Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

El Toro Bravo Tortilleria is hidden to those who don’t know it’s there, but every time I’ve been by there’s been a line.  I wrote a review for Christian Z’s blog OCMexFood.  Check it out.  The links to the story and pictures are below.

Mexican Restaurant Reviews: http://ocmexfood.blogspot.com/

More Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cziebarth/sets/72157606680398118/

Location Information: http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710208274

I’m usually Thai at Diho Siam, but this visit we were Chinese.  Remember Egg Foo Young?  I hadn’t seen it on a menu in a long time.  We had it with BBQ’d Pork, House Special Fried Rice with Chicken, Beef & Shrimp, and Wor Wonton Soup.

The Egg Foo Young was nicely packed to go, since the Sauce was separate from the fried Eggs and Bean Sprouts.  It looked a bit like a Funnel Cake.  It might be the best I’ve had, but I do prefer the Thai Fried Rice over the Chinese Fried Rice.  All I’ve had thus far has been good.

Related Posts:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=602 

http://www.restaurantrow.com/MoreInfo.cfm?Code=818445&state=CA

Since several Cupcake Bakeries have popped up around town, I decided to conduct a taste comparison of the 3 closest to me — Dolcissiomo, Suzie Cakes and Mrs. Beasley.  I tried a small variety from each. 

(1)  Dolcissiomo Cupcakes were my overall favorite.  I’ve tried almost all the Cupcakes there.  They offer a lot of great flavors and look aesthetically best. http://www.dolcissimobakeshop.com/

Lemon Blueberry

Orange Dreamsicle & Coconut Snowball

Tiramisu & Lemonade

(2)  Suzie Cakes Cupcakes were very moist and appeared to have a filling, at least the two I tried did.  You can see it in the pictures.  http://www.susiecakesla.com/

Lemon and Vanilla

(3)  Mrs. Beasley’s Cupcakes have the most frosting by far, so if you’re into that, they’re definitely the Cupcakes for you. http://www.mrsbeasleys.com/Cupcakes.cfm

Orange and Mini Blueberry

The Grand Prize flavor winner was Dolcissiomo’s Orange Dreamsicle.  It may be the best Orange flavored Cake I’ve ever had.  I’m trying to confirm that opinion, but it’s only sold on Tuesdays.  I’ll report about more locations as I try them.

(POST UPDATE 08/20/08: It appears that Dolcissimo Cupcakes just moved or closed. This post will be further updated when that information is known)

Here’s a Cupcake Challenge on Food Frenzy:

http://foodfrenzy.freedomblogging.com/2008/05/28/oc-cupcake-challenge-the-results/#more-1140

Cupcake Blogs:

http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2008/03/five-sweets-bakery-costa-mesa.html

http://ooolala-cupcakes.blogspot.com/

My Cupcake Pics – The Story Told Later:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=12

I’m happy it’s within walking distance, since it’s pretty good.  They serve a Thai and Chinese Menu, which is different.  I usually get the Thai, but will eventually get around to the Chinese.  This visit it was Chicken Satay, Thai Fried Rice with Pork, and Hot & Sour Coconut Soup with Shrimp (Tom Kha, here).  All were right on.

The restaurant is nicely decorated, but this time the food was TO GO.  They have an outdoor patio too, and that’s always great.

Diho Siam on Yelp – http://www.yelp.com/biz/diho-siam-restaurant-costa-mesa

Restaurant Row INFO – http://www.restaurantrow.com/MoreInfo.cfm?Code=818445&state=CA

OC Register Report – http://events.ocregister.com/costa-mesa-ca/venues/show/118511-diho-siam-restaurant

My Aunt & Uncle opened up the first Mexican Restaurant in Denmark.  I traveled there and ate the best Guacamole I’ve ever had in my life.  My Uncle hesitantly gave me the recipe, but it just wasn’t the same — Plus I was missing one ingredient I’ve yet to locate, which obviously makes a difference.  I can’t tell you any more.  It’s a secret.  You’ll need to travel to Denmark.  If you do, please tell them their niece Shelly says HELLO.

After many years, my Uncle Bobby and Aunt Sus still run this restaurant with staff they treat as family.  And they’ve allowed a few franchises throughout other parts of Denmark.  Family or not, the food is excellent.  I can’t wait to get back there. 

Related Links: 

Tortilla Flats in Odense, Denmark – http://www.tortilla-flats.dk/ (In Danish)

http://www.balticnordic.com/en/company-information/QAMLWM/Tortilla-Flats.html

http://www.visitdenmark.com/usa/en-us/menu/turist/oplevelser/ibyen/restauranter/produktside/gdk013067/tortilla-flats.htm?CallerUrl=1 

I recently ate at Tantalum Restaurant for dinner and I’ve been kicking myself everyday since.  Why?  Because I didn’t have my camera to capture all the amazing dishes we experienced.  I’m not doing this dish justice, but needed to show something to make myself feel better.

The above is the only leftover — It’s Black Beer Braised Short Rib, with Root Vegetable Hash and Grilled Baby Bok Choy.  Otherwise we polished off the rest at the restaurant.

*  Petite Slider Trio – Kobe Beef & Maytag Bleu Cheese, Short Rib & Onion Jam, and PorkBelly & Arugula (3 mini specialty burgers)

*  Apple & Tofu Fritters with Caramelized Yali Pears, Kaffir Lime Aioli

*  Pan Roasted Organic Chicken Breast with Garlic Smash, Summer Beans and Shisito Pan Sauce

*  Fried Banana Bread Pudding with Dark Rum Caramel and Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

All were impressively presented — Now you know why I’m kicking myself.  It’s a great place with unique food.  The entrance feels a bit like a pleasant walk down the yellow brick road, which leads to a magnificent Harbor View, and a very cool restaurant and cozy bar areas.

For the Long Beach old timers, it’s located where the former Houlihan’s used to be.  It’s a whole new place, although Tantalum’s been open for 3 years.  I highly recommend it for style and taste, but it’s not inexpensive.  You can learn more and view the menu easily below.

Related Links:

http://www.tantalumrestaurant.com/

http://www.tantalumrestaurant.com/dinner_menu.php

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tantalum-restaurant-long-beach

Since I live across the street and receive a bi-monthly coupon in the mail, I’ve been trying a variety of El Chinaco menu items.  This time it was Adobada (Spicy Pork) and Pollo Combination Plates, respectively shown here.

For more in-depth reviews of El Chinaco’s food, visit ChristianZ’s OCMexFood Blog, which reviews Mexican Food establishments all throughout Orange County.  His blog offers high quality, interesting and helpful information. http://ocmexfood.blogspot.com/search?q=el+chinaco

The Clipper Magazine publishes a 2-for-1 Coupon every other month.  It’s worth using.

Related Links:

http://ocmexfood.blogspot.com/

http://www.blogger.com/profile/10926523379961771939

http://www.clippermagazine.com/getcoupons_clipper.cfm

Dare I say one of the best meals I’ve ever had?  I dare.  And the service was friendly (not stuffy) and attentive.  I fell in love with ALL aspects of the place.  Each dish was a stunning treat, plus we got to tour the kitchen and the wine tasting area downstairs.  It was more fun than Disneyland.

Thank you for the amazing food and the opportunity to look around.  As of this date, Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s has been open one week.  My experience tells me that it deserves to have many years of success here.

If locating the restaurant through Bloomingdale’s, you’ll be struck by the eye window looking into the kitchen.  I was amazed.  It’s one of the coolest things I’ve seen.  The pictures below are taken of the restaurant entrance on the west side of Bloomingdale’s.  The bar entrance is on the east side — Now it’s starting to sound like Manhattan Charlie.

       < Outside at night.

I really wanted to take pictures of our meal, but didn’t ask permission.  I especially wish I had a photo of the Foie Gras, since it looked like a piece of art.  It tasted incredible too.  I was sliding down my comfortable chair it was so good. 

Here’s what we had, as described on the menu:

* Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Apricot Tarte Tatin, Carmelized Apricot

* Aged NY Sirloin, Chipotle Butter, Shallot Confit

* Prime Flatiron Steak, Sake-Glazed Turnip, Ginger Jus

* Potato Gratin, Aged Cheddar

* Root Vegetables, Marjoram Essence 

* Farro Risotto, Morels

All dishes were truly superb.  And since my friend blabbed about my birthday, they served a fun, unique Cookie and Jelly assortment.  After that, I was glad that she did. 

I should also mention that the Root Vegetables were also complimentary, plus they served a Sea Urchin Mousse with Caviar and Crabmeat.  We greatly appreciated the restaurant’s generosity and excellent hospitality.  Everything was top notch.

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my birthday and I’d love to eat there again.  Thanks for coming to California Charlie.

PLUS:  They sell good bottles of wine TO GO at comparable retail prices.  And their Wine List is a computer, you’ll see.  I had a fabulous Australian Syrah recommended by the nice Sommelier.

Related Links:

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

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

Thank you for the birthday gift Islands — And what a great gift it was.  I truly LOVE your burgers.  I most often get the Hawaiian Burger, which is what you see here.

These pictures are taken on the patio at the Irvine, California location off Bison.

The Kona Pie is very good too.  I’ve enjoyed it a few times in the past, but this day I was on the run without refrigeration.  The waiter brought it by for a quick photo, but then I gave it to a large party timed for dessert.  That was fun to do — They were excited about it too.  I REALLY wanted to take a bite, but you can’t give it away after that, and I knew I couldn’t finish it all — So I’m glad it went to a bigger cause.

Thank you Islands.  Your birthday gift was generous and pleasing.

http://www.islandsrestaurants.com/

Lunch with Mom and Grandma at Black Angus Steakhouse.  I had not been to one in years.  And I’m happy to report that our meal was thoroughly enjoyable.  The Salmon and both Steaks were nicely cooked.  The Tarter Sauce should be mentioned as being very good — It has a strong dill flavor.  

All was served at the Cerritos, California location.  As a side note, I used to go dancing there when it was THE THING to do.  It took me back.  I’m not sure if people still dance there at night?

Related Link:

http://www.blackangus.com/

Dinner at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s, which opened four days ago. WOW. WOW. WOW.  Lot’s to say about this fabulous restaurant, but now we’re focusing on the birthday dessert.  Thank you for the stellar service and truly amazing food.

And lunch at Black Angus Steakhouse with Mom and Grandma.  The food was good there too, but cannot be compared to Charlie Palmer’s.  I did appreciated both! 

Related Links:

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

http://www.charliepalmer.com/bloomingdale/home_files/Web_menu_050908.pdf

http://www.blackangus.com/

Great Meatballs are at the Spaghetti Bender on PCH.  I like to swing by to pick some up, even if it’s out of the way.  The Meat Sauce they are served in tastes homemade with hours of love.  The Meatballs are airy and filling, not dense, nor hard like too many others.  Two large Meatballs come in a side order.  That’s what I got, plus an order of Garlic Bread.

The Meatballs and Sauce are consistently good.  In comparison, the Garlic Bread is just okay.  It’s a little dry and doesn’t really have much of a Garlic flavor, but it’s nice to dip in the Sauce.  Another item worth mentioning here is the Original House Salad, which is different and delicious.  It has capers, avocado, tomatoes, and a few other ingredients I’ll need to report about next time I get it.

As a bonus, there’s a large Rosemary bush out front.  I usually pick a piece on the way out.  It comes in handy sometimes and smells good.  Now what should I use it for this time?

Related Links:

www.spaghettibender.com

I met a local food lover for dinner.  This guy knows his stuff too.  He suggested we first get an appetizer at Nick’s Pizza Ristorante Italiano, then walk across the parking lot to Niko Niko Sushi for some Yellowtail Cheek he had previously reserved.  I thought it was a great idea and here’s what it all looked like.

Don’t let the name Nick’s Pizza make you think it’s just a Pizza place.  It’s much more than that.  They serve some of the best Italian food in Costa Mesa.  It’s located in an odd spot in the middle of a parking lot, but once you get inside you don’t know that.  They have great service too.  We shared the Bowl of Mussels, described as steamed Mussels with Garlic, White Wine, Parsley and a Red Spicy Sauce.  I thought the mussels and the sauce had great flavor.

We then walked over to Niko Niko Sushi to collect our Yellowtail Cheek.  I’ve never had it before, but was game.  However, when we arrived, they informed us that they were out of it.  Bummer.  Instead we got Himachi, which included a bonus “we’re sorry” piece.  That was nice. 

They also made us an Octopus Salad and Seaweed Salad, which was surprisingly good.  I write ‘surprisingly’ because I’m not really a fan of either.  All Octopus I’ve had thus far has been too chewy to enjoy.  This actually wasn’t.  It was nicely marinated and tender.  And I have to also say that the Seaweed was the best I’ve had thus far too — Not too fishy tasting, like some can be.  Here’s the related pictures.

Thanks to my food friend for suggesting all.  It was delightful.

Related Links:

http://www.nickspizzapasta.com/ , I do not see a website for Niko Niko Sushi at this time.

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1301

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

I’m impressed with their food.  This day we shared Sweet & Sour Shrimp and Asian Chopped Chicken Salad.  Both were excellent, like all dishes I’ve had there thus far.  Be careful, the red pieces in the sweet and sour dish are Ginger, not Red Bell Pepper.  They’re good, but can be spicy.  We get this tasty Salad every visit.

Related Link:

http://www.peiwei.com/

The usual is their Dolmades.  For a while there I was eating them every day.  They’re filled with tender ground Sirloin, Rice and Herbs, then topped with a Lemony Hollandaise Sauce.  An order of Dolmades, 1/2 a Greek Salad, and an occasional Gyro from Greek Town Grill is an amazing meal.  Today’s photos don’t do the food justice, but I’m still craving it all.  GTG is a nice, casual place with great food.

Related Links:

http://www.greektowngrill.com/

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

The Spicy Vegetable Gumbo at Catalina Fish Kitchen (CFK) in Costa Mesa is excellent.  Tip:  If ordering anything take out, be sure to call ahead so not to have to wait too long.

Related Links re CFK, not CPK, which is another favorite 😉

http://www.letseatoc.com/info/catalinafishkitchen.htm

http://www.calendarlive.com/dining/87903,0,386438.venue

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

http://www.yelp.com/biz/catalina-fish-kitchen-and-sea-food-deli-costa-mesa#hrid:9LkTdyFpX_wCROp_-J7OEA

Read more…

Hello.  Welcome to Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog.  I’m Shelly Borrell and its publisher.  We report about and photograph all things FOOD related — Cooking, dining out, recipes, competitions, events, products and a whole lot more.  We review and feature many Southern California restaurants and other fabulous food finds discovered through travel and eating on Earth. 

Nibbles of Tidbits is a place to read about the terrific dishes we’ve made, as well as “dishes gone wrong.”  If you’ve been cooking for a fair amount of time, you know that many dishes turn out great and some just become that (hopefully funny now) day of enlightenment.  

Nibs of Tids for short (probably only once – HA) is a blog about the GOOD, the BAD & the FUNNY regarding FOOD — From Yikes to Ooo La La.  We emphasize food experimentation, comparison, various cooking techniques, uncommon ingredients, easy meals, helpful tools, shortcuts, cool ideas and fun stuff.  

When not dining out, our goal is to prepare unique and flavorful, high-quality meals on a daily basis.  Why not?  We report the results of our testing and tastings, good and bad.  We’re a ‘Tavern on the Web’ to take away yummy inspiration or learn what not to do next time.  Thanks for visiting and do check back often.  Ciao.

BONUS INFO:  If seeking information regarding Freelance Writing Services, please visit our main site — I Need Text Company, www.ineedtext.com.  And if you’d like to read more, I currently write as the Orange County Food Examiner on Examiner.com.  I’ve been a cookin’ fool for years and lucky enough to win a few recipe/food contests.  To learn more about that, click here and to view additional (non-food related) writing samples, this is the link for you. 

All the Best, Shelly Borrell

P.S.  We love reading about interesting TIDBITS, so leave us a comment to NIBBLE on while you’re here.