Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

More rivalry and revelry at Medieval Times‘ New Show, two years in the making.

It’s now showing at the California Castle with an upgraded utensil-free MENU.

Waiting to be called for the Dinner & Tournament with a Glass of Wine. 

Guests may also enjoy the Courtyard before the show.

And the Sword Store.

All then enter the theater to join their assigned (colored) team members.

We cheered for the Blue Knight — Can’t you tell by our lighting?

Menu — Though it reads Garlic Bread, it’s Focaccia Bread with Olive Oil and Seasoning.

The show begins with the most spectacular horse (below) — It’s gorgeous and talented.

It and the free flying falcon made the show for me.

Tomato Bisque — We liked its flavor.

The Oven Roasted Chicken was juicy, tender and easy to eat without utensils.

The Pastry of the Castle was warm Braided Apple Strudel.

It struck me that Medieval Times sure employs a lot of people – Why not support it?!

I was here about 15 years ago and it’s better than I remember, and a fun experience.

There’s much hospitality at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament and the food is good.

Castles are found in eight states and two countries — Time to get into the 11th Century.

Snapshots of a colorful evening with FOOD, music, games and prizes — Happy New Year.

The surprise Best Dish of the 2011/2012 OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party (in our humble opinions) was the Crispy Brussels Sprouts from the Home Skillet Truck — With Capers, a smoky flavor and Herb Dressing, it’s quite phenomenal tasting.  We’ll try more from ‘em next time.

Met a cool dynamic of people and won (3) Tickets to the OC Fair at the Black Jack Table.

Didn’t have a Takoyaki Ball, but they look interesting with added Octopus.

It’s The Cured (above), a tribute to The Cure, one of my all-time favorite bands.

Pleasant surprises continue to happen — Unexpected good wishes to all in 2012.

Happy Moo Year — It’s good I love Milk and a Cheese Platter in the VIP Lounge.

Note:  Part (1) of (2) re the happenings at the 2011/2012 OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.

A formal THANK YOU to Cost Plus World Market for the lovely prizes and party supplies.

All were pleased by the smart kitchen tools, house decorations and gourmet Chocolates.

Thanks also go to my friends who contributed the appetizing FOOD, even the Jack in the Box Tacos cut in half, disguised as an Appetizer — That’s funny Michelle.  What do you call ‘em?  Ironically several were happy to eat them, and it was fast, easy and cheap for her.  So be it.

Always look forward to the Chocolate Dipped Oreos from Loretta — Wish I had some now.

Merci, Gracie, Danke Shoen, Mahalo, Arigato, Gracias y mas Cost Plus World Market.

A wave to you for making this 17th Annual Christmas Par-Tay a success.

I tour the world at CPWM.

It’s fun to WIN things.  I happily know it.  That might not sound humble, but I truly am.  Just sayin’ I’ve been fortunate to experience many wins (and loss).  It’s life.  Okay, too deep — It’s only about (2) Tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  Do YOU want them?

How to WIN them — Do (1) of these things: LIKE Nibbles of Tidbits on Facebook, Leave a COMMENT on this post, Follow @FoodBlog on Twitter with a Tweet or send an E-Mail to soup4you@hotmail.com.  We’ll track all and draw a name on Christmas Day.  Tickets will be sent out or delivered the next day, December 26th.  You may enter once a day.  Good luck!

Photos in this post are from the OC Fair’s Pre-Party Event, a taste of the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party happening December 31, 2011 — We went last year and had a blast.

The Garlic Scapes guy handing out Deep Fried Artichoke Hearts with a Garlic Dipping Sauce.

Fried Spinach with Parmesan and Bacon from Bacon Mania.

Garlic Sliders from Garlic Scapes, one of our favorite Gourmet Food Trucks of the evening.

Bleu Slaw and “Offensive” Baked Beans (that’s what they call ‘em) were from Short Stop BBQ.

Pre-Party glimpse of Gourmet Food Trucks – All to be at the big event on New Year’s Eve.

Everything we ate was excellent and the menus were sophisticated – Impressive and rich.

The Garlic Artichoke Dip and Chips are pictured above, and below are the mentioned samples.

We prefer the Artichoke Dip to the Hearts — It had loads of flavor and the Chips were delicate.

The Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs from Piaggio were two for $5 and couldn’t have been better.  And I got lucky this night too, by winning a Tornado Potato after spinning the pre-party wheel.

Your (2) Tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party are waiting under this tree.  Remember to enter once a day to WIN ‘em, starting now by liking Nibbles of Tidbits on Facebook or by leaving a COMMENT here or by following @FoodBlog on Twitter with a Tweet or by sending an E-mail to soup4you@hotmail.com.  I hope to see you New Year’s Eve.

The Turnip Rose Grand Newport Plaza, Celebrations and Elite Catering — A celebration to last throughout the years.  So bring your good times and your laughter too, they’re gonna celebrate your party with you.  Everyone around Orange County come on.  It’s a wonderful place for a memorable wedding (or event) and we got a taste of it.  Wow about everything!

The venue, FOOD, decor and service couldn’t be better and Celebrations couldn’t be hipper.

At a “Taste of Turnip Rose“ we tried a little (and in some cases a lot) of that being offered by The Turnip Rose Elite Catering and we’re still talking about how great it all was.

This is your sample of our sampling of the Grand Buffet, California Classics Buffet and more.

All Chicken was tender and flavorful, not commonly said about wedding reception Chicken.

We’re still marveling that each Filet Mignon being perfectly cooked.

Unique Scalloped Potatoes.

There were self serve and full service stations throughout the Ballroom at the Grand Newport Plaza.  We hit ‘em all more than once and rolled out with giant smiles on our faces — More “Filet Mignon PLEASE” seemed to be our theme of the evening.  Gracias.

And many thank you, thank you, thank you’s and WOW’s.

Mahi Mahi (below) to be plated and topped with a Cucumber Mango Salsa.

Filet Mignon and Mahi Mahi shared our third plate of food.

Flawlessly cooked Filet after Filet after Filet.

Sample table setting.

Pretty Special Martinis.

Hors D’ Oeuvres were passed by well-dressed, friendly and knowledgeable Servers.

The Mandarin Chicken (above) tasted like the Sauce was basted in — Truly tasty alone.

The adorable Gourmet Sliders have Truffle Oil, yum-and-a-half regarding that.

Additional Martini options include the Filet Peppercorn Martini and others below.

Salad Buffet.

Peanut Butter Brownie Shooters and Mini Cupcakes.

Bride and Groom Strawberries.

The service was impeccable and the affiliated DJ played great songs.

We met nice, soon-to-be Brides and Grooms including Nikki & Kyle.  Enlarge for a better view.

Sample food choices/options – You can’t go wrong with The Turnip Rose Elite Catering.

Coffee Stations, a Chocolate Fountain and Liquor injected Strawberries in the courtyard.

Lots to dip.

The Festival of Strawberries, a Sweet Things item with an injection of Kahlua…

…Amaretto, Tia Maria, Drambuie or Grand Marnier, if you so choose.

Love is Sweet! Candy Buffet for guests to pack a box to go.

Fun for all ages — We enjoyed the Candy days after the event, a lingering memory.

On to the hippest, we ended the night with a personal tour of Celebrations.

Celebrations is the most stylish OC wedding venue I’ve seen — Every detail is covered too.

It’s well designed and highlights each Bride and Groom in special ways.

Nice lighting, monogrammed floors, a photo booth, nearby Bars, changing wall photos, etc.

Celebrations is located in the former Club Vegas space, $2M later and way better.

Guests will certainly be impressed with the place now.  We are!

Choose your colors.

The kitchen is pristine too, like everything else there.  Was tempted to show the bathrooms.

As if all isn’t enough, a Farewell Table was set up with Hot Tea, Coffee and Donuts. 

Even the parking is pleasant and close to the Grand Newport Plaza and Celebrations.

We love Kelly, one of the nicest around — He runs all with his Brother and a dedicated team.

Full with a Farewell Table Donut bagged in hand — Let’s celebrate, it’s (more than) all right.

Voted the Best Appetizer at our Christmas Par-Tay was this Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.  Recipe coming soon to this blog you see now – We be kickin’ it at this moment on a sunny Saturday.

Congrats Arlene (second from right) and thanks to Cost Plus for making it extra special.

Preparing for a Christmas Par-tay by shopping at my favorite store, Cost Plus World Market.

How old are you?  Did you ever have a metal Lunch Pail?  We love the variety and nostalgia at Cost Plus/CPWM.  Would you believe this girl (me) doesn’t like to shop, but it’s always fun and interesting shopping there.  This visit Chef Nieces, Bailee and Lexi of Kids in the Kitchen model a few goods.  Bailee liked the mini Tabasco Bottles – I do too and told her that I used to carry one with me all the time, until one leaked in my purse.  That was a bummer.

Some things just need Hot Sauce, but that’s another story.

We’re supposed to be shopping for a Par-tay, better than a Par-tee.

Too many cool, stylish things — Is it the models?

Today we set out for a Gift for the Christmas Par-tay exchange, plus 10 Prizes, 4 kinds of Beer, 4 Bottles of Champagne, 4 Bottles of Wine, Munchies, Candy and Wrapping Paper.

And former Miss Downey Contestant, mi Madre still has it – Sorry Mom for writing that, hahaha.

Stay tuned for more about my 17th Annual Christmas Par-tay.  It’s always the first Friday in December.  We filled two carts with unique prizes, beverages and snacks — Ready to dig in.

We see that you’ve been searching for Halloween ideas, thus we’ve gathered our previous posts and linked them here for easy access.  How about some Fruit Punch with skeleton shaped Ice Cubes?  The hands are easily made with rubber gloves filled with water and then frozen, but you’ll need to find a creative cast to make the face.  Do you plan to decorate Halloween Cookies or Cupcakes?  If so, several ideas can be found here, here, here, and here.  Are you looking for the perfect Vodka for your Halloween Party?  How about Dan Aykroyd’s Crystal Head?  Or how about a Trick-Or-Eat Dinner at The Cellar in Fullerton?  We went a couple years ago, though unsure if it’s happening again this year.  We’ll report back about it and other Halloween ideas.  Who’s gonna check me Boo?  Happy Halloween.

Note:  Thanks goes to our Guest Blogger Steven Woo in Washington, DC for the photo.

Dibs on the slice with the Ruby Bracelet or is it a Red Vine?  Thanks TLC, Cake Boss and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte – The pictured Cake is the most expensive Cake made in the world to date.  It had a variety of jewelry pieces adorned about, including emerald bracelets, diamond strands, pearl bracelets, ruby bracelets, diamond pendants, a tiara, and more totaling $20-$30 million.  One slice here PLEASE.  Cheers to the lucky celebrators.

This weekend we highly recommend VIP Rib Village at the Orange County BBQ Bonanza.

Tender Ribs can be found within Fountain Valley Sports Park August 18th – 21st.

The VIP Rib Village experience includes all you can eat Ribs, Sides, Drinks and Desserts.

Check out The Big 6 National BBQ Cookers to learn more about the Ribs.

Entrance to unlimited Ribs and more.

Of course we tried them all several times.

Just one tasty option from Cowboys

Going back for another plate of everything.

Endless sides above, if you bother — We were diggin’ the bottomless Ribs, Beer and Wine.

There are plenty of tables with umbrellas in VIP Rib Village.

Different bands will be playing throughout the weekend — We enjoyed Grand Junction.

Some were dancing.

Others were eating.

We narrowed down our favorite Ribs to three, then tried them again – TBA.

As noted, VIP Rib Village includes all you can eat Dessert too – The cost for all is $100.  Why not make a day of it?  Enjoy excellent Ribs, good music, dancing and Drinks on a Summer eve.

He’s just sayin’…

More Ribs and Dessert in the Village.

Go in — It’s a messy, fun, flavorsome time.

Tennessee Q ended up being our favorite this kick-off evening.

And Johnson’s was a close runner-up.

You don’t have to spend $100 to try the Ribs — Event INFO is posted here.

The Orange County Fair starts this Friday, July 15th and the Culinary Arts Competition entries were due today.  It’s now baked, done and delivered and out of our hands.  The Judges are deliberating and ribbons are being awarded.  Will there be one waiting for me?  We will see.

I like driving on the fairgrounds when it’s not open — It’s like a ride.

For the first show I made Blondies and a Confection, Fancy White Chocolate Flags — Ribbon winning recipes shall be linked and posted.  The results are publicized on opening day.

One day each week I work within walking distance from Cafe Rose Express at The Promenade Event Centre & Gardens by Turnip Rose, and the funny thing is that I just discovered it.  It’s been tucked back behind my office of more than two years, but I rarely take a lunch that day, until I recently saw someone come back to the office with the most amazing looking Sandwich. 

Where did you get that Sandwich?

At Cafe Rose Express, I was told – Walking distance from my office.  What a treat.

It’s firstly a catering facility and event location that offers high quality breakfast and lunch weekly to the public through Cafe Rose Express and I’m happy to now know they do.

There are plenty of nice places to dine inside and especially out.

It’s genuinely an Oasis within walking distance.

The surroundings are beautiful and the food is exceptional.

It’s a pleasurable getaway for a half-hour or more.  Your time there seems longer.

People get married here and enjoy lunch on the lawn with a book when free.

The Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad with Zucchini Bread is pictured above and the Cafe Rose Classic Salad is below.  All Salads have been fresh and generous in size and ingredients.

We also tried the Chef’s Special, Caramelized Garlic Chicken with Pesto Mashed Potatoes and Spring Vegetable Medley.  Everything I’ve tried at Cafe Rose thus far has been superior.

I’m also converted to Zucchini Bread, as theirs is so moist and delicious.

A portion of available inside dining is pictured below.

Ballroom or event room, an option for weddings and parties.  See what others are saying.

Share a Sandwich on the grass for lunch — It’s humorous, the Sandwich that brought me here for the first time is a Sandwich I’d order last.  It was Egg Salad.  I still haven’t tried it, but it looked so fresh and grand, with loose chopped Eggs and all.  I may get around to it someday.

I just love the grounds and food and look forward to going back.

I ate today’s lunch for dinner too, as the portions are extremely generous.

I’ve yet to be invited to a wedding, party or event that has a Candy Buffet.  Will someone please invite me?  Until then, and inspired by the Candy Buffet designs of Jackie Sorkin of Custom Candy Buffet Bars, I created my own.  It’s a Mini Candy Buffet Wannabe created with my favorite flavor, Orange.  A stretch I know (and poorly photographed), but a good time.

Everyone else hoped for Cherry, Strawberry and Watermelon — Too bad, it was Orange, Tangerine, Mango, Grapefruit and Peach.  And it’s a Gummy Egg in the bottom right corner.

Note: All Orange Candy is from Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory at The Irvine Spectrum.

Our traveling Guest Blogger and Newport Beach Interior Designer, Bonnie provides her experience meeting Chef Sevaly and reports about his future after The Cooking Store…

What’s cooking at The Cooking Store? It was billed as a “Pre-Valentine’s Day Romantic Dinner,” but the meal served by uber-talented Executive Chef and Owner, Robert M. Sevaly, was actually enjoyed by us three girls, along with about 20 other cooking enthusiasts, for lunch on Sunday. On the menu was a delightful mixture of ingredients.

Mussel Bisque – According to mythology, the goddess of sensuality Aphrodite was born in the sea so it is no surprise that many kinds of seafood are considered natural aphrodisiacs. Mussels are a popular shellfish that for centuries have been considered an aphrodisiac. Now science can back up those claims as studies show that there are chemical compounds in mussels that release sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

Caramelized Onion, Bacon and Brie Napoleon - The recipe for this sexy combination is noted below.

Napa Valley Flat Iron Steak

Shoestring Potatoes

Herbs de Provence Mashed Potatoes

Grilled Vegetables

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Molten Lava Cake and Flirtinis

It was quite an experience watching and listening to Chef Sevaly create this extravaganza! Everything was absolutely delicious, and at the end of the three-hour-long demonstration, we came away quite satiated.

If you have never been to The Cooking Store before, now is the time to go as it is closing at the end of April due to the Chef’s aversion to the retail environment. He still plans on in-home demonstrations and catering of private events. And while Chef Sevaly doesn’t know if another school is in his future, he is actively seeking investors, and you can bet that he will attract them, whatever his next adventure is.

Caramelized Onion, Bacon and Brie Napoleon Recipe

1 pack Wonton Skins (cut into 4’s)

1 wedge Brie (cut same size as wontons)

1 package Bacon (cooked in the oven and then cut to the same size as the wonton)

2-3 Onions (minced)

Oil for frying

2 tablespoons Brown Sugar

3 tablespoons Honey

Salt and Pepper

Fist measure out the ingredients and complete the knife prep in the above list of ingredients. Use the bacon fat to caramelize the onions nice and slow then add the sugars and set aside. Cook the wontons in a small amount of oil so they stay flat. Build the napoleons by layering a wonton, cheese, onion, bacon, onions, and wonton. Place into a 200 degree oven just to melt the cheese, then serve.

Thanks to Bonnie for the above report and photographs.  I hope to encounter Chef Sevaly someday.  We’ll later provide a contact for him.

We had such a great time at the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  There was much to do, see and eat and the VIP Lounge started it off just right.  The set up was cozy and warm with several couches and heat lamps arranged throughout.  I’d go back next year for the same.  They did a great job — It was relaxed, manageable, stimulating, hospitable and filling.

Certain Food Truck Appetizers were served in the VIP Lounge during the first hour — From The Greasy Weiner we had the above which was good, but we really wanted the Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog that seemed to elude us.  We didn’t get the few that were served during the limited time.  Bummer.  Oh well, on to other food.

Our favorites offered in the VIP Lounge were the “Gumbolaya” and Chicken & Sausage Gumbo served by Ragin Cajun Cafe on Wheels.  Their servings were generous, spicy and tasty.

Piaggio Gourmet on Wheels was serving Empanadas.

Adult Chocolate Milk and Monster Energy Drinks were a couple of the sponsors.

The Moo Girls were handing out Adult Chocolate Milk and Chocolates flavored the same — It tastes like a White Russian, which I like.  And the girls were really sweet too.  Can you tell which one is me?

The guy being interviewed below is a Blasphemous Rumours band member/singer for the Depeche Mode tribute band scheduled to play later on the 80′s stage.  Their couch happened to be next to mine.

Wine Garden VIP Bar.

Hover over all photos to learn more.

The Burnt Truck offerings — A smiling face and juicy Sliders.

I want these Sliders again.

I didn’t have a Tornado Potato, but they looked pretty good.

More Tornado Potatoes swirling in the new year.

Dead Man’s Party, the Oingo Boingo tribute band playing on the 80′s stage.

Comedy Hypnotist Show.

Do you recognize these characters from the OC Fair?

The New Year’s Eve Bash Demolition Derby.

I think the objective is to bash into each other until you can’t start your car anymore.

It was a little hard to tell what was going on officially, but it looked cool.

There were several trophies being handed out and one big winner (below right), I think.

And Karaoke at Baja Blues — This guy wasn’t too bad.

Peeking in on Crepes Bonaparte, who had the longest line we saw this night.

And below is the Rajin Cajun Cafe on Wheels, who also participated in The Great Food Truck Race on the Food Network.  They were eliminated in week two.

We liked The Flip Truck menu and meant to mosey on back to try ‘em, but forgot.

Perhaps another time for The Flip Truck — Pondering.

Jumping Jack Flash, The Rolling Stones tribute band playing on the 60′s stage — They interestingly had the largest crowd approaching midnight.  I loved their look! 

Also in the VIP Lounge was a complimentary Photo Booth to take as many photos as you like.  What fun!  I took the one below with a couple cool new friends.  Thank you and Happy New Year – So many nice people out this 2010/2011 evening.

Near the Main Mall at midnight, in the right place at the right time — A good way to start 2011.

FREE Ferris Wheel and Super Shot Free Fall Rides were happening all night long.

God Bless America.