Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

This year, starting June 7th YOU can be a Judge of The Next Food Network Star and each week’s vote will enter you to win a Grilling Oasis.  I’m not sure what’s entailed with a Grilling Oasis, but it sounds pretty good.  I’m gonna watch and vote.

More INFO:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-next-food-network-star/index.html?nl=FN_051809_27

http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-next-food-network-star-fan-vote/package/index.html

Have you ever tried Brown Sugar Baked Bacon?  It’s so good!  And easier than frying too.  Just toss a few Bacon slices with Brown Sugar in a large baggie until well coated — Place the Bacon on a foil lined cookie sheet, then bake in the oven at 350° for about 20 minutes.  Be careful, there’s a fine line between cooking the Bacon perfectly and burning it.

When made right, it  tastes like Candy — When burned or cooked too long, you’ll save a lot of calories.  Another tip, cook the Bacon on a slant to allow the grease to run down.  I use 2 – 3 upside down metal ramekins to prop up one side while baking.  It works well.

Related Link: http://www.ehow.com/how_2074497_bake-brown-sugar-bacon.html

I like the blurry hustle of the photo above.  We almost tried everything at the 14th Annual Taste of Anaheim and took a few notes.  This year it was held at The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, an outdoor mall venue that seems pretty nice — My friend was purse and clothes shopping in between eating.  We were able and happy to squeeze it all in. 🙂

Above from left to right working on down, we had Shrimp and Pineapple Soft Tacos from Tortilla Jo’s, Mahi Mahi from The Rainforest Café, Panini’s from I forgot where (sorry), Spinach and Artichoke Dip from Mimi’s Café (YUM), Corn Chowder from Storytellers Café (YUM too), and I forgot what exactly from Geisha House — Its presentation was nice.

Continuing above is Gumbo being served from Café Orleans (I think), Creole Shrimp from Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Sundried Tomato Hummus on Cucumber from Lazy Dog Café, and Chopped Salad and Meatball Sandwiches from Oggi’s Pizza & Brewery — The Meatballs were very good.

We had Chicken Tikka and Samosas from Chakra Indian Cuisine, and as previously reported and linked below, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Crab Cakes and taste-TEE Sauce was a favorite, especially since they had an abundance of food, which beats a few.  And I’m not sure who was serving the Cupcakes above, but they look pretty.  I should have logged that name for sure, but after a couple Glasses of Cabernet some things just don’t matter, HA.

One thing we did care about was that a few restaurants ran out of food before the event was over.  The Taste of Anaheim ran from 5:30 – 9:30 PM and a few restaurants were out of food at 8:30.  To me, that’s not acceptable.  I paid $35 expecting to eat something from Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine and Mr. Stox Restaurant, but their spaces were hollowed by the time we got to them.  That was disappointing and shouldn’t happen.  Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse also ran out of food, but scurried to serve something, Hamburgers.  Although it wasn’t what we hoped for, we give them points for trying.

Related Link:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=5212

Tonight’s Taste of Anaheim at ‘The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk’ appeared to be a success.  Our favorites included the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich and Blackened Chicken Pasta from Dave & Buster’s, and the Crab Cakes from Bubba Gump Shrimp Company — The Sauce served with them was extra good.  Most restaurants did a great job.

We’ll report the rest of the story soon.  Overall, the food was tasty and plentiful — All you can eat for $35 was a good deal and the lines weren’t too long.  It was fun and we were full.

Bubba Gump: http://www.bubbagump.com/

Dave & Buster’s: http://www.daveandbusters.com/

Taste of Anaheim: http://www.tasteofanaheim.com/TOA09.php?page=home.php

It’s our second visit for lunch at The Veggie Grill at The Irvine Spectrum.  This time we tried the Sweet Potato Fries served with Chipotle Ranch and loved both.  And the “Bali Bliss” which is Indonesian styled Tempeh that’s sauteed and grilled, then served on a Bun with Chipotle Ranch, a tasty Relish, Lettuce, Tomato and Onion — It’s best with a side of their yummy Pesto.  And “Steamin’ Kale” with a Ginger Miso Dressing and Roasted Sesame Seeds.  As previously reported on Nibbles of Tidbits, the service is friendly and the food is fresh.  There’s a couple interesting Burgers we’d still like to try.  Check back soon.

Last time we had the Baja Fiesta Salad and Bean Me Up Chili.  See Review HERE: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=4617

The Veggie Grill: http://www.veggiegrill.com/

A friend raves about Jay’s Catering and recently had them cater her son’s First Holy Communion celebration.  He specifically wanted Sandwiches and Macaroni & Cheese.  And the Turkey and Roast Beef Sandwiches that were delivered looked just as good and fresh as they do on Jay’s Catering’s website.  Add a Green Salad, Pasta Salad and Fruit Platter, and you’ve got yourself a party.

Along with all was this beautiful Cake that was made with fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream — It’s from a local Bakery to be linked here soon.  And homemade White and Milk Chocolate Dipped Oreo Cookies were plentiful.  The kids love ’em.

Jay’s Catering DIRECT: http://www.jayscatering.com/

OC Foodies hosted a Mother’s Day Kitchen Getaway Contest, whereas you write (50) Words or less why your Mom is the Mom of choice.  The judges wanted it to be creative, clever and heartfelt.  And the prize was to be $500 towards (10) fabulous restaurants.  The winner isn’t posted yet, but I guess it’s not me, since I haven’t heard anything. 🙁

Here’s my Official Entry:

“She cooks for me on her Special Day — My Mom’s dishes are delicious, what can I say?  For that reason and immeasurable more, there’s no other Mother I could ever hope for.  She’s loving, giving and likes to eat, thus OCFoodies’ Mother’s Day Gift would be the BEST treat.”

HAPPY Mother’s Day Mom — You’re the BEST.

More INFO: http://www.ocfoodies.com/profiles/blogs/ocfoodies-wants-to-give-some

Have you seen 8 Steers Fish & Steakhouse Restaurant off Harbor near Sunflower?  I finally stopped in.  It doesn’t look like much on the outside, but it’s a nice escape inside.  The decor is stylish and the ceiling is two stories high.  They’ve got a great sounding menu too. 

This day I tried their Kobe Sliders to go.  I occasionally work in an office across the street, so I walked there for lunch.  These Kobe Sliders were well made and flavorful, much attributed to the Horseradish Mayonnaise and Sweet Rolls, a good combination with the Burgers.  It’s worth stopping in 8 Steers instead of just steering by it fast down Harbor Boulevard.  I look forward to trying more there soon.

8 Steers Fish & Steakhouse DIRECT: http://www.8steers.com/

UPDATE 08/01/09:  It appears they are no longer open for Lunch, just Dinner and Happy Hour starting at 4PM.

This came to me with a note that it should be towed with the barrel facing backwards — It’s a fun way to detour tailgaters, HA.

See MORE gun shaped and interesting grills HERE:
http://www.memorialmeat.com/wp-gallery2.php?g2_itemId=15

Did you know these Circus Animal Cookies ceased production last year?  They did, but Kellogg Company acquired the trademarks and original recipes to ensure they continue.  That’s pretty cool.  I truly haven’t had them since I was a kid, but the flavor is just how I remember it.  I brought them to the office and all said the same.  The taste transports many back in time.

The aesthetics of the Cookie was also commented on.  Some think the Frosting could be a little thicker, since you can see the Cookie on several White Circus Animals.  Others commented that the animal shapes could be more defined, and all should have more nonpareils.  It’s like the Cookie assembly line runs a little too fast, HA.  I agree with the observations, but does it really matter since it tastes the same?  Some think so, and some think not.  I’m still eating them — They’re good.

Happy 95th Anniversary Mother’s Brand.  That’s a good thing.  My favorite Mother’s Cookie is the Oatmeal. 🙂

http://motherscookies.com/

Nibbles of Tidbits will be entering a few items in the Culinary Arts Competition this year at the Orange County Fair — It’s July 10th – August 9th.  We’ll be submitting a Pie, a Bundt Cake, Gourmet Nut Clusters and a Scone.  Until then, we’re working on the best Scone to enter.  Once decided, we’ll post  the recipe here.  The Scones above include variations of Lemon Zest & Juice, Orange Zest & Juice, Dried Montmorency Cherries, Pomegranate Juice, Cream and Powdered Sugar.

Related Links:

http://www.ocfair.com/2009/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scone_(bread)

Our office had Pollo Asado Soft Tacos from the Taco Factory today for Cinco De Mayo.  The Chicken is marinated in Lemon Spices and Charbroiled.  It has a very good flavor, but some of the pieces had too much gristle.  Overall, the Tacos were enjoyed by most — 7 out of 8.

Taco Factory DIRECT: http://www.tacofactoryinc.com/

Through Foodbuzz I was offered the opportunity to try Buitoni’s New Wild Mushroom Agnolotti — And as you can gauge from the headline, it’s really good.  To learn the “rest of the story” (Paul Harvey RIP), check out the links below.  Ciao.

Product Review Post on Foodbuzz:
http://www.foodbuzz.com/blogs/us/california/costa_mesa/1053757-wild-mushroom-agnolotti-pasta-by-buitoni

Buitoni DIRECT: http://www.buitoni.com/Public/Default.aspx

What is Agnolotti?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnolotti

This Durty Nelly’s is an Irish Pub in Costa Mesa, unrelated to the other Durty Nelly’s at the top of the Google results — They’re in Mallorca, The Village of Bunratty Co Clare, Nova Scotia and Perth City, far away from this one — I’ll get around to those someday. 🙂

Until in Spain, Ireland, Canada and Australia respectively, we visited the Durty Nelly’s in California — They advertise a lot in The Clipper Magazine and I drive by it often.  I had to get the place out of my system — It sounds fun and its ads promote Live Music, Karaoke, Happy Hour, and 2 for 1 Lunch and Dinner. 

I like all that, but we only caught the Happy Hour, which has good prices.  It appears that Durty Nelly’s is pretty much a bar with bar food, but in fairness they’ve got a large pub menu and I’m not aware of their specialties.  We shared the Fried Macaroni & Cheese Bites, a Hamburger & Fries and an Artichoke. 

The service was good, but overall I expected a little more from the place — I’m not sure why.  I was also hoping for a dart board, shuffle board, pool table, or games of some sort, but didn’t see any.  The appeal for me next time would be the Live Music, or a stiff Cadillac while watching people sing Karaoke, HA.

See what many others have to say about Durty Nelly’s on YELP:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/durty-nellys-costa-mesa

Gravy Fries aka Fries with Gravy is what these are.  In connection with Nibbles of Tidbits’ Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Post, I was told “you’ve got to try The Hat’s Gravy Fries too” which is what’s pictured.  I’m not sure why I expected more than just Gravy on Fries, since that’s its name — I think it’s my thoughts of Italian Sunday Gravy, which sometimes includes everything but the kitchen sink.  And seeing that they’re exactly as titled, they’re just okay.  We prefer Chili Cheese Fries, as you’ll see HERE: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1110

The Hat: http://www.thehat.com/

A friend sent me this 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe via e-mail.  It’s touted as “The Most Dangerous Cake Recipe in the World” because it’s only 5 Minutes away and the ingredients are usually on hand — I guess one shouldn’t eat too many of these.  With that typed, here’s the Dangerous RECIPE:

1 Mug

4 Tablespoons Flour

4 Tablespoons Sugar

2 Tablespoons Cocoa

1 Egg

3 Tablespoons Milk

3 Tablespoons Canola or Vegetable Oil

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla

Combine the Flour, Sugar and Cocoa in a Mug – Add the Egg and mix thoroughly.  Pour in the Milk, Oil and Vanilla and mix well.  Place Mug in the Microwave and cook on maximum power (1000 watts) for 3 Minutes. Let Cake cool for a few minutes, then eat straight out of the Mug or empty onto a plate or into a bowl with Ice Cream.

The Cake will rise over the top of the Mug while cooking, but don’t be alarmed — It’ll be OK and it looks kinda funny.  The Cake is a little dense and dry and tastes best with Ice Cream, Powdered Sugar, Whipped Cream and/or a big glass of MILK.  Overall, it’s a fun, fast and warm Dessert that fills the air of Chocolate Cake within minutes.

FUN Related Links:

http://www.dizzy-dee.com/recipe/chocolate-cake-in-5-minutes

http://alladither.typepad.com/halfassedkitchen/2008/10/five-minute-chocolate-cake-yes-really.html

Coach’s Mediterranean Grill & Bar in Huntington Beach always seems to provide good service and food.  This day we only had time for a quick bite, thus had the Hummus and Falafel with Pita Bread — The Falafel is served with Tahini, but we recommend it with Tzatziki.  The Hummus looked like a work of art within a wave.

Coach’s Mediterranean Grill & Bar is on Main Street in “Surf City” and a short walk inland from the Pier.  It’s an airy indoor/outdoor restaurant with good Mediterranean food and people watching from the patio.  And just down the street a New Exhibit at The International Surfing Museum  just opened — It’s Part One: The Wooden Years, an Exhibit on Board Shapers.  My friend Bonnie, an Interior Designer put the entire Exhibit together.  On opening day I popped in right when she had time for a bite, so we walked to Coach’s with our Opening Party Mai Tai’s — Shhh.  All was fab!  If local or visiting, be sure to check out the Surf Museum.  Live Bands occasionally play in the parking lot too.  And P.S.  There are a lot of good restaurants on HB’s Main Street.

Related Links:

http://www.coachsmedgrill.com/

http://www.surfingmuseum.org/index1.html

http://www.ci.huntington-beach.ca.us/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falafel

http://www.bonniejoydesigns.com/

Yesterday Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) offered a FREE New Grilled Chicken Drumstick to ALL (above).  And today El Pollo Loco (EPL) offered the public a FREE Drumstick (below) and Wing.  I was curious to try KFC’s new product so we went for the free Drumstick, and we already knew the taste of EPL’s Drumstick, but paid for this one for true comparison. 

But let’s just get right down to it, there’s no comparison — El Pollo Loco’s genuinely Grilled Chicken is hard to beat.  It’s got a lot of great flavor and it’s cooked on the better grill.  Isn’t it obvious from the photos above?  KFC’s Drumstick wasn’t bad — It was just bland and nothing special whatsoever.  I certainly wouldn’t go out of my way for it, but I would for EPL’s Drumstick. 

This OFFICIAL comparison reminded me how good EPL’s Chicken actually is.  Can another well-known fast food chain just jump in and expect much with just okay?  I think not.  I like Kentucky’s “Fried” Chicken much better than this Drumstick — KFC should stick with its Original Recipe and Extra Crispy, and come up with something better for this CHICKEN WAR.  El Pollo Loco is the WINNER.

Related Links:

http://www.kfc.com/

http://www.elpolloloco.com/

http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/2009/04/22/kfcs-new-kentucky-grilled-chicken-vs-el-pollo-loco/18537/

Orange County based Philanthropists have launched a Friends of OC Food Giveaway aimed towards providing food to families in need.  They’ll be giving $125 (each) towards food to (10) families.  To qualify you must have an OC address, CA ID, be a parent of children under the age of 19, or a senior over the age of 62 — And you must have (unfortunately) experienced financial hardship related to the economy.

To apply for this generous assistance, send the following information to info@ocremodel.com:

• Name
• Children’s Names & Ages
• Address
• Phone Number
• E-Mail Address
• 500 Words WHY You’re in Need of Assistance

The deadline for entry is May 8th and the AWARDEES will be selected on May 15, 2009.  More information is linked below — Much luck and blessings to all those who apply.

Learn More HERE:
http://ocremodel.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/fred-and-rula-jarrah-announce-friends-of-oc-food-giveaway-for-orange-county-ca-families/

These are one of my favorite Appetizers to have on hand.  And party guests love ’em too.  “Roll Ups” can be made with almost any Veggie or Deli Meat, using a Flour Tortilla and Cream Cheese.

This time I made the Roll Ups with variations of sliced Ham, Fresh Asparagus, Orange Bell Pepper and Green Onions.  The trick is to spread a generous amount of Cheese Cheese evenly over the Tortilla and add all other ingredients aligned on the left, as shown above — Roll Tortilla parallel to the Ham and Veggies (l-r), then chill and cut when ready to serve/eat.

Related Link: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1588

This sunny day we stopped by Las Casuelas in Palm Springs for Lunch, which is when I learned that I prefer Dinner on the outdoor patio near the Live Band.  Las Casuelas is a great place for live music and dancing — And the food is most often good.  I’ve had the best of times there on wonderfully warm evenings with large groups of my favorite friends.

And I’ve had a lot better Dinners at Las Casuelas than this lunch — Too many pieces of our Salad Lettuce had brown patches, and the Tacos were seemingly small, dripping with grease and didn’t have enough Cheese.  Hhhmmm — I hope it goes better next time.  Happily the Mango Margarita was refreshing and perfectly blended.

It’s beautiful in Palm Springs right now (April) — The weather is perfect.  It was nice and warm day and evening, without being too hot.  It’s clear and the mountains still have snow on top.

Las Casuelas: http://www.lascasuelasquinta.com/

It’s time to celebrate Nibbles of Tidbits One Year Anniversary.  It’s today, April 24th.  Let’s toast Champagne and eat lots of FOOD to cheer.  I Need Text Company plans to put forth many years of high quality content and food photography on Nibbles of Tidbits.  Look for more restaurant reviews, cooking tips and ideas, product testing, experiments and reports about all things food related.

PRESS RELEASE:  http://www.prlog.org/10220332.pdf

Have you heard of The Veggie Grill?  It’s a small chain that I heard was good — So a couple of us tried it today for lunch and liked it.  I’m not in love yet, but the food was fresh, the restaurant was clean and the service was extra friendly and helpful.

We visited The Veggie Grill at The Irvine Spectrum.  It’s a semi fast food type of place, whereas you order and pay at the counter, then they deliver your food on real plates with silverware.  This first visit we both tried the same, a Baja Fiesta Salad and Bean Me Up Chili for the Soup & Salad Combo.  They also offer a few interesting Veggie Sandwiches and Burgers we’ll need to try next time.

The Veggie Grill: http://www.veggiegrill.com/