Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Too bad we can’t fill our gas tanks with Beer — Don’t drink and drive this year (or ever). Taxi!

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.

A friend recently drove through a Starbucks Drive-Thru and when she got to the window to pay, the employee told her that her Coffee had been paid for by the anonymous person in front of her.  She only remembers it was a lady.  The gesture made my friend’s day, an otherwise bad one in other ways.  It came at the right time and she’s still talking about it.  Now I’m going to do it!  And it doesn’t need to happen at a Starbucks — Any drive-thru will do, like El Pollo Loco, unless there are too many people in the car behind you, ha.  You decide.

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.

These Red, White & Blue Gumdrops are similar to Shelly’s Jellies, but different in that SJ’s are always made with real, puréed and/or juiced Fruit, instead of Extracts and/or Oils.  I love the patriotic stars, Gumdrop’s timely color combo and the freedom to make anything I want.

May the best of the worst (too commonly) win — Hope to toast to those I voted for!

Official exploration and documentation of FOOD in Fullerton kicked off at Moodaepo’s.

We spent two days sampling food in Fullerton’s SOCO District (South of Commonwealth).

At Stadium Tavern (above), we had Salads on the patio — The top special was a Lump Crab Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Avocados with a Basil Oil and Balsamic Reduction.  We relished both Salads on a sunny afternoon.  Have you been to Roscoe’s Famous Deli (below)?

The Sandwiches are crazy tall — We needed an extra pair of Bread.  The place is cool too.

We had the Harbor Sub (above) and the Silly Billy (below).

On top of all that jazz, its twinkling atmosphere glows ready for any kind of patron.

My Fullerton restaurant Tour Guide (below) doing who knows what at Roscoe’s. 😉

After all, we toasted to life with a customized Iced Tea from Tranquil Tea Lounge.

Refreshing and flavorful on this hot day — We’ll get it hot on a cold day, someday.

An informative and nice bunch run Tranquil Tea Lounge — And you may smell any of the labeled jars.  It’s how we decided what to drink.  They are well identified and pungent.

Its limited menu is inviting and it’s casual and artsy inside.

We’ll be scouting the streets to choose where to go next in Fullerton.  Check back.

I’ve previously written about The Cellar too — It’s within walking distance from (or in the same building as) Stadium Tavern, where we’d gladly have another Salad.  I’m learning that Fullerton has much to offer in the way of FOOD and people.  I’m ready for more.

Do you see the unfocused jeans draped over a chair in the distant background?  CK would stay here and so would I — Not sure where it’s found, perhaps in the bizarro world, but it applies to this prominent food blog because… Do you see the Bowl of Fruit in the forefront with Champagne on the side?  That’s enough with this photo, and then there’s the Fish. 😉

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.

Each is responsible for him/herself — Government need not mandate how much one can eat or drink, drugs and alcohol aside. There are more important issues to tackle.  Mayor Bloomberg’s latest proposal is simply ridiculous on quite a few levels, but since Nibbles of Tidbits is a food blog and not a political blog, I’ll move on.  Run Soda run, and Hot Dog, you’d better hide.

Note: This is a variation of a pre-published report, posted again to assess technical issues.

A bib for the baby?  Here you go — Happy Cinco De Mayo!  It’s now on to La Espiga De Oro.

And we might want a big, fat, wet Burrito don’t you know.

Or we’ll make Nibbles of Tidbits’ Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Copycat Recipe?!

Or opt for Chinese take-out to avoid crowds and labor — TBD after the Cadillac.

Much to possibly do — Salud to a new Superman too!  Milk is good food.

I’ve yet to experience the ideal Coffee Pot design.  Even when I focus on the pour, I still spill.  Is it just me?  Granted I haven’t spent a lot of money on a Coffee Maker, nor poured from the King’s pot, but it just seems that too many Coffee Pots have an imperfect design.  That’s it.

Warning:  Pictured spill may be exaggerated and is closer than it seems.

Most often seen in trendy Hotels, I recall — And that still seems to be the “case” with respect to the soda cans above.  This time they’re at the W in Hollywood at the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Red Carpet Event.  More about the elusive cans and event are here.  Moving on.

The purpose of this post is to announce the winner of the ICBINB! Giveaway.  We appreciate all entries.  And the WINNER is… Ms. A. Thompson from Signal Hill, California — We’ll soon be in touch regarding your stylish prize.  Speaking of style, our Guest Blogger and Interior Designer, Bonnie writes about her point of view on the event.  Her report follows.

The Fabulous Features of the “Fantastic” Suite — They claim there are only two “Fantastic” suites at the W Hotel in Hollywood, which is appropriately situated at the iconic intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Streets.  This is where we spent the latter part of our Oscar Sunday afternoon. “Our” stunning suite had killer angles, floor to ceiling views and not one, but two glamorous rooftop decks to check out the Hollywood vibe going on below us.

 The Suite – and indeed, the entire hotel lobby – offers contemporary design along with a bold color scheme to create the ultimate Hollywood experience.  Every detail was impeccable, from the flowers to the design of the food servers themselves.  In my interior designers mind, the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! food was impeccably served and we all had fun along with fabulous service.  Here’s a BIG Shout Out to all the women involved in setting us up in the stunning Fantastic Suite at the W Hotel. They rocked it!

 Thanks Bonnie and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!

Experimenting with Picnik Premium Photo Editing, available to all for FREE until April, when Picnik packs up for Google town — They’ll no longer be growing grass and cueing bird songs.  We’ll miss Picnik in the Spring, and hereby toast to them with a plan for a real picnic.  Cheers!

Though I’m not a big Twitter or celebrity person, as previously expressed, it’s pretty cool to see David Rosengarten following me on Twitter.  Maybe he saw what I wrote about him or maybe it’s not really him!?  You can’t be too sure about the virtual world, but I’m sure I learned a lot from him on Taste several years ago — That’s real, and what I like most about this post.

Note:  Photo is completely unrelated.  It’s been so beautiful here lately and just walked 12 miles that started with a Naked Juice and freshly baked Morning Bun from Fresh & Easy.

I used to sneak Champagne into movie theaters when I was younger, and to be completely honest, can’t say I wouldn’t do it again.  Popping the cork quietly was always a challenge and it was doubly uncomfortable when the empty bottle would roll (all the way) down the aisle between the seats.  Fortunately we were never identified.  TODAY, if I go to Island Cinema, I won’t have to be covert — One may freely sip Champagne with a Panini in the other hand, while watching a movie.  Learn more about Island Cinema here, here and here.  We’re wondering if the food is good and will report back when known.  We like the concept of all.

A surprise at the office on Friday made my day — Walked in to a pile of presents on my desk and a box of Donuts nearby.  A couple days a week at EPL’s corporate headquarters (as a Paralegal, Consultant) enhances living.  Before and after will always be tasty grilled Chicken.

You’re lucky to like your job, or in some cases just have one — I thankfully enjoy a few.

And now keen on 2 Pounds of See’s Candy, Homemade Apple Juice and candles — Sounds like a party.  I never had 2 Pounds of Chocolate.  Is it really Apple Juice or Moonshine?  I won’t tell.

I feel bizarre — What’s in there?  JK, lovin’ the freshly juiced Gala and Fuji Apples with the Nuts & Chews, at a pace to avoid chaos.  Thank you!  I’m very grateful for all.  The little things and big picture matter most.  Merry Christmas, love and feast on earth.  Pass the Moonshine.

I grew up conducting neighborhood Pepsi vs. Coke Challenges and the results were always split down the middle — Each argued passionately for his/her choice.  I rarely drink either today, but clearly knew which I liked better back then.  At the time, I lobbied heavily for Pepsi.  I believed it to be less sweet and more carbonated, though current co-workers feel strongly otherwise in favor of Coke.  The Cola Wars continue.  Do you have a favorite?  With respect to the infografic, I found the acquisitions interesting.  The next challenged may be between Naked and Odwalla.  Credit: Business Insurance Blog.

I so want to see this bottle amongst the Wine on the shelf — I’d buy it in a heartbeat.  Why not tie its price around the bottle neck with a green leaf scarf.  It’s one of the coolest Wine bottle labels (or non-labels) I’ve seen.  No label needed here, it’s in the design.  Would you want to drink it?  You know, the outside doesn’t actually need to be made of dirt/earth. 😉

Oh Belmont Shore I have a special place for thee — Hadn’t been back for some time.  Memory lane happened today with a stop at Shannon’s Bayshore for a Shoot the Root and game of pool.  A lot has changed and much remains the same on Second Street.  A good change for Bayshore is its longer bar that now stretches most the length of its narrow space. 

Shoot the Root — A Shot of Root Beer Schnapps dropped into a glass of Beer.

Interestingly the Tequila Alquimia may be our favorite part of the LA Luxury Chocolate Salon, just kidding, sorta.  The Chocolates were good too when the lines went down, and the Tequila was needed to tolerate the lines.  The Tequila was smoooooth and we enjoyed the nice family who made and generously poured it.  As for the Chocolates, I just voted for the best.

As part of the Salon Awards Tasting Panel, I got to taste all and vote for my favorites.  The official results will soon be posted, along with additional observations about the event.

Ours looks better than it tastes, but it was refreshing — We’re searching for a better recipe.

We weren’t the only Trunk Bar in stacked parking at The Greek Theatre last night, not that it’s right.  Though we only had one shot of Patron and a Corona, we like doing unlawful activities in style — This time it included a Cost Plus World Market Picnic Basket, Tequila, Limes and Salt, while waiting for the Go-Go’s to play.  Please drink responsibly.  We do. 🙂

08/23/11 Update:  Pictured above are the Go-Go’s and winners of the Cost Plus World Market Go-Go’s Getaway Sweepstakes.  The official winner was Amanda Wright who invited (10) of her best friends to join her.  She had this to say… “The night of the concert was amazing and we were treated like royalty.  We managed to fit in Universal Studios, tours of the Chinese and Nokia Theatre, Star walk and an amazing dinner at Yatai Asian Tapas Bar.  We actually got to sing Happy Birthday to Belinda Carlisle.  It was truly amazing!!  We will never forget it.”