Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Whole Foods Market Newport Beach came along just in time to elevate the Special Menu (below) — It’s an incredible store and where I bought the best of the best ingredients for a “You Pick, I Prepare” Dinner.  And I thank Whole Foods Market for its $100 Gift Card towards all.  Though this post is partially sponsored, I will always tell it like it is, yo yo yo. 😉

What would you pick?  Remember Slam Books?  What’s your favorite FOOD?  Fill-in the blanks.

My answers would be very different than these, with all due respect — That’s all I’m gonna say.  Okay, I might heckle about it later.  My Slam Menu picks would likely include King Crab Legs and a Soufflé.  I got off easy with the Special Menu above, though still managed to create fodder for ‘The Bad’ segment of Nibbles of Tidbits.  It’s always a learning experience.

Most turned out well.  The Shrimp for the Shrimp Cocktail was sweet and tender, not tough, and I thank the Whole Foods Market Seafood Department for deveining them for me.  It saved a lot of time and it’s a job I certainly don’t love.  Now that’s some super service!

The Split Pea and Ham Soup (made without a recipe) fortunately turned out tasty as all get out.  And the Parmesan Crisps are what’s best about this Caesar Salad — It’s Shaved Parmesan Cheese that’s cooked in a skillet on medium (without oil) until golden brown and crisp.  I always add ’em instead of Croutons.  And then there’s the Meatloaf… Meatloaf, really?

It’s mostly ironic, since I never liked it.  Growing up I’d ask what’s for dinner and when my Mom would laughingly say “your favorite” I knew it was Meatloaf.  She knew it was the opposite of my favorite.  And here I am faced with it again.  I got past it by converting my true favorite Meatball Recipe into a Meatloaf, and served it with a Sauce made of Tomatoes, Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onions (puréed).  If I think of a Meatloaf as a giant Meatball, I’m better.

I’ve made plenty of Twice Baked/Re-Stuffed Potatoes in my life and most have turned out perfectly fine, but these didn’t.  Isn’t that terrific when it matters.  They tasted good, but had too much Cheese (with Butter), which made all runny and oily.  Wouldn’t you know it?!

The Carrots were a bonus — They were roasted in the oven with Sweet Onions and Garlic.

And then there’s the Banana Cream Pie aka Banana Pot Pie, as dubbed by the mystery guest.  The Pie didn’t set and I’m not sure why.  Cornstarch has been problematic for me lately and will opt for Flour next time.  A Chocolate Bundt Cake from a mix was made for backup.

It was suggested that the Banana Cream ‘Pudding’ be spooned over the Chocolate Cake.

All was not lost.  Nothing was lost.  It was all good — And the time was especially great.

Thanks Whole Foods Market Newport Beach — I look forward to seeing you again.

It’s my 2nd year as a Judge at the Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon — Last year is here.

Though it sounds glamorous, it really isn’t — Too much Chocolate is possible.

Its location, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is best as a venue for an 80’s concert.

For this purpose, booths/tables were set up to hand-out tiny to full size pieces of Chocolate (and other unique Candies) to those who paid to attend the event.  Personally I never love to stand in line after line, but some products and people make it worth it, like Deuvo (above).

All may take a Chocolate making class at The Gourmandise School of Sweet and Savories.

It’s in Santa Monica — At the end of the class, you’re sent home with lots of custom Chocolate.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts students sculpted Chocolate Flowers and more.

They made this mostly edible Cake (above) to display their talents — I just LOVE it.

More Chocolate and Brittle samples — I’ve already voted and will say this… I most appreciated Mignon Chocolate and might of preferred to buy those pictured at top and head to the beach.

Since the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium was a short walk from the booming Santa Monica Pier, that’s where we went — We hadn’t been there in years and luckily arrived intact, once passed the crazy guy yelling every word that shouldn’t be written here, plus all the other clowns along the way.  It’s a bit of a weird world there, Venice like we come to realize.  Interesting.

Cheers to the Chocolate, from the Mexican Restaurant at the end of the Santa Monica Pier.

It was cool kickin’ it there with Sirloin, Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas — All was tender but bland.

Overall, nothing to complain about this day, but all is checked off the list.  Thank you.

Whole Foods Market in Newport Beach — A fresh, colorful place perfectly set to test out a new (much needed) camera, and it appears Nibbles of Tidbits’ photos are looking up.

I’m grateful for the camera, and the $100 Gift Card from Whole Foods Market to tell you about their Newport Beach location — A piece of Cake, as I would’ve written about it anyway.

I love Whole Food Market, especially at Fashion Island where the service and selection is tops.

Interesting samples are set-up throughout the store and I finally tried Dragon Fruit.

Its texture and flavor is comparable to a Kiwi with less flavor.

And I love Passion Fruit (above), but it’s trippy looking inside — Scary or is it just me?

Amongst the paradise of food is Whole Fresh Fish, sometimes difficult to find.

How about Sea Urchin?  It was cool to see Fresh Abalone, but Shrimp was on the menu today.

This store is like a Newport Beach city hosting two Bars to re-group with a drink.

Happy staff was available at every turn to answer questions and/or offer a helping hand.

If there’s something you’d like to try, ask and they’ll open it for you.  They offered to do so.

Entrance to Whole Foods Market’s Back Bay Tavern — Why not park your cart for a quick one?

Cart with high quality food (above) on its way to become a meal requested by Sweetie Freis.

My Mom and I enjoyed the shopping experience with a Glass of Wine in between.

And the tram ride to our car with heavy groceries was welcomed — Thankful for that too!

See what’s on the MENU (above).  It’s different than what I would’ve picked, which made all more motivating to prepare.  It’s what’s asked for, thus it’s what will be!  Check back to see how all turned out.  Overall it went well, except for one thing — We’ll post about it soon.

Thanks Whole Foods Market Newport Beach — I’ll be back, voluntarily.

Oh what a night, early September back in ’33 — As I recall it ended much too soon.

We stepped back into the 1930’s for a Progressive Dinner on the Queen Mary — A delight!

It started in the Observation Bar with Canapés and Specialty Drinks, progressed to Chelsea’s Chowder House & Bar for Appetizers and more Specialty Drinks, then continued at Sir Winston’s Restaurant for a most incredible Dinner with Wine, and concluded in the Tea Room for Dessert, Coffee and Digestifs.  The MENU is posted above — Enlarge for a better view.

In the Observation Bar we joined fellow Food Bloggers and various media peeps for Canapés.

Cheese, Figs, Cherries, Almonds, Pomegranate, Honeycomb and Lavosh.

We liked the Brie & Kiwi Canapé best, but mostly anticipated the rest.

My scarf matched our first Specialty Drink called a Purple something?!  Don’t ask too many questions, as some things became purple-hazy progressively.  Each drink was just so pretty.

Pay no attention to the woman behind the purple, she’s excited to explore the Queen Mary.

On to Chelsea Chowder House & Bar with Stasha of Coastal Food & Wine and several others.

Stop two of four for sophisticated appetizers and new colorful drinks.

A favorite was the Bass Ale Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Shallots and Natural Jus.

Also pictured, the Maryland Style Crab Cake Slider and Truffle Fries.

Chef Todd Henderson made all shown and described on the menus above — Thank you!

View on the way to Sir Winston’s Restaurant, stop three and having an amazing time.

Up the stairs for the best yet to come.

Tables set in a historic place for a refined meal amongst the most discerning.

I wanted to do it all again, before the first bite of Beef Wellington — Oh what a meal.

Truffle Sauce, Sea Scallops and Wild Mushroom Chevre Strudel (with my sweetie Freis), oh my.

And it was on to the Tea Room for Dessert and farewells.

It was hard to pace myself throughout, as I wanted everything available at each stop.

Bravo and thank you very much — Nothing lacked this evening but my capacity.

It was an honor to be aboard the Queen Mary and nice to meet Commodore Everette Hoard.

He knows a great deal about the ship — Say hello to him onboard.

Day vay-kay to get away from the persistent heat — We escaped to Lake Arrowhead and watched the temperature go down as we drove up the mountain.  Awe, oooo, wow, awe…

Cheers to that — We then enjoyed food baked for various visiting and local species.

It was Beer and Pizza at Lake Arrowhead Village Pizza for we the people.

And a special gourmet treat for Leon (Our Pet Treat Judge) from Three Dog Bakery nearby.

The Pizza was good, but we were most impressed with the extra frosty mugs — Cool stuff!

The view was beautiful and weather comfortable with an umbrella.

Every bite of all shown was consumed and followed by a partial walk around the lake.

Lake Arrowhead, so close, yet so far away — Take the high road to cooler, fresh ground.

Lake Arrowhead Village is extra happening during Oktoberfest — It starts later this month.

I’m told the food is supposed to be better at ballparks these days, but typical food stands still overcharge and barely suffice — Though that’s the case, we still had fun and the Angels won.

We made the best of it by having the price of a 12-pack in one giant can. 😉

Cheers to a striking day!  It was a hot one too.  Good thing we had it made in the shade.

We’d like Strawberry and Watermelon ones Aunt Shelly, my Chef Nieces said.  One down, one to go.  Meet Strawberry McGillicuddy, a Candy with a refreshingly real Strawberry flavor, hardly found in Strawberry flavored Candies.  It’s the latest addition to Shelly’s Jellies and a keeper.  Thus far I’ve made Orange, Lemon-Lime, Grapefruit and Tangerine using the Zest and Juice of each Fruit.  For the pictured, I substituted in puréed Strawberries and they turned out amazing good!  Next stop Watermelon town, definitely not Willoughby.

Nibbles of Tidbits has partnered with Whole Foods Market to help celebrate the opening of their Newport Beach store and it’s going to be big — It’ll be a one-stop shop to gather ingredients for a perfect dinner party and I’m having a special one soon.  It officially opens September 19th, 2012.  Check back (and below) to see all that it has to offer and find out how our dinner turns out.  Why not enter the I Love Newport Beach Photo Contest while you wait?!

• The Tea Hive, a brand-new fusion café and tea bar that will offer green, black or oolong tea in almost any imaginable form – whether frozen, sparkling, iced or steamed – paired with natural fusion entrees, such as bowls and wraps using local and organic products
• Back Bay Tavern ~ a relaxing and casual bar/restaurant with a rotating selection of 24 craft beers on tap, plus wine and spirits, along with an extensive menu of beef, seafood, vegetarian and vegan meal options
• A smaller “Express” wine and beer bar with 12 beers on tap at the front of the store for quicker service
• In-house executive chef
• Meat department with a full line of locally sourced, 100% grass-fed beef, chicken and turkey and high end cuts of meat not easily found in other markets
• Seafood department featuring sustainably sourced fresh and seasonal specialties
• In-store bakery with scratch-made breads, muffins, cakes, pies, cookies, gluten-free items.
• In-store kitchen that features handcrafted pizza, in-house chips and dips, rolled-to-order sushi, organic salad bar, hot soups, meals-on-the-go and Weekday Deals
• 48 feet of local beers of which 8 ft. is canned beer selections
• Grass fed and raw milk cheeses
• A burger program, in-house smoker and ‘Get Crocked’ section that features complete meals that can be taken home and easily prepared in a crockpot
• Over 1300 gluten free items including dairy and frozen foods
• Seasonal and locally sourced conventional and organic produce
• Value-conscious items like 365 Everyday Value, hundreds of products priced on sale daily
• Expanded bulk and raw foods section
• Step Cleansing program in the juice bar
• Whole Body section with a focus on organic products for the body.
• “Upgrade your Bouquet” program in the floral department
• Indoor/outdoor seating for 150 with free Wi-Fi and plenty of parking

I’ve come to realize that any tasting at Pizzeria Ortica is going to be scrumptious.

We loved the opportunity to try several dishes on Pizzeria Ortica’s Fall/Winter Menu.

Many are pictured here and fully described below — Eat dish packed a lot of flavor.

I was reminded how good this restaurant is — Don’t let it go undiscovered.

Can you match the photos to the dish descriptions?  Hope so, as they’re not retyped.

The “Chick” (directly above) — Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is simple and plain looking, but so good.  It’s named for a customer with standing reservations who inspired and loves it.  I surprisingly loved it too.  Thanks Chick.

And other favorites included the Pork Belly Terrine, Pancetta e Zucca and Ricotta Gnocchi.

The photos don’t do the food justice — We’re most impressed after each visit.

They also offer space for group mixers up to 60 people and a private dining room for 35.

We look forward to going back soon for more of the same — All was that delicious.

Thank you Pizzeria Ortica!  Enlarge MENU for a better view.

I’m still recuperating from the amazing FOOD and (mostly the drinks) to begin to recap our dinner in its entirety.  Queen Mary reps and staff were most hospitable to a group of media and bloggers as they lead us through a 3-Hour Progressive Dinner that started in the Observation Bar and ended in the Tea Room.  Check back to see what happened in between.

It was quite the send off — I was happy to be on the Queen Mary, since it’s been a long time.

And all got better as we trekked on to Chelsea’s Chowder House & Bar and Sir Winston’s.

Have you seen, tried or received an Edible Arrangement?  They’re sure nice, but not cheap.

If you’re delivered one, save its bare bones — My Mom did and prepared them to live again.  The frame of an Edible Arrangement is basically a pot with a foam insert and plastic skewers.

Just cut and ADD FRUIT for an anytime array.

See here for ideas, buy one for its eventual bones or assemble a kit with craft store materials.

Chef Bailee and Lexi of Kids in the Kitchen created a fruit bouquet for a family birthday party, but didn’t want to be seen on camera this day due to teenage makeup concerns — Well, okaaaay then.  They enjoyed crafting it, an outcome sought most.  And it’s tasty too!

  Why not make it a family project?  You can come out now Lexi. 🙂

At Woody’s Wharf on Labor Day, one stop on our ten mile walk — It’s how we roll on a holiday.

In Newport Beach, we pretend to be somewhere far away, though it’s nice to be able to walk there. And we toast to the Smoked Fish Appetizer at Woody’s Wharf. We’d go back for it.

No more labor on this Labor Day — That’s what it’s for, right?! Signing out for now.