Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

PAUL STANLEY AND GENE SIMMONS OF KISS SALUTE THE TROOPS ON VETERANS DAY

The Rock Icons’ Rock & Brews Restaurants Will Offer Free Pulled Pork Sandwiches to Veterans, Active Military and First Responders on November 11, 2017.

Rock & Brews, the rock-inspired, family-friendly restaurant co-founded by Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, is paying tribute to veterans, active military and first responders on Veterans Day, November 11, by offering a complimentary meal* at participating restaurants with proof of service.

“We often forget that freedom is only free for those who don’t have to sacrifice to make it possible,” said Stanley and Simmons in a joint statement. “At Rock & Brews, November 11 is a special day and we show our gratitude and support for the women and men who have or continue to put their lives on the line for our country.”

All year round, Rock & Brews locations nationwide partner with local military and veteran organizations to support veterans and military personnel in their communities for their grand opening fundraisers and other events. To date, the Rock & Brews brand has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local organizations directly benefiting veterans and military.

For more information on Veterans Day offerings at Rock & Brews, visit www.rockandbrews.com to get more details regarding your local Rock & Brews restaurant.

*Complimentary meal options vary at participating locations. Only one choice per guest with proof of service. Choices may include pulled pork sandwich; Caesar salad; chicken Caesar salad; two topping pizza; or backstage burger.

About Rock & Brews:  Rock & Brews is a one-of-a-kind, rock-inspired restaurant and entertainment concept designed to engage people of all ages with quality comfort food and local favorites, a broad selection of craft and international beers, and an energized environment that is reminiscent of being at a family-friendly music event.  Founded by rock icons Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, along with partners, restaurateur Michael Zislis and concert industry veterans Dave and Dell Furano, the first Rock & Brews opened near Los Angeles International Airport in Southern California in April of 2012.  Each of the brand’s 17 locations in the United States and Mexico boasts a backstage environment showcasing a “Great Wall of Rock,” iconic rock art, concert trusses and lighting and multiple flat screens sharing some of the greatest rock concert moments of all time.  Most offer a play area for kids and many are dog friendly.  For more information, please visit www.rockandbrews.com.

By Me:  The above press release is posted in honor of our Veterans.  I respect and appreciate their immense sacrifice for this beautiful country.  As a side note, I had a poster of Paul Stanley on my bedroom wall while growing up.  A poster of him, Adam Ant, David Bowie and a few others.  Back to the important stuff — When I learn of other meals being offered to Veterans, I’ll post the information below.  God Bless our Veterans and the USA.  Photos are from a previous visit to the Rock & Brews in Buena Park, CA.

The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen — I love rock and roll and great food, especially together.  I had been to The Slidebar before to see a Black Sabbath cover band, but never ate there until recently. I didn’t know that The Slidebar’s full-name literally includes the word kitchen.  Now I know.

We were invited to The Slidebar to try the Cali Bandito Tacos — YES!  Yes, because they are made with Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce and we are fans of The Offspring, plus it’s good Hot Sauce. Dexter Holland, the singer of The Offspring makes Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce.

Carne Asada and Portobello Mushrooms are marinated in Gringo Bandito’s Original Red Hot Sauce for The Slidebar’s Cali Bandito Tacos.  The Mushrooms are marinated for the vegetarian version of the Cali Bandito Taco.  We tried both and really liked both.  Though I often prefer vegetarian, the Carne Asada Taco was my favorite.  The Beef was tender and very flavorful.

We’re told these Tacos pair best with a Modern Times IPA and we agree that the Orderville paired well. And as good as the Red Hot Sauce is, I like Gringo Bandito’s Green Hot Sauce better.

I wish I was there (above) eating them right now with this photographer.

Aside from The Slidebar’s cool interior, exterior and bands, I learned that most of their food is made from scratch.  The Salsa, Chips and Beans on the plate with the Tacos are all made from scratch.  And the Tortillas for the Tacos too.  All made from scratch.  It’s not just bar food.

I am impressed with Chef Brandon at The Slidebar.  Each dish tasted to be made with love.

My biggest take away — The SlideBAR is The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll KITCHEN.  I want more of their made from scratch food.  They say… Grub You Crave – Scratch Made, and we know it’s true.

Related:  The nearby Burger Parlor makes a Gringo Bandito Tostada Burger that’s terrific too.

It’s happening now through Sunday, August 13, 2017 and you don’t want to miss it.  We never do. The Orange County Fair has much to offer adults and children alike.  And it’s a great place for those adults who act like children, though we don’t know anyone like that. 😉  See you there.

Seemingly free or not, there were times that I just couldn’t eat it — I didn’t want to use Knott’s Berry Farm’s All Season Dining Plan, though I had already paid for it.  Sometimes because the food just didn’t sound good, and other times because I didn’t want to wait in a long line to be greeted by a Knott’s employee with no sense of urgency.  They get paid no matter how many meals are served.

 

We wish all a SAFE and happy 4th of July celebration.  I made the above with Strawberries, White Chocolate and Blue Sugar Crystals.  They are easy to make and perfect for an American observance. They’re red, white and blue beautiful and tasty too.  God bless America today and always!

RECIPE:  Melt White Chocolate.  Dip half the Strawberry in the melted White Chocolate and then dip the Chocolate-covered Strawberry tip in the Blue Sugar Crystals.  As pictured above.  That’s it.

Knott’s Season Dining Pass (Report #5):  1/2 lb. Cheeseburger (above) and a Spicy Chicken Sandwich (below) from the Wilderness Broiler on the edge of Ghost Town.  It’s our first time trying the Spicy Chicken Sandwich.  It’s not as commonly offered as the Cheeseburger.  Speaking of, we may be on the verge of discovering that Knott’s Cheeseburger tastes the same no matter what restaurant it’s from.  It’s just called a Cheeseburger at the Grizzy Creek Lodge, but it seems to be the same, though the Grizzy Creek Lodge has a Condiment Bar offering more to put on a Cheeseburger, Sandwich and/or Hot Dog.  Outside the Wilderness Broiler there’s Yellow Mustard and Ketchup only, and neither sound right to remedy a dry Spicy Chicken Sandwich.

I suppose it’s called a “Spicy” Chicken Sandwich because it has Jalapenos on it.  That’s the only spicy part.  The Chicken didn’t appear or taste spiced in any way.  The Chicken Breast was relatively thin, large, well-done and crispy — The type that’s best smothered in Gravy and had with a knife and fork, not served on a small, equally dry Focaccia Roll.  Where’s the Chipotle Mayo or something like it?  Flavor needs to be added to Knott’s so-called Spicy Chicken Sandwich.  I wish I could report it’s better.  We like Knott’s, but it’s only April and I’m starting to realize that I somewhat dread its meals, though we paid for an annual Season Dining Pass.  Well, there’s more to try and test and we’ll continue to hope for the best.  Come back later to read about the rest.

We’re eating our way through Knott’s Berry Farm’s Season Dining Pass — The Chicken Tostada Salad (above) from the Cantina in Fiesta Village is my current favorite meal there, though I haven’t yet tried them all.  Pictured below is the Pepperoni Pizza and French Fries from Boardwalk Barbecue.  It was described as a Flat Bread Pizza, but appears more like a typical slice of Pizza, and with French Fries it’s quite heavy.  It would be better if the Pizza was served with a Salad.

All Knott’s Season Dining Pass Meals will eventually be pictured here on Nibbles of Tidbits — Check back once I stop eating the Chicken Tostada Salad.  Previous meal reports are linked here and here.

Our first meal with Knott’s Berry Farm’s Season Dining Pass was this mega Cheeseburger at Grizzly Creek Lodge in Camp Snoopy.  We each had one, though one Cheeseburger could certainly feed two. They gave us a lot of French Fries too.  Without the Season Dining Pass, the meal comes with a drink and costs $15.29.  We presented our Season Pass Cards and seamlessly received our meals.

The Cheeseburger here is quite thick and large as mentioned, and tastes a little like Salisbury Steak, or the Burgers I used to get in elementary school.  There’s something home-y about it.  It’s old school tasting and I kind of liked that.  It’s not the best Cheeseburger in town and we didn’t expect it to be, but it will suffice.  By the end of the year, we will have tried all items available with Knott’s Season Dining Pass.  It will be interesting to see if the Burgers at the participating restaurants are the same or different.  I hope they will be different, but I suspect they’re the same.  We will see.

Season Pass meals are shown with a red fork, spoon and knife in a yellow circle that’s circled in blue.

I like the large condiment bar at Grizzly Creek Lodge, but it may not end up being our first choice to eat, since it’s in Camp Snoopy and there were a lot of screaming kids inside there this day.  I may be more of a Cantina girl.  The year will tell and so will I.  It’ll be an adventurous time at Knott’s.

We just purchased Knott’s Berry Farm 2016 Season Passes and Knott’s All Season Dining Pass. For around $185 each, we get (1) Lunch and (1) Dinner every day in 2016 at Knott’s Berry Farm. There are no blackout dates.  What a deal!  We technically wouldn’t need to spend anything more on food or entertainment for the entire year.  We can go to Knott’s every single day and eat twice. There’s a (4) hour interval between meals.  Locals should seriously consider this as a good meal and entertainment plan, especially if poor and often bored.  We’re within biking distance and couldn’t pass it up.  We plan to try and report on the food at all participating restaurants.  There are seven.

With a Season Pass Dining Plan one can enjoy Lunch and/or Dinner at each of the following restaurants… Sutter’s Grill, Wilderness Broiler, formerly known as Bigfoot Broiler, Hollywood Hits, Coaster’s Diner, Boardwalk Barbecue, Cantina and Grizzly Creek Lodge — They are listed in the same order they’re pictured herein.  We barely photographed all of them before the sun went down.

Sutter’s Grill is pictured at top, as Matt points out, and its Season Pass Dining Menu is below it.

If you circle Knott’s Berry Farm clockwise from the front gate, you’ll find each of these participating restaurants in the same order they are presented here.  The Wilderness Broiler, also in Ghost Town is pictured next.  They’re grilling up Chicken Sandwiches, Cheeseburgers and Hot Dogs.

It’s hard to see the various menus here (better if enlarged), but they’re all somewhat similar.

Moving into Boardwalk, Hollywood Hits restaurant offers Pizza.

If wanting Pizza instead of a Burger or Hot Dog with Season Pass Dining, go to Hollywood Hits.

Each participating restaurant menu offers four Combos and a Caesar Salad to choose from.

Coaster’s Diner (below), also in Boardwalk is a cute place to eat.

Chicken Tenders and a Southwest Cheeseburger are offered here, differing from the other menus.

Boardwalk Barbecue (below), another participating restaurant is also in Boardwalk.

In addition to a Grilled Foot-Long Hot Dog, Cheeseburger and Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Boardwalk Barbecue offers a Flat Bread Pizza.  And then there’s the Cantina in Fiesta Village, the only restaurant where you can get a Burrito, Taco or Tostada Salad on the Season Pass Dining Plan.

The Cantina is pictured above and below.  Every restaurant offers a Caesar Salad too.

And finally there’s Grizzly Creek Lodge, the largest restaurant of all in Camp Snoopy (below).

It offers dining downstairs and upstairs, inside and out.

Once you have circled the park stopping at each of the participating restaurants on Knott’s Season Pass Dining Plan, there are no new menu offerings at Grizzly Creek Lodge, except for the large condiment bar pointed out by Matt below.  Though the menu items are somewhat repetitive, the deal is good, since each combo costs around $15.  Drinks are not included with Season Pass Dining.

A 2016 All Season Bottle can be purchased for about $25 for Unlimited Free Refills on drinks.  We didn’t purchase that.  I believe we’re allowed to bring a bottle of water into Knott’s (I need to confirm that), which will suffice since we rarely drink sodas.  We’d rather purchase a liquor plan.

We start our Season Pass Dining at Knott’s Berry Farm in 2016.

Check back to see what tastes best there.

What to do on your birthday?  Leave on a cruise, especially if you don’t have to fly first or drive far. I’m lucky to live by the Long Beach Port, where cruise ships depart, so that’s what we did.  Yay!

I was willing to go on any cruise I could walk to, only if I had to that is.

And it was the Carnival Inspiration that set out for Ensenada the very day of my big day.

If you’re considering the Carnival Inspiration, snapshots of the food and ship are shown here.

Though Carnival has or had somewhat of a bad reputation in comparison to other cruise lines, we have no complaints.  The Inspiration is an old ship, but we didn’t mind it.  We’d prefer new, but knew we would make the most of it.  And we did.  Here are a few photos of our experience.

The food was good.  We liked everything okay, but didn’t fall for any specific dish.

I didn’t take notes and don’t recall the names of the dishes, but the pictures show what you might get on a 3 – 4 day Carnival cruise — Seared Ahi, Escargot, Lobster, Ceviche, Beef Carpaccio, Salmon and Chicken dishes, Caesar Salads, Flat Breads and Cheese plates, just to name a few.

We had a bit of everything, plus what was available at the ever-changing Buffet (pictured at top).

Escargot, common on cruise ships (above) — Matt had it.  Me, been there, done that and over it.

Ceviche (above) — Good, but needed more chips.  It’s your right to have more of anything.

Stuffed Mushrooms (above).

Carpaccio (above) — I should have had more than one, since it’s fairly costly in restaurants.

Various Salmon, Chicken and Beef dishes were available each evening in the dining room.

Carnival could work on plating as you see, but most dishes tasted better than they looked.

The Inspiration has a Game Room where we played Jenga — I don’t recall who won, probably me. 🙂

We enjoyed the sunsets on deck too.

And whipped it up Gangnam Style in the Dining Room with the waiters.

Overall, we would cruise with Carnival again.  It was a nice getaway and HAPPY birthday for me.

I wrote about Wings Cafe five months ago and I finally see its runway leading us there.

We rode bikes there last week to sneak a peek and we were invited in by its owners.

Brian and Sherri White were there putting the finishing touches on their cafe.

What a GREAT JOB they have done to make Wings Cafe unique, cool and stylish — Mission accomplished.  Above is an actual plane nose cone that’s showing real footage that was shot with the camera built into it.  It prominently hangs on a wall.  And the airplane it’s from is shown below.

The ceiling at Wings Cafe — It was new, then each square was hand distressed by them to the point of perfection.  The final result compliments the historical and other creative aspects of the cafe.

The flight suit and helmet of Brian White’s father stands in one of the cafe corners — He’s a decorated Marine.  Thank you for your service, and thank you Brian and Sherri for inviting us in.

A few days later we attended a Wings Cafe opening event and saw more finishing touches.

The glass partition was illuminated, airplane components were added to booths and more.

I love the peek-a-boo window where all can see what’s happening behind the scenes.

Much in Wings Cafe is made from airplane parts.  Each piece has a different story and they can probably tell you about it.  And the view… there are moving airplanes.  It’ll be a fun place for all.

Wings Cafe is scheduled to land October 5, 2015 (Soft opening with Bacon, Eggs and Pancakes) with its Grand Opening to be October 10, 2015, provided inspections go well — They have two more to go and then Wings Cafe can really take off.  We wish Brian, Sherri and staff many years of success.

The Orange County Fair is happening NOW through August 16, 2015 — We’ll soon be there to taste some of the new FOOD items they’re serving up this year.  The BIG LIST is here: List of New and Interesting Food at the 2015 OC Fair.  Pictured is the Samoa Donut, a jumbo Donut designed after the popular Girl Scout Cookie, the Samoa aka Caramel DeLite, my favorite, made with Chocolate, Caramel and Coconut shavings.  We may have to try it.  We LOVE the OC Fair!

Credit:  Thank you to the OC Fair Communication’s Department for the photo and list.

In a beautiful mountain setting with food bloggers from around the country, I learned more about FOOD, food photography, sponsors’ ingredients, food-related careers and food blogging in general.  It was my first time at Camp Blogaway.  I’m glad it’s held in California.  One blogger flew from Morocco to attend, and others I met came from Oklahoma, New Hampshire, Oregon, Idaho, etc.  Those I recall now, but all attendees are linked here.  It was interesting to meet people that do the same things around the world and locally, and other accomplished food industry people.  I appreciated all of it.  Camp Blogaway was a 3-day whirlwind of food-related workshops, tastings, nature walks, and mingling with Wine and Coffee.  Snapshots of my experience are posted below.

I arrived early with Chef Marie, an awesome lady and carpool buddy who made my trip great.

Do you see me?

I assisted with set-up while enjoying the view from the lodge.

Enlarge photo below to view the 2015 Itinerary.

Wine from Wente was on the itinerary each evening — A Highlight.

Cheese from Cabot with Wente Wine on the lodge deck was my favorite combination.

I loved the Cheese Ball Pine Cones by Cabot with the Almond Board of California Almonds.

I will someday be making a Cheese Ball Pine Cone with Almonds and Rosemary, as shown.

Session Panel with Lana of Bibberche and Louise of Geez Louise, moderated by Foodie Goes Healthy.

Session Panel with the Average Betty who interviews Phil Lempert, the Supermarket Guru, regarding his experiences, knowledge, opinions and expertise, which was informative.

My favorite session was the Natural Light Photo Workshop with Christina Peters.  She’s a great teacher — I learned a couple things, but need to learn more, as indicated by too many photos.

Chef Marie (above) made tasty North Carolina Sweet Potato Smoothies with Davidson’s Safest Choice Pasteurized Eggs for arriving campers on the first day of camp.  I had several cups.

Chef Marie has written at least 12 books, including the Saint-Tropez Diet, a few are shown above.

Though we were a bunch of food bloggers, it was camp and it wasn’t fancy, but everyone was nice.

I tried my first White Sweet Potato (above) from North Carolina Sweet Potatoes and liked it best.

I was in Cabin 5, pictured below.

All preparing to take the annual Camp Blogaway group photo.

Patti Londre, our Fearless Leader, leading the successful way.

Camp Blogaway happens each May at De Benneville Pines Conference Center in Angelus Oaks.

After Camp Blogaway I asked myself… What is it I want out of food blogging other than opportunities to try food?  I have ideas.  I’d love to sell Shelly Jellies, my award-winning candy someday, or work with a brand I truly believe in, or just keep doing what I’m doing.  All are pretty great.  I cook anything I want and my husband loves it, and we luckily get to try all kinds of FOOD, and only the food-related products we’re interested in.  In other words, I’m content and I’d like more, but to obtain whatever (more) might be requires work and diligence to make it happen.

Happy One-Year Anniversary to us, Freis West (above) — It’s told to be tradition to save, then eat the top layer of one’s Wedding Cake on one’s One-Year Wedding Anniversary.  Though the idea is romantic, I wouldn’t look forward to eating it.  Would you want a year old Cake?  Or would you prefer a fresh Cake, just like the one you had on your wedding day?  We opted for a fresh Cake and got it, because we were married at The Turnip Rose Promenade & Gardens, as previously reported. It’s how they do it.  You’ll get a fresh Cake one-year later, if married there too.  Our Cake was white with a Raspberry Mousse filling and Whipped Cream topping.  All is highly recommended.

As shown, we celebrated Sixteen Candles style — We call ours ‘One Candle’ for one sweet year of marriage.  What fun we had in our Las Vegas hotel room, with our Cake propped on an upside-down ice bucket, as we sat on the window sill/air conditioner overlooking the Stratosphere.  Our Anniversary Cake took us a year back, and we hope to be doing this again sixteen years later.

Creamistry Ice Cream — Because Liquid Nitrogen is so cold, it causes the Milk particles to stay very small creating an ultra-smooth creamy texture, Creamistry reports, and after having it, I think it’s the creamiest Ice Cream I’ve ever had.  It is CREEEE-MEE!  Creamistry Ice cream is made using Liquid Nitrogen while you watch and wait.  Fresh ingredients are frozen fast.

Chosen ingredients are frozen at 321 degrees turning all into a creamy goodness.

Choose your SIZE, pick your BASE, and then choose your FLAVOR and TOPPINGS.

I chose the PREMIUM BASE, Strawberry flavor with Roasted Almonds for a topping.

The Liquid Nitrogen fogs up the place like dry ice — It’s fun to watch, though a little hard to see.

I met a family in line who traveled from San Clemente to Irvine just to get Ice Cream here.

I liked it more than I expected and now find myself craving its creamy texture and want to try other flavors.  Creamistry offers a multitude of flavors and toppings creating a slight dilemma when choosing.  I must go back to try more.  It can take some time getting through the line when it’s long and it’s not cheap, but a little goes a long way.  It’s ultra-rich, creamy and good.

I wanted to ask more questions about the process and see all clearly from start to finish, but it was a busy day at Creamistry in Irvine.  It’s already loved by others, I’ve seen and heard, and now I like it too.  It’s not just another Ice Cream.  It’s fun to experience and different to taste.

It’s already December — Another year flew by too fast and my computer just went kaput.  This month starts with a test of my new computer and return to Nibbles of Tidbits’ Food Coloring Series, featuring the relevant colors of Red & Green, and timely food ideas that spotlight them.

Most dishes can be deciphered without a recipe or tailored to your taste.

Previous Food Coloring Series posts are linked here — Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, etc.

Some dishes start off festive, but once the Peppers and Cucumbers get eaten, then what?

If looking for more Red & Green Food Ideas, they’re linked here.

Merry Christmas to me from my new computer.

More to test and explore, after Shrimp Cocktails and picture-perfect Christmas Cookies.

An impressive Snowman Fruit Bowl that’s perfect for the season and looks easy to make.

Credits and additional instructions may be linked: Crostini’s, Shrimp Cocktails, Christmas Cookies, Christmas Wreath Vegetable Platter, BLT Salad, and Snowman Fruit Bowl.  Happy Holidays!

The true annual treat is spending time with best friends decorating Halloween Cookies, Cupcakes and Candy.  Each year we take home trays and boxes of homemade and hand decorated treats after a fun evening of trickery — It’s quite a funny bunch (below).

I’m truly grateful for all!

This year’s decorating ideas are posted here and others from previous years are linked here.

We’re no design professionals, but have a lot of laughs and the Cookies always taste great.

It’s also possible that you may learn how not to decorate your Halloween Cookies here. 😉

Halloween Appetizer Idea — Deviled Eggs with Olive Spiders.  You can figure it out.

Happy Halloween from Nibbles of Tidbits and friends.

What are the best foods to eat at Disneyland, I asked my semi-smart phone.  We were going to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and wanted something different than an average Burger and Fries.  I hadn’t been to either park in 10 years.  After reviewing the search results, I chose two food dishes that were included on several lists — One at Disneyland and the other at Disney California Adventure, two places I’ve never known and probably wouldn’t have found.  Each sounded appealing.  We started with the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits with Apricot Honey Butter at Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure.

Carthay Circle Restaurant is fancier than expected, but we sought to have the best food at Disneyland.  We went there to try the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits that are described as amazing and to-die-for.  Stuffed with White Cheddar, Bacon and Jalapenos they sound good.

They don’t look like much on the outside, then surprise with a gooey middle.  With the Apricot Honey Butter, it’s interesting and different — I like its concentrated flavor and it’s not bad on the Biscuits, but we really didn’t fall in love with them.  They’re good, not great and expensive for its small size and amount.  Several Starters looked better to us and more filling.

My husband set out to photo bomb Goofy, but wasn’t obvious enough — At Disneyland.

Across the square from Disney California Adventure, we sought to have the Lobster Roll at the Harbour Galley Restaurant in Critter Country at Disneyland.  It too appears to be a Disneyland favorite.  It’s less fancy than Carthay Circle with only a few takeout windows.

I wasn’t able to take a good photo of the Lobster Roll, but the Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl looked, tasted and photographed well.  It too is well-liked by bloggers and papers.

The Lobster Roll was great, with a good amount of Lobster and nice lemony flavor.

We’d have the Lobster Roll again for $14.99, but not the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits for $12.00.  Next visit we’ll try other Disneyland favorites discovered on my phone.  Thank you!

We can walk or bike to Totally 80’s Bar & Grille in Fullerton — It’s a relatively new Bar, Restaurant, Dance Club & Karaoke Bar in the neighborhood.  It occupies the space of a former Mexican Restaurant, Bar & Event spot.  There’s little change to its exterior other than the somewhat cheesy sign (sorry).  Its theme caught our attention and made it a must stop.

I love 80’s music and inside it’s a whole new retro world — We’re impressed!

It’s well decorated and fun throughout.  We’re unsure about the “Grille” part of Totally 80’s Bar & Grille, as we only tried the ‘Totally Awesome Tots’, which appear to be popular.  We tried two of the three offered — The Chili Cheese Tots and Nacho Cheese Tots.  The third, Tots Poutine includes Gravy and an Egg.  Good combinations.  The Tater Tots were crisp, but a bit expensive ($10), if not from their Late Night Menu ($6) — We’ll try the Tots Poutine then.

Robert Smith (above) of one of my favorite bands, The Cure — We’re definitely going back to try and photograph more.  Actual 80’s bands, real and cover play here too.  We’re monitoring their events schedule.  Welcome to the hood Totally 80’s Bar & Grille.  Great to see you!

Related — That 80’s Bar in Montclair and New Wave Restaurant in Lakewood.

It’s Peter Dills in the photo with me.  He’s the son of a man I admired, Elmer Dills, a good man and former long-time Restaurant Reviewer, etc. on KABC.  Elmer passed away in 2008, but his son, Peter carries on his niceness and love of food.  As far back as he can remember, Peter was following Elmer from restaurant to restaurant — That’s some fabulous training!

Did you know that Peter Dills has a radio show on Sundays on AM 830 KLAA Angels Radio?  It’s called Dining with Dills and starts at 11:00a.m.  Give it a listen.  We went to The Catch restaurant in Anaheim this day to celebrate Dining with Dills, and eat and drink of course.

The Catch kitchen (above) — I like its open look.  Can’t hide anything here.

It’s a large restaurant with dining all around — Above is just one stylish sliver of it.

Though blurred, I like the photo above — Delicious appetizers were served, but hard to obtain if you weren’t immediately adjacent to its introduction.  It was a bit of a frenzy to get them.

I’m not sure if I got to try all the appetizers, but my favorite was a Fish Cake Lolli-Pop of some sort (not pictured) that I don’t currently see on their online menu — It was a round, crunchy fish cake served on a stick.  It had a great flavor and perfect texture.  I wanted more.

We over took the back room of The Catch, which lead out to a fenced in, outdoor patio.

Me with Patty Mitchell, the Executive Producer at Peter Dills, TV Show, etc.  She’s sweet too!

The Bar at The Catch (above) — We need to spend time in here next visit.

The Catch is across the street from many events at the City National Grove of Anaheim.

I’ve loved Bistango Restaurant for years, its Bar, and paintings throughout its walls, and now there’s Bistango Gardens, a relaxing oasis in the heart of the Irvine business district.

We recently enjoyed a sampling of Bistango Gardens‘ Terrace Menu designed for sharing.

CHEERS to outdoor patio dining near a fountain with great Wine — We seek that out.

The Souvlaki Greek Marinated Beef Kabobs (above) were nicely tender and flavorful.

They offer several tasty Small Plates, a few are pictured.  Some photos are from Bistango.

See linked MENU for plate specifics.

We tried all the items listed below, savored each bite and left wanting more.

We especially liked Bistango Gardens‘ Lamb Sliders with Brandied Balsamic Cherries, Goat Cheese and Arugula on a Brioche Bun (pictured at top).  The flavor combination was perfect.

Chili Marinated Shrimp (below) — See Bistango’s Menus to learn more about all.

The best part of this report is that… I will most likely be moving into the building across the street from Bistango, its Gardens and all of this, at the beginning of January 2015.  My other career, Paralegal, takes me there.  I was very happy to see all within walking distance from a high story window view in the center of great things.  I’m looking forward to more.  Thanks!

I appreciate Bistango’s exemplar hospitality over twenty-plus years.

Have you ever been to The Hobbit?  It’s a restaurant and unique dining experience in Orange that has nothing to do with the novel, movie or Hobbit character, whew — At least I didn’t see any visual cues of it, though didn’t ask the origin of its name.  Regardless, it’s simply a great place to possibly have the best meal of your life, if you have a few hours to spare.

After years of hoping to dine at The Hobbit, my husband took me for my birthday, another reason why I married him this year.  Dining here could be an annual occasion, he may be afraid to learn, as it’s not inexpensive, but worth the time and money — It’s a good value, I think.

We’ve arrived — Who and what’s behind the door?  Looks like a speakeasy slot, I like it.

We started with a Glass of Wine and seat in the Bar (above) — The Hobbit experience starts with an optional drink in the Bar, or in one of the other sitting areas inside or outside.

After orientation of the Bar and various rooms within an old converted house, all head downstairs to the Wine Cellar for Champagne & Hors d’ Oeuvres (included in a fixed price).

You may eat and enjoy as many Hors d’ Oeuvres and drink as much Champagne as you like.

The photos don’t do all justice – Each Hors d’ Oeuvre was exceptional, delicious and top notch.

Busy trying everything while I could (about ten dishes over and over again), I didn’t take notes — Amongst other dishes, they offered a smooth Liver Pâté, Steak Tartare, Beef Saté, Caviar, etc.  I’m personally not a big Caviar fan, but appreciate their generosity.

I loved The Hobbit’s Steak Tartare — It was perfectly chilled and fresh.

If you like, while in the Wine Cellar, select a bottle of Wine to have with dinner.

The experience continues upstairs, from the Wine Cellar at a privately assigned table.

It’s romantic too.

Even the Bread Roll was extra special, with a lot Herbs.

The Hobbit meals come with an ever-changing menu/program, with intermission and all.

Your menu will most likely be different, but ours included Seared Loin of Lamb with Organic Red Quinoa and a Tart Cherry Reduction (top photo), Butter Lettuce with Roquefort Dressing and Port Poached Pear (directly above), and Wild Mushroom Stuffed Filet Mignon (below).

Almond Cake, Apricot Ice Cream and a Chocolate Mascarpone Mousse (below).

Enlarge photo with menu (above) to view descriptions of all dishes.

During intermission that’s followed by Sorbet and the main entrée, we visited the kitchen and enjoyed our Wine on the outdoor patio, while hoping to make room for more food.

We toast to the Chefs and owners of The Hobbit — We LOVED our meal and time there.

Make another reservation for me, PLEASE!