Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

UH-LOW-HAH Aloha Roll (above) — We can’t wait to go back to Sapporo Sushi (f/k/a Niko Niko Sushi) to have it again.  It’s made with Baked Pineapple, Spicy Tuna, Avocado and Mango.

A Tempura Special Roll of some sort (above) for another table — It sure looked good.

We also had the Hungry Roll (above), which is layer upon layer of texture and flavor.  It’s over the top.  Watching it be made was crazy – It’s got Shrimp Tempura, Spicy Tuna, Popcorn Shrimp, Avocado and Crab.  Sapporo Sushi is near CSULB off PCH/7th Street in Long Beach.

Happy Anniversary Orange County Restaurant Week — What restaurant will you be dining at?

We’re working our way through the best deals in town and Chili’s is alive and kicking.

We’ve previously posted about Chili’s 2 for $20 deal here and here — And since it’s so good, we keep going back for more.  Recently added to the choices is the Mango-Chili Talapia (above) and we tried the Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla and we’re still in HEAVY like, next.

At The Getty Center in Los Angeles surrounded by works of art indoors and out.

A tasteful way to spend a day B at the Get-TAY – It ain’t no ghetto. We sang… At the Get-TAY.

A Banquet Piece by Pieter Claesz (1630), a favorite of our food related selections is pictured above – Others are woven between photos of pristine grounds and architecture, spectacular views, and surprisingly great Pizza.  Admission is FREE to see all.  Parking is $15.00.

Flowering Maze over a reflecting pool — Go through it on a boat. JK, it’s just for viewing.

Still Life Tea Set by Jean-Etienne Liotard (Circa 1781).

City and ocean views are framed within 30-inch square grids of travertine — Beauty abounds.

Still Life with Grapes and Other Fruit by Luca Forte (1630).

There are endless angles to appreciate at The Getty Center.

The Restaurant (below) offers Brunch and sophisticated Lunch and Dinner MENUS.

And the Cafe at The Getty Center is located below it.

The Cafe is somewhat cafeteria-style offering convenient, prepared and cook to order food.

We opted for the Pepperoni Pizza, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.

It (above) unexpectedly turned out to be one of the best Pizzas I’ve ever had.

Cheers to the Pizza – I’m ready to go back for IT, more exhibits and new views.

Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Pomegranate by Jacob Van Hulsdonck (Circa 1620).

Just a few of the 360-degree available views.

Still Life with Fish, Vegetables, Gougeres, Pots and Cruets on a Table by Jean-Baptiste Simeon Chardin (1769) is shown above, and more architectural wonder is modeled below — A photography student’s or wide-eyed explorer’s jackpot is at The Getty Center daily.

Did you know that Vincent Van Gogh’s Irises (1889) is there too?

Sit amongst courtyard fountains and well manicured trees — Nothing is out of place.

The Museum Store is entertaining in itself with its unique items for play and purchase.

We were at the Get-TAY at the right time to see one of infinity beautiful sunsets.

And A Maid Milking a Cow in a Barn by Gerard Ter Borch (Circa 1652).

Is the cow on the left looking at us?  I loved its face in person and miss him already.

We saw (and ate) some thaaangs!  Don’t miss it.

Dave & Buster’s for the FOOD would be impressive enough, but no, they’ve got everything.

Step inside to experience entertainment in numerous forms — It’s always fun there.

The Eat+Play Combo’s are pretty good deals — Check ‘em out before ordering.

The Snow Cone with Cherry Vodka and Blue Curacao is a fun drink, though on the sweet side.

This visit we ate and played really well together.

In the restaurant, before play, we started with the Spinach Dip (above).

And then had the Fire Grilled Salmon (top) and Chicken and Shrimp Rockefeller (above).

The Dining Room at Dave & Buster’s in Irvine (above) is slated to be remodeled to fit in with recent changes in style and direction – Though I’ve liked it as is, I have confidence in what it might look like next, as D & B’s other transformations have been agreeable.

Our food was excellent — The Chicken and Shrimp Rockefeller is especially awesome.

Cheers to more SPORTS at Dave & Buster’s.

Giant screens to watch favorite teams are scattered throughout.

Walk and roll your way to fun and games.

Pool tables, rooms for private parties, FOOD, Drinks, Sports and Games are to be had.

Lots of GAMES to choose from — We had a blast playin’ for tickets to redeem at the…

…Winner’s Circle for a variety of PRIZES.

Save points and return to add-on more to aim for a top prize, or just see what you can get.

It’s a place for adults (especially) and kids alike — Everyone has a good time there.

It’s all fun and games until someone loses a tie.

Goooooooo Dave & Buster’s!  Thanks for being there for us.

There’s another 2 For $20 Deal to be had at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse.  We’ve been trying to find them all – Similar deals are at Chili’s, T.G.I. Friday’s and Applebee’s.  We loved BJ’s Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza, Pickles and all!  It really tastes like a Cheeseburger.

Not sure how long you’ll get 2 Salads, a Pizza and Dessert for $20 — Hopefully really long.

We toast to that – Please offer this deal forever BJ’s!

We had an ideal Wedge Salad and Caesar Salad with no complaints.

The previously mentioned Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza (below) is crazy good.

One-upping other 2 for $20 Deals, BJ’s comes with Dessert.

It’s called a Pizookie and ours was 1/2 White Chocolate Macadamia Nut and 1/2 Cookies N’ Cream — It’s a warm, baked Cookie that’s topped with Ice Cream and a dollop of Mousse.

We happily dissected it pretty well — It’s a fine Trademark Dessert indeed.

Photos were taken at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Downey, California.

Start the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Par-tay early at its Pre-Party Event: It’s Free.

I can’t stop going on-and-on about how thin and crispy Chili’s Tortilla Chips are, and mentioned it here once before.  Though we set out to taste and report about Chili’s $20 Dinner for 2, the Tortilla Chips were triangle-stars (again) amongst generously portioned, flavorful entrees and appetizer.  There’s something HB Strips and Cheese tasting about Chili’s Chips and Salsa, which may make sense to a local!?  Maybe it’s the frying Oil and/or the Salsa is similarly sweet.  Whatever it is, I LIKE IT.  Now onto our $20 Dinner for 2.  What a deal!

We previously tried Chili’s $35 Dinner, Drinks & Dessert for 2 – Some dishes are the same as those offered for the $20 Dinner for 2, and some are different.  The main differences are the Drinks and Dessert, and neither come with the $20 special.  It can’t be that great of a deal.

We’re completely impressed with the large serving sizes and taste of all.

We chose the Crispy Onion & Jalapeno Stack for an Appetizer and the Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers and Grilled Chicken Salad for Entrees — The MENU is here.

Lots of good Entrees to choose from – I like that, and our server Bobby at Chili’s Buena Park location, who was authentically nice and proficient.  A bag of Chips to-go well with 4 ripe Avocados awaiting purpose at home.  Guacamole with more thin, crispy Tortilla Chips, ole.

We set out to have Chili’s $20 Dinner for 2 which includes one Appetizer and two Entrees, but once there we instead opted for Chili’s less advertised upgrade, the $35 Dinner for 2 that includes an Appetizer and Dessert to share, and two Margaritas and two Entrees.

To further surpass the original $20 dinner plan, we upgraded to the Platinum Presidente Ritas.

Enlarge pictured menus to assess options or visit Chili’s.

We chose the Tostada Chips & Fire-Grilled Corn Guacamole for our Appetizer.

LOVE Chili’s thin, crispy Chips — We couldn’t get over how thin they are and would go back just for them.  Have they always been this good?  I don’t remember.  Are they as thin and crispy at all Chili’s?  We hope so, but don’t know.  We dined at Chili’s Buena Park location.

For Entrees we chose the Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Chicken (above).

And the Smokey Chipotle Chicken Fajitas (above and at top).

Fixings for the Smokey Chipotle Chicken Fajitas (above and below).

Shared the Brownie Sundae for Dessert — Usually prefer something light and/or fruity, but it was good and filling.  Overall, we think both the $20/$35 Dinners for 2 are good values.

We’ll try the $20 Dinner for 2 next time, though the Margaritas are tempting.

Similar dinner specials for two can be found at T.G.I.’s Friday’s and Applebee’s.

The 2 for $20 meal — It’s a real deal at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.

Right now at Applebee’s you get (1) Appetizer and (2) full size Entrees for $20 – See MENU.

This was our first time to an Applebee’s and we learned it’s hipper than we thought.

It’s a welcoming place for the young and the old — I like that.  Its full Bar helps too.

We happened upon ”$5 Sangria Saturdays” and appreciated the generous size glass too.

For an Appetizer, we opted for the Spinach & Artichoke Dip and would do so again.

And for Entrees we chose the Chipotle Cream Steak & Shrimp and the Three Cheese Chicken Penne.  Both were good.  Top Sirloin was served as the Steak (above) and it was tender, a must for any Steak – I never like to chew and chew and chew a Steak.

The ‘Welcome Back!’ sign shall apply next time, since we’d go back for this deal.

Cheers to 2 for $20 at Applebee’s and other specials like it – The service, atmosphere and lighting was pleasant too.  We also like the T.G.I. Friday’s 3-Course Menu for (2) for $20.  And Chili’s Grill & Bar has a $20 Dinner for Two that we plan to try (and report on) soon.

Thanks OC Fair and Wahoo’s Fish Taco — It’s an appreciated compliment to my Division Win.

I opted for a Mushroom Enchilada with Green Sauce, White Rice and Cajun White Beans. 

I’ve liked Wahoo’s Fish Taco for years, especially their Green Sauce and Maui Onion Rings believe it or not — They’re the Best Onion Rings I’ve found.  Regarding the rest of their MENU, I need to venture out, and plan to soon since a co-worker says… Wahoo’s Black Beans are better than all others.  After that statement, I have to try them again, as it’s been a while.

Stickers and photos are generally plastered on the walls along a winding entrance to Wahoo’s Fish Taco.  Photos posted here were taken at the Irvine Spectrum Center.  I particularly like the bench made out of skateboard boards (above), but I’m never fond of the commonly seen lines there.  It’s best to go early or late, unless everyone else has the same idea that day.

Dress like a cow and get FREE Chicken – Bailee of Kids in the Kitchen recently stayed up until 3:00 a.m. with a friend laughingly making cow costumes for Chick-Fil-A‘s 8th Annual Cow Appreciation Day.  I’ve loved Chick-Fil-A for years (especially their Original Sandwich with extra Pickles, Coleslaw and/or Nuggets with Chick-Fil-A Sauce), but I think the girl’s experience was worth more than the free Chicken.  Check out The Best Cow Costume Contest here.

Much work went into the preparation of this list — The Birthday (Food) Freebies List.  It’s a notable compilation, though we have not verified all.  Do you know the restaurants?  We’re familiar with most of them.  How many stops can you schedule on your birthday?  It might be fun to make an entire day of it.  We’ll surely document it when it happens.  I know a few birthdays coming up.  Anyone game?  More birthday freebies are listed here, here and here.

Happy Birthday to you, whenever it may be…

Truly free BC, or from a public garden today, as we must pay for property space to produce.

Grow your own food, FISH and pick fresh Herbs from communal locales along the way.  

While on a walk, look for Rosemary, Mint, Basil, Lemon, Lime and Orange trees and bushes offering Fruit and Herbs.  You’ll be surprised how many you see, especially those named here.  We appreciate ALL that grows and yields nourishment for life.  Air is the best of the free!

NOW is the window of time to enter a Competition at the Orange County Fair.

Did you know it costs less to enter a Fair Competition than it does to get in the Fair?

When you enter a Competition, you receive a Fair admission ticket – Enter here.

Do your Tomatoes look better than previous winners (above)?  If so, enter the Garden & Floral Competition.  Have you taken a dazzling photograph or do you paint?  Yes?  Enter the Visual Arts Competition.  Or view the complete list – There has to be a Competition for you.

Bottle Beer or Wine, can Jams or Pickles, or bake?  Enter the Tasty Creations Competition.

More Competition INFO can be read here and the specifics regarding all Culinary Competitions are linked here.  Enter most contests in May and June, and Single Day Contests (in person competitions, shown below) now or after the Fair opens.  See schedule here.  Good luck!

Don’t miss the sign up deadline(s) — You might just win.

Have you been to Prime Cut Café & Wine Bar yet?

We happily discovered it down the street from the Honda Center.

The service is indeed warm and friendly, as described in The Prime Cut Difference (above).

Starting Monday, April 30th, they’ll be offering prix fixe Three Course Dinners for $20. 

Nibbles of Tidbits got to pre-nibble it — Somebody has to make sure all will be up to par.

For Starters, we opted for the Tomato Bisque.

And the Marinated Roasted Beet and Avocado Salad — The portion sizes are generous.

For our Entrees, we selected the Spice Roasted Chicken (top) and Shortrib Pasta (above).

And the Wild Berry Sorbet and Carrot Cake for Dessert.

I love the Café’s lighting — It just feels right and goes well with the classy food.

Dining at Prime Cut Café could save money on a movie ticket too — A Theater is next door.

Bar area (below), straight ahead as you walk in.

Cheers to a great deal — The Three Course Dinner MENU will be available M – TH.

Excellent Wine isn’t included in the price, but highly recommended.

We like the price of Burgers and Wine at The Counter during Happy Hour.

Mini Cheeseburgers are $2 for two, featured Wine is $3 a Glass and Starters are 1/2 off.

The service is good at Westcliff Village in Newport Beach – Its operators run this location too.

We relished 2 Glasses of Wine, 4 Mini Cheeseburgers, a large plate of Parmesan French Fries with Rosemary (not pictured, blurry) and a Coke for $16.15 — That’s super and all was terrific.

I’ve had Plums catered, but had yet to dine in the Café until now – It always seems so busy.

This day we sat on the patio with a few Starters and Wine.

We shared the Wild Herb Risotto Cakes with Bistro Greens and Dilled Tomato Salsa.

And the Dungeness Crab Puppies and Oregonzola and Roasted Muscat Grapes.

Two out of three ain’t bad, as the song goes – The taste and temperature of the Roasted Muscat Grapes just didn’t work for us, and the Cheese with too few Hazelnuts and very little Honey wasn’t the greatest, but we always appreciate unique food combinations.

Next door to Plums Café is the Astoria Ballroom to dance, a runner up to eating, for me.

Plums Café and the Astoria Ballroom offer a generous Dinner & Dance SPECIAL each month.

We stopped in for a visit and couldn’t resist a couple dance moves — See me in the mirror?

Look for this coupon (or it’s only $40 without it) and prepare to learn the Cha Cha, Tango, Waltz, Rumba, Foxtrot or Swing, after dinner next door at Plums Café.  Did you know they serve dinner now too?  They used to be open for breakfast and lunch (only), but today there is much going on in its obscure corner in Costa Mesa off 17th Street.

Orange County Restaurant Week starts today — It’s the best time to dine out in the OC.

Its Launch Party at Newport Lexus was the perfect kick-off – Tasty bites at every turn.

Wine and song to entertain.

The Chocolate Raspberry Martini almost made me want a Lexus.

Pulled Pork Sliders from the House of Blues — Love it as a concert venue.

The Cupcakes were gone by the time we finished savory — Should’ve reserved one.

A special shout out goes to RA Sushi — We couldn’t get enough of their Shishito Peppers.

The Lobster Bisque offered by Scott’s Restaurant & Bar was one of our favorites.

And the Lobster Mac & Cheese from House of Big Fish may be the best I’ve ever had.

 The only thing to make for dinner this week are reservations, they say.  I think so too.

May need to go to Sundried Tomato to have this Chopped Salad (below) again.

I’ve appreciated Melissa’s Produce for years and have a story for another time.

Where are you dining this week?  Polenta with Pulled Pork (top) was from Cucina Enoteca.

Starfish and a couple others ran out of food early — Wasn’t fond of that, but went elsewhere.

An honorable mention goes to Slater’s 50/50 for their Vampire Dip — It’s Gar-Lick-Key, but oh so darn good, and what nice servers they had.  All was a good time.  Thanks!

Pescadou Bistro gladly discovered during Newport Beach Restaurant Week.

Must have passed it a hundred times on Newport Boulevard and finally dined in.  It was a Wednesday when there is no corkage fee.  We didn’t know it until we saw patron after patron walk in with a bottle of Wine.  Next time I’m bringin’ a bottle too (most did), and won’t feel stupid — Always thought it awkward, but it’s smart when no corkage.  Who’s stupid now?

Enlightened is the word — We ordered from the restaurant week and regular menu, as many French specialties sounded good, and previously reported about Pescadou Bistro’s Paté.

Don’t have exact names of the pictured here, but confidently state ALL was a pleasure.

A toast with Wine on the tab, to the Paté, Salad with Wild Boar Salami and Gold Potato, Cream of Cauliflower Soup, Grilled Lamb Chops and “Gigot” Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb.  Santé!

And to one of the best desserts I’ve ever had — It doesn’t look all that, especially in the photo below, but DANG, it was taste-TEE and unfortunately not on their regular menu.  It should be.

Described as an Ice Cream Parfait with Candied Fruit and Red Raspberry Sauce, it was extraordinaire.  I hope to have IT again.  And Foie Gras, before the end of the year (preferably on a Wednesday) — It’s at Pescadou Bistro, until it’s banned from being sold in California next year.  I’m not keen on the politics of it and recommend the Bistro become a speakeasy for it.  There’s a lot more to say and write about it, but on a different blog.

Back to Pescadou – Stop in for dinner (only) ahead of passing it by.  It’s romantic too.

Once the site of a speakeasy during prohibition, The Blue Beet plays on.  And do you remember Sid?  More history about the place can be found here.  It’s a cool joint with good food and music.  One of our Guest Bloggers, Bonnie recently enjoyed their historic prices (currently offered on Thursdays) with her son and wrote the following: 

We went to the Blue Beet tonight for the “Throwback Thursday” specials that they are doing for their 100^th Anniversary.  Both Jay and I (and it seems like everyone around us) ordered the Beef Stroganoff, plus their “Gourmet” Mac ‘N Cheese.  I think it’s the most incredible deal I have ever gotten for a dinner. It was a full plate of Stroganoff on top of Mashed Potatoes and comes with a very generous side of Green Beans.

Although I didn’t particularly care for the Mac ‘N Cheese, it was a full bowl, along with two slices of Garlic Bread. With two Cokes, the meal for both of us came to $24.00 and I have enough left over for a full lunch tomorrow!!  Too bad I didn’t have my camera.

Menu offerings on Throwback Thursday:

Garlic Bread $1.95

Clam Chowder $2.95

Dinner Salad $2.95

BBQ Chicken Salad $4.95

Top Sirloin steak $5.25

Beef Stroganoff $5.25

Pork Chops $5.75

Steak Sandwich $5.75

Mac ‘N Cheese $3.95

Jay never had Stroganoff before, but he loved it!  He ate every single bite of it, along with the Mac ‘N Cheese and his Garlic Bread.  I highly recommend the place.  That’s my report for now.

Thanks Bonnie!  You better bring a camera next time — Above photo credited to a Yelper.

Celebrate Leap Year during Orange County Restaurant Week, February 26th – March 3rd.

Participating restaurants may be seen from a participating restaurant — Orange Hill.

Experimenting with Picnik Premium Photo Editing, available to all for FREE until April, when Picnik packs up for Google town — They’ll no longer be growing grass and cueing bird songs.  We’ll miss Picnik in the Spring, and hereby toast to them with a plan for a real picnic.  Cheers!