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Veterans Eat Free On Veterans Day: Thanks To Paul Stanley & Others.

November 3rd, 2017 No comments

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: Grubs’ Scratch Made Surprise.

September 4th, 2017 No comments

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.

Annual Guaranteed Fun At The Orange County Fair: We’re In.

July 23rd, 2017 No comments

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.

The 2017 OC Fair Goes Gourmet And We’re Set To Substantiate That.

July 8th, 2017 No comments

 

It’s my favorite thing at the OC Fair — The FOOD.  And it’s about gourmet food this year.  That’s even better.  It’s reported that ‘The 2017 OC Fair Goes Gourmet’.  See the OC Fair’s official press release below and we at Nibbles of Tidbits will see you at the Fair.  It starts July 14th and we’re ready to taste everything.  I usually enter the Culinary Arts Competitions, but our kitchen is currently being remodeled.  I caught myself thinking up ideas of what to enter this year, but remembered, duh, I don’t have a kitchen right now, and probably won’t for another three to four weeks. You’ll see that here later.  Until then, read what will soon be happening at the OC Fair.

Farm to fork. Artisan crafted. Locally made. Small batch. These words don’t just define a food revolution, they hint at what you’ll find in the culinary exhibits and demonstrations at the 2017 OC Fair. Steal away from the midway for a little while to discover artisans who bring the “Farm Fresh Fun” theme to life. Taste award-winning California olive oil. Sample locally made kombucha. Learn how butchers, bakers and local booze makers are changing the way things are crafted in Orange County and beyond. The culinary team at OC Fair & Event Center has curated a lineup that showcases top local chefs, TV celebrities, cookbook authors and local businesses to help Fairgoers get a taste of what that food revolution is like.

Let’s take a look at what and who you’ll find at the Fair in the OC Promenade Culinary Arts Building:

Pies: Karen Uyeda is a passionate fair attendee and previous OC Fair Blue-Ribbon Winner for her pies. She launched Sweetcie Pie and her business has flourished. Learn her pie-making secrets. July 19, 3 p.m.

Spirits: Brian and Robin Christenson launched the very first craft distillery in Orange County, Blinking Owl. These locavores and grain nerds will teach how they mill, ferment and distill barrel aged whisky and more. They have a great local story to tell. July 22, 3 p.m.

Paella: Junior chef Isabella Vegh is a member of 4-H and a previous triple Best of Class Winner in Preserved Foods and Winner of the Youth Spam Competition. Isabella will demonstrate how to make authentic Paella Valencia. July 20, 5 p.m.

Butchery: Chef Noah Blom of ARC Restaurant, Restaurant Marin and The Guild will give a primal cut butchery demonstration and he’ll share his best tips. Aug. 2, 5 p.m.

Meat:  Executive Chef Melissa Cortina, of Bavette’s Meats and Provisions, attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and learned at the hands of master Italian butchers. She will answer questions about buying, using and preparing meat. Aug. 13, 5 p.m.

Bread: Cortina will be joined by former Blue Man Group performer Don Kohler who will demonstrate how to make unique Icelandic geothermal rye bread in your home kitchen. Kohler is now star of Hallmark Channel’s The Home & Family Show. Aug. 13, 5 p.m.

Beer: The first and only non-GMO, vegan-friendly beer, Dr. Jekyll’s Craft Beer, is produced by Tom Costa, an avid home brewer of more than 25 year. Learn how to bring craft beer into the kitchen and onto the plate. Aug. 6, 3 p.m.

Fermented Food: Fairgoers can learn about the health benefits of lacto-fermentation from Dr. Yasmine Mason of Fermentation Farm, and try a free sample of kombucha. Daily

Seasonal: Chef Ernie Alvarado, pictured above, of Urbana is bringing Farm Fresh Mexican-inspired dishes to the table. Find out how he has mastered the use of seasonal produce in his creations. July 22, 7 p.m.

Sweets: Chef Stéphane Tréand will showcase his incredible talents by creating a highly technical sugar sculptor showpiece. July 30, 5 p.m.

Produce: Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce is known as Produce Guru. Become one of his followers and increase your knowledge of fruit and vegetables.  July 20, 2 and 4 p.m.

Here’s their Official List of all the Culinary Events and Demonstrations happening this year.

Wrapping Up Knott’s Berry Farm’s All Season Dining Plan: Whew.

December 28th, 2016 No comments

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.

This Southwest Burger could be our last meal using Knott’s All Season Dining Plan.  The Southwest Burger at Coaster’s Drive-In at Knott’s consists of a Hamburger, Cheese, BBQ Sauce, Fried Jalapenos and Pickles.  Different.  That makes a Southwest Burger?  Well, it wasn’t too bad this evening.  We were hungry and they have good Pickles.  And most meals come with a lot of French Fries.  I almost want it again, before the end of 2016 when our plan ends.  We’ll see.
 
This will be my last report regarding Knott’s All Season Dining Plan, unless we renew it sometime down the road.  Also, we will not be renewing Knott’s annual pass in 2017.  We tend to purchase one every other year.  Knott’s meal plan is a great deal, but, well, you know.  It’s explained above and in previous reports.  The Knott’s employees we encountered in 2016 were nice. Overall, we love and appreciate Knott’s Berry Farm, with, but most likely without, a meal plan.

A Safe & Happy July 4th Celebration To You: God Bless The USA.

July 4th, 2016 No comments

July 4th Strawberries

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: Meals From Wilderness Broiler.

April 25th, 2016 No comments

Knott's Hamburger

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.

Knott's 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.

Knott’s Berry Farm Season Dining Pass Meals: Tostada Salad And More.

February 12th, 2016 No comments

Tostada Salad at Cantina

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.

Pizza and Fries

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.

Knott’s Season Dining Pass Meal: Cheeseburger At Grizzly Creek Lodge.

January 9th, 2016 No comments

Knott's Cheeseburger

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.

Season Pass Dining

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.

Grizzly Creek Lodge Cheeseburger

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

Grizzly Creek Lodge

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.

Knott’s Berry Farm Season Pass Dining: Eat Twice A Day Every Day.

December 17th, 2015 No comments

Sutter House

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.

Sutter's Grill Menu

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.

Season Dining Pass

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

Big Foot Broiler

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.

Wilderness Broiler

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

Menu

Moving into Boardwalk, Hollywood Hits restaurant offers Pizza.

Hollywood Hits

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

Knott's Pizza

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

Menu

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

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

Inside Coaster's

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

Cantina

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.

Cantina

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

Cantina Menu

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

Grizzly Creek Lodge

It offers dining downstairs and upstairs, inside and out.

Grizzly Menu

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.

Knott's Food

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.

Matt

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

KBF

Check back to see what tastes best there.

Photos Of Food & Fun On The Carnival Inspiration (Weekend Cruise).

October 11th, 2015 No comments

Carnival Cruise Desserts

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!

Lobster Dinner

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

Carnival Inspiration Food

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

BYOB

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

Seared Ahi

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.

Cheese for Dessert

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

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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.

Flat Bread

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

Oysters Rock

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

Ceviche

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

Escargo

Stuffed Mushrooms (above).

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

Salmon

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

Chicken

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

Beef

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

Game Room

We enjoyed the sunsets on deck too.

Sunset Dinner

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

Cruise Dining Room

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

Wings Cafe Will Be Opening Soon: Hoping For Good Final Inspections.

September 28th, 2015 No comments

 

Wing's Cafe

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

Wing's Cafe 2

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

Wing's Cafe Booths

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

Nose Cone Movies

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.

Airplane of Nose Cone

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.

Wing's Cafe Roof

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.

Owner's Father's Uniform

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

Inside Wing's Cafe

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

Peek Window at Wing's Cafe

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

Unique Light

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.

Wing's Cafe View

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.

New And Interesting Food At The 2015 Orange County Fair.

July 18th, 2015 No comments

Samoa Donut

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.

Camp Blogaway 2015: Seventh Annual Camp For Food Bloggers.

May 13th, 2015 No comments

 

Camp Blogaway 2015-3549

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.

Lodge

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

Name Badges

Do you see me?

Setting up Lodge

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

View from Lodge Deck

Enlarge photo below to view the 2015 Itinerary.

Intinerary

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

Wente Wine

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

Cabot Cheese

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

Pine Cone Cheese Ball

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

Session Speakers

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

Phil Lempert

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

Photo Class

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

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 Books

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

Food Line

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

One Dinner

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

Cabot Cheese

I was in Cabin 5, pictured below.

My Cabin

All preparing to take the annual Camp Blogaway group photo.

Group Photo Prep

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

Patti Londre

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

Camp Info

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.

Sixteen Candles Style Anniversary Celebration With A Fresh Cake Top.

February 3rd, 2015 1 comment

Anniversary Cake

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.

Sixteen Candles Movie

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.

The Creamiest Ice Cream Is Made With Liquid Nitrogen At Creamistry.

December 7th, 2014 No comments

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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Red & Green Foods Of December: Food Coloring Series Revisited.

December 2nd, 2014 No comments

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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.

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

Red and Green Food

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

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

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

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Merry Christmas to me from my new computer.

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

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

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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!

Halloween Cupcake & Cookie Decorating: Priceless Annual Treats.

October 27th, 2014 No comments

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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).

Halloween 2014 Friends

I’m truly grateful for all!

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

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

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

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

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Happy Halloween from Nibbles of Tidbits and friends.

What Are The Best Things To Eat At Disneyland, I Asked My Phone.

October 22nd, 2014 No comments

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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!

Totally 80’s Bar & Grille In Fullerton: Oh Good, It’s In The Hood.

October 5th, 2014 No comments

Totally 80's Bar

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.

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

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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.

Totally 80's Bar - Robert Smith

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.

Listen To Dining With Dills On Angels Radio: Cheers To Elmer Too.

September 30th, 2014 No comments

Peter Dills

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!

Matt at The Catch

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.

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

The Catch Dining

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

The Catch Apps

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.

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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.

Peter Dills Event at The Catch

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

With Patty Mitchell at The Catch

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

The Catch Bar

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

City National Grove of Anaheim

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

Bistango Gardens: A Hidden Al Fresco Dining Area At Bistango.

August 31st, 2014 No comments

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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.

Bistango Lamb Sliders

We recently enjoyed a sampling of Bistango GardensTerrace Menu designed for sharing.

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

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

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

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See linked MENU for plate specifics.

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

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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.

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

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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!

Bistango / Airport Tower

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

The Hobbit Restaurant In Orange May Serve Your Best Meal Ever.

July 27th, 2014 No comments

The Hobbit Lamb

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.

Shelly Freis at The Hobbit

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.

The Hobbit Patio The Hobbit Entrance The Hobbit Dining Room

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

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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.

Upstairs Hobbit Bar  The Hobbit - Me in Bar Mirror  Cheers at The Hobbit

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).

The Hobbit Wine Cellar Stairs

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

The Hobbit Hors d' Oeuvres

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

Beef Satay  The Hobbit App  At The Hobbit

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.

The Hobbit Caviar

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

Wine Cellar

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

The Hobbit - Our Dinner Table

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

View from Dinner Table

It’s romantic too.

The Hobbit Dinner Roll

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

The Hobbit - Menu of the Day

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

The Hobbit Salad before Intermission

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).

Wild Mushroom Stuffed Filet

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

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

The Hobbit Chefs in the Kitchen

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.

Matt & Me at The Hobbit

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

Cheers to going back to The Hobbit someday...

Make another reservation for me, PLEASE!