Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

I like this picture, but it might be hard to tell that the above is fresh-sliced Smoked Albacore Tuna, Lemon and Tartar Sauce.  It’s from The Crab Cooker in Newport Beach and makes a tasty TO GO snack for the ocean and beach across the street.   

When I eat inside the restaurant, I look forward to their Cheese Potatoes, Grilled Fish and King Crab Legs.  And one time I saw Adam Ant dining there.  Do you remember him?  He was just a few tables away.  That was cool because I used to be a big fan — Dog Eat Dog, Ant Invasion, etc.  For fun and quick reference (for myself), I linked two Adam and the Ants videos below.

Okay, back to the food.  The Cheese Potatoes are reminiscent of those served at the old Seafood Broiler Restaurant.  Once upon a time I worked at the one in Lakewood.  Do you remember them?  They were great.  The Crab Cooker reminds me of the admired Seafood Broiler — So if you’ve been looking for the Cheese Potatoes ever since they closed, you should check out The Crab Cooker.  I think you’ll be happy.

Related Links:

http://www.crabcooker.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KNT3NHrCR8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtxuPqjSJDc&feature=related 

There’s no Cake here right now, but it’s way too easy to make fresh baked Chocolate Chip Cookies.  This is the first time I’ve seen the Nestle Toll House Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies.  And I don’t even need to slice them.  You know how tiring that can be – Ha. 

I just break them off the Cookie block and pop ’em in the Toaster Oven.  They’re great to have in the fridge for a quick dessert, snack or indulgence.  Is four a day bad?  It’s just a phase.

Related Link:

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

KABC, Channel 7 recently revealed where to get the BEST SLIDERS (Mini Burgers) and it recommended we try Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s in South Coast Plaza.  Although they named the “Top 7 Slider Restaurants in Los Angeles,” they noted that Charlie Palmer’s in Orange County has exceptional Sliders too — I just tried two of the three.

I had the Kobe Beef Slider and the PBLT (Pork Belly, Lettuce & Tomato) Slider.  And before I even took a bite of the Kobe Beef Burger, I knew it was the Best Slider I’ve ever had.  Seriously, it’s aroma put me at the best backyard BBQ on a sunny day.  I usually don’t write this flowery, but it was that amazing to me.

And the PBLT was also surprisingly good.  “Surprisingly” because I’m generally a visible fat avoider — I trim all meat.  For that reason I haven’t gravitated towards Pork Belly, but I just went for it.  The texture was tender, not chewy as feared, but more like a thick slab of Bacon, which I love.

Both Sliders are worth traveling for.  Pictured above (L-R) PBLT, Kobe Beef & Kobe Beef — We haven’t yet tried the Crab Cake Slider, but may need to.  There’s more to this meal, but Charlie Palmer’s Sliders deserve a showcase.

Enjoy!

To me, Deviled Eggs are a perfect combination of Mayonnaise, Yellow Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar and S & P.  This is the first time I’ve piped in the filling using a pastry bag.  I could use a little more practice.  Some turned out good and others needed to be fixed — Once you lose that swirl you can’t get it back, but they all tasted the same.  Deviled Eggs are a good pre lunch or dinner snack to have on hand.  I’ve even had them for breakfast.  Why not?

Related Links:

http://www.deviledeggs.com/

http://deviledegg.org/index.html

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

Dried Plums are great tasting and you already know Prunes are good for you.  Did you know they’re the same?   These Orange Essence ones are my favorite.  It’s a tasty snack, I swear.

Interesting Related Links:

http://www.sunsweet.com/

http://www.californiadriedplums.org/

http://archives.cnn.com/2000/FOOD/news/09/13/prunes.reut/

Trader Joe’s is synonymous for unique and tasty snacks.  Here are two I’ve recently discovered.  The Freeze Dried Mango spears look like Steak Cut Fries, but they’re feather light.  And the Rambutan Fruit grows plentiful in Thailand.

Related Links:

http://www.traderjoes.com/

To me, it’s best described as subtly intense — It’s different and impressive.  I love Lindt’s progressive Chocolate flavors.  They’re fun to try.

Related Links:

http://www.lindt.com/2865/2866.asp

I’ve probably spent thousands of dollars on countless bags of these Sunflower Seeds over the years.  Only David!  No other Sunflower Seed will do.  David is the best.

POST UPDATE (11/10/08):  Note to David – Why has your price sky-rocketed?  The pictured bag used to sell for $0.89-$1.09, and now it sells for $1.39-$1.69.  That’s too high!  CVS is selling them for $1.69.  That’s outrageous.  What’s up David?  Is it CVS or YOU?

http://www.davidseeds.com/