Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

It’s toasted Sourdough Bread and sliced Avocado drizzled with Olive Oil and spattered with several evenly distributed dots of Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce with Salt & Pepper.  This snack, lunch, dinner and/or breakfast was originally prepared to fill the What to Make with Avocados post and to best use all the California Avocado Commission Avocados received, but I’m now having this tasty combination (almost) every day.  It’s simple to prepare, yet so very good.

Pretty in Purple Deviled Eggs — Any Deviled Egg recipe will do.  It’s the addition of Beet Juice that makes them pretty in purple.  Once boiled the Eggs were peeled, and then soaked in Beet Juice in the fridge for a day, way longer than necessary to give them a striking color.

It only takes minutes to give the Eggs color — Less time in Beet Juice yields more of a contrast between the purple and white (a purple ring), and more time in makes ’em mostly purple.

The Beet Juice imparts a sweet, earthy flavor into the Eggs adding a tasty dimension.

The purpose of this post is to publicize the addition of more Chili Cheese Fries to our Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Post — It’s Wendy’s Chili Cheese Fries which are made with Chili that’s meant to be served in a bowl with a side of Buttered Crackers, not poured over French Fries and topped with Cheese.  I think not on this one.  Better options are found here.

UH-LOW-HAH Aloha Roll (above) — We can’t wait to go back to Sapporo Sushi (f/k/a Niko Niko Sushi) to have it again.  It’s made with Baked Pineapple, Spicy Tuna, Avocado and Mango.

A Tempura Special Roll of some sort (above) for another table — It sure looked good.

We also had the Hungry Roll (above), which is layer upon layer of texture and flavor.  It’s over the top.  Watching it be made was crazy — It’s got Shrimp Tempura, Spicy Tuna, Popcorn Shrimp, Avocado and Crab.  Sapporo Sushi is near CSULB off PCH/7th Street in Long Beach.

This Heart Shaped Egg is on our test list — Do you think it works?  More ideas are here too.

I love this simple, cute appetizer idea.  Do you need more instruction?  I’d dress the Baby Greens and Tomatoes with Olive Oil and Salt and Pepper or Italian Dressing to thoroughly enjoy it all.  And I might add a dollop of Caramel Sauce at the base of the Apple for dessert.

Merry Christmas — Searching for appetizer or dessert ideas?  I like the Veggie Platter above.

Laugh, eat, love and remember… Jesus is the reason for the season.

Nativity scenes made of Sausage, Bacon and Kraut (or anything else) shouldn’t be banned.

We traveled to The Globe for dinner and reached La La Land, as we fell in love with the food and more in love with each other over Belgian Craft Beers and specially selected Hoppas.

The Globe Dine • Bar is owned and operated by a lovely husband and wife team from Belgium.

It’s in Historic Downtown Garden Grove — I didn’t know there was such the designation.

Since I generally like historic-anything and food-travel-everything, The Globe enticed.

And it delivered the most flavorful Hoppas (Hops + Tapas) we ever landed on.

Skirt Steak Florets, Blue Cheese, Roasted Pearl Onions with Red Wine Jus was transcending.

It’s pictured at top and directly above, along with Prosciutto Wrapped Scampi Shrimp…

Gouda Croquettes and Cherry Tomato Bruchetta — All transported with exceptional flavor.

Belgian Craft Beers are served in signature glassware and poured following Cicerone rules.

Historic Main Street is fairly short and we think The Globe is the best place on the street.

Our sampling was so good, we hope to go back for more.  The menu explores the globe stopping in a different country each month — We took in a pleasing glance of France.

Traveling The Globe is worth it — You’ll find nice people, BEER and varying high-quality food.

I’ve come to realize that any tasting at Pizzeria Ortica is going to be scrumptious.

We loved the opportunity to try several dishes on Pizzeria Ortica’s Fall/Winter Menu.

Many are pictured here and fully described below — Eat dish packed a lot of flavor.

I was reminded how good this restaurant is — Don’t let it go undiscovered.

Can you match the photos to the dish descriptions?  Hope so, as they’re not retyped.

The “Chick” (directly above) — Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is simple and plain looking, but so good.  It’s named for a customer with standing reservations who inspired and loves it.  I surprisingly loved it too.  Thanks Chick.

And other favorites included the Pork Belly Terrine, Pancetta e Zucca and Ricotta Gnocchi.

The photos don’t do the food justice — We’re most impressed after each visit.

They also offer space for group mixers up to 60 people and a private dining room for 35.

We look forward to going back soon for more of the same — All was that delicious.

Thank you Pizzeria Ortica!  Enlarge MENU for a better view.

I’m still recuperating from the amazing FOOD and (mostly the drinks) to begin to recap our dinner in its entirety.  Queen Mary reps and staff were most hospitable to a group of media and bloggers as they lead us through a 3-Hour Progressive Dinner that started in the Observation Bar and ended in the Tea Room.  Check back to see what happened in between.

It was quite the send off — I was happy to be on the Queen Mary, since it’s been a long time.

And all got better as we trekked on to Chelsea’s Chowder House & Bar and Sir Winston’s.

Have you seen, tried or received an Edible Arrangement?  They’re sure nice, but not cheap.

If you’re delivered one, save its bare bones — My Mom did and prepared them to live again.  The frame of an Edible Arrangement is basically a pot with a foam insert and plastic skewers.

Just cut and ADD FRUIT for an anytime array.

See here for ideas, buy one for its eventual bones or assemble a kit with craft store materials.

Chef Bailee and Lexi of Kids in the Kitchen created a fruit bouquet for a family birthday party, but didn’t want to be seen on camera this day due to teenage makeup concerns — Well, okaaaay then.  They enjoyed crafting it, an outcome sought most.  And it’s tasty too!

  Why not make it a family project?  You can come out now Lexi. 🙂

At Woody’s Wharf on Labor Day, one stop on our ten mile walk — It’s how we roll on a holiday.

In Newport Beach, we pretend to be somewhere far away, though it’s nice to be able to walk there. And we toast to the Smoked Fish Appetizer at Woody’s Wharf. We’d go back for it.

No more labor on this Labor Day — That’s what it’s for, right?! Signing out for now.

I’m happy about it, but what’s all the hub-bub?  Traffic stats have mapped straight North, since the above photo was posted on Pinterest by another.  It was taken by me a couple years ago at The HomeBaked Ham Company, formerly in Corona Del Mar.  Did you know they’re [not] real, though apparently quite spectacular, as it’s been re-pinned by several others?!

Can you spot the real Vegetable Platter? 😉 Do the Pinterest pinners know or even care?

Answer, if puzzled… ALL food (in top two photos) is fake, and the last is real and best for you.

Have you been to the Tap Shack yet?  It’s in Newport Beach where The Arches once occupied and has only been open a couple months.  I miss The Arches, but appreciate many aspects of the Tap Shack.  Starting off, any spot with an outdoor patio is a winner to me.  Crab Cake?

The Tap Shack NB takes advantage of the large patio and cues from the Tap House HB.

The MENU impressed me secondly.  It’s sophisticated and extensive — I wanted everything.

We tried (top down) the Golden Crab Cakes, Grilled Artichoke and Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip.

Dispense Beer from 1 (or more) of 8 self-pouring taps — It’s one of the coolest things.

You’re given a Beer key which activates the tap and charges per ounce.

You don’t have to wait for a Beer here — We like that, unless there’s a long line. 😉

The Tap Shack Newport Beach joins in on the Taco Tuesday offerings with $1.50 Tacos.

And during Happy Hour all appetizers are 50% off — It’s the best time to try a lot.

All appetizers (as listed) appeal to me — The Taphouse Prime Sliders are pictured above.  They were my friend’s favorite and I liked the Grilled Artichoke best, though it could’ve been cooked a little longer.  We highly value the portion sizes, but the unclaimed favorites seemed bland.

And I don’t care what some people say about it, I like the Lobster Zone Game.

Catch a Lobster and they’ll cook it for you — $2.00 to play.  Different to see and amusing.

Self-pouring Beer taps are inside and out — Where’s our server?  Wait… Ta daaa!  Awesome.

The Tap Shack NB is a fine sports and entertainment option in the neighborhood.  Just overlook the typos on the menu (or laugh at them) and commend the otherwise refined, lengthy selection.  There’s much more that sounds good to try.  We’ll go back to the shack.

First of many plates of food as we gathered to celebrate the 4th — God Bless America.

Watermelon in the pool with smiles and funny faces.

My favorite appetizer of the day — It’s made with Edamame, Sweets Peas, Basil, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese and Olive Oil.  The recipe (to be obtained) will be posted in an update.

Carne Asada on the grill.

Balloons ready for a Water Balloon Fight — Was too busy throwing ’em to get photos of it.

Glimpse of our backyard fireworks show…

Enjoy the Summer — Eat, laugh a lot and love each day.

Take me away — If no one does, the above photo will.  Since we all can’t travel to Greece on a whim, we’re going to Orange County’s 34th Annual Taste of Greece Festival for the 1st time.

We’re set to discover all that’s described below — Wrap us up in a Pita, we’ll take it. Opa!

Orange County’s 34^th annual “A Taste of Greece” festival will be held on June 22-24 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church (4949 Alton Parkway, between Culver Drive and Jeffrey Road, Irvine, CA 92604). More than 11,000 guests are expected to attend the three-day festival, which will feature traditional Greek cuisine, wine tasting, live music, authentic Greek dancing with lessons and boutique booths reminiscent of the Plaka, a well-known picturesque historical neighborhood of Athens.

Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 22; noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 23; and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 24. Festival admission is just $3 per person with free admission on Saturday, June 23 from noon – 5 p.m. for seniors older than 65 years. Children under the age of 10 are admitted free throughout the three-day festival. Free festival parking will also be available, with complimentary shuttle buses transporting guests from public parking sites in Irvine.

Greek cuisine and hospitality will be the focal points as the festival will feature authentic recipes for traditional Greek dishes, delicious pastries and a variety of beverages, highlighted with a wine “Taverna,” offering Greek wine and beer. The traditional Greek menu will include Chicken, Lamb Chops, Greek French Fries, Gyros, Pastichio (Greek lasagna), Loucanico (Greek sausage), Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves), Saganaki (Greek brandy-flamed cheese), Loukoumathes (Greek doughnut holes), Greek Salad, Calamari and more. There will also be a Greek coffeehouse set up to serve Greek and American coffee drinks in a traditional Plaka setting with Greek dance lessons offered free to all. The Philoptochos, the church’s philanthropic group, will bake around the clock during the weeks leading up to the festival to prepare traditional Baklava and other exquisite pastries.

“As Orange County’s largest Greek Orthodox congregation, we are delighted to host a festival that offers an opportunity for the community to experience authentic Greek dining, wine, music, dancing and entertainment,” said Father Steven Tsichlis, St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Priest. “This year’s festival, our 34^th annual, will offer something for everyone with a variety of Greek-themed activities.”

A family-friendly affair, the festival will be lined with boutique shops, a variety of games and a full-scale carnival. Event attendees can also enter an opportunity drawing for the chance to win cash prizes.

For more information on the “A Taste of Greece” festival, please visit www.IrvineGreekFest.com

The Taste of Orange County didn’t start off pretty — Long lines, slow processing and network glitches frustrated a lot of people including us, but we hung in there to eventually enjoy a sunny day filled with appetizing food, cooking demonstrations, artwork and live bands.

FOOD commenced with a Spicy Lobster Shrimp Grinder (at top) from SlapFish.

And the fare continued all day with specialties from several local high-quality restaurants, including Tamarind of London, which offered a nice seating area too, as did a few others.

Though not pictured, Mastro’s Steakhouse presented one of the best lounge areas.

The hip set-up paired well with Mastro’s Steak and Lobster Mashed Potatoes (above).

A few favorites came from Red Table.

We loved the Yuzu Crab Ceviche Tacos and Braised Beef Short Ribs.

We meant to go back for Red Table’s Broken Banana Cream Pie after savory, but forgot.

Spicy, tender, flavorful Chicken from Clay Oven.

Haven GastroPub served up Crab Rolls (above) and Fried Pigs Ears (below).

Pig’s Ears were another first — The pictured were sweet, spicy, crispy and tasty.

Short Rib and Crab-related offerings seemed to be popular, an agreeable thing.

The grilling meat reminded us of the upcoming Orange County Fair.

Chef Demo Host, Chef Jamie Gwen and Executive Chef Rob Wilson from the Montage Laguna Beach show ‘Easy Luxury Hors d’oeuvres Tricks & Tips’ with audience member volunteers.

Great OC Farm-To-Table Dinner, an extra cost but valuable — 7 Courses by 9 Top Chefs.

The Ultimate Stones cover band — They were good and almost as old as the originals.

Thanks for the Cupcakes — Media break under a tree with a glass of Wine.

We’re glad we stayed for all.

Grilling Scallops with an ocean backdrop — It’s for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation at the Montage Laguna Beach, dedicated to making sure no kid in America grows up hungry.

There were familiar faces from Top Chef, Top Chef Masters and other popular local restaurants.

The event was staffed and serviced to the hilt — Welcoming and immediately clearing plates.

All was top notch — From the view to the never-ending, high quality food. 

Top Chef Masters Winner, Floyd’s Shrimp with Watermelon, Arugula and Mint was a favorite. 

Do you remember Jennifer from Top Chef Season 6?

She served a Duck Heart Salad — I tried it.  Check.  Thank you.  The end.

And there was a Salmon Roe Panna Cotta type dish — Tried it too and no can do.

Hey what’s that behind you?  Lo siento.

The longest line was for Alan Wong’s Short Ribs with Shrimp, deservingly so.

Tender, sauced-up, slow cooked Short Ribs topped with a sautéed Shrimp.

It was a lot of flavor in a beautiful, generous dish — Impressive.

Remember Michael from Top Chef 6 — He’s one of the two brothers I could never tell apart.

Okay, I really liked his “Cold Cuts” with a liquid nitrogen type of Horseradish Cheese, I think.

Until I learned it’s Tongue, and then slowed down on the Cold Cut party train.

Guests purchased keys to potentially unlock and take home displayed liquor towers.

The day was a bit overcast, but still picturesque.

Perfectly cooked Lamb Loin hand delivered by Montage Laguna Beach servers.

There was a silent and live auction to raise even more money for the important cause.

The Montage Laguna Beach grounds are exquisite.

Set up (below) for the VIP after party to meet the Chefs.

I feel I already met them, as each handed me their delicious dish — Sufficiently satisfied.

My silent auction bid landed me (2) Tickets to the Irvine Improv, $25 at The Cheesecake Factory and more.  I’m happy to contribute and partake.  I appreciate all my blessings.

Strips and Cheese aka Cheese Strips aka Beach Strips in Huntington Beach are sought after by generations.  I remember having them when I was Chef Lexi’s age and it’s brilliant to see they haven’t changed — You can’t say that about many things.  We’re glad they’re still around.

Look for Strips at Zacks or Jacks (not Babes in the distance below).  Although Babes are the more colorful snack shacks, they lack in service, selection and quality.  I give thumbs down to their freezer-burned Rootbeer Float in hand, while still smiling because it’s a beautiful day.

We say skip Babes and park your bike at Zacks and/or Jacks.

Chicken samples from the backyard grill on Mother’s Day — Anticipated and appreciated.

Bouquets of flowers and fruit flourish.

Tortilla Roll Ups with Smoked Turkey, Ham, Peppers, Cream Cheese, Chives and more.

Specific recipe for above to be posted soon — A past similar recipe is linked here.

Happy Mother’s Day Mom!  Thanks for ALL you’ve done and who you are.

I’m blessed and lucky.

After seeing traffic resulting from Nibbles of Tidbits / I Need Text Company pins, especially from this post, I joined Pinterest.  In honor of our most popular pin, oddly a fake appetizer platter, we present the Super Platter (above), which looks to be real.  Pin this.  Photo credit.

I made a variation of these Baked Green Bean Fries — They question whether or not they can be called “Fries” since they’re not fried.  What do you think?  Are Fries determined by shape or cooking method?  I understand the debate, but can’t take a side.  We say both.

We dipped them in Ranch Dressing, just like French Fries, but call ’em Stix if you insist.

Either way, I likely won’t be making them again, as they’re just okay for the effort. 

Heather’s RECIPE is HERE — The Green Beans are basically coated with Egg and seasoned Bread Crumbs, then baked in the oven.  I used Panko Bread Crumbs instead and seasoned them with Smoked Paprika and Ground Chipotle, Salt and Pepper.  They were of interest to try, but I prefer Green Beans simply made with Butter, Lemon Zest and S & P, or with Bacon.

Apologies for the poor copycat photos — Love to experiment with almost everything.

We like the price of Burgers and Wine at The Counter during Happy Hour.

Mini Cheeseburgers are $2 for two, featured Wine is $3 a Glass and Starters are 1/2 off.

The service is good at Westcliff Village in Newport Beach — Its operators run this location too.

We relished 2 Glasses of Wine, 4 Mini Cheeseburgers, a large plate of Parmesan French Fries with Rosemary (not pictured, blurry) and a Coke for $16.15 — That’s super and all was terrific.