Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

It looks different than most I’ve had, but the pictured Huevos Rancheros at the Golden Ox Restaurant in Fullerton is one of my favorites for breakfast, lunch or dinner, which is served all day.

As a bonus, it comes with Bacon, Beans, Rice, Hash Browns, Tortillas on the side, and Salsa.

It’s not a fancy place as you can see, but they do a great job there.  The Huevos Rancheros is consistently good, even when had three times in a week.  I’m hooked.  And now my husband is too, which helps get me there more often, yay.  It’s off Commonwealth where North Brookhurst ends.

Dine in or drive through — Inside food is served on plastic plates.  It’s a little fancier than fast food.

The Sauce on the Huevos Rancheros is excellent.  It has a long, home cooked flavor and we love it.

Also, I’ve never been a Hash Browns fan, but I’m a big fan of theirs.  I look forward to having them almost as much as the Huevos.  And it shouldn’t go unmentioned that the Bacon is always extra crispy, and the Beans and Rice are above average too.  All make up a masterpiece at the Golden Ox.

We shall have it again soon, I’m sure.

Did you know the day after Easter is take your Easter Egg to work day? It is for cute Eggs.

Funny Easter Egg ideas by Bailee and Lexi, also known as Kids in the Kitchen here on Nibbles of Tidbits, and my talented Nieces in real life — They decorated each adorable Easter Egg pictured here.

I’m impressed — They’re all so expressive and made us laugh.

If I copy them mine probably won’t turn out as great, but next year I want to try.

The green zombie eggs in the lid of the carton show their support for The Walking Dead, yikes.

Happy Easter to everyone from Nibbles of Tidbits — We’re thankful for this day!

The kid’s inspiration and my copycat comparison shall be posted next year.

Have you seen Angler Chronicles on FOX Sports West Television?  We’re with its host and accomplished fisherman, Sergio (above) at the annual Fred Hall Fishing Tackle & Boat Show in Del Mar.  He’s a cool dude.  Matt, a state record holding fisherman himself watches Sergio on Angler Chronicles every week and now I will too.  The show brings viewers to the best wide open, fresh water and salt water sportfishing action on the west, including Southern California, Mexico, British Columbia, Alaska and Panama.  We’d love to fish with Sergio and the gang sometime.

Matt quickly showing Sergio his state record so not to be too much of a geek.

Smoking Fish:       

The Angler Chronicles gang needs RECIPES — As Matt and possibly I catch more Fish, more recipes will be developed.  Until then, smoke them if you’ve caught them, as there’s not much better than fresh Smoked Fish.  I recently smoked Rainbow Trout caught from Irvine Lake by a neighbor. After about 4 1/2 Hours of smoking with Hickory and Mesquite Wood Chips, every Trout no matter size was moist, smoky and cooked perfectly throughout (before smoking above left/after above right).

TIPS: Stuff the inside of most whole Fish with foil to have the Fish set/swim upright on the grill, so you won’t need to turn them and they’re less likely to stick to the grill.  Keep the Fish covered with smoker or grill lid.  Maintain water in the pan above the heat and keep all smoking by adding coal and soaked and dry wood chips when necessary.  Tips are good, but each smoker is different.

RECIPES: Several recipes using Yellowtail are linked here.  Keep checking Fish & Shellfish for more.

I used to love it, but it’s all over now — It’s the Pizza at The Getty Center.

It’s different than when I had it a couple years ago.  I wanted it to be the same memorable Pizza I last had there, but it’s now as pictured (above).  I didn’t try it, since it was the wafer thin crust that I liked best about the previous Getty Center Pizza — Boo hoo, but we still had the spectacular view.

Start looking forward to better photography on Nibbles of Tidbits, by Matt and his new camera.

Oh boy, I’m actually going to Camp Blogaway this year.  It’s already paid for.  No turning back now. It happens in Southern California so I have to attend at least once.  I’ll learn a few things I’m sure, enjoy the outdoors, and probably have a lot of fun, but it’s a bit uneasy setting out for it alone. Overall, adventure combined with food, and the topic of food prevails — I’m looking forward to it.

Photo from Calico Ghost Town, not Camp Blogaway this May — See what will be included there.

I’ve been doing a lot of cooking and eating, and should’ve been writing about it — Next meal. 🙂

Photo Credit: Linked here.

It’s happening right now — Orange County Restaurant Week.  Go out to eat.  The prix-fixe meal deals keep getting better.  Over 100 restaurants are participating.  Don’t know where to go?  You can search by city, meal price, lunch or dinner menu, or restaurant on OC Restaurant Week’s website.  Lunches range from $10-$20 and dinners from $20-$50.  Complete menus and prices can be viewed on their site.  Decide where to go, what to eat and get there this week only.

It’s food from El Amerikano American & Latin Kitchen in downtown Fullerton and I already have a favorite — Everything I’ve had so far, especially the Warm Mushroom Salad and Mole Eggplant.

El Amerikano is part of the Kentro Hospitality Group, a group offering tasteful restaurants (including Kentro Greek Kitchen, steps away from El Amerikano), event planning and catering options.

We were recently invited to a media tasting at El Amerikano and tried all pictured dishes.

From top down — Al Pastor Chop, Cucumber Ceviche Salad, Brussels Sprouts, Mole Eggplant, Asada Bravo and Warm Mushroom Salad, I think.  See El Amerikano’s MENU for the enticing descriptions.

I was happy to learn they also have an outdoor patio, something I look for in a restaurant.

Each dish seems to have a double-digit list of ingredients and an abundance of flavor.

I like El Amerikano’s ‘To Share’ dishes and prices, which range from $3 – $9.

As I write this and read their MENU, I’m planning my next meal there asap.

This taste of El Amerikano American & Latin Kitchen left me needing to have more.

I have sights on the Chorizo Sliders, Mac ‘n Queso, Michoacan Caesar and more.

El Amerikano’s Michoacan Caesar Salad has Char-Grilled Romaine, which I love when done right.

A cooking demonstration showed the care and time put into preparing their dishes.

Food is ordered at the counter, then delivered to you — They offer Beer and Wine too.

Entrance to El Amerikano (below) with Kentro Greek Kitchen nearby — Great food in Fullerton.

Enlarge MENU (below) for a better view or access their menu link here.

Me with Vasili Kotsiovos, El Amerikano and Kentro Greek Kitchen’s should be proud Owner.

Thank you — We’ll be back.

I previously reported about Dami Sushi & Izakaya — We really liked the Sushi and people there.  It was located at the Village Circle off Beach and Malvern in Buena Park, but apparently the space is under new ownership.  Though the sign still reads Dami Sushi on the outside, it’s now Ki Sushi & Sake Bar.  Their temporary sign currently hangs below.  Of course we had to give them a try.

We had Blue Fin Tuna, a listed special, as Sashimi (below) and seared in a well-flavored Salad (top).

The rest was selected for us by Ki Sushi’s Chef Hak Sang, who named the Halibut Belly (second from top) after me — It’s also posted with #shelly on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/HakSushi.

We were surprised with the little nuggets below, tasty combos of Salmon, Crab and Spicy Tuna.

And we much appreciated the creative Orange Dessert too — All was impressive.

 It appears we have a new Sushi Bar to go to — It’s now called Ki Sushi & Sake Bar.

Happy One-Year Anniversary to us, Freis West (above) — It’s told to be tradition to save, then eat the top layer of one’s Wedding Cake on one’s One-Year Wedding Anniversary.  Though the idea is romantic, I wouldn’t look forward to eating it.  Would you want a year old Cake?  Or would you prefer a fresh Cake, just like the one you had on your wedding day?  We opted for a fresh Cake and got it, because we were married at The Turnip Rose Promenade & Gardens, as previously reported. It’s how they do it.  You’ll get a fresh Cake one-year later, if married there too.  Our Cake was white with a Raspberry Mousse filling and Whipped Cream topping.  All is highly recommended.

As shown, we celebrated Sixteen Candles style — We call ours ‘One Candle’ for one sweet year of marriage.  What fun we had in our Las Vegas hotel room, with our Cake propped on an upside-down ice bucket, as we sat on the window sill/air conditioner overlooking the Stratosphere.  Our Anniversary Cake took us a year back, and we hope to be doing this again sixteen years later.

Have you seen our Orange County Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Report?

Just added to it are the pictured Chili Cheese Fries at Santa Fe Cafe at Fullerton Train Station.

It’s entertaining watching the trains go by, while lounging on Santa Fe Cafe’s patio with Chili Cheese Fries, an $8 or $10 Pitcher of Beer and the sunset.  It’s what I’ve enjoyed there thus far.

Be aware of occasional loitering oddballs, otherwise all should be good.

View these Chili Cheese Fries and several others on our on-going Chili Cheese Fries post.

In relation to the post title… Shelly Chili Freis should have been my legal name, if I would’ve been able to change my middle name to Chili, but apparently one can’t change his/her middle name when getting married, only a last name, or it would officially be me.  It’s my unofficial name now.

Jury Duty is always fun — Not, though I did appreciate the hour-and-a-half lunch and not having been impaneled this year.  It wasn’t so bad under those circumstances, especially with a multitude of above-average food options within walking distance.  I wanted to eat at several.  The Jury Room at Orange County Superior Court’s Central Justice Center in Santa Ana provided a map and list of restaurants to help all get to a tasty meal and back to the courthouse again.  It was very helpful.

The website associated with the Restaurant Guide and Downtown Santa Ana Map is linked here.

It was hard to choose just one restaurant — I almost wanted more Jury Duty, but instead will go back with the map and list on my own time.  During my one-day duty, I opted to eat at Chapter One: The Modern Local.  I had previously seen and liked several items on their menu and still wonder why I chose the Organic OC Vegetable Basket.  I love roasted vegetables, but the pictured weren’t roasted nearly enough.  They were pretty, but all were too hard and seemingly raw.  I had to take them home and cook ’em more, though I didn’t want to bring leftovers back to the jury room.  I’d order something different next time, as much there sounds appetizing.

 Eat Downtown Santa Ana — I value the provided information.  It makes nearby Jury Duty better.

Have you had the Sticky Toffee Pudding at The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant?  It’s one of the BEST Desserts I’ve had in my life and it’s perfectly served in warm Heavy Cream.

I’ve had it three times and still can’t stop thinking about going back for it again.  I suggest going to The Olde Ship each time we’ve dined out recently, but my husband needs more food variety.  It’s a rich dessert that’s best shared, so not to be put over the Sugar edge.  The unsweetened Heavy Cream balances the sweetness beautifully.  I love The Olde Ship for this dessert, other authentic British dishes and its cozy atmosphere, especially during Christmas time.

I searched for The Olde Ship’s Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe online, but didn’t find it, I’m told it’s made with Dried Apricots and other things.  I may attempt a copycat recipe after a little more study.  I visited The British Grocer, a store run by the same people at The Olde Ship in Fullerton and Santa Ana.  The British Grocer is in Fullerton, down the street from The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant on North Harbor Boulevard.  I’ve yet to visit its Santa Ana location, but hear it’s larger.

Pictured directly above is a prepared, canned Sticky Toffee Pudding I purchased from The British Grocer.  I was told by a clerk there that’s its flavor is most like the one made at The Olde Ship. The store offered two options, one that’s frozen and this one that was canned.

Surprisingly this one is made by Heinz and it does have a similar, rich flavor that’s good served with warm Heavy Cream, though it has a different, more Bread Pudding like texture, rather than a loose, Bran Muffin texture like the Sticky Toffee Pudding prepared at The Olde Ship.  I’ll buy more of both.

I served the Heinz Sticky Toffee Pudding the same way, which made it taste great.

It’s romantic and beautiful inside the Pub, with hundreds of lights in December.

Pictured below is the Great British Breakfast that’s served with a Banger, Baked Beans, Irish Bacon, a Tomato, Mushrooms and Fried Toast.  At first glance, the Toast looks basic, but it’s fried. I thought I’d like that more than I did, but toasted is better.  I like the Baked Beans a lot.

The Olde Ship’s Famous Clam Chowder is very good too, with lots of Clams.

Back to why this post started… The magnificent Sticky Toffee Pudding at The Old Ship (below).

Until we meet again, aka when my husband is ready to go back — I have to be reasonable.

Food reports coming your way — Happy 2015.

A Poop Sandwich goes to the A-Hole that hacked a humble food blog — It’s an appropriate meal for a dumb-shit.  You (hacker) accomplished nothing.  Yes, I’m unhappy about it, but will move on. Unfortunately, you’re just a hack and deserve no more than today’s Food Blog Hacker Special.

Attention: All Visiting Nibbles of Tidbits (Regulars & New Arrivals) — Please bear with us as we fix a few issues.  There’s no danger here.  Some links are currently disabled and should be functioning soon.  If you’re looking for something and can’t access a link, use the Search Box to find it.  It works.  Aside from the above, we’ll be publishing a lot more about food in 2015.  Reports are revving to go and better Sandwiches (and more), with sides of everything are ahead for the non-hackers.

Creamistry Ice Cream — Because Liquid Nitrogen is so cold, it causes the Milk particles to stay very small creating an ultra-smooth creamy texture, Creamistry reports, and after having it, I think it’s the creamiest Ice Cream I’ve ever had.  It is CREEEE-MEE!  Creamistry Ice cream is made using Liquid Nitrogen while you watch and wait.  Fresh ingredients are frozen fast.

Chosen ingredients are frozen at 321 degrees turning all into a creamy goodness.

Choose your SIZE, pick your BASE, and then choose your FLAVOR and TOPPINGS.

I chose the PREMIUM BASE, Strawberry flavor with Roasted Almonds for a topping.

The Liquid Nitrogen fogs up the place like dry ice — It’s fun to watch, though a little hard to see.

I met a family in line who traveled from San Clemente to Irvine just to get Ice Cream here.

I liked it more than I expected and now find myself craving its creamy texture and want to try other flavors.  Creamistry offers a multitude of flavors and toppings creating a slight dilemma when choosing.  I must go back to try more.  It can take some time getting through the line when it’s long and it’s not cheap, but a little goes a long way.  It’s ultra-rich, creamy and good.

I wanted to ask more questions about the process and see all clearly from start to finish, but it was a busy day at Creamistry in Irvine.  It’s already loved by others, I’ve seen and heard, and now I like it too.  It’s not just another Ice Cream.  It’s fun to experience and different to taste.

It’s already December — Another year flew by too fast and my computer just went kaput.  This month starts with a test of my new computer and return to Nibbles of Tidbits’ Food Coloring Series, featuring the relevant colors of Red & Green, and timely food ideas that spotlight them.

Most dishes can be deciphered without a recipe or tailored to your taste.

Previous Food Coloring Series posts are linked here — Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, etc.

Some dishes start off festive, but once the Peppers and Cucumbers get eaten, then what?

If looking for more Red & Green Food Ideas, they’re linked here.

Merry Christmas to me from my new computer.

More to test and explore, after Shrimp Cocktails and picture-perfect Christmas Cookies.

An impressive Snowman Fruit Bowl that’s perfect for the season and looks easy to make.

Credits and additional instructions may be linked: Crostini’s, Shrimp Cocktails, Christmas Cookies, Christmas Wreath Vegetable Platter, BLT Salad, and Snowman Fruit Bowl.  Happy Holidays!

Yellowtail Chowder:  It’s just as good as Clam Chowder.  In a quest to make Yellowtail everything, the latest is this Yellowtail Chowder, which turned out perfect.  I didn’t miss the Clams and loved the meaty pieces of Yellowtail Fish.  Unfortunately I didn’t write down the recipe, but used the best combination of the following ingredients — Fresh Yellowtail cut into good size chunks, Chicken Stock, Clam Juice, Sweet Onions, Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Thyme, Parsley, Garlic, Butter, Olive Oil, Flour, Heavy Cream, Salt & Pepper.  I meant to add crumbled, cooked Bacon, but forgot, and then decided it wasn’t needed.  I didn’t use much Cream either. All was cooked to optimum consistency. What to make with Yellowtail?  Other ideas are here.

Bacchus Bar & Bistro — Classy is a word that comes to mind.  It may look small on the outside tucked in a corner, but there’s a lot of stylish space inside.  Their menu is impressive too.

I’m happy to discover Bacchus Bar & Bistro (formerly Bacchus Secret Cellar) — It’s down the street from my Irvine office, in the Quail Hill Shopping Center, amongst other businesses.

It’s a perfect place to gather with friends after work — A plan is in the works.

There is comfortable seating throughout — Tall and short tables, couches and a bar.

We tried a few menu items this visit — The Warm Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chinese Sausage, Shishito Peppers, Fried Garlic and Sesame Ponzu (above).  There’s more to be tried.

Lobster & Spanish Chorizo Fondue with Manchego Cheese, Smoked Peppers and Cream Cheese, served with a French Baguette (above) — It’s creamy, unique and pretty good.

We also had the Prosciutto Flatbread with Fontina, Gorgonzola, Fig Jam & Red Onion (above) and the Butterscotch Pot De Creme (below).  The Fig Jam was terrific on the Flatbread and the consistency and flavor of the Pot De Creme was ideal, though rich, but not overly so.

It’s a seamless Wine Store along its parameters and the prices are surprisingly good for such an expensive looking place. Their food prices are reasonable too, another reason to go back. And there’s live entertainment… A guy played the guitar in front of the Wine Case behind me.

The Roman God of Wine’s Wine was delicious as well — Thanks Bacchus!

Note: Camera issues beset this visit. Subsequent dishes shall be posted as clear updates.

Did you know that you can make a Pizza Dough using only two ingredients?  You can.

Two Ingredient Pizza Dough is made with Self Rising Flour and Plain Greek Yogurt.  I heard about it and had to try it.  And it’s true, it works with (1 ½ Cups of Self Rising Flour & 1 Cup of Plain Greek Yogurt).  I simply combined the two, then kneaded both into Dough.

It didn’t take much time or effort to convert into a blank Pizza canvas.

I made a basic Pepperoni & Pineapple Pizza, with a Pineapple homegrown by my husband, I might add.  I also added Pizza Sauce, Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese — Other Recipes.

The Pizza was baked in a preheated 450° oven for 12 minutes and all turned out well, though the flavor of the Pizza Crust is a little bland and would taste better as a Three Ingredient Pizza Dough with the addition of a little Salt — That’s what I’ll make next time.

His name is Leon (above) and he just turned 8 — We celebrated him and his birthday at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar at Cerritos Mall.  It’s an ideal place for a Dog’s Birthday or any day, since dogs are allowed on their patio and served a complimentary Bowl of Water.

It’s a good place for adults too, though it was Leon’s day, but we pay. 😉

We tried the Sangria Sampler — The White Peach Sangria (middle) was my favorite.

The Lazy Dog Hand Crafted Drafts Sampler hits the human spot too.

Leon chose the Grilled Chicken Breast and Brown Rice from the Dog Menu.

He ate all quickly, much how he eats everything, and appeared to like it.

We had the Brick Oven Spinach & Sundried Tomato Cheese Dip (below), which could use more Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes, but the Cheese combination is good.

And the Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla — Overall, Lazy Dog’s food is consistently good.

Afterwards we went for a walk along Dog Beach in Huntington Beach.

It’s a true dog day afternoon at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and Dog Beach.

There’s a Dog Friendly Patio at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar — Enlarge photo to read their Patio Rules and don’t be shy, bring your dog with you, especially if it’s his or her birthday.

I’ve had a lot of great Brussels Sprouts lately, but DANG — The Brussels Sprouts glazed with Honey and Sriracha at the Egg Cracker Restaurant in Fullerton are the BEST.  They’re perfectly crispy on the outside, sweet and hot, and each is tender enough to eat, which is very important.  If any are still too hard to eat, it’s often bitter and inedible though served.  Twice we’ve had the Brussels Sprouts at the Egg Cracker and each little Sprout was cooked to perfection, which is specifically important we learned from one of the owners.

Not only do they have the Best Brussels Sprouts, but the Egg Cracker Restaurant has one of the best-priced, high-quality, convenient-time Happy Hours — It’s from 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm, so you don’t need to speed after work to get there.  You order off a menu too and the price for the quality is fantastic.  The Brussels Sprouts are $3 during Happy Hour and $5 regularly.

Current Happy Hour Food Menu (above) and Chilaquiles (below).

We also tried the Portobello Fries (below), which are sliced Portobello Mushrooms with a Panko Breading to form Fries — They’re meaty and crunchy and good with the Sauce.

Zucchini Bread (below) is served to all, with all, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner — I think.

We had breakfast at the Egg Cracker twice before and received it then also.

For Dessert we had one of the Egg Cracker’s most popular Breakfast items, the Campfire Pancakes with Chocolate, Graham Cracker Crumbles and Homemade Marshmallow Cream.  I just love the Egg Cracker’s MENU.  There are many things I want to try — Breakfast is served all day too.  And it should be mentioned that Beer & Wine is only $3 during Happy Hour.

We’re going back for more of everything (and much we have yet to try).