Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Here’s a simple way to enjoy Lettuce Wrap Tacos — We marinated Chicken Thighs in our favorite bottled Sesame Dressing by Feast from the East for a day, then grilled them on the BBQ.  The flavor turns out delicious and sweet.  Shredded Chicken goes well on an Iceberg Lettuce Leaf, with the addition of a little Soy Sauce, Sriracha and Sticky Rice.  Any Chicken part will do for this recipe, but Thighs (and Drumsticks) are cheaper and marinate quicker than Breasts.  Our Sticky Rice wasn’t that great, thus we have no instructions for it.

Note: This post was one of many drafts with previously uploading photos.  We’re reviving a few while working on technical issues with respect to the upload of new photos.

Extraneous PRELUDE of Importance: Still working on technical issues in relation to the upload of new photos associated with our latest reports, thus opt to recite a Press Release we received.  By posting this we hope NOT to encourage the dumping of Press Releases in our inbox.  Although we appreciate that they do relate to food, for the record we’re not fans of receiving ’em like a depository.  We don’t want to collect them and mostly never parrot them, especially if they’re — Not personalized, uninteresting, self-serving, offering of barely worth mentioning consumer deals or incentives, unfamiliar, repetitive, not locally, nationally or universally relevant and/or contrary to Nibbles of Tidbits’ assessment.  It had to be said.  

Without further ado, we look forward to trying Rustica in June.*

Rustica, an exclusive new restaurant by award-winning Chef Grant MacPherson, will debut at Fashion Island in June. MacPherson’s wealth of international culinary experience will bring authentic regional cooking techniques and a blend of seasonal California foods to Fashion Island, one of Southern California’s favorite dining destinations. After being involved in more than 50 acclaimed restaurants and dining concepts worldwide, MacPherson is returning to his first passion – cooking – with the opening of Rustica. A true chef at heart, MacPherson will focus on a menu of creativity, refinement and elegance with fresh, high quality, seasonal foods.

“I believe in providing our guests with the ultimate dining experience,” said MacPherson. “At Rustica, I will be very involved in the cuisine, from executing the farm to table concept, to offering unparalleled service and personal interaction with the customers. I want our guests to feel at home and to feel like family and friends.” The same menu will be featured at lunch and dinner, offering homemade soups, unique salads, wood-fired flatbreads, hand-crafted pastas, seasonal fish, wet-aged beef, and exceptional gelato made daily. Signature items will include Tuna Nicoise, Golden Beet Salad, Peppered Beef Carpaccio, Oven Roasted Pacific Fennel Salmon, and Maine Lobster and Asparagus Risotto.

“Chef MacPherson has long been a major player in the restaurant business on the domestic and international stages, but Rustica is the first restaurant that will carry his name,” said Keith Eyrich, President of Irvine Company Retail Properties. “With Grant’s attention to detail and quality, Rustica will be a wonderful addition to Fashion Island’s collection of fine restaurants. Because of our track record for success, Fashion Island continues to be a top location choice for restaurants,” Eyrich continued. “Rustica is representative of our move to feature independent, chef-driven restaurants that showcase culinary excellence.” Eyrich notes that as part of Fashion Island’s $100 million reinvestment, more restaurants with patio dining will be featured throughout the center.

“Our guests love to dine outdoors and choose Fashion Island over places that can’t offer this amenity,” Eyrich said. Other notable restaurants that debuted at Fashion Island include the first-ever locations of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and R&D Kitchen, and the first California locations of Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine and P.F. Chang’s. At 3,700 square feet, Rustica will have a casual and inviting atmosphere, with patio dining adjacent to Fashion Island’s new Nordstrom Court and elegant Italian-inspired fountain. The restaurant is located next to Nordstrom.

In addition to Rustica opening in June, Fashion Island also previously announced that Fox Restaurant Concepts will open its first California location of True Food Kitchen this summer. An acclaimed Phoenix-based restaurant, True Food Kitchen has a diverse menu created by best-selling healthy-living author Dr. Andrew Weil that focuses on high quality, locally-sourced ingredients that taste great. 

* Our apologies to Rustica for the possible damper on their exciting news with our PRELUDE.

Nibbles of Tidbits has a lot of exciting posts coming up.  We’re reviewing a couple Cookbooks from Southern Living.  We recently attended an amazing event sponsored by the California Avocado Commission and just hosted a few small parties we need to report about.  Network Solutions, our hosting provider is currently updating its server, thus we’ll be posting photos of all once the maintenance is complete.  At that time, we’ll resume the feast(s) for your eyes.

Not sure if you can tell from this photo, but a big chunk is taken out of the bottom of this package.  It inverts about an inch and a half.  We already know that we’re paying more for less these days — But to me, this type of shrinking package is sneaky.  I don’t respect it.  These Licorice Pastels are from BevMo.  And they’re not that great tasting either, since they’re soft not crunchy.

If you’re planning a small Cheese & Wine Party, you should be set to have more than one gathering, as a little Cheese goes a long way and one shouldn’t eat the balance alone.  As previously reported, our party was inspired by a recent trip to SideDoor in Corona Del Mar.  We’ll report about our favorite Cheeses after our 2nd (or possibly 3rd) Party.  We’re almost done. 🙂 It ain’t easy being Cheesy.

Funny story… A friend and I were walking around Corona Del Mar hungry one day.  First we learned all the restaurants we wanted to eat at didn’t open until 5PM, then remembered Zinc Cafe & Market.  We’d heard a lot of remarkable things about it, but still hadn’t been there.  Finally made it there and enjoyed looking at all the fabulous stuff — Cheese, Sandwiches, Soups, Salads, Pastries and Market Items galore!  We were paralyzed with indecision and also learned one must order food at the register, while staking out a coveted table at the same time.  All will be fine for another visit and the proprietors seemed friendly too, but we wanted to kick it and be served at the time.  Thus the story continues…

After another 5 or 6 block walk, we ended up at CoCo’s for ease, nourishment and familiarity.  And it was interesting to learn that CoCo’s Restaurant & Bakery is currently offering a Wine & Appetizer Selections Menu.  We were impressed with the progressive offerings and opted to try the Brie Appetizer Platter (one small Brie wedge served warm crusted with Macadamia Nuts and another topped with a Jalapeno Raspberry Sauce) and the Crispy Green Bean Sticks.   All sounded fun and good, but yuck — Sorry. 

The Macadamia Nut Brie was okay (mostly tasteless), and the other microscopic sized Brie wedge was stone cold, seemingly direct from the fridge with the flavor to prove it.  The Grapes didn’t look good and the Bread was sparse.  The Green Beans were tolerable, but better re-heated in my toaster oven until extra crispy, with real Ranch Dressing, instead of the lumpy version we were served at CoCo’s.  We laughed thinking about the quality Cheese and Bread we could’ve been enjoying at Zinc Cafe. 🙂

The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day is this Thursday, April 22, 2010.  We thought we’d pick up trash while walking along the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.  Fortunately there isn’t too much, but why not pick it up on the way?!  Bring a bag.  And since this is a Food Blog, why not bring a picnic and sneak in some wine 😉 .

My adorable Chef Nieces, Lexi on the left and Bailee on the right, have prepared a fair amount of treats for Nibbles of Tidbits — We’ve posted all in Kids in the Kitchen.  They recently attended a church camp, Forest Home where they learned how to make homemade Pasta Noodles, Parmesan Chicken and Dessert Crepes.  I still haven’t made Pasta Noodles from scratch and now must ask my Chef Nieces to teach me.  What kind of Foodie do I think I am? 🙂

Inspired by the Cheese & Charcuterie we saw at SideDoor in Corona Del Mar, we’re testing Cheese to select the best for a Cheese Tasting Party I’ll be hosting.  The goal is to make our platter as special as theirs.  We learned the importance of preliminary testing by quickly ruling out the TJ Morbier from France, Cheese #1 (Above).  It was awful.  I don’t like having to write this because it’s not appetizing, but it smelled and tasted like stinky feet — Not good!  I definitely wouldn’t want to serve it to guests, as it could be a turn off from the rest.

I ultimately decided on 5 – 6 Cheeses from Trader Joe’s and can’t wait to plate them with Calabrese Salami and Black & Green Olive Bread, with a complimentary selection of fresh Pears, dried Montmorency Cherries, Pecans, Garlic Stuffed Olives, Red Grapes, Mustard, Club Crackers, Pita Chips, etc.  Check back to see how our Cheese & Charcuterie measures up to the platters at SideDoor.

For years my friend has raved about the Parmesan Crusted Chicken at the Yard House, which I finally tried (above).  It’s served over Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a Sundried Tomato, Three Mushroom Sauce.  She’s right, it’s good, especially the Sauce, but I wanted a lot more of it.

Under the House Favorites portion of the menu, we also enjoyed the Penne with Chicken and the Summer Salad with Chicken from the lunch specials menu.  We always enjoy the food at the Yard House and have no complaints about this visit.  And we particularly like to go there during Happy Hour, when most appetizers are half price.

Past Happy Hours attended by Nibbles of Tidbits and more Yard House food photos are linked here.

Note:  We’re experimenting with a new-ish camera, thus the photos above are a little bizarre looking and don’t do the food justice.

Next time I’ll have to pin this note to my shirt instead of posting it on my office door. 🙁

As far as packaged Hot Dogs go, Hebrew National is our current favorite.  We recently bought a pack and made some funny dogs. 🙂 Above Octopus Hot Dogs dodge a wave of Chili and Mustard — They’re crispy, tasty and cute, and should technically be in the Chili/Mustard water instead of the invisible sand, ha.  And below (l-r) we made a Chili Cheese Dog, a Deluxe Dog (Mustard, Tomatoes, Dill Relish & Onion), a Francheesey (inspired by Katella Deli’s menu), and a Kraut and Mustard Dog.

And mustn’t forget the Mummy Dogs below, made from Bread Dough that’s stretched and rolled around each Hot Dog like a Mummy, then baked in the oven.  Hebrew National Hot Dogs are always good well done and kids especially love to eat ’em in the form of an Octopus or Mummy.

Hebrew National reports to have no fillers or by-products, nor artificial colors or flavors, and are made with premium cuts of Kosher Beef.  We’ve enjoyed them for years and provide fun ways of doing so above.

Have you been to SideDoor yet?  It’s an English-style Gastropub in Corona Del Mar off Poppy and PCH.  You may not know about SideDoor until now, but if local you’re surely aware of the Five Crowns Restaurant.  It’s been in CDM for over 40 years.  Last year Five Crowns carved out a space to create SideDoor, which officially opened in November 2009.  It’s absolutely brilliant!  Just look for the red key hanging on the outside to find SideDoor.

We loved everything about this place and plan to go back many times.  It’s comfortable and stylish, serves amazing food, fun drink options and the service is well above average.  You’ll certainly have questions about the Cheese and Charcuterie and the servers will be able to answer them — We especially recommend Ben who is quite knowledgeable and cute.

In addition to the Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat & Bleu) and Charcuterie (Proscuitto, Salame & Bresaola) options, SideDoor’s Menu is impressive.  Our goal is to try everything.

We started with a Flight of Draught Beer — Favorite of all (this visit) was the Allagash Curieaux.  And we tried the Country Duck Pate, StilCheddar Mac’n Cheese and Fish’n Chips.  Also pictured is our neighbor’s Chicken Pot Pie.  We didn’t have it, but did try their Smokey Blue Cheese Potato Chips (not pictured) and really liked ’em.  Our pub table was a large shared one with nice, fun people, which added to the experience.

The Fish’n Chips are excellent, which is important for an English-style Gastropub.  Having been to England three times and dined in several authentic English Pubs, we think SideDoor holds up in many ways — We appreciate its lighting, colors, ambiance, feel, comfort and decor.

Pictured directly above is the GimmeMores, SideDoor’s version of S’Mores.  They’re assembled with homemade Marshmallows, rustic Bread and pressed Chocolate, similar to a Panini.  They’re different and surprisingly good.

SideDoor is long and somewhat narrow inside with several cozy dining spots — Tall tables, cubby holes next to fireplaces, couch benches, large chairs, or belly up at the bar.  It’s an extraordinary place I’d like to frequent and look forward to going back soon.  It’s bloody awesome!

As Orange County Food Examiner, I just posted a collection of links to most (if not all) the Farmers’ Markets happening in Orange County.  It’s a terrific resource — You can learn where they all are here.

Our Washington, DC Food Correspondent, Steven Woo sent us these fabulous photos.  He enjoys the Cherry Blossoms each year and bakes a Cherry Pie in appreciation of same.  He’s observant, funny and wrote the following:

Tourists galore are in town for the Cherry Blossoms, which are in peak bloom. Attached are some pix from my sunset walk around the Tidal Basin last Thursday. The statue of President Jefferson inside his silhouetted memorial is readily apparent. Peak bloom was on Wednesday, and the warm temperatures this weekend and week (mid-80s!) will cause the fleeting blossoms to disappear by next weekend… hopefully the tourists will too ;). Also attached is a pix of the cherry pie I baked in honor of the season. The crust is from scratch(!); the sugar-free filling from Comstock is rather bland…

Happy Spring!

Thanks Steven — Can you see what you can do about the politicians up there?!

You can now enter one or more of the competitions happening at the Orange County Fair this year.  The 2010 OC Fair doesn’t start until July, but competition sign-up has begun.  Last year we luckily won several ribbons in the Culinary Arts Competition and this year we hope to do the same.  And I’ve talked my Mom into entering the Table Setting Competition — She’s always set fun and beautiful tables over the years, including the one above.  Online entry forms are due by May 26, 2010.  Good luck!

As you may or may not know, the Nibbles of Tidbits’ Cookie Crew decorates Cookies every major holiday.  Happy Easter!  This year our lovely host, Loretta single-handedly made Cupcakes, Chocolate Dipped Oreos, Chocolate Dipped Graham Crackers and White Chocolate Bunny Lollipops.  The rest of us decorated Sugar Cookies, after toasting with a glass of Champagne and Chambord.

Decorating Cookies (and other goodies) is a fun way to spend time with friends and family, then you (and related lucky recipients) get to eat ’em.  Prior to preparation, we had Fish Tacos, a Wedge Salad, Hummus, Bruschetta and Pita Chips — Creative expression flows with a full stomach.

To provide the latest decorating ideas (although somewhat amateur), we post photos after every gathering.  And now all is on Nibbles of Tidbits as a handy reference to be utilized each year.

Happy Easter from the Nibbles of Tibdits’ Cookie Crew (below), two (Nora and Patty aka Tricia) are not shown in the photo — Pictured (l-r) are Loretta, Kim, Michelle and Shelly (me).

Jesus is the reason for the season!

Happy April Fools Day!  This day always creeps up on me without enough planning.  Darn.  And I’m quite the practical joker too.  I suppose future joke ideas will be best reserved for the rest of the year, when people aren’t expecting ’em. 🙂 Until then, enjoy the Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Zucchini Potato Soup is the first recipe we made from Southern Living’s Farmer’s Market Cookbook.  We got all ingredients (except Bacon) from the Corona Del Mar Farmer’s Market, since that’s what it’s all about.

We made Chicken Stock from a leftover Rotisserie Chicken, a leftover piece of El Pollo Loco Chicken and a leftover piece of Boston Market Chicken — We just so happened to have all on hand, ha.  It turned out great and made the Zucchini Potato Soup more flavorful.

Overall, the Soup was good and easy to make.  The recipe is pictured below, if you can see it.  We added a little Lemon Juice to the Soup, and Sour Cream as a garnish to go with the yummy Bacon on top.  Since the recipe was inspired by Vichyssoise, it’s to be served cold.  My friend loves it that way, but I prefer it warm.  This Soup is flexible that way.

The recipe is well written, like many we’ve read in this Cookbook — In other words, the order of instructions make sense for optimum freshness and flavor.  However, whenever sauteing Onions with Garlic, we always caramelize the Onions and add the Garlic at the very end, no matter what the recipe states, because we think it ultimately creates the best flavor.

We’ll soon be posting about Orange County Farmers’ Markets on Examiner.com.  This weekend we started with a visit to the Corona Del Mar Farmers’ Market.  Our visit was also inspired by the new Cookbook we’re trying, Southern Living’s Farmers Market Cookbook.

Right now the Corona Del Mar Certified Farmers’ Market has a lot of beautiful flowers — You can surely tell it’s Spring.  It’s one of the smaller Farmers’ Markets in Orange County, but offers plenty of variety.  We post a sampling here and will later publish a slide show on Examiner.

The Corona Del Mar Farmers’ Market is at PCH and Marguerite, near the pictured clock tower.

Would you believe ALL the food pictured in this post is fake?  It’s true — It’s all phony baloney!  Some of it looks close to real and some obviously counterfeit.  Nonetheless, it’s the best forged food we’ve seen.  It goes well with our favorite Twilight Zone episode titled a Stopover In A Quiet Town.  In it a couple wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings (a doll house) after a night of  partying.  They then discover that everything in the house and town is a prop and that they’re now living dolls for larger people on a different planet.  These party platters would be served there.

All photos were taken at The HoneyBaked Ham Company in Corona Del Mar.

11/09/11 Update:  The Corona Del Mar location is now closed.

We’re already liking this Cookbook and haven’t made a recipe yet.  We’ll be heading to one of our local Framers’ Markets soon — It’s in Corona Del Mar at PCH/Marguerite and will be reported about on Examiner.com. 

We look forward to sampling several recipes from this Southern Living Cookbook and will report about all here.  We’ve got to see what looks best at the local Farmers’ Market and take it from there.  Until then, we think these Lime Ice Cubes (above) are worth mentioning.  They’re so simple to make and memorable at a party, brunch, BBQ or just for fun.  Kids like ’em too.

* Nibbles of Tidbits is happy to be trying this Cookbook — Check back for future reports.

A BBQ Burger at Islands Restaurant used to be called a Sunset Burger, but it’s now called a Mavericks Burger (pictured).  It also differs in that it now comes with Onions Strings (Island Reds) and Mayonnaise instead of Mustard.  We still haven’t had a bad Burger at Islands and would surely order this one again, especially since the Sunset is history.