Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen — I love rock and roll and great food, especially together.  I had been to The Slidebar before to see a Black Sabbath cover band, but never ate there until recently. I didn’t know that The Slidebar’s full-name literally includes the word kitchen.  Now I know.

We were invited to The Slidebar to try the Cali Bandito Tacos — YES!  Yes, because they are made with Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce and we are fans of The Offspring, plus it’s good Hot Sauce. Dexter Holland, the singer of The Offspring makes Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce.

Carne Asada and Portobello Mushrooms are marinated in Gringo Bandito’s Original Red Hot Sauce for The Slidebar’s Cali Bandito Tacos.  The Mushrooms are marinated for the vegetarian version of the Cali Bandito Taco.  We tried both and really liked both.  Though I often prefer vegetarian, the Carne Asada Taco was my favorite.  The Beef was tender and very flavorful.

We’re told these Tacos pair best with a Modern Times IPA and we agree that the Orderville paired well. And as good as the Red Hot Sauce is, I like Gringo Bandito’s Green Hot Sauce better.

I wish I was there (above) eating them right now with this photographer.

Aside from The Slidebar’s cool interior, exterior and bands, I learned that most of their food is made from scratch.  The Salsa, Chips and Beans on the plate with the Tacos are all made from scratch.  And the Tortillas for the Tacos too.  All made from scratch.  It’s not just bar food.

I am impressed with Chef Brandon at The Slidebar.  Each dish tasted to be made with love.

My biggest take away — The SlideBAR is The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll KITCHEN.  I want more of their made from scratch food.  They say… Grub You Crave – Scratch Made, and we know it’s true.

Related:  The nearby Burger Parlor makes a Gringo Bandito Tostada Burger that’s terrific too.

Bottle Logic Brewing — United in the thirst of knowledge and BEER.  It’s a hip brewery in Anaheim.  We stumbled upon it, after kitchen remodel shopping directly across the street.  We asked our phones where to get a Beer and lucked out learning about Bottle Logic.  Their Beer makes me love Beer, especially IPA’s.  And Bottle Logic loves dogs.  We brought Leon on our second visit.

The Constants is Bottle Logic’s Tasting Flight — It offers (5) tastes for $8.  Two IPA’s, a Brew, Ale and a Stout.  It’s how I fell for IPA’s.  Particularly the Recursion and Double Actuator.

Grab a stool at the bar, near the containers or outside, if available — With or without your dog.

A different Food Truck is parked outside Bottle Logic Brewing each day.

This day it was Falasophy — We had their Brussels Sprouts (above) with a Sweet and Spicy Tahini Sauce and Hummus & Zaatar Pita Chips (below) with Olive Oil and Cumin, both I’ve hoped to have again each subsequent visit, but haven’t timed it yet.  We absolutely loved both.  All was perfectly prepared and very flavorful.  The Food Truck schedule is posted on Bottle Logic’s website.

Water bowls for dogs are provided inside and out.  Thanks Bottle Logic.  Very nice!

Leon likes you too.  He’s with Matt above and below.  We’ll be back.

It’s such good brew, Matt gets a growler to-go.  And last time I was envious of him having it at home, so I’m getting one to-go next time.  Various brews are sold to-go in various sizes.

The line for brews can be long at times, but it moves along and it’s worth the wait.  We think.

SOCO Sushi & Gastro Pub — It opened a few weeks ago.  It’s SOuth of COmmonwealth (hence the name) in the cool, fun part of downtown Fullerton, amongst other bars, restaurants and shops.

It’s a Sushi Bar and Gastro Pub all sushi-rolled into one — I like the variety they offer.

We had the Fiery Rice Bombs (above) and Melts My Heart Quesadilla (below).

Most appreciated is SOCO Sushi & Gastro Pub’s hospitality — Everyone is welcoming and friendly.

And we thoroughly enjoyed the cooked, meaty Yellowtail Cheeks (above), after having different parts of Hamachi (top)  — We mustn’t discard the cheeks of Matt’s next Yellowtail catch.

It’s nicely styled inside to accommodate small and large groups.

One can dine and drink at SOCO’s Sushi Bar or at their Gastro Pub Bar — That option is matchless.

You can reserve a private room if needed.

Albacore on Acid (above) is another one of SOCO Sushi & Gastro Pub’s unique creations — Menu items are differently and comically named, adding to the fun there.  Much sounds great to try.

It’s said to be the place to start your night — I’d agree with that and from what we experienced and sense, it could be the place you’ll want to end your night also.  It’s positively distinctive and offers food dishes and drinks to please all.  Say “Hi” to Davis Jeong, Executive Sushi Chef.  He and all care about your satisfaction.  Check out their MENU for more info re the pictured items and others.

Have you had the Sticky Toffee Pudding at The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant?  It’s one of the BEST Desserts I’ve had in my life and it’s perfectly served in warm Heavy Cream.

I’ve had it three times and still can’t stop thinking about going back for it again.  I suggest going to The Olde Ship each time we’ve dined out recently, but my husband needs more food variety.  It’s a rich dessert that’s best shared, so not to be put over the Sugar edge.  The unsweetened Heavy Cream balances the sweetness beautifully.  I love The Olde Ship for this dessert, other authentic British dishes and its cozy atmosphere, especially during Christmas time.

I searched for The Olde Ship’s Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe online, but didn’t find it, I’m told it’s made with Dried Apricots and other things.  I may attempt a copycat recipe after a little more study.  I visited The British Grocer, a store run by the same people at The Olde Ship in Fullerton and Santa Ana.  The British Grocer is in Fullerton, down the street from The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant on North Harbor Boulevard.  I’ve yet to visit its Santa Ana location, but hear it’s larger.

Pictured directly above is a prepared, canned Sticky Toffee Pudding I purchased from The British Grocer.  I was told by a clerk there that’s its flavor is most like the one made at The Olde Ship. The store offered two options, one that’s frozen and this one that was canned.

Surprisingly this one is made by Heinz and it does have a similar, rich flavor that’s good served with warm Heavy Cream, though it has a different, more Bread Pudding like texture, rather than a loose, Bran Muffin texture like the Sticky Toffee Pudding prepared at The Olde Ship.  I’ll buy more of both.

I served the Heinz Sticky Toffee Pudding the same way, which made it taste great.

It’s romantic and beautiful inside the Pub, with hundreds of lights in December.

Pictured below is the Great British Breakfast that’s served with a Banger, Baked Beans, Irish Bacon, a Tomato, Mushrooms and Fried Toast.  At first glance, the Toast looks basic, but it’s fried. I thought I’d like that more than I did, but toasted is better.  I like the Baked Beans a lot.

The Olde Ship’s Famous Clam Chowder is very good too, with lots of Clams.

Back to why this post started… The magnificent Sticky Toffee Pudding at The Old Ship (below).

Until we meet again, aka when my husband is ready to go back — I have to be reasonable.

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.

It’s been a long time coming, but it can’t go unreported — We have a favorite Bar and Restaurant in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  We traveled there in February during our honeymoon and fell in love with La Factoria, a Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico, pictured above and below.

Cheers to La Factoria‘s artsy style and unique, gourmet cocktails.

The cocktails are thoughtfully made by scratch and hand.

There are different rooms with different vibes, and some go off later than others.

It was serene during our visit, thus we explored its cool spaces.  Look close — We’re in the mirror below with one of the hip guys running the place.  Our photos turned out magical.

After La Factoria for a drink (all photos above), we went to Restaurant El Jibarito (all photos below) for dinner.  It was recommended by the locals, thus we went and enjoyed our meals.

There we were and wish we were now at El Jibarito in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

It’s casual and comfortable inside and the prices are good.

Cheers to us at El Jibarito — A few others there were celebrating birthdays.

Much is served in Sauce and/or Gravy with Plantains — I like that.

I don’t recall our exact dishes, but the meat in both was very tender.

We were happy to have found El Jibarito too.

El Jibarito is our current favorite restaurant in San Juan, Puerto Rico, though we look forward to trying others in the future, after another stop at La Factoria, a Bar that’s hard to outdo.

Cruising in to San Juan, Puerto Rico — Our favorite stop on the Celebrity Reflection.

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).

We can walk or bike to Totally 80’s Bar & Grille in Fullerton — It’s a relatively new Bar, Restaurant, Dance Club & Karaoke Bar in the neighborhood.  It occupies the space of a former Mexican Restaurant, Bar & Event spot.  There’s little change to its exterior other than the somewhat cheesy sign (sorry).  Its theme caught our attention and made it a must stop.

I love 80’s music and inside it’s a whole new retro world — We’re impressed!

It’s well decorated and fun throughout.  We’re unsure about the “Grille” part of Totally 80’s Bar & Grille, as we only tried the ‘Totally Awesome Tots’, which appear to be popular.  We tried two of the three offered — The Chili Cheese Tots and Nacho Cheese Tots.  The third, Tots Poutine includes Gravy and an Egg.  Good combinations.  The Tater Tots were crisp, but a bit expensive ($10), if not from their Late Night Menu ($6) — We’ll try the Tots Poutine then.

Robert Smith (above) of one of my favorite bands, The Cure — We’re definitely going back to try and photograph more.  Actual 80’s bands, real and cover play here too.  We’re monitoring their events schedule.  Welcome to the hood Totally 80’s Bar & Grille.  Great to see you!

Related — That 80’s Bar in Montclair and New Wave Restaurant in Lakewood.

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.

SeaLegs Wine Bar — It’s my new favorite restaurant (and Wine Bar, especially on a Wednesday when all Wine is 1/2 off).  Everything I’ve had there has been amazing.

LOVE its smart, chic, cool and comfortable style — Parts feel like an east coast vacation spot.

As noted, we think they have the BEST Truffle Mac & Cheese around (top photo) — Huntington Beach is where it’s at.  I’m told it’s made with White Cheddar, Mozzarella and Blue Cheese.

See SeaLegs Wine Bar’s Menu by the seashore, Pacific in this instance — I give no resistance.

Also on the menu, pictured herein are the Bleu Sliders and Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.

I’ve yet to try most of their food, but want to, really, really bad.

Instead I’ve toasted there with ole high school chums on Wednesdays.

Cheers to SeaLegs Wine Bar (and its food) today with memories of yesterday.

Happy Hour prices ($5 Wine & Plates) apply ‘At The Bar’ only, M-F’s from 3-6p.m.

Will climb for Wine wit me sea legs.

Pie Society is inconspicuously set within the back of Pitfire Artisan Pizza in Costa Mesa.

When I first read… Experience the Speakeasy Sanctuary from Tedium — I thought, what?

It’s Pie Society, a separate, connected, somewhat secret Bar, open Tues. – Sun., from 5p.m. to “Close” whenever that may be — Enter through Pitfire Artisan Pizza, if you can find how.

There’s also a back entrance to this speakeasy-type Bar — I love the idea.  It makes it cool.

And you can tell from its look, menu, drinks and related peeps — It is cool!

The Bar is framed with parts of the old Marie Callender’s Pie oven that once occupied the spot.

Pie Society has its own Signature Menu, with mostly different food than Pitfire Artisan Pizza.

Prior to its opening last week, media got to experience the reminiscence of Pie Society.

Signature Menu items are pictured throughout and ‘loosely described’ herein from top down.

Loosely, yes, since the Pie Society House Drinks and Iconic Selections positively detonate!

I tried a few and the El Primo with Sombra Mezcal, Home-made Lime Cordial, shaken with a Lime Wheel was a favorite.  I fell for Mezcal at Pie Society — Good thing I walked there.

Cheers to El Primo (above), the Pool Side (below) and the Hemingway Daiquiri — Ask for ’em.

I can’t name all pictured Pizzas, but Pie Society offers a few from Pitfire and a few unique to it.

It’s very dark inside which is part of the fun, but it makes it tough for photos.

Food media events bring out the best to capture ALL best.

Drinks Stars — I love the house-made (almost) everything… Juices, Syrups, Cordials, etc.

When there, sliding doors sometimes open up to a Pizza oven and additional seating (below).

The view back into the Pie Society Bar area (below).

See the exit sign in the Pitfire Artisan Pizza restaurant (below)?  It’s a way in to Pie Society.

Pizzas are exceptional on both sides of the building, at Pie Society and Pitfire Artisan Pizza.

We tried a Trio of Bread & Butter Pickles with Sriracha and Dill, Pastrami Peanuts with Smoked Sea Salt, and Smoked, Marinated Olives, and Superba Fried Chicken, Tater Tots with Chorizo Fondue, Crispy Dim Sum Shrimp, Cheeseburger Hot Pockets, Kimchi Deviled Eggs and Sweet & Sour Crispy Pork Belly.  The Chorizo Fondue and Pork Belly stood out as superstars to me.

I felt big love and blow its cover.  Another provides more information here.

We enjoyed stiff Cadillac Margaritas, Pizza and more at Black Knight Gastro Lounge (new and improved) at The Triangle — It once was on 17th Street as The Little Knight, a cool dive bar.

It has a more polished, clean look and a larger outdoor patio, something I usually hope for in a place.  Pizza is available inside and at times via the pass-through window adjacent to it.

The Cheese Platter was generous in size and unique with spicy, sweet and colorful Cheeses.

Our Salad (forgot which one) was good to share too — Check their website menu when it’s up.

Upstairs view from The Triangle at Broadway and Newport Boulevard.

And the Wild Goose Tavern has landed at The Little Knight — It too looks spiffier.

We look forward to trying it, especially the Grilled Romaine and Truffle Herb Fries.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Perhaps the best Blackened Catfish we’ve had is at the Reel Inn in Malibu off PCH.

We took a drive along the coast and love where we landed (all day long).

We’d go back to the Reel Inn for the very same thing and more after I study the menu.

I wanted to buy the Cajun Spice but they don’t sell it and wouldn’t tell what’s in it.

It’s a Fish Market and Restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.

Pictured above is Spuddy Freis aka Mr. Potato Freis who traveled with us — We’re dorks.

View across the street from the Reel Inn (above).

On the way to Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, near Malibu.

Still on PCH heading towards Mr. Magoo or something phonetically like it. 😉

What a find — It’s the Old Place (below) and we’re so glad we peeked inside.

It’s a (circa) 50 year old BAR in a 100 year old building with cool people inside.

We appreciated the smiling guy singing with a guitar and genuinely friendly patrons.

Cheers with a non-fancy Wine glass — We’re told to try the Steamed Clams next time.

Loved the Old Place — It’s stylish all around it with unique shopping and Wine Tasting too.

Finally made it to Paramount Ranch on a mostly overcast day, but all was historically beautiful.

Paramount Ranch — It’s where many old westerns were filmed and a fun place to explore.  You’re free to roam around and play outside the Saloon, Barber Shop, Sheriff’s Office and other structures — We cracked up making short, funny videos that we’re still laughing at.

Back to the Fish in Malibu (hopefully someday) and more of everything this day, please.

We toast to the incredible food at The Globe, soon to be shown here, after recognition of National Lager Day — Other National Food Days in December are linked here, here and here.

It’s hard to find a good Sports Bar.  I’ve known some bad ones.  Since becoming a Packer’s fan, it’s become important to find a comfortable and tasteful place to watch the games — One with lots of big screens, a civil atmosphere and great food (perhaps hardest to find) is most desired.  We learned about the changes happening at Dave & Buster’s and can’t wait to test out the digs this Sunday.  Read all about it (below) and check back next week for our amusement verdict.  I’ve always liked D&B’s though didn’t previously consider it on game day.

Dave & Buster’s Introduces Ultimate Destination for Sports Fans

New look offers New Sports Viewing, New Food, New Games and New Fun — Think you know Dave & Buster’s? Think again. D&B’s, the leader in all-in-one entertainment, is upping the game with the launch of its newly renovated Irvine Spectrum and Outlets at Orange locations. Combining massive 15-foot TV screens, a new menu, new games, and top to bottom upgrades, Dave & Buster’s is the ultimate go-to game day headquarters for sports fans.

Over the past three months, the Orange and Irvine Dave & Buster’s have been transformed into the ultimate destination for sport enthusiasts, with a new contemporary look and feel. With enormous projection screens and 25 huge HD TV’s, Dave & Buster’s has dining, sports viewing, and entertainment under one roof.

“We’re very excited about our new look and can’t wait to share it with sports fans,” said James Glenn, General Manager, Irvine Spectrum. “Our new sports bar is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, with new food and new games – no other place has this much going on!”

Orange County Dave & Buster’s guests who are looking for fun are definitely going to find it. Highlights of the changes include:

• Sports focused seating, three 180″ projection screens and dozens of additional large TV’s
• Signature Dave & Buster’s Million-Dollar Midway games such as Speed of Light, Quad Air-Hockey, Connect 4, Fruit Ninja and newly added Doodle Jump
• New menu items including: Poppin’ Potatoes, Bistro Steak & Shrimp, Chicken Rockefeller and Snow Cone Cocktails

The Irvine Dave & Buster’s is located at 71 Fortune Dr., Suite 960
 Irvine, CA, 92618. Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. – midnight Sunday through Wednesday; 11:00 a.m. – 1 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.

The Orange Dave & Buster’s is located 20 City Boulevard West, Bldg. G Suite 1
 Orange, CA, 92868. Hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. – midnight, Sunday through Wednesday; 11:30 a.m. – 1 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.

About Dave & Buster’s

Innovators of the restaurant/entertainment category, Dave & Buster’s was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dave & Buster’s now operates 60 large venue, high-volume restaurant/entertainment complexes throughout the United States that offer a food and fun-filled experience to adults and families. The exciting environment of the Dave & Buster’s complex contributes to each guest’s experience and also provides the perfect setting for corporate and group events. Dave & Buster’s is currently updating all of its stores to enhance the TV viewing areas and build a larger sports atmosphere. Each Dave & Buster’s offers an impressive selection of high-quality food and beverage items, combined with an extensive array of interactive entertainment attractions such as pocket billiards, shuffleboard, state-of the-art simulators, virtual reality and traditional carnival-style amusements and games of skill. Dave & Buster’s emphasizes high levels of guest service in an upscale atmosphere to create casual, yet sophisticated, ideal playing conditions.

SOURCE: Press Release from Dave & Buster’s — Read more about it here and here.

It’s another Fullerton find for me — I love The Olde Ship‘s interior and real Pub feel.

The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant is British owned and operated since 1993, but a first for me and it’s my kind of place.  I like the menu, lighting, friendliness, unique seating and Fish & Chips and want to try more.  Pictured below is the Whitby Platter with Cod and Shrimp.

A toast to how hip it is inside.

Churchill’s Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding is pictured at top and Soup of the Day below.

It was Broccoli Cheddar Soup and will be Award Winning Clam Chowder next time.

Thar-be another The Olde Ship in Santa Ana that’s grand and offers live entertainment.

I’m glad to ‘finally see the brilliance’ and now light-up for a line-up of Starters to try soon.

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 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.

Once the site of a speakeasy during prohibition, The Blue Beet plays on.  And do you remember Sid?  More history about the place can be found here.  It’s a cool joint with good food and music.  One of our Guest Bloggers, Bonnie recently enjoyed their historic prices (currently offered on Thursdays) with her son and wrote the following: 

We went to the Blue Beet tonight for the “Throwback Thursday” specials that they are doing for their 100^th Anniversary.  Both Jay and I (and it seems like everyone around us) ordered the Beef Stroganoff, plus their “Gourmet” Mac ‘N Cheese.  I think it’s the most incredible deal I have ever gotten for a dinner. It was a full plate of Stroganoff on top of Mashed Potatoes and comes with a very generous side of Green Beans.

Although I didn’t particularly care for the Mac ‘N Cheese, it was a full bowl, along with two slices of Garlic Bread. With two Cokes, the meal for both of us came to $24.00 and I have enough left over for a full lunch tomorrow!!  Too bad I didn’t have my camera.

Menu offerings on Throwback Thursday:

Garlic Bread $1.95

Clam Chowder $2.95

Dinner Salad $2.95

BBQ Chicken Salad $4.95

Top Sirloin steak $5.25

Beef Stroganoff $5.25

Pork Chops $5.75

Steak Sandwich $5.75

Mac ‘N Cheese $3.95

Jay never had Stroganoff before, but he loved it!  He ate every single bite of it, along with the Mac ‘N Cheese and his Garlic Bread.  I highly recommend the place.  That’s my report for now.

Thanks Bonnie!  You better bring a camera next time — Above photo credited to a Yelper.