Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

What are the best foods to eat at Disneyland, I asked my semi-smart phone.  We were going to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and wanted something different than an average Burger and Fries.  I hadn’t been to either park in 10 years.  After reviewing the search results, I chose two food dishes that were included on several lists — One at Disneyland and the other at Disney California Adventure, two places I’ve never known and probably wouldn’t have found.  Each sounded appealing.  We started with the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits with Apricot Honey Butter at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure.

Carthay Circle Restaurant is fancier than expected, but we sought to have the best food at Disneyland.  We went there to try the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits that are described as amazing and to-die-for.  Stuffed with White Cheddar, Bacon and Jalapenos they sound good.

They don’t look like much on the outside, then surprise with a gooey middle.  With the Apricot Honey Butter, it’s interesting and different — I like its concentrated flavor and it’s not bad on the Biscuits, but we really didn’t fall in love with them.  They’re good, not great and expensive for its small size and amount.  Several Starters looked better to us and more filling.

My husband set out to photo bomb Goofy, but wasn’t obvious enough — At Disneyland.

Across the square from Disney California Adventure, we sought to have the Lobster Roll at the Harbour Galley Restaurant in Critter Country at Disneyland.  It too appears to be a Disneyland favorite.  It’s less fancy than Carthay Circle with only a few takeout windows.

I wasn’t able to take a good photo of the Lobster Roll, but the Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl looked, tasted and photographed well.  It too is well-liked by bloggers and papers.

The Lobster Roll was great, with a good amount of Lobster and nice lemony flavor.

We’d have the Lobster Roll again for $14.99, but not the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits for $12.00.  Next visit we’ll try other Disneyland favorites discovered on my phone.  Thank you!

Have you been to Calivino Wine Pub?  It’s in Anaheim, near the Honda Center, Angel Stadium of Anaheim and other happenings, off Katella Avenue. We just learned about it and gladly so, since the food is terrific. We’ve been to other Wine Bar/Pubs that serve great food, like Sealegs and The Twisted Wine, so the test-bar is high, but Calivino unexpectedly stood out.

Calivino Wine Pub is a bit hard to see off Katella.  Its cross-street is Howell — Just turn into the business park area, keep heading left and you’ll see it slivered-in, amongst other businesses and eateries.  Hooters is across the parking lot to drop off the boys on a Girl’s Wine Night out.

Seating includes a long bar and a good combination of couches and tall and short tables.

It’s rare when everything on a menu sounds appealing, well not that rare, but I do want all on Calivino’s Menu.  Since we weren’t sure where to begin, we tried a few house favorites.

FOOD pictured from top down:  The House Burger with Fried Onions, Onion Jam and Havarti, which is sweet, spicy and juicy – Bacon Dates with Goat Cheese and Honey – Spinach Wontons with Parmesan and Garlic – Brussels Sprouts roasted with Crispy Pork.

I’d have all again and the Spinach Wontons (above) every day — You certainly can’t tell how great they are from the dark photo, but WOW, they’re a perfectly seasoned combo of Baby Leaf Spinach and crunch.  Each Wonton tastes like the best Spinach Dip already on a chip.

Oh yeah, Wine.  It’s a Wine Pub after all — I like Wine too.

The Reds, Whites, Sweets & Sparkling — Calivino’s owner, Daniel hand selects them all.

And there’s Beer too — A rotating selection of fine, local brews are noted on a chalkboard.

Calivino — Cali for California and Vino for Wine.  We like it and the CA Flag Bear on the logo.

It’s a nice mix of old world and new world and it feels that way.

We tried REDS from California and Spain — Leaping Horse Cabernet (2013), Beso De Vino Garnacha (2011), Reserva Eguia Tempranillo (2009) and Artezin Red Zinfandel (2012).

We liked sipping Wine on the couch and the rustic tables with bottled water and succulents.

I’m heading back soon with a group of girls for more bites and Tempranillo.

Calivino Wine Pub — A great stop before or after an event, for Happy Hour (3-7pm, Sun – Fri), 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine on Wednesdays, and 1/2 off Glasses of Wine on Thursdays.  See their website for more info and/or changes.  New food dishes will be added below.

Updated 10/21/14: Next visit we had more of the same, which was equally as good, and Alison’s Baked Brie in a Puff Pastry with Candied Nuts and Honey (above).

Do you see the pool of Garlic Butter under the Crispy Artichoke Hearts (above)?  We had the same Hot Appetizer at El Galleon Restaurant in Avalon on Catalina Island, except our pool of Garlic Butter was twice as deep.  Our formerly Crispy Artichoke Hearts could high dive into it.  We were surprised to see them served that way.  Why would El Galleon fry them to a crispy, golden brown only to place them essentially in Oil again?  It’s simply a bad idea.  The Garlic Butter should be served on the side to preserve crispiness.  Don’t you think so?  And they’re too expensive at $11.95.  We’ll get something else next time.  El Galleon is otherwise a fun place with Live Karaoke and countless other dishes and specialty drinks to choose from.

We LOVE spending time on Catalina Island — See our previous Blue Water Grill report.

First, we LOVE Tortilla Republic’s location, location, location.  It’s in Laguna Beach off PCH with an outdoor patio view of the ocean.  We recently sampled a few items from its Brunch Menu.

Though it’s often hard to park in the heart of Laguna Beach, there’s a small parking structure directly behind Tortilla Republic.  It’s best to park there, as there were spaces available.

Tortilla Republic’s Brunch Menu is impressive — Several items are pictured here.

I highly recommend the Salsa Trio and Guacamole sides (above).  All three Salsas were different and flavorful, and the Guacamole was fresh, dense and excellent tasting.

My photos don’t do it justice — It’s a cool looking, nautical-ish, dark and light, stylish place.

The front is completely open to allow most inside to view the ocean across the street.

They have a Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon and Dinner Menu and/or Bar for just a drink.

I’m not sure, but believe the above is a Hibiscus Margarita — They offer many unique drinks.

Pictured from top down, we tried Tortilla Republic’s Huevos Rancheros, Fresh Corn & Blueberry Pancakes, aforementioned Salsa Trio and Guacamole, and Egg White Omelete.

Carnitas Tacos (above) — See Tortilla Republic’s Menus for additional descriptions of all.

Pescado a la Parrilla aka Seared Albacore Tuna Taco (above).

Chilaquiles (above).

Machaca Burrito (above).

Mole Enchiladas (above).

Black Beans & Mexican Rice, a side option.

Seared Albacore Tuna & Sweet Potato Hash, served with two Poached Eggs (above).

At Tortilla Republic Restaurant in Laguna Beach — View from inside looking out.

Hallway in and out — It’s hard to see, but it’s the sea, past the nice cars out front.

Cheers to Tortilla Republic with their Prickly Pear Bellini!

I’ve loved Bistango Restaurant for years, its Bar, and paintings throughout its walls, and now there’s Bistango Gardens, a relaxing oasis in the heart of the Irvine business district.

We recently enjoyed a sampling of Bistango Gardens‘ Terrace Menu designed for sharing.

CHEERS to outdoor patio dining near a fountain with great Wine — We seek that out.

The Souvlaki Greek Marinated Beef Kabobs (above) were nicely tender and flavorful.

They offer several tasty Small Plates, a few are pictured.  Some photos are from Bistango.

See linked MENU for plate specifics.

We tried all the items listed below, savored each bite and left wanting more.

We especially liked Bistango Gardens‘ Lamb Sliders with Brandied Balsamic Cherries, Goat Cheese and Arugula on a Brioche Bun (pictured at top).  The flavor combination was perfect.

Chili Marinated Shrimp (below) — See Bistango’s Menus to learn more about all.

The best part of this report is that… I will most likely be moving into the building across the street from Bistango, its Gardens and all of this, at the beginning of January 2015.  My other career, Paralegal, takes me there.  I was very happy to see all within walking distance from a high story window view in the center of great things.  I’m looking forward to more.  Thanks!

I appreciate Bistango’s exemplar hospitality over twenty-plus years.

Have you ever been to The Hobbit?  It’s a restaurant and unique dining experience in Orange that has nothing to do with the novel, movie or Hobbit character, whew — At least I didn’t see any visual cues of it, though didn’t ask the origin of its name.  Regardless, it’s simply a great place to possibly have the best meal of your life, if you have a few hours to spare.

After years of hoping to dine at The Hobbit, my husband took me for my birthday, another reason why I married him this year.  Dining here could be an annual occasion, he may be afraid to learn, as it’s not inexpensive, but worth the time and money — It’s a good value, I think.

We’ve arrived — Who and what’s behind the door?  Looks like a speakeasy slot, I like it.

We started with a Glass of Wine and seat in the Bar (above) — The Hobbit experience starts with an optional drink in the Bar, or in one of the other sitting areas inside or outside.

After orientation of the Bar and various rooms within an old converted house, all head downstairs to the Wine Cellar for Champagne & Hors d’ Oeuvres (included in a fixed price).

You may eat and enjoy as many Hors d’ Oeuvres and drink as much Champagne as you like.

The photos don’t do all justice – Each Hors d’ Oeuvre was exceptional, delicious and top notch.

Busy trying everything while I could (about ten dishes over and over again), I didn’t take notes — Amongst other dishes, they offered a smooth Liver Pâté, Steak Tartare, Beef Saté, Caviar, etc.  I’m personally not a big Caviar fan, but appreciate their generosity.

I loved The Hobbit’s Steak Tartare — It was perfectly chilled and fresh.

If you like, while in the Wine Cellar, select a bottle of Wine to have with dinner.

The experience continues upstairs, from the Wine Cellar at a privately assigned table.

It’s romantic too.

Even the Bread Roll was extra special, with a lot Herbs.

The Hobbit meals come with an ever-changing menu/program, with intermission and all.

Your menu will most likely be different, but ours included Seared Loin of Lamb with Organic Red Quinoa and a Tart Cherry Reduction (top photo), Butter Lettuce with Roquefort Dressing and Port Poached Pear (directly above), and Wild Mushroom Stuffed Filet Mignon (below).

Almond Cake, Apricot Ice Cream and a Chocolate Mascarpone Mousse (below).

Enlarge photo with menu (above) to view descriptions of all dishes.

During intermission that’s followed by Sorbet and the main entrée, we visited the kitchen and enjoyed our Wine on the outdoor patio, while hoping to make room for more food.

We toast to the Chefs and owners of The Hobbit — We LOVED our meal and time there.

Make another reservation for me, PLEASE!

We love to build our ideal Pizza for a fair fixed price and can now do it at Blaze Pizza.

Tell them exactly what you want on your Pizza and they’ll make and blaze it for you.

Pick a Sauce, Cheese, Meat and/or Vegetables, or mix a few, several, or all if you like.

Blaze Pizza offers Kalamata Olives, Pineapple, Roasted Garlic and Red Bell Peppers, sautéed Onions, Jalapenos and Artichoke Hearts, all my favorites, and more than what’s shown here.

Its Thin Crust cooks fast and we realize we like Blaze Pizza slightly better than its local competition, Pieology, which has nothing wrong with it, but Blaze fires ahead in flavor.

One just opened in La Habra and others will be opening soon throughout Southern California.

The Pizza above was made with 1/2 Classic Red Sauce & 1/2 White Cream Sauce, and the other (top) was made with a Spicy Red Sauce and various toppings — We want another.

It was great to be back at Alegria Cocina Latina in Long Beach.  I have old memories there.  It’s probably been over 15 years since I’ve been to Alegria and it looked just as good, if not better than I remember.  It has new owners who continue to care for and enhance it.  I’ve always liked the bright, multi-colored tile floor, stylish bar and outdoor patios, and their Sangrias of course.  Nobody does them better! A lot of care and time is put into making them.

They offer a Red, White and Seasonal Sangrias all the time.

Alegria’s cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, Mexican and Latin American flavors.

A portion of Alegria’s patio is above and one dining area is set for a large party below.

We tried a few dishes, including Paella Valenciana (top) and Ceviche De Cameron (below).

I liked the Red Sangria best and the guy looking at you below liked the White Sangria better.

They also have a Flamenco Stage with a band and dancers – You can watch, or dance too.

The Humitas Chilenas (below) was different and decadent — It’s a Homemade Sweet Corn Tamale Soufflé with Shrimp and a Cayenne Cream Sauce.  I’d have it again next visit.

We enjoyed the El Gaucho too (below) — It’s was quite flavorful and tender.

And it’s literally called… El Grande Final! (below) — A platter of Alegria’s bite-sized desserts.

My favorite was the Capirotada — Their Bread Pudding with Fruit and Nuts.

And yet in another room (below), a painting class was taking place — Very cool.

It’s an occasional gathering at Alegria put together by Brushstrokes and Beverages.

Pine Avenue has a lot to offer — New restaurants, long-time beloved ones and more.  Alegria included, there are countless reasons to spend time in Long Beach.  LOVE the LBC and miss it.

At Pieology Pizzeria, I can finally get all the Pizza toppings I want without worrying about cost.  I usually limit Pizza toppings to 3 max, otherwise it gets expensive.  Here it makes sense to have more.  For one price — $7.95 — You can have them all if you want.  And it’s fast too.

It’s easy — Just go through the assembly line and tell them what you want.

What kind of Sauce?  What kind of Cheese?  1/2 and 1/2?  Simple?  Complex?

It’s all up to you.  Want more Pepperoni than generally allotted?  You can have it — I like that!

To simplify, you can also choose one of Pieology’s 7 Specialty Pizzas from $6.45 – $7.95.

It’s a nice sized Pizza with a perfectly crisp, thin crust, for one or two people.

A friend of mine works at a movie theater near a Pieology Pizzeria and says many sneak Pieology Pizzas into the theater.  I’m not sure how, but it’s done.  And he says… it’s the most coveted leftover by those cleaning theaters — Some like it so much, they’ll eat a stranger’s last slices if they’re left in the theater.  Yikes!  I surely wouldn’t do that (hahaha), but it goes to show how good it must be, or theater employees need to eat before going to work.

Have you ever tried Ethiopian food?  I hadn’t until recently.  Do you know anything about it?  I just moved to Fullerton near several Ethiopian restaurants.  Curious about them, I researched ‘local Ethiopian food’ to learn which is best.  Since those closest (Tana, Abyssinia & Merhaba) had good reviews on Yelp, I became less clear where to go, thus I tried and compared them all myself, along with my adventurous husband – One Vegetarian Combination Plate at a time, served on Injera, a sourdough-risen flatbread with a slightly spongy texture.

We started our Local Ethiopian Food Tour’ at Tana Ethiopian Restaurant (above) on La Palma Avenue in Anaheim.  It’s located in a small strip mall and doesn’t look like much on the outside, but inside it’s relaxed and smells like something good is cooking.  Don’t be timid to go inside, everyone’s nice — A common theme of all three.  There’s a better world inside each.

We had a Vegetarian Combination Plate at each restaurant — It’s a varied combination of Shiro Wot, Kik Alicha, Gommen, Yemiser Wot, Sinegkarya, Lentil Stew, Potato & Carrot Wot, etc., which generally translates into Cabbage, Spinach, Potatoes, Carrots, Lentils, Split Peas, Green Beans and/or Chard cooked with Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Chili Powder, Turmeric and other spices.  A Wot is a thick stew of different vegetarian and non-vegetarian types.

Inside Tana (above) — Toasting with African Beer.  Beer & Wine is served at all three.

No utensils are provided — You eat with your hands using the Injera.  It appears most meals are served on it and more is provided on the side.  We didn’t take lessons on how to eat.  We just tore-off a piece of Injera, pinched a little Wot and ate it.  It worked well and made us full.

The Injera can be quite filling — Towards the end, I wanted a fork to eat less of it.

Abyssinia Ethiopian Cuisine (below) is the second Ethiopian restaurant we tried in Anaheim, California — It’s located off West Lincoln Avenue and it too is unfancy on the outside and welcoming inside.  Its Vegetarian Combination Plate also offered ten unique dishes.

Both Vegetarian Combination Plates thus far had similar dishes with a Salad.

Except for the Salad, most dishes are served warm, though above had additional cold dishes.

Inside Abyssinia Ethiopian Cuisine (above) — Toasting with Honey Wine & African Beer.

We also tried their Doro Wot aka Doro Wat – A Spicy Chicken Stew made with Chicken Legs and Hard Boiled Eggs.  The Sauce was flavorful and the Chicken was tender, but there wasn’t enough of it — Abyssinia’s Vegetarian Combo was more filling than their Doro Wot.

And finally, we tried Merhaba East African Restaurant (below), last on this tour, but certainly not least.  Consistent with the others, its exterior isn’t pretty, especially sandwiched between an Emergency Walk-In Center and a Thrift Store, but there’s a friendly escape inside.

As shown, Merhaba’s Vegetarian Combination Plate (below) has six dishes and no Salad.  It includes fewer dishes than Tana’s and Abyssinia’s Combos, but we both liked Merhaba’s plate the best.  Each dish had an abundance of flavor.  It’s quality, not quantity at Merhaba.

It’s funny… I was least excited to go to Merhaba, mostly because it has less of a presence online, but it may now be my first pick.  It’s similarly comfortable inside too (below).

Cheers to Merhaba with a different African Beer.

Next time we’ll try their special Coffee (below), which is served after a ceremonial process.

As reported, Tana Ethiopian Restaurant, Abyssinia Ethiopian Cuisine and Merhaba East African Restaurant are indeed good and worth a visit and more.  All should definitely try Ethiopian food.  Contrary to what some think, Ethiopian food is filling and appetizing.

I’ve loved StoneFire Grill for a few years now and always get the same thing — The Lemon Garlic 1/2 Chicken and Gorgonzola Butter Tri Tip.  Both are consistently, absolutely amazing.

I didn’t need anything else, until I recently tried several of StoneFire Grill’s new menu items.  They’re grilling, chopping and serving up much more than I ever realized.  It’s a restaurant for everyone, especially me more often.  Everything they make has an abundance of flavor.

We tried new Sandwiches, Sides and other ‘From The Grill’ specialties I already want again.

StoneFire Grill’s MENU is here.

Photo of my first plate (above) and of one of my new favorite dishes (below) — The Shrimp with Lemon, Olive Oil, Garlic, Chili Flakes and chopped Parsley served with Quinoa.  So tasty!

And their ‘Incredible Carrot Cake’ is indeed incredible and very moist.

Other new favorites are the Whole Roasted Cauliflower (top photo) that’s served warm topped with Lemon Tahini and chopped Parsley — It’s a most impressive Side dish.

And my favorite Sandwich was the Roasted Cauliflower Pita — It’s spicy, different and delicious.  There are currently seven StoneFire Grill locations.  Most photos here were taken a menu tasting in Irvine and the better ones were provided.  While there I learned that it all started with a large, close family and it’s run by friendly, connected people.  They say… Let the fire spread from our kitchen to your heart.  It’s shown through the food and people.

Have you tried Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria in the Downtown Disney District?

If not, you may want to skip it — Not because it’s bad, but because it’s ridiculously priced.

Disney related prices are high indeed and going up, as recently reported.

After watching a Food Network Special on Pizzas, I had been craving a great one — Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria was the first Pizzeria we stumbled on after the show.  It didn’t satisfy, mostly because I have an aversion to being gouged.  Our “Individual” Pizza (pictured) was $19 and the next size up is $32.  We got the Finocchiona Pizza, which is made with Salami, sautéed Onions, Tomato and Mozzarella.  Again, it wasn’t bad, but I know there’s better.

We appreciate taste and value in a Pizza — It makes us happier on earth.

My husband says Dami Sushi & Izakaya is his new favorite Sushi place.  We were in awe over their Hamachi and Maguro (above) — Both were strikingly gorgeous, fresh and delicious.

It’s a hip place too.  I didn’t take many photos, since most seats were full and I didn’t want my camera to flash in people’s faces.  We’ve dined at their Sushi Bar a couple times since they opened a few months ago.  We appreciate the promptly served Edamame and Pickled Vegetables.  Upon our first visit, we were served Miso Soup — A nice bonus that varies.

Everything that came out of the Sushi Bar this night looked like a work of art.

We had Dami Sushi’s Beach Roll (below) — It’s made with Spicy Tuna, Crabmeat, Avocado, Gobo and Salmon and is deep fried.  It has an enchanting combination of flavors.  It’s not guaranteed that yours will look exactly like ours, but it’ll be pretty and fresh.  They also have an extensive, GREAT sounding menu, with several listed items I’d love to try.  See MENU.

Izakaya — A Japanese drinking establishment that serves food to accompany the drinks.  A tavern or pub for after work gathering for drinks and small dishes to share.  Dami does it well.

Dami Sushi & Izakaya is at the Village Circle on Beach in Buena Park — Open 5 to Midnight.

02/12/15 Update:  The property is under new ownership and it’s now called Ki Sushi Sake Bar — See report here.

The World Famous Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant is attached to Bass Pro Shops.

It’s where I tried Alligator for the first time — It’s on their menu, when it’s in season.

Alligator (pictured at top and above) is a bit tough — Its texture reminds me of Frogs Legs.

I had to try Alligator at least once — Done.  It doesn’t taste like Chicken, as some say.

Other than that, we’d go back to Islamorada Fish Company just for its gorgeous aquarium.

And the pictured Catfish Po Boy and Cobb Salad — Both were great with a giant Beer.

We LOVE Bass Pro Shops, which is more of an amusement park or museum than a store.

I’m not sure about all Bass Pro Shops, but Rancho Cucamonga has its own Fudge Shop too.

Comida del Oceano — A Limited Edition Seafood Menu currently being offered at El Torito Cantina Authentica in honor of its 60th Anniversary.  They’re having a ‘Year of Celebration’.

Nibbles of Tidbits was invited to try most items on El Torito’s Comida del Oceano Menu.

It was an honor for us, as we respect and appreciate El Torito’s 60 Years of Service — Gracias!

Cheers to that with a Spicy Pepino Margarita and Yerba Buena, described below and here.

My favorite, the Spicy Pepino Margarita is made with Cucumbers, Cilantro and Jalapenos.

Also on the Comida del Oceano Menu, pictured from top down is the Calamari Filet Appetizer (Crispy Calamari Filet Strips served atop Baby Arugula with a Sweet Chili Sauce), which was perfectly crisp and tender, nicely cooked and the best Calamari I’ve had in a long time.

Enchiladas de Mariscos filled with Shrimp, Crab and Three Cheeses.

The Enchiladas are served atop tasty sautéed vegetables, as shown above and in first photo.

Tacos de Camarones, served in Guajillo basted Tortillas — We loved that about them.

The Salmon Polanco-Style is a work of art and great atop Spinach and Chimichurri Sauce.

Camarones en Garlic-Lemon Butter Sauce — Loved the Roasted Tomato Butter Sauce too.

Cheers to El Totito’s longevity and continuous progression.

Our menu tour concluded with the Seafood Fajitas Supremas, a guest and employee favorite.

It includes Shrimp, Mahi Mahi and Crispy Calamari — A supreme Fajitas combination indeed.

Flourless Chocolate Cake, a gluten free choice by many — It’s ultra-moist with excellent flavor.

Thank you dedicated Chefs!  Looks like they have a great team under Chef Loreto Alcala (right).  Chef Arturo Castillo (left) heads up El Torito’s Orange location off The City Way.  We dined at the Fullerton location this day, a nice, large space with a Bar and Outdoor Patio.

We wish El Torito 60+ more years of success combined with dish and drink innovation.

It’s Il Garage (il garage ristorante) and it’s set back within/behind Park Avenue Restaurant in Stanton off Beach Blvd. — It’s a separate dining spot on the beautiful grounds of Park Avenue.

We ate at Park Avenue Restaurant — It’s reported here.  This day we were in the garage. 😉

I’m not sure if it really once was a multi-car garage, but it looks like it, tractor and all.

The view of Park Avenue’s famous Garden from our seat couldn’t be beat.

The Il Garage Ristorante menu changes daily and is dependent on their gardens.

Our favorites were the Cavatappi Primavera (below), utilizing many vegetables from the PAG.

And the Orange Panna Cotta — Truly the best Panna Cotta we’ve had in our lives (below).

It had so much flavor — Cheers to that (and our Two Year Anniversary).

Enter the PAG — Park Avenue Garden through here (below).

The PAG is a dream garden, with raised beds and trees growing everything you’d want to eat.

I think I’d want to live here.

You’re free to roam the gardens, no matter where you dine.

My husband, Matt is looking through the weather protectant, plastic drop, near the tractor.

Nice to receive a $100 Gift Card as a Wedding Gift that can be used at either restaurant.

It’s not in the best neighborhood, but once inside you forget about it — A good thing.

We plan to go back to both for Dining & Cocktails, as suggested.

Discovering Fullerton FOOD and most recently Mariscos Clemente Restaurant.

It’s a fine, local find that serves authentic Mexican Style Seafood — Muy Bueno!

Pictured from top down (a perfect sampling) — The Fried Fish (Tilapia w/ Tortillas, Rice & Salad), a Ceviche Tostada with Avocado and a Small Shrimp Cocktail, with Chips and Salsa.

It’s a relatively small place with a small parking lot off Orangethorpe and Gilbert.

Many are inside and have been going there for years — We’ll need to catch up.

Mariscos Clemente’s Shrimp Cocktail is on the sweet side, if you like that.  We’re ready for their other Ceviche Tostadas and more Pescado Frito, etc — Yelp for more photos and information.

Umami:  A taste sensation that is meaty or savory and is produced by several amino acids and nucleotides (as glutamate and aspartate) — It’s the definition of Umami.  Understand now?

How about this… Umami is a savory taste, one of the five basic tastes (together with sweet, sour, bitter and salty).  A loanword from the Japanese, Umami can be translated as “pleasant savory taste” — It’s basically a description, NOT specific ingredients.  I didn’t know all this.

Pictured is the Original Umami Burger from the Umami Restaurant Group’s Umami Burger.

And Beer Battered Onion Rings from Umami Burger’s Sides Menu.  They were good, but I prefer thinner Onions.  Theirs are thick with too much Onion — Not sure if they are always like that?!

As for the famous Original Umami Burger, I regret to inform that we thought it was just okay.  I’d heard great things about it over the past couple years, but we didn’t find it mind blowingly different.  It’s quite rich actually.  We like its ingredients… Shiitake Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Roasted Tomato, a Parmesan Crisp and Umami Ketchup, but idk — It was pleasantly savory, but other Burgers have been even more pleasantly savory, if allowed.

It’s not inexpensive, but had to try it and you may still want to too.  I’d like to try Umami Burger’s Ahi Tuna Burger.  It looks and sounds impressive, like many of Umami Burger’s other Burgers.

For Orange County Restaurant Week, we chose Matador Cantina in Fullerton — Mostly because we’re based here now and it’s the best deal offered by 3 participating restaurants nearby.

There’s ample parking and an entrance in the back — It’s dark, but don’t be intimidated.

Enlarge Menu (above) for a better view — We had one of each, pictured herein.

A Ceviche Tostada (above) and/or Banh Mi Tostada (below) were offered for the First Course.

Second Course included Grilled Fish Tacos…

…and/or Chicken Mole Enchiladas.

I especially liked the Cilantro Lime Rice served with the meals.

All was fantastic and I see why Matador Cantina has been voted Orange County’s Best Mexican Restaurant by some.  Third of this Three-Course Dinner for $20 includes a Chipotle Apple Empanada (above) and/or Cro-Churros (below).  We couldn’t taste the Chipotle as much as we wanted to, but all was good and a great pick for OC Restaurant Week.

The X O (above) goes out to my new husband and dining partner for life, Matt (below).  Hi. 🙂

After this week passes, Matador Cantina will continue to offer Weekly Specials.

At the Fig & Olive Restaurant in Newport Beach — I’ve finally arrived.

I have wanted to eat there for some time and now don’t need to travel far.

It’s in Newport Beach at Fashion Island — I believe it occupies Coco’s former location.

Nibbles of Tidbits was fortunately invited to its Grand Opening Party.

All was grander than expected — Its size, style, crowd and continuous appetizers.

As shown throughout, we tried a fair sampling of many.

Indoor/outdoor patio with fireplace (above) before it filled with people.

I don’t recall all we ate, but pictured above is the Zucchini Carpaccio — See MENU.

The hallway leading to the restrooms is filled with fresh Herbs, candles, vases and books.

The Grand Opening Party was complete with models on platforms throughout.

We were well positioned by the kitchen to receive the first right of refusal on appetizers.

None were refused, all were well liked and some loved.

The Truffle Mushroom Croquette (above) was a favorite of the evening.

Crostinis are popular at the Fig & Olive Restaurant.

I especially liked the Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onion and Chive Crostini.

The large space got crowded, which made it harder to jockey for a good food position.

We ultimately tried all pictured herein — For their complete MENU, see here.

We’d like to go back for more Crostinis & Crudo to enjoy at our leisure

Lunch starts in Newport Beach on January 6th and Brunch on January 11th, 2014.

The Fig & Olive Restaurant is in several spots in New York, in Los Angeles and now nearby.

Nice cars adorned the entry leading to a red carpet — I was underdressed, but treated well.

Fig & Olive Ingredients and Design — It’s about passion for the best Olive Oils, flavors and cuisine from the Riviera and Coastal Regions of the South of France, Italy & Spain and their elegant, warm design with limestone stucco walls, terra-cotta ceiling, green Rosemary and Olive trees exude the essence of the Mediterranean (they say).  I like it!

Blue Water Grill opened a restaurant on Catalina Island a few months ago.

A group of us recently traveled across the sea for lunch — Well, not just for that, but it was nice to see a recognizable restaurant immediately upon disembarkment.  I had enjoyed Blue Water Grill in Newport Beach a few times before.  It’s not cheap, but the food is good.

Pictured from top down we had Seared Scallops with Roasted Jalapeno Aioli — They’re great, but I’d prefer more than (3) for the price ($14.75) and it’s not ideal for five to share.

Baked Crab & Artichoke Dip — It’s okay.  More of it would have been better too.

New England Clam Chowder — Always with Tabasco for me.

Grilled Salmon with Vegetables.

Grilled Mahi Mahi Sliders.

The main purpose of this trip was friends, not food.

The new-ish Blue Water Grill is news, but my Bachelorette Party was most interesting.

Much thanks to dear friends — I love Catalina and y’all.

Back to the food…

Though you can’t see the Meatballs in this photo (above), it’s a Meatball Sandwich from Two Saucy Broads in Fullerton.  They’re reported to make some of the best Meatballs around, says Yelp.  Since I’m in the process of moving to Fullerton and was nearby, I gave them/it a try.

The Sandwich is called Mom’s Meatball Parmesan — It’s different than the average Meatball Sandwich in that it’s baked in Pizza Dough, similar to a Calzone, but they don’t call it that.

Also pictured are two Pepperoni Pinwheels with a side of Marinara Sauce.

Both were very good and I love the name… Two Saucy Broads (one is pictured below).  Though the original focus was on the Meatball, it’s the Sauce and Dough that I liked best.

Once settled in, I’ll go there again, once they’re settled in their new, larger location too — They plan to move from Commonwealth to Hyland in Fullerton by the end of the year.  I’ll be there.

I’m new to Dim Sum and Capital Seafood at the Irvine Spectrum was a good place to start.

A knowledgeable friend took me there and led the way — She ordered several of her favorites and I tried them all.  I can’t tell you the names and/or ingredients in what we had, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the food.  They serve over 100 types of Dim Sum.

Much is offered by way of the traditional push-cart.

Cart after cart, after tray, after cart, after cart stops by your table throughout.

Servers have scissors ready to cut each or any as requested by you.

Each piece is like a mini grab bag when you don’t know your Dim Sum.

I’d like to study-up before next time to know and choose what I might like best.

Capital Seafood Restaurant is fairly large inside and out and was mostly full this day.

We sat on the outside patio where much was offered to us.

We shared a good variety of Shrimp, Pork, crunchy, soft, sweet and hot Dim Sum.

All was a well-rounded starter kit at a good restaurant for Dim Sum.

There’s much more for me to learn about Dim Sum.

Order off the menu or point to what you want from the ever-changing, then repetitive carts.

They also have a Bar — $2 Beers are offered at Happy Hour M-F (3-7).

The adjacent Wine fridge is pretty cool too — No pun, really.

It also claims to be a trendy, hip and upbeat place to enjoy sports on multiple screens.

I’d like to go back and try more as soon as possible.

Our to-go boxes looked like this (below).

Capital Y for Yes — I want more Dim Sum at Capital Seafood.