Awe, Home Sweet Home, I end up where I wanted to be, with a Division Win in anything.
At the Orange County Fair in receipt of a Certificate of Recognition for my Confections Entry (Fruit Bursts aka Shelly’s Jellies) in the Culinary Arts Competition. Thank you very much!
2012 Awards (center) and entries are linked — A hard act to follow in 2013, but will try. 🙂
Brunch at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment aka Italian Grill and Jazz Club.
I’ve liked Spaghettini for years, but hadn’t experienced their Brunch.
Thanks to a friend who won Brunch for Two at Spaghettini’s, I got to partake.
Spaghettini’s Brunch is $49.95 per person for (1) off the menu Entrée and Buffet.
And Bottomless Champagne — Something I always appreciate in a Brunch.
Pictured are just a few of the Entrée Choices (above) and Buffet offerings (below).
It’s nice they don’t overwhelm with too many options, instead a well-prepared, fine amount.
The quality, taste and selection of all made me happy.
Unlimited Champagne with hours to enjoy the Buffet and Entrée makes for a great Sunday.
I particularly liked the Artichoke Dip (below) — It’s much tastier than it looks here.
On to Dessert — Again, not all offerings are shown here. There’s a lot more.
One bummer about Spaghettini’s Brunch is… No food will be packaged to-go.
I guess Spag’s doesn’t want you to mow down the Buffet to take your Entrée home for later.
That’s what I’d do (written above), but instead I have to think to myself… I don’t want to load up on the Buffet so to save room for my Entrée, since I can’t take any of it home. Darn.
See MENU at top to learn more about the Sea Bass, Salmon and Sirloin Steak revealed herein.
The Wave 94.7 broadcasts live from Spaghettini during Sunday Brunch and some danced to the smooth jazz playing in the lounge. In a Wave giveaway, my friend won the basket above.
We’re still not done eating at the Fair. Madness, I call it Madness — Well listen buster you better start to move your feet to the rockinest rock steady beat of the Orange County Fair.
We appreciated the Foodie Tour and sampling of the indulgent and healthy OC Fair food.
The Pineapple Express by Chicken Charlie remarkably offers a few of the healthier options this year (in a Pineapple) — Naked Shrimp, Maui Chicken and a Shrimp Cocktail in a Pineapple.
Fried Pineapple with Chocolate and Coconut (above).
Associated with Juicy, the food concession stands with music, is Dogsville (above).
They serve up Ham and Cheese Corn Dogs, Jumbo Sausages and more.
Chicken Kabobs by Charlie is an OC Fair staple.
Fried Cornish Game Hen from Baja Blues — How about a Carne Asada Stuffed Avocado?
Tasti Chips is family owned and treats Potatoes with tender loving care, from earth to Chip.
Tasti Chips deserve respect and they’re most appetizing with the Jalapeno Cheese Sauce.
The Tasti Chips’ group also mans Grant Burgers — They’re not bad and have tasty Pickles.
And musn’t leave out Bacon-A-Fair, where everything comes with Bacon.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs.
A Pound of Bacon Wrapped around a Turkey Leg (below).
Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos Wrapped in Bacon.
Beer Battered Deep Fried Bacon (below).
Deep Fried Beer Battered Bacon Dogs.
Bacon Wrapped Turkey Leg ready to be had.
Salted Chocolate Covered Bacon popularly photographed by Local Food Bloggers.
And my favorite Beef Brisket Sandwich is from the Chuckwagon.
I love this Sandwich and look forward to it every year.
Corn on the Cob grills throughout.
There’s a large amount of Meat.
Smokin’ Meat — It makes it so good.
On Fridays, small tastes of most seen here and more are available for $2.
Mini and singular variations of Fair favorites are offered (examples above) — It’s a great deal.
Legendairy Gelato has almost every flavor, including Birthday Cake — It really tastes like one.
And we always visit the Wine Garden for friendly tastings poured by the OC Wine Society.
We value the livestock too — Sshhhhhh, don’t tell ’em about the food.
With Hercules shown below — Worth more than the Alligator, if you get what I’m sayin’.
View of the OC Fair from the Ferris Wheel at night.
I never want to come down, well, until it’s time to eat again.
See you at the OC Fair.
The Pineapple Express by Chicken Charlie offers a Shrimp Cocktail in a Pineapple. I felt good after eating this one at the OC Fair — There’s much more to be reported here about the healthy options and super indulgent at the Fair, once we’re able to sojourn from the fun.
It’s a Deep Fried Avocado Stuffed with Carne Asada. Have you heard of such a thing? Does it even sound good? Well… It’s now at Baja Blues near the Action Sports Arena at the Orange County Fair and a favorite of many, I’m told. I recently got to try it during a Fair Foodie Tour.
It’s not bad, but I discovered other preferences on the tour — Report posted on 07/28/12.
My Orange Zest Cheesecake with a Milk Chocolate Ganache recently won a 2nd Place Ribbon at the Orange County Fair. I plan to submit its recipe for the 2012 Orange County Fair Cookbook and will subsequently link to it here. Until then, stay tuned for snapshots of our recent OC Fair Foodie Tour. We found several healthy options in addition to the indulgent.
In a sea of Chocolate Confections, my Pink Grapefruit, Orange and Lemon-Lime Fruit Bursts stood out. They were just awarded Best in Show in Confections at the Orange County Fair.
My Roasted Peach Scones received an Honorable Mention — I’ll take it. Thanks!
And my Orange Zest Cheesecake with a Chocolate Ganache received a Second Place Ribbon.
I’m thrilled with the results and will soon be reporting more about OC Fair food.
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:
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!
It was a pleasure to see you here at this communal table at Pizzeria Ortica.
Pizzeria Ortica is set to launch a new round of three-course Italian family style dinners.
The restaurant occupies the old Turner New Zealand spot and I love its East Coast feel.
Our food appreciative group felt like family after sharing Verdure and Panzanella.
Also known as Grilled Zucchini, Cippolini Agro Dolce, Roasted Green Beans and Marinated Eggplant, and Baby Heirloom Tomatoes, Cucumber, Green Onions and Basil with Rustic Bread.
Mint Salsa Verde, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, Peas and Cippolini — Yum.
Roasted Nectarines with Mascarpone Cheese and more I’m not sure about, but it was good.
We’re always looking for a tasty outdoor patio too — Pizzeria Ortica goes on that list.
Blurry I know, but I like its sentiment — Sharing a Brown Butter and Hazelnut Torte. Grazie.
Update: Upcoming dinner dates for the Italian family style dinners are July 31st, August 28th, September 25th, October 30th and November 27th.
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.
Iva Lee’s Restaurant is a Southern Dinner House in San Clemente (and more).
It’s charming, welcoming and hometown, and an all around nice place to hang out.
It’s co-owned by a husband and wife team, whose grandmother was Iva Lee.
Most of the food pictured here is from their Catering Menu — All was served during Iva Lee’s Restaurant’s Ten Year Anniversary celebration. Fried Green Tomatoes with Sonoma Goat Cheese Crème (below) are popular. All Hors D’ Oeuvres were stirringly first-rate.
The restaurant’s interior is sexy and quaint.
Live Blues and Jazz play in a modest and stylish, relaxed Bar.
See Iva Lee’s website for food, entertainment and catering specifics — We just enjoy it.
Signature Cocktails on the patio on a Sunday afternoon in the Summer time.
Cheers to one of the best days ever — Behind the scenes, complimented with Iva Lee fare.
French smiles await you when you rise — Pandor Artisan Boulangerie and Café is open.
Its offerings are French to the Bread bone — Breakfast, Savories, Salads, Paninis and more.
And seemingly endless exquisite Desserts.
Once there was a way to get back home — Its owners want to bring France to the OC.
Food Media relished the taste of Pandor’s long journey to Newport Beach.
It’s where/when I learned how special the food and all that’s behind it actually is.
Our photos don’t do it justice — The Sandwiches and Salads are filled with sophisticated flavor.
I loved the Habano Sandwich, Grilled Vegetable Panini and Baby Spinach Turkey Salad.
Pandor means Golden Bread and each is made with loving French care.
Our hope is to try everything pictured here and more. It’s an exceptional place.
I left the taste-transport feeling French with Baguettes in hand.
Then we had our own private Idaho, a Bread Sampling Party.
Life is beautiful — Bonne Chance Amis.
The Taste of Orange County didn’t start off pretty — Long lines, slow processing and network glitches frustrated a lot of people including us, but we hung in there to eventually enjoy a sunny day filled with appetizing food, cooking demonstrations, artwork and live bands.
FOOD commenced with a Spicy Lobster Shrimp Grinder (at top) from SlapFish.
And the fare continued all day with specialties from several local high-quality restaurants, including Tamarind of London, which offered a nice seating area too, as did a few others.
Though not pictured, Mastro’s Steakhouse presented one of the best lounge areas.
The hip set-up paired well with Mastro’s Steak and Lobster Mashed Potatoes (above).
A few favorites came from Red Table.
We loved the Yuzu Crab Ceviche Tacos and Braised Beef Short Ribs.
We meant to go back for Red Table’s Broken Banana Cream Pie after savory, but forgot.
Spicy, tender, flavorful Chicken from Clay Oven.
Haven GastroPub served up Crab Rolls (above) and Fried Pigs Ears (below).
Pig’s Ears were another first — The pictured were sweet, spicy, crispy and tasty.
Short Rib and Crab-related offerings seemed to be popular, an agreeable thing.
The grilling meat reminded us of the upcoming Orange County Fair.
Chef Demo Host, Chef Jamie Gwen and Executive Chef Rob Wilson from the Montage Laguna Beach show ‘Easy Luxury Hors d’oeuvres Tricks & Tips’ with audience member volunteers.
Great OC Farm-To-Table Dinner, an extra cost but valuable — 7 Courses by 9 Top Chefs.
The Ultimate Stones cover band — They were good and almost as old as the originals.
Thanks for the Cupcakes — Media break under a tree with a glass of Wine.
We’re glad we stayed for all.
A true French experience will be waiting for you at Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Café.
It’s about to open at Westcliff Plaza in Newport Beach and we got a spectacular preview.
And this is your foretaste in photos — More will soon follow with an expanded report.
Merci to Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Café for now.
Opening June 2012 and possibly this week — It’s top to bottom French deliciousness.
Mexican Food with friends is one of the best things in life.
Avila’s El Ranchito in Huntington Beach is where we were today — It’s an open indoor/outdoor space, perfect for Main Street and a few blocks from the pier. Stop in for lunch after surfing.
My camera often freaks out at night, which bestows a vintage haze in photos, to put it nicely.
Apologies for substandard photos of their Grande Taco Salad, Chingolingas and Mama Avila’s Famous Chicken Soup, an El Ranchito favorite. All looked and tasted better than viewed here.
And a pitcher of Margaritas for the Senoritas.
Gracias dearest amigas for another birthday dinner for me — We’re all blessed and lucky.
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.
I love me some FRUIT in Panera Bread‘s Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad — Not only does it have Strawberries, but Blueberries, Pineapple, Mandarin Oranges and Pecans. Yum!
I felt ready to walk miles after this healthy, refreshing Salad and Creamy Tomato Soup.
And a Strawberries and Cream Scone for the road — Fueled for a 5+ mile hike after.
Panera Bread — A good start for many things, though wish I had opted for the Chips, instead of an Apple with the Soup & Salad Combo. You get a choice of Bread, Fruit or Chips with it, and the Chips would’ve gone well with the Soup, as there was plenty of Fruit in the Strawberry Salad. It’s not all about health you know… It’s about taste too and all was well.
The Chicken Shish Kabob Mediterranean Entree is A MUST, as noted on Panini Cafe’s Menu and verbalized by friends. Four of us recently had lunch on their patio in Irvine to celebrate a couple birthdays. My original sights were set on Lamb, Mousaka or a Panini, but had to try the Chicken Shish Kabob due to the hoopla. We all ordered the same plate, not a food bloggers dream, but WOW is the word — It’s beautiful, extremely flavorful, tender and juicy baby.
It’s the Best Chicken Kabob we’ve ever had — My friends go to Panini Cafe for it as often as possible. Their office is within walking distance and now I wish mine was too. It’s superb.
The pictured dessert isn’t served at Panini Cafe. It was made by a dear friend and amazing baker for our birthdays — A tasty lunch indeed. Let’s meet back here soon for another Kabob.
The Taste of Orange County 5 Star Culinary Festival will be happening at the Verizon Amphitheater on June 16th and 17th. Get your tickets now through OCSaverTime for a super deal, or visit the Taste of OC website for more information and tickets too. See you there.
WOW! We had one of the best meals ever at the Old Vine Café at The Camp.
It’s a relatively small restaurant with airy, open indoor/outdoor seating.
We thoroughly enjoyed our patio seat and hope for the same one next time.
We like the Tasting Menus so much, we want to try them ALL.
There are 9 Tasting Menus to choose from, which are basically four course meals, with Wine paired with each course — The food portions and Wine pours are extremely generous too.
The Old Vine Café is stylish and its virtuoso menu is presented on painted canvas.
It was hard to decide, but we chose The Premium Tasting Menu and Savory Tasting Menu.
TOAST between each course and if you fancy a Wine, take a bottle home. We fell for the 2007 Von Hovel Riesling Spatlese, Mosel Saar Ruver Germany. It was crisp and not too sweet.
The pictured are generally described — See Dinner Menu for complete (better) descriptions.
At top from first course down, we savored Large Shrimp with a Lemon Grass Curry Sauce.
And Seasonal Greens with Crispy Prosciutto, Fried Onions and Maytag Blue Cheese, a giant Hand Made Raviolo with Smoked Duck, Goat Cheese and Porcini Mushrooms in Brown Butter with Sage, and Prosciutto Wrapped Baby Artichokes with a Citrus Infused Olive Oil.
Char Grilled Lamb Chops with a Blueberry Malbec Demi Glace — The Sauce was magical.
Beef Tenderloin Stroganoff with Shitake Mushrooms served over Hand Made Fettuccini.
Artisan Cheese with Marcona Almonds and Fresh Fruit.
Dark Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake — Cheers to that with Port.
All is set near tall pine trees, a CAMP fire, hammock and the largest wind chimes I’ve seen.
Mark McDonald is the Old Vine Café’s Chef and owner, and a true expert on Local Cuisine, where Orange County’s Best Restaurants are highlighted . I’m also a listed expert and humbled to be named amongst others far more knowledge, especially after this meal.
It’s worth the sometimes parking hassles of The Camp — Once you’re there, it’s a delicious escape. I love it, I love it, I love it, like a Joyologist, and should have my leg kicked up high.
Already ready for the next OVC Tasting Menu.
Part Deux on Eat Chow’s second location in Newport Beach — See our first report here.
A surprising thing happened at this gathering to celebrate the opening of Eat Chow II…
A few of us (especially me) think we had the best Turkey Burger ever (above), and I usually don’t care for them. Eat Chow makes them with Shredded Lettuce, Tomato, Caramelized Onions, House Made Pickles and 1000 Island Dressing, and Cheddar Cheese on a Brioche Bun.
One cool server delivering Turkey Chili Cups to sample — Merci.
Truffle Parmesan Fries and Fried Green Tomatoes.
Media at this celebration to taste, photograph and tweet about the well crafted offerings.
Earlier posted photos are of the Spanish Style Roasted Chicken Salad and Curry Salmon Tacos.
Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding.
We’ll go back to Eat Chow for the Turkey Burger — Can’t believe I think that, but it’s true.
Strips and Cheese aka Cheese Strips aka Beach Strips in Huntington Beach are sought after by generations. I remember having them when I was Chef Lexi’s age and it’s brilliant to see they haven’t changed — You can’t say that about many things. We’re glad they’re still around.
Look for Strips at Zacks or Jacks (not Babes in the distance below). Although Babes are the more colorful snack shacks, they lack in service, selection and quality. I give thumbs down to their freezer-burned Rootbeer Float in hand, while still smiling because it’s a beautiful day.
We say skip Babes and park your bike at Zacks and/or Jacks.
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