Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

It appears that many love Taco Mesa Restaurant — That’s what I’ve heard and it always seems to have a packed patio of diners.  Today we tried a sampling of a few Tacos.  From top to bottom, left to right, we enjoyed their Taco Alambre, Salmon Taco, Al Pastor Taco, Potato Chorizo and Egg Taco, and their Blackened Chicken Breast New Wave Taco.

We like that Breakfast is served all day and that we’re able to have a Potato Chorizo and Egg Taco at night.  All Tacos were good, but we prefer the regular Tacos to the New Wave Tacos.  The New Wave Tacos are served in blue and red Tortillas, which is fine, but they fell apart more easily than their standard Tacos.  We look forward to going back to try the Carnitas Pibil, Carne Asada and Tacos Fritos, since the prices aren’t bad — We’ll report about those Tacos next time.

Taco Mesa MENU & INFO: http://www.tacomesa.net/

We’ve just added Pink’s Chili Cheese Fries to our Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Post — And they’re now our second favorite, next to Original Tommy’s Chili Cheese Fries.  ALL are linked below.

Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Post & Photos:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2008/11/06/orange-county-chili-cheese-fries-comparison/

Pink’s of HOLLYWOOD: http://www.pinkshollywood.com/

Pink’s Chili Cheese Dog & OC Fair Booth Photos:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/07/15/more-food-fun-at-the-orange-county-fair/

Each year the Orange County Fair serves up a new weird food item (E.g., Fried Twinkies, Fried White Castle Burgers, etc.), and this year it’s Chocolate Covered Bacon.   We’ve tried ’em all, thus had to sample the Bacon.  As you can see (above), it’s covered in thick Chocolate — And it’s kinda difficult to bite into, since it’s served from the freezer or fridge.

Overall, the flavor isn’t bad and is reminiscent of Chocolate Dipped Pretzels.  The Bacon has a salty flavor and crunchy texture that goes well with Chocolate.  The OC Fair’s Chocolate Covered Bacon is okay, but we would have preferred full strips instead of broken chunks.

It’s served in Chinese take out boxes with a packet of Salt on top, which seems odd, but whatever — We were done after a few bites, though think it’s better than some of the other crazy food items we’ve tried at the Fair.

More posts about Orange County Fair FOOD

Can you believe this is a lunch portion Salad?  I love the large portions served at The Cheesecake Factory, even when they’re supposed to be smaller.  Today we had the Chinese Chicken Salad, Barbeque Chicken Pizza, Crispy Artichoke Hearts and the Pasta Carbonara.

We enjoyed our meals, but found the Pasta Carbonara to be pretty bland and it needed more Sauce — However, with a little Salt and additional Sauce it was much better.  Nibbles of Tidbits has previously posted several Cheesecake Factory reviews and food photos.  Please see links below to view all.

MORE Cheesecake Factory Reviews & Food

Cheesecake Factory MENU

Today we tried the “Cheesey Potato Melt” from Original Bratwurst.  It’s Mashed Potatoes with Cheese with optional Bratwurst on top.  It sounded interesting, but only tasted okay — More flavor/spice is needed.  The Orange County Fair’s Daily Events Calendar has a coupon for a FREE one with the purchase of any Sandwich.

And it was fun to see Pinks at the Fair — I’d been to the Pinks in Hollywood, but it’s more convenient to have their Chili Cheese Dog in Orange County.

We found the Chocolate Dipped Bacon and will be trying it this Saturday.  This visit we opted to simply enjoy its producer in the All Alaskan Pig Races.  They’re so cute — The Races run at 3, 5, 7 and 9PM every OC Fair day, and at 1PM on weekends.

And it was Beef Ribs for the road — YUM.  It’s just another day of food and fun things to see and do at the Orange County Fair.

Related Links:

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

http://www.pinkshollywood.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/07/12/food-preview-at-the-orange-county-fair/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/07/10/the-orange-county-fair-opened-today-yeah/

Today our family taped the Family Feud show and had a BLAST!  It was an all day event with Subway Sandwiches in between.  I don’t think we saw the “Green Room?!”  Although its defining factor isn’t that it’s green, the room we lunched in was all burgundy, otherwise we were in the studio taping shows the entire day.  I cannot report if we won, but will report the air date (when known) for you to find out.  A big thanks to the Family Feud Crew and John O’Hurley for a great time, oh and the Subway Sandwiches too.  Now we’re ready for Spam.  

How to be on Family Feud:
http://www.familyfeud.tv/beonshow.shtml

Subway DIRECT: http://www.subway.com/subwayroot/index.aspx

Spamalot Musical (John O’Hurley’s current show with a food and story angle):
http://montypythonsspamalot.com/LA2/?gclid=CNjeyMOn1JsCFRYiagodQylfLA

We love Seinfeld too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seinfeld

* Photo is of a previously enjoyed Subway Sandwich.

It’s Orange County Fair time again.  We’ll be heading back to try all the new crazy stuff that’s being offered this year.  It’s been rumored that Chocolate Dipped Bacon is being served, but we haven’t seen it yet.  If it’s at the OC Fair, we’re ready for a bite or more. 

The Ribs are always good at the OC Fair and we might try a Grilled Chili Pepper stuffed with Cheese next time — Until then we’re on the hunt for the craziest food items this year.  Check back to see what they are.  Ciao.

Orange County Fair INFO

The results are in for the first phase of the Culinary Arts Competition at the Orange County Fair.  I’m excited to learn that my Ambrosia Bundt Cake won a 2nd Place Ribbon and my Gourmet Nut Clusters won a 3rd Place Ribbon.  Not bad for a first time OC Fair submitter — Two for two.  For the second phase of the Culinary Arts Competition, I’ll be delivering Scones on July 28th, and for the Single-Day LIVE Judging Contest a Pie on July 25th.

This day I met Jaqui Dulebohn (Santa Ana), a Division Winner in the Preserved Foods Competition.  That’s impressive!  It means she won a 1st Place Ribbon, then beat out all the other 1st Place Ribbon winners in the Jam’s Division.  Congratulations to Jaqui on her Apricot Jam.  She looks forward to the competition each year.  ALL entries are displayed in the Home Arts Building.  You’ve got to get to the Fair for all the fabulous food and fun.

OC Fair INFO

Competition & Contest INFO

PHOTOS from 2008’s Culinary Arts Competition

The Orange County Fair opened today — It’s time for our favorite Sandwich. Every year we look forward to the BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich at the Texas Style BBQ Stand.  So far we haven’t found one we like better.  Look for this sign near the Fair entrance, if you want one too.  Is the cow appropriate for this post?  Either way, it’s all at the OC Fair with a whole lot more.  Have FUN and enjoy the FOOD.

Last year’s Sandwich (up close) is linked here — The stand looks a little different this year, if we’ve got it correct.  We’ll check back to confirm.

I’ve only just begun to explore the goods offered by Pascal Epicerie and Wine Shop and I’m already hooked on the Salads.  I’ve stopped in 3 of the last 4 days to choose from the Daily Pasta and Vegetable Salads offered by the pound.

So far we can’t get enough of the Bean Salad(s) and Roasted Vegetables — The Green Beans aren’t pictured, but they’re my favorite so far.  Pictured with the aforementioned is the Ratatouille and Beet Salad.  We look forward to trying ALL their Pasta and Vegetable Salads, to be posted here soon.  Pascal Epicerie and Wine Shop is next door to Tradition by Pascal, one of the best restaurants in Newport Beach.

After meeting a work deadline, we were happy to finally be sitting down for a late lunch at the Yard House.  This day we tried the Penne Pasta with Chicken and a Grilled Pastrami Sandwich.  The Garlic in the Pasta overtook our table and car, a little too much — And we were hoping for more of a Marsala flavor, since that’s how it’s described.

The Yard House BBQ Chicken Salad is huge.  Their portion sizes are always generous.

Below is the Portabella Burger, although not its best side, the Eggplant, Roasted Red Peppers and Feta make it a tasty Sandwich.

The Summer Salad includes fresh Strawberries, Avocado, Oranges, Candied Walnuts and Leeks, a fun combination of ingredients.  A White Balsamic Vinegar might be aesthetically better on this Salad than a brown one.  Overall, the Yard House serves a lot of excellent dishes.  Our preference is Happy Hour, when the appetizers are half price.

More INFO and Yard House food photo LINKS:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2008/08/22/happy-hour-at-the-yard-house/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2008/11/10/the-yard-house-happy-hour-food-pictures/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2008/11/27/more-yard-house-12-price-apps-in-the-house/

Last year the Carne Asada was from Gems Market in Yorba Linda and this year it’s from Costco.  Both were good — We’ve got no complaints about anything.  It was a beautiful day in America.

We had Hot Dogs, made Tacos, ate Salads, Fresh Cherries, Edamame, Chips, Salsa, Watermelon, Homegrown Tomatoes, Basil and more.

And check out these shoes (directly above right), they’ve got bottle openers built in to the bottom of them.  Too funny — I had not seen that before.  They came in handy on this thirsty day.

Related Links:

http://www.reef-sandals-online.com/reef-fanning.htm

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2008/07/05/4th-of-july-in-an-american-backyard/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/07/04/fourth-of-july-cake-on-its-way-to-a-party/

It’s a doctored up Red Velvet Cake from a mix — I added a box of Chocolate Pudding Mix, Vanilla Extract and Orange Juice in place of Water.  And the Glaze was made with Pineapple Juice and Powdered Sugar.  I hope it tastes good, since it’s on its way to a 4th of July Pool Party.  We’ll report back.  Happy 4th to YOU and God Bless America.

UPDATE:  By the time the Cake was cut, I was busy swimming in the pool in my dress, HA.  I’m told it was good, but unfortunately didn’t get a photo of its beautiful color.

I mostly appreciated the Fresh Pineapple received in launch of Carl’s Jr.’s New Teriyaki Burger — That was fun.  The Teriyaki Burger is good too, because I usually choose a Hula Burger aka Hawaiian Burger aka Teriyaki Burger, that’s generally served with a Pineapple slice or two and a sweet Sauce.  Shown is the Six Dollar Teriyaki Burger on the house, but I subsequently purchased another with a regular Burger and think it’s better.  And the Pineapple actually has a grilled taste to it, which is nice.  I’ll take the Fifth regarding their commercials.  Aloha.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/04/01/we-liked-carls-new-kentucky-bourbon-burger/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2008/10/16/carls-jrs-so-called-600-burger-for-real/

Have you seen our Chili Cheese Fries Comparison post?  We just added these Chili Cheese Fries from SONIC Drive-In to the post.  The report is linked below.  ALSO, we still need an address from two SONIC Drive-In Gift Card Giveaway Winners.  Hurry and get back to us or we’ll need to draw two new winners on July 10th, 2009.  All prizes need a home.

Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Post:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2008/11/06/orange-county-chili-cheese-fries-comparison/

SONIC Drive-In Gift Card Giveaway:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/06/25/congratulations-sonic-drive-in-gift-card-winners/

A fast pop into Las Fajitas Restaurant yielded great service, one of the better Salsa Bars (It includes Sour Cream and Marinated Carrots), and a Carnitas Taco that I would definitely have again.  Las Fajitas Mexican Grill • Seafood • Catering Restaurant is on Newport Boulevard in Newport Beach.  We’ll be going back to try more.  So far, so very good.

Las Fajitas Restaurant direct link and related report.

One Red Bell Pepper makes a fair amount of Roasted Red Pepper Sauce.  This Sauce is a variation of several recipes I reviewed online.  And it turned out to be a simple and tasty combination.  I halved and charred a Red Bell Pepper in the toaster oven until completely black, then with the oven off I kept it in there for another 15 minutes to steam/loosen the skin.  And it peeled right off like nothing. 

To make the Sauce, add the Roasted Red Pepper to a mini food processor with the perfect balance of Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar, Lemon Juice and S&P — It doesn’t take much of each.  Puree all, then taste and add more of the above (if necessary) to dial in the flavor.  This small batch was so good — I ate the extra Sauce as Gazpacho.  Before that, I had it on some Lingcod I poached.

Related Link: /FoodBlog/2009/06/02/lingcod-fish-its-green-its-blue-its-white/

This is a good Sandwich and the Bread is excellent for it.  We stopped in for a quick Italian Torpedo from Quiznos.  It’s only $4 — Love that.  And since I walk by a Quiznos a few times a week, I was bound to try one at some point.  It’s thinner than I thought it would be, which I liked.  And it’s made on very soft Ciabatta Bread, which makes a Toasty Torpedo tasty.  We highly recommend it.

First, thanks to ALL who entered.  I wish I could give each of you a $25 Gift Card to SONIC Drive-In.  It was my pleasure hosting this contest and I hope to present more great FOOD Giveaways in the future on Nibbles of Tidbits — Keep checking back.  Until then, this time the (10) lucky WINNERS are…

 
1.)  Katie D. (Reno, Nevada)
2.)  Shannon C. (Bondville, Illinois)
3.)  J (Bakersfield, California)
4.)  JC (Norwalk, California)
5.)  E-Dawg (Cypress, California)
6.)  Kristen (Gilbert, Arizona)
7.)  Erin DiCarolis (Melbourne, Florida)
8.)  Pam (Rancho Cucamunga, California)
9.)  Richard Halvorson (Graham, Washington)
10.) Andrea Bohn (San Clemente, California)

We’ll be contacting you to learn where to send your Gift Card.  It’s time to eat.  Thanks to all participants and sponsors.  It’s been fun.

Related Link: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/06/18/win-a-25-gift-card-to-sonic-drive-in/

For my Birthday a dear friend made this Lavender Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze.  She knows I like trying unique food combinations and Lavender in Cake is good, especially this Cake.  The recipe is put out by C&H Sugar and linked below — It makes two loaves or one Bundt.  After a few slices, she wrapped it in wax paper and foil for me to take home.  It kept so well and was a treat for breakfast all week.  Now I have to make it and wrap it the same. 🙂

Recipe PDF: lavender-cake

Recipe Link: http://www.chsugar.com/recipes/recipesearch.asp
(FYI: If you use this link, you must then search the Cakes to locate the Lavender Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze recipe)

After the 3rd episode of The Next Food Network Star, I voted for Teddy to go, but it was Eddie who got the boot.  I’m okay with that too — Both should go.  I’m noticing that several season 5 contestants are competing as if they’re on a one time reality show, instead of putting forth their integral best.  Although the show is reality based, the prize requires good relationships, not ruthless play for a single monetary pay-off.  My favorites thus far are Jeffrey, Melissa and Katie.  The above photo includes Jeffrey, Teddy and Michael (l-r).

More INFO:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-next-food-network-star-fan-vote-thanks/package/index.html?fvEmail=soup4you@hotmail.com

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/06/08/the-next-food-network-star-premiers-vote-now/

I Need Text Company, Nibbles of Tidbits’ main site is being overhauled.  It’s basically getting a new look and we’re hopefully making it easier for clients to obtain the information they desire.  The change will happen overnight during the first week in July.  Until then, we remain open for business.  Thanks for your inquiries.

Two more announcements, Happy Father’s Day today — And don’t forget to ENTER a comment on the SONIC post to win a $25 Gift Certificate to SONIC Drive-In.  We’ll be drawing the winners from the commenters and mailing out (10) Gift Cards in 4 days.

Nibbles of Tidbits is giving away (10) $25 Gift Cards to SONIC Drive-In.  Have you ever been to one?  If you haven’t, we’re giving you a few reasons why you should — If you have (and many would say of course), we would like to give you a $25 Gift Card to enjoy your next meal there.  All can enter to win by simply leaving a comment on this post.  On June 25th, we will randomly draw (10) winners from all who commented.  For better odds, you may enter/comment once a day, but you can only win once.  GOOD LUCK!

SONIC Drive-In is now in South Orange County looking a little different after passing a few stepford regulations imposed by the City of Mission Viejo.  Although the exterior isn’t traditional, they’re serving the same food by carhops on roller skates.  I LOVE that about SONIC — It’s nostalgic and fun.

Although SONIC has been around for more than 50 years and has over 3,500 locations, I had yet to pass one during my travels, until its appearance in Mission Viejo just over two weeks ago.  This was my first visit.  You can consider the items below as potential prizes in the $25 on the 25th SONIC Gift Card Giveaway.

These days all fast food restaurants are working to serve healthy choices.  SONIC is serving a Grilled Chicken Sandwich on a Wheat Bun — It was one of the better ones I’ve tried.  We also appreciated the Fresh Apples with the Low Fat Caramel Dipping Sauce and a Banana as a Side option.  On their website is an itemized calorie meal builder, which can be helpful too.

A few of us gathered to try a lot of food and were happy to learn that Breakfast is served all day long.  The Texas Toast options are different — We chose the Bacon Cheeseburger Toaster, which comes with an Onion Ring.

And we had to get the Tots, since that’s one of the Sides they’re appreciated for.  The Tots were perfectly crispy, but we really liked the Onion Rings that are freshly battered each day.  They’re not frozen — That’s a good thing. 

We were completely stuffed after the Sausage Biscuit Dippers & Gravy, Frito Chili Cheese Pie Wrap, Turtle Pecan & Caramel Bundt Cake and famous Cherry Limeade (aka giant Shirley Temple).  In addition to what’s pictured here, there was more and we particularly loved the Banana Cream Pie Shake.  SONIC’s Drink options are crazy good.  How can you pick one?  We all left with three each, HA.  It appears many will drive for miles to eat at a SONIC.  One pictured below drove all the way from Connecticut.  Okay, she didn’t drive to California just for it, but she did pass many along the way.

Overall, I found SONIC Drive-In to be more than just a fast food restaurant.  It’s a fun experience.  You can sit on the patio or stay in your car parked in one of the Drive-In stalls, to be served by a skating carhop — Or just drive through.  They have a Happy Hour (2-4 PM), $1 Menu and more, but you’ll need to learn the rest from them.

FYI:  The SONIC Drive-In $25 Gift Card Giveaway closes at 11:59 PM (Pacific) on June 24th, 2009.  Enter a comment on this post NOW for a chance to win.  The lucky winners will be notified via e-mail on June 25th and we’ll mail out the Gift Cards the same day, or as soon as an address is provided.