Archive

Archive for the ‘The Bad’ Category

The Bad & The Funny Behind The Food Scene: Enjoy, Sweetheart.

March 4th, 2013 No comments

Funny Food 52

Food Prices Gone Awry: It’s More Important To Feed People Corn.

February 15th, 2013 No comments

Ethanol 4

I try to avoid politics here, but better decisions need to be made — People and animals first.

Immediately Stop Workplace And Roommate Lunch Theft.

February 7th, 2013 No comments

Funny Food 50

Have you seen the Anti-Theft Lunch Bag?  Too funny.

Unworthy Advertising Picks: Pistachios Got Some Cashews.

January 9th, 2013 No comments

Cashew Tree

I like Pistachios, but its advertisers make me want Cashews — Ever seen a Cashew Tree?

A True Candidate For The Good, The Bad And The Funny.

January 4th, 2013 No comments

Funny Food 44

I marvel at the trees and have always been fascinated by the brain — And I’m keen on Broccoli and Nuts and Mushrooms of all kinds.  That about covers it (at least here now).  Chow Ciao. 😉

Healthier Copycat Gone Wild: The Bad Before The Good.

December 29th, 2012 No comments

Grilled Cheese 014

Fodder for The Bad, though ultimately not too bad to not eat it — The story ends well with a fast and easy, homemade Tomato Soup.  And our Grilled Cheese Sandwich wannabe ended up okay, obviously with less Cheese.  Inspiration to prepare both came from Panera Bread, where I recently enjoyed another version of this Sandwich (and Soup).  My Tomato Soup is healthier and tastes just as good, if not better.  Full story and recipe to be posted here soon.

Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese 015

Inducted Into The Nibbles Of Tidbits Hall Of Shame: Burnt Toast.

October 25th, 2012 No comments

Over the edge with too many slices of Burnt Toast that it mustn’t go unreported — Its ratio has tipped into the majority, possibly happening 57% of the time, I confess.  Why is everything else more enticing when toasting Bread?  I’ll still eat it to give a better slice to you.

Candy Corn Cookie Wannabes: Cookie Dough Type Is Important.

October 15th, 2012 No comments

They were easy to make, but it seems the Sugar Cookie Dough I used (Pillsbury) isn’t conducive to the recipe shown below and linked here — The Candy Corn Cookies baked up well-formed on the video, but my wannabes didn’t end up as triangularly cute or colorful.

The pictured Cookies didn’t stay triangular and basically baked into blobs.

The wannabes were entertaining to make and not bad to eat, but not what I wanted.

Another Hamburger At Fashion Island: Café Beau Soleil And Crêperie.

October 9th, 2012 No comments

We’re forever in search of the “this is the best one yet” Hamburger and heard good things about the Burgers at Café Beau Soleil and Crêperie at Fashion Island — So we went.

Its outdoor patio is across from Urban Outfitters.

Café Beau Soleil And Crêperie is so French — Even our waiter was French and looked familiar.  It couldn’t be that I remembered him from France, since it’s been more than ten years since I’ve been there.  No, I later remembered that he waited on me at Pescadou Bistro one time, another French restaurant in Newport Beach where you’ll find him working at night.

Toast with a Glass of Wine, but not with the one circled below — It’s 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Grigio, which probably doesn’t sound all that great in the first place, but since I like Chardonnay and my Mom (and Hamburger sharing partner) likes Pinot Grigio, we gave it a try.

And it might be the worst Wine I’d ever had — Not sure what’s up with it, but be warned.

Other than that, all was pleasant at the French Café on a beautiful day.

And we liked the Hamburger — It ranks high on our informal best Hamburger list.

We had the Le Burger with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere Cheese on a Brioche Bun and would get it again, with sure to be a better French Wine.  Cheers to many other things, including the bitchen bracelet my Mom bought at Uno de 50 shortly before our relaxing lunch.

Where should we go next sweet Mom?  Cheers to you!

The ‘You Pick I Prepare’ Dinner: Very American Slam Book Answers.

September 27th, 2012 1 comment

Whole Foods Market Newport Beach came along just in time to elevate the Special Menu (below) — It’s an incredible store and where I bought the best of the best ingredients for a “You Pick, I Prepare” Dinner.  And I thank Whole Foods Market for its $100 Gift Card towards all.  Though this post is partially sponsored, I will always tell it like it is, yo yo yo. 😉

What would you pick?  Remember Slam Books?  What’s your favorite FOOD?  Fill-in the blanks.

My answers would be very different than these, with all due respect — That’s all I’m gonna say.  Okay, I might heckle about it later.  My Slam Menu picks would likely include King Crab Legs and a Soufflé.  I got off easy with the Special Menu above, though still managed to create fodder for ‘The Bad’ segment of Nibbles of Tidbits.  It’s always a learning experience.

Most turned out well.  The Shrimp for the Shrimp Cocktail was sweet and tender, not tough, and I thank the Whole Foods Market Seafood Department for deveining them for me.  It saved a lot of time and it’s a job I certainly don’t love.  Now that’s some super service!

The Split Pea and Ham Soup (made without a recipe) fortunately turned out tasty as all get out.  And the Parmesan Crisps are what’s best about this Caesar Salad — It’s Shaved Parmesan Cheese that’s cooked in a skillet on medium (without oil) until golden brown and crisp.  I always add ’em instead of Croutons.  And then there’s the Meatloaf… Meatloaf, really?

It’s mostly ironic, since I never liked it.  Growing up I’d ask what’s for dinner and when my Mom would laughingly say “your favorite” I knew it was Meatloaf.  She knew it was the opposite of my favorite.  And here I am faced with it again.  I got past it by converting my true favorite Meatball Recipe into a Meatloaf, and served it with a Sauce made of Tomatoes, Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onions (puréed).  If I think of a Meatloaf as a giant Meatball, I’m better.

I’ve made plenty of Twice Baked/Re-Stuffed Potatoes in my life and most have turned out perfectly fine, but these didn’t.  Isn’t that terrific when it matters.  They tasted good, but had too much Cheese (with Butter), which made all runny and oily.  Wouldn’t you know it?!

The Carrots were a bonus — They were roasted in the oven with Sweet Onions and Garlic.

And then there’s the Banana Cream Pie aka Banana Pot Pie, as dubbed by the mystery guest.  The Pie didn’t set and I’m not sure why.  Cornstarch has been problematic for me lately and will opt for Flour next time.  A Chocolate Bundt Cake from a mix was made for backup.

It was suggested that the Banana Cream ‘Pudding’ be spooned over the Chocolate Cake.

All was not lost.  Nothing was lost.  It was all good — And the time was especially great.

Thanks Whole Foods Market Newport Beach — I look forward to seeing you again.

Unglamorous Chocolate Judging & The Weirdo Gauntlet To The Pier.

September 25th, 2012 No comments

It’s my 2nd year as a Judge at the Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon — Last year is here.

Though it sounds glamorous, it really isn’t — Too much Chocolate is possible.

Its location, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is best as a venue for an 80’s concert.

For this purpose, booths/tables were set up to hand-out tiny to full size pieces of Chocolate (and other unique Candies) to those who paid to attend the event.  Personally I never love to stand in line after line, but some products and people make it worth it, like Deuvo (above).

All may take a Chocolate making class at The Gourmandise School of Sweet and Savories.

It’s in Santa Monica — At the end of the class, you’re sent home with lots of custom Chocolate.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts students sculpted Chocolate Flowers and more.

They made this mostly edible Cake (above) to display their talents — I just LOVE it.

More Chocolate and Brittle samples — I’ve already voted and will say this… I most appreciated Mignon Chocolate and might of preferred to buy those pictured at top and head to the beach.

Since the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium was a short walk from the booming Santa Monica Pier, that’s where we went — We hadn’t been there in years and luckily arrived intact, once passed the crazy guy yelling every word that shouldn’t be written here, plus all the other clowns along the way.  It’s a bit of a weird world there, Venice like we come to realize.  Interesting.

Cheers to the Chocolate, from the Mexican Restaurant at the end of the Santa Monica Pier.

It was cool kickin’ it there with Sirloin, Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas — All was tender but bland.

Overall, nothing to complain about this day, but all is checked off the list.  Thank you.

Stuff To Feed The Masses At A Ballpark: Appropriately Generic Title.

September 13th, 2012 No comments

I’m told the food is supposed to be better at ballparks these days, but typical food stands still overcharge and barely suffice — Though that’s the case, we still had fun and the Angels won.

We made the best of it by having the price of a 12-pack in one giant can. 😉

Cheers to a striking day!  It was a hot one too.  Good thing we had it made in the shade.

Weekend Of Connection Issues Circling Back To Food.

August 19th, 2012 No comments

We’re back up and ready to post on the food side of weekend life — Much to be served soon.

Oh Crap, What Am I Gonna Do? Yeeeah, Everything Tastes Great!

August 10th, 2012 No comments

I’ve been in this situation and it’s tricky — It happened most prominently in Denmark during an authentic Danish meal with relatives. Open-faced Danish Sandwiches were served with Dill Schnapps the morning after a wild Whiskey night in Denmark.  I don’t even like Whiskey, but it was our first night.  Still feeling it, I was afraid of the beautifully rich Sandwiches that would’ve been appreciated a different day, and I didn’t want to ruin this day so I just ate and swallowed ’em slowly.  Yes, they’re great, thanks!  I hope my aunt and uncle don’t read this.

Is This Food Fast Enough To Escape Mayor Bloomberg? Run Soda Run.

June 11th, 2012 No comments

Each is responsible for him/herself — Government need not mandate how much one can eat or drink, drugs and alcohol aside. There are more important issues to tackle.  Mayor Bloomberg’s latest proposal is simply ridiculous on quite a few levels, but since Nibbles of Tidbits is a food blog and not a political blog, I’ll move on.  Run Soda run, and Hot Dog, you’d better hide.

Note: This is a variation of a pre-published report, posted again to assess technical issues.

The Opposite Side Of Obesity Dilemmas: Eat Something For Pete’s Sake.

May 30th, 2012 No comments

Is this ever YOU?  Hopefully the last photo isn’t.

Zacks Jacks And Beach Boardwalk Snack Shacks: Some Stands Lack.

May 21st, 2012 No comments

Strips and Cheese aka Cheese Strips aka Beach Strips in Huntington Beach are sought after by generations.  I remember having them when I was Chef Lexi’s age and it’s brilliant to see they haven’t changed — You can’t say that about many things.  We’re glad they’re still around.

Look for Strips at Zacks or Jacks (not Babes in the distance below).  Although Babes are the more colorful snack shacks, they lack in service, selection and quality.  I give thumbs down to their freezer-burned Rootbeer Float in hand, while still smiling because it’s a beautiful day.

We say skip Babes and park your bike at Zacks and/or Jacks.

Extra Extra (Not): Sourdough Recognition Genes May Shrink.

May 15th, 2012 No comments

Regretfully I don’t even taste the Sourdough in this Bread, let alone the “Extra” Sourdough.  What’s up with that?  Have you also noticed that about many so-called Sourdough Breads?

How Hard Is It To Pour A Cup Of Coffee? Harder Than It Looks.

May 2nd, 2012 No comments

I’ve yet to experience the ideal Coffee Pot design.  Even when I focus on the pour, I still spill.  Is it just me?  Granted I haven’t spent a lot of money on a Coffee Maker, nor poured from the King’s pot, but it just seems that too many Coffee Pots have an imperfect design.  That’s it.

Warning:  Pictured spill may be exaggerated and is closer than it seems.

The Real Meaning Of WTF. Really!

April 22nd, 2012 No comments

Where’s the FOOD?  It’s here.  And you thought it meant something else…

No Sour Grapes Over Warm Grapes: Just A Copycat Fix-er Up-er.

April 16th, 2012 No comments

We like Plums Café, but weren’t thrilled with their Oregonzola and Roasted Muscat Grapes (below).  We like the concept of it, but the warm Grapes just didn’t taste right to us and the Oregonzola (Gorgonzola from Oregon, where the café owners are from) was a bit too hard.  Since we left cheerless about it, I made a copycat to get its potential out of our system.

For our copycat (top), I used Cal-Gorgonzola, if you will, with chilled Grapes and Cashews instead of Hazelnuts.  Both are drizzled with Wild Flower Honey.  Plum’s Bread was better than ours, but we preferred this copycat/version and have much respect for its ($11) source.

Pardon The Cupcake That Landed On Top Of Our Tidbits.

April 12th, 2012 No comments

In some views there’s a (temporary) gap of space at the top of this blog.  We know and want it fixed soon too.  All else is well here otherwise, except the Wicked Witch of the East, though looks fairly simple to recreate with fondant and an upside-down Chocolate Cupcake.  Please endure the calamity and look beyond the illustrative Cupcakes or make some.

04/13/12 Update: The display issue appears fixed. Let’s hope it doesn’t revert back (again).

It’s Called The 100 X 100 On The Secret In-N-Out Burger Menu.

April 11th, 2012 No comments

Though the MENU is limited at In-N-Out Burger, their secret (up to you with what’s on hand), and Not-So-Secret MENU can seem unlimited.  Forget the Double Double, opt for a 100 X 100.  Can you imagine how long it would take in the drive-thru, which usually takes long enough?!