Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

The Cheesecake Factory now offers a low priced “Small Plates & Snacks” Menu.  It’s currently in paper form and separate from their laminated menu-magazine.  The Small Plates Menu presents several unique and tasty food choices under $5.   We’ve only had the Fried Artichoke Hearts (pictured above) for $3.95.  That’s a pretty good deal, so I look forward to trying more options.  The prices make it possible — They’re great for the quality the Cheesecake Factory seems to maintain.  Also pictured is the Grilled Chicken Tostada Salad, one of the CF’s Salads that come in full portion only.  It’s a perfect Salad for two, since it’s served on two separate Tostada Shells.  It’s obviously not on the Small Plates Menu, but we shared it this day.

We’ve reviewed other Cheesecake Factory dishes and LOVE their Taquitos and many other items.

Mesa Grill & Barbeque is on 17th Street where Baja Fresh used to be.  I just learned there’s two, this one in Costa Mesa and one in Santa Ana.  I recently received their menu and generous coupons in the mail, which gave me a great reason to give them a try.  I got all this food for $13.47, 50% off its regular price of $25.  Either price, it appears to be a good deal.

It’s the Mesa Platter for 2, which includes Half a Chicken, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Tri-tip, Pulled Pork, Mesa Chicken Wings, Rosemary Potatoes, Tri-tip Beans, Corn on the Cob with Mesa Butter, Garden Salads, Cornbread, and a Spicy Cheese Fondue with Homemade Potato Chips.

Mesa Grill & Barbeque did good by distributing its menu and deals.  Unfortunately I hadn’t seen too many people eating there, but this night they had quite a few.  And I now know that the food and service is definitely worth a re-visit.  I especially liked the Tri-tip, Pulled Pork, Corn on the Cob, and Spicy Cheese Fondue with crispy Potato Chips.

Related Links:

http://www.mesagrillbbq.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1269

UPDATE 08/01/09:  It unfortunately appears that this restaurant closed.

To kick off Newport Beach Restaurant Week, we had the prix-fixe lunch from Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille.  The cost is $20 for three courses.  It’s a great way to try a variety of gourmet dishes at a favorable price.  Our picks included the Saba Steak Salad, a reported popular entree at Tommy B’s.

And the Lobster Cove Grilled Cheese and Heirloom Tomato Soup we read about — Of course it had to be one of our choices.  It’s rich, but has a generous amount of Lobster.

They offer “Tommy’s World Famous Coconut Shrimp” and all featured course dishes in larger portions on their everyday menu.  If you love any of them, you’ll be able to get it after Restaurant Week is over.

Above is the special prix-fixe menu, the Millionaires Mojito, Big Island Goat Cheese, Tommy’s Trio and Pina Colada Cake.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1753

http://www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Cafes.jsp

If you work or live near an Ikea Store, you should consider it a worthy place for lunch.  The prices are reasonable, the food is good and the cafeteria environment is a fun escape.  Why not skip the fast food joint and opt for the Ikea Restaurant & Cafe.  It’s fast and roughly the same cost.  I always get the Swedish Meatballs with extra Gravy and Lingonberry Preserves.  I love the combination.  I also buy the frozen (Meatballs), powdered (Gravy) and jarred (Preserves) from their Food Market and make all at home.  It’s an enjoyable quick meal.

Related Links:

http://bostonist.com/2006/07/21/eating_out_ikea.php

http://www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2007/08/16/ikea-restaurant-cafe-07242007/

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId=12&langId=-1&StoreName=localfood

Another Mystery Shop at The Cheesecake Factory.  It appears the company really cares about customer satisfaction.  That’s a very good thing.  This lunch visit I had Renee’s Special.  I’m not sure who Renee is, but the Baked Potato Soup was amazing.  I’ll go back just for it.  The Cheesecake Factory possibly offers the most menu items I’ve ever seen.  I could eat there every day for a month!  I’d bet that all would be good too.  Renee’s Special includes the choice of two Sandwiches and comes all together with Soup of the Day and a Salad.  It’s a good combination for some, but there’s too many other options to get it again.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1304

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1185

http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/default.asp

The service at The Golden Truffle Restaurant was superb.  We enjoyed the prix fixe New Years Eve Menu.  The food offerings were progressive and broad, which I like.  And the $68 price for four sophisticated courses wasn’t bad.  We enjoyed our food and wine on the outdoor patio under the overhead heater.

Respectively pictured are just a few of our picks — The Cream of Maui Onion Soup, the Tempura Chicken and Avocado Hand Roll with Fresh Wasabi, the Pit Smoked Prime Cowboy Cut Brisket with Whipped Potatoes and Horseradish Jus, the Black Truffle Sauteed Breast of Jidori Chicken with Beaujolais and Mushrooms, the Lavender and Wild Honey Creme Brulee, and the Bitter Chocolate Pot De Creme with Crushed Berries.

The Sauce on the Jidori Chicken and the Brisket were both outstanding.  We hoped for more Black Truffle flavor on the Chicken and more Lavender in the Creme Brulee, but their preparation was perfectly executed.  Overall it was a great experience with well timed and friendly service.  I’d go back for that.  Although it’s a restaurant, The Golden Truffle’s main business is catering.  Long ago they figured they might as well set up a store front too.

Related Links:

http://www.goldentruffle.com/

http://www.jidorichicken.com/

http://www.answers.com/topic/prix-fixe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuber_(genus)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

After eating at The Bungalow, one block North, we walked to Oysters Restaurant in Corona Del Mar for some appetizers and Live Jazz Music.  This visit we had a couple Oysters ($2.95 each) and the Roasted Nueske Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Dates with Laura Chenel Goat Cheese and a Soy Port Glaze.  The Oysters tasted fresh and the Dates were fantastic.  We wanted to eat something at a few other Corona Del Mar restaurants, but filled up after this one.  We’ll be back to try Bandera, the Quiet Woman and a lot more.

Related Links:

http://www.oystersrestaurant.com/

http://www.quietwoman.com/

http://www.thebungalowrestaurant.com/

http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/bandera/

The Bungalow Restaurant in Corona Del Mar is quaint, romantic, friendly and provides great service.  Almost too much service this visit, but way better than none.  I’d go back over and over again.  Here’s one of their December Specials, Bison Steak topped with Foie Gras and a Lingonberry Sauce.  It was a beautiful and tasty combination, perfectly cooked and not gamey.

Related Links:

http://www.bison-steak.info/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foie_gras

http://www.thebungalowrestaurant.com/

DMBLGIT January Contest Entry:
http://picasaweb.google.com/kochtopf/DMBLGITJanuary2009#

I’ve discovered the largest Taco in Costa Mesa and possibly all of Orange County.  It’s at Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar, a family owned place that’s been open for more than 35 years in Costa Mesa. Although I’d heard many great things about the restaurant, the Tacos weren’t specifically mentioned. The buzz seemed mostly about the Mexican Pizzas, gigantic Burritos and stiff Margaritas.

In a visit this year with friends, we happily confirmed the quality of the Margaritas, and I had my first Mi Casa Taco.  It was huge. Once I was able to pick it up, I didn’t put it down.  It was that good, plus I didn’t think I’d successfully be able to pick it up again, so I just kept eating.  Now I have Chicken Taco tunnel vision – And each visit it’s been stuffed with superior meat, fresh lettuce and what seems like a whole brick of grated cheese on top.  Yum!  It’s consistently enjoyable and filling.  My friend says the Beef Taco is just as delicious.

Related Links:

http://www.micasa1.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1321

The menu reads “The use of cellular telephones interferes with the Taleggio Sauce on Chef Bracken’s Macaroni and Cheese” — That’s funny.  It’s one of the items we tried, along with the Lamb Chops below.  Both were excellent, not inexpensive, but worth it.  We had them in the lounge, which is a very comfortable place to hang out.  Island Hotel Newport Beach is where the Four Seasons used to be on Newport Center Drive.

I had read about the ‘Mid-Week Bites & Delights at Palm Terrace Restaurant and Lounge’ offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, but they’re not happening during the holidays.  That’s too bad because the food and prices sound great, especially the 2 for $5 gourmet Sliders, such as the Chicken and Truffle Slider on a Pretzel Bun with Oven-Dried Tomato Aioli.  I’ll report more if they reconvene the offering after the holidays.  I hope so — We’ll see.  Related Link:  http://www.islandhotel.com/

I live near two “The Flame Broiler” restaurants and finally tried one (off Harbor/Wilson) for the first time.  Here’s the Chicken Veggie Bowl with MAGIC Sauce (a Teriyaki-type variation).  The Chicken flavor was excellent, but next time I’ll request all white meat.  I heard a few others order it while I was eating.  It’s about $1.25 extra.  I like dark meat, but there were too many connectors included in the bowl — It’ll be easier to enjoy the white meat.  The Vegetables were fresh and the Sauce had the perfect sweetness.  I wanna go back and have another.

More Flame Broiler Food & INFO

Flame Broiler DIRECT: http://www.flamebroilerusa.com/

I buy and a co-worker flies, and buys more for the office.  It works out well for a few lunch meals.  One of my professions requires that I work in an office across the street from The Irvine Spectrum, a fun place that offers a multitude of dining experiences. 

Today we were craving the #12 from Johnny Rockets — It’s a Hamburger I used to love.  I hadn’t had one in years.  And of course we had to compare their Chili Cheese Fries to those already posted on Nibbles of Tidbits.  A few others got Chili Cheese Dogs.  As you can see it was a low calorie lunch this day. 🙂

Although it’s not that far and we phoned in our order the last minute, the food didn’t travel well.  The Burger was a bit soggy and flat, but I’m glad to admit the tasty flavor was still there — I might want to eat it at the restaurant next time.  The Chili Cheese Fries are rated in a related post linked below.  And the Hot Dogs were good but messy and greasy.

Related Links:

http://www.johnnyrockets.com/index2.php

http://www.shopirvinespectrumcenter.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1110

This time we tried the Spicy Thai Chicken Pizza and Moo Shu Egg Rolls.  Both were top notch, just like most dishes at the Yard House.  The price and quality are there.  And the varied menu items are consistently good.  There’s more photos of other fabulous Yard House appetizers linked below.  We’re getting around to trying them all.  Why not?

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1310

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=762

There are so many restaurants in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.  You especially notice them if you’re on foot.  Below is a pictorial view of our walk from Costa Mesa to Newport Beach, then back.  Are you local?  Can you trace the route by street?  These pictures are in travel order from (general) start to finish.  Aloha Grill was our first stop, which is finally open — Then working on down (L-R) is Super Pollo, Santa Monica Seafood and continuing.

Mesa Grill & Barbecue, The Omelette Parlor/Chester Drawers, Billy’s at the Beach, Wine Lab Newport, Villa Nova Ristorante and A Restaurant (formerly The Arches).

On to Woody’s Diner, Avilas El Ranchito, Ten Sushi Steaks, Woody’s Wharf, The Crab Cooker and The Chicken Coop.

I’ve tried most of the above and wrote about some on Nibbles of Tidbits and for other publications.  I haven’t yet tried Mesa Grill & Barbecue, The Omelette Parlor, Ten, A Restaurant, or the Wine Lab Newport, so check back HERE for future information about them.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=875

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1266

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1259

http://ocmexfood.blogspot.com/search?q=super+pollo

I finally ate at my house, I mean Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant.  It has only been in Costa Mesa for 30 years — And I’d heard many good things about it.  So three of us recently went there for a friend’s Birthday.  We had excellent Margaritas and the food you see here.  It’s a Beef Burrito, Chicken Taco and Chili Relleno Combination, and a Beef Taco Combination.

We just happened to meet the owner, who seemed like a sweet man.  It appears he runs a great place to have in the neighborhood.  We liked our meals and I’d go out of my way just to get a Mi Casa Chicken Taco.  It was gigantic, crispy and tasty.  They also surprised us with a Birthday Pumpkin Frozen Dessert — I didn’t get the actual name, but it was good too.  My friends ate most of it, HA.

Related Link:

Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar – http://www.micasa1.com/

It appears we’re working our way through all of Island’s Burgers at Bella Terra and other locations.  This time it was the ‘Sunset‘ with BBQ Sauce, Cheese and fix-ins minus the raw Onion.  A BBQ Burger isn’t usually a top pick of mine, but the Sunset was excellent, like all Island’s Burgers I’ve had thus far.  Now we’re heading to Kilauea.

Update 01/28/10:  The Sunset Burger appears to have a new name — It’s now called a “Mavericks” Burger.

I recently conducted a Mystery Shop for an un-named company — The assignment was to order something TO GO from The Cheesecake Factory at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.  It sounded like a great project to me, so I chose the Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta, called it in, then picked it up about 15 minutes later.  And I was very happy to report that the service and food quality were excellent.  I’d have this dish again too.

I love Fashion Island — It’s got some great restaurants and three of many are just steps away from each other.  Actual view pictured above from left to right is California Pizza Kitchen, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and The Cheesecake Factory, where I picked up my lunch.  During the day you can see the Pacific Ocean from the windows of these restaurants.

Related Links:

http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1185

http://www.shopfashionisland.com/

http://www.pfchangs.com/

http://www.cpk.com/

Most of The Yard House’s Appetizers are half price Monday through Friday from 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.  Here’s a few we recently tried at the Fashion Island location.  The Lettuce Wraps are really good – I like the accompanying Sauces.  The Chinese Garlic Noodles are okay, a little boring, but the unique California Roll made up for it.  It’s flavorful and different than any California Roll I’ve ever had.

We finished with the Pint Sized Trio Sampler with included a Chocolate Souffle, a Lemon Souffle and a Peach Apple Cobbler.  It was a dream combination for me.  WOW!!!  I want it again.

Related Links:

http://www.yardhouse.com/flash/default.asp

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=762 

http://www.shopfashionisland.com/

Tommy Pastrami’s NY Blackened Pastrami Sandwich (above).  http://www.tommypastraminydeli.com/home.asp 

OR

The Hat’s “World Famous” Pastrami Sandwich (below)?  http://www.thehat.com/index.htm

Both Sandwiches are good yet different from each other.  I liked the look of Tommy Pastrami’s Pastrami.  The meat was lean and athetically pleasing.  The Hat’s Pastrami was fattier, and I most often prefer a leaner meat — However, it’s not all over with that observation.

The Hat’s Pastrami was more flavorful and juicy.  In comparison, Tommy’s Pastrami was unexpectedly bland/dry, but tasted good with Mustard.  Between these two Sandwiches, I may wear The Hat for a while.  Whose Pastrami do you like better?  I know there’s a lot more Pastrami Sandwiches out there, but do you have an opinion on these two?

Related Link:  http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1110

I like this picture, but it might be hard to tell that the above is fresh-sliced Smoked Albacore Tuna, Lemon and Tartar Sauce.  It’s from The Crab Cooker in Newport Beach and makes a tasty TO GO snack for the ocean and beach across the street.   

When I eat inside the restaurant, I look forward to their Cheese Potatoes, Grilled Fish and King Crab Legs.  And one time I saw Adam Ant dining there.  Do you remember him?  He was just a few tables away.  That was cool because I used to be a big fan — Dog Eat Dog, Ant Invasion, etc.  For fun and quick reference (for myself), I linked two Adam and the Ants videos below.

Okay, back to the food.  The Cheese Potatoes are reminiscent of those served at the old Seafood Broiler Restaurant.  Once upon a time I worked at the one in Lakewood.  Do you remember them?  They were great.  The Crab Cooker reminds me of the admired Seafood Broiler — So if you’ve been looking for the Cheese Potatoes ever since they closed, you should check out The Crab Cooker.  I think you’ll be happy.

Related Links:

http://www.crabcooker.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KNT3NHrCR8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtxuPqjSJDc&feature=related 

Where’s your favorite place to get Chili Cheese Fries?  We’ve been trying a few around town and would love to know whose Chili Cheese Fries you like BEST.  Some are extra good and some are just okay.  We describe a few, but want you to be the judge too.  Each photograph will have a brief description and related restaurant link directly below it.  And we’ll be adding more Chili Cheese Fries photos and observations, so keep checking back.

The Hat’s Chili Cheese Fries with Pickles & Tomatoes – You get a lot of them.  It’s heavy.

Tommy Pastrami’s Chili Cheese Fries – It’s got nice Steak Fries, but the Chili is a bit Tomato-Paste tasting.  It has big chunks of Beef in it, which is ok, but generally not preferred in a CCF.

Carl’s Junior’s Chili Cheese Fries – They’re not bad.

Fatburger’s Chili Cheese Fries – For some reason I expected more, but they were good.  Fatburger offers a choice of Skinny Fries or Fat Fries.  Pictured here are the Skinny Fries.

SONIC Drive-In’s Chili Cheese Fries – I haven’t tried these yet, but others like them.

Orange County Fair’s Chili Cheese Fries – You can only get them during the OC Fair.

Wienerschnitzel’s Chili Cheese Fries – Unfortunately they’re not one of my top picks.  I’d have to go with Carl’s Jr.’s Chili Cheese Fries before these (above).

Pink’s Chili Cheese Fries – Very good.  Second favorite to Original Tommy’s Chili Cheese Fries.

Del Taco’s Chili Cheese Fries – I’d pick them over Carl’s Jr. ones, since the Fries are better.

EZ Take Out Burger’s Chili Cheese Fries – I liked them, especially the French Fries.  Their Hamburgers are similar to In-N-Out’s Burgers, but dare I say I like EZ Take Out’s Fries better.  And Chili Cheese Fries don’t appear to be an option at In-N-Out Burger.

Johnny Rocket’s Chili Cheese Fries – They’re acceptable.  Nothing to rave about, nor rag on.  On a separate note, their Hamburgers are very good.

Original Tommy’s Chili Cheese Fries – They still stand as my favorite over all those pictured.

Wendy’s Chili Cheese Fries — It’s made with Chili that should be served in a bowl with a side of Buttered Crackers, but instead it’s dumped over French Fries and topped with Cheese.  I don’t think so.  They’re not recommended.

Jack in the Box Loaded Chili Cheese Wedges — Good with the Onions picked out.

Portillo’s Chili Cheese Fries — Portillo’s Chili has a really good flavor that goes well with their crinkled-cut French Fries and a little melted Cheese.  We’d have them again.

Santa Fe Cafe Chili Cheese Fries — They’re best had on their outdoor patio with a Pitcher of Beer.

MORE TO COME.

Nick’s Pizza Ristorante Italiano is on Restaurantica – http://www.restaurantica.com/blog/Nicks-Pizza-Ristorante-Italiano/130/

Nick’s Tortellini and Chicken with Artichoke Hearts, Prosciutto and Green Peas in a Light Cream Sauce.

Related Links:

http://www.restaurantica.com/blog/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1240

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1213

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=249

http://www.nickspizzapasta.com/

Did you know that Island’s Burgers and Sandwiches now come with French Fries?  Yes, they finally do.  It used to cost another $5 for a Basket of Fries, which isn’t that bad if you’re with a group, but if alone it was too many Fries for too much extra money. 

It’s rare that a restaurant start giving more for less, but by popular demand Island’s changed the rules and did it.  Here we had the Pipeline Burger at the Bella Terra location.  Island’s Pipeline is equivalent to a Chili Cheese Burger.  All was very good, and our waiter even asked if we wanted more Fries.

Thanks for the French Fries Islands — It’s a much better deal, which we all need.  Ciao.

Related Links:

http://www.islandsrestaurants.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=270