Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

There are more entries than ever at the Orange County Fair this year.

I’m told there are over a thousand entries in the Culinary Arts Competition alone.

Since there’s only one Culinary Arts show this year, the competition will be stiffer than usual.

In previous years there had been two shows, which generally cut the competition in half.

Pictured here are my 2012 entries — An Orange Zest Cheesecake with a Milk Chocolate Ganache, Roasted Peach Scones and Grapefruit, Orange and Lemon-Lime Fruit Bursts.  All have been submitted for judging.  The OF Fair officially opens tomorrow with the results of all.

The entry submission lines were longer this year, but efficient — See you at the Fair.

An all you can eat Korean surprise is at Moodaepo’s Korean BBQ Restaurant in Fullerton.

A surprise, because its exterior does it no justice — It’s a significant, stylish restaurant.

Look beyond the strip mall situation.  It’s a whole new world inside.

Each prepares his/her food on a tabletop grill.

Pick your price, available meat(s) and grill and eat away, then order more if you want to.

Though there’s a lot of room, it gets crowded as many are already in the know.

A pitcher of Beer to accompany the experience.  Hite, Hite, Hite, Hite — Gun Bae.

This evening featured an expert meat cutting demo that fascinated Food Bloggers and all.

Fast and precise — It was Impressive.

A grill (below) ready for your meat and Korean condiments to compliment all.

Other cooked dishes can be ordered — The Bulgogi below was sweet, tender and tasty.

Load your grill with all you can eat.

And don’t burn it, unless you like it that way.

In addition to Moodaepo’s large interior, the patio is quite sizeable and ready for events.

Moodaepo’s owner received an award from the city (I think) — Ask them about the specifics.

Congratulations seem deserving!  Don’t let the outside detour you — It’s utterly in vogue.

It’s a neat place with nostalgic pieces of Korean culture on display to honor its origin.

I look forward to going back — Thank you.

It’s almost time for the Orange County Fair again and there will be much NEW to report — Until then, you may learn about the food related happenings here from the OC Fair & Event Center Press Release (below), combined with snapshots of past OC Fair visits.  What’s cooking…

Hungry? Get a Taste of “Home Sweet Home” at the 2012 OC Fair — Enjoy Deep-Fried Classics, New Creations and Food Exhibits, Cooking Demonstrations and Contests

The theme of the 2012 OC Fair (July 13-August 12) is “Home Sweet Home” and this year the Fair is not skimping on the “sweet.” Whether Fairgoers want to learn about food, watch the pros prepare it or just want to enjoy some tasty treats, the OC Fair delivers something for everyone. Here is a mouthwatering preview of what the 2012 OC Fair is cooking up this year:

• Chicken Charlie: If you like your food deep-fried, battered and on a stick, the 2012 Fair is the place for you. This year, Fair-favorite Chicken Charlie is taking fried food to the next level by deep frying cereal, peanut butter and jelly, spam, pineapple and more.
• Need a Bacon Fix?: At the new Bacon A-Fair, choose from bacon-wrapped turkey legs, deep-fried beer-battered bacon-wrapped hot dogs or the Smokey Porkabello, a bacon-wrapped mushroom with smoked Gouda.
• Take a Ride on the Pineapple Express: Not into the deep-fried thing? Then float on over to the new Pineapple Express (courtesy of Chicken Charlie) which features cored out pineapples filled with shrimp cocktail, fruit and grilled shrimp or chicken and more.
• The Big Rib: Calling all carnivores! Looking to feed your wild side? Come to Biggy’s Meat Market for The Big Rib, a two-pound beef rib on a 17-inch bone, with your choice of homemade sauce. Can’t finish it all? Not to worry! Biggy’s provides an 18-inch Big Rib Doggy Bone bag—once the meat is devoured, take the bone home to your pooch.
• $2 Taste of Fair Food: Every Friday from Noon-4 p.m., Fairgoers can sample the best the Fair has to offer for only $2 each. Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, BBQ tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, corn dogs, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more.
• Celebrity Chefs: The 2012 OC Fair presents two shows in The Hangar featuring dynamic celebrity chefs demonstrating their culinary talents. Scheduled appearances include the Food Network’s Robert Irvine (July 26, 1 p.m.) and Bravo’s “Top Chef” fan-favorite Fabio Viviani (August 2, 1 p.m.). Free with Fair admission.
• Food Truck Fare at the OC Fair: Find gourmet fare within the Fair as the popular Food Truck Fare continues inside Fair gates, offering food truck cuisine every Thursday from Noon-10 p.m. Access is free with Fair admission and prices vary per truck.
• OC Fair Chowdown: Watch the best of the best face-off for culinary glory in a series of live cooking challenges. On July 19 and 28, see food truck chefs go head-to-head in competition as they put their delicacies to the test. On August 2 and 9, see Orange County amateur home cooks test their skills against professional chefs. Winners will receive bragging rights and an award to commemorate their culinary victory. Viewing is free with Fair admission.
• Contests and Competitions: Whether you’re good at cooking or eating, the OC Fair is just the place to bring out your competitive side. Daily, free eating contests are held for children in the Fun Zone Tent at 6:30 p.m. (Registration is 30 minutes before each contest) and Knott’s Berry Farm hosts a pie-eating contest for all-ages at 7 p.m. in the Exhibit Promenade (Registration starts at 6:30 p.m.) Each Saturday, Fairgoers have the chance to compete in the Culinary Arts Special Contests, which are judged live at the Fair for the best cookies, cupcakes, chili and hometown dish (Online entry registration is the Wednesday before each contest. Visit ocfair.com/competitions for information and to register).
• Chocolate Unwrapped: This new exhibit in the Exhibit Promenade puts the “sweet” in “Home Sweet Home.” Come learn how chocolate is made, from the bean to the bar. Complete with demonstrations by Xan Confections.
• Centennial Farm: Come learn where food comes from on this year-round, four-acre demonstration farm featuring educational exhibits, agricultural organizations, growing crops, livestock and the fruit & vegetable competitive entries with the biggest lemons, most unusually shaped vegetables and best home-grown pumpkins Orange County has to offer.

The 2012 OC Fair, themed Home Sweet Home, is July 13 – August 12 and will bring 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the Super Pass, Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday. Concert tickets, action sports reserved seats, single-day general admission and the popular Super Pass are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com or from the on-site Box Office. [Photo: Replica of Table Setting Competition]

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/OCFair or follow us at twitter.com/ocfair. Also, look for the free OC Fair iPhone and Android apps this summer. Get excited for the 2012 Fair! Watch our new commercial on YouTube.

See you there — Nibbles of Tidbits and Kids in the Kitchen love the OC Fair!

What we tried at the Taste of Greece Festival — Saganaki with Gyro was our favorite.

Our experience started with a ride on the 11-Special Shuttle, with a bubble blowing driver.

Grilled Lamb Chops — We appreciate having many.

Keftethes, Souvlaki and Greek Seasoned Fries — The Fries were surprisingly excellent.

Making more Saganaki, fried Cheese flamed with Brandy.

A close call during the flaming of the Brandy.

The Gyro Meat was lean and flavorful.

Chicago Brand — I may need to buy a package of the pictured Cooked Gyros Slices.

Rising Dough for Loukoumathes.

Greek Doughnuts covered with Honey and Cinnamon.

Greek Pastries to go — Sure wish I had some Theples now.

St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church Sanctuary is grand and beautiful.

Peaceful pieces of Greece were much appreciated this 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

It’s a Holy Moly Guacamole Chopped Challenge — Ingredient options are on the table.

My food and legal worlds (again) collide at a Sarnoff, Veritext Company Fiesta.

Sarnoff knows how to throw a party — Contestants (Lawyers, Paralegals & Secretaries) suit up in aprons and sombreros to make the Best Guacamole possible within 2 minutes.  Go!

Scrambling for choice ingredients — Limes, Cilantro, Onion, Chili Peppers, Hot Sauce, etc.

Time is up — Bring your Guacamole to the table.

What would you put in your Guacamole?  And what would you call it?

Contestants had to title their Guacamole and present it to the Judges.

And the winner is… this guy (below).  Congratulations.

For extra caution, the Avocados were cut, halved and seeded pre-challenge.

A Mariachi Band played.

Tacos were served.

And they were just okay — Taco Cart and shirt names withheld.  The Asada was too gristly.

Endless Churros and Virgin Margaritas were there for the taking.

A Chopped Challenge is a fun, interactive activity for an above average office party.

Many will be at Verizon Amphitheater this weekend tasting Orange County’s best.  We’ll be there Saturday to see what’s up — And plan to bring it virtually @FoodBlog on Twitter.

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.

The ‘Dines’ Disco Den it was called — A family Disco Party to celebrate the 45th Birthday of a 20+ year old friend.  1970’s attire was requested of all and the food was caringly homemade.

How can you not have fun with Disco music playing throughout?  I can’t not dance.

Brian (above) is congratulated by Nora, his wife, the birthday girl and my groovy friend.

The Pasta dishes were inspired by their Spaghettini favorites and homemade by Brian.

I knew the Sauce was going to taste good when I saw it — Congratulations indeed.

A decorative Cheese Ball made by a fellow party-goer foodie fit in well with skillful flavor.

Kid’s tables on the backyard lawn — All were having fun.

Prize bowls filled with Zotz, Necco Wafers, Etch A Sketch, Whoopee Cushions, Trophies, etc.

Hoola Hoop Contests for kids (and adults) — It wasn’t boring.

Multi-talented Jacob announced games, handed out awards, disco’d down and hoola-hoop’d.

Definitely an entertaining way for all to spend a birthday, no matter what age — Why not?

Keeping 1970’s music, toys, candy and games alive, but it was hard to find clothes.

A special thanks to The Bee Gee’s, Donna Summer and Barry White (above)?!

At Ka Shabu, YOU are the Chef — Make your own Japanese Hot Pot / Soup.

Choose a Meat, Fish or Vegetable, or a combination of all.

Each seat has its own cooking station to create the Soup Base of your dreams.

Entrees include Rice, Vegetables and Soup Base, as pointed out by the chipped-polish server.

Add Green Onions, Garlic and Daikon Radish for texture, and Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil and whatever else you fancy.  I added much of the Ponzu Sauce that’s also served with the meal.

Kanpai Tomodachi.

YOU grind Sesame Seeds to help prepare a Sesame Peanut Sauce.

I had the Beef Filet and others had the Chicken, Shrimp and Vegetables.

The Chicken looked like Hamachi, which I’d prefer, though it’s not served here.

It’s an engaging experience and my Soup Base turned out pretty darn tasty.

Ka Shabu — The fantastic smell of Garlic boiling in Soup pots hits you when you walk in.

NOW is the window of time to enter a Competition at the Orange County Fair.

Did you know it costs less to enter a Fair Competition than it does to get in the Fair?

When you enter a Competition, you receive a Fair admission ticket — Enter here.

Do your Tomatoes look better than previous winners (above)?  If so, enter the Garden & Floral Competition.  Have you taken a dazzling photograph or do you paint?  Yes?  Enter the Visual Arts Competition.  Or view the complete list — There has to be a Competition for you.

Bottle Beer or Wine, can Jams or Pickles, or bake?  Enter the Tasty Creations Competition.

More Competition INFO can be read here and the specifics regarding all Culinary Competitions are linked here.  Enter most contests in May and June, and Single Day Contests (in person competitions, shown below) now or after the Fair opens.  See schedule here.  Good luck!

Don’t miss the sign up deadline(s) — You might just win.

Nibbles of Tidbits hopes to be at The OC’s “Golden Foodie Awards” and looks forward to a Summer of foodie events leading up to it.  We hope to be everywhere that’s happening to report about it — Please see the http://goldenfoodieawards.com press release below:

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.

Finally inside The Arboretum, our Los Angeles Fantasy Island this day — Ever been there?

We fed turtles (and crazy fish) Cheerios left on the dirt by others — They loved ’em.

The turtles didn’t have much of a chance for a Cheerio with the big-mouthed fish in the water.

And birds stood by scouting for plentiful small fish (and whatever else).

Across the lagoon is the bell tower where Tattoo famously exclaimed “De Plane, De Plane.”

There’s beauty and wonder at The Arboretum — It’s an exploratory way to spend the day.

Bring a camera, cold beverage and good walking shoes to be prepared to see all comfortably.

Food Garden Coming Soon — For those who don’t eat insects, live fish and dirty Cheerios.

A peek inside the old Santa Anita Depot — In photo vintage cooking utensils weave between reflections of today, behind me and up close, as we reflect about life yesterday.  See it?

All this splendor is there for YOU to see.

Below is the Queen Anne Cottage seen on Fantasy Island.  Do you remember it?  Some outdoor scenes were filmed around the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

It sure was peaceful lounging on the Queen Anne Cottage porch.

Already an adventurous day, before heading to Santa Anita Park nearby for its last weekend.

Studying the Racing Form with “fresh Smoked Albacore” from Catalina Fish Kitchen — That’s how it was ordered and only how I want it.  When it’s fresh, it’s terrific, but sometimes it’s not, so keep an eye out there (and everywhere it seems lately) for freshness.  I’ve found Smoked Albacore to be most consistently fresh at The Crab Cooker and The Original Fish Company.

On to the races at Santa Anita Park — The horses are running LIVE for one more week.  Closing day happens to be Earth Day.  We almost missed ’em this year, but instead only missed the first race of this day.  That’s okay, but for the $40 I would’ve won had I got to place the bet I’d planned.  It’s all good though and an entertaining way to spend the day.

All was so fun, I semi-overlooked Ketchup on a Hot Dog. 😉

Down the street from Santa Anita Park is The Arboretum (Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden) — We stopped by after the races, but they were closed.  If what’s inside is as interesting as what’s on the outside (and I know it is), I’m excited to go back with a lot of time.

A tree I don’t want to climb.

An amazing peacock putting on a show — Its feathers were so beautiful.

I’m ready for more of everything with a Mustard Dog.

I’ve had Plums catered, but had yet to dine in the Café until now — It always seems so busy.

This day we sat on the patio with a few Starters and Wine.

We shared the Wild Herb Risotto Cakes with Bistro Greens and Dilled Tomato Salsa.

And the Dungeness Crab Puppies and Oregonzola and Roasted Muscat Grapes.

Two out of three ain’t bad, as the song goes — The taste and temperature of the Roasted Muscat Grapes just didn’t work for us, and the Cheese with too few Hazelnuts and very little Honey wasn’t the greatest, but we always appreciate unique food combinations.

Next door to Plums Café is the Astoria Ballroom to dance, a runner up to eating, for me.

Plums Café and the Astoria Ballroom offer a generous Dinner & Dance SPECIAL each month.

We stopped in for a visit and couldn’t resist a couple dance moves — See me in the mirror?

Look for this coupon (or it’s only $40 without it) and prepare to learn the Cha Cha, Tango, Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot or Swing, after dinner next door at Plums Café.  Did you know they serve dinner now too?  They used to be open for breakfast and lunch (only), but today there is much going on in its obscure corner in Costa Mesa off 17th Street.

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!

Food styling at the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! “Toast to the Red Carpet – Live” event.

Behind the scenes with Food Bloggers on Oscar day at Siren Studios in Hollywood —  Cool stuff.  I had the pleasure of meeting the talented and nice people behind Food Flirt, The Duo Dishes, In Erika’s Kitchen, Run Eat Repeat, Rockin’ Mama, Romy Raves and ICBINB!

All dishes on set were made with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! and the RECIPES are HERE.

A Toast to the Red Carpet by ICBINB! with Molly Sims, Carson Kressley and Brooke Burke.

Before show on set (above), and during the show in the Fantastic Suite at the W Hollywood.

Siren Studios wait area or S for Shelly — Hhhmmmm.

Leaving studio on the way to the W, just a couple blocks away.

The W Hollywood — I love its style.  More about it by Bonnie, after the Giveaway (below).

In the Fantastic Suite with Lifestyle and Food Bloggers — Thanks to ICBINB!

A Champagne toast in the mirror and the option of Toast with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!

I enjoyed Toast and all dishes developed by Katie Lee using ICBINB!

More information about the dishes and RECIPES are HERE.

My favorite was the Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes pictured above.

Added to all from the W were Kobe Beef Sliders (above).

Off the Fantastic Suite was an outdoor lounge set with Beer, Wine, Champagne and Sodas.

And Celebrity Makeup Artist, Terri Apanasewicz was there to give expert advice — Thanks!

And beyond the outdoor lounge was another patio across the street from the Pantages.

GIVEAWAY:

If you got through all that and still want to be entered into a DRAWING to WIN a classy Ralph Lauren Serving Tray, (4) Champagne Glasses, Wine Charms and decorative Butter Knife, do (1) of these things before March 8th ends PST.

• Like Nibbles of Tidbits on Facebook
• Leave a Comment on this Post
• Follow @FoodBlog on Twitter

We’ll draw (1) name from all entries and notify him/her/you on March 9th with a CONGRATULATIONS!  You may enter once a day via any means noted above.  If you already Like Nibbles of Tidbits on Facebook (and probably don’t, hahaha), a subsequent comment there or here will count as an entry.  Good luck and thanks ICBINB! Peeps.

A Bedazzled I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! is the real star here — It wore more than Toast.

What are you wearing I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!?  These Fashion Experts want to know.

It’s an appetizing MENU designed by Katie Lee I’m wearing, replied ICBINB!.

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! is going places, and Nibbles of Tidbits will soon offer a GIVEAWAY and report about the happenings this Oscar day in Hollywood at Siren Studios.

Who, what, where and when showing soon — And related blog report(s) to be linked.

Spread your mind after Toast.

Orange County Restaurant Week starts today — It’s the best time to dine out in the OC.

Its Launch Party at Newport Lexus was the perfect kick-off — Tasty bites at every turn.

Wine and song to entertain.

The Chocolate Raspberry Martini almost made me want a Lexus.

Pulled Pork Sliders from the House of Blues — Love it as a concert venue.

The Cupcakes were gone by the time we finished savory — Should’ve reserved one.

A special shout out goes to RA Sushi — We couldn’t get enough of their Shishito Peppers.

The Lobster Bisque offered by Scott’s Restaurant & Bar was one of our favorites.

And the Lobster Mac & Cheese from House of Big Fish may be the best I’ve ever had.

 The only thing to make for dinner this week are reservations, they say.  I think so too.

May need to go to Sundried Tomato to have this Chopped Salad (below) again.

I’ve appreciated Melissa’s Produce for years and have a story for another time.

Where are you dining this week?  Polenta with Pulled Pork (top) was from Cucina Enoteca.

Starfish and a couple others ran out of food early — Wasn’t fond of that, but went elsewhere.

An honorable mention goes to Slater’s 50/50 for their Vampire Dip — It’s Gar-Lick-Key, but oh so darn good, and what nice servers they had.  All was a good time.  Thanks!

It’s happening HERE on Facebook Sunday, February 26th — We’ll be at the W Hotel in Hollywood at the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! ULTIMATE Red Carpet Viewing Party.  Come back to watch the Online Show that’ll be streaming LIVE from 3 – 4pm PST.  At this point, I don’t know a lot about it and plan to be surprised.  I do know that I like ICBINB!’s Olive Oil Spray, and the event should make for an interesting day either way, if we survive Hollywood traffic on Oscar Night.  Until then, peek at Hollywood-Inspired Recipes and we’ll report back regarding the festivities, FOOD, cocktails, celebrities, W and penthouse view, if you miss it.

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.

Seemingly endless choices at Choices, The Buffet at PALA Casino Spa Resort.

Choices is decidedly our first choice of Casino Buffets, inched up after a second visit.

Too many items to accurately list, track and photograph, and too busy having fun making choices, but generally describe the captured — Our tastes included, from top down, Pork Tenderloin, Carved Turkey Breast, Lamb and Sausage, and well cooked Fish in a Sweet Sauce.

The Largest Shrimp Cocktail in the World — You’re allowed to eat all of it, if you can.

BBQ’d Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken and Carne Asada to order, if you so choose.

Travel around the world while making choices at Choices — From Asia to Italy and beyond.

Lots of Pizza choices — Pepperoni and Jalapeno looked best to me.

Shrimp Fajitas in Mexico.

Or a good old-fashioned Sandwich exactly how you like it.

The decor is pleasant and the seating is comfortable.

One of the Pastry Chefs — He was nice and willing to assist, that’s all I know.

Spectacular Dessert Cases — It feels like you’re in a Pastry Shop to eat all you want/can.

One of each, to-go please, yeah I wish — Can’t eat all in one sitting and wish I had ’em now.

Pick any one, two, three, four, five, etc.

Have something custom made – A Banana Split, Crepes, Bananas Foster, Rootbeer Float, etc.

And the best part of the story is… We celebrated my Grandma’s 90th Birthday.

Happy 90th Birthday Grandma — We love you!  We won big this day just being together, and didn’t lose too much in the video poker machines.  It was a beautiful day out near Temecula.

On to the warning… Don’t order a Glass of Pinot Grigio — It’s $12.  That was a shocker when the Glass of Chardonnay was only $4.  We tasted both comparatively and will unanimously opt for Chardonnay next time.  The Pinot Grigio wasn’t $8 better tasting, especially at a Casino.