Bagels, Lox, Cream Cheese and the usual accompaniments, Onions, Tomatoes, Capers, Baby Greens and tactically scored Cheese for teeth, could start your day off with a laugh – Der.
God Bless the United States Military — We treasured our tour of 29 Palms Military Base. We salute family friend Marine Brent and all who fight/fought for our liberty to enjoy an astounding day rock climbing in Joshua Tree, then lunch and Beers at the Joshua Tree Saloon. Priceless.
The Joshua Tree Saloon Grill & Bar serves it up if/when hungry in the desert.
We enjoyed a post-hike, minor-rock-climbing lunch there.
I don’t recall the menu item names – Their website is being redesigned. Check here later.
We basically got Burgers, a Reuben and Mahi Sandwich, with Tea and Brews amongst Bro’s.
Some meals were custom, like the Burger on Marble Rye — Shut up you old bat! What?
Though the food was good, most respect is for our U.S. Soldiers and all they endure.
Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light, protect us by Thy might, of thee I sing.
Joshua Tree National Park — Would you believe we drove to Big Bear after all this? Long story.
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.
Carl’s Jr. just can’t seem to leave sex alone in advertising — It doesn’t make me want whatever they’re selling, but a free coupon does. Though I call it as I see it, Carl’s Jr. still sends coupons to try new menu items, and this time we tasted two Sandwiches we’d again.
Jalapeno Turkey Burger — The Santa Fe Sauce (also on the Charbroiled Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich), Jalapenos, Pepper Jack Cheese and Wheat Bun make this Burger flavorful. It’s light and satisfying combined with the Turkey Burger, Lettuce, Tomato and Red Onion.
It’s not the good looking guy eating the Jalapeno Turkey Burger that makes me want to try one (but if taking that route, glad it’s realized that women eat Burgers too), nor does a bikini model cause me to want a Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich. Interesting correlation. More than anything I value creativity and humor in advertising, combined with a good deal and tasty meal. Spare us the overplayed sex-sells sales approach – Make us laugh Carl’s Jr.
Regardless of all, I would’ve tried the Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich anyway.
Though ours wasn’t as thick as the one on TV, it’s a Sandwich I’d buy with my own dime. The Atlantic Cod was all white with good seasoning and it’s perfect on a soft Honey Wheat Bun.
Two of us gave four thumbs up to both — Soon to be customers in line for these Sandwiches.
Have you seen the Anti-Theft Lunch Bag? Too funny.
Fodder for The Bad, though ultimately not too bad to not eat it – The story ends well with a fast and easy, homemade Tomato Soup. And our Grilled Cheese Sandwich wannabe ended up okay, obviously with less Cheese. Inspiration to prepare both came from Panera Bread, where I recently enjoyed another version of this Sandwich (and Soup). My Tomato Soup is healthier and tastes just as good, if not better. Full story and recipe to be posted here soon.
A new Panera Bread just opened in Costa Mesa and I went for the Big Kid Grilled Cheese.
It’s off Harbor near Target and Henry’s Farmers Market.
This Panera Bread has an outdoor patio and fireplace (indoors and out).
The new Big Kid Grilled Cheese is described below.
The bites with Applewood Smoked Bacon were divine — It’s an amazing, rich Sandwich.
Combined with Creamy Tomato Soup, it was a most satisfying lunch.
They open early for breakfast.
I may need to go back soon for the same — Extra crispy on the outside is preferred.
Panera Bread offers a good meal — Thanks! See what we’ve said previously.
Where can I find the BEST Bánh Mì Sandwich? Locally all answers lead to Little Saigon.
We collected suggestions, then set out to eat at a few of them in one day.
We started at the Coffee Factory with extra strong Coffees and a Bánh Mì (Thit Nuon).
It’s a BBQ’d Pork Bánh Mì Sandwich that we’d go back for, and the Coffee too.
We were also referred to Paris Patisserie & Boulangerie aka Au Coeur De Paris for Macarons.
It’s formerly known as Le Versailles, I think.
We got a box filled with one of each Macaron flavor to go.
At Tip Top Sandwiches (below) a Chicken Bánh Mì Sandwich on a Croissant was recommended.
There are a couple Tip Top Sandwiches locations off Brookhurst around Little Saigon.
Good, but we liked the Bánh Mì at the Coffee Factory better, though vow to try more.
Also went to Brodard Restaurant for Nem Nuong Cuon and more Macarons (below).
Nem Nuong Cuon are popular Pork Spring Rolls that are wrapped in Rice Paper.
Though a favorite of many, I don’t particularly like Rice Paper over a fried Spring Roll.
And we got another box of Macarons from Brodard to try and compare.
I loved the colors and Macaron flavors at Brodard.
Gorgeous — Never thought to describe a Cookie as gorgeous, but couldn’t stop staring.
We had no complaints about the Macarons — Both boxes were above average.
Without recommendations, it seems impossible for an outsider to know where to go and what to eat in and around Little Saigon. The above was a good start, but we’re not done searching for the best Bánh Mì and already have other suggestions on a list. Do you have a favorite?
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.
I’ve been in this situation and it’s tricky — It happened most prominently in Denmark during an authentic Danish meal with relatives. Open-faced Danish Sandwiches were served with Dill Schnapps the morning after a wild Whiskey night in Denmark. I don’t even like Whiskey, but it was our first night. Still feeling it, I was afraid of the beautifully rich Sandwiches that would’ve been appreciated a different day, and I didn’t want to ruin this day so I just ate and swallowed ‘em slowly. Yes, they’re great, thanks! I hope my aunt and uncle don’t read this.
The Park Bench Cafe — An outdoor Cafe in Huntington Beach that caters to dogs and people.
A serene place for Breakfast or Lunch — Dogs are treated to Canine Cuisine and people pay.
We had the Club House Sandwich pictured at top and the Supreme Melt below.
And Leon had the Peanut Butter Puppy.
Water is available for the Dogs.
And the surrounding park and lake are picturesque for all.
The French Fries are extra good.
Back view of The Park Bench Cafe and its outdoor seating.
And view from car, before backing out to head for nearby dog beach to soak in the sun.
Dog day afternoon without a bank robbery – I see why it always looks busy when I drive by.
After seeing traffic resulting from Nibbles of Tidbits / I Need Text Company pins, especially from this post, I joined Pinterest. In honor of our most popular pin, oddly a fake appetizer platter, we present the Super Platter (above), which looks to be real. Pin this. Photo credit.
We set out for The Blue Beet (below) for Throwback Thursday, but unfortunately so did everyone else. The crowd in conjunction with a no-show Hostess and too narrow wait area sent us on a detour for peaceful dining — And we didn’t have to go far to find tranquil class at 21 Oceanfront (above). Both are walking distance from the Newport Beach Pier.
The unexpected surprise of the evening was the Prime Rib Slider at 21 Oceanfront. We thought it to be the best Prime Rib Sandwich each of us ever had. Unfortunately the photos didn’t do ‘em, or much of anything else justice this evening, as much as all was appreciated in person. We’re going back for more Prime Rib Sliders, $6 during Happy Hour.
Our hazy, gazy view of Newport waves from a 21 Oceanfront table – We toasted to it.
Technically it’s a BLT+A-L that’s preferred. No suncreen is needed for that Sandwich.
BLT+A-L on Toasted White Bread with the perfect amount of Mayo — It’s how my Mom always made it and how I do now. It’s just right. We rarely add the Lettuce and mostly opt for Avocado with the Bacon and Tomato. It’s technically a BAT or BTA, a tasty Sandwich.
Bacon, Tomato and Avocado — Layer in that order on Toasted White Bread with Mayo.
The amount of Mayo is key, not too much, nor too little – Mayo oozing out the sides is gross and not enough is dry. I didn’t want any Mayonnaise on it as a kid and my Mom would add it when I wasn’t looking. She knew, and I now know its compliment, when properly applied.
It’s a simple, flavorful Sandwich that consistently hits the spot with a cold glass of Milk.
A comfort food for years — With leftover or microwavable Bacon, it can be made in a flash.
Umbrella optional, unless it’s raining.
I didn’t see the pictured Hamburger on Yelp’s Burger Blitz or anywhere else for that matter, but did see others I’ve tried and some I’ll need to try on their “Most Wanted Patties In Town” list. If you were to eat this monstrosity, you may turn into a Burger, as it probably weighs more than you. Do you think it’s possible for one to finish it? Do you think a giant fork would help? It likely wouldn’t matter, but an extra stomach (or two+) would surely be in order.
Four Meatballs placed in the middle of the Sub, hhmmmm. A curious thing. I thought the Meatballs would’ve been lined up across the Bread – Makes sense right!? A Meatball in every bite. Am I too particular? One theory offered regarding the Meatball’s placement is… Subway doesn’t want them falling out of the Bread when going through the toaster oven. Could be. Or the guy making it just didn’t care. Anyway, it’s an okay Sandwich for $2. Had to get it once (with Pickles hiding story emphasis) and may need to get it twice just to see how it’s made.
Would you want a Grilled Cheese Burger? It’s a Burger sandwiched between two Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and it’s currently available at Hof’s Hut Restaurant & Bakery for $9.99, with French Fries or Onion Rings and a whole mini Pie — A good deal for a lot of richness.
We prefer Hof’s Fancy Smancy (mostly Schmancy) Steakhouse Burger.
Pick a Pie.
I still can’t believe I won Hof’s Hut’s Burger Contest — It’s been previously reported here.
And I was invited to its photo shoot where I learned that Burger modeling is a serious job.
Fancy Smancy Steakhouse Burger – A perfect blend of A-1 Steak Sauce and Horseradish Mayonnaise give the Grilled Beef Patty a steakhouse flavor. Served on a Brioche Bun, it’s extra fancy with Onion Strings, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Baby Greens and a Tomato Slice.
The Burger was created in honor of Hof’s 60th Anniversary — It was (1) of approximately (300) submissions in their Burger Contest. They narrowed the competition down to (10) and made them all, and then (5) to ultimately choose mine, which will be available during the month of September at all Hof’s Hut Restaurant locations. And it’s worth having too.
Me smiling proudly with the Fancy Smancy Steakhouse Burger.
It’s a serious job building a perfect Burger for its modeling debut.
All determining what looks best — Trying to make it look as good as it tastes.
Working with food, angles and lighting — I learned a bit.
Would you want the Burger with French Fries?
Or Onion Rings?
It’s all about the Burger, not me.
Hope to see you at Hof’s Hut Restaurant & Bakery in September.
Try it!
It’s almost time for the Fancy Smancy Steakhouse Burger to make an appearance at Hof’s Hut Restaurant & Bakery. In celebration of their 60th Anniversary, Hof’s will be featuring the pictured Burger during the month of September. It won a Burger Contest and I created it, as previously reported here. I was elated to learn the news. In addition, I won a BBQ and $100 Gift Card. More will soon be reported about the Fancy Smancy Steakhouse Burger coming your way – Stay tuned to learn about its ingredients, the Burger’s photo shoot, the BBQ to be delivered next week, Hof’s Bakery and the amazing taste of the Burger. It really is a winner.
Thanks to all the nice people at Hof’s.
Orange County Food Examiner
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