Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

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/

Stop into any Häagen Dazs Store on Tuesday, May 12th to receive a FREE Scoop of Ice Cream.  See more details and find a store near you HERE: http://www.haagendazs.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/