Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Orange County based Philanthropists have launched a Friends of OC Food Giveaway aimed towards providing food to families in need.  They’ll be giving $125 (each) towards food to (10) families.  To qualify you must have an OC address, CA ID, be a parent of children under the age of 19, or a senior over the age of 62 — And you must have (unfortunately) experienced financial hardship related to the economy.

To apply for this generous assistance, send the following information to info@ocremodel.com:

• Name
• Children’s Names & Ages
• Address
• Phone Number
• E-Mail Address
• 500 Words WHY You’re in Need of Assistance

The deadline for entry is May 8th and the AWARDEES will be selected on May 15, 2009.  More information is linked below — Much luck and blessings to all those who apply.

Learn More HERE:
http://ocremodel.wordpress.com/2009/04/15/fred-and-rula-jarrah-announce-friends-of-oc-food-giveaway-for-orange-county-ca-families/

For the locals, Orange County’s 1st Happy Hour Week is happening NOW until April 18, 2009.  After reading a few of the participant’s menus, we excitedly chose Bayside Restaurant.  The TAPAS they’re offering are fantastic.  It’s hard to decide what to get, because all 16 of them sound amazing.  I wish I had time to go back before the deal ends — Right now all Tapas are $5.95 (each).

From top to bottom, we shared the Smoked Scottish Salmon, with a Warm Blini, Lemon Aioli, Capers, Dill and Onion — Grilled Lamb Chops with Potato Puree and Mustard Sauce.

Bresaola (Air Dried Beef) Carpaccio with Arugula and Parmesan — And Medallion of Venison with D’Anjou (Pear) and Spiced Red Wine Sauce.  WOW, we highly recommend the Venison.  It’s so tender and flavorful.

As you can see, it’s high quality food for less than $6 — Carl’s $6 Burger PA-LEEZ give me a break.  Can someone out there PLEEEZ serve this through a Drive-Thru?

More about OC Happy Hour Week:
http://www.happyhourweek.com/

Bayside Restaurant: http://www.bistango.com/bayside.shtml

There was a lot of fanfare today and FREE Slices of Pizza at the new Domino’s Pizza location on 17th Street in Costa Mesa — They moved across and down the street and today they were giving away Free Pizza Slices between 11AM and 1PM.  I tried the Cali Chicken Bacon Ranch, one of Domino’s American Legend Pizzas.  Loved the Bacon, but my slice didn’t come with Chicken.  It was still good and with a little more Sauce I’d have it delivered.

To celebrate their Grand Re-Opening, Domino’s Pizza also had a couple Laker Girls signing stuff and employees were waving from every corner for two blocks.  You couldn’t miss the hoopla if you were driving by, so hopefully you stopped and got your Free Slice of Pizza.

Domino’s Pizza DIRECT: http://www.dominos.com/home/index.jsp

Happy Hour Week is approaching in Orange County.  It’ll take place April 12th through the 18th in 2009.  The restaurant line-up already looks great and more will be added before the kick-off.  Thanks OCFoodies.com for continually seeking to provide great food related deals for the locals! 

MORE INFO re Happy Hour Week: http://www.happyhourweek.com/

JOIN Orange County Foodies Network: http://www.ocfoodies.com/

We went to Il Farro Caffe Trattoria for their prix-fixe meal during Orange County Restaurant Week.  It’s a small Italian restaurant within walking distance from the Newport Beach Pier.  We tried the Carpaccio di Bue al Sedano as an appetizer (above) and the Pollo all Pizzaiola as an entree (below).

Our other appetizer was the Ravioli di Funghi al Gorgonzola, and the entree was the Braciole al Forno, translated means Flank Steak filled and rolled with Rosemary, Sage and Parmesan in a Sherry Sauce.

It was a beautiful evening, the sun was going down and the food was good.  HOWEVER, there was something that bothered my friend and me (and I hope it’s isolated) — To preface the story, we had 5:30 p.m. reservations on a Friday night and arrived on time.

We were then seated in a small area in the front of the restaurant near the deli counter, which would have been fine if it was packed.  The restaurant is divided into two dining areas.  We were being packed up front, while no one was sitting in the larger back dining room. 

I asked if we could sit in the main dining room, but was told by the server that they’re “saving that area because [they] expect to be busy tonight.”  SAY WHAT?  It wasn’t until I asked if it was warmer in the back that they moved us — The entry door was propped open near the front dining area.  It was cold.

Then it was kinda funny because we were moved to the worst seat in the larger dining room, against the half wall of the clanging bus station.  Again, this would be okay, if they were packed.  Instead, we were the ONLY ones in there shortly before our move, which makes it almost comical.

And it wasn’t that they had a lack of servers, since several (5-7) walked by without offering Water or perhaps a glass of Wine.  To us, it seemed like they were saving the comfortable dining area and tables for the more important people, and then they were just oblivious.  It got better, but I guess we didn’t measure up that evening. 🙂

Related Links:

http://www.ilfarro.com/

http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/il_Farro_caffe_Trattoria.html

Today at the Bloomingdale’s Cooking Demonstration, Executive Chef Owner Cathy Pavlos of Lucca Cafe announced that Orange County Restaurant Week has been extended for another week.  That’s great news!  There’s more time to enjoy the prix-fixe meals being offered at several OC Restaurants.  Pictured here is the Braciole al Forno we had for dinner at Il Farro Caffe Trattoria.  More about our visit will be reported in an upcoming post.

MORE INFO: http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

Continuing with the Orange County Restaurant Week Cooking Demonstrations at Bloomingdales South Coast Plaza is Kimera Restaurant & Lounge.  Chefs from Kimera made Crab Cakes and Shrimp Spring Rolls.  Both seemed so quick and easy to make BECAUSE all the ingredients were chopped ahead of time.  I subsequently had the IDEA to raid a Salad Bar for quick Spring Roll contents.  Good idea huh!?  That’s what I’ll do when I make them.

Kimera representatives so kindly gave all the Cooking Demonstration guests a $20 Gift Certificate.  Thank you — I’ve been wanting to go there.

Kimera Restaurant & Lounge:
http://www.kimerarestaurant.com/
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=4216

Orange County Restaurant Week:
http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

Previous Cooking Demonstrations:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2710
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2623
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2489

The First Annual Orange County Restaurant Week officially starts today and continues through February 28th — More details about it are linked below.  As previously reported on Nibbles of Tidbits, participating Chefs are giving cooking demonstrations at Bloomingdale’s Home Store at South Coast Plaza.

Here Chef Paul French of The Californian at The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach makes their Wild Mushroom Ravioli with sauteed Jewel Box Mushrooms, Farmer’s Market Vegetables and Brown Truffle Butter Sauce.  WOW, it’s the best we’ve sampled (thus far) during these demonstrations.  And it’s fortunately one of the dishes being offered during OC Restaurant Week.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2623

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2489

http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

http://huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/index.jsp

To gear up for The First Annual Orange County Restaurant Week, 13 top Chefs from participating restaurants are demonstrating the preparation of their signature dishes.  Today Ruth’s Chris Steak House Chefs showed us how to prepare their Sweet Potato Casserole and Creamed Spinach.

And this is ‘Ruth’ of Ruth’s Chris Steak House.  Her last name isn’t Chris, but you’ll need to learn the rest of the story regarding the name on their website.  The Chefs pre-prepared the Steaks, Shrimp and Desserts pictured above, but we didn’t get to try them. 🙁

If I ordered the Sweet Potato Casserole in the restaurant, it would be for Dessert — It is sweet city!  And my rechargeable battery conveniently died at the Creamed Spinach.  That’s okay, because I really wanted the Steak they weren’t serving. 🙂

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: http://www.ruthschris.com/

The Loft at The Montage Laguna Beach Cooking Demonstration:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2489

Orange County Restaurant Week INFO:
http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

The Best Chocolate Dipped Oreo Cookies are made by Princess Loretta.  She’s the one in the middle with the floating Cookie Tiara.  Her baked goods are much appreciated by her friends, family, clients, and expanding outward.  And her Cookies are magically better than any we’ve purchased.  She uses the best Chocolate for her Oreos.  That’s just one reason why I’m lucky to be one of her best friends.  And since Valentine’s Day is coming up, she made White Chocolate Dipped Oreos with red stripes.  Everything she makes somehow tastes extra good.  Cookies, Cakes and Candies are her forté, after training clients in her Huntington Beach Pilate’s Studio. 

This day a group of us happily got together to decorate Valentine’s Cookies, and take home pretty boxes of Chocolate Dipped Oreo Cookies, White Chocolate Cherry Kisses and more.  The decorated Cookies will be posted and linked soon.  Gracias Loretta – It’s always a great time!

SPECIAL NOTE:  If you’re local (Orange County) and want your own Chocolate Dipped Oreos by Loretta, please tell Nibbles of Tidbits HERE in a comment.  More Chocolate Dipped Oreos: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1247

To kick off Newport Beach Restaurant Week, we had the prix-fixe lunch from Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille.  The cost is $20 for three courses.  It’s a great way to try a variety of gourmet dishes at a favorable price.  Our picks included the Saba Steak Salad, a reported popular entree at Tommy B’s.

And the Lobster Cove Grilled Cheese and Heirloom Tomato Soup we read about — Of course it had to be one of our choices.  It’s rich, but has a generous amount of Lobster.

They offer “Tommy’s World Famous Coconut Shrimp” and all featured course dishes in larger portions on their everyday menu.  If you love any of them, you’ll be able to get it after Restaurant Week is over.

Above is the special prix-fixe menu, the Millionaires Mojito, Big Island Goat Cheese, Tommy’s Trio and Pina Colada Cake.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1753

http://www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Cafes.jsp

Newport Beach Restaurant Week 2009 starts Sunday, January 18th and goes through Thursday, January 22nd.  It’s a good time to try top-notch restaurants at a great price.  Several restaurants throughout Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, and Balboa Island, Peninsula and Village offer gourmet prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner.  A couple of us are starting at Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille tomorrow for the 3 course $20 lunch.  The menu looks fantastic — I know one of us will have to try the Lobster Cove Grilled Cheese, Maine Lobster with Four Cheeses, served with “From Scratch” Heirloom Tomato Soup.

See 2009 participating restaurants and menus HERE: http://newportbeachdining.com/restaurantweek/2009participating.asp

2007 Restaurant Week Review – A condensed version of this article was published in The Current Newspaper on February 9, 2007 – http://www.ineedtext.com/Review%20-%20NB%20Restaurant%20Week%202007.pdf

Our walk on this warm afternoon in January started at Borders Books on Newport Boulevard with a Latte and Thumbprint Raspberry Scone — Then it was on to 17th Street “Promenade” and back.  We’ll show a few places to eat along the way.

From left to right, top to bottom, here’s a few edible options along the way — Starting with Border’s Books Pastry Case, The Yard House, BC Broiler Chicken, Dippity Donut, El Matador, Roman Cucina, Kura Sushi Revolving Sushi Bar, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Panera Bread, Garduro’s Ristorante Italiano, Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar, and Pierce Street Annex Music-Dancing-Grill.

Then trekking on with an Iced Raspberry Chai from Starbucks — YUM, btw.  It’s got a good punch of flavor.  I had a coupon to try one for free, and of course we passed a couple Starbucks along the way. 

We’ll try a beverage from Buon Giorno Coffee next time.  It was then on to Ruby’s Diner, Haute Cakes Caffe, Susie Cakes, and Promelis Westcliff Market, a must stop for local grocery shoppers. 

And La Cave, a very cool dark underground restaurant, The Beach Pit BBQ and Marie Calendar’s.  As noted, these are only a few.  There’s a lot more eateries in between that’ll be featured in future posts.

UPDATE 01/07/10:  Borders Books on Newport Boulevard will be closing this month.  Mother’s Market & Kitchen will be opening up there soon.

The service at The Golden Truffle Restaurant was superb.  We enjoyed the prix fixe New Years Eve Menu.  The food offerings were progressive and broad, which I like.  And the $68 price for four sophisticated courses wasn’t bad.  We enjoyed our food and wine on the outdoor patio under the overhead heater.

Respectively pictured are just a few of our picks — The Cream of Maui Onion Soup, the Tempura Chicken and Avocado Hand Roll with Fresh Wasabi, the Pit Smoked Prime Cowboy Cut Brisket with Whipped Potatoes and Horseradish Jus, the Black Truffle Sauteed Breast of Jidori Chicken with Beaujolais and Mushrooms, the Lavender and Wild Honey Creme Brulee, and the Bitter Chocolate Pot De Creme with Crushed Berries.

The Sauce on the Jidori Chicken and the Brisket were both outstanding.  We hoped for more Black Truffle flavor on the Chicken and more Lavender in the Creme Brulee, but their preparation was perfectly executed.  Overall it was a great experience with well timed and friendly service.  I’d go back for that.  Although it’s a restaurant, The Golden Truffle’s main business is catering.  Long ago they figured they might as well set up a store front too.

Related Links:

http://www.goldentruffle.com/

http://www.jidorichicken.com/

http://www.answers.com/topic/prix-fixe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuber_(genus)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I previously wrote the following SIDEBAR for a book that never got published, so I’ve decided to print it here on Nibbles of Tidbits.  It’s a short summary about FOOD in ORANGE COUNTY.

Orange County (“The OC”), California is more than one narrowly portrayed personality, as seen on TV – But we’ll focus on the food.  It’s a fine blend of many personalities, specialties and ethnicities. It’s a county made up of 34 diverse incorporated cities that span almost 800 square miles.  To associate Orange County with just one character, note or dimension wouldn’t be true.  But again, let’s get away from the gaggy OC television programs and back to its food.

Instead of one incentive to eat in Orange County, there are a multitude of motivations to enjoy a meal there.  From Aliso Viejo to Yorba Linda alphabetically, or San Clemente to La Habra geographically, you would be hard pressed not to find the best of your favorite dish there — The odds are in your favor and the payoff can be delicious.  One does not need to travel out of the county to find the best Steak, the best Taco, the best Fried Rice, or the best Fish, etc.  All can be found in the OC.

Many people still travel to Buena Park to stand in line for Mrs. Knott’s Fried Chicken, which has been served since 1934.  Since that time, the available food has evolved in such a way that there is now something remarkable for everyone.  The growth of the Hispanic and Asian populations in recent decades has significantly influenced its culture and food offerings.

Some of the finest Mexican food is here in almost every city — And who doesn’t love Mexican food?  The Asian cuisines are also well represented in Orange County.  Excellent Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants can be found without roaming too far.  Sushi is also very popular.  One can voyage to the coastal cities, such as Newport Beach and Dana Point to take pleasure in its fresh Fish offerings and oceanfront dining.  Oh, I can’t leave out Italian food, since I’ve had the absolute best in this county.  And finally, Indian food deserves a most honorable mention, since Orange County is where I learned to love it.  The flavors are intense and the OC’s offerings are top quality.

Many great chefs appear to be venturing out in this direction making the choices even better.  Fondue restaurants seem to be popping up recently in a few locations throughout the county.  And Irvine is the the hub of the business district, which tends to entice some of the more sophisticated restaurants.

Orange County has more than its share of small hidden treasures and fine dining establishments.  This sidebar merely touches upon the various specialties in the OC.  As stated, Orange County doesn’t just have one draw — It has too many to mention here.

Related Links:

http://www.visitorangecounty.net/

http://egov.ocgov.com/portal/site/ocgov/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_County,_California

The menu reads “The use of cellular telephones interferes with the Taleggio Sauce on Chef Bracken’s Macaroni and Cheese” — That’s funny.  It’s one of the items we tried, along with the Lamb Chops below.  Both were excellent, not inexpensive, but worth it.  We had them in the lounge, which is a very comfortable place to hang out.  Island Hotel Newport Beach is where the Four Seasons used to be on Newport Center Drive.

I had read about the ‘Mid-Week Bites & Delights at Palm Terrace Restaurant and Lounge’ offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, but they’re not happening during the holidays.  That’s too bad because the food and prices sound great, especially the 2 for $5 gourmet Sliders, such as the Chicken and Truffle Slider on a Pretzel Bun with Oven-Dried Tomato Aioli.  I’ll report more if they reconvene the offering after the holidays.  I hope so — We’ll see.  Related Link:  http://www.islandhotel.com/

There are so many restaurants in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.  You especially notice them if you’re on foot.  Below is a pictorial view of our walk from Costa Mesa to Newport Beach, then back.  Are you local?  Can you trace the route by street?  These pictures are in travel order from (general) start to finish.  Aloha Grill was our first stop, which is finally open — Then working on down (L-R) is Super Pollo, Santa Monica Seafood and continuing.

Mesa Grill & Barbecue, The Omelette Parlor/Chester Drawers, Billy’s at the Beach, Wine Lab Newport, Villa Nova Ristorante and A Restaurant (formerly The Arches).

On to Woody’s Diner, Avilas El Ranchito, Ten Sushi Steaks, Woody’s Wharf, The Crab Cooker and The Chicken Coop.

I’ve tried most of the above and wrote about some on Nibbles of Tidbits and for other publications.  I haven’t yet tried Mesa Grill & Barbecue, The Omelette Parlor, Ten, A Restaurant, or the Wine Lab Newport, so check back HERE for future information about them.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=875

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1266

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1259

http://ocmexfood.blogspot.com/search?q=super+pollo

It’s been open for twenty years, but we just recently stopped in for the first time.  A friend called to get together — Her criteria was that she wanted to go to a place where she can eat, drink and smoke on an outdoor patio.  I told her there’s not too many places left for all that, but then called The Harp Inn to learn they’re still one of them.  She got what she wanted. 

And the food wasn’t bad either.  The Salads were fresh, the Jalapeno Poppers were served with Celery and Carrots (a healthy bonus), and the service was friendly.

The Harp Inn has live music most Thursdays through Sunday.  It starts at 9:30p.m., unless otherwise specified.  They also offer several television screens for sports enthusiasts.  It’s quaint and casual.  We’d go back again for the same and to perhaps catch one of the bands.

Related Link:

http://www.harpinn.com/index.html

About three years ago, I sent Elmer Dills an e-mail.  I had a few questions about writing restaurant reviews.  And the very next day I arrived home to hear a message on my answering machine from Elmer Dills.  He responded to my e-mail by calling me.  He left his actual home and KABC studio phone numbers.  I couldn’t believe it.  I was so excited. 

I called him back immediately and we talked on the telephone for 20 minutes.  One thing I remember is — He told me that a reviewer should be careful not to injure the reviewee.  Every entity has its good days and bad days, and good qualities and those that need improvement.  Honesty is important, but be conscious of livelihood.

And he also invited me to provide a restaurant review on his radio program on KRLA — But at that time I didn’t have a specific food angle, nor restaurant to rave about, plus I was kinda nervous.  I did appreciate our conversation. 

I saved his message for about two years — I’m such a dork sometimes.  I’m surprised I never crank called him (HA), or is it prank called?  I’m still not sure about that.  Either way, THANKS for your time and advice Elmer.  I hope your last meal was fantastic!

FYI:  A Memorial Service open to the public will be held at 1:00p.m. on October 3rd at All Saints Church, 132 North Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101.  RIP.

Related Links:

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local&id=6393546

http://www2.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_10483221

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-passings17-2008sep17,0,1218907.story

http://www.wildbell.com/2008/09/16/elmer-dills-changed-my-life/

http://krla.townhall.com/

It’s already Octoberfest at Lake Arrowhead Village — Now and every weekend starting at noon through all of October.  And there’s no admission fee.  We were at the family cabin (nearby) last weekend with a couple Dogs, Holly and Maggie, respectively below. 

Since we cooked up a storm for ourselves, we picked up a few treats from the Three Dog Bakery for the pets.  Dogs are always popular in Lake Arrowhead Village, but you can’t bring them inside the roped Octoberfest/Band Area — You should know that if you’re a pet owner who also wants to party, because you can’t bring your Beer outside the ropes.

And we always bring Peanuts for the Blue Jays.  We just put a bunch on the cabin deck and they fly right in to get them.  It’s pretty cool.  They’re so beautiful too.

And here’s the Dogs playing in the cabin.  They were tugging over a stuffed Gorilla until we gave them the treats from the Three Dog Bakery.  I should also mention that there’s a Three Dog Bakery in Newport Beach too, since that’s where I live — Not at the Barkery, near Newport. 🙂

 Related Links: 

http://lakearrowheadvillage.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc

https://www.threedog.com/Default.aspx

http://www.lakearrowhead.net/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Arrowhead,_California

A friend of a friend started Mélange, which offers fabulous high quality Cooking Classes.  If you live in Orange County, you should definitely sign up — The menus sound terrific.  Here’s a message from one of its founders:

I hear the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is having its 45th Birthday.  I would have never guessed it.  I thought they were younger, but it appears they’re older and wiser.  Happy Birthday. 🙂

I like the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf because they don’t call their small drinks a “Tall” if you know what I mean — That really bugs me about their main competition.  I’m not going to call an obviously short cup a tall.  It’s blatant trickery I tell you.  And somehow the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores seem a little more hometown friendly, although they have 676 stores in 19 countries.  Apparently the first one opened in 1963 in Brentwood, California.

In celebration of their Birthday, they’re offering a SPECIAL EVERY TUESDAY in September through the first Tuesday in October.  The specials include 0.63 cent Coffees and Hot Teas, 20% off Pounds of Coffee and Tea Bag Tins, and a FREE Espresso Shot added to your drink.

The picture above is of the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on 19th Street in Costa Mesa, California.

Related Links:

http://coffeebean.com/

La Siesta Restaurant was working hard, not napping.  They recently catered my friend’s wedding reception and did an excellent job.  The food was very good. 

I had never heard of them before, but I’ve since learned that they’re well loved in San Clemente.  I picked up one of their business cards and it says they specialize in Carnitas.  That’s what I liked the most.  Oh, the reception was very fun too. 

The view from the Ole Hanson Beach Club was spectacular.  It’s a great place for a wedding reception.  La Siesta was set up on the roof.  It’s a winning combination for those looking to tie the knot.  And finally, here’s a picture of the Cake.  It was cool too.  Congratulations Andrea & Mike.

Related Links:

http://www.lasiestasanclemente.com/

http://www.olehansonbeachclub.com/

If you’d like information regarding the Cake, please let us know in a comment.