Archive

Archive for the ‘Fish & Shellfish’ Category

Homemade Nicoise Salad (My Variation Made With Salmon).

October 23rd, 2018 No comments

One of my favorite Salads is a Nicoise Salad — I made the pictured with Salmon instead of Tuna.  Matt and I split one perfectly pan fried fillet.  One can make this Salad without a recipe, as most ingredients are grouped on the Salad, instead of tossed together.  Nicoise Salads include Hard Boiled Eggs, Potatoes, Haricots Verts or Green Beans, Nicoise or Kalamata Olives, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Butter, Boston or Romaine Lettuce, and optional Capers — That’s what I use to make mine.  I toss the Lettuce with a mixture of Lemon Juice, Olive Oil and Whole Grain Dijon Mustard, then layer the rest of the ingredients on top (as shown).  Salt and Pepper is added to all.  It is SO GOOD to eat and easy to make.  I usually have most ingredients on-hand.

Pickles Loves Pickled Grapes: Favorite Blue Apron Repeat Recipe.

September 5th, 2016 No comments

Pickling Grapes

Have you ever tried Pickled Grapes?  I hadn’t until last year and will now eat them forever.  I buy Grapes more often because of it.  Pickled Grapes are amazing, especially when served with Fish over a Summer Succotash, pictured below — It’s our favorite Blue Apron meal that I’ve made several times.  The original recipe used Cod, which is fine, but I’ve since used Salmon and Yellowtail at different times.  This dish is extremely flavorful with much attributed to the Pickled Grapes.

Favorite Blue Apron Meal

A little White Wine Vinegar (2 T.), Sugar (1 T.), and a big pinch of Salt do a lot to elevate Grapes (at least 2 oz.), to a refreshing gourmet topping, side or special ingredient in another dish. Simply combine cut Grapes with all ingredients, let marinate for at least 10 minutes and see what we’re saying.  Yum!  Pickling is a beautiful thing, I’ve discovered.  And my husband happens to call me Pickles.  It’s just meant to be.  Consult Blue Apron for more about recipe #227.  We love it too.

Shake Your Money Maker: The ‘Kettlebar Pan Roast’ At The Kettlebar.

March 24th, 2016 No comments

Kettlebar Pan Roast

It’s called the Kettlebar Pan Roast (above) and it’s offered at Kettlebar Southern Seafood & Spirits aka Kettlebar Steam Cooking in Anaheim at the Anaheim Packing District, and in Tustin at The District.  Our server at the Anaheim Packing District told us the Kettlebar Pan Roast is their money maker, and after one bite we knew why.  Literally one bite.  It’s surprisingly one of the best dishes I’ve had.  It doesn’t look extraordinary on the surface, but it’s loaded with Snow Crab, Shrimp, Lobster and Chicken.  All were cooked perfectly and served in a well-balanced Tomato Cream Sauce. It’s served mild, medium or spicy.  The medium spice was just right for us.

Kettlebar Anaheim

Many Kettlebar dishes are cooked in steam pots, but I’m not sure how it’s done.  I’ll pay more attention when we return for another Kettlebar Pan Roast.  It’s already calling me back.

Matt at Kettlebar

Matt and others in front of the basement level Kettlebar Restaurant at the Anaheim Packing District.

Soco Sushi & Gastro Pub Is Primed To Be The Next Happening Spot.

June 3rd, 2015 No comments

IMG_0581

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.

Soco Sushi

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

Fiery Rice Bombs

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

Melts My Heart Quesadilla

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

Yellowtail Cheeks

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.

Matt posting on Facebook

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

Soco Sushi

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

Soco Sushi Room

You can reserve a private room if needed.

Albacore on Acid

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.

IMG_0578

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.

Nine Seafood Restaurant: It’s Hidden In Cerritos For Your Enjoyment.

June 2nd, 2015 No comments

 

Nine Seafood

Pictured is “Combo #1” at Nine Seafood Restaurant, which is located off South Street in Cerritos, but hardly seen from the street, since it’s set back in a large parking lot.  Combo #1 includes a King Crab Leg, Snow Crab Legs, Shrimp, Crawfish, Clams and New Zealand Mussels, with Red Potatoes, Sausage and Corn on the Cob.  Combo #1 and much there is served in a bag with a bib.

Matt at Nine

We shared all with complete satisfaction and will go back for more of Nine’s varied seafood selection.

Watching Angler Chronicles: Smoke Them If You’ve Caught ‘Em Sergio.

March 29th, 2015 No comments

With Sergio of Angler Chronicles

Have you seen Angler Chronicles on FOX Sports West Television?  We’re with its host and accomplished fisherman, Sergio (above) at the annual Fred Hall Fishing Tackle & Boat Show in Del Mar.  He’s a cool dude.  Matt, a state record holding fisherman himself watches Sergio on Angler Chronicles every week and now I will too.  The show brings viewers to the best wide open, fresh water and salt water sportfishing action on the west, including Southern California, Mexico, British Columbia, Alaska and Panama.  We’d love to fish with Sergio and the gang sometime.

Matt & Sergio

Matt quickly showing Sergio his state record so not to be too much of a geek.

Smoking FishTrout on Smoker      Smoked Trout

The Angler Chronicles gang needs RECIPES — As Matt and possibly I catch more Fish, more recipes will be developed.  Until then, smoke them if you’ve caught them, as there’s not much better than fresh Smoked Fish.  I recently smoked Rainbow Trout caught from Irvine Lake by a neighbor. After about 4 1/2 Hours of smoking with Hickory and Mesquite Wood Chips, every Trout no matter size was moist, smoky and cooked perfectly throughout (before smoking above left/after above right).

TIPS: Stuff the inside of most whole Fish with foil to have the Fish set/swim upright on the grill, so you won’t need to turn them and they’re less likely to stick to the grill.  Keep the Fish covered with smoker or grill lid.  Maintain water in the pan above the heat and keep all smoking by adding coal and soaked and dry wood chips when necessary.  Tips are good, but each smoker is different.

RECIPES: Several recipes using Yellowtail are linked here.  Keep checking Fish & Shellfish for more.

Ki Sushi & Sake Bar At Village Circle On Beach: Dami No More.

February 16th, 2015 No comments

Blue Fin Tuna Salad

I previously reported about Dami Sushi & Izakaya — We really liked the Sushi and people there.  It was located at the Village Circle off Beach and Malvern in Buena Park, but apparently the space is under new ownership.  Though the sign still reads Dami Sushi on the outside, it’s now Ki Sushi & Sake Bar.  Their temporary sign currently hangs below.  Of course we had to give them a try.

Halibut

We had Blue Fin Tuna, a listed special, as Sashimi (below) and seared in a well-flavored Salad (top).

Blue Fin Tuna

The rest was selected for us by Ki Sushi’s Chef Hak Sang, who named the Halibut Belly (second from top) after me — It’s also posted with #shelly on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/HakSushi.

Ki Sushi

We were surprised with the little nuggets below, tasty combos of Salmon, Crab and Spicy Tuna.

Sushi

And we much appreciated the creative Orange Dessert too — All was impressive.

Orange Surprise

 It appears we have a new Sushi Bar to go to — It’s now called Ki Sushi & Sake Bar.

The Catch Of The Month Is Yellowtail: Fruits Of ‘The San Diego’ Labor.

November 2nd, 2014 No comments

Yellowtail Smoked Fish

My husband, Matt recently went on a 3/4 day sport fishing vessel called The San Diego and caught some nice-sized Yellowtail.  He brought home approximately twenty pounds of fillets and one whole Yellowtail for smoking.  It was Operation Yellowtail at our house.  We prepared several dishes immediately, gave a few fillets to neighbors and co-workers and froze the rest.

Matt's Yellowtail

The San Diego is known as one of the best sport fishing vessels in San Diego and Matt agrees. He loves fishing and even holds a state record for catching the largest California Sheephead Fish at 30lbs., 8oz., from his kayak in 2009.  It was quite impressive, like the Yellowtail above.

Yellowtail 004

As shown, we smoked the whole Yellowtail for 4 1/2 hours and it turned out amazing.

Yellowtail SmokerSmoking YellowtailSmoked Yellowtail on SmokerYellowtail Accompaniments

It was tender and flaky with the perfect amount of smoke flavor.

Eating Smoked Yellowtail

Smoked Yellowtail is a real treat with Cocktail Sauce, Lemon Caper Dill Sauce, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese, Red Onions, Capers, Pickles, Crackers, Red Bell Peppers and Pickles.

Smoked Yellowtail and Accompaniments

On the first day, I made Ceviche and Poke with a few of the Yellowtail fillets.

Ceviche and Poke

The Ceviche was simply made with Red Onions, Red Bell Peppers, Jalapenos, Cilantro, Lime and Lemon Juice — The Yellowtail marinated quickly and was ready to eat in 15 minutes.

Yellowtail Ceviche

Another batch of chopped Yellowtail was mixed with Soy Sauce, Ponzu Sauce, grated Ginger and Green Onions to make Poke, which was pretty much ready to eat immediately too.

Yellowtail Poke

We grilled Yellowtail fillets and ate ’em with a Mango Salsa made with fresh cut Mango, Red Bell Peppers, Red Onions, Jalapenos, Cilantro and Lime Juice — It was all so fresh tasting.

Yellowtail with Mango Salsa

We fried Yellowtail fillets to have with leftover Lemon Caper Dill and Cocktail Sauce.

Fried Yellowtail

Yellowtail fared well with all preparations — Raw (Hamachi), rare, smoked, grilled and fried.

Yellowtail Fried with Sauce

The rest was frozen to later prepare differently — Perhaps bake, stew and/or broil, etc.

Yellowtail Frozen

Preparation of the frozen Yellowtail fillets shall be posted as updates below.

Yellowtail Recipe Update:  Yellowtail Chowder.  Check back for more to be linked here.

What Are The Best Things To Eat At Disneyland, I Asked My Phone.

October 22nd, 2014 No comments

Disneyland 015

What are the best foods to eat at Disneyland, I asked my semi-smart phone.  We were going to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and wanted something different than an average Burger and Fries.  I hadn’t been to either park in 10 years.  After reviewing the search results, I chose two food dishes that were included on several lists — One at Disneyland and the other at Disney California Adventure, two places I’ve never known and probably wouldn’t have found.  Each sounded appealing.  We started with the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits with Apricot Honey Butter at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure.

Disneyland 017

Carthay Circle Restaurant is fancier than expected, but we sought to have the best food at Disneyland.  We went there to try the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits that are described as amazing and to-die-for.  Stuffed with White Cheddar, Bacon and Jalapenos they sound good.

Disneyland 010

They don’t look like much on the outside, then surprise with a gooey middle.  With the Apricot Honey Butter, it’s interesting and different — I like its concentrated flavor and it’s not bad on the Biscuits, but we really didn’t fall in love with them.  They’re good, not great and expensive for its small size and amount.  Several Starters looked better to us and more filling.

Disneyland 020

My husband set out to photo bomb Goofy, but wasn’t obvious enough — At Disneyland.

Disneyland 003

Across the square from Disney California Adventure, we sought to have the Lobster Roll at the Harbour Galley Restaurant in Critter Country at Disneyland.  It too appears to be a Disneyland favorite.  It’s less fancy than Carthay Circle with only a few takeout windows.

Disneyland 023

I wasn’t able to take a good photo of the Lobster Roll, but the Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl looked, tasted and photographed well.  It too is well-liked by bloggers and papers.

Disneyland 026

The Lobster Roll was great, with a good amount of Lobster and nice lemony flavor.

Disneyland 030

We’d have the Lobster Roll again for $14.99, but not the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits for $12.00.  Next visit we’ll try other Disneyland favorites discovered on my phone.  Thank you!

Dami Sushi & Izakaya: Unwind And Hang Out Izakaya Style.

May 9th, 2014 No comments

Dami Sushi 008

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.

Dami Sushi 002

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.

Dami Sushi 004

Everything that came out of the Sushi Bar this night looked like a work of art.

Dami Sushi 007

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.

Dami Sushi

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 009 - Copy

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.

Alligator At World Famous Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant.

May 1st, 2014 No comments

Dami Sushi 006

The World Famous Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant is attached to Bass Pro Shops.

Bass Pro Shop Restaurant

It’s where I tried Alligator for the first time — It’s on their menu, when it’s in season.

Alligator

Alligator (pictured at top and above) is a bit tough — Its texture reminds me of Frogs Legs.

Bass Pro Shop Aquarium

I had to try Alligator at least once — Done.  It doesn’t taste like Chicken, as some say.

Catfish Po Boy

Other than that, we’d go back to Islamorada Fish Company just for its gorgeous aquarium.

Cobb Salad

And the pictured Catfish Po Boy and Cobb Salad — Both were great with a giant Beer.

Dami Sushi 015

We LOVE Bass Pro Shops, which is more of an amusement park or museum than a store.

Fudge Shop

I’m not sure about all Bass Pro Shops, but Rancho Cucamonga has its own Fudge Shop too.

Appreciation For El Torito’s 60 Years Of Innovative Mexican Cuisine.

April 14th, 2014 No comments

El Torito 034

Comida del Oceano — A Limited Edition Seafood Menu currently being offered at El Torito Cantina Authentica in honor of its 60th Anniversary.  They’re having a ‘Year of Celebration’.

El Torito 001

Nibbles of Tidbits was invited to try most items on El Torito’s Comida del Oceano Menu.

El Torito 006

It was an honor for us, as we respect and appreciate El Torito’s 60 Years of Service — Gracias!

El Torito 015

Cheers to that with a Spicy Pepino Margarita and Yerba Buena, described below and here.

El Torito 005

My favorite, the Spicy Pepino Margarita is made with Cucumbers, Cilantro and Jalapenos.

El Torito 016

Also on the Comida del Oceano Menu, pictured from top down is the Calamari Filet Appetizer (Crispy Calamari Filet Strips served atop Baby Arugula with a Sweet Chili Sauce), which was perfectly crisp and tender, nicely cooked and the best Calamari I’ve had in a long time.

El Torito 020

Enchiladas de Mariscos filled with Shrimp, Crab and Three Cheeses.

El Torito 042

The Enchiladas are served atop tasty sautéed vegetables, as shown above and in first photo.

El Torito 025

Tacos de Camarones, served in Guajillo basted Tortillas — We loved that about them.

El Torito 045

The Salmon Polanco-Style is a work of art and great atop Spinach and Chimichurri Sauce.

El Torito 051

Camarones en Garlic-Lemon Butter Sauce — Loved the Roasted Tomato Butter Sauce too.

El Torito 059

Cheers to El Totito’s longevity and continuous progression.

El Torito 061

Our menu tour concluded with the Seafood Fajitas Supremas, a guest and employee favorite.

El Torito 068

It includes Shrimp, Mahi Mahi and Crispy Calamari — A supreme Fajitas combination indeed.

El Torito 071

Flourless Chocolate Cake, a gluten free choice by many — It’s ultra-moist with excellent flavor.

El Torito 073

Thank you dedicated Chefs!  Looks like they have a great team under Chef Loreto Alcala (right).  Chef Arturo Castillo (left) heads up El Torito’s Orange location off The City Way.  We dined at the Fullerton location this day, a nice, large space with a Bar and Outdoor Patio.

El Torito 057

We wish El Torito 60+ more years of success combined with dish and drink innovation.

Il Garage Near The Garden At Park Avenue In Stanton Off Beach.

April 7th, 2014 No comments

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 051

It’s Il Garage (il garage ristorante) and it’s set back within/behind Park Avenue Restaurant in Stanton off Beach Blvd. — It’s a separate dining spot on the beautiful grounds of Park Avenue.

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 001

We ate at Park Avenue Restaurant — It’s reported here.  This day we were in the garage. 😉

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 011

I’m not sure if it really once was a multi-car garage, but it looks like it, tractor and all.

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 012

The view of Park Avenue’s famous Garden from our seat couldn’t be beat.

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 044

The Il Garage Ristorante menu changes daily and is dependent on their gardens.

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 047

Our favorites were the Cavatappi Primavera (below), utilizing many vegetables from the PAG.

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 049

And the Orange Panna Cotta — Truly the best Panna Cotta we’ve had in our lives (below).

Il Garage Panna Cotta

It had so much flavor — Cheers to that (and our Two Year Anniversary).

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 038

Enter the PAG — Park Avenue Garden through here (below).

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 027

The PAG is a dream garden, with raised beds and trees growing everything you’d want to eat.

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 018

I think I’d want to live here.

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 024

You’re free to roam the gardens, no matter where you dine.

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 030

My husband, Matt is looking through the weather protectant, plastic drop, near the tractor.

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 034

Nice to receive a $100 Gift Card as a Wedding Gift that can be used at either restaurant.

Il Garage (Park Avenue) 057

It’s not in the best neighborhood, but once inside you forget about it — A good thing.

Il Garage

We plan to go back to both for Dining & Cocktails, as suggested.

Mariscos Clemente Restaurant For Mexican Style Seafood In Fullerton.

April 4th, 2014 No comments

Mariscos, Pressure Cooker 007

Discovering Fullerton FOOD and most recently Mariscos Clemente Restaurant.

Mariscos Clemente

It’s a fine, local find that serves authentic Mexican Style Seafood — Muy Bueno!

Mariscos, Pressure Cooker 010

Pictured from top down (a perfect sampling) — The Fried Fish (Tilapia w/ Tortillas, Rice & Salad), a Ceviche Tostada with Avocado and a Small Shrimp Cocktail, with Chips and Salsa.

Mariscosr 003

It’s a relatively small place with a small parking lot off Orangethorpe and Gilbert.

Mariscos Fried Fish

Many are inside and have been going there for years — We’ll need to catch up.

Mariscos Clemente Chips

Mariscos Clemente’s Shrimp Cocktail is on the sweet side, if you like that.  We’re ready for their other Ceviche Tostadas and more Pescado Frito, etc — Yelp for more photos and information.

Wahoo’s Fish Taco: Keep An Eye Out For This Next Restaurant Week.

March 2nd, 2014 No comments

Wahoos 010

Orange County Restaurant Week is over for now, but it’ll be back — I’m not sure when, but you can check here.  Next time, we’ll opt for the Wahoo’s Fish Taco deal more than once.

Wahoos 001

For $20 it included… (2) Drinks (Beer and/or Wine), an Appetizer (Baja Rolls) to share, (2) Entrees (Two Tacos and/or Two Enchiladas), and Dessert (Churro Chips) to share.

Wahoos 008

It was the best deal that week — Though it has past, OC Restaurant Week will be back again.

Wahoos 011

Until then, OC Cocktail Week starts TODAY — Here’s a link to more information about it.

Wahoo's 12

Though full from our Wahoo’s meal, we couldn’t stop eating the Churro Chips, which are similar to those in photo above — We were so busy inhaling them, I forgot to take a photo.

Cinnamon Chips (pictured above) — Photo Credit and Recipe

Fish Heads, Fish Heads, Roly Poly Fish Heads: 2014 Food Trends.

December 26th, 2013 No comments

Fish Heads

2014 Food Trends:  Fish Heads, Fish Heads, roly poly Fish Heads — Eat them up, yum.  Well, not sure about the YUM part, but it appears Fish Heads and Fish Collars will be popular in 2014, so some say.  Oh boy!  And other, more desirable sounding food trends include… Haute Jewish Deli items, eating with your hands, raw Beef, house made Hot Sauces, Parfaits, Bugs, locally sourced everything, heirloom Beans, Peanuts and field Peas, reconsidered Rice, Ice Cream Sandwiches, edible food packaging, Tea, and Gluten-free products continue to grow.  All are reported about in detail here, here, here, here, here, here and here.  Happy eating!

Blue Water Grill Over Blue Water: Familiarity On Catalina Island.

December 8th, 2013 No comments

Scallops

Blue Water Grill opened a restaurant on Catalina Island a few months ago.

Blue Water Grill - Catalina

A group of us recently traveled across the sea for lunch — Well, not just for that, but it was nice to see a recognizable restaurant immediately upon disembarkment.  I had enjoyed Blue Water Grill in Newport Beach a few times before.  It’s not cheap, but the food is good.

Chips & Dip

Pictured from top down we had Seared Scallops with Roasted Jalapeno Aioli — They’re great, but I’d prefer more than (3) for the price ($14.75) and it’s not ideal for five to share.

Catalina with Best Friends

Baked Crab & Artichoke Dip — It’s okay.  More of it would have been better too.

Clam Chowder

New England Clam Chowder — Always with Tabasco for me.

Salmon

Grilled Salmon with Vegetables.

Fish Sliders

Grilled Mahi Mahi Sliders.

Wedding Mugs

The main purpose of this trip was friends, not food.

Party in Catalina

The new-ish Blue Water Grill is news, but my Bachelorette Party was most interesting.

Champagne

Much thanks to dear friends — I love Catalina and y’all.

Thank You Dear Friends!

Back to the food…

The Irvine Spectrum For Lunch: Dim Sum At Capital Seafood.

November 12th, 2013 No comments

Capital Dim Sum 020

I’m new to Dim Sum and Capital Seafood at the Irvine Spectrum was a good place to start.

Capital Dim Sum 035

A knowledgeable friend took me there and led the way — She ordered several of her favorites and I tried them all.  I can’t tell you the names and/or ingredients in what we had, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the food.  They serve over 100 types of Dim Sum.

Capital Dim Sum 023

Much is offered by way of the traditional push-cart.

Capital Dim Sum 009

Cart after cart, after tray, after cart, after cart stops by your table throughout.

Capital Dim Sum 011

Servers have scissors ready to cut each or any as requested by you.

Capital Dim Sum 014

Each piece is like a mini grab bag when you don’t know your Dim Sum.

Capital Dim Sum 015

I’d like to study-up before next time to know and choose what I might like best.

Capital Dim Sum 031

Capital Seafood Restaurant is fairly large inside and out and was mostly full this day.

Capital Dim Sum 005

We sat on the outside patio where much was offered to us.

Capital Dim Sum 018

We shared a good variety of Shrimp, Pork, crunchy, soft, sweet and hot Dim Sum.

Capital Dim Sum 027

All was a well-rounded starter kit at a good restaurant for Dim Sum.

Capital Dim Sum 024

There’s much more for me to learn about Dim Sum.

Capital Dim Sum 004

Order off the menu or point to what you want from the ever-changing, then repetitive carts.

Capital Dim Sum 012

They also have a Bar — $2 Beers are offered at Happy Hour M-F (3-7).

Capital Dim Sum 001

The adjacent Wine fridge is pretty cool too — No pun, really.

Capital Dim Sum 032

It also claims to be a trendy, hip and upbeat place to enjoy sports on multiple screens.

Capital Dim Sum 003

I’d like to go back and try more as soon as possible.

Capital Dim Sum 002

Our to-go boxes looked like this (below).

Capital Dim Sum 030

Capital Y for Yes — I want more Dim Sum at Capital Seafood.

Cousins Maine Lobster Truck: Connecticut Maine Lobster Roll.

October 14th, 2013 No comments

Lobster Roll

I first saw Cousins Maine Lobster Truck on television.  I forgot the program, but remember that I was left wanting one.  On the way to lunch elsewhere the other day, I saw them parked in a business lot in Irvine — Screeeeeech, I was there.  Dang, it’s not cheap, but had to have it.

Cousins Maine Lobster Truck

I debated (too long) between the Connecticut Lobster Roll and the Maine Lobster Roll — All Cousins‘ Lobster is from Maine, but the Connecticut Lobster Roll is served warm with Butter and Lemon and the Maine Lobster Roll is served chilled with a touch of Mayonnaise.

Connecticut Lobster Roll

It’s the Connecticut Lobster Roll this time (pictured) — Both are on a New England Style Roll.

Lobster Roll Menu

Cousins Maine Lobster Truck Menu.

Maine Lobster Roll

Next time I’ll try the Maine Lobster Roll, just to be fair — I liked the Connecticut Lobster Roll a lot.  The Lobster was sweet and had good texture, the portion was generous and the Roll was nicely soft.  All sounds great, but it’s a rich Sandwich.  Though small, I almost couldn’t finish it.

Burrissimo Fast Fresh Italian: Create Your Own Meal (Or Two).

June 4th, 2013 No comments

Burrissimo 035

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

Burrissimo 001

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

Burrissimo 007

Burrissimo makes me think of an Italian Chipotle.

Burrissimo 012

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

Burrissimo 014

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

Burrissimo 018

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

Burrissimo 020

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

Burrissimo 024

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

Burrissimo 029

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

Burrissimo 001

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

Burrissimo 037

What is a Burrissimo?

Burrissimo 040

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

Burrissimo 042

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

Burrissimo 031

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.

Bagels, Lox & Cream Cheese For Breakfast: Matt Is That You?

May 9th, 2013 No comments

Bagel & Lox Face

Bagels, Lox, Cream Cheese and the usual accompaniments, Onions, Tomatoes, Capers, Baby Greens and tactically scored Cheese for teeth, could start your day off with a laugh — Der.

Tracy’s King Crab Shack: The Best Alaskan King Crab Bisque In Town.

April 3rd, 2013 4 comments

Crab Bisque 027

From Alaska to California and hopefully back for more — I’ve never been there, but our resident photographer cruised Alaska last year and came back exclaiming he had the ‘Best Crab Bisque’ ever.  It was at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau and he couldn’t stop talking about it.

Alaska

I tried to find its recipe online, but could not, thus resorted to having it shipped from Tracy.

Crab Bisque 002

It’s not cheap (mostly due to shipping), but I learned it’s worth it — Wow!  I see now.

Crab Bisque 003

Though not as pretty as when it’s served to you in Juneau, Alaska, it cooked up flawlessly.

Crab Bisque 005

One has the option to add Cream, Milk or Stock — I added Cream, as recommended by Tracy.

Crab Bisque 009

She also suggests a squeeze of Lime at the end — It has generous pieces of King Crab.

Crab Bisque 016

This King Crab Bisque is superb without a Lime squeeze and magnificent with one.

Crab Bisque 021

Tracy’s King Crab Shack was recently featured on Top Chef, as shown in a few TV pics.

Crab Bisque 025

Chef-testants had to quickly create a dish with Tracy’s Crab Legs — The Best Legs in Town.

Crab Bisque 017

Tracy’s King Crab Shack Story and Stovetop Instructions are above.

Alaska 1

Thanks to Matt for the beautiful Alaskan photos and tip on Tracy’s — I’m hooked on all!

Carl’s Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Sandwich And Jalapeno Turkey Burger.

February 26th, 2013 No comments

Carls 008

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.

Carls 006

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.

Carls 010

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.

Carls 005

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

Carls 012

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.

Carls 018

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