Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

You won’t need a passport to try Lay’s latest test Chip flavors… Indian Tikka Masala, Brazilian Picanha (Steak & Chimichurri Sauce), Greek Tzatziki and Chinese Szechuan Chicken, also known as Lay’s Passport to Flavor collection, and some will transport you to a dish from another country.

I appreciate the unique flavors Lay’s is willing to create.  They’re fun and interesting to try.  We’ve tried and reported about most of them here.  Leon likes all of them, because he likes anything.

After trying this passport series, our favorites are the Indian Tikka Masala and Brazilian Picanha. The thought of the Greek Tzatziki flavor is better than the actual, because it’s too subtle.

If we were to buy any of them again, it would be the Indian Tikka Masala Chips, because they taste just like the dish.  I now want Indian food and will most likely order the Chicken Tikka Masala.

The other Chips could use more flavor, though Leon would eat ’em up in a second.

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.

Today would’ve been my sweet Grandpa’s 95th Birthday — We miss him and others gone by.

After having the most fabulous Chicken Tikka Masala at Chakra Cuisine at the Taste of Newport, I was compelled to recreate its flavor and tender texture of the Chicken.  I searched the Internet and found an informative video about its preparation.  Although I didn’t copy its technique, I learned a bit.  Instead, I opted for a slow cooked version (Murgh Tikka Masala) with most of the same spices.  It turned out good and the Chicken was tender, but it didn’t quite hit the mark.  Not bad for a first attempt, but not the fabulous I was hoping for.  Could it be the lack of Fenugreek (Kasuri Methi)?