Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

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.

Where’s the FOOD?  It’s here.  And you thought it meant something else…

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.

Responsibility never tasted so good they say — 100% of the profits from Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails go to aid people affected by vision impairment and blindness.  How often does that happen?  It’s a wonderful thing, as is the waterfall wall seen as you walk in.

It’s touching to see how loved Andrei was by his family — The restaurant was created in his honor and now helps others.  Read more about that here and you’ll want to dine there. 

The restaurant is upstairs and special events are hosted downstairs and up.

It’s an open, airy space with lots of big windows.

More about Andrei’s is told on the menu and more about the menu is here.

They have a Happy Hour, Free Corkage on Tuesdays and a Flamenco Guitarist some days.

It’s called Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails, as they “care deeply” about all aspects of food sourcing, serving, and creating an environment where sharing a meal enhances relationships.

During a Happy Hour pop in, we shared a few Small Plates.

Andrei’s Crab Cakes.

Vegetable Arancini.

And Grilled Tomato & Cheese — Our favorite of the bunch was Andrei’s Crab Cakes.

Bar and lounge area with cozy couches and pillows.

Everyone was so nice, without the mention of Nibbles of Tidbits, our regular M.O.

The valet parking area reminds me of Palm Springs — I like the feel and thought of it all.

What’s your State Food?  And do you agree?  Can you even read the list?  I’m not sure I can.  The photos definitely help.  CA Grapes for Wine sounds especially right with AK King Crab.

Studying the Racing Form with “fresh Smoked Albacore” from Catalina Fish Kitchen — That’s how it was ordered and only how I want it.  When it’s fresh, it’s terrific, but sometimes it’s not, so keep an eye out there (and everywhere it seems lately) for freshness.  I’ve found Smoked Albacore to be most consistently fresh at The Crab Cooker and The Original Fish Company.

On to the races at Santa Anita Park — The horses are running LIVE for one more week.  Closing day happens to be Earth Day.  We almost missed ’em this year, but instead only missed the first race of this day.  That’s okay, but for the $40 I would’ve won had I got to place the bet I’d planned.  It’s all good though and an entertaining way to spend the day.

All was so fun, I semi-overlooked Ketchup on a Hot Dog. 😉

Down the street from Santa Anita Park is The Arboretum (Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden) — We stopped by after the races, but they were closed.  If what’s inside is as interesting as what’s on the outside (and I know it is), I’m excited to go back with a lot of time.

A tree I don’t want to climb.

An amazing peacock putting on a show — Its feathers were so beautiful.

I’m ready for more of everything with a Mustard Dog.

Though the MENU is limited at In-N-Out Burger, their secret (up to you with what’s on hand), and Not-So-Secret MENU can seem unlimited.  Forget the Double Double, opt for a 100 X 100.  Can you imagine how long it would take in the drive-thru, which usually takes long enough?!

Bite the one you love said their advertisement — It’s not this Pup ‘N’ Taco.  I want to kiss its face, not eat it.  The real Pup ‘N’ Taco sold Hot Dogs, Tacos, Pastrami Sandwiches and more, and no longer exists.  Ninety-nine stores were bought by Taco Bell ending the chain in 1984.

04/16/12 Update:  Just so you know, the pictured is not served by Taco Dawg either. 😉

Since I see you searching for Easter Cookie decorating ideas, I’ve posted more here.

And previously published Easter Cookie photos are linked here.

Easter Cookies start out naked, like us.

Dress them how you like — It’s always helpful to see what other Easter Cookies are wearing.

A few ideas are posted here for convenience — Happy Easter!

Pastel colors are best with edible embellishments.

Eggs, ducks, tiaras, flowers, rabbits, carrots, butterflies and sheep are usually the canvas.

Decorate with various Frosting tips for best assortment.

We collect more and more accoutrements each year and our Cookies are looking better.

Cupcake decorating ideas too — We love the ‘hair tip’ with green Frosting for grass.

And if you’re in the OC and want something to do on Easter — Orange  County Foodies provides an event list.  Jesus is the reason for the season, with a side of Cookies and fun!

An event worthy of your money is the 5th Annual Orange County BBQ & Music Festival.

This year it’s June 9th and 10th, and 100% of the proceeds go to Kristie’s Foundation to help critically ill children.  How better could you spend your money?  Be sure to save the dates.

We went last year and enjoyed the Rib Eating Contest, Mr. BBQ Pageant, Beer & Wine tasting, live music and BBQ Competition amongst the 70 + Award Winning BBQ Teams.

We hope to be there again this year — You should too.

Chefs Bailee and Lexi of Kids in the Kitchen, my lovely Nieces volunteering at Mary’s Kitchen.

You can volunteer there too — Mary’s has been feeding Orange County’s homeless since 1984.

The kids really like going and it gives them much appreciation for what they have.

This breakfast they cracked and beat all the Eggs, cooked Pancakes, served food and washed dishes — Wonderful things to do for others.  Nibbles of Tidbits is proud of Kids in the Kitchen.

We set out for The Blue Beet (below) for Throwback Thursday, but unfortunately so did everyone else.  The crowd in conjunction with a no-show Hostess and too narrow wait area sent us on a detour for peaceful dining — And we didn’t have to go far to find tranquil class at 21 Oceanfront (above).  Both are walking distance from the Newport Beach Pier.

The unexpected surprise of the evening was the Prime Rib Slider at 21 Oceanfront.  We thought it to be the best Prime Rib Sandwich each of us ever had.  Unfortunately the photos didn’t do ’em, or much of anything else justice this evening, as much as all was appreciated in person.  We’re going back for more Prime Rib Sliders, $6 during Happy Hour.

Our hazy, gazy view of Newport waves from a 21 Oceanfront table — We toasted to it.

Are you wearing green?  It’s on your underwear right?  That’s what I used to tell people when I’d forget to wear it — It worked in a pinch to avoid a pinch.  This year I’m most prepared with a Green Bagel to start the day, with Cupcakes and Cookies to finish it.  Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Later it’ll be Green Beer for the fun of it — Have you seen our green food post?

The Corned Beef already happened.  If you’re looking for it, here’s a quick link.  Cheers!

I hate to keep bustin’ their chops, but I’m not sure if Carl’s Jr. wants me to buy this Burger!?  It’s the Southwest Patty Melt with Jalapenos, Grilled Onions and Pepper Jack Cheese, which sounds fine, well and good, but I’m not Snap-On Tools.  Do I hang this poster in my garage?

I like the ingredients with Carl’s Santa Fe Sauce and Sourdough Bread, but hope for more creative advertising — I mean, she’s pretty and all, but what’s it got to do with the Burger?  Wow, she likes it, I want one too.  Me want Bur-ger, unga bunga.  Is that the simple hope?

Anyway, it doesn’t work here, but we do like the combination of ingredients on the Southwest Patty Melt, though want the Onions to truly be grilled.  We got a few crunchies, which wasn’t too pleasant.  May need to ask that the Onions be well done, if we buy one in the future.

The last Strawberry one was stolen from the fridge — Okay, I know who did it and you’re busted.  I guess that means you like them, but next time ask, as I still had study to do.  I mean, I wanted it.  Heading to the conference room for a meeting, I found it satisfying and timely this day, with a pad of paper and Coffee in the other hand.  It’s a Kraft Milk Bite Bar that’s the subject here.  A group of us recently got to try them.  They’re of interest because I LOVE Milk, like Granola, and I’m always looking for a good, quick breakfast bite.  Thanks!

View from my new office on an overcast day, with a Snack Like Nothing Else, they report.

Voting on the office favorite, another points to the Strawberry Milk Bite, though all liked all.

We also tried the Chocolate Milk Bite with nothing bad to say about it.  I liked the Strawberry better too, but found it a tad rich towards the last bite, thus think I’d really like the Mixed Berry or Oatmeal Raisin one best.  You can learn about the nutritional information from them at MILKBITE.com, or at the top link.  It’s back to work with much awaiting review.

Two more days to enter the Karo Corn Syrup Dessert Challenge — Do you have a recipe?

If so, enter now on Recipe Riot or check out other assignments there.  I entered the above.

I submitted a recipe (and video) for Tangerine Fruit Bursts — Since the recipe cannot be previously published, only excerpts (freeze frames) of the video are posted here now, and because I’m bashful about creating a novice recipe video, a funny learning experience.  You’ll have to find it.  All Karo Corn Syrup Dessert Challenge submissions can be viewed here.

Good luck all!  Required product branding photo — By me, only for fine products.  Karo is one.

Most often seen in trendy Hotels, I recall — And that still seems to be the “case” with respect to the soda cans above.  This time they’re at the W in Hollywood at the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Red Carpet Event.  More about the elusive cans and event are here.  Moving on.

The purpose of this post is to announce the winner of the ICBINB! Giveaway.  We appreciate all entries.  And the WINNER is… Ms. A. Thompson from Signal Hill, California — We’ll soon be in touch regarding your stylish prize.  Speaking of style, our Guest Blogger and Interior Designer, Bonnie writes about her point of view on the event.  Her report follows.

The Fabulous Features of the “Fantastic” Suite — They claim there are only two “Fantastic” suites at the W Hotel in Hollywood, which is appropriately situated at the iconic intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Streets.  This is where we spent the latter part of our Oscar Sunday afternoon. “Our” stunning suite had killer angles, floor to ceiling views and not one, but two glamorous rooftop decks to check out the Hollywood vibe going on below us.

 The Suite – and indeed, the entire hotel lobby – offers contemporary design along with a bold color scheme to create the ultimate Hollywood experience.  Every detail was impeccable, from the flowers to the design of the food servers themselves.  In my interior designers mind, the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! food was impeccably served and we all had fun along with fabulous service.  Here’s a BIG Shout Out to all the women involved in setting us up in the stunning Fantastic Suite at the W Hotel. They rocked it!

 Thanks Bonnie and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!

Another reason why food might taste funny.

Fresh Fish simply grilled to perfection at Spike’s Fish House, a fast-casual concept created by Pasta Bravo’s creator.  Do you remember Pasta Bravo?  The last one closed just a couple months ago.  It was my favorite fast-casual restaurant for Pasta; most specifically I loved their Greek Pasta Salad and the Thai one too.  I’m sad it’s gone, but happy that Spike’s in town.

Spike’s Fish House, born during low-carb times, is a respected, distant relative of Pasta Bravo.

We liked everything pictured and the nice people at Spike’s, who make all how you want it.

Check Today’s Catch, then choose a Slider, Taco, Wrap, Bowl, Salad, Plate or Sandwich. 

Pick a Sauce — Spike’s Sauce, Pico de Gallo, Chimichurri, Poke Sauce or Lemon Pesto Aioli.

We were impressed with the flavor of all Sauces, especially Spike’s that goes well with the Lettuce Wraps, and the Poke Sauce that’s great with Soba Noodles, a substitute to Rice.

Shown prepared from top down — Basa Fish Plate, Mexican Ceviche, Hard and Soft Fish Tacos.

One of the largest and best tasting Lettuce Wrap Tacos around (above).

Chowder Bowl — It’s not just Clam Chowder, it’s a Seafood Chowder with Clams.

Sliders prepared with your choice of Fish — Cute, tasty, fresh and satisfying with Spike’s Sauce.

And a Salmon Bowl — Interchangeable Fish, Sauce and Selections make the possibilities seem endless.  Spike’s Fish House also offers Chicken to those who just don’t want Fish.  There are currently two locations, this one in Laguna Niguel and another in Rancho Santa Margarita.

You dropped food on the floor — Do you eat it?  Was it sticky?  Did anyone see you?  Questions to start the decision process and answers above, if you can read them.  It‘s funny.

Food styling at the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! “Toast to the Red Carpet – Live” event.

Behind the scenes with Food Bloggers on Oscar day at Siren Studios in Hollywood —  Cool stuff.  I had the pleasure of meeting the talented and nice people behind Food Flirt, The Duo Dishes, In Erika’s Kitchen, Run Eat Repeat, Rockin’ Mama, Romy Raves and ICBINB!

All dishes on set were made with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! and the RECIPES are HERE.

A Toast to the Red Carpet by ICBINB! with Molly Sims, Carson Kressley and Brooke Burke.

Before show on set (above), and during the show in the Fantastic Suite at the W Hollywood.

Siren Studios wait area or S for Shelly — Hhhmmmm.

Leaving studio on the way to the W, just a couple blocks away.

The W Hollywood — I love its style.  More about it by Bonnie, after the Giveaway (below).

In the Fantastic Suite with Lifestyle and Food Bloggers — Thanks to ICBINB!

A Champagne toast in the mirror and the option of Toast with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!

I enjoyed Toast and all dishes developed by Katie Lee using ICBINB!

More information about the dishes and RECIPES are HERE.

My favorite was the Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes pictured above.

Added to all from the W were Kobe Beef Sliders (above).

Off the Fantastic Suite was an outdoor lounge set with Beer, Wine, Champagne and Sodas.

And Celebrity Makeup Artist, Terri Apanasewicz was there to give expert advice — Thanks!

And beyond the outdoor lounge was another patio across the street from the Pantages.

GIVEAWAY:

If you got through all that and still want to be entered into a DRAWING to WIN a classy Ralph Lauren Serving Tray, (4) Champagne Glasses, Wine Charms and decorative Butter Knife, do (1) of these things before March 8th ends PST.

• Like Nibbles of Tidbits on Facebook
• Leave a Comment on this Post
• Follow @FoodBlog on Twitter

We’ll draw (1) name from all entries and notify him/her/you on March 9th with a CONGRATULATIONS!  You may enter once a day via any means noted above.  If you already Like Nibbles of Tidbits on Facebook (and probably don’t, hahaha), a subsequent comment there or here will count as an entry.  Good luck and thanks ICBINB! Peeps.

A Bedazzled I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! is the real star here — It wore more than Toast.

What are you wearing I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!?  These Fashion Experts want to know.

It’s an appetizing MENU designed by Katie Lee I’m wearing, replied ICBINB!.

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! is going places, and Nibbles of Tidbits will soon offer a GIVEAWAY and report about the happenings this Oscar day in Hollywood at Siren Studios.

Who, what, where and when showing soon — And related blog report(s) to be linked.

Spread your mind after Toast.