Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

We’ve tried Pieology Pizzeria, Blaze Pizza, Pizza Studio and now Pizza Rev — All craft your own Pizza places.  Our new favorite is… Pizza Rev for its ultra-thin crust, though most others are good too.

Although Pizza Rev’s crust is thin, it stands up to too many Pizza toppings — It stayed crunchy, not soggy.  When able to add unlimited toppings at no extra charge, we tend to add too many, but still want the Crust to hold it all together.  Our Pizza Studio Pizza was good, but its Crust supported toppings the least, thus we didn’t post about it at the time.  It may have been a bad day for them.

We like Pizza Rev, short for Pizza Revolution, a better name, but perhaps it’s taken by another.

The Pizza Rev in La Habra has a small bar area, where we enjoyed Beer and Wine with our Pizzas.

Pizza Rev’s prices aren’t bad — I appreciate a whole Pizza with unlimited toppings for around $8.

I like the craft your own Pizza movement — I can finally have all the Pizza toppings I want without worrying about the extra cost.  All will suffice, especially Pizza Rev and Blaze Pizza at this time.

If we learn of others, we shall try and compare them too.

I used to love it, but it’s all over now — It’s the Pizza at The Getty Center.

It’s different than when I had it a couple years ago.  I wanted it to be the same memorable Pizza I last had there, but it’s now as pictured (above).  I didn’t try it, since it was the wafer thin crust that I liked best about the previous Getty Center Pizza — Boo hoo, but we still had the spectacular view.

Start looking forward to better photography on Nibbles of Tidbits, by Matt and his new camera.

Did you know that you can make a Pizza Dough using only two ingredients?  You can.

Two Ingredient Pizza Dough is made with Self Rising Flour and Plain Greek Yogurt.  I heard about it and had to try it.  And it’s true, it works with (1 ½ Cups of Self Rising Flour & 1 Cup of Plain Greek Yogurt).  I simply combined the two, then kneaded both into Dough.

It didn’t take much time or effort to convert into a blank Pizza canvas.

I made a basic Pepperoni & Pineapple Pizza, with a Pineapple homegrown by my husband, I might add.  I also added Pizza Sauce, Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese — Other Recipes.

The Pizza was baked in a preheated 450° oven for 12 minutes and all turned out well, though the flavor of the Pizza Crust is a little bland and would taste better as a Three Ingredient Pizza Dough with the addition of a little Salt — That’s what I’ll make next time.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

What do you see below?  Not Chicken Tenders.

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

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

Fresh Knots reiterated (above) — Yum.

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

We love to build our ideal Pizza for a fair fixed price and can now do it at Blaze Pizza.

Tell them exactly what you want on your Pizza and they’ll make and blaze it for you.

Pick a Sauce, Cheese, Meat and/or Vegetables, or mix a few, several, or all if you like.

Blaze Pizza offers Kalamata Olives, Pineapple, Roasted Garlic and Red Bell Peppers, sautéed Onions, Jalapenos and Artichoke Hearts, all my favorites, and more than what’s shown here.

Its Thin Crust cooks fast and we realize we like Blaze Pizza slightly better than its local competition, Pieology, which has nothing wrong with it, but Blaze fires ahead in flavor.

One just opened in La Habra and others will be opening soon throughout Southern California.

The Pizza above was made with 1/2 Classic Red Sauce & 1/2 White Cream Sauce, and the other (top) was made with a Spicy Red Sauce and various toppings — We want another.

At Pieology Pizzeria, I can finally get all the Pizza toppings I want without worrying about cost.  I usually limit Pizza toppings to 3 max, otherwise it gets expensive.  Here it makes sense to have more.  For one price — $7.95 — You can have them all if you want.  And it’s fast too.

It’s easy — Just go through the assembly line and tell them what you want.

What kind of Sauce?  What kind of Cheese?  1/2 and 1/2?  Simple?  Complex?

It’s all up to you.  Want more Pepperoni than generally allotted?  You can have it — I like that!

To simplify, you can also choose one of Pieology’s 7 Specialty Pizzas from $6.45 – $7.95.

It’s a nice sized Pizza with a perfectly crisp, thin crust, for one or two people.

A friend of mine works at a movie theater near a Pieology Pizzeria and says many sneak Pieology Pizzas into the theater.  I’m not sure how, but it’s done.  And he says… it’s the most coveted leftover by those cleaning theaters — Some like it so much, they’ll eat a stranger’s last slices if they’re left in the theater.  Yikes!  I surely wouldn’t do that (hahaha), but it goes to show how good it must be, or theater employees need to eat before going to work.

Have you tried Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria in the Downtown Disney District?

If not, you may want to skip it — Not because it’s bad, but because it’s ridiculously priced.

Disney related prices are high indeed and going up, as recently reported.

After watching a Food Network Special on Pizzas, I had been craving a great one — Naples Ristorante E Pizzeria was the first Pizzeria we stumbled on after the show.  It didn’t satisfy, mostly because I have an aversion to being gouged.  Our “Individual” Pizza (pictured) was $19 and the next size up is $32.  We got the Finocchiona Pizza, which is made with Salami, sautéed Onions, Tomato and Mozzarella.  Again, it wasn’t bad, but I know there’s better.

We appreciate taste and value in a Pizza — It makes us happier on earth.

It’s not about me here, but some have asked… “Where have you been?”  Though FOOD is the star (and heart) of Nibbles of Tidbits, its publisher (me) is getting married in a week.  Oh boy!  So, I’m still here, but currently busy seeing the world through heart shaped glasses.

Notwithstanding, there’s big stuff coming here, after the REALLY big stuff happens.

I love this low calorie Banana Split (above) — Maybe I should marry it. 😉

Photo credits are linked here, here and here, respectively.  Thank you.

Though you can’t see the Meatballs in this photo (above), it’s a Meatball Sandwich from Two Saucy Broads in Fullerton.  They’re reported to make some of the best Meatballs around, says Yelp.  Since I’m in the process of moving to Fullerton and was nearby, I gave them/it a try.

The Sandwich is called Mom’s Meatball Parmesan — It’s different than the average Meatball Sandwich in that it’s baked in Pizza Dough, similar to a Calzone, but they don’t call it that.

Also pictured are two Pepperoni Pinwheels with a side of Marinara Sauce.

Both were very good and I love the name… Two Saucy Broads (one is pictured below).  Though the original focus was on the Meatball, it’s the Sauce and Dough that I liked best.

Once settled in, I’ll go there again, once they’re settled in their new, larger location too — They plan to move from Commonwealth to Hyland in Fullerton by the end of the year.  I’ll be there.

The Idaho Potato Recipe Photo Contest — Now this contest moved me.  I’m already in with a similar, but different photo than above.  It’s a cool contest!  I receive a lot of email regarding cooking/recipe contests, new food products, new menu items, new restaurants, new cooking shows, new cookbooks, national food days and all things food related.  Though I’d like to try, participate in and/or review most, there’s not enough time in a day, even so I appreciate all.

If unlimited toppings, add Jalapenos, Artichoke Hearts and Roasted Garlic to the Pizza.

Pie Society is inconspicuously set within the back of Pitfire Artisan Pizza in Costa Mesa.

When I first read… Experience the Speakeasy Sanctuary from Tedium — I thought, what?

It’s Pie Society, a separate, connected, somewhat secret Bar, open Tues. – Sun., from 5p.m. to “Close” whenever that may be — Enter through Pitfire Artisan Pizza, if you can find how.

There’s also a back entrance to this speakeasy-type Bar — I love the idea.  It makes it cool.

And you can tell from its look, menu, drinks and related peeps — It is cool!

The Bar is framed with parts of the old Marie Callender’s Pie oven that once occupied the spot.

Pie Society has its own Signature Menu, with mostly different food than Pitfire Artisan Pizza.

Prior to its opening last week, media got to experience the reminiscence of Pie Society.

Signature Menu items are pictured throughout and ‘loosely described’ herein from top down.

Loosely, yes, since the Pie Society House Drinks and Iconic Selections positively detonate!

I tried a few and the El Primo with Sombra Mezcal, Home-made Lime Cordial, shaken with a Lime Wheel was a favorite.  I fell for Mezcal at Pie Society — Good thing I walked there.

Cheers to El Primo (above), the Pool Side (below) and the Hemingway Daiquiri — Ask for ’em.

I can’t name all pictured Pizzas, but Pie Society offers a few from Pitfire and a few unique to it.

It’s very dark inside which is part of the fun, but it makes it tough for photos.

Food media events bring out the best to capture ALL best.

Drinks Stars — I love the house-made (almost) everything… Juices, Syrups, Cordials, etc.

When there, sliding doors sometimes open up to a Pizza oven and additional seating (below).

The view back into the Pie Society Bar area (below).

See the exit sign in the Pitfire Artisan Pizza restaurant (below)?  It’s a way in to Pie Society.

Pizzas are exceptional on both sides of the building, at Pie Society and Pitfire Artisan Pizza.

We tried a Trio of Bread & Butter Pickles with Sriracha and Dill, Pastrami Peanuts with Smoked Sea Salt, and Smoked, Marinated Olives, and Superba Fried Chicken, Tater Tots with Chorizo Fondue, Crispy Dim Sum Shrimp, Cheeseburger Hot Pockets, Kimchi Deviled Eggs and Sweet & Sour Crispy Pork Belly.  The Chorizo Fondue and Pork Belly stood out as superstars to me.

I felt big love and blow its cover.  Another provides more information here.

We enjoyed stiff Cadillac Margaritas, Pizza and more at Black Knight Gastro Lounge (new and improved) at The Triangle — It once was on 17th Street as The Little Knight, a cool dive bar.

It has a more polished, clean look and a larger outdoor patio, something I usually hope for in a place.  Pizza is available inside and at times via the pass-through window adjacent to it.

The Cheese Platter was generous in size and unique with spicy, sweet and colorful Cheeses.

Our Salad (forgot which one) was good to share too — Check their website menu when it’s up.

Upstairs view from The Triangle at Broadway and Newport Boulevard.

And the Wild Goose Tavern has landed at The Little Knight — It too looks spiffier.

We look forward to trying it, especially the Grilled Romaine and Truffle Herb Fries.

It’s easy being cheesy.

At The Getty Center in Los Angeles surrounded by works of art indoors and out.

A tasteful way to spend a day B at the Get-TAY — It ain’t no ghetto. We sang… At the Get-TAY.

A Banquet Piece by Pieter Claesz (1630), a favorite of our food related selections is pictured above — Others are woven between photos of pristine grounds and architecture, spectacular views, and surprisingly great Pizza.  Admission is FREE to see all.  Parking is $15.00.

Flowering Maze over a reflecting pool — Go through it on a boat. JK, it’s just for viewing.

Still Life Tea Set by Jean-Etienne Liotard (Circa 1781).

City and ocean views are framed within 30-inch square grids of travertine — Beauty abounds.

Still Life with Grapes and Other Fruit by Luca Forte (1630).

There are endless angles to appreciate at The Getty Center.

The Restaurant (below) offers Brunch and sophisticated Lunch and Dinner MENUS.

And the Cafe at The Getty Center is located below it.

The Cafe is somewhat cafeteria-style offering convenient, prepared and cook to order food.

We opted for the Pepperoni Pizza, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.

It (above) unexpectedly turned out to be one of the best Pizzas I’ve ever had.

Cheers to the Pizza — I’m ready to go back for IT, more exhibits and new views.

Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Pomegranate by Jacob Van Hulsdonck (Circa 1620).

Just a few of the 360-degree available views.

Still Life with Fish, Vegetables, Gougeres, Pots and Cruets on a Table by Jean-Baptiste Simeon Chardin (1769) is shown above, and more architectural wonder is modeled below — A photography student’s or wide-eyed explorer’s jackpot is at The Getty Center daily.

Did you know that Vincent Van Gogh’s Irises (1889) is there too?

Sit amongst courtyard fountains and well manicured trees — Nothing is out of place.

The Museum Store is entertaining in itself with its unique items for play and purchase.

We were at the Get-TAY at the right time to see one of infinity beautiful sunsets.

And A Maid Milking a Cow in a Barn by Gerard Ter Borch (Circa 1652).

Is the cow on the left looking at us?  I loved its face in person and miss him already. 😉

We saw (and ate) some thaaangs!  Don’t miss it.

There’s another 2 For $20 Deal to be had at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse.  We’ve been trying to find them all — Similar deals are at Chili’s, T.G.I. Friday’s and Applebee’s.  We loved BJ’s Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza, Pickles and all!  It really tastes like a Cheeseburger.

Not sure how long you’ll get 2 Salads, a Pizza and Dessert for $20 — Hopefully really long.

We toast to that — Please offer this deal forever BJ’s!

We had an ideal Wedge Salad and Caesar Salad with no complaints.

The previously mentioned Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza (below) is crazy good.

One-upping other 2 for $20 Deals, BJ’s comes with Dessert.

It’s called a Pizookie and ours was 1/2 White Chocolate Macadamia Nut and 1/2 Cookies N’ Cream — It’s a warm, baked Cookie that’s topped with Ice Cream and a dollop of Mousse.

We happily dissected it pretty well — It’s a fine Trademark Dessert indeed.

Photos were taken at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Downey, California.

Day vay-kay to get away from the persistent heat — We escaped to Lake Arrowhead and watched the temperature go down as we drove up the mountain.  Awe, oooo, wow, awe…

Cheers to that — We then enjoyed food baked for various visiting and local species.

It was Beer and Pizza at Lake Arrowhead Village Pizza for we the people.

And a special gourmet treat for Leon (Our Pet Treat Judge) from Three Dog Bakery nearby.

The Pizza was good, but we were most impressed with the extra frosty mugs — Cool stuff!

The view was beautiful and weather comfortable with an umbrella.

Every bite of all shown was consumed and followed by a partial walk around the lake.

Lake Arrowhead, so close, yet so far away — Take the high road to cooler, fresh ground.

Lake Arrowhead Village is extra happening during Oktoberfest — It starts later this month.

I’ve come to realize that any tasting at Pizzeria Ortica is going to be scrumptious.

We loved the opportunity to try several dishes on Pizzeria Ortica’s Fall/Winter Menu.

Many are pictured here and fully described below — Eat dish packed a lot of flavor.

I was reminded how good this restaurant is — Don’t let it go undiscovered.

Can you match the photos to the dish descriptions?  Hope so, as they’re not retyped.

The “Chick” (directly above) — Crushed San Marzano Tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is simple and plain looking, but so good.  It’s named for a customer with standing reservations who inspired and loves it.  I surprisingly loved it too.  Thanks Chick.

And other favorites included the Pork Belly Terrine, Pancetta e Zucca and Ricotta Gnocchi.

The photos don’t do the food justice — We’re most impressed after each visit.

They also offer space for group mixers up to 60 people and a private dining room for 35.

We look forward to going back soon for more of the same — All was that delicious.

Thank you Pizzeria Ortica!  Enlarge MENU for a better view.

It’s what I daydream about.  Forget shopping — Is it time to eat again? 

It was a pleasure to see you here at this communal table at Pizzeria Ortica.

Pizzeria Ortica is set to launch a new round of three-course Italian family style dinners.

The restaurant occupies the old Turner New Zealand spot and I love its East Coast feel.

Our food appreciative group felt like family after sharing Verdure and Panzanella.

Also known as Grilled Zucchini, Cippolini Agro Dolce, Roasted Green Beans and Marinated Eggplant, and Baby Heirloom Tomatoes, Cucumber, Green Onions and Basil with Rustic Bread.

Mint Salsa Verde, Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, Peas and Cippolini — Yum.

Roasted Nectarines with Mascarpone Cheese and more I’m not sure about, but it was good.

We’re always looking for a tasty outdoor patio too — Pizzeria Ortica goes on that list.

Blurry I know, but I like its sentiment — Sharing a Brown Butter and Hazelnut Torte.  Grazie.

Update:  Upcoming dinner dates for the Italian family style dinners are July 31^st, August 28^th, September 25^th, October 30^th and November 27^th.

Linked is Food Network Magazine’s compilation of the Best Pizza in each state — To see the magazines choices and learn which Pizza made the cut in your state, click here.  Pictured is one of our local favorites found at The Beachcomber in Newport Beach, California.

Will walk for food — Pondering language variations and communication this day.

Will the real Pie in the Sky PLEASE step right up?!  Is it a Pie Pie or Pizza Pie?

Let me know the way to the right bite. 😉 Where’s the snipe?

This story isn’t food related, except for the California Pizza Kitchen in my car when it happened.  A few years ago, I was driving home from work with CPK, irrelevant to the story but continue… I was wearing prescription sunglasses when I left the office, then was later at a stop light after the sun set.  I didn’t switch to regular glasses, since I was almost home.  And while waiting in the left turning lane, I noticed a guy in a car on my right frantically trying to tell me something.  A little sketchy, but I cracked the window to hear what he was revving to say.  And it was simply this… “I guess the sun never goes down for cool people.”  Although he dissed me, I thought it was one of the funniest things I’ve heard.  That’s right, I’m a So Cal native with CPK in the car and now the sun never goes down for me.  Cool!