu.  Since we weren’t sure where to begin, we tried a few house favorites.

FOOD pictured from top down:  The House Burger with Fried Onions, Onion Jam and Havarti, which is sweet, spicy and juicy – Bacon Dates with Goat Cheese and Honey – Spinach Wontons with Parmesan and Garlic – Brussels Sprouts roasted with Crispy Pork.

I’d have all again and the Spinach Wontons (above) every day — You certainly can’t tell how great they are from the dark photo, but WOW, they’re a perfectly seasoned combo of Baby Leaf Spinach and crunch.  Each Wonton tastes like the best Spinach Dip already on a chip.

Oh yeah, Wine.  It’s a Wine Pub after all — I like Wine too.

The Reds, Whites, Sweets & Sparkling — Calivino’s owner, Daniel hand selects them all.

And there’s Beer too — A rotating selection of fine, local brews are noted on a chalkboard.

Calivino — Cali for California and Vino for Wine.  We like it and the CA Flag Bear on the logo.

It’s a nice mix of old world and new world and it feels that way.

We tried REDS from California and Spain — Leaping Horse Cabernet (2013), Beso De Vino Garnacha (2011), Reserva Eguia Tempranillo (2009) and Artezin Red Zinfandel (2012).

We liked sipping Wine on the couch and the rustic tables with bottled water and succulents.

I’m heading back soon with a group of girls for more bites and Tempranillo.

Calivino Wine Pub — A great stop before or after an event, for Happy Hour (3-7pm, Sun – Fri), 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine on Wednesdays, and 1/2 off Glasses of Wine on Thursdays.  See their website for more info and/or changes.  New food dishes will be added below.

Updated 10/21/14: Next visit we had more of the same, which was equally as good, and Alison’s Baked Brie in a Puff Pastry with Candied Nuts and Honey (above).

It’s Peter Dills in the photo with me.  He’s the son of a man I admired, Elmer Dills, a good man and former long-time Restaurant Reviewer, etc. on KABC.  Elmer passed away in 2008, but his son, Peter carries on his niceness and love of food.  As far back as he can remember, Peter was following Elmer from restaurant to restaurant — That’s some fabulous training!

Did you know that Peter Dills has a radio show on Sundays on AM 830 KLAA Angels Radio?  It’s called Dining with Dills and starts at 11:00a.m.  Give it a listen.  We went to The Catch restaurant in Anaheim this day to celebrate Dining with Dills, and eat and drink of course.

The Catch kitchen (above) — I like its open look.  Can’t hide anything here.

It’s a large restaurant with dining all around — Above is just one stylish sliver of it.

Though blurred, I like the photo above — Delicious appetizers were served, but hard to obtain if you weren’t immediately adjacent to its introduction.  It was a bit of a frenzy to get them.

I’m not sure if I got to try all the appetizers, but my favorite was a Fish Cake Lolli-Pop of some sort (not pictured) that I don’t currently see on their online menu — It was a round, crunchy fish cake served on a stick.  It had a great flavor and perfect texture.  I wanted more.

We over took the back room of The Catch, which lead out to a fenced in, outdoor patio.

Me with Patty Mitchell, the Executive Producer at Peter Dills, TV Show, etc.  She’s sweet too!

The Bar at The Catch (above) — We need to spend time in here next visit.

The Catch is across the street from many events at the City National Grove of Anaheim.

Do you see the pool of Garlic Butter under the Crispy Artichoke Hearts (above)?  We had the same Hot Appetizer at El Galleon Restaurant in Avalon on Catalina Island, except our pool of Garlic Butter was twice as deep.  Our formerly Crispy Artichoke Hearts could high dive into it.  We were surprised to see them served that way.  Why would El Galleon fry them to a crispy, golden brown only to place them essentially in Oil again?  It’s simply a bad idea.  The Garlic Butter should be served on the side to preserve crispiness.  Don’t you think so?  And they’re too expensive at $11.95.  We’ll get something else next time.  El Galleon is otherwise a fun place with Live Karaoke and countless other dishes and specialty drinks to choose from.

We LOVE spending time on Catalina Island — See our previous Blue Water Grill report.

I’ve loved Bistango Restaurant for years, its Bar, and paintings throughout its walls, and now there’s Bistango Gardens, a relaxing oasis in the heart of the Irvine business district.

We recently enjoyed a sampling of Bistango Gardens‘ Terrace Menu designed for sharing.

CHEERS to outdoor patio dining near a fountain with great Wine — We seek that out.

The Souvlaki Greek Marinated Beef Kabobs (above) were nicely tender and flavorful.

They offer several tasty Small Plates, a few are pictured.  Some photos are from Bistango.

See linked MENU for plate specifics.

We tried all the items listed below, savored each bite and left wanting more.

We especially liked Bistango Gardens‘ Lamb Sliders with Brandied Balsamic Cherries, Goat Cheese and Arugula on a Brioche Bun (pictured at top).  The flavor combination was perfect.

Chili Marinated Shrimp (below) — See Bistango’s Menus to learn more about all.

The best part of this report is that… I will most likely be moving into the building across the street from Bistango, its Gardens and all of this, at the beginning of January 2015.  My other career, Paralegal, takes me there.  I was very happy to see all within walking distance from a high story window view in the center of great things.  I’m looking forward to more.  Thanks!

I appreciate Bistango’s exemplar hospitality over twenty-plus years.

It was great to be back at Alegria Cocina Latina in Long Beach.  I have old memories there.  It’s probably been over 15 years since I’ve been to Alegria and it looked just as good, if not better than I remember.  It has new owners who continue to care for and enhance it.  I’ve always liked the bright, multi-colored tile floor, stylish bar and outdoor patios, and their Sangrias of course.  Nobody does them better! A lot of care and time is put into making them.

They offer a Red, White and Seasonal Sangrias all the time.

Alegria’s cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, Mexican and Latin American flavors.

A portion of Alegria’s patio is above and one dining area is set for a large party below.

We tried a few dishes, including Paella Valenciana (top) and Ceviche De Cameron (below).

I liked the Red Sangria best and the guy looking at you below liked the White Sangria better.

They also have a Flamenco Stage with a band and dancers – You can watch, or dance too.

The Humitas Chilenas (below) was different and decadent — It’s a Homemade Sweet Corn Tamale Soufflé with Shrimp and a Cayenne Cream Sauce.  I’d have it again next visit.

We enjoyed the El Gaucho too (below) — It’s was quite flavorful and tender.

And it’s literally called… El Grande Final! (below) — A platter of Alegria’s bite-sized desserts.

My favorite was the Capirotada — Their Bread Pudding with Fruit and Nuts.

And yet in another room (below), a painting class was taking place — Very cool.

It’s an occasional gathering at Alegria put together by Brushstrokes and Beverages.

Pine Avenue has a lot to offer — New restaurants, long-time beloved ones and more.  Alegria included, there are countless reasons to spend time in Long Beach.  LOVE the LBC and miss it.

We rented a Luxury Electric Boat from Newport Fun Tours and cruised the Newport Beach Harbor with plenty to eat and drink for 90 minutes — You may have seen them on Groupon.

A Cheese Platter doesn’t come with a Newport Fun Tours cruise — We brought it and the Grey Poupon too, just in case anyone asked for it, plus it goes well with a fabulous Cheese Platter.

Balboa Fun Zone view (below) from our Luxury Electric Boat — Well, I really wouldn’t call it luxury, since our boat was a bit used looking, like an old water limo, but it ran well for us.

The day was cloudy, brightened with Cheese, Wine and cute, smiling serving utensils.

I made the pictured Cheese Platter with 5 kinds of Cheese, Salami, Crackers, Pecans, Grapes from our garden, Kalamata Olives and Roasted Red Peppers, Peperoncinis and Pickles, with Mustard on the side — A couple seagulls landed on the bow wanting some.  Negative, sorry.

Wine and snacks are sold at Newport Fun Tours check-in, but the options aren’t this good.

Have you ever tried Ethiopian food?  I hadn’t until recently.  Do you know anything about it?  I just moved to Fullerton near several Ethiopian restaurants.  Curious about them, I researched ‘local Ethiopian food’ to learn which is best.  Since those closest (Tana, Abyssinia & Merhaba) had good reviews on Yelp, I became less clear where to go, thus I tried and compared them all myself, along with my adventurous husband – One Vegetarian Combination Plate at a time, served on Injera, a sourdough-risen flatbread with a slightly spongy texture.

We started our Local Ethiopian Food Tour’ at Tana Ethiopian Restaurant (above) on La Palma Avenue in Anaheim.  It’s located in a small strip mall and doesn’t look like much on the outside, but inside it’s relaxed and smells like something good is cooking.  Don’t be timid to go inside, everyone’s nice — A common theme of all three.  There’s a better world inside each.

We had a Vegetarian Combination Plate at each restaurant — It’s a varied combination of Shiro Wot, Kik Alicha, Gommen, Yemiser Wot, Sinegkarya, Lentil Stew, Potato & Carrot Wot, etc., which generally translates into Cabbage, Spinach, Potatoes, Carrots, Lentils, Split Peas, Green Beans and/or Chard cooked with Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Chili Powder, Turmeric and other spices.  A Wot is a thick stew of different vegetarian and non-vegetarian types.

Inside Tana (above) — Toasting with African Beer.  Beer & Wine is served at all three.

No utensils are provided — You eat with your hands using the Injera.  It appears most meals are served on it and more is provided on the side.  We didn’t take lessons on how to eat.  We just tore-off a piece of Injera, pinched a little Wot and ate it.  It worked well and made us full.

The Injera can be quite filling — Towards the end, I wanted a fork to eat less of it.

Abyssinia Ethiopian Cuisine (below) is the second Ethiopian restaurant we tried in Anaheim, California — It’s located off West Lincoln Avenue and it too is unfancy on the outside and welcoming inside.  Its Vegetarian Combination Plate also offered ten unique dishes.

Both Vegetarian Combination Plates thus far had similar dishes with a Salad.

Except for the Salad, most dishes are served warm, though above had additional cold dishes.

Inside Abyssinia Ethiopian Cuisine (above) — Toasting with Honey Wine & African Beer.

We also tried their Doro Wot aka Doro Wat – A Spicy Chicken Stew made with Chicken Legs and Hard Boiled Eggs.  The Sauce was flavorful and the Chicken was tender, but there wasn’t enough of it — Abyssinia’s Vegetarian Combo was more filling than their Doro Wot.

And finally, we tried Merhaba East African Restaurant (below), last on this tour, but certainly not least.  Consistent with the others, its exterior isn’t pretty, especially sandwiched between an Emergency Walk-In Center and a Thrift Store, but there’s a friendly escape inside.

As shown, Merhaba’s Vegetarian Combination Plate (below) has six dishes and no Salad.  It includes fewer dishes than Tana’s and Abyssinia’s Combos, but we both liked Merhaba’s plate the best.  Each dish had an abundance of flavor.  It’s quality, not quantity at Merhaba.

It’s funny… I was least excited to go to Merhaba, mostly because it has less of a presence online, but it may now be my first pick.  It’s similarly comfortable inside too (below).

Cheers to Merhaba with a different African Beer.

Next time we’ll try their special Coffee (below), which is served after a ceremonial process.

As reported, Tana Ethiopian Restaurant, Abyssinia Ethiopian Cuisine and Merhaba East African Restaurant are indeed good and worth a visit and more.  All should definitely try Ethiopian food.  Contrary to what some think, Ethiopian food is filling and appetizing.

My husband says Dami Sushi & Izakaya is his new favorite Sushi place.  We were in awe over their Hamachi and Maguro (above) — Both were strikingly gorgeous, fresh and delicious.

It’s a hip place too.  I didn’t take many photos, since most seats were full and I didn’t want my camera to flash in people’s faces.  We’ve dined at their Sushi Bar a couple times since they opened a few months ago.  We appreciate the promptly served Edamame and Pickled Vegetables.  Upon our first visit, we were served Miso Soup — A nice bonus that varies.

Everything that came out of the Sushi Bar this night looked like a work of art.

We had Dami Sushi’s Beach Roll (below) — It’s made with Spicy Tuna, Crabmeat, Avocado, Gobo and Salmon and is deep fried.  It has an enchanting combination of flavors.  It’s not guaranteed that yours will look exactly like ours, but it’ll be pretty and fresh.  They also have an extensive, GREAT sounding menu, with several listed items I’d love to try.  See MENU.

Izakaya — A Japanese drinking establishment that serves food to accompany the drinks.  A tavern or pub for after work gathering for drinks and small dishes to share.  Dami does it well.

Dami Sushi & Izakaya is at the Village Circle on Beach in Buena Park — Open 5 to Midnight.

02/12/15 Update:  The property is under new ownership and it’s now called Ki Sushi Sake Bar — See report here.

Where are the prices?  I can’t think of one good reason (for the consumer) not to have drink prices on a menu.  Chili’s Restaurant doesn’t put drink prices on its menu.  Drinks can be expensive.  I don’t want to ask… How much is this Margarita, or that one, or how about that Glass of Wine, etc.  It’s a little uncomfortable, but I don’t want a big surprise on the bill, thus I’m less apt to order a drink at Chili’s, especially a Specialty Margarita.  Do you feel the same?

On a positive note, I’ll always order their Chips — Chili’s Chips are the best.

The Twisted Vine is a Wine Bar & Shop in Fullerton, but don’t forget the food.

These photos certainly don’t do it justice.  It’s nicely dark inside.  I met a group of friends there for the first time for Wine.  We shared everything pictured here, but didn’t take these photos until I went back a couple weeks later and had the exact same things.  All was that good!

I especially love the Chorizo Crostini (above) and I’m ready to have it a third time.

Also pictured is the Baked Brie in a Bread Bowl, Olives and Stuffed French Toast Empanadas.

At the Fig & Olive Restaurant in Newport Beach — I’ve finally arrived.

I have wanted to eat there for some time and now don’t need to travel far.

It’s in Newport Beach at Fashion Island — I believe it occupies Coco’s former location.

Nibbles of Tidbits was fortunately invited to its Grand Opening Party.

All was grander than expected — Its size, style, crowd and continuous appetizers.

As shown throughout, we tried a fair sampling of many.

Indoor/outdoor patio with fireplace (above) before it filled with people.

I don’t recall all we ate, but pictured above is the Zucchini Carpaccio — See MENU.

The hallway leading to the restrooms is filled with fresh Herbs, candles, vases and books.

The Grand Opening Party was complete with models on platforms throughout.

We were well positioned by the kitchen to receive the first right of refusal on appetizers.

None were refused, all were well liked and some loved.

The Truffle Mushroom Croquette (above) was a favorite of the evening.

Crostinis are popular at the Fig & Olive Restaurant.

I especially liked the Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onion and Chive Crostini.

The large space got crowded, which made it harder to jockey for a good food position.

We ultimately tried all pictured herein — For their complete MENU, see here.

We’d like to go back for more Crostinis & Crudo to enjoy at our leisure

Lunch starts in Newport Beach on January 6th and Brunch on January 11th, 2014.

The Fig & Olive Restaurant is in several spots in New York, in Los Angeles and now nearby.

Nice cars adorned the entry leading to a red carpet — I was underdressed, but treated well.

Fig & Olive Ingredients and Design — It’s about passion for the best Olive Oils, flavors and cuisine from the Riviera and Coastal Regions of the South of France, Italy & Spain and their elegant, warm design with limestone stucco walls, terra-cotta ceiling, green Rosemary and Olive trees exude the essence of the Mediterranean (they say).  I like it!

I’m new to Dim Sum and Capital Seafood at the Irvine Spectrum was a good place to start.

A knowledgeable friend took me there and led the way — She ordered several of her favorites and I tried them all.  I can’t tell you the names and/or ingredients in what we had, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the food.  They serve over 100 types of Dim Sum.

Much is offered by way of the traditional push-cart.

Cart after cart, after tray, after cart, after cart stops by your table throughout.

Servers have scissors ready to cut each or any as requested by you.

Each piece is like a mini grab bag when you don’t know your Dim Sum.

I’d like to study-up before next time to know and choose what I might like best.

Capital Seafood Restaurant is fairly large inside and out and was mostly full this day.

We sat on the outside patio where much was offered to us.

We shared a good variety of Shrimp, Pork, crunchy, soft, sweet and hot Dim Sum.

All was a well-rounded starter kit at a good restaurant for Dim Sum.

There’s much more for me to learn about Dim Sum.

Order off the menu or point to what you want from the ever-changing, then repetitive carts.

They also have a Bar — $2 Beers are offered at Happy Hour M-F (3-7).

The adjacent Wine fridge is pretty cool too — No pun, really.

It also claims to be a trendy, hip and upbeat place to enjoy sports on multiple screens.

I’d like to go back and try more as soon as possible.

Our to-go boxes looked like this (below).

Capital Y for Yes — I want more Dim Sum at Capital Seafood.

How to contribute to Thanksgiving — Make this Turkey Vegetable Platter for your family and/or friends.  One friend is making this for her family on Thanksgiving and she’s going to send us a photo when it’s done.  We’ll be posting it here in an update.  That ain’t no jive.

It’s “A Little Something” called Almonds & Olives at Blackbird Tavern in Temecula (below).

I liked it so much, I recreated a better version of it at home (top photo) — It’s made with a medley of Greek Olives, Marcona Almonds, Orange Slices, Fennel Seeds, Red Pepper Flakes and Olive Oil.  The Olives were baked in a foil pouch with the Orange Slices, Fennel Seeds, Red Pepper Flakes and a little Olive Oil at 425° for about 15 minutes, then all was tossed with Marcona Almonds, the improvement (I think) to Blackbird’s starter.  I’ll make it forever.

And there’s a sweet back-story soon to be told about this trip to Temecula.