Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Have you seen our Orange County Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Report?

Just added to it are the pictured Chili Cheese Fries at Santa Fe Cafe at Fullerton Train Station.

It’s entertaining watching the trains go by, while lounging on Santa Fe Cafe’s patio with Chili Cheese Fries, an $8 or $10 Pitcher of Beer and the sunset.  It’s what I’ve enjoyed there thus far.

Be aware of occasional loitering oddballs, otherwise all should be good.

View these Chili Cheese Fries and several others on our on-going Chili Cheese Fries post.

In relation to the post title… Shelly Chili Freis should have been my legal name, if I would’ve been able to change my middle name to Chili, but apparently one can’t change his/her middle name when getting married, only a last name, or it would officially be me.  It’s my unofficial name now.

We can walk or bike to Totally 80’s Bar & Grille in Fullerton — It’s a relatively new Bar, Restaurant, Dance Club & Karaoke Bar in the neighborhood.  It occupies the space of a former Mexican Restaurant, Bar & Event spot.  There’s little change to its exterior other than the somewhat cheesy sign (sorry).  Its theme caught our attention and made it a must stop.

I love 80’s music and inside it’s a whole new retro world — We’re impressed!

It’s well decorated and fun throughout.  We’re unsure about the “Grille” part of Totally 80’s Bar & Grille, as we only tried the ‘Totally Awesome Tots’, which appear to be popular.  We tried two of the three offered — The Chili Cheese Tots and Nacho Cheese Tots.  The third, Tots Poutine includes Gravy and an Egg.  Good combinations.  The Tater Tots were crisp, but a bit expensive ($10), if not from their Late Night Menu ($6) — We’ll try the Tots Poutine then.

Robert Smith (above) of one of my favorite bands, The Cure — We’re definitely going back to try and photograph more.  Actual 80’s bands, real and cover play here too.  We’re monitoring their events schedule.  Welcome to the hood Totally 80’s Bar & Grille.  Great to see you!

Related — That 80’s Bar in Montclair and New Wave Restaurant in Lakewood.

I submitted a Potato Chip flavor idea in Lay’s latest Do Us A Flavor – Choose Your Chip Contest, but never heard back.  It appears they didn’t choose my flavor idea… Steakhouse Bloody Mary Kettle Cooked Chips, which would have to be better than Cappuccino, don’t you think?  I was surprised to see and taste that option, but do appreciate its uniqueness.

With respect to Lay’s actual picks (above), I was most excited about the Wasabi Ginger and Mango Salsa, thought the Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese to be basic, and the Cappuccino to be odd.  After tasting all, I’d only be able to eat an entire bag of one, the Cheddar Bacon Mac & Cheese.  I’m not sure how I’m able to taste Macaroni in a Potato Chip, but somehow can.  They’re pretty good.  Overall, we could only eat a couple Cappuccino Chips before they got sickening, a few more of the Wasabi Ginger Chips before being overpowered by their flavor, and the Mango Salsa Chips tasted like my favorite Fruit Lollipop at Disneyland, a flavor not sought in a Chip.  We say #SaveBaconMac, if any.  Vote for your favorite — Previous winners.

From a Potato Contest I’ve learned to appreciate Ground Turkey, and other dishes I wouldn’t choose to make — At least there’s that, since my photos haven’t produced many wins.

* The pictured is not an official entry in the contest. The chosen ones are much better, I think.

Well… I wouldn’t yell at my husband if he did this — I’d just make fun of him.

Not sure that my photos will be chosen this go around, but we enjoyed the meals, though I’d rather have the $500 per photo prize from the Idaho Potato Commission for entries in their Recipe Photo Contest.  There’s still time to enter for a prize, or at a minimum eat a good meal.

The pictured weren’t chosen as official entries in the Idaho Potato Commission’s contest.

Each is a different dish/recipe in the contest, ending May 29, 2014.  I made and entered (3) of the (6) posted recipes (from top down) — The Salmon and Shitake Idaho Hash that’s half eaten, the Western Scramble introducing the Eggs, and the French Red Wine Infused Idaho Grown Fingerling Potato Salad, a snooty sounding Salad with hard to find Fresh Chervil.

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.

Well… I learned how to make Gnocchi (a good thing) and other dishes I’d never choose to make, but didn’t win a prize.  All was for a Recipe Photo Contest sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission.  My photos weren’t selected and I think I know why.  It’s all about the food (or Potatoes in this instance), not background, though important too, and I didn’t get close enough.  Or the competition was stiff.  I don’t know.  I appreciate the incentive.

Moving on… to packin’ for moving, as previously reported — I’ll compete again when time.

I’ve been working on 9 out of 10 Idaho Potato Commission Recipe Photo Contest entries.  The September/October contest officially ends today, then judging begins.  It’s a wrap here with Idaho Potato Gnocchi with Pesto, the last dish prepared, photographed and entered to hopefully win again.  If nothing else, it was a learning experience with satisfying, tasty meals.

I hadn’t made Gnocchi before — It’s relatively easy, but gets sticky, so be liberal with the flour.

If you don’t have a Gnocchi roller, they can be rolled on the back of a fork.

Contest recipe linked here includes a complete list of ingredients and instructions.

Cook ’em until they bob to the top, plus 5 minutes are general guidelines, but my main focus was the FINAL photo of the prepared dish (and flavor too) — The photo is everything to the contest and flavor most of the enjoyment of the labor, though a win would enhance that too.

Photos herein are not official entries in the contest — They’re runners up.

There’s yet another Recipe Photo Contest being hosted by the Idaho Potato Commission and you could win $500 or more.  Not sure why I keep reporting about it, since I don’t need the extra competition.  It’s just that it has a lot of fun and favorable elements about it.  To be fair (and helpful), you can learn more about it and enter here on or before October 29, 2013.

* Photo of Jalapeno-Ham Stuffed Potatoes (a Contest Recipe) is not an actual entry.

Check out the latest Recipe Photo Contest hosted by the Idaho Potoato Commission — You could win big. I hope to.  They’re giving away $5,000.  Past contest information is linked here.

The ten winning photographs in the Idaho Potato Recipe Photo Contest are now posted on the Idaho Potato Commission’s website here.  As previously reported, one of my ten entered photographs was chosen as a winner.  Pictured here is the Idaho Potato Vegetable Casserole Supreme, which didn’t win, but is our victor for flavor — Recipe and winning photo are here.

All my hard work paid off — I won at least (1) of (10) $500 prizes in Idaho Potato Commission’s Recipe Photo Contest.  I just received notification that my photo of the Idaho Potato, Jarlsberg Lite and Roasted Vegetable Terrine was chosen to represent the recipe on the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC’s) website.  Thank you!  I’ve previously posted about the contest and my participation in it here, here and here.  The pictured is not the actual winner chosen by the IPC.  It’s a similar photo that was taken for the contest, but not submitted.

It’s Shelly & The Idaho Potato Commission — A shortened, simplified version of Julie & Julia, if you will.  In far-reaching comparison, I prepared all recipes in the Idaho Potato Commission’s Recipe Photo Contest detailed in the Press Release below, and similarly learned a lot from it.  I now await the results.  The Idaho Potato and Fresh Asparagus Soup photo above was not entered in the contest, but its recipe is (1) of (10) to be made by month’s end.

Calling all enthusiastic home cooks and shutterbugs! The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is now hosting a bigger and better-than-ever recipe photo contest, featuring 10 recipes, 10 opportunities to win, and a total of $5,000 in cash prizes.

We are always impressed with the quality of work that comes out of our recipe photo contests, and wanted to give folks even more chances to enjoy Idaho® potatoes and show off their culinary and photography skills, said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “Now that we’re offering more ways to win and a bigger prize incentive, we hope to see even more extraordinary spud snapshots from our Idaho® potato fanatics.”

This summer, the contest is all about summer spuds – pairing the best of what the season has to offer with delicious Idaho® potatoes. To participate, prepare one of the recipes below using Idaho® potatoes, snap a photograph of it, and upload it to idahopotato.com using the entry form provided. A winning photo will be selected for each of the 10 recipes, and each winner will be awarded a $500 prize! Contestants may submit entries for as many of the featured recipes as desired, and have the opportunity to win multiple times.

• Quick Potato Salad for One
• Idaho® Potato Gazpacho
• Roasted Potatoes and Vegetables with Pasta
• Idaho® Potato Tomato Pie
• Idaho® Potato Salad with Peppers and Onions
• Roasted Idaho® Yukon Gold Potato and Artichoke Salad
• Idaho® Potato and Fresh Asparagus Soup
• Idaho® Potato, Jarlsberg and Roasted Vegetable Terrine
• Crispy Grilled Idaho® Potatoes
• Idaho® Potato and Vegetable Casserole Supreme

The deadline to enter photo submissions for the July/August contest period is 11:59 pm PT on August 29, 2013. Read the official rules and more details on how to enter the contest here: http://recipes.idahopotato.com/enter-our-recipe-photo-contest/

About the Idaho Potato Commission Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered trademark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho’s growing season of warm days and cool nights, ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich volcanic soil, give Idaho® potatoes their unique texture, taste and dependable performance. These ideal growing conditions are what differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states. For more information, visit: www.idahopotato.com.

One month left to submit final photographs in the Idaho Potato Recipe Photo Contest.  I’ve been busy making dishes that generate photos I’m not allowed to publish — Five Idaho Potato Recipes down and five to go.  The challenge is to prepare and photograph at least (1) of (10) select recipes using Idaho Potatoes and submit it here to (hopefully) win $500 for each 1st Place photo.  You may make and photograph all ten recipes and I’m on a roll, though I did make the easier ones first.  The pictured weren’t chosen as official entries in the contest, but relate to the “Quick Potato Salad For One” recipe.  Mix top photo to make bottom photo.

We loved the Idaho Potato Vegetable Casserole Supreme and plan to make it again.

The Idaho Potato Recipe Photo Contest — Now this contest moved me.  I’m already in with a similar, but different photo than above.  It’s a cool contest!  I receive a lot of email regarding cooking/recipe contests, new food products, new menu items, new restaurants, new cooking shows, new cookbooks, national food days and all things food related.  Though I’d like to try, participate in and/or review most, there’s not enough time in a day, even so I appreciate all.

Where’s a Pool O’Ranch, some Oil, a Jacuzzi, a little Salt or a good Salad — It’s time for a tan.

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.

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.

I forgot the Potato Chip flavor I entered in Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Contest and apparently Lay’s forgot too as it wasn’t chosen as a finalist — Darn.  The prize is $1,000,000.00 or 1% of sales, whichever is greater.  See Official Rules for specifics.  And the finalists are… Sriracha, Chicken & Waffles and Cheesy Garlic Bread.  YOU may vote for your favorite today through May 4th.

Have you tried them yet?  I like the varied selection chosen and created by Lay’s.

I expected to like Sriracha best, since I like its flavor, but it didn’t translate well onto the Potato Chips (above).  I don’t taste Sriracha.  It’s just hot without that recognizable flavor.

I was excited to see Chicken & Waffles (top) since it’s different and first thought ‘oh big deal’ when seeing Cheesy Garlic Bread (above).  After all was said, done, thought about and tasted, the Chicken & Waffles bag was empty first due to extra analysis of its interesting flavors, but ultimately I voted for Cheesy Garlic Bread, because it REALLY tastes like Cheesy Garlic Bread — Lay’s did us a flavor with it, though I’d buy the Chicken & Waffles again too.

Text VOTE to CHIPS (24477) to submit a vote.

03/10/13 Update: Though voting continues into May, it’s been difficult finding more Chips to try.  This is a call-out for Lay’s to get more Chips out there — Supply if you advertise!

Turning to Gary Larson while feeding a cold and fixing code to the wrongly displayed ad at top.

It’s fun to WIN things.  I happily know it.  That might not sound humble, but I truly am.  Just sayin’ I’ve been fortunate to experience many wins (and loss).  It’s life.  Okay, too deep — It’s only about (2) Tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  Do YOU want them?

How to WIN them — Do (1) of these things: LIKE Nibbles of Tidbits on Facebook, Leave a COMMENT on this post, Follow @FoodBlog on Twitter with a Tweet or send an E-Mail to soup4you@hotmail.com.  We’ll track all and draw a name on Christmas Day.  Tickets will be sent out or delivered the next day, December 26th.  You may enter once a day.  Good luck!

Photos in this post are from the OC Fair’s Pre-Party Event, a taste of the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party happening December 31, 2011 — We went last year and had a blast.

The Garlic Scapes guy handing out Deep Fried Artichoke Hearts with a Garlic Dipping Sauce.

Fried Spinach with Parmesan and Bacon from Bacon Mania.

Garlic Sliders from Garlic Scapes, one of our favorite Gourmet Food Trucks of the evening.

Bleu Slaw and “Offensive” Baked Beans (that’s what they call ’em) were from Short Stop BBQ.

Pre-Party glimpse of Gourmet Food Trucks — All to be at the big event on New Year’s Eve.

Everything we ate was excellent and the menus were sophisticated — Impressive and rich.

The Garlic Artichoke Dip and Chips are pictured above, and below are the mentioned samples.

We prefer the Artichoke Dip to the Hearts — It had loads of flavor and the Chips were delicate.

The Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs from Piaggio were two for $5 and couldn’t have been better.  And I got lucky this night too, by winning a Tornado Potato after spinning the pre-party wheel.

Your (2) Tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party are waiting under this tree.  Remember to enter once a day to WIN ’em, starting now by liking Nibbles of Tidbits on Facebook or by leaving a COMMENT here or by following @FoodBlog on Twitter with a Tweet or by sending an E-mail to soup4you@hotmail.com.  I hope to see you New Year’s Eve.

Knowlwood Restaurant claims to be The Home of the World’s Best Hamburger since 1957.  I’m not sure about that, but some I know say they might have the best Turkey Burger.  Having never had a good one, it may be the most flavorful I’ve had, but it still can’t beat the Beef.

When Irish Nachos are smiling, they’re at Knowlwood.