Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

I had the best Sandwich I’ve ever had in my whole life — That’s what my employer/attorney/foodie friend Mike said about Ike’s Love & Sandwiches in Newport Beach.  He recently had a couple Sandwiches there and told me that.  I work in the Newport Beach/Irvine area three days a week. And now, after four consecutive work days of Sandwiches from Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, it’s my new obsession.  Mike is right.  Ike’s makes some of the best Sandwiches I’ve ever had too.

Pictured is the Matt Cain Sandwich, made with Roast Beef, Turkey, Salami, Provolone Cheese and Godfather Sauce, whatever that is.  I don’t know what it is, but it’s sure tasty.  The photo does not do it justice.  Ike’s Sandwiches are named after famous people, different things, and some have quirky names like… Name of the Girl I’m Dating.  Thus far I’ve tried the Jim Rome, The Little Mermaid, Steve Jobs and Matt Cain, and all could contend for the best Sandwich ever.

It’s true — Each Sandwich is loaded with flavor.

So far, the Jim Rome is my favorite — It’s made with Turkey, Avocado, Cheddar Cheese, and Ike’s Red Pesto Sauce, made from Sun Dried Tomatoes, I think.  Simple ingredients, but so dang good.

It’s busy at Ike’s Love & Sandwiches in Newport Beach so we call in our Sandwiches, pick them up fairly quickly and eat ’em in our office conference room.  It’s an efficient method that’ll be in play again next week.  My sights are set on Adam Richman, a Sandwich made with Fried Chicken, Ham, Honey, Pesto, Avocado and Swiss.  We’ve had all on Ike’s World Famous Dutch Crunch Bread.

Better photos of our next amazing Sandwiches will soon be posted.

Example of Ike’s Dutch Crunch Bread unwrapped (above).

I’ve now had so many Sandwiches I don’t know which one is posted above, but I know I loved it.

We tried Burger King’s new Mac N’ Cheetos (pictured) — Macaroni and Cheese inside fried batter shaped like Cheese Puffs.  The Macaroni and Cheese in Burger King’s ad looks creamy and their “Cheetos” appear to be dusted with an orange, cheesy powder, but in person they look different.

I hate to report it, but they kind of look like little fried turds — That’s from a consensus of three tasters.  Burger King’s Mac N’ Cheetos were darker than expected and had no visible orange flavored powder, like Cheetos and Cheese Puffs do.  If the batter is supposed to be made with Cheetos, we couldn’t taste the Cheetos flavor in it.  And the Macaroni and Cheese inside was very dry.

I didn’t want more than just one Cheeto.  That’s not good.  I didn’t expect them to be great, but they’re just plain funny and bad, like crazy Fair food.  Maybe BK should wrap them in Bacon, JK.  I waited in line too long for them, and the first BK I went to ran out of them, while I was stuck in the drive-thru.  That wasn’t good either.  I wish I could report better, but three tasters on behalf of Nibbles of Tidbits do not want them again, though all appreciate the fun concept of ’em.

Though sad that Chick-Fil-A removed Cole Slaw from their menu, the pictured Superfood Side that replaced it is quite flavorful.  In fact I’ve been craving it ever since trying it.  I’ve now had it a few times for lunch aside Chicken Nuggets.  It’s funny and unexpected, since I liked Chick-Fil-A’s Cole Slaw so much.  I didn’t want to like their Superfood Side, whatever the heck it was, I initially thought.  Now I REALLY like it, ha.  It’s a tasty combination tossed in a tangy Maple Vinaigrette.

Note:  If you miss Chick-Fil-A’s Cole Slaw too, the recipe is posted here.

What?  No more Cole Slaw at Chick-Fil-A?  Really?  I don’t think it’s a good decision, but it does ease my disappointment a bit to have the recipe.  Chick-Fil-A says they removed Cole Slaw from their menu to make room for their new Superfood Side (pictured below courtesy of Chick-Fil-A).

Their Superfood Side is actually a Kale Salad with Broccolini, Roasted Nuts and Dried Sour Cherries, which sounds good to me, but I think Chick-Fil-A’s Cole Slaw would appeal to more people, especially since it was a darn good Cole Slaw.  Everyone doesn’t like Kale.  Please bring back the Cole Slaw.

Until then, here’s the recipe if you liked Chick-Fil-A’s Cole Slaw too.

Update on 04/12/16:  Review of Chick-Fil-A’s Superfood Side.

I discovered that the Taco Bell off Barranca and Von Karman in Irvine is automated inside.  I don’t want to learn Taco Bell’s computer system.  The process took longer while people figured it out.

Menus were scattered about.  I just found it annoying.  I’m not going inside that Taco Bell anymore.

One Taco Bell employee said 50% people like it and 50% don’t.  You know where I stand.

We love to build our ideal Pizza for a fair fixed price and can now do it at Blaze Pizza.

Tell them exactly what you want on your Pizza and they’ll make and blaze it for you.

Pick a Sauce, Cheese, Meat and/or Vegetables, or mix a few, several, or all if you like.

Blaze Pizza offers Kalamata Olives, Pineapple, Roasted Garlic and Red Bell Peppers, sautéed Onions, Jalapenos and Artichoke Hearts, all my favorites, and more than what’s shown here.

Its Thin Crust cooks fast and we realize we like Blaze Pizza slightly better than its local competition, Pieology, which has nothing wrong with it, but Blaze fires ahead in flavor.

One just opened in La Habra and others will be opening soon throughout Southern California.

The Pizza above was made with 1/2 Classic Red Sauce & 1/2 White Cream Sauce, and the other (top) was made with a Spicy Red Sauce and various toppings — We want another.

At Pieology Pizzeria, I can finally get all the Pizza toppings I want without worrying about cost.  I usually limit Pizza toppings to 3 max, otherwise it gets expensive.  Here it makes sense to have more.  For one price — $7.95 — You can have them all if you want.  And it’s fast too.

It’s easy — Just go through the assembly line and tell them what you want.

What kind of Sauce?  What kind of Cheese?  1/2 and 1/2?  Simple?  Complex?

It’s all up to you.  Want more Pepperoni than generally allotted?  You can have it — I like that!

To simplify, you can also choose one of Pieology’s 7 Specialty Pizzas from $6.45 – $7.95.

It’s a nice sized Pizza with a perfectly crisp, thin crust, for one or two people.

A friend of mine works at a movie theater near a Pieology Pizzeria and says many sneak Pieology Pizzas into the theater.  I’m not sure how, but it’s done.  And he says… it’s the most coveted leftover by those cleaning theaters — Some like it so much, they’ll eat a stranger’s last slices if they’re left in the theater.  Yikes!  I surely wouldn’t do that (hahaha), but it goes to show how good it must be, or theater employees need to eat before going to work.

Did you know that we taste and compare Chili Cheese Fries?  We do and our Orange County Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Report, with photos of all consumed thus far is linked here.  We recently tried and liked Portillo’s Chili Cheese Fries, which have just been added to our ongoing post.  Learn more about all here and/or suggest your favorite and we’ll give ’em a try.

I tried one of these Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches one day while having lunch at Chick-Fil-A.  They were offering samples.  I couldn’t believe how good it was and I’m not a Biscuit person.

Ever since then, I’ve wanted one for breakfast, but rarely seem to be near a Chick-Fil-A, while it’s open and still serving Chicken Biscuit Sandwiches (until 10:30 and not on a Sunday).

When nearby, it’s a must and always a treat.

I’ve liked Chick-Fil-A’s Original Chicken Sandwich for several years and now highly recommend their Chicken Biscuit Sandwich.  It’s surprisingly almost better than the original.  Try it and see.

It’s buttery, flavorful and delicate, and compliments the Crispy Chicken well.

Carl’s Buns are tight!  They’re fresh baked in the restaurants and served on Six Dollar ‘Thickburgers’ formerly known as Six Dollar Burgers.  I’m not sure if the Burger size is different, but Carl’s Jr. changed the Bun and altered the name, it appears, and we gave one a try.

The Burger above was a little dry and the Bun slightly burnt, but it does make a better Burger.

We say… keep up the Fresh Baked Buns — I’m reminded of my 8-Minute Buns DVD.

Wow, I’m this week’s ‘Philly’s Best Fan’ aka winner of a Cheesesteak Sandwich and T-shirt, and now in the running for FREE Cheesesteak Sandwiches for a YEAR.  I’d sure love that.  You may enter too — Just upload a photo of yourself eating a Philly’s Best Sandwich.  Good luck all!

With respect to Sonic’s Cheesy Bacon Pretzel Dog, everything is tasty about it except for the Pretzel Bun, what got me to buy it in the first place — A similar situation to Wendy’s Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger.  I love a good Pretzel Bun on a Sandwich, only if it’s made right.

A Pretzel Bun shouldn’t be too thick, dry or bland.

Though Sonic’s Pretzel Bun looks pretty, it doesn’t have much flavor and it’s too stiff and thick.  The Hot Dog slides out the other end when taking a bite.  It’s otherwise quite appetizing.

On a different or improved Pretzel Bun, Sonic’s Hot Dog could be a winner — This one fell short.

Have you tried Wendy’s new Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger?  Since I like a good Pretzel Bun (especially the Ham on Pretzel Sandwich at the Corner Bakery Cafe, but I digress), this Burger caught my attention — It’s available at Wendy’s for a limited time, thus we gave it a try.

It was nice to see the Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger look (almost) as good as its photo, unlike many newly advertised fast food items — Generally, actual items are not as neat, large or pretty as their advertised photo.  At the restaurant, food is made and served fast for the customer, but slow and meticulous for the photo shoot that ulitmately helps sell it.  I get it.

No bait and switch here — It’s a good Burger.  I like the Applewood Smoked Bacon and Baby Greens on it.  The Pretzel Bun isn’t bad, but comparably should have more flavor and perhaps be a little thinner.  Two of us think the Pretzel Bun is a bit dense and filling compared to others we’ve had.  We may have it again, but don’t need to.  Visit Wendy’s to learn more about it.

You can’t see the Sofritas under the tasty selection of toppings on my Chipotle Salad, and don’t be afraid when you do — Chipotle’s Sofritas are made with shredded Tofu that’s braised with Chipotle Chilis, roasted Poblanos and aromatic Spices.  Its spiciness makes it desirable.

Sofritas is an option for vegans or anyone who likes its flavor — We eat it all.

It looks like this (below) and probably better in person. 😉

Chipotle Mexican Grill always seems to be busy, but the line usually moves along quickly.

You have to slow the employees down to get exactly what you want, but it’s okay, I guess.

They’re making a Burrito for another and a Burrito Bowl and Crispy Tacos with Sofritas for us.

Guacamole costs extra — I’m going to want a BIG scoop, thank you.

I love Chipotle’s delicate, crispy Taco Shells, but one must eat ’em fast for optimum crunch.

At times I could imagine I was eating Ground Beef Tacos instead of Tofu ones.

Though Sofritas is good, there’s a Barbacoa mountain to climb — I LOVE it, as evidenced here.

Chipotle’s MENU has something for all — It’s easy to have a good meal there.

It’s Loaded Chili Cheese Wedges from Jack in the Box and they’re pretty good with Jalapenos, but I could do without the sliced Onions concealed throughout.  I’d have it again, which is more than I can say about the last addition to our OC Chili Cheese Fries Comparison post.

Burrissimo Fresh Italian — One try got me hooked on the Pasta Bowl with Salmon.

It’s in Costa Mesa and I’ve already been back for seconds of the same.

Burrissimo makes me think of an Italian Chipotle.

It’s similar in that YOU choose the Entree… a Burrissimo, Pasta Bowl or Chopped Salad Bowl.

And then choose a Grill Item… Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Meatballs, Steak or Salmon.

Choose a Sauce — Pomodoro, Diavolo and/or Alfredo.

The final step is to Top-It-Off with a combination of whatever YOU like best.

I’m now hooked on the Peppadew Peppers — They’re perfectly sweet and hot.

It has a good size interior and an outdoor side patio and/or it’s well set up to-go.

The Salmon Pasta Bowl decorated with my faves is too good — I may never try anything else.

What is a Burrissimo?

It’s Angel Hair Pasta, a grill item, fresh Vegetables & Sauce wrapped in Italian Flatbread.

It’s different and actually quite tasty — Pictured is the Meatballs & More Burrissimo.

My first Pasta Bowl (above) doctored to my satisfaction, awaiting the Garlic & Lemon Salmon.  I ended up liking this place a lot more than I thought, and one Pasta Bowl can be two meals.

EXTRA EXTRA:  Friday, June 7th is National Donut Day. To celebrate, Burrissimo in Costa Mesa is offering a Free Zeppole Italian Donut with any purchase that day.

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.

Did you see our post regarding Miguel’s Jr. Homestyle Mexican Food Restaurant?  We recently discovered it and decidedly liked it after one meal — Now after a few more (Wet Bean & Cheese Burrito and Taco Salad with Shredded Chicken), it’s serious.  We’re in heavy like.

As previously noted we REALLY like Miguel’s Jr.’s Beans and now appreciate their massive Burritos and homestyle flavor of their Shredded Chicken — All is well prepared and well priced.

Miguel’s Jr. Homestyle Mexican Food — It’s on 17th Street, near Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa.  A Taco Bell once occupied the space.  It’s Miguel’s Jr.’s first fast-food-type restaurant in Orange County, and after a quick bite I’m already glad it’s here and want to taste more.

One of Miguel’s Jr.’s listed core values is to ‘Deliver a positive experience that exceeds expectations’ — I didn’t know that walking in, but now see it’s true.  Everyone seemed genuinely friendly, and the Beans on the pictured Tostada with Shredded Chicken were extra good.  I’ll need a Bean & Cheese Burrito there real soon.  Miguel’s Jr.’s prices aren’t bad either.

How many things can you make from a Potato?  The list would be long.  One more sibling in this scenario might be Chili Cheese Fries — Our list of ‘where to find the best’ is here.  One of my favorite things to do is to see how many dishes I can make with the same ingredient.  Did you see all the Avocados we received?  Stay tuned to see what we made (and did) with them.

Its name cracks me up and it’s somewhat true that Jack in the Box’s new Burger is a Hot Mess in a good way — We like it a lot, though it’s a bit overpriced, but we’ll have one again.

It’s easy being cheesy.

Carl’s Jr. just can’t seem to leave sex alone in advertising — It doesn’t make me want whatever they’re selling, but a free coupon does.  Though I call it as I see it, Carl’s Jr. still sends coupons to try new menu items, and this time we tasted two Sandwiches we’d again.

Jalapeno Turkey Burger — The Santa Fe Sauce (also on the Charbroiled Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich), Jalapenos, Pepper Jack Cheese and Wheat Bun make this Burger flavorful.  It’s light and satisfying combined with the Turkey Burger, Lettuce, Tomato and Red Onion.

It’s not the good looking guy eating the Jalapeno Turkey Burger that makes me want to try one (but if taking that route, glad it’s realized that women eat Burgers too), nor does a bikini model cause me to want a Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich.  Interesting correlation.  More than anything I value creativity and humor in advertising, combined with a good deal and tasty meal.  Spare us the overplayed sex-sells sales approach — Make us laugh Carl’s Jr.

Regardless of all, I would’ve tried the Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich anyway.

Though ours wasn’t as thick as the one on TV, it’s a Sandwich I’d buy with my own dime.  The Atlantic Cod was all white with good seasoning and it’s perfect on a soft Honey Wheat Bun.

Two of us gave four thumbs up to both — Soon to be customers in line for these Sandwiches.