Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Thanks OC Fair and Wahoo’s Fish Taco — It’s an appreciated compliment to my Division Win.

I opted for a Mushroom Enchilada with Green Sauce, White Rice and Cajun White Beans. 

I’ve liked Wahoo’s Fish Taco for years, especially their Green Sauce and Maui Onion Rings believe it or not — They’re the Best Onion Rings I’ve found.  Regarding the rest of their MENU, I need to venture out, and plan to soon since a co-worker says… Wahoo’s Black Beans are better than all others.  After that statement, I have to try them again, as it’s been a while.

Stickers and photos are generally plastered on the walls along a winding entrance to Wahoo’s Fish Taco.  Photos posted here were taken at the Irvine Spectrum Center.  I particularly like the bench made out of skateboard boards (above), but I’m never fond of the commonly seen lines there.  It’s best to go early or late, unless everyone else has the same idea that day.

Dress like a cow and get FREE Chicken — Bailee of Kids in the Kitchen recently stayed up until 3:00 a.m. with a friend laughingly making cow costumes for Chick-Fil-A‘s 8th Annual Cow Appreciation Day.  I’ve loved Chick-Fil-A for years (especially their Original Sandwich with extra Pickles, Coleslaw and/or Nuggets with Chick-Fil-A Sauce), but I think the girl’s experience was worth more than the free Chicken.  Check out The Best Cow Costume Contest here.

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.

It’s Cafe Rio that I can’t get enough of lately — Upon realization, I photographed the latest, a Shredded Chicken Enchilada with Green Sauce, Green Chili Rice and Black Beans.  Good stuff!

Though the MENU is limited at In-N-Out Burger, their secret (up to you with what’s on hand), and Not-So-Secret MENU can seem unlimited.  Forget the Double Double, opt for a 100 X 100.  Can you imagine how long it would take in the drive-thru, which usually takes long enough?!

Bite the one you love said their advertisement — It’s not this Pup ‘N’ Taco.  I want to kiss its face, not eat it.  The real Pup ‘N’ Taco sold Hot Dogs, Tacos, Pastrami Sandwiches and more, and no longer exists.  Ninety-nine stores were bought by Taco Bell ending the chain in 1984.

04/16/12 Update:  Just so you know, the pictured is not served by Taco Dawg either. 😉

I hate to keep bustin’ their chops, but I’m not sure if Carl’s Jr. wants me to buy this Burger!?  It’s the Southwest Patty Melt with Jalapenos, Grilled Onions and Pepper Jack Cheese, which sounds fine, well and good, but I’m not Snap-On Tools.  Do I hang this poster in my garage?

I like the ingredients with Carl’s Santa Fe Sauce and Sourdough Bread, but hope for more creative advertising — I mean, she’s pretty and all, but what’s it got to do with the Burger?  Wow, she likes it, I want one too.  Me want Bur-ger, unga bunga.  Is that the simple hope?

Anyway, it doesn’t work here, but we do like the combination of ingredients on the Southwest Patty Melt, though want the Onions to truly be grilled.  We got a few crunchies, which wasn’t too pleasant.  May need to ask that the Onions be well done, if we buy one in the future.

Fresh Fish simply grilled to perfection at Spike’s Fish House, a fast-casual concept created by Pasta Bravo’s creator.  Do you remember Pasta Bravo?  The last one closed just a couple months ago.  It was my favorite fast-casual restaurant for Pasta; most specifically I loved their Greek Pasta Salad and the Thai one too.  I’m sad it’s gone, but happy that Spike’s in town.

Spike’s Fish House, born during low-carb times, is a respected, distant relative of Pasta Bravo.

We liked everything pictured and the nice people at Spike’s, who make all how you want it.

Check Today’s Catch, then choose a Slider, Taco, Wrap, Bowl, Salad, Plate or Sandwich. 

Pick a Sauce — Spike’s Sauce, Pico de Gallo, Chimichurri, Poke Sauce or Lemon Pesto Aioli.

We were impressed with the flavor of all Sauces, especially Spike’s that goes well with the Lettuce Wraps, and the Poke Sauce that’s great with Soba Noodles, a substitute to Rice.

Shown prepared from top down — Basa Fish Plate, Mexican Ceviche, Hard and Soft Fish Tacos.

One of the largest and best tasting Lettuce Wrap Tacos around (above).

Chowder Bowl — It’s not just Clam Chowder, it’s a Seafood Chowder with Clams.

Sliders prepared with your choice of Fish — Cute, tasty, fresh and satisfying with Spike’s Sauce.

And a Salmon Bowl — Interchangeable Fish, Sauce and Selections make the possibilities seem endless.  Spike’s Fish House also offers Chicken to those who just don’t want Fish.  There are currently two locations, this one in Laguna Niguel and another in Rancho Santa Margarita.

While contemplating the next color in Nibbles of Tidbits’ Food Coloring Series, The Funny and The Bad will be similarly featured in photographs in between — Fortunately The Good usually prevails here, and we laugh at the funny and learn from the bad that happens around FOOD and in life.  This prelude is a taste of funny that can also be bad.  I’ve experienced 7 of the Food-Related Injuries identified above, most commonly Wasabi Nose.  How about you?

No regrets about yesterday — The path is officially clear for hope, growth, success and happiness in 2012.  The invitation (below) and experience (above) relate to this blog, since all was presented by and for EPL employees.  They do a lot of cool things.  My association with the wonderfully crazy Chicken is previously reported.  I’ll always wish EPL well.

I wanted to toast a Marshmallow.  Goodbye 2011 — Welcome 2012!

A formal THANK YOU to Cost Plus World Market for the lovely prizes and party supplies.

All were pleased by the smart kitchen tools, house decorations and gourmet Chocolates.

Thanks also go to my friends who contributed the appetizing FOOD, even the Jack in the Box Tacos cut in half, disguised as an Appetizer — That’s funny Michelle.  What do you call ’em?  Ironically several were happy to eat them, and it was fast, easy and cheap for her.  So be it.

Always look forward to the Chocolate Dipped Oreos from Loretta — Wish I had some now.

Merci, Gracie, Danke Shoen, Mahalo, Arigato, Gracias y mas Cost Plus World Market.

A wave to you for making this 17th Annual Christmas Par-Tay a success.

I tour the world at CPWM.

We Wake And Bake Every Morning — Hhhmmmm, sounds a bit suspicious.  Pushing the envelope again I see, wink wink.  It’s sex, drugs and rock and roll in advertising.  How about some rock and roll, without a cow?  Okay, for now a FREE Biscuit will do.  Thanks Carl’s.

Line up Wednesday morning, November 16th for a FREE Hardee’s Made From Scratch Sausage Biscuit at Carl’s Jr.  During breakfast hours, walk into a Carl’s Jr. and ask for YOUR Biscuit.  No purchase necessary — Eat in or walk out, it’s all yours.  So, how many Carl’s can you hit in the morning?  Puddy says just ask the 8-Ball. 😉

First, thanks for the opportunity to try your stuff Carl’s Jr.  I liked Carl Karcher and I’m happy to see that you’re still serving after 70 years.  It’s quite an accomplishment — Congratulations.

I also want to compliment Carl’s on its creative marketing packages, especially the latest one received for the Steakhouse Burger, since it doesn’t include a girl in a bathing suit eating a messy Burger — How refreshing.  Does it mean they now want chicks to enjoy their Burgers too?  Sex sells, I know, blah, blah, blah.  Anyway, love the addition of A-1 Steak Sauce and Crispy Onion Strings on the Steakhouse Burger, as it reminds me of the Fancy Smancy Steakhouse Burger I created for Hof’s 60th Anniversary.  A happy coincidence.

And though I’m not a Turkey Burger fan, Carl’s Turkey Burger isn’t bad.

Another coupon redeemed with a tasting crew on hand to try Carl’s Jr.’s new food items.

And thumbs up go to the Hand Breaded Chicken Tender Wrappers, our favorite of Carl’s Jr.’s newest menu items.  Continued research and development will always be appreciated.

The 3-Piece Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders are pictured below.

Hope I didn’t bite the hand that sometimes feeds me, but will always tell it like it is.

Four Meatballs placed in the middle of the Sub, hhmmmm.  A curious thing.  I thought the Meatballs would’ve been lined up across the Bread — Makes sense right!?  A Meatball in every bite.  Am I too particular?  One theory offered regarding the Meatball’s placement is… Subway doesn’t want them falling out of the Bread when going through the toaster oven.  Could be.  Or the guy making it just didn’t care.  Anyway, it’s an okay Sandwich for $2.  Had to get it once (with Pickles hiding story emphasis) and may need to get it twice just to see how it’s made.

We recently tested the Farmer’s Market Fish Taco currently available at a few Rubio’s.

Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill will officially be offering the Farmer’s Market Fish Taco in October, but right now it’s being tested at select restaurants in Orange County.  I tried it and love it.

I don’t know the ins-and-outs of its future, but will surely seek it out in October.  After that, we vote Rubios put it on the menu.  It’s fresh tasting with Roasted Corn, Avocado and hand battered Fish, and especially good on a Flour Tortilla.  Keep an eye out for its official debut.

09/14/11 Update:  Corrected the name to ‘Farmer’s Market Fish Taco‘ after having it again and learning I didn’t provide its full accurate name.  My bad.  It’s still an excellent Taco.

SONIC also known as America’s Drive-In officially opened in Costa Mesa today.

It’s fun to see a SONIC in the neighborhood, so we chose a car stall on opening day.

And tried the Kickin’ Coney Dog — We like the new Coney’s & Hot Dog Menu. 

Eat in your car or outside — Learn more about the SONIC experience here.

Read about previous SONIC visits and contests here, here and here.

Or just drive through — Supersonic Supersonic.

Hollywood is in the OC — Pink’s is at the Orange County Fair.  We crave their Chili Cheese Fries and must share them every visit, especially since they will only be in town until August 14th.  They’re one of the top rated CCF’s listed in our Chili Cheese Fries Comparison post.

He’s a Snooth Operator, Snooth Operator — YES, Snooth.  It’s YOU with Fast Food, a well paired bottle of Wine and hot date.  How about it?  Pack a tablecloth and one of the suggested bottles of Wine with a couple glasses and head to your favorite Fast Food Joint.

Order a Burrito at Chipotle, Big Mac at McDonalds or Fried Chicken at KFC, find a table, pop the cork, pour, sip and bite, until you get kicked out for bringing in alcohol.  Chicks will dig it!

Snooth helps one find better Wines.  Their suggested pairings for Chipotle Mexican Grill, McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken are linked above.  I dare you to dine in.  If so, send a photo and we’ll post it here along with future fast food pairings.  Thanks for the photos Snooth.  Cheers!

I love a trio of Boston Market sides when there’s only time for a quick bite — Glad it’s nearby.

I’m advised that National Chicken Day is Wednesday, September 15th — Although there are plenty of places to find Chicken, El Pollo Loco is one of the best and this year they celebrate 30 years of flame-grilled perfection.  I’ve been going there since day one and have yet to find another “fast food” Chicken I like better.  To include guests in on their anniversary celebration, El Pollo Loco is offering daily coupons that can be downloaded directly from their website.  Guests who visit El Pollo Loco on National Chicken Day with their printed coupon will receive a FREE piece of citrus-marinated, flame-grilled Chicken (leg or thigh), warm Tortillas and fresh Salsa.  No purchase is required.  Print your coupon and mark your calendar.  I did.

I’m not sure how to accomplish it or what will pass for looking like one, but if YOU dress up like a cow and go into a Chick-fil-A restaurant this Friday, July 9th, you’ll GET A FREE MEAL.  We’re still contemplating the idea.  Below is Chick-fil-A’s Press Release regarding this crazy annual event — They’re celebrating Cow Appreciation Day!

Chick-fil-A is issuing a cattle call! On Friday, July 9, Chick-fil-A® restaurants nationwide will celebrate the company’s annual Cow Appreciation Day event by offering a FREE meal to any customer who visits one of the chain’s mall or stand-alone restaurants fully dressed as a cow.

Customers dressed “head to hoof” in cow attire will be rewarded with a free Chick-fil-A Meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner), which includes an entrée of choice, a side item and a Dr Pepper® (or other beverage choice). For those “too chicken” to wear full cow costumes, Chick-fil-A will award a complimentary entrée to customers partially dressed in cow attire, such as a cow-spotted scarf, purse, hat or other accessory.

Chick-fil-A has launched a special website dedicated to the occasion, http://www.cowappreciationday.com/. In addition to providing further details about the event, the site offers cow costume ideas and tips, as well as downloadable cow spots, masks and other bovine-themed accessories for customers to use to create their costumes. For the first time, the Chick-fil-A “Eat Mor Chikin®” Cows will embrace social media by tweeting, checking in on Foursquare and providing Facebook updates throughout the day from their profile pages.

Two online photo contests are also part of the festivities. A photo contest for adults is hosted on the Chick-fil-A Facebook page. A second photo contest for kids 10 and under called Show Us the Cow is available at http://www.showusthecow.com/. Both contests will award free Chick-fil-A products for a year to the best cow-dressed customers, and children will also have the opportunity to win a $1,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bond and a digital camera through the “Show Us the Cow” photo contest.

Now in its sixth year, Chick-fil-A’s Cow Appreciation Day continues to build momentum. Last year’s event – and the resulting turnout – confirmed that Chick-­fil-A has a strong following of customers willing to go to great lengths to show their appreciation for cows. More than 300,000 cow-clad customers stampeded Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country. Costumes ranged from simple cow-spotted t-shirts to full cow suits complete with furry ears, cow bells and homemade sandwich boards with personalized renditions of the “Eat Mor Chikin®” Cows’ quirky messages.

“Cow Appreciation Day continues to be one of our best indicators of the great passion our customers have for our brand,” said Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A’s senior vice president of marketing. “It takes a loyal fan to dress like a cow for a free meal and, based on the stories we hear from our restaurant Operators around the country, we have quite a large – and growing – base of Chick-fil-A fans. Cow Appreciation Day is our way of thanking them for their loyalty, not to mention a day simply to have fun!”

The additional excitement around Cow Appreciation Day each year offers further proof that the passion for Chick-fil-A’s beloved bovines is stronger than ever. For the past 15 years, the renegade “Eat Mor Chikin” Cows have entertained consumers with their desperate, self-preserving antics in an effort to convert beef eaters into chicken fans. The Chick-fil-A Cows and the “Eat Mor Chikin” campaign have enjoyed such widespread public success that the chain has evolved the campaign into a fully integrated marketing program. In addition to clever roadside billboards, the “Eat Mor Chikin” Cows are the focal point of Chick-fil-A’s in-store point-of-purchase materials, promotions, radio and TV advertising, and clothing and merchandise sales.

Thanks for coming to our office Pinkberry — We appreciate it!  Some of us were genuinely excited to try the new ‘Watermelon’ Frozen Yogurt topped with fresh Cucumbers, and others were pretty apprehensive about the combination.

Regardless of position, everyone gave it a try.  We each had Pinkberry’s Watermelon Frozen Yogurt drizzled with Watermelon Purée, then topped with fresh Watermelon and Cucumbers.

My favorite part was the Watermelon Purée — I wanted to drink it, as I relish fresh Watermelon Juice.  The other (7) enjoyed the Watermelon Yogurt, which is on the sweeter side, unlike their tart.  And no one objected to the Watermelon and Cucumbers on top.  We all thought it was refreshing.

Pinkberry delivered a nice break in our day.  And we really liked Jimmy too (pictured).  He was cool, fun and professional, just like our office — Watch out for the flying golf balls. 
NOTE:  Pinkberry offers a 1/2 Price Happy Hour daily from 5 -7 PM.  That’s the time to go!

* It was a coincidence that we had Crisp Cucumber and Melon Softsoap in our office kitchen.

Today my food and legal worlds happily collided — I happen to make a livin’ as a Litigation Paralegal and Freelance Writer majoring in food. 🙂 Our law office was invited to a Summer Splash Party that was hosted by Sarnoff Court Reporters and catered by Kogi BBQ trucks.

By now most have heard about the elusive Kogi BBQ trucks drivin’ and parkin’ around Orange County and Los Angeles, offering Mexican/Korean cuisine to eagerly awaiting Kogi lovers — And today they came to me with ease.

Since Sarnoff sponsored the party, we had the Kogi trucks all to our legal selves.  We only had to wait in line a couple minutes, unlike many others at popular destinations.

We each received a Kogi Beef Slider, Kogi Pork Taco and Kogi Chicken Taco.  All were very good as reported by countless others, but we weren’t knocked off our chairs.  We wouldn’t wait hours as some have, but maybe 15 minutes or so for another Beef Slider and their Short Rib Taco (a specialty not offered today).

Thanks Sarnoff — You always have the best food at your parties!  And thanks Kogi BBQ for the fast tasty food.