Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Our first experience at the California Wine Festival — Wine glasses lined up for tasting.

We grabbed a couple glasses and sought out the FOOD, because it’s how we roll.  Plenty of Wine was all around and available from noon to 4 — Best get some food in us to start.

Ribs and Chicken Wings from The Point Restaurant & Bar in Dana Point.

Messy with a Wine glass in hand, but the meat fell off the bone and both were flavorful.

Tall tables were scattered throughout the event and came in handy when free.

For a list of Participating Wineries, check with the California Wine Festival.

Pasta from Gemmell’s Restaurant may not look like much in the photo, but it was amazing!

I don’t know what it was, but if everything they make tastes as good, I’ve been missing out.

A generous Taco Plate from Chelas Mexican Grill was another winner for me.

Wine has the leading role at this event, so the heartier food options were appreciated.

VIP Pavilion (above) — It didn’t look more exciting, but had more chairs and shade.

Grilled Fish Tacos from Rubio’s.

Sushi from Mahé.

White Chocolate Dipped Strawberries from Celebrity Cruises.

Cheers — We’re hoping to win a free Celebrity Cruise, if they haven’t picked the winner yet!?

An Alcove similar to one on a Celebrity Cruise Ship — Our favorite Festival Sponsor.

We had White Wine on this warm, sunny day — Missed out on Red and want to do it again.

We frolicked and planked on Doheny State Beach afterwards and then went out for Sushi.

One fine day.

Do you know The Triangle (f/k/a Triangle Square) in Costa Mesa?  Yes, it’s called The Triangle now and it’s hoping to attract more guests than there ever was – I hope it does too, since the space has historically underperformed.  I’m not sure why, since parking isn’t that bad.

New Restaurants and Bars are open and due to open this Saturday, April 20th — The Saddle Ranch Chop House and El Corazon de Costa Mesa to name just two.  And I’m most excited to see a coming soon sign for Tavern Bowl.  Things seem to be pointing upward for The Triangle.

I liked the colors of Triangle Square better, but perhaps it’s one of the ways The Triangle is hoping to capture more attention – And one should pay attention, and GO, since it is built and looks to be tasty and fun there.  Be there or you’re a square.  Success is wished to all by us!

Happy Anniversary Orange County Restaurant Week — What restaurant will you be dining at?

The Crab Cooker — It’s one of my favorite landmarks in Newport Beach.

It’s been simple and enjoyable since 1951.

For some reason it’s hard to find consistently good Smoked Fish around here, so I’m glad it always seems to be available at The Crab Cooker.  Elsewhere it’s been previously frozen and defrosted, too dry, refrigerator flavored, unappetizing looking, or it’s too expensive.

Smoked Albacore and Smoked Salmon are favorites to have at home, as often as possible.

Fish options and prices vary.

It’s a Restaurant and Fish Market that’s walking distance from the Newport Beach Pier.

I’m always happy to eat at The Crab Cooker and perfectly satisfied afterwards.

Smoked Fish To Go — I like their Tartar Sauce, but my Cocktail Sauce is better.

And King Crab Legs could be my favorite food of all, if I had to pick one.

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop in Costa Mesa — I’m glad to see them in the neighborhood.

It’s a narrow, well utilized, stylish space with goodness to offer.

A group of us (various media) were invited to sample Happy Hour and Kid’s Menu items.

We liked it all and learned that Greenleaf Chefs take pride in each and every dish.

We especially liked the Turkey Melts on Pretzel Bread (below) and Turkey Meatballs.

The Kid’s Menu Chicken Bites with Sweet Potato Fries are pictured below.

See the Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop website for new menu specifics.

A Delivery Program will soon be launching and Curbside Service is currently available.

They also offer Business Catering and an in-house Coffee/Juice Bar/Specialty Item Shop.

Cheers to Greenleaf with Sangria and another tasty house specialty drink.

They seem to be about healthy food and good times.

More of everything please.

Dave & Buster’s for the FOOD would be impressive enough, but no, they’ve got everything.

Step inside to experience entertainment in numerous forms — It’s always fun there.

The Eat+Play Combo’s are pretty good deals — Check ‘em out before ordering.

The Snow Cone with Cherry Vodka and Blue Curacao is a fun drink, though on the sweet side.

This visit we ate and played really well together.

In the restaurant, before play, we started with the Spinach Dip (above).

And then had the Fire Grilled Salmon (top) and Chicken and Shrimp Rockefeller (above).

The Dining Room at Dave & Buster’s in Irvine (above) is slated to be remodeled to fit in with recent changes in style and direction – Though I’ve liked it as is, I have confidence in what it might look like next, as D & B’s other transformations have been agreeable.

Our food was excellent — The Chicken and Shrimp Rockefeller is especially awesome.

Cheers to more SPORTS at Dave & Buster’s.

Giant screens to watch favorite teams are scattered throughout.

Walk and roll your way to fun and games.

Pool tables, rooms for private parties, FOOD, Drinks, Sports and Games are to be had.

Lots of GAMES to choose from — We had a blast playin’ for tickets to redeem at the…

…Winner’s Circle for a variety of PRIZES.

Save points and return to add-on more to aim for a top prize, or just see what you can get.

It’s a place for adults (especially) and kids alike — Everyone has a good time there.

It’s all fun and games until someone loses a tie.

Goooooooo Dave & Buster’s!  Thanks for being there for us.

It’s always a great year when it starts at the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.

Happy 2013 – God Bless the USA with BBQ and liberty for all.

Block Party entrance view from VIP/Media Lounge (above) and its satisfying food (below).

Familiar OC Fair food like Bacon Wrapped Turkey Legs were found between food trucks.

The Lime Truck, one of many Gourmet Food Trucks throughout an area of the OC fairgrounds.

Queen Nation, one of several (1960′s, 1970′s, 1980′s & 1990′s) cover bands playing about.

Young and old enjoyed the Game Room, Demolition Derby, rides and midnight confetti.

After the fireworks, it was fun to gather and throw the confetti in the air like snow.

We’d gladly attend every year!

We traveled to The Globe for dinner and reached La La Land, as we fell in love with the food and more in love with each other over Belgian Craft Beers and specially selected Hoppas.

The Globe Dine • Bar is owned and operated by a lovely husband and wife team from Belgium.

It’s in Historic Downtown Garden Grove – I didn’t know there was such the designation.

Since I generally like historic-anything and food-travel-everything, The Globe enticed.

And it delivered the most flavorful Hoppas (Hops + Tapas) we ever landed on.

Skirt Steak Florets, Blue Cheese, Roasted Pearl Onions with Red Wine Jus was transcending.

It’s pictured at top and directly above, along with Prosciutto Wrapped Scampi Shrimp…

Gouda Croquettes and Cherry Tomato Bruchetta — All transported with exceptional flavor.

Belgian Craft Beers are served in signature glassware and poured following Cicerone rules.

Historic Main Street is fairly short and we think The Globe is the best place on the street.

Our sampling was so good, we hope to go back for more.  The menu explores the globe stopping in a different country each month – We took in a pleasing glance of France.

Traveling The Globe is worth it — You’ll find nice people, BEER and varying high-quality food.

A new Panera Bread just opened in Costa Mesa and I went for the Big Kid Grilled Cheese.

It’s off Harbor near Target and Henry’s Farmers Market.

This Panera Bread has an outdoor patio and fireplace (indoors and out).

The new Big Kid Grilled Cheese is described below.

The bites with Applewood Smoked Bacon were divine — It’s an amazing, rich Sandwich.

Combined with Creamy Tomato Soup, it was a most satisfying lunch.

They open early for breakfast.

I may need to go back soon for the same — Extra crispy on the outside is preferred.

Panera Bread offers a good meal — Thanks!  See what we’ve said previously.

It’s hard to find a good Sports Bar.  I’ve known some bad ones.  Since becoming a Packer’s fan, it’s become important to find a comfortable and tasteful place to watch the games — One with lots of big screens, a civil atmosphere and great food (perhaps hardest to find) is most desired.  We learned about the changes happening at Dave & Buster’s and can’t wait to test out the digs this Sunday.  Read all about it (below) and check back next week for our amusement verdict.  I’ve always liked D&B’s though didn’t previously consider it on game day.

Dave & Buster’s Introduces Ultimate Destination for Sports Fans

New look offers New Sports Viewing, New Food, New Games and New Fun — Think you know Dave & Buster’s? Think again. D&B’s, the leader in all-in-one entertainment, is upping the game with the launch of its newly renovated Irvine Spectrum and Outlets at Orange locations. Combining massive 15-foot TV screens, a new menu, new games, and top to bottom upgrades, Dave & Buster’s is the ultimate go-to game day headquarters for sports fans.

Over the past three months, the Orange and Irvine Dave & Buster’s have been transformed into the ultimate destination for sport enthusiasts, with a new contemporary look and feel. With enormous projection screens and 25 huge HD TV’s, Dave & Buster’s has dining, sports viewing, and entertainment under one roof.

“We’re very excited about our new look and can’t wait to share it with sports fans,” said James Glenn, General Manager, Irvine Spectrum. “Our new sports bar is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, with new food and new games – no other place has this much going on!”

Orange County Dave & Buster’s guests who are looking for fun are definitely going to find it. Highlights of the changes include:

• Sports focused seating, three 180″ projection screens and dozens of additional large TV’s
• Signature Dave & Buster’s Million-Dollar Midway games such as Speed of Light, Quad Air-Hockey, Connect 4, Fruit Ninja and newly added Doodle Jump
• New menu items including: Poppin’ Potatoes, Bistro Steak & Shrimp, Chicken Rockefeller and Snow Cone Cocktails

The Irvine Dave & Buster’s is located at 71 Fortune Dr., Suite 960
 Irvine, CA, 92618. Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. – midnight Sunday through Wednesday; 11:00 a.m. – 1 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.

The Orange Dave & Buster’s is located 20 City Boulevard West, Bldg. G Suite 1
 Orange, CA, 92868. Hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. – midnight, Sunday through Wednesday; 11:30 a.m. – 1 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.

About Dave & Buster’s

Innovators of the restaurant/entertainment category, Dave & Buster’s was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dave & Buster’s now operates 60 large venue, high-volume restaurant/entertainment complexes throughout the United States that offer a food and fun-filled experience to adults and families. The exciting environment of the Dave & Buster’s complex contributes to each guest’s experience and also provides the perfect setting for corporate and group events. Dave & Buster’s is currently updating all of its stores to enhance the TV viewing areas and build a larger sports atmosphere. Each Dave & Buster’s offers an impressive selection of high-quality food and beverage items, combined with an extensive array of interactive entertainment attractions such as pocket billiards, shuffleboard, state-of the-art simulators, virtual reality and traditional carnival-style amusements and games of skill. Dave & Buster’s emphasizes high levels of guest service in an upscale atmosphere to create casual, yet sophisticated, ideal playing conditions.

SOURCE: Press Release from Dave & Buster’s — Read more about it here and here.

I can’t stop going on-and-on about how thin and crispy Chili’s Tortilla Chips are, and mentioned it here once before.  Though we set out to taste and report about Chili’s $20 Dinner for 2, the Tortilla Chips were triangle-stars (again) amongst generously portioned, flavorful entrees and appetizer.  There’s something HB Strips and Cheese tasting about Chili’s Chips and Salsa, which may make sense to a local!?  Maybe it’s the frying Oil and/or the Salsa is similarly sweet.  Whatever it is, I LIKE IT.  Now onto our $20 Dinner for 2.  What a deal!

We previously tried Chili’s $35 Dinner, Drinks & Dessert for 2 – Some dishes are the same as those offered for the $20 Dinner for 2, and some are different.  The main differences are the Drinks and Dessert, and neither come with the $20 special.  It can’t be that great of a deal.

We’re completely impressed with the large serving sizes and taste of all.

We chose the Crispy Onion & Jalapeno Stack for an Appetizer and the Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers and Grilled Chicken Salad for Entrees — The MENU is here.

Lots of good Entrees to choose from – I like that, and our server Bobby at Chili’s Buena Park location, who was authentically nice and proficient.  A bag of Chips to-go well with 4 ripe Avocados awaiting purpose at home.  Guacamole with more thin, crispy Tortilla Chips, ole.

We set out to have Chili’s $20 Dinner for 2 which includes one Appetizer and two Entrees, but once there we instead opted for Chili’s less advertised upgrade, the $35 Dinner for 2 that includes an Appetizer and Dessert to share, and two Margaritas and two Entrees.

To further surpass the original $20 dinner plan, we upgraded to the Platinum Presidente Ritas.

Enlarge pictured menus to assess options or visit Chili’s.

We chose the Tostada Chips & Fire-Grilled Corn Guacamole for our Appetizer.

LOVE Chili’s thin, crispy Chips — We couldn’t get over how thin they are and would go back just for them.  Have they always been this good?  I don’t remember.  Are they as thin and crispy at all Chili’s?  We hope so, but don’t know.  We dined at Chili’s Buena Park location.

For Entrees we chose the Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Chicken (above).

And the Smokey Chipotle Chicken Fajitas (above and at top).

Fixings for the Smokey Chipotle Chicken Fajitas (above and below).

Shared the Brownie Sundae for Dessert — Usually prefer something light and/or fruity, but it was good and filling.  Overall, we think both the $20/$35 Dinners for 2 are good values.

We’ll try the $20 Dinner for 2 next time, though the Margaritas are tempting.

Similar dinner specials for two can be found at T.G.I.’s Friday’s and Applebee’s.

The New Year’s Eve Block Party returns for a third year with a celebration that only the OC Fair could offer with hit tribute bands, gourmet food trucks, a demolition derby, Vegas-style games and a midnight pyrotechnic celebration, all for one affordable admission price.

For music lovers, the New Year’s Eve Block Party will feature four stages with tribute bands covering four decades of rock music:

• For the 1960’s: Hot August Night – A Neil Diamond Tribute and Abbey Road with Jumping Jack Flash – The Beatles vs. The Stones
• For the 1970’s: Heartbreaker – “Led Zeppelin Live”, Queen Nation – A Tribute to the Music of Queen and Journey Unauthorized – A Salute to the Music of Journey
• For the 1980’s: Strangelove – A Live Depeche Mode Tribute, Atomic Punks – A Van Halen Tribute and Dead Man’s Party – The Oingo Boingo Tribute
• For the 1990’s: Green Today – A Tribute to Green Day, No Duh – The Ultimate No Doubt / Gwen Stefani Concert Tribute Experience and The Joshua Tree – A Tribute to U2

For foodies, the New Year’s Eve Block Party will feature gourmet food truck grub from: Bakery Truck (desserts), Dos Chinos (Latin-Asian fusion), A Bite Truck (California fusion), Baconmania (bacon-inspired dishes), Dogzilla (gourmet hot dogs), White Rabbit (Filipino-fusion), Piaggio On Wheels (Argentinean), Garlicscapes (garlic-inspired dishes), Ragin Cajun (Cajun), Macho Nacho (gourmet nachos), Me So Hungry (gourmet sliders and hamburgers), The Burnt Truck (gourmet sliders), Shortstop BBQ (BBQ fare) and The Lime Truck (fresh California cuisine).

The NYE Bash Demolition Derby will bring the fun of mass destruction for the adventurous types and the free Vegas-style games will offer revelers a chance to test their luck.

At midnight, everyone can enjoy as the OC Fair lights up the night sky with a pyrotechnic celebration to welcome in the New Year.

Tickets are currently available at pre-sale discounts of General $37.50 and VIP $75. For those avid summer Fairgoers, a Block Party admission plus 2013 OC Fair Super Pass Combo is also available at a discounted $57.50. Prices will increase December 1 and the Super Pass combo is only available through December 20.

General admission includes access to the Block Party with standing-room-only tribute band performances, unreserved general admission seating at the NYE Bash Demolition Derby, Vegas-style games with free prizes and access to food trucks, cash bars and other food and beverage options (food and drink prices vary). A VIP ticket offers all the same access as General admission plus complimentary parking, access to a VIP lounge with a private bar serving premium liquor and specialty cocktails, two drink tickets, party favors, hors d’oeuvres, a reserved premium seat at the NYE Bash Demolition Derby and a ticket to return in the summer for the 2013 OC Fair. Group general admission discounts are also available.

Admission and parking can be purchased online at ocfair.com/blockparty or from the onsite Box Office on a limited-time basis (visit ocfair.com/blockparty for the days and hours).

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan on Facebook.com/OCFair, or follow at twitter.com/ocfair.

Note:  Above is a Press Release from the OC Fair — Nibbles of Tidbits LOVES this event and we hope to see YOU at the OC Fair’s New Year’s Eve Block Party this year.  It’s a local party where there’s much to do and it really feels like a comfortable Block Party.

It’s another Fullerton find for me — I love The Olde Ship‘s interior and real Pub feel.

The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant is British owned and operated since 1993, but a first for me and it’s my kind of place.  I like the menu, lighting, friendliness, unique seating and Fish & Chips and want to try more.  Pictured below is the Whitby Platter with Cod and Shrimp.

A toast to how hip it is inside.

Churchill’s Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding is pictured at top and Soup of the Day below.

It was Broccoli Cheddar Soup and will be Award Winning Clam Chowder next time.

Thar-be another The Olde Ship in Santa Ana that’s grand and offers live entertainment.

I’m glad to ‘finally see the brilliance’ and now light-up for a line-up of Starters to try soon.

Where can I find the BEST Bánh Mì Sandwich?  Locally all answers lead to Little Saigon.

We collected suggestions, then set out to eat at a few of them in one day.

We started at the Coffee Factory with extra strong Coffees and a Bánh Mì (Thit Nuon).

It’s a BBQ’d Pork Bánh Mì Sandwich that we’d go back for, and the Coffee too.

We were also referred to Paris Patisserie & Boulangerie aka Au Coeur De Paris for Macarons.

It’s formerly known as Le Versailles, I think.

We got a box filled with one of each Macaron flavor to go.

At Tip Top Sandwiches (below) a Chicken Bánh Mì Sandwich on a Croissant was recommended.

There are a couple Tip Top Sandwiches locations off Brookhurst around Little Saigon.

Good, but we liked the Bánh Mì at the Coffee Factory better, though vow to try more.

Also went to Brodard Restaurant for Nem Nuong Cuon and more Macarons (below).

Nem Nuong Cuon are popular Pork Spring Rolls that are wrapped in Rice Paper.

Though a favorite of many, I don’t particularly like Rice Paper over a fried Spring Roll.

And we got another box of Macarons from Brodard to try and compare.

I loved the colors and Macaron flavors at Brodard.

Gorgeous — Never thought to describe a Cookie as gorgeous, but couldn’t stop staring.

We had no complaints about the Macarons — Both boxes were above average.

Without recommendations, it seems impossible for an outsider to know where to go and what to eat in and around Little Saigon.  The above was a good start, but we’re not done searching for the best Bánh Mì and already have other suggestions on a list.  Do you have a favorite?

The 2 for $20 meal — It’s a real deal at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.

Right now at Applebee’s you get (1) Appetizer and (2) full size Entrees for $20 – See MENU.

This was our first time to an Applebee’s and we learned it’s hipper than we thought.

It’s a welcoming place for the young and the old — I like that.  Its full Bar helps too.

We happened upon ”$5 Sangria Saturdays” and appreciated the generous size glass too.

For an Appetizer, we opted for the Spinach & Artichoke Dip and would do so again.

And for Entrees we chose the Chipotle Cream Steak & Shrimp and the Three Cheese Chicken Penne.  Both were good.  Top Sirloin was served as the Steak (above) and it was tender, a must for any Steak – I never like to chew and chew and chew a Steak.

The ‘Welcome Back!’ sign shall apply next time, since we’d go back for this deal.

Cheers to 2 for $20 at Applebee’s and other specials like it – The service, atmosphere and lighting was pleasant too.  We also like the T.G.I. Friday’s 3-Course Menu for (2) for $20.  And Chili’s Grill & Bar has a $20 Dinner for Two that we plan to try (and report on) soon.

Can’t have Burnt Toast featured at the top of the page for too long – Who wants to keep staring at that?  Not me.  Our recent Brunch at the Rusty Pelican was excellent (and much prettier to see).  That’s all about it for now.  We’ll go back for more info and Champagne.

We’re forever in search of the ”this is the best one yet” Hamburger and heard good things about the Burgers at Café Beau Soleil and Crêperie at Fashion Island — So we went.

Its outdoor patio is across from Urban Outfitters.

Café Beau Soleil And Crêperie is so French — Even our waiter was French and looked familiar.  It couldn’t be that I remembered him from France, since it’s been more than ten years since I’ve been there.  No, I later remembered that he waited on me at Pescadou Bistro one time, another French restaurant in Newport Beach where you’ll find him working at night.

Toast with a Glass of Wine, but not with the one circled below — It’s 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Grigio, which probably doesn’t sound all that great in the first place, but since I like Chardonnay and my Mom (and Hamburger sharing partner) likes Pinot Grigio, we gave it a try.

And it might be the worst Wine I’d ever had — Not sure what’s up with it, but be warned.

Other than that, all was pleasant at the French Café on a beautiful day.

And we liked the Hamburger – It ranks high on our informal best Hamburger list.

We had the Le Burger with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere Cheese on a Brioche Bun and would get it again, with sure to be a better French Wine.  Cheers to many other things, including the bitchen bracelet my Mom bought at Uno de 50 shortly before our relaxing lunch.

Where should we go next sweet Mom?  Cheers to you!