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.

IHOP® RESTAURANTS THANK VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY
ON VETERANS DAY WITH FREE RED, WHITE & BLUE PANCAKES

Servicemen and Women are Invited to Savor Time with Family and Friends Over a Made-to-Order Breakfast at IHOP on November 11, 2016 — Including a Free Pancake Offer From 7 AM – 7 PM

WHAT:

On Friday, November 11th, Veterans and Active Duty Military can enjoy three of IHOP restaurant’s hot-off-the-griddle, world famous Buttermilk Pancakes with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping for free at participating U.S. locations, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., as part of the Red, White & Blue Pancake promotion for retired and active duty military personnel.

WHERE:

Participating IHOP Restaurants in the United States.

WHY:

For close to six decades, IHOP has been the leader in bringing guests a freshly made breakfast served any time of day, every day, as well as unique, made-to-order limited time menu items. IHOP is proud to honor veterans and active duty military this holiday.

WHEN:

FRIDAY, November 11, 2016, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Photo Credit:  The pictured Cake is unrelated to the Pancakes being served at IHOP — The Cake recipe is linked here if you want to make it for someone special this Veterans’ Day.

And IHOP is just one of many appreciative businesses offering deals to deserving American Veterans on Veterans’ Day.  That’s nice of IHOP and others.  Additional offerings to Veterans are linked here. I’m grateful for the service of each and every serviceman and woman and thank all so very much.

Thank you precious United States Veterans!  I will forever honor you and contribute money and time to assist you how I can.  We at Nibbles of Tidbits wish all Veterans a very happy Veterans’ Day. On Wednesday, November 11, 2015, several restaurants will show Veterans how special they are by offering them something special.  Cheers to those that do something special for a Veteran.

Famous Dave’s BBQ – Free Appetizer or Dessert

IHOP Restaurant – Free Red, White and Blue Pancakes

Claim Jumper – Free Dinner or Lunch

Denny’s – Free Grand Slam Breakfast

Applebee’s – Free Meal from a Special Veterans’ Day Menu

California Pizza Kitchen – Free Meal from a Special Veterans’ Day Menu

McCormick & Schmick’s – Free Meal from a Special Veterans’ Day Menu

Wienerschnitzel – Free Chili Dog and Small Pepsi

Additional Veterans’ Day offerings are here.  Show a military ID to receive all of the above and more.

Image Credit

Show your ID at Denny’s on your birthday to receive a FREE Grand Slam Breakfast — Thanks!

To me, Veterans and Active Duty Military matter the most — Thank you for your sacrifice!  It’s because of that I live free.  And because of that, they’re most deserving of a FREE meal at Applebee’s this coming Veteran’s Day.  Nice job Applebee’s.  See their special menu here.

THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF^® CELEBRATES NATIONAL COFFEE DAY WITH ITS SECOND ANNUAL CBTL^® TRADE UP YOUR CUP COFFEE MACHINE EXCHANGE ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013 AT ANGELS STADIUM

Trade in any Coffeemaker for a new complimentary CBTL^® Americano Machine to create authentic Espresso, Coffee, Tea, and specialty beverages at the touch of a button

WHAT:  On Sunday, September 29, Coffee drinkers are invited to the Angels Stadium of Anaheim to celebrate National Coffee Day at Trade Up Your Cup, the second annual event hosted by CBTL^®, the Single Serve Beverage System by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf^®. Guests (13 years of age or older) can exchange any electric Coffeemaker with a cord, for a brand new CBTL^® Americano Machine (valued at $149.95, while supplies last). The first 250 people in attendance will also receive a free CBTL^® Milk Frother (valued at $49.99, while supplies last). Guests can also load-up on CBTL^® Espresso and Coffee Capsules with the one-day promotion of three 16-count capsule boxes available for $20. Last year’s inaugural event took over iconic Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood with overwhelming response. This year’s event, to be held at Angels Stadium of Anaheim in Orange County, is slated to bring in an even bigger crowd. To further celebrate National Coffee Day, bottomless Coffee will be served for guests in line from 6 a.m. – 8 a.m., before the event begins. Coffee-related games and other fun surprises will also be available for guests to enjoy throughout the event. Coffee machines collected during the event will be donated to Goodwill Enterprises to be redistributed across Southern California.

WHEN:  Sunday, September 29, 2013

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or until supplies last) — Gates open at 6 a.m. with bottomless Coffee

WHERE:  Angels Stadium of Anaheim — 2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806

Guest Entrances: Gene Autry and Orangewood entrances only

COST: Trade Up Your Cup is free and open to the public

CBTL^® Beverage Capsules will also be available for purchase

RULES:  Guests (13 years or older) can exchange any new or used electric Coffeemaker with a cord, for the CBTL^® Americano Machine. Exchange is limited to the CBTL^® Americano model available in black and valued at $149.95; limit one CBTL^® System per person while supplies last. The first 250 people will also receive a free CBTL^® Milk Frother (valued at $49.99, while supplies last). Vouchers for the exchange are only valid on Sunday, September 29, 2013.

ABOUT CBTL^®:

In 2010, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ^® launched the CBTL^® Single Serve Beverage System that allows consumers to make their favorite espresso, brewed coffee, tea and specialty beverages at home, at the touch of a button. With the CBTL® System, customers can recreate their favorite The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf^® authentic espresso, coffee, tea and specialty beverages at home—with just one touch of a button. The stylish CBTL^® System comes in a variety of machine models and colors, each featuring a twin pressure system that allows the machine to reach the high pressure needed to make authentic espresso and lower pressure for perfectly brewed coffee and tea. With its sleek Italian design based on the CAFFITALY SYSTEM technology and premium features, this multi-tasker is a welcome addition to any countertop. In addition to selling the system in The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ^® stores and online at CBTL.com, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ^® has teamed with Sensio Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of small kitchen appliances, to distribute the CBTL^® System in U.S. department stores, mass, discount and big box retailers as well as home shopping networks. For more information, please visit www.CBTL.com or www.facebook.com/CBTL.

Source: Press Release not written by me, but I do have an old Coffeemaker to replace.

Wow, I’m this week’s ‘Philly’s Best Fan’ aka winner of a Cheesesteak Sandwich and T-shirt, and now in the running for FREE Cheesesteak Sandwiches for a YEAR.  I’d sure love that.  You may enter too — Just upload a photo of yourself eating a Philly’s Best Sandwich.  Good luck all!

CalFresh — Must you heavily recruit?  No, for many reasons I see.  Respect taxpayers too.

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

A friend recently drove through a Starbucks Drive-Thru and when she got to the window to pay, the employee told her that her Coffee had been paid for by the anonymous person in front of her.  She only remembers it was a lady.  The gesture made my friend’s day, an otherwise bad one in other ways.  It came at the right time and she’s still talking about it.  Now I’m going to do it!  And it doesn’t need to happen at a Starbucks — Any drive-thru will do, like El Pollo Loco, unless there are too many people in the car behind you, ha.  You decide.

Enter the I Love Newport Beach Photo Contest here to win a Private Party Suite for 10 at the Newport Hyatt Jazz Concert Series — Click on flyer above to enlarge or go here to learn more.

In celebration of the Whole Foods Market soon to open in Newport Beach on September 19th, 2012, they want YOU to show them a photo that captures what you love most about Newport Beach, and they’re giving away prizes.  I’ll be writing more about all, as I’m poised to shop there for a big dinner I’ve got planned.  Come back to see how it goes down.  It’ll be good.

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

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

Happy Birthday to you, whenever it may be…

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.

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!

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.

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

IHOP’s Seventh Annual National Pancake Day will be happening on Tuesday, February 28th.  All day long, IHOP restaurants will be serving each guest a FREE Short Stack of Buttermilk Pancakes hoping they’ll donate what they would have paid, or more, to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.  This year, the restaurant chain aims to raise $2.7 million, their most ambitious goal to date.  Mark your calendar to consume and contribute.

Note: In my own International Apartment of Pancakes, a Dutch Baby (pictured) was created.

Do you “want to be part of the NYE Midnight Drop” they asked me?  Two seats on the pictured Super Shot are up for grabs, if I want them.  Part of me thinks it would be a fun way to start the new year, and the other part thinks, no thanks!  I appreciate the offer, but already up in the air in circumstance — That aside, 22/1 are the current odds of winning (2) Tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  Enter here now.  Winner to be drawn Christmas Day.

The odds are good for the locals — I know most readers aren’t in the neighborhood, but if you are, the chance of winning (2) Tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party is 17/1.  To be entered to win them, leave a comment here and/or see our previous report for more ways to enter.  You may enter once a day until Christmas.  Odds subject to change.

You could be toasting with a Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog at midnight — Good luck!

We Wake And Bake Every Morning — Hhhmmmm, sounds a bit suspicious.  Pushing the envelope again I see, wink wink.  It’s sex, drugs and rock and roll in advertising.  How about some rock and roll, without a cow?  Okay, for now a FREE Biscuit will do.  Thanks Carl’s.

Line up Wednesday morning, November 16th for a FREE Hardee’s Made From Scratch Sausage Biscuit at Carl’s Jr.  During breakfast hours, walk into a Carl’s Jr. and ask for YOUR Biscuit.  No purchase necessary — Eat in or walk out, it’s all yours.  So, how many Carl’s can you hit in the morning?  Puddy says just ask the 8-Ball. 😉

Thanks go to LUCCA Cafe for recognizing our valuable Veterans this Veteran’s Day.

On November 11th at LUCCA Cafe in Irvine, active duty military personnel and Veterans may enjoy a FREE LUNCH.  It’s being offered in honor of Chef Cathy Pavlov’s father, late Corporal Robert L. Shellrecht, pictured above.  We would like to thank him and ALL those who came before and after for their service to our great country — No one is more deserving.

If you’re one of those special people, mark your calendar and claim your justified meal.

Note: Photos courtesy of LUCCA Cafe, Mediterranean dining (and more) in Orange County.