Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Have you tried the Garlic Cheese Bread at Parkers’ Lighthouse yet?  If you have and love it like I do, here’s a copycat recipe.  Parkers’ Lighthouse is a Waterfront Seafood Restaurant in Long Beach, across the Harbor from The Queen Mary.  Once upon a time I worked there as a waitress while in college (CSULB).  Everyone loved their famous Garlic Cheese Bread and it appears they still do.  With a little help from a former co-worker, I provide this simple recipe that (to me) tastes like Parkers’ Garlic Cheese Bread.  It’s a unique combination that contains no Butter, but it works.  Since I no longer live in Long Beach, this recipe occasionally comes in handy for a nostalgic fix.  What’s pictured here was cooked in the toaster oven, but the Garlic Cheese Bread is terrific broiled in the oven.

Parkers’ Lighthouse Garlic Cheese Bread (Copycat) Recipe

-Bread (French or Sour Dough Roll, cut in half lengthwise)
-Mayonnaise
-Parmesan Cheese (Fresh Grated, a generous ratio to Mayo)
-Garlic Powder (A generous amount to taste)

Mix all ingredients together and spread liberally on long split rolls.  Broil in the oven until light – golden brown.  Be sure to keep an eye on the Bread.  It doesn’t take long.  I’ve burned way too many pieces in my life, HA.

FYI:  The same Cheese combination and Spinach is used to make Parkers’ Oysters Rockefeller, one of my favorite appetizers there.  If you’re adventurous, give them a try too.  They’re also broiled until golden brown, then served on a bed of Rock Salt.  Enjoy!

Related Link:

http://www.selectrestaurants.com/parkerslight/index.html

This day we discovered the impressive interior and food at 3-Thirty-3 Waterfront Restaurant.  We especially liked the Gourmet Sliders and the stylish, spacious booths overlooking the Newport Beach Harbor.  And soon they’ll be starting construction on an outdoor patio.  They’ve got a great menu and view.

Our experience couldn’t have been better, but I’m cheerless that I had to rely on a friend’s camera with a weakening battery to convey it.  Above are the best of the captured photos that don’t show what you have to see — The Filet Mignon Bruschette, Gourmet Slider Combination Platter, and the Bourbon Street Bread Pudding.  We thought all were superb in real life.

The Gourmet Slider Combination Platter serves (1) each of (7) Gourmet Sliders offered at 333 Bayside & PCH — It includes Ground Angus Beef, Lump Crab Cake, Filet Mignon, Grilled Chicken, Blackened Ahi, Pulled Pork and California Cheese Sliders.  And it was so much FUN trying 1/2 of each, especially in this beautiful setting with a great friend. 

I want to do it again, but I better save up since the Slider platter is $49.  The prices are on the higher side, but the food quality appears to keep up, and then there’s the view and decor.  It was worth it.

Related Link:

http://www.3thirty3nb.com/home.htm

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

Newport Beach Restaurant Week 2009 starts Sunday, January 18th and goes through Thursday, January 22nd.  It’s a good time to try top-notch restaurants at a great price.  Several restaurants throughout Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, and Balboa Island, Peninsula and Village offer gourmet prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner.  A couple of us are starting at Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille tomorrow for the 3 course $20 lunch.  The menu looks fantastic — I know one of us will have to try the Lobster Cove Grilled Cheese, Maine Lobster with Four Cheeses, served with “From Scratch” Heirloom Tomato Soup.

See 2009 participating restaurants and menus HERE: http://newportbeachdining.com/restaurantweek/2009participating.asp

2007 Restaurant Week Review – A condensed version of this article was published in The Current Newspaper on February 9, 2007 – http://www.ineedtext.com/Review%20-%20NB%20Restaurant%20Week%202007.pdf

Our walk on this warm afternoon in January started at Borders Books on Newport Boulevard with a Latte and Thumbprint Raspberry Scone — Then it was on to 17th Street “Promenade” and back.  We’ll show a few places to eat along the way.

From left to right, top to bottom, here’s a few edible options along the way — Starting with Border’s Books Pastry Case, The Yard House, BC Broiler Chicken, Dippity Donut, El Matador, Roman Cucina, Kura Sushi Revolving Sushi Bar, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Panera Bread, Garduro’s Ristorante Italiano, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar, and Pierce Street Annex Music-Dancing-Grill.

Then trekking on with an Iced Raspberry Chai from Starbucks — YUM, btw.  It’s got a good punch of flavor.  I had a coupon to try one for free, and of course we passed a couple Starbucks along the way. 

We’ll try a beverage from Buon Giorno Coffee next time.  It was then on to Ruby’s Diner, Haute Cakes Caffe, Susie Cakes, and Promelis Westcliff Market, a must stop for local grocery shoppers. 

And La Cave, a very cool dark underground restaurant, The Beach Pit BBQ and Marie Calendar’s.  As noted, these are only a few.  There’s a lot more eateries in between that’ll be featured in future posts.

UPDATE 01/07/10:  Borders Books on Newport Boulevard will be closing this month.  Mother’s Market & Kitchen will be opening up there soon.

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

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 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

It looks like the Aloha Grill & Tiki Bar is finally open in Costa Mesa.  You’ll see it off Newport Boulevard on Superior.  I wanna try a Hula Burger and “World Famous Rainbow” or the Kahlua Pork Hawaiian Plate and an Aloha-Rita.  I like the nice big outdoor patio – It’s always a plus in my book.  The MENU is linked HERE.  http://www.alohagrill.com/

It’s not always easy to have a picnic on the beach — One careless move and the Seagulls are in.  They’ll initially send in one or two to assess the food situation, so you gotta eat on the down low.  DON’T even think about feeding them.  They’ll immediately summons the rest of the gang and it’s all over.  I learned that lesson a long time ago.

However, this time I learned if you drop food, the same thing happens.  I would have guessed that, but today I accidentally dropped a Tortilla Chip and was forced to flee the scene.  Those darn Seagulls can be so rude. 🙂

Newport Beach in November — It’s one of the nice things about California.  The weather is right for a picnic, but the birds are wrong.  It’s like “MINE, MINE, MINE…” from Finding Nemo.  That movie nailed them, HA. 

I attempted to have a Crispy Grilled Chicken Taco from Las Fajitas Mexican Grill nearby.  I think it was good, but unfortunately I had to forfeit much of it.  I did notice that the Salsa was really good and the service was friendly, and it was a beautiful day after the morning rain.

Related Links:

http://lasfajitasrestaurant.com/

http://lasfajitasrestaurant.com/LasFajitas_ToGoMenu_pages.pdf

http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/

http://www.city.newport-beach.ca.us/

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

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