Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Mazzottis Italian Deli & Catering settled right into the former Dolcissimo Cupcake’s location.  It looks nice inside.  They utilized the space well by raising the counters and adding bar stools.  They even added three umbrellaed tables outside, which is most often my preference. 

Although Mazzottis is new to Costa Mesa, it was pre-established in Huntington Beach for about 30 something years, near Olive and Walnut.  There’s a picture of it on their new walls — I think I remember seeing it as a kid growing up while hanging out on HB Main Street.  And now they just re-opened on 19th Street in Costa Mesa with new family members.

I received a menu and 15% off coupon in the mail, and since it’s minutes away, of course I tried it.  They were so nice and allowed me to order a smaller portion Salad than listed on the menu.  I just wanted a side Salad, instead of the larger House Garden Salad — It was really fresh and the House Italian Dressing is good.  

I also tried Mazzottis Spinach Canneloni, which had a generous amount of Spinach.  I’m told that the Calzones are IT and referred to as “World Famous” — I haven’t truly enjoyed a Calzone in my life, but may need to give theirs a try.  Maybe I’ll be converted?

Garlic Bread came with the Canneloni, which was a nice bonus.  And I tried their Garlic Cheese Fries.  I wanted more garlic on them, but maybe that’s just me.  I’d go back and try some more stuff.  I’ve read the Meatball Sandwiches are good.  It’s great to have them in the neighborhood.

Related Links:

http://www.mazzottisdeli.com/ 

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=808

http://www.octhen.com/2006/01/my-favorite-orange-county-restaurants.htm#c2126793097698504116 – Mazzottis is mentioned in a comment near the bottom of the page.  OCThen is a great blog too. 

UPDATE 07/03/09:  It looks like they’ve closed.  That’s always a bummer to see.

The post title is inspired by The Naked Gun, since we love Leslie Nielsen, and by our recent numerous Cheese & Wine parties.  Here we finally summarize our favorites and the consensus is unanimous.  For our slew of parties, we purchased (6) different Cheeses from Trader Joe’s.  They have an excellent selection.  Before the first party, we tested the Cheese to spare guests from potential scary flavors, which is highly recommended and turned out to be necessary, since we quickly ruled out the TJ Morbier (France).  It tasted awful, thus we replaced it with another.  It’s a better party when all tastes good.

And the winners are… (1) Toscano Cheese With Black Pepper (Italy), (2) Blue Catello (France), (3) Italian Truffle Cheese (Italy), (4) Gouda Cheese With Olive Oil (USA), (5) Kiwi Swiss Cheese (New Zealand), and (6) Smoked Cheese (Holland).  All are Cow’s Milk Cheeses.  The first three listed are definitely worth buying again — Everyone particularly loved the Toscano Cheese With Black Pepper (back row right).  And the Italian Truffle Cheese deserves a special mention too, as it includes actual Truffle pieces throughout (front row left).

Our final Cheese & Wine Par-tay included a few Mezzetta products that went well with the Cheese and other accompaniments.  We dipped Olive Bread in the Pesto Sauce and the Roasted Red Peppers and Pepperoncinis were a compliment to all.  Thanks Mezzetta — We’ve enjoyed many of your fine products over the years and the arrival of the (3) above surely came at the right time.  We liked the Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio had with all, but have no elaboration on ’em.  They sufficed.

Note: What makes a Party a Par-tay is your own personal Wine opener.  Thanks T.

Thai Tasty Corner Restaurant closed, then moved down the street renamed Thai Tastee.  The rent is better they say.  Although I never ate at Thai Tasty Corner, I gave them a try as Thai Tastee.  I had their Thai Fried rice with Shrimp and regret to report that the first bite included an eggshell — That’s never happened.  Past that, the Rice was good and the staff is very nice.  Thai Tastee is worth giving a try and better suited in its new location (formerly Mazzottis) down the street. 

And Carm’s Coneys will soon be occupying Thai Tasty Corner’s former location.  To continue musical restaurants, Jimmy’s Burger Joint now occupies Carm’s Coneys former location.  We hope all will do well and serve great food.

UPDATE 10/10/09:  It looks like Carm’s Coneys changed their mind about moving to the above location.  The coming soon sign is no longer in the window.  We’ll report if they end up somewhere else in Orange County.

We’ve recently reported about a few restaurant closures (Mesa Grill & Barbeque, Mazzottis, Taco Surf, etc.) and below is a list of others throughout Orange County.

MORE Restaurant Closures:
http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/2009/01/15/closure-list-oc-restaurants-out-of-business/11542/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/01/24/mesa-grill-barbeques-irresistible-coupon/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2008/09/23/mazzottis-is-friendly-pre-established/

Dolcissimo Cupcakes on 19th Street is NO MAS.  I’m not sure if they just moved or closed.  Their website doesn’t currently state.  It just shows business as usual, but their telephone number is out of order.  I’ll update this post later if I get the full story.  It appears the property owners didn’t have trouble securing another tenant.  The sign is already posted — Mazzottis Italian Deli & Catering, which doesn’t sound bad, but I’ll miss those Cupcakes.  I guess it’s another reason to make my own Cupcakes.

UPDATE 08/03/09:  It appears that Mazzottis opened, then closed a few months later.  The space is now occupied by Thai Tastee.