Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Here’s the article:  http://www.restaurantica.com/blog/Shelly-Borrell–A-Food-Writer-in-the-Making/124/

Restaurantica offers more than 350,000 restaurant listings across the United States and Canada.  Its format is similar to Yelp and Chow.  Restaurantica’s been providing down to earth, honest restaurant reviews since 2003 and now has more than 184,000 reviews.  You can search for the restaurant you’re looking for, after searching for it here of course. 🙂

I’ll be their Costa Mesa expert, if you will.  I’ll be posting monthly on Restaurantica about all the fabulous food finds in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Orange County, and wherever I might travel.  The above photo is related to my post about Nick’s Pizza Ristorante Italiano.  Restaurantica has ALL the yummy food pictures and details.  http://www.restaurantica.com/blog/Nicks-Pizza-Ristorante-Italiano/130/.

Be sure to check the Restaurantica Blog for monthly reviews and food photos by me, then write about your favorite restaurant.  The more reviews the better.

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

Here’s Deep Fried Crab Ravioli with Spicy Marinara Sauce, an uncommon Appetizer at any restaurant.  Nick’s Pizza in Costa Mesa is family owned and has been open since 1968.  And the name ‘Nick’s Pizza’ doesn’t do it justice, since it offers so much more. 

I hear its Pizza is great, but haven’t gotten around to trying it yet, because the Pasta is excellent.  Below is the Chicken Portobello, a grilled boneless Chicken Breast and Portobello Mushroom, with Artichoke Hearts and White Wine, served with Pappardelle in Gorgonzola Sauce.

I’ll be posting more about Nick’s Pizza on Restrauntica, so please check there for more food pictures and information, and then check back here for more to come.

Related Links:

http://www.restaurantica.com/

http://www.nickspizzapasta.com/

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

Maggianos in Costa Mesa just recently expanded their bar area.  It’s a much needed expansion, since the bar and waiting area was way too small for the volume.  They took over the Corner Bakery and it’s now all Maggianos.  I thought I was going to be walking in through the Corner Bakery as usual and was pleasantly surprised to see that it’s more of Maggianos.  There’s now plenty of room to spread out and meet friends for a drink in the bar.

This night we had Mom’s Lasagna and Veal and Mushroom Ravioli al Forno.  All was fabulous as usual.  Abbondanza!

Related Link:

http://www.maggianos.com/

“Crispy Taquitos” are an unlikely choice at The Cheesecake Factory, especially since there are so many great Mexican Food Restaurants around, but they make them soooo good.  We recently had ’em on the patio at Bella Terra in Huntington Beach. 

It’s our third time eating them and they’ve been consistently tasty each time.  They are made with Spicy Chicken and can be found under Appetizers on The Cheesecake Factory’s magazine-menu, if you know what I mean.  You can take a peek at the link below.

Related Links:

http://www.cheesecakefactory.com/

http://www.cheesecakefactory.com/menu.htm

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

I heard Carm’s Coneys on 17th Street in Costa Mesa is really good.  I hadn’t even seen it, since it’s sandwiched among many other small restaurants and businesses.  Its owner was born in Brooklyn, NY.

I stopped in tonight and tried The Original Coney said to be one of their most popular Dogs and is made with all white Veal.  You get a choice between a New England Roll or Bun.  Upon recommendation I had the New England Roll and Carm’s Award Winning Chili.  I liked it — It’s different tasting.  They say if you bite into a Dog you don’t like, they’ll give you something else.

The place is really cute and it had a lot of people inside.  Apparently I’m the only one out of the Famous NY Dog’s loop.  I found the service super friendly, helpful and happy.  I’ll go back and try a few more things.  I’ve got my eye on the Zweigle (Red or White Hot), Bratwurst, Salt Potatoes and Sweet Potato Fries.

And I’ll also try the Chili Cheese Fries, since I’m putting together a post all about Chili Cheese Fries.  Carm’s Coneys first opened in Newport Beach in 1985, closed in 1991 to pursue other interests, and is now re-open with an expanded menu in Costa Mesa.  It’s a nice little place with good food and service.

UPDATE (11/30/08):  The location is now occupied by Jimmy’s Burger Joint, which officially opened yesterday.  Jimmy is/was a partner of Carm’s and says Carm is looking for a new location to re-open.  I’m advised that the Chicago Dog is one of the things to try at Jimmy’s Burger Joint — I guess I’ll need to do that sometime.

Related Links:

http://www.carmsnyconeys.com/

http://www.hofmannsausage.com/home/

I’ve written other lenghthy and short restaurant reviews in addition to those on Nibbles of Tidbits.  All are located in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Irvine, California — Reviews of the Greek Town Grill, Saagar Indian Cuisine, Catalina Fish Kitchen, The Wild Rabbit, El Matador, El Toro Bravo Tortilleria, Taco Rosa, El Chinaco, Islands and Houstons can be read below.  Or use this blog’s Search Box to find what you’re looking for, and don’t forget to check out the ‘Restaurant Reviews’ Category.

OC MEX Food Blog:

http://ocmexfood.blogspot.com/search?q=Shelly+Borrell
http://ocmexfood.blogspot.com/search?q=el+matador

Restaurantica:

http://www.restaurantica.com/blog/Shelly-Borrell–A-Food-Writer-in-the-Making/124/

Yelp:

http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=HkCrGBVeDWIEpogaR_ZSeA

Chow Hound:

http://www.chow.com/profile/185997

Hungry City Guides:  I’ve written several other reviews for the OC Hungry City Guide.  The book is due to be published late this year or early next year.  It appears to be a little up in the air.  I’m sure I’ll let you know when it’s out. 🙂

http://www.hungrycity.com/

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=839
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=92
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=837
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=90
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=270
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=730

I should have ordered this, but mostly because it’s so colorful, plus the Ranch Dressing wasn’t great on our Side Salads.  The Lettuce was fresh, but (in our three opinions) if having Ranch Dressing it’s hard to beat the taste of homemade/restaurant made Original Ranch Dressing.  Most others are too tart, thick, or just not good.  The one at Glen Ivy is okay, but a Salad is 100% better with any great dressing.

And I’m not a fan of the pre-made Sandwich waiting in the fridge.  We ordered a Turkey Sandwich and they just reached into the fridge, grabbed a Sandwich and handed it over the counter.  Cafe Sole´ looks better than that and should be.  They make their Salads fresh, so I was bummed to see the Sandwich.  

Since the Turkey Sandwich didn’t look bad, we kept it, but later returned it when refrigerator flavor was detected.  Yuck.  I can’t stand that taste.  We weren’t looking for it, but unfortunately it was there. 🙁

On a brighter note, they make the Pizzas in a wood burning oven.  We had the Mediterranean Pizza with Caper Berries, Artichoke Hearts and Tomatoes, along with our mud bake, mineral bath, lounge in the pool, pedicures, pool aerobics, Wine and Bellini’s.  It was a beautiful day!  Glen Ivy Hot Springs is a pleasing place to spend the day.  It’s not inexpensive, so we were very happy to have $400 in Gift Cards.  We left with $1.24 remaining — Fabulous!

Related Links:

http://www.glenivy.com/

http://www.glenivy.com/index.php/resort/C18/

http://www.hiddenvalley.com/products/DryDressingDips.php

Ruby Tuesday Restaurant has been advertising in Southern California forever it seems, at least a year — But there hasn’t even been one in the entire state.  It’s kind of annoying, especially since they’ve persuaded me to want to try their Mini Burgers – HA.  I guess they’re busy building a brand, but seeing as they’ve spent a lot of money advertising in this market, they should at least open a restaurant in the state.  Right?

And I just recently saw a new Ruby Tuesday commercial telling me to “…forget everything [I] know about Ruby Tuesdays, [your] changing it all, a new menu, new decor…”  Blah, blah, blah.  Well, since I’ve never actually seen one, I can certainly forget everything I don’t know about it.

NEWS BULLETON:  A Ruby Tuesday finally opened in California last month — It’s in San Bernardino, so I still won’t be trying their Mini Burgers (aka Sliders) anytime soon.  Have you been to one?  If so, where?  I guess the advertising worked on me, but I’m still not driving to San Bernardino, so there. 😉

Ruby Tuesday: http://www.rubytuesday.com/

Ruby Tuesday’s MENU: http://www.rubytuesday.com/menu/pdf/s7.pdf

Make your own Sliders: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=4063

This visit we had the Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad and Brick Oven Margherita Pizza.  Both were good.  I like many things on their menu — Next time I want the Chicken Artichoke & Goat Cheese Salad or Salmon BLTA. 

The decor could be lightened up a little, but the service is excellent.  The Desserts are on display and they offer Beer & Wine.  It’s a nice escape from shopping or working.  You’ll find it on the 2nd Floor of Nordstrom at the Irvine Spectrum Center — There’s a lot of great restaurants and entertainment at the Irvine Spectrum.

Related Links:

http://about.nordstrom.com/aboutus/restaurant/default.asp

http://www.allmenus.com/menus/54953/Nordstrom-Cafe-Bistro/

http://www.shopirvinespectrumcenter.com/

The Brea Mall Cafe Nordstrom INFO & FOOD:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/06/07/cafe-nordstrom-serves-a-mean-mall-lunch/

The Lemon Pepper Boneless Wing Strips at the Wing Stop are yum-ME.  I usually get them TO GO with the Sauce on top, and they are still super crispy when I eat them.  I love that!  And I especially like the Lemon Pepper flavor.  Their Boneless Wings are tender and juicy, as well as crispy.  You can’t ask for more.  It’s nice to enjoy every bite of a so-called “wing.”  So not to wait too long, it’s best to call, fax, or e-mail in your order, if you’re getting it to go.  The Wing Stop in Costa Mesa off Newport Boulevard is fairly small inside, with two extra tables out front.  Enlarge the menu below to get a peek at the various flavors.  So far we can’t pull ourselves away from the Lemon Pepper.

It’s lunch at Sage on the Coast in honor of a dear friend’s twenty years of service at the distinguished law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.  I once worked there myself.  The patio and adjacent garden at Sage are very nice.  It has a retractable roof and a fireplace.  We had a wonderful time in a beautiful environment with great food and wine.

To get an idea of what you might want to eat, I’ve posted a few photos.  Above is the Parmesan Crusted Asparagus with Balsamic Syrup, then moving on down to the Tortilla Soup with Cheddar Cheese, Cilantro, Chicken and Crispy Tortilla Strips.

Farmer’s Market Roasted Beet Salad with Arugula, Goat Cheese, Marcona Almonds and Orange Vinaigrette.

And this Roasted Cauliflower with Anchoaide Crust turned out to be one of our favorite dishes.

Sautéed Mexican Prawns with Linguine Pasta, chopped Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Spinach, Pine Nuts and Pesto Cream Sauce.

Coconut Crusted Barramundi with Coconut Rice, Bok Choy, Carrots, Shitake Mushrooms and Sweet & Spicy Sauce.  This is the first time I’ve tried “Barramundi.”   It’s a delicious Fish with beautiful white meat and great texture.  My portion was generous too.  I want it again sometime.

And here’s the Grilled Beef Filet Medallion, Hawaiian Ahi Sashimi, and Crispy Duck Confit Spring Rolls, respectively.

Sweet Potato Fries with Papaya Mustard, Grilled Salmon Salad, and House Made French Fries with Smoked Ketchup.

And of course we had Dessert, starting with a Lemon Chiffon Tart with Blackberry Coulis, Cream Fraiche Ice Cream and Lemon Tuile.

Plus an Old Fashioned Rootbeer Float, Farmer’s Market Poached Pear, and Hawaiian Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding.

Butterscotch Pot de Creme, Warm Chocolate Truffle Cake, and a Cappuccino.

Based on the offerings from the local Farmer’s Markets, Sage prints a new menu almost daily.  And they’ve got a Late Night “Sweet Tooth” Happy Hour for dessert tasting.  That sounds fun.

Related Links:

http://www.sagerestaurant.com/SOC/default.asp

http://www.sagerestaurant.com/

http://www.gibsondunn.com/Pages/default.aspx

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

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-tuile.htm

About three years ago, I sent Elmer Dills an e-mail.  I had a few questions about writing restaurant reviews.  And the very next day I arrived home to hear a message on my answering machine from Elmer Dills.  He responded to my e-mail by calling me.  He left his actual home and KABC studio phone numbers.  I couldn’t believe it.  I was so excited. 

I called him back immediately and we talked on the telephone for 20 minutes.  One thing I remember is — He told me that a reviewer should be careful not to injure the reviewee.  Every entity has its good days and bad days, and good qualities and those that need improvement.  Honesty is important, but be conscious of livelihood.

And he also invited me to provide a restaurant review on his radio program on KRLA — But at that time I didn’t have a specific food angle, nor restaurant to rave about, plus I was kinda nervous.  I did appreciate our conversation. 

I saved his message for about two years — I’m such a dork sometimes.  I’m surprised I never crank called him (HA), or is it prank called?  I’m still not sure about that.  Either way, THANKS for your time and advice Elmer.  I hope your last meal was fantastic!

FYI:  A Memorial Service open to the public will be held at 1:00p.m. on October 3rd at All Saints Church, 132 North Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101.  RIP.

Related Links:

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local&id=6393546

http://www2.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_10483221

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-passings17-2008sep17,0,1218907.story

http://www.wildbell.com/2008/09/16/elmer-dills-changed-my-life/

http://krla.townhall.com/

The Artisan Salumi Santana is described by Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s as Rustic Paté, Dijon and Country Bread, but you can see that it’s a lot more than that.  Can you believe that all these Meats are made and cured in the restaurant?  My favorites are on the entire bottom row and top left corner of the platter pictured here.  I especially liked the Smoked Meat (bottom corner) and both Patés.

The above was served with this Bread — I liked the presentation and stylish Bread Rack.  And more Bread choices are available to all guests and served on arrival.  It’ll be delivered to your table.  The Olive Bread also goes well with this appetizer.  As like the Meat, all Bread is made in-house.

During this lunch, we also had what’s to follow, starting with Crisp Pacific Sea Bass with Miso Orange Vinaigrette and Edamame Shitake Ragout.

Roasted Sonoma Chicken, a Crispy Thigh with Broccoli Puree and Preserved Lemon.  It tasted drizzled with Truffle Oil too and had many great flavors.

Charlie Palmer’s has a great selection of side dishes too.  This visit we had the Wild Mushrooms, with Shallot and Fresh Thyme.  I’ve got my eye on the Crisp Fries with Chipotle Aioli for next time — I bet they’re good here.

These desserts are best described as unique and luxurious.  I don’t have their official descriptions, but they’re similar to Ravioli of Pear with Rootbeer Ice Cream, and some pretty sophisticated techniques thrown in.

And Warm Gianduja, Smoked Marshmallow, and Kumquat with Chocolate Ice Cream.  WOW!  The Gianduja was presented in a warm round Donut oozing the Hazelnut.  Get a look at the Ice Cream color (below), that’s some richness there — I’ve never seen Chocolate Ice Cream so dark.  Have you?

This meal was truly amazing.  Thanks Charlie.  I like saying that, because I feel like one of Charlie’s Angels – HA. 😉

Related Links:

http://www.charliepalmer.com/bloomingdale/home_files/Web_menu_091508.pdf

http://www.opentable.com/single.aspx?rid=20119&restref=20119

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1036

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianduja_(chocolate) 

http://www.charliepalmer.com/bloomingdale/home.html

KABC, Channel 7 recently revealed where to get the BEST SLIDERS (Mini Burgers) and it recommended we try Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s in South Coast Plaza.  Although they named the “Top 7 Slider Restaurants in Los Angeles,” they noted that Charlie Palmer’s in Orange County has exceptional Sliders too — I just tried two of the three.

I had the Kobe Beef Slider and the PBLT (Pork Belly, Lettuce & Tomato) Slider.  And before I even took a bite of the Kobe Beef Burger, I knew it was the Best Slider I’ve ever had.  Seriously, it’s aroma put me at the best backyard BBQ on a sunny day.  I usually don’t write this flowery, but it was that amazing to me.

And the PBLT was also surprisingly good.  “Surprisingly” because I’m generally a visible fat avoider — I trim all meat.  For that reason I haven’t gravitated towards Pork Belly, but I just went for it.  The texture was tender, not chewy as feared, but more like a thick slab of Bacon, which I love.

Both Sliders are worth traveling for.  Pictured above (L-R) PBLT, Kobe Beef & Kobe Beef — We haven’t yet tried the Crab Cake Slider, but may need to.  There’s more to this meal, but Charlie Palmer’s Sliders deserve a showcase.

Enjoy!

Mazzottis Italian Deli & Catering settled right into the former Dolcissimo Cupcake’s location.  It looks nice inside.  They utilized the space well by raising the counters and adding bar stools.  They even added three umbrellaed tables outside, which is most often my preference. 

Although Mazzottis is new to Costa Mesa, it was pre-established in Huntington Beach for about 30 something years, near Olive and Walnut.  There’s a picture of it on their new walls — I think I remember seeing it as a kid growing up while hanging out on HB Main Street.  And now they just re-opened on 19th Street in Costa Mesa with new family members.

I received a menu and 15% off coupon in the mail, and since it’s minutes away, of course I tried it.  They were so nice and allowed me to order a smaller portion Salad than listed on the menu.  I just wanted a side Salad, instead of the larger House Garden Salad — It was really fresh and the House Italian Dressing is good.  

I also tried Mazzottis Spinach Canneloni, which had a generous amount of Spinach.  I’m told that the Calzones are IT and referred to as “World Famous” — I haven’t truly enjoyed a Calzone in my life, but may need to give theirs a try.  Maybe I’ll be converted?

Garlic Bread came with the Canneloni, which was a nice bonus.  And I tried their Garlic Cheese Fries.  I wanted more garlic on them, but maybe that’s just me.  I’d go back and try some more stuff.  I’ve read the Meatball Sandwiches are good.  It’s great to have them in the neighborhood.

Related Links:

http://www.mazzottisdeli.com/ 

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=808

http://www.octhen.com/2006/01/my-favorite-orange-county-restaurants.htm#c2126793097698504116 – Mazzottis is mentioned in a comment near the bottom of the page.  OCThen is a great blog too. 

UPDATE 07/03/09:  It looks like they’ve closed.  That’s always a bummer to see.

This visit we tried a couple new items off Pei Wei’s menu, the Vietnamese Chicken Salad Rolls and the Vegetable Fried Rice.  Yawn.  My Mom and I both think that our Fried Rice is better.  That shouldn’t be the case.  And I’ve had better Vietnamese Spring Rolls — It seems like the Rice Paper is too thick or there’s too much of it.  Does Rice Paper vary in thickness?  I don’t know.

Overall, I do like Pei Wei Restaurant.  As previously reported on Nibbles of Tidbits, other items are very good.  I enjoy their atmosphere, the dim lighting, service and comfort.  I’ll go back, but will try something different.

Although it was the smallest piece of Swordfish I’ve received in a restaurant, it tasted good — It was topped with a Lobster Sauce.  At first I thought they gave me a Filet Mignon (HA), but then recognized its flavor and texture.  I’d prefer a better cut next time, hopefully. 

The service was excellent and the Cadillac Margaritas were nice and strong.  And we had a lovely spot on the patio overlooking the harbor.  My friend’s Blackened Halibut was perfect.  She had a great cut with beautiful white meat.  I should have taken a picture of the inside.  Overall the experience was a treat on a Saturday afternoon.

Related Links:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/billys-at-the-beach-newport-beach

http://orangecounty.citysearch.com/profile/609767/

http://www.zvents.com/newport-ca/venues/show/29789-billys-at-the-beach

We had the Agua Caliente Casino Buffet for lunch today.  The food was fair compared to two other Casino Buffets we’ve had this year, but the Desserts were tops.  The pictures will give you a taste. 

We liked the Buffet best at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.  It offered Prime Rib, Carved Turkey, Shrimp, and a great variety of International dishes, Salads and Desserts.  It’s very impressive.  When we hit it everything was fresh.  And the Buffet at Pala Casino Resort & Spa in San Diego County was second runner up.

I wrote a lengthy review about El Matador for Orange County Mexican Restaurants (OCMEXFOOD Blog).  Christian Z’s site has a lot more food pictures.  Check them out.  I just ate there again and had the Chorizo Con Huevos y Papas with a side of Tortillas and good Cadillac Margarita.  I liked it all. 

I’ll tell a semi-funny story about Chorizo when I prepare a Soy Chorizo post.  I don’t wanna think about the ingredients now.  Ciao.  🙂

Related Links:

http://ocmexfood.blogspot.com/search?q=el+matador

I was busy working on many things today, but near one of my favorite Greek Restaurants and had to eat something.  I hadn’t tasted the Moussaka from the Greek Town Grill yet, since I always get the Dolmades.  I wrote about them in a previous post — They’re the best. 

The Moussaka (aka Mousaka) was good, but I have to admit that it didn’t top the one served at Papadakis Taverna in San Pedro.  It’s amazing there.  Both restaurants have tasty Greek dishes — It’ll just depend on where you find yourself.  Greek Town Grill is more casual and both are very welcoming.  The waiters often dance at Papadakis.  It’s a fun atmosphere.

Related Links:

 http://www.papadakistaverna.com/

http://www.greektowngrill.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=92

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

http://www.restaurantica.com/blog/Shelly-Borrell–A-Food-Writer-in-the-Making/124/

La Siesta Restaurant was working hard, not napping.  They recently catered my friend’s wedding reception and did an excellent job.  The food was very good. 

I had never heard of them before, but I’ve since learned that they’re well loved in San Clemente.  I picked up one of their business cards and it says they specialize in Carnitas.  That’s what I liked the most.  Oh, the reception was very fun too. 

The view from the Ole Hanson Beach Club was spectacular.  It’s a great place for a wedding reception.  La Siesta was set up on the roof.  It’s a winning combination for those looking to tie the knot.  And finally, here’s a picture of the Cake.  It was cool too.  Congratulations Andrea & Mike.

Related Links:

http://www.lasiestasanclemente.com/

http://www.olehansonbeachclub.com/

If you’d like information regarding the Cake, please let us know in a comment.

Most of the appetizers at The Yard House are half price during Happy Hour, which is 3:00-6:00pm (M-F).  It’s a great deal on good quality food.  We got the Crab Cakes, Ham and Pineapple Pizza, Sliders with Bearnaise Sauce and French Fries, plus a Hefeweizen and Dirty Martini.  We liked it all.

Related Links:

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

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

Dolcissimo Cupcakes on 19th Street is NO MAS.  I’m not sure if they just moved or closed.  Their website doesn’t currently state.  It just shows business as usual, but their telephone number is out of order.  I’ll update this post later if I get the full story.  It appears the property owners didn’t have trouble securing another tenant.  The sign is already posted — Mazzottis Italian Deli & Catering, which doesn’t sound bad, but I’ll miss those Cupcakes.  I guess it’s another reason to make my own Cupcakes.

UPDATE 08/03/09:  It appears that Mazzottis opened, then closed a few months later.  The space is now occupied by Thai Tastee.