Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Off Street Café — It’s off a street alright, but twice I could hardly recall where.  I now know it’s off Studebaker and Artesia in (yes) Cerritos and it’s worth finding, especially for breakfast.

We last enjoyed the Eggs Benedict, a Southwest Skillet and a Coconut Pineapple Muffin.

Off Street Café’s English Muffins are surprisingly extra good — They’re made in-house I’m told.

The restaurant was once featured on Restaurant Impossible with Robert Irvine.  Chef Irvine revamped their Dinner Menu and a one-and-a-half-day renovation gave Off Street Café a French provincial, livelier atmosphere.  It looks okay, but we prefer the old fashioned counter.

We took the train to LA for the Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown, then walked to Philippe, The Original and Olvera Street — All are within walking distance from each other.

The Dragons and Confetti Poppers were the best part of the parade.

Nearby in Chinatown, Sugar Cane was being pressed – As a kid, I remember a lot of Sugar Cane being sold on Olvera Street, but didn’t see any available whatsoever.  I wonder why?!

The most expensive Ginseng we saw was $899.00 per pound — Wow.

And then we went to Philippe, The Original.  It’s family owned and operated since 1908.

They claim to be the Home of the French Dip Sandwich and lines can be too long.

The lines are weird too — One line becomes ‘pick the best of several’ that lead to the counter.

Note it’s cash only — A French Dip Sandwich was once 35¢.

We both went with the Beef French Dip, though Philippe’s offers several Meat options.

Ours was with a Pickled Egg, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Lemonade and Iced Tea.

Okay, I’m sorry to say… It’s just okay.  I’m not a fan of pre-dunk Bread.  It makes the Sandwich soggy.  I’d prefer to dip it with each bite.  I’m told to have it with Philippe’s Mustard next time and wish I had it this day, since I’m not sure I want to stand in line for it again.

I’m happy to have tried it, which is good enough for now — We’ll see about next time.

Gone with remnants of wet Bread left behind.

Don’t get gas here (above) near Philippe’s and Olvera Street — It’s a bigger rip-off than usual.

The start of one side of Olvera Street (above).

Food and reflections of today (above) and yesterday (below).

The Kitchen at Avila Adobe, the oldest existing residence in Los Angeles.

The Dining Room — I wanted to sit and eat, again.

Another full day of food and fun together.

UH-LOW-HAH Aloha Roll (above) — We can’t wait to go back to Sapporo Sushi (f/k/a Niko Niko Sushi) to have it again.  It’s made with Baked Pineapple, Spicy Tuna, Avocado and Mango.

A Tempura Special Roll of some sort (above) for another table — It sure looked good.

We also had the Hungry Roll (above), which is layer upon layer of texture and flavor.  It’s over the top.  Watching it be made was crazy – It’s got Shrimp Tempura, Spicy Tuna, Popcorn Shrimp, Avocado and Crab.  Sapporo Sushi is near CSULB off PCH/7th Street in Long Beach.

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.

Perhaps the best Blackened Catfish we’ve had is at the Reel Inn in Malibu off PCH.

We took a drive along the coast and love where we landed (all day long).

We’d go back to the Reel Inn for the very same thing and more after I study the menu.

I wanted to buy the Cajun Spice but they don’t sell it and wouldn’t tell what’s in it.

It’s a Fish Market and Restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.

Pictured above is Spuddy Freis aka Mr. Potato Freis who traveled with us – We’re dorks.

View across the street from the Reel Inn (above).

On the way to Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, near Malibu.

Still on PCH heading towards Mr. Magoo or something phonetically like it.

What a find — It’s the Old Place (below) and we’re so glad we peeked inside.

It’s a (circa) 50 year old BAR in a 100 year old building with cool people inside.

We appreciated the smiling guy singing with a guitar and genuinely friendly patrons.

Cheers with a non-fancy Wine glass — We’re told to try the Steamed Clams next time.

Loved the Old Place – It’s stylish all around it with unique shopping and Wine Tasting too.

Finally made it to Paramount Ranch on a mostly overcast day, but all was historically beautiful.

Paramount Ranch – It’s where many old westerns were filmed and a fun place to explore.  You’re free to roam around and play outside the Saloon, Barber Shop, Sheriff’s Office and other structures – We cracked up making short, funny videos that we’re still laughing at.

Back to the Fish in Malibu (hopefully someday) and more of everything this day, please.

We’re working our way through the best deals in town and Chili’s is alive and kicking.

We’ve previously posted about Chili’s 2 for $20 deal here and here — And since it’s so good, we keep going back for more.  Recently added to the choices is the Mango-Chili Talapia (above) and we tried the Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla and we’re still in HEAVY like, next.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of my favorite Burritos is the Junior Super Deluxe at El Tarasco in Manhattan Beach.

It’s been about ten years since I’d been there and had one, and it tastes exactly the same.

LOVE the Chips and Salsa there too — We used to drive miles to get there at midnight.

This day we walked a couple miles along the surf from Hermosa Beach — It’s worth it no matter how you travel to get there.  Enlarge MENU for a better view.  This first El Tarasco has been open since 1969, and though prices aren’t the same, they’re definitely reasonable.

It won’t take another ten years to sink my teeth into another one — I’ve got the fever again.

Note:  It’s a tiny place only a counter long — Sometimes you wait, other times you don’t.

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!

Official exploration and documentation of FOOD in Fullerton kicked off at Moodaepo’s.

We spent two days sampling food in Fullerton’s SOCO District (South of Commonwealth).

At Stadium Tavern (above), we had Salads on the patio — The top special was a Lump Crab Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Avocados with a Basil Oil and Balsamic Reduction.  We relished both Salads on a sunny afternoon.  Have you been to Roscoe’s Famous Deli (below)?

The Sandwiches are crazy tall — We needed an extra pair of Bread.  The place is cool too.

We had the Harbor Sub (above) and the Silly Billy (below).

On top of all that jazz, its twinkling atmosphere glows ready for any kind of patron.

My Fullerton restaurant Tour Guide (below) doing who knows what at Roscoe’s.

After all, we toasted to life with a customized Iced Tea from Tranquil Tea Lounge.

Refreshing and flavorful on this hot day — We’ll get it hot on a cold day, someday.

An informative and nice bunch run Tranquil Tea Lounge — And you may smell any of the labeled jars.  It’s how we decided what to drink.  They are well identified and pungent.

Its limited menu is inviting and it’s casual and artsy inside.

We’ll be scouting the streets to choose where to go next in Fullerton.  Check back.

I’ve previously written about The Cellar too — It’s within walking distance from (or in the same building as) Stadium Tavern, where we’d gladly have another Salad.  I’m learning that Fullerton has much to offer in the way of FOOD and people.  I’m ready for more.

Oh what a night, early September back in ’33 — As I recall it ended much too soon.

We stepped back into the 1930′s for a Progressive Dinner on the Queen Mary — A delight!

It started in the Observation Bar with Canapés and Specialty Drinks, progressed to Chelsea’s Chowder House & Bar for Appetizers and more Specialty Drinks, then continued at Sir Winston’s Restaurant for a most incredible Dinner with Wine, and concluded in the Tea Room for Dessert, Coffee and Digestifs.  The MENU is posted above — Enlarge for a better view.

In the Observation Bar we joined fellow Food Bloggers and various media peeps for Canapés.

Cheese, Figs, Cherries, Almonds, Pomegranate, Honeycomb and Lavosh.

We liked the Brie & Kiwi Canapé best, but mostly anticipated the rest.

My scarf matched our first Specialty Drink called a Purple something?!  Don’t ask too many questions, as some things became purple-hazy progressively.  Each drink was just so pretty.

Pay no attention to the woman behind the purple, she’s excited to explore the Queen Mary.

On to Chelsea Chowder House & Bar with Stasha of Coastal Food & Wine and several others.

Stop two of four for sophisticated appetizers and new colorful drinks.

A favorite was the Bass Ale Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Shallots and Natural Jus.

Also pictured, the Maryland Style Crab Cake Slider and Truffle Fries.

Chef Todd Henderson made all shown and described on the menus above — Thank you!

View on the way to Sir Winston’s Restaurant, stop three and having an amazing time.

Up the stairs for the best yet to come.

Tables set in a historic place for a refined meal amongst the most discerning.

I wanted to do it all again, before the first bite of Beef Wellington – Oh what a meal.

Truffle Sauce, Sea Scallops and Wild Mushroom Chevre Strudel (with my sweetie Freis), oh my.

And it was on to the Tea Room for Dessert and farewells.

It was hard to pace myself throughout, as I wanted everything available at each stop.

Bravo and thank you very much — Nothing lacked this evening but my capacity.

It was an honor to be aboard the Queen Mary and nice to meet Commodore Everette Hoard.

He knows a great deal about the ship — Say hello to him onboard.

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.

At Woody’s Wharf on Labor Day, one stop on our ten mile walk – It’s how we roll on a holiday.

In Newport Beach, we pretend to be somewhere far away, though it’s nice to be able to walk there. And we toast to the Smoked Fish Appetizer at Woody’s Wharf. We’d go back for it.

No more labor on this Labor Day — That’s what it’s for, right?! Signing out for now.

Brunch at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment aka Italian Grill and Jazz Club.

I’ve liked Spaghettini for years, but hadn’t experienced their Brunch.

Thanks to a friend who won Brunch for Two at Spaghettini’s, I got to partake.

Spaghettini’s Brunch is $49.95 per person for (1) off the menu Entrée and Buffet.

And Bottomless Champagne — Something I always appreciate in a Brunch.

Pictured are just a few of the Entrée Choices (above) and Buffet offerings (below).

It’s nice they don’t overwhelm with too many options, instead a well-prepared, fine amount.

The quality, taste and selection of all made me happy.

Unlimited Champagne with hours to enjoy the Buffet and Entrée makes for a great Sunday.

I particularly liked the Artichoke Dip (below) — It’s much tastier than it looks here.

On to Dessert – Again, not all offerings are shown here.  There’s a lot more.

One bummer about Spaghettini’s Brunch is… No food will be packaged to-go.

I guess Spag’s doesn’t want you to mow down the Buffet to take your Entrée home for later.

That’s what I’d do (written above), but instead I have to think to myself… I don’t want to load up on the Buffet so to save room for my Entrée, since I can’t take any of it home.  Darn.

See MENU at top to learn more about the Sea Bass, Salmon and Sirloin Steak revealed herein.

The Wave 94.7 broadcasts live from Spaghettini during Sunday Brunch and some danced to the smooth jazz playing in the lounge.  In a Wave giveaway, my friend won the basket above.