Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

OMGosh, I’ve missed the LBC.  I lived in Belmont Shore and Belmont Heights in Long Beach for several years before relocating to Huntington Beach, then Costa Mesa.  I have a lot of great food and fun memories there.  It’s a cool city with vast food finds.  We skated the Long Beach Bike Path beginning to end, from Ocean/54th Place to Shoreline Village, like I have hundreds of times before — It’s nicely paved for skating.  

We had Shrimp, Chicken and Beef Fajitas, Side Salads, Chips & Salsa, Coronas and Margaritas on the Tequila Jack’s patio in Shoreline Village, which offers a few good restaurants to choose from.  This visit we attempted to eat at The Yard House, next door to Tequila Jack’s — BUT instead had an incident.  Since we skated, two were in socks and one in shoes.  Nevertheless we received an electronic transponder after reserving a table at The Yard House.

We secured 3 chairs at the bar to wait for a table to be available, then the YH Manager came over to tell us he couldn’t serve us due to the socks and we had to leave.  Real cool huh!?  I know there are rules, but was it necessary that we essentially be kicked out?  We weren’t walking around, we were going to be sitting outside, and looked and acted respectable otherwise.  He wouldn’t even allow us to wait outside until our patio table was ready.

I think the Manager’s non-flexibility was ridiculous — Our socks were gorgeous and would ultimately be under the table.  His fear of litigation and lack of case by case discretion lost our business.  THUS we had a lovely lunch at Tequila Jack’s, where they plainly saw our same state yet sat us without question.  Aside from this experience I like The Yard House and its food, but today we liked Tequila Jack’s much better.  The service was terrific.

More INFO: http://www.shorelinevillage.com/tequilajacks.html

Taco Tuesdays at Tequila Jack’s:
http://theguide.latimes.com/long-beach/restaurants/taco-tuesdays-event

8 Steers Fish & Steakhouse Restaurant is located in Costa Mesa off busy Harbor Boulevard.  Since I’m within walking distance from it a couple days a week, I’ve been trying a few Sides and Sandwiches for lunch.  So far we’ve tried the Cajun Fish Sandwich, which comes with a choice of Coleslaw, Chips and something else (tba).  The Fish on this Sandwich is Basa Fish.  It’s a type of Catfish I’ve never tried before.  It was a nice piece and the texture is similar, but I can tell I like Catfish better.  And I didn’t care for the Bread it’s served on — It got soggy, but the Remoulade Sauce made it all okay.

The Brussels Sprouts Side is a generous serving and pretty good.  It’s different and seems to have Bacon and Horseradish or Wasabi in it.  And I like their Coleslaw — It’s more Vinegary than Mayonnaisey.

Pictured above middle is Ginger and Scallion Mashed Potatoes, another uniquely flavored Side — They’re good too.  I really like 8 Steers’ menu and look forward to trying and reporting about more.

8 Steers DIRECT: http://www.8steers.com/

What is Basa Fish?: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basa_fish

8 Steers’ Kobe Sliders:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2009/05/09/many-steer-by-8-steers-on-harbor-stop-in/

UPDATE 08/01/09:  It appears they are no longer open for Lunch, just Dinner and Happy Hour starting at 4PM.

It’s our second visit for lunch at The Veggie Grill at The Irvine Spectrum.  This time we tried the Sweet Potato Fries served with Chipotle Ranch and loved both.  And the “Bali Bliss” which is Indonesian styled Tempeh that’s sauteed and grilled, then served on a Bun with Chipotle Ranch, a tasty Relish, Lettuce, Tomato and Onion — It’s best with a side of their yummy Pesto.  And “Steamin’ Kale” with a Ginger Miso Dressing and Roasted Sesame Seeds.  As previously reported on Nibbles of Tidbits, the service is friendly and the food is fresh.  There’s a couple interesting Burgers we’d still like to try.  Check back soon.

Last time we had the Baja Fiesta Salad and Bean Me Up Chili.  See Review HERE: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=4617

The Veggie Grill: http://www.veggiegrill.com/

Have you seen 8 Steers Fish & Steakhouse Restaurant off Harbor near Sunflower?  I finally stopped in.  It doesn’t look like much on the outside, but it’s a nice escape inside.  The decor is stylish and the ceiling is two stories high.  They’ve got a great sounding menu too. 

This day I tried their Kobe Sliders to go.  I occasionally work in an office across the street, so I walked there for lunch.  These Kobe Sliders were well made and flavorful, much attributed to the Horseradish Mayonnaise and Sweet Rolls, a good combination with the Burgers.  It’s worth stopping in 8 Steers instead of just steering by it fast down Harbor Boulevard.  I look forward to trying more there soon.

8 Steers Fish & Steakhouse DIRECT: http://www.8steers.com/

UPDATE 08/01/09:  It appears they are no longer open for Lunch, just Dinner and Happy Hour starting at 4PM.

Our office had Pollo Asado Soft Tacos from the Taco Factory today for Cinco De Mayo.  The Chicken is marinated in Lemon Spices and Charbroiled.  It has a very good flavor, but some of the pieces had too much gristle.  Overall, the Tacos were enjoyed by most — 7 out of 8.

Taco Factory DIRECT: http://www.tacofactoryinc.com/

Coach’s Mediterranean Grill & Bar in Huntington Beach always seems to provide good service and food.  This day we only had time for a quick bite, thus had the Hummus and Falafel with Pita Bread — The Falafel is served with Tahini, but we recommend it with Tzatziki.  The Hummus looked like a work of art within a wave.

Coach’s Mediterranean Grill & Bar is on Main Street in “Surf City” and a short walk inland from the Pier.  It’s an airy indoor/outdoor restaurant with good Mediterranean food and people watching from the patio.  And just down the street a New Exhibit at The International Surfing Museum  just opened — It’s Part One: The Wooden Years, an Exhibit on Board Shapers.  My friend Bonnie, an Interior Designer put the entire Exhibit together.  On opening day I popped in right when she had time for a bite, so we walked to Coach’s with our Opening Party Mai Tai’s — Shhh.  All was fab!  If local or visiting, be sure to check out the Surf Museum.  Live Bands occasionally play in the parking lot too.  And P.S.  There are a lot of good restaurants on HB’s Main Street.

Related Links:

http://www.coachsmedgrill.com/

http://www.surfingmuseum.org/index1.html

http://www.ci.huntington-beach.ca.us/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falafel

http://www.bonniejoydesigns.com/

This sunny day we stopped by Las Casuelas in Palm Springs for Lunch, which is when I learned that I prefer Dinner on the outdoor patio near the Live Band.  Las Casuelas is a great place for live music and dancing — And the food is most often good.  I’ve had the best of times there on wonderfully warm evenings with large groups of my favorite friends.

And I’ve had a lot better Dinners at Las Casuelas than this lunch — Too many pieces of our Salad Lettuce had brown patches, and the Tacos were seemingly small, dripping with grease and didn’t have enough Cheese.  Hhhmmm — I hope it goes better next time.  Happily the Mango Margarita was refreshing and perfectly blended.

It’s beautiful in Palm Springs right now (April) — The weather is perfect.  It was nice and warm day and evening, without being too hot.  It’s clear and the mountains still have snow on top.

Las Casuelas: http://www.lascasuelasquinta.com/

Have you heard of The Veggie Grill?  It’s a small chain that I heard was good — So a couple of us tried it today for lunch and liked it.  I’m not in love yet, but the food was fresh, the restaurant was clean and the service was extra friendly and helpful.

We visited The Veggie Grill at The Irvine Spectrum.  It’s a semi fast food type of place, whereas you order and pay at the counter, then they deliver your food on real plates with silverware.  This first visit we both tried the same, a Baja Fiesta Salad and Bean Me Up Chili for the Soup & Salad Combo.  They also offer a few interesting Veggie Sandwiches and Burgers we’ll need to try next time.

The Veggie Grill: http://www.veggiegrill.com/

We didn’t have Steak at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Palm Desert, so we’ll definitely need to go back for that.  Until then, we liked what we had this visit and the service was terrific too.  It’s a busy place and appears to be where everyone is in Palm Desert.  Good thing we made reservations, because it was packed.

We enjoyed a 1/2 lb. of King Crab Legs, Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce, Roasted Chicken Vesuvio Style with Garlic Herb Potatoes, and Blue Cheese Meatloaf with Horseradish Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Mushrooms, Onions and Bordelaise Sauce.

The Banana Bread Pudding was one of the BEST Desserts I’ve had.  It was warm inside and crispy around the outside.  I’ll get it every time and want to put a spoon into the photo.  Sullivan’s has almost 20 restaurants in many states across America (Illinois, North Carolina, Arizona, Texas, Delaware, etc.) — I’m glad there’s at least one in California.  It makes me want to go back to Palm Desert.

I’ve learned that Sullivan’s Steakhouse will be opening several new restaurants in the future — That’s great news.

For the locals, Orange County’s 1st Happy Hour Week is happening NOW until April 18, 2009.  After reading a few of the participant’s menus, we excitedly chose Bayside Restaurant.  The TAPAS they’re offering are fantastic.  It’s hard to decide what to get, because all 16 of them sound amazing.  I wish I had time to go back before the deal ends — Right now all Tapas are $5.95 (each).

From top to bottom, we shared the Smoked Scottish Salmon, with a Warm Blini, Lemon Aioli, Capers, Dill and Onion — Grilled Lamb Chops with Potato Puree and Mustard Sauce.

Bresaola (Air Dried Beef) Carpaccio with Arugula and Parmesan — And Medallion of Venison with D’Anjou (Pear) and Spiced Red Wine Sauce.  WOW, we highly recommend the Venison.  It’s so tender and flavorful.

As you can see, it’s high quality food for less than $6 — Carl’s $6 Burger PA-LEEZ give me a break.  Can someone out there PLEEEZ serve this through a Drive-Thru?

More about OC Happy Hour Week:
http://www.happyhourweek.com/

Bayside Restaurant: http://www.bistango.com/bayside.shtml

Kimera Restaurant • Lounge has little signage on the outside and its Complementary Valet Parking may be a little tricky to locate for some, but you’ll find it — And it’s truly worth finding.  The food is excellent.  We enjoyed all aspects of our meals, the Meats, Sauces and Sides.  All was top notch.

This evening we had the Chef’s Special which included Shrimp in a Beurre Blanc Sauce and Steak — Unfortunately I don’t have the eloquent description of the Steak and Sauce as it was presented by the Server, but all was cooked perfectly.  And we had the Boneless Pork Rib Rack Chop with Cremini Mushrooms, Soft Polenta and White Truffle Essence.  It was fantastic too, especially the Mushroom Sauce. 

Kimera is a pretty stylish place — The lounge appears to bring in a good crowd, but don’t forget the dining room.  It’s got a lot to offer too.  In fact, they’re currently offering a few incentives to enjoy the restaurant.  One is 50% Off Food on Monday Nights, a terrific value for high quality food.  I’m not sure how long that enticement will continue — Forever would be good.

And for Dessert we tried the “Birthday Cake” a la Mode with Banana, Strawberries, Chocolate Sauce and Candied Walnuts, YUM.  And the Flour-less Chocolate Torte.  I learned that Kimera’s operators and staff truly want you to have a great experience.  You need to get over there and treat yourself — I’ll be going back soon.

Kimera Restaurant • Lounge: http://www.bistango.com/kimera.shtml#

Cooking Demonstration at Bloomingdales: http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2888

There was a lot of fanfare today and FREE Slices of Pizza at the new Domino’s Pizza location on 17th Street in Costa Mesa — They moved across and down the street and today they were giving away Free Pizza Slices between 11AM and 1PM.  I tried the Cali Chicken Bacon Ranch, one of Domino’s American Legend Pizzas.  Loved the Bacon, but my slice didn’t come with Chicken.  It was still good and with a little more Sauce I’d have it delivered.

To celebrate their Grand Re-Opening, Domino’s Pizza also had a couple Laker Girls signing stuff and employees were waving from every corner for two blocks.  You couldn’t miss the hoopla if you were driving by, so hopefully you stopped and got your Free Slice of Pizza.

Domino’s Pizza DIRECT: http://www.dominos.com/home/index.jsp

Here we visited the Roman Cucina Restaurant in Costa Mesa.  They are also in Sunset Beach, Laguna Hills and Fullerton.  The service is good and I like the decor, especially the chandeliers at Costa Mesa’s Roman Cucina off Newport Blvd.  This night we had the Shrimp Scampi with Penne (above), and the Pasta Rosa with Chicken Milanese (below), which needs an extra side of Sauce for the Chicken — Once received we were happier.

And we had the “Ala Checca” with Spaghetti, Olive Oil, Garlic, Roma Tomatoes and Basil.  All dishes were served with really good Bread and a Salad — They’ve got a tasty House Italian Dressing too.  This location has indoor and outdoor seating and a fabulous, hip and comfortable atmosphere.

More INFO & Menu:  http://www.romancucina.com/

Bandera is part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group — A collection of high quality restaurants that serve great food.  Walking from the nearby beach in Corona Del Mar (CDM), we stopped in Bandera on PCH.  This day we had the Sliced Leg of Lamb with Red Chili Sauce and Escabèche.  I love the Escabèche and want to go back for more.  The Lamb was good too, but I’m not sure about its presentation — It looked a little deflated. 🙂

Halibut was the Fresh Fish and we got it with the Braised Red Cabbage and Goat Cheese.  The Halibut couldn’t have been better and I recognize the Cabbage from Houston’s, another Hillstone Group Restaurant.  And I’ve previously posted a Copycat Recipe for the Braised Red Cabbage HERE on Nibbles of Tidbits.

Copycat Braised Red Cabbage Recipe:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/2008/08/11/houstons-restaurant-braised-red-cabbage-with-goat-cheese/

Bandera American Cooking Restaurant INFO & Menu:
http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/bandera/

A Vegetable Escabèche Recipe:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=522006

I usually like to emphasize the good about a meal or location, thus if you’re a Salisbury Steak fan you’ll love this Burger.  I’m not saying that’s what it is, but the taste and texture hijacked my taste buds down that road.  Aloha Grill’s Hula Burger appears to be more dense than other good Hamburgers, and I think I tasted Salisbury Steak, whatever that really is, HA.  Is it just me?  Do you have an opinion about AG’s Burgers?  I got this Hula Burger from the Costa Mesa location just off Newport Boulevard.  It’s always good to have a new place to eat in town.  And I’m glad to see that it’s been busy, as I want all restaurants to succeed.

This Aloha Grill & Tiki Bar appears to pull in more of a Tiki Bar crowd and looks to be a good place for young partiers to hang out on a sunny afternoon.  Most of the restaurant seating seems to be on the outside, which I love.  This day it was understaffed, but the waitresses were nice and tried their best.  I may go back with a friend to try one of their drink concoctions and reassess the food.

Related Links:

http://www.alohagrill.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury_steak

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1266

The “Special Menu” is the Cheesecake Factory’s New Small Plates & Snacks and Specialties Menu.  Here we had the Beets With Goat Cheese Salad and a Margherita Pizzette.  The plates are “small” as they note, but the prices are small too — Each was $4.95.  It’s a better lunch than fast food for the same price, except for the tip. 🙂

Related Links:

http://www.cheesecakefactory.com/menu.htm

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1960

Most people go to Ruth’s Chris Steak House for the Steaks (obviously), but don’t overlook their Appetizer Menu.  We happily enjoyed the Sizzlin Blue Crab Cakes, with huge lumps of Crabmeat that come sizzling in Lemon Butter.

The Shrimp served with the Shrimp Cocktail is also large and come served with Cocktail Sauce or Remoulade Sauce.  We had to get both, which are above par in taste.  The Remoulade Sauce is extra impressive and flavorful.

The Barbecued Shrimp (above) is sautéed New Orleans style in reduced Wine, Butter, Garlic and Spices.  We especially liked the Garlic flavor in the Sauce, and it comes ready with pre-dipped Bread.

And the Veal Osso Buco Ravioli comes with Sautéed Spinach.  It’s more than an Appetizer.  Their portions are good.  One should consider Ruth’s Appetizers as an excellent meal addition, or a substitution to Steak and possibly a way to have a great meal and save a few bucks.

To me, the Sweet Potato Casserole with a Pecan Crust is Dessert.  It’s served as a Side, but preferred by many as a Dessert.  Some get it served with Ice Cream.  We visited the Irvine location and found the Chef, Manager, Bartender and all staff friendly, proud and knowledgeable.  We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and visit.  Thanks Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Irvine.

Related Links:

http://www.ruthschris.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2623

http://www.ruthschris.com/Menu/Appetizers-and-Soups

I’ve come to love this restaurant — Tradition by Pascal in Newport Beach serves spectacular food and offers excellent friendly service.

This day we had the Lunch Prix Fixe Menu, which is a great deal.  It includes a choice of four Entrées — Three are pictured here.  Starting from the top on down are Pascal’s Baked Chicken Crêpes with Gruyere, Rainbow Trout with Steamed Organic Fingerling Potatoes and Caper Meuniére, and My Mother Therese Homestyle Cooking, which is Veal, Broccoli Rabe and Fettuccine.

The Lunch Prix Fixe Menu also includes one of three Starters.  We chose the Homemade Pâté and Soupe Du Jour, which was a Puréed Vegetable Soup without Cream.

We were celebrating a Birthday, so they customized one of the Desserts with a candle.  This day it was Flan.  We added a Lemon Tart for a little more sweetness.  A Chef’s Choice Dessert or Glass of House Wine is part of the Lunch Prix Fixe Menu ($22) — I like the Wine/Dessert swap because I don’t always want Dessert, and it’s an extra savings on a sought after beverage.

Here’s a link to Tradition by Pascal and MORE: http://pascalnpb.com/

Pascal Epicerie Food Photos

Happy Birthday Arlene and Thank You Very Much Shanda.  The food and company are always GREAT!

We went to Il Farro Caffe Trattoria for their prix-fixe meal during Orange County Restaurant Week.  It’s a small Italian restaurant within walking distance from the Newport Beach Pier.  We tried the Carpaccio di Bue al Sedano as an appetizer (above) and the Pollo all Pizzaiola as an entree (below).

Our other appetizer was the Ravioli di Funghi al Gorgonzola, and the entree was the Braciole al Forno, translated means Flank Steak filled and rolled with Rosemary, Sage and Parmesan in a Sherry Sauce.

It was a beautiful evening, the sun was going down and the food was good.  HOWEVER, there was something that bothered my friend and me (and I hope it’s isolated) — To preface the story, we had 5:30 p.m. reservations on a Friday night and arrived on time.

We were then seated in a small area in the front of the restaurant near the deli counter, which would have been fine if it was packed.  The restaurant is divided into two dining areas.  We were being packed up front, while no one was sitting in the larger back dining room. 

I asked if we could sit in the main dining room, but was told by the server that they’re “saving that area because [they] expect to be busy tonight.”  SAY WHAT?  It wasn’t until I asked if it was warmer in the back that they moved us — The entry door was propped open near the front dining area.  It was cold.

Then it was kinda funny because we were moved to the worst seat in the larger dining room, against the half wall of the clanging bus station.  Again, this would be okay, if they were packed.  Instead, we were the ONLY ones in there shortly before our move, which makes it almost comical.

And it wasn’t that they had a lack of servers, since several (5-7) walked by without offering Water or perhaps a glass of Wine.  To us, it seemed like they were saving the comfortable dining area and tables for the more important people, and then they were just oblivious.  It got better, but I guess we didn’t measure up that evening. 🙂

Related Links:

http://www.ilfarro.com/

http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/il_Farro_caffe_Trattoria.html

Continuing with the Orange County Restaurant Week Cooking Demonstrations at Bloomingdales South Coast Plaza is Kimera Restaurant & Lounge.  Chefs from Kimera made Crab Cakes and Shrimp Spring Rolls.  Both seemed so quick and easy to make BECAUSE all the ingredients were chopped ahead of time.  I subsequently had the IDEA to raid a Salad Bar for quick Spring Roll contents.  Good idea huh!?  That’s what I’ll do when I make them.

Kimera representatives so kindly gave all the Cooking Demonstration guests a $20 Gift Certificate.  Thank you — I’ve been wanting to go there.

Kimera Restaurant & Lounge:
http://www.kimerarestaurant.com/
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=4216

Orange County Restaurant Week:
http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

Previous Cooking Demonstrations:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2710
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2623
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2489

Hosea won Top Chef on tonight’s Top Chef New York Season 5 Finale.  Congratulations — It’s a tough competition!  My friend was in love with Fabio, the fourth runner up.  She’ll be doing a write up about his Moorpark Restaurant soon on Nibbles of Tidbits.  That’ll be interesting to hear about.

But my favorite was Carla — She’s funny and seems like a cool chick.  It’s all good though.  I have much respect for anyone in that competition.  It’s crazy – FO SHO.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1332

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1360

Fabio’s Restaurant in Moorpark: http://www.cafefirenze.net/

To gear up for The First Annual Orange County Restaurant Week, 13 top Chefs from participating restaurants are demonstrating the preparation of their signature dishes.  Today Ruth’s Chris Steak House Chefs showed us how to prepare their Sweet Potato Casserole and Creamed Spinach.

And this is ‘Ruth’ of Ruth’s Chris Steak House.  Her last name isn’t Chris, but you’ll need to learn the rest of the story regarding the name on their website.  The Chefs pre-prepared the Steaks, Shrimp and Desserts pictured above, but we didn’t get to try them. 🙁

If I ordered the Sweet Potato Casserole in the restaurant, it would be for Dessert — It is sweet city!  And my rechargeable battery conveniently died at the Creamed Spinach.  That’s okay, because I really wanted the Steak they weren’t serving. 🙂

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: http://www.ruthschris.com/

The Loft at The Montage Laguna Beach Cooking Demonstration:
http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=2489

Orange County Restaurant Week INFO:
http://www.orangecountyrestaurantweek.com/

A rainy day is a perfect day to try a few things at Pizza Hut.  We’re hungry, busy, and don’t want to go out into the rain, so we were happy when this combination was magically delivered to our door in 25 minutes.  Thank you Pizza Hut.  Delivery from anywhere good can be fun.

This time we tried a couple Personal Pan Pizzas, the Quepapas Potato Bites, and the Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce.  One Pizza had Pepperoni and Mushroom, and the other Ham, Pineapple and Jalapenos.  We seamlessly ordered online and were eating in less than a half hour this day. 

There were no complaints about this meal — The Breadsticks and Marinara are pretty good, and the Quepapas weren’t bad either, but next time we’d order an extra side of the Marinara to go with them.  We’re now warm, dry and full.

Related Link:  http://www.pizzahut.com/Default.aspx