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Archive for the ‘Party & Event Food’ Category

The OC Fair Is Coming, The OC Fair Is Coming: Fab Annual Occurrence.

July 5th, 2017 No comments

The Fair will be at the Orange County Fair Grounds starting Friday, July 14th.  And we can’t wait. We will be there on July 22nd for a media event.  And before and after that date, because we love the OC Fair.  More about this year’s Orange County Fair to be reported here on Nibbles of Tidbits.

Western Theme Graduation Party Ideas: Congrats Chef Niece Bailee.

June 19th, 2015 No comments

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Congratulations Chef Niece Bailee of Kids in the Kitchen — She graduated from high school and had the BEST American-Western Themed Party I have ever seen.  It was stylish and delicious.

Grad Party Ideas

Her name was spelled on painted wood in rope, wild flowers were displayed throughout in cowboy boots, burlap was used as tablecloths, and photos of Bailee were perfectly peppered throughout.

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Strawberry Lemonade was served in mason jars.

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Homemade Tamales, Rice and Beans were served with a variety of fresh Fruit and Vegetable Salads, along with Chips & Salsa.  And there was an amazingly set Dessert Bar for all to enjoy.

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The Dessert Bar included Pies, Cakes and Cookies ready for the taking.

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My only contribution to the party was the giant Mother Load Cake from Claim Jumper.

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I took the easy way out while my sister’s friends, especially Wendy, created most of what’s pictured, which doesn’t do all justice.  Wendy also decorated my Wedding Shower a while back and it was equally impressive.  She should start a business and charge for her chic helpfulness.

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And perhaps it should be called Wonderful Wendy?!  Just a thought.

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We’re also very proud of Bailee (below with my mom) for her accomplishment.

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Love them!

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To top it off hand-made streamers with photos of Bailee growing up hung across the windows.

Grad Party Ideas

This had to be shared as great ideas for your next party

Boots with Wild Flowers

Camp Blogaway 2015: Seventh Annual Camp For Food Bloggers.

May 13th, 2015 No comments

 

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In a beautiful mountain setting with food bloggers from around the country, I learned more about FOOD, food photography, sponsors’ ingredients, food-related careers and food blogging in general.  It was my first time at Camp Blogaway.  I’m glad it’s held in California.  One blogger flew from Morocco to attend, and others I met came from Oklahoma, New Hampshire, Oregon, Idaho, etc.  Those I recall now, but all attendees are linked here.  It was interesting to meet people that do the same things around the world and locally, and other accomplished food industry people.  I appreciated all of it.  Camp Blogaway was a 3-day whirlwind of food-related workshops, tastings, nature walks, and mingling with Wine and Coffee.  Snapshots of my experience are posted below.

Lodge

I arrived early with Chef Marie, an awesome lady and carpool buddy who made my trip great.

Name Badges

Do you see me?

Setting up Lodge

I assisted with set-up while enjoying the view from the lodge.

View from Lodge Deck

Enlarge photo below to view the 2015 Itinerary.

Intinerary

Wine from Wente was on the itinerary each evening — A Highlight.

Wente Wine

Cheese from Cabot with Wente Wine on the lodge deck was my favorite combination.

Cabot Cheese

I loved the Cheese Ball Pine Cones by Cabot with the Almond Board of California Almonds.

Pine Cone Cheese Ball

I will someday be making a Cheese Ball Pine Cone with Almonds and Rosemary, as shown.

Session Speakers

Session Panel with Lana of Bibberche and Louise of Geez Louise, moderated by Foodie Goes Healthy.

Phil Lempert

Session Panel with the Average Betty who interviews Phil Lempert, the Supermarket Guru, regarding his experiences, knowledge, opinions and expertise, which was informative.

Photo Class

My favorite session was the Natural Light Photo Workshop with Christina Peters.  She’s a great teacher — I learned a couple things, but need to learn more, as indicated by too many photos.

Chef Marie

Chef Marie (above) made tasty North Carolina Sweet Potato Smoothies with Davidson’s Safest Choice Pasteurized Eggs for arriving campers on the first day of camp.  I had several cups.

Chef Marie Books

Chef Marie has written at least 12 books, including the Saint-Tropez Diet, a few are shown above.

Food Line

Though we were a bunch of food bloggers, it was camp and it wasn’t fancy, but everyone was nice.

One Dinner

I tried my first White Sweet Potato (above) from North Carolina Sweet Potatoes and liked it best.

Cabot Cheese

I was in Cabin 5, pictured below.

My Cabin

All preparing to take the annual Camp Blogaway group photo.

Group Photo Prep

Patti Londre, our Fearless Leader, leading the successful way.

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Camp Blogaway happens each May at De Benneville Pines Conference Center in Angelus Oaks.

Camp Info

After Camp Blogaway I asked myself… What is it I want out of food blogging other than opportunities to try food?  I have ideas.  I’d love to sell Shelly Jellies, my award-winning candy someday, or work with a brand I truly believe in, or just keep doing what I’m doing.  All are pretty great.  I cook anything I want and my husband loves it, and we luckily get to try all kinds of FOOD, and only the food-related products we’re interested in.  In other words, I’m content and I’d like more, but to obtain whatever (more) might be requires work and diligence to make it happen.

Sixteen Candles Style Anniversary Celebration With A Fresh Cake Top.

February 3rd, 2015 1 comment

Anniversary Cake

Happy One-Year Anniversary to us, Freis West (above) — It’s told to be tradition to save, then eat the top layer of one’s Wedding Cake on one’s One-Year Wedding Anniversary.  Though the idea is romantic, I wouldn’t look forward to eating it.  Would you want a year old Cake?  Or would you prefer a fresh Cake, just like the one you had on your wedding day?  We opted for a fresh Cake and got it, because we were married at The Turnip Rose Promenade & Gardens, as previously reported. It’s how they do it.  You’ll get a fresh Cake one-year later, if married there too.  Our Cake was white with a Raspberry Mousse filling and Whipped Cream topping.  All is highly recommended.

Sixteen Candles Movie

As shown, we celebrated Sixteen Candles style — We call ours ‘One Candle’ for one sweet year of marriage.  What fun we had in our Las Vegas hotel room, with our Cake propped on an upside-down ice bucket, as we sat on the window sill/air conditioner overlooking the Stratosphere.  Our Anniversary Cake took us a year back, and we hope to be doing this again sixteen years later.

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: Ideal Spot To Celebrate A Dog’s Birthday.

November 10th, 2014 No comments

Leon at Lazy Dog Cafe

His name is Leon (above) and he just turned 8 — We celebrated him and his birthday at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar at Cerritos Mall.  It’s an ideal place for a Dog’s Birthday or any day, since dogs are allowed on their patio and served a complimentary Bowl of Water.

Lazy Dog Cafe Cerritos

It’s a good place for adults too, though it was Leon’s day, but we pay. 😉

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We tried the Sangria Sampler — The White Peach Sangria (middle) was my favorite.

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The Lazy Dog Hand Crafted Drafts Sampler hits the human spot too.

Beer Flight

Leon chose the Grilled Chicken Breast and Brown Rice from the Dog Menu.

Leon's Birthday Dish at Lazy Dog Cafe

He ate all quickly, much how he eats everything, and appeared to like it.

Leon's Birthday at Lazy Dog Cafe

We had the Brick Oven Spinach & Sundried Tomato Cheese Dip (below), which could use more Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes, but the Cheese combination is good.

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And the Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla — Overall, Lazy Dog’s food is consistently good.

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Afterwards we went for a walk along Dog Beach in Huntington Beach.

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It’s a true dog day afternoon at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar and Dog Beach.

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There’s a Dog Friendly Patio at the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar — Enlarge photo to read their Patio Rules and don’t be shy, bring your dog with you, especially if it’s his or her birthday.

Totally 80’s Bar & Grille In Fullerton: Oh Good, It’s In The Hood.

October 5th, 2014 No comments

Totally 80's Bar

We can walk or bike to Totally 80’s Bar & Grille in Fullerton — It’s a relatively new Bar, Restaurant, Dance Club & Karaoke Bar in the neighborhood.  It occupies the space of a former Mexican Restaurant, Bar & Event spot.  There’s little change to its exterior other than the somewhat cheesy sign (sorry).  Its theme caught our attention and made it a must stop.

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I love 80’s music and inside it’s a whole new retro world — We’re impressed!

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It’s well decorated and fun throughout.  We’re unsure about the “Grille” part of Totally 80’s Bar & Grille, as we only tried the ‘Totally Awesome Tots’, which appear to be popular.  We tried two of the three offered — The Chili Cheese Tots and Nacho Cheese Tots.  The third, Tots Poutine includes Gravy and an Egg.  Good combinations.  The Tater Tots were crisp, but a bit expensive ($10), if not from their Late Night Menu ($6) — We’ll try the Tots Poutine then.

Totally 80's Bar - Robert Smith

Robert Smith (above) of one of my favorite bands, The Cure — We’re definitely going back to try and photograph more.  Actual 80’s bands, real and cover play here too.  We’re monitoring their events schedule.  Welcome to the hood Totally 80’s Bar & Grille.  Great to see you!

Related — That 80’s Bar in Montclair and New Wave Restaurant in Lakewood.

The ‘Real’ Fresh Brothers Pizza-Salad-Wings Land In The OC.

August 24th, 2014 No comments

Fresh Brothers Pizza

The real brothers of Fresh Brothers Pizza-Salad-Wings are pictured above at the opening of a new Fresh Brothers in Newport Beach.  It’s their first in Orange County.  I’m not saying they’re fresh, but their Pizza is.  And they really are brothers, but their last name isn’t actually Fresh.

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Their Pizza is good, but I fell for the Fresh Knots aka Garlic Bread tied in a knot and dusted with Parmesan Cheese, served with Pizza Sauce on the side.  I’d make a meal of it.

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Their Pizza liked me too — Thumbs up to much success.

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Samples of most items were offered to media invitees and passers by this day — Thanks Bro’s!

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Fresh Brother’s Wings are baked and never fried — They offer 6 different kinds.

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Meatball Sliders served on Kings Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are available too.

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What do you see below?  Not Chicken Tenders.

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They’re Vegan Tenders that seem like Chicken and they’re pretty good too.

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One of my plates (above) — All was enjoyable.

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Fresh Knots reiterated (above) — Yum.

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They also offer Make-Your-Own-Pizza-Party packages for kids — A fun idea.

Quick Reference Baby Shower & Bridal Shower Food Ideas.

July 24th, 2014 No comments

Baby Shower Idea

I’m not sure where the baby shower idea and photo (above) originated, but think it’s adorable, thus post it here along with my favorite bridal shower FOOD idea (below).

Wedding Shower Idea

More baby shower food ideas are here — More about my Cupcake Bridal Shower Cake is here.

Photo Anniversary Cake From Albertsons: Happy 50th Mom & Dad.

June 15th, 2014 No comments

Anniversary Cake

We got this Cake for our parents 50th Wedding Anniversary — It’s them on the edible topping.  They were impressed to see it and so were we.  It’s from Albertson’s Bakery.  It tasted good too, with a Whipped Cream Frosting, Vanilla Cake and Strawberry Filling.

Taste Of The Nation Laguna Beach: Eat Well & Fight Childhood Hunger.

April 23rd, 2014 No comments

Taste of the Nation

CHEFS COOK TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD HUNGER IN LAGUNA BEACH AND ACROSS AMERICA

Montage Laguna Beach will host 7th annual Share Our Strength Taste of the Nation® Laguna Beach event on June 8, 2014 at the oceanfront resort.  A handful of celebrity chefs are coming together to prepare fresh farm-to-table delicacies to further Share Our Strength’s mission to end childhood hunger in Orange County and across the nation. Attendees will enjoy an afternoon of delectable dishes, wine, signature cocktails, and picturesque panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean at Montage Laguna Beach.  In addition to fabulous food and drinks, the event will feature a silent and live auction and live entertainment by local band The Kalama Brothers.

As contributors to the charity, guests can choose between the following event packages: 

• Celebrity Chef Tasting 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $200 per person or at the door for $225 per person.

• VIP “Meet the Chefs” Reception 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Complete the night with VIP treatment and a sunset toast. Enjoy the Celebrity Chef Tasting followed by an after party to mingle with the chefs. Valet parking and post-event gifts are included. Tickets purchased in advance are $275 per person and $300 at the door.

Executive Chef Craig Strong of Studio, Montage Laguna Beach’s Signature Restaurant, will be joined by the following talented celebrity chefs:

  • Chef Nina Compton – Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, FLA
  • Chef Alan Greeley – The Golden Truffle, Costa Mesa, CA
  • Chef Duff Goldman – Charm City Cakes, Los Angeles, CA
  • Chef Brian Huskey – Picca, Mo-chica, Paiche, Los Angeles, CA
  • Chef Lee Smith – Executive Pastry Chef, Montage Laguna Beach, CA
  • Chef Alan Wong – Alan Wong’s Restaurant’s, Honolulu, HI

One in five children in this country struggles with hunger — The good news is that this is a solvable problem. The No Kid Hungry campaign is ending childhood hunger in this nation by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day by connecting them to nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals and by teaching families how to cook healthy, affordable meals at home.

Since summer 2011, No Kid Hungry efforts to expand access to summer meals and school breakfast have helped connect kids to more than 34 million additional meals. The No Kid Hungry campaign is replicating that success around the country by working collaboratively with its partners to feed millions of American children.  In 2013, Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach raised over $200,000 which helps connect children in need with up to 2 million meals.

One hundred percent of ticket proceeds from Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach benefit the No Kid Hungry campaign, thanks to generous support from National Presenting Sponsor Sysco, National Sponsors American Express and Food Network, and local sponsors Montage Laguna Beach, Mangia Inc., Celebrity Cruises, Southern CA Gas Company, Epstein Becker Green, Orange County Restaurant Association, Congenial Spirits, Aqua Panna, Bread Artisan Bakery Inc. and Orange Coast Magazine. Local beneficiaries include Second Harvest Orange County Food Bank, Community Action Partnership of OC, Father Serra’s Food Pantry (@Mission San Juan Capistrano).

To purchase tickets for Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach visit http://ce.strength.org/events/taste-nation-laguna-beach.

About Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® Campaign

No child should grow up hungry in America, but one in five children struggles with hunger. Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need to effective nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals and teaches low-income families to cook healthy, affordable meals through Cooking Matters. This work is accomplished through the No Kid Hungry network, made up of private citizens, public officials, nonprofits, business leaders and others providing innovative hunger solutions in their communities. Join them at NoKidHungry.org.

* Above re-printed from a Press Release with approval to use photograph.  Previous Taste of the Nation reports on Nibbles of Tidbits are linked here and here.  It’s an important fight!

Howdini Video: 7 Easter Celebration Ideas In 2 Minutes 20 Seconds.

April 18th, 2014 No comments


Happy Easter from Nibbles of Tidbits — More food PLEASE and much THANKS for all.

Having Our Cake & Eating It Too: Quick Wedding Recommendations.

March 12th, 2014 No comments

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We’re still looking back fondly while settling in.  Did you see our Wedding Cake?  It was perfect!  Not only did it look cool, but it tasted great too.  We highly recommend Creative Cakes and a few other superb wedding vendors noted and linked herein.  Check them out.

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These photos and hundreds of other amazing ones were taken by Tremble Media.  We love them all and the professional Wedding Video they shot and edited for us.  They captured it all.

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The Turnip Rose Promenade & Gardens was the BEST venue for us and people are still talking about the FOOD.  We appreciate so much about them — Quality, service, beauty, etc.

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And Photo Booth On Wheels did a great job too — Nice people run it.

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And mustn’t forget the Most Fabulous DJ around — Andy Nation.  Wow!  He’s an awesome, organized, professional person to work with and did an excellent job at our wedding.

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Everything was lovely, seamless, tasty, entertaining and pleasantly memorable THANKS to all.

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We’d DO it all again the same way.  Thank you!

Creative Cakes OC: Custom Wedding Cake With Turnip Rose Package.

January 27th, 2014 No comments

Wedding Cake

Nice package indeed — We LOVED our Wedding Cake by Creative Cakes in Orange.  It came with the Wedding Package offered by The Turnip Rose Promenade & Gardens in Costa Mesa.  Our experience with both was superb!  We called it (above) our Graffiti Cake, since it was piped with amusing words and sayings related to us.  It looked cool and unique and tasted amazing.  As a bonus (also part of The Turnip Rose Package) — Instead of freezing the top layer of the Cake to eat it on our one-year anniversary, a tradition, Creative Cakes will bake us a fresh Cake to enjoy in its place.  We’ll just call around that time to tell ’em what we want.

Shower The People You Love With Food: Show It’s The Way You Feel.

December 18th, 2013 No comments

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I’m grateful to be back to share (not enough) photos from a beautiful Bridal Shower.

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It’s mine — This stylish and tasty day was prepared for me (pictured in the Berry spoon).

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I feel showered by love and well displayed, satisfying, glorious food — Thank you so much!

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I’d been absent from here for good reason — To partake in this, move and finally reconnect.

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Is this (above) not the cutest Bridal Shower Cupcake Cake you’ve seen?  I just LOVED it!

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After the first guest arrived, I stopped taking photos of the food, thus missing the hot dishes… Quiches with Green Chili’s and Bacon, and delicious Potato Casseroles topped with crunchy Corn Flakes — With Mimosas, all was/is tailor made for a Special Bridal Shower Brunch.

Thanksgiving Day Vegetable Platter: Could You Recreate This?

November 9th, 2013 No comments

Thanksgiving Veggies

How to contribute to Thanksgiving — Make this Turkey Vegetable Platter for your family and/or friends.  One friend is making this for her family on Thanksgiving and she’s going to send us a photo when it’s done.  We’ll be posting it here in an update.  That ain’t no jive.

The Promenade Event Centre & Gardens: Choose Your Favorites.

August 11th, 2013 No comments

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Do you have an event coming up?  I recommend The Promenade Event Centre & Gardens by The Turnip Rose.  I worked within walking distance from it and enjoyed its gardens and many introspective lunches at Cafe Rose Express.  And now, a couple years later I have an event.  Photos here are from a tasting event held there for current and potential customers.

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Pick a date, package (if applicable) and food favorites, and all shall be great.

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Mini Sliders & French Fries, Seared Ahi, the best Chicken Skewers ever, and more are options as Hors d’oeuvres — Taste all and choose a favorite for your event.

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Crab Cakes too — Contact The Turnip Rose directly for actual choices and official dish names.

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The service has always been exceptional at all Turnip Rose venues and events.

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Your choice of an Entree is also in order — A small sampling of a large sampling is below.

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Several Chicken, Fish and Steak selections are available.

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I need (at least) one more tasting to be sure.

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Dessert Bars, Cappuccino Bars, Candy Bars and Beer & Wine Bars by request, oh my.

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Rock Candy Swizzle Sticks for the Coffee Drinks — I want them too.

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It’s a comfortable and classy indoor/outdoor Event Centre with great food to consider.

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If getting married and/or having a reception, a Wedding Cake by Creative Cakes is included.

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Cheers to all — Thanks for coming.  Okay, let’s party now!

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See you in January and in between with possible reports leading up, then happily ever after.

Cupcakes On National Hamburger Day In National Hamburger Month.

May 28th, 2013 No comments

Hamburger Cupcakes

Today is National Hamburger Day in May, National Hamburger Month — It’s okay, have one.

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The only way to have a Cupcake is with a Brownie in the middle — It’s the Burger part of the pictured Hamburger Cupcake.  To make the rest, simply cut a Yellow Cake Cupcake in half, top with a round-cut Brownie, yellow (for Mustard), red (for Ketchup) and green (for Lettuce) Frosting, and then top with other half of the Cupcake and Sesame Seeds.  Dessert of the day.

Taste Of The Nation Laguna Beach Hosts Annual Culinary Event.

May 15th, 2013 No comments

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Tickets aren’t cheap, but have immeasurable value.  We last attended in 2012.  For more information, see official Press Release below.  Photos were taken during last year’s event.

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THE HOTTEST CHEFS COOK TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD HUNGER IN ORANGE COUNTY AND ACROSS AMERICA — SOS’s Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach Hosts Annual Culinary Event.

Hot chefs, restaurants, and mixologists will gather for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation®, the city’s premier culinary benefit. Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach will raise critical funds needed to support Share Our Strength’s® efforts to end childhood hunger in Orange County and across the nation. This year’s event will be held on June 2, 2013 at the beautiful Montage Laguna Beach from 4pm to 7pm, with a VIP reception beginning at 4pm.

More than 9 of Country’s finest chefs will participate in the gastronomic event. Along with Executive Chef Craig Strong, participating restaurants will include Lee Smith – Montage Laguna Beach, Lizzie Binder – San Francisco, Josiah Citrin-Mélisse – Los Angeles, Chris Crary – Santa Monica, Jenn Louis-Lincoln – Sunshine Tavern, Portland, Nick Roberts & Brooke Williamson – Hudson House/The Tripel, Los Angeles, Alan Wong – Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Honolulu. Guests will enjoy the finest foods paired with wines and cocktails.

In addition to fabulous food and drinks, the event will feature an auction of extraordinary items including, A Wine Preservation unit from Sub-Zero filled with wonderful wines from the Jackson family valued at over $2,500. Sub-Zero’s 315W Model is a built-in single-zone wine storage unit with a capacity of 26 (750 ml) bottles. At 15″ wide, this undercounter unit is perfect for those installations where space is an issue.

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“We are thrilled once again to be back at the beautiful Montage and are grateful for their generous support and the support from our amazing celebrity chefs! Because of their generosity, 100% of our ticket sales will go to ensure No Kid Hungry is a reality in Orange County,” said Teresa Siriani Event Chair, Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach Area charities that will benefit from this year’s event include Community Action Partnership of Orange County and Second Harvest Orange County Food Bank. Since 1988, Taste of the Nation has raised more than $82.5 million, including more than $125,000 in Laguna Beach alone.

With more than 16 million children facing hunger in America (that’s almost one in five), and 200,000 in Orange County Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is more vital than ever. The event raises funds to end childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Funds raised through Taste of the Nation events support No Kid Hungry, Share Our Strength’s campaign to end childhood hunger in America.

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“An end to childhood hunger in the United States is within reach,” said Bill Shore, Founder and Executive Director of Share Our Strength. “With all the participants in Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach sharing their strength, we are creating more resources to help the children of Orange County and our great nation receive the nutritious food they need to live healthy, active lives.”

Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network, ONEHOPE Wine, Emmi Roth USA, Cavit Collection Wines, OpenTable and S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach is locally sponsored by Lexus, Celebrity Cruise, Orange Coast Magazine, Epstein Becker Green, Evans Family Foundation and ICG. One hundred percent of ticket sales support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger.

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Tickets for Taste of the Nation Montage Laguna Beach are $150 for General Admission and $250 for VIP and can be purchased by calling 1-877-26-TASTE or visiting TasteOfTheNation.org.

About Taste of the Nation
Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® is the nation’s premier culinary benefit dedicated to making sure no kid grows up hungry. Each spring and summer, the nation’s hottest chefs and mixologists donate their time, talent and passion at nearly 40 events across the United States and Canada, with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to support Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign to end childhood hunger. Taste of the Nation is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network and in select markets by ONEHOPE Wine, Emmi Roth USA, Cavit Collection Wines, OpenTable and S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. Since 1988, Taste of the Nation has raised more than $82.5 million. To purchase tickets or to get involved, visit TasteOfTheNation.org.

About SHARE OUR STRENGTH’S NO KID HUNGRY CAMPAIGN
No child should grow up hungry in America, but one in five children struggles with hunger. Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need to effective nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals and teaches low-income families to cook healthy, affordable meals through its Cooking Matters program. This work is accomplished through the No Kid Hungry network, made up of private citizens, public officials, nonprofits, business leaders and others providing innovative hunger solutions in their communities. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.

California Wine Festival: Days Of Wine Tasting Near The Beach.

April 23rd, 2013 No comments

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Grilled Fish Tacos from Rubio’s.

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Sushi from Mahé.

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White Chocolate Dipped Strawberries from Celebrity Cruises.

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

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

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

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

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One fine day.

Formal Place Setting Example: A Reference For Those Who Care.

March 28th, 2013 No comments

Table Setting

I want to pull up a seat in front of this setting — Looks like much is about to be served.

Classy Up Jell-O Shots In The Cut Of An Orange Wedge.

February 9th, 2013 No comments

Jello Wedges

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a Jell-O Shot, but the pictorial basic recipe and linked unique recipes (here, here and here) cause me to want to make and serve ’em at a party.

The Taste Awards At The Vibiana: Yes We’re RED-dee To Eat More.

January 19th, 2013 No comments

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At the 4th Annual Taste Awards with Cat Cora, an award presenter and recipient.

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This year I was one of numerous Judges — Award Winners were announced in December.

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Medals were handed out at The Taste Awards Ceremony at the Vibiana this January evening.  Flipping Out won for Best Home Decor and Design Program, as represented by Jenni (above).

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P. Allen Smith presented a few awards — A fine fellow we just met.

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All went well, no one slipped or tripped, but the sound could’ve been better.

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The Vibiana is grand and gorgeous — Inside it glowed in RED, pink and purple.

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Outside there was little food — We liked what we ate, but hoped for more.

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Can you guess the meat?

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It’s Goose for Goose Tacos — Plain looking and simple as can be, yet quite tasty.

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Above is a Potato/Chorizo appetizer of some sort from the Idaho Potato peeps.

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Plates with a hole for a drink glass (above) may be cooler than the people below.

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Champagne? Tequila? Thanks for offering.

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Too much Tequila for our Idaho Potato Guy — Had to chill on the bench for a while.

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Below:  Me on stage pretending to present an award after the show was over, and with my friend Michelle, pretending others are taking pictures of us — In between are Caramels by Amella and the address of the Vibiana.  Thanks for the invitation.  It was a good experience.

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I’m hungry, but happy.  Tommy’s or Pink’s sounds good.

Dave & Buster’s: More Sports, Food & Entertainment For All.

January 14th, 2013 No comments

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

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

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

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

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This visit we ate and played really well together.

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

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

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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.

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

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Cheers to more SPORTS at Dave & Buster’s.

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Giant screens to watch favorite teams are scattered throughout.

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Walk and roll your way to fun and games.

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

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

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…Winner’s Circle for a variety of PRIZES.

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

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

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

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