Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

I usually like to emphasize the good about a meal or location, thus if you’re a Salisbury Steak fan you’ll love this Burger.  I’m not saying that’s what it is, but the taste and texture hijacked my taste buds down that road.  Aloha Grill’s Hula Burger appears to be more dense than other good Hamburgers, and I think I tasted Salisbury Steak, whatever that really is, HA.  Is it just me?  Do you have an opinion about AG’s Burgers?  I got this Hula Burger from the Costa Mesa location just off Newport Boulevard.  It’s always good to have a new place to eat in town.  And I’m glad to see that it’s been busy, as I want all restaurants to succeed.

This Aloha Grill & Tiki Bar appears to pull in more of a Tiki Bar crowd and looks to be a good place for young partiers to hang out on a sunny afternoon.  Most of the restaurant seating seems to be on the outside, which I love.  This day it was understaffed, but the waitresses were nice and tried their best.  I may go back with a friend to try one of their drink concoctions and reassess the food.

Related Links:

http://www.alohagrill.com/

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

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1266

I think I’ve had these before — Not from Carl’s or The Green Burrito, but when I was in elementary school.  They taste like Burrito Day back when.  And they also taste like those Mini Tacos in the frozen food’s section of the grocery store, plus a food sample I once received at Costco on a Saturday afternoon. 

In other words, the flavor combination is reminiscent of foods gone by.  And I actually liked Carl’s Crisp Burrito’s flavor and texture.  I received a coupon to try a 3-Pack, but two are enough.  Three were a bit heavy, but they do hit a tasty note I’ve enjoyed before.  Next time I’d need a side of Sour Cream and Hot Sauce.

Coupon: http://www.carlsjr.com/promotions/coupon/free-small-drink-with-purchase-of-3-piece-or-5-piece-crisp-burritos/

It takes months to get a reservation at Rao’s in Upper Manhattan New York.  The hundred year old restaurant hardly has more than ten tables in a corner of East Harlem.  I’ve read “the dishes are magical” and since I’m in California, I bought Rao’s Cookbook.   It’s my way in.  I’d love to eat in the restaurant someday, but until then I THANK Anna and Frankie for the BEST Meatball Recipe ever.  I need no other.

I make the exact recipe and my own Breadcrumbs, but I bake the Meatballs instead of fry them.  It’s a lot easier and turns out great.  I bake them in a preheated 400° oven for about 25-30 minutes, and then add ’em to simmering Marinara Sauce as noted in No. 4 of Rao’s Recipe below.

I’ve included a link to their Cookbook and posted “Anna and Frankie’s Meatballs” Recipe HERE — They’re only served on Wednesdays at the restaurant.  They really are tasty and I can now eat them all week long in California.  I’ll also freeze the Meatballs individually and reheat a few in Sauce whenever they sound good.  It’s an easy way to be reminded of their authentic Italian flavor and be transported to happiness.

Rao’s Cookbook Link:

http://02cb90c.netsolstores.com/cookbooksandcds.aspx

Easy Read Recipe Link: http://therecipereader.com/meatballs-raos.htm

We went to Il Farro Caffe Trattoria for their prix-fixe meal during Orange County Restaurant Week.  It’s a small Italian restaurant within walking distance from the Newport Beach Pier.  We tried the Carpaccio di Bue al Sedano as an appetizer (above) and the Pollo all Pizzaiola as an entree (below).

Our other appetizer was the Ravioli di Funghi al Gorgonzola, and the entree was the Braciole al Forno, translated means Flank Steak filled and rolled with Rosemary, Sage and Parmesan in a Sherry Sauce.

It was a beautiful evening, the sun was going down and the food was good.  HOWEVER, there was something that bothered my friend and me (and I hope it’s isolated) — To preface the story, we had 5:30 p.m. reservations on a Friday night and arrived on time.

We were then seated in a small area in the front of the restaurant near the deli counter, which would have been fine if it was packed.  The restaurant is divided into two dining areas.  We were being packed up front, while no one was sitting in the larger back dining room. 

I asked if we could sit in the main dining room, but was told by the server that they’re “saving that area because [they] expect to be busy tonight.”  SAY WHAT?  It wasn’t until I asked if it was warmer in the back that they moved us — The entry door was propped open near the front dining area.  It was cold.

Then it was kinda funny because we were moved to the worst seat in the larger dining room, against the half wall of the clanging bus station.  Again, this would be okay, if they were packed.  Instead, we were the ONLY ones in there shortly before our move, which makes it almost comical.

And it wasn’t that they had a lack of servers, since several (5-7) walked by without offering Water or perhaps a glass of Wine.  To us, it seemed like they were saving the comfortable dining area and tables for the more important people, and then they were just oblivious.  It got better, but I guess we didn’t measure up that evening. 🙂

Related Links:

http://www.ilfarro.com/

http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/il_Farro_caffe_Trattoria.html

Today at the Bloomingdale’s Cooking Demonstration, Executive Chef Owner Cathy Pavlos of Lucca Cafe announced that Orange County Restaurant Week has been extended for another week.  That’s great news!  There’s more time to enjoy the prix-fixe meals being offered at several OC Restaurants.  Pictured here is the Braciole al Forno we had for dinner at Il Farro Caffe Trattoria.  More about our visit will be reported in an upcoming post.

MORE INFO: http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

If you work or live near an Ikea Store, you should consider it a worthy place for lunch.  The prices are reasonable, the food is good and the cafeteria environment is a fun escape.  Why not skip the fast food joint and opt for the Ikea Restaurant & Cafe.  It’s fast and roughly the same cost.  I always get the Swedish Meatballs with extra Gravy and Lingonberry Preserves.  I love the combination.  I also buy the frozen (Meatballs), powdered (Gravy) and jarred (Preserves) from their Food Market and make all at home.  It’s an enjoyable quick meal.

Related Links:

http://bostonist.com/2006/07/21/eating_out_ikea.php

http://www.nitrolicious.com/blog/2007/08/16/ikea-restaurant-cafe-07242007/

http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId=12&langId=-1&StoreName=localfood

I came across these Mini Beef Wellingtons in the frozen foods section at Smart & Final.  They were on sale and the picture looked good, so I gave ’em a try.  Thus far I’ve only tested three in the toaster oven, but the flavor of the Duxelles is perfect — I wish there was a little more inside.  And the Beef Tenderloin was tender.  The combination makes a yummy (authentic old school) appetizer or snack.  I can’t wait to serve them to someone.

Related Links:

http://www.originalrangoon.com/ (Note: For some reason I didn’t see a post regarding this specific product, nor the Smart & Final affiliation listing on the manufacturer’s website, but Original Rangoon’s other appetizers look good too).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duxelles – How to make Duxelles.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beef_Wellington – What is it?

http://www.smartandfinal.com/intro.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2findex.aspx

It appears we’re working our way through all of Island’s Burgers at Bella Terra and other locations.  This time it was the ‘Sunset‘ with BBQ Sauce, Cheese and fix-ins minus the raw Onion.  A BBQ Burger isn’t usually a top pick of mine, but the Sunset was excellent, like all Island’s Burgers I’ve had thus far.  Now we’re heading to Kilauea.

Update 01/28/10:  The Sunset Burger appears to have a new name — It’s now called a “Mavericks” Burger.

Did you know that Island’s Burgers and Sandwiches now come with French Fries?  Yes, they finally do.  It used to cost another $5 for a Basket of Fries, which isn’t that bad if you’re with a group, but if alone it was too many Fries for too much extra money. 

It’s rare that a restaurant start giving more for less, but by popular demand Island’s changed the rules and did it.  Here we had the Pipeline Burger at the Bella Terra location.  Island’s Pipeline is equivalent to a Chili Cheese Burger.  All was very good, and our waiter even asked if we wanted more Fries.

Thanks for the French Fries Islands — It’s a much better deal, which we all need.  Ciao.

Related Links:

http://www.islandsrestaurants.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=270

KABC, Channel 7 recently revealed where to get the BEST SLIDERS (Mini Burgers) and it recommended we try Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s in South Coast Plaza.  Although they named the “Top 7 Slider Restaurants in Los Angeles,” they noted that Charlie Palmer’s in Orange County has exceptional Sliders too — I just tried two of the three.

I had the Kobe Beef Slider and the PBLT (Pork Belly, Lettuce & Tomato) Slider.  And before I even took a bite of the Kobe Beef Burger, I knew it was the Best Slider I’ve ever had.  Seriously, it’s aroma put me at the best backyard BBQ on a sunny day.  I usually don’t write this flowery, but it was that amazing to me.

And the PBLT was also surprisingly good.  “Surprisingly” because I’m generally a visible fat avoider — I trim all meat.  For that reason I haven’t gravitated towards Pork Belly, but I just went for it.  The texture was tender, not chewy as feared, but more like a thick slab of Bacon, which I love.

Both Sliders are worth traveling for.  Pictured above (L-R) PBLT, Kobe Beef & Kobe Beef — We haven’t yet tried the Crab Cake Slider, but may need to.  There’s more to this meal, but Charlie Palmer’s Sliders deserve a showcase.

Enjoy!

It was very good, but more like diced Corned Beef and Potatoes with Onion, Garlic and Salt, rather than “Corned Beef Hash.”  I was watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and saw a similar recipe being made by a featured Diner.  I later looked it up on the TV Food Network’s website, re-watched the video online, and reviewed the posted recipe.  The recipe actually differs from the TV footage, so I prepared my own variation of the two.

I sauteed Sweet Onion, blanched the Potatoes and then combined them with the Onion and Salt.  I fried all a little longer then added the minced Garlic and Corned Beef, and after a few minutes placed the skillet in the oven and baked all at 450° for 15 minutes.  Although it was super tasty, it didn’t stick together like a true Corned Beef Hash.  Perhaps I should have mashed it or chopped all smaller to make it more authentic.  I believe Eggs are optional to this dish.

This recipe is effortless and delicious.  Just rub the Corned Beef Brisket with Brown Sugar and the Spice Mix that usually accompanies vacuum packed Corned Beef.  Pour any 12 ounce Beer lightly over the Brisket and into pot, cover and cook for 2 ½ Hours at 300°.

I like to cook Cabbage and Carrots on the side in a little Butter, Salt and Water, then I add a little Apple Cider Vinegar at the end.  I usually don’t add Potatoes to this dish because they tend to break apart.  I like all pictured with a little Mustard.  It works so well!

Sheesh, the Shish has a lot of explaining to do, so I’ll let Wikipedia define it below, but here and now the KABOB’s are made with Beef that was marinated in a Chimichurri Sauce.  

Water soaked skewers were laced with a combination of Beef, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Zucchini and Mushrooms, then grilled on the BBQ.  My favorite Beef for Kabobs is Filet Mignon, Top Sirloin or Rib Eye chunks.  The skewers are soaked in water so they don’t catch on fire.  It makes a difference.

These were made with a tougher meat that wasn’t as good.  I thought an overnight marinade would tenderize the meat enough, but it didn’t.  The Beef basically needed slow long cooking, unlike the Kabobs.

* The Kabobs were served with Saffron Basmati Rice, which is made with Chicken Stock, Saffron Treads, Butter, S & P.

Related Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kebab – What’s the Shish mean?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimichurri – What’s Chimichurri Sauce?

http://bluekitchen.wordpress.com/2008/01/09/meaty-secrets-and-argentine-chimichurri-sauce/

Here’s ingredient-by-ingredient instructions and pictures to an easy Beef Bourguignon.  I’m happy to say that this one turned out great.  The meat was perfectly tender and the broth was flavorful. 

To make the same, heat Olive Oil and Bacon Grease in a dutch oven, S & P some Beef cubes/chunks and quickly sear until all sides are brown, then remove and set aside.  

Peel and chop Onion, Carrots and Potatoes.

Saute the Onion for about 5 minutes, then add the Carrots and Potatoes to brown.  When sufficiently brown, add minced Garlic and cook another minute — Then add Beef Stock and a generous amount of Red Wine.  And return the seared Beef to the pot.

Add Mushrooms, Thyme, a Bay Leaf and peeled chopped Tomatoes.  Cover and bake in the oven at 325° for 2 hours.  Stir once every 30 minutes or so.

After a couple hours all will be tender and tasty.  And most of the time it’s even better the next day.  See the notes and link below for more information.

NOTE 1:  Other vegetables can be substituted in this recipe.  My preference in BB is Parsnips, Carrots and Mushrooms, but use what’s on hand when I really want something.

NOTE 2:  To make a larger portion, simply increase the ingredients proportionally.

NOTE 3:  Use Top Round, Bottom Round, Chuck, or similar stewing meat that’s on sale.  It’ll be tender in this dish.

Related Link:

Beef Bourgignon – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beef_Bourguignon

We had marinated and grilled Carne Asada, Chorizo & Beans, flavorful Pasta Salad, juicy Watermelon, homemade Salsa, a Layered Dip with homemade Guacamole*, Tortilla Chips, fix-ins for Tacos and Burritos, fresh baked Brownies, Strawberry Lemonade, Coronas, Cactus Coolers and Big Sticks.  The food was excellent and we had a BLAST.

To keep away the pesty bugs associated with many backyard parties, it’s a must to have these netted food tents.

Related Links:

http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/tabletop-food-tent-large

*  Unfortunately the Layered Dip PICS weren’t up to par — It looked and tasted great in person though.

My Grandpa, Vaughn Moomey passed away this week at the age of 90.  We are going to miss him so much, but we’re also content that he is in a better place with the Lord. 

For many years he worked hard as a Butcher for Von’s Grocers.  I remember having long talks about the various cuts of Beef — It’s a lot more complicated than I imagined.  He was a very gentle, patient and loving man.

And he still looked handsome at 90.  We love you Grandpa, Dad and PaPa.  Thanks for being such a Great Man!

Merry Christmas in Heaven this year Grandpa.  We miss you very much, but we’re glad you’re in peace with God.  Uncle Doug carved your name in the tree.  I hope we don’t get you kicked out. 🙂

Related Links:

http://www.downeygoodshepherd.org/newsfile15550_1.pdf

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

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

http://www.farmersmeats.com/images/meat%20cuts.gif

Steven Woo, a friend in Washington, DC often goes for 40 mile bike rides, then stops to treat himself to fresh Blue Crabs on the waterfront.  It’s a great way to spend a Summer day.  Here’s the prelude and aftermath he provided.

He ate 4 large and 4 extra large Blue Crabs for $15.00 — Sounds like a good deal. 

And yesterday he went for Bistecca alla Fiorentina.  He says the traditional cut is a T-Bone, but his DC version was a 1 kg. Rib Eye.  It looks really good.

Related Links:

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

http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one?public_place_id=220

http://italianfood.about.com/od/beefbracioleetc/r/blr0568.htm

Our MENU included Rib Eye Steaks cooked Medium Rare – Traditional camp fare for many cowboys.

We also grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus and Lemon Butter Basted Shrimp — No recipes are needed here, since the ingredients and instructions are within the dish titles.  Just wrap, lace, baste and BBQ.  Both are simple and Tast-TEE!

One luxury camping lunch included home grown Tomatoes, sliced Mozzarella and julienned Basil drizzled with Italian Dressing (or Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil).  With that we munched on Chips and Bleu Cheese Dip, Fresh Cut Cantaloupe, and Artichoke Hearts.

Another night we had Tacos rolled in freshly cooked Uncooked Flour Tortillas.  Yes, that sentence is correct.  See related links for more information.

For breakfast we made Scrambled Eggs with Soy Sauce, Mini Bagels & Cream Cheese, and Mimosas.  Another lunch included Ham, Salami, Provolone, Pickle and Tomato Sandwiches.

Dessert was easy.  We brought Rice Crispy Treats, Cupcakes (various flavors, kinda like a dozen Doughnuts), and Fudge.  All were homemade.  The recipe on the Kraft Marshmallow Cream Jar is our favorite Fudge Recipe.  And you know where to find the Rice Crispy Treats recipe.

The Cupcake flavors prepared here are Orange Zest, Lemon Zest, Lime Zest, Raspberry Swirl, Snicker-doodle, Maple Brown Sugar, Chocolate, and Coconut Pineapple.  Cupcake recipes to be posted in the future. 

BTW, our camping was in a large Motor Home on the cliffs of Carlsbad, California, along the beach — We didn’t rough it too bad.

Fudge Recipe:  http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,189,152182-243194,00.html

Past Cupcake Posting:  http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=12

Uncooked Flour Tortillas:
http://www.bloglander.com/cheapeats/2005/07/01/uncooked-flour-tortillas/

YouTube Bacon Wrapped Asparagus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcI1fgXHksA