A BIG THANKS to Hof’s Hut Restaurant & Bakery on this official day — The availability of the Fancy Smancy Steakhouse Burger. I can’t wait to have it as good as YOU make it!
The 2011 OC Fair went out with a munch, a moo and an oink and set a record breaking attendance of 1,400,280 attendees. The OC Fair saw a 21 percent increase over last year’s highest attendance record of 1,154,969, it surpassed on Day 20.
“My belief is the 2011 edition of the Fair establishes that the OC Fair has perfected the formula for staging a successful fair,” said Dr. Steven Beazley, OC Fair & Event Center President & CEO. “That formula will now be applied to educate and entertain our community for years to come.”
Fairgoers took the theme “Let’s Eat!” seriously and consumed 10,000 Mexican Funnel Cakes, 3,000 chocolate-covered corn dogs, 125,000 balls of Deep-Fried Kool-Aid, 10,000 slices of deep-fried avocado, 2,000 deep-fried frog’s legs and 75,000 colossal turkey legs.
The top five attended concerts in the Pacific Amphitheatre, in order of attendance, were Big Time Rush/Avery, Selena Gomez & The Scene, Weezer, Blake Shelton and Bob Dylan. Overall, there were nine sold-out concerts in the Fair’s premiere entertainment venue.
In the Action Sports Arena, the top most thrilling events, in order of attendance, were: Orange Crush Demolition Derby, Motorhome Madness Demolition Derby and X-treme Freestyle Moto-X.
The top shows in The Hangar were Sweet & Tender Hooligans (tribute to Morrissey and The Smiths); Moonwalker (THE Reflection of Michael Jackson); Journey Unauthorized; Which One’s Pink?; and Dead Man’s Party (The Oingo Boingo Tribute).
More fun numbers for the 2011 OC Fair:
The 2011 OC Fair, themed LET’S EAT!, was July 15 – August 14 and featured 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the popular Super Pass (season pass), Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair was open Wednesday-Sunday. The 2011 OC Fair was voted the Best Fair in Southern California by Los Angeles Times’ readers and the 2010 OC Fair was ranked the eighth highest attended fair in the U.S. by Venues Today magazine.
Note: The above is an official Press Release received from the OC Fair Communications Department. And ‘record wins’ pertains to the two 1st Place Ribbons and one 3rd Place Ribbon I received this year entering the Culinary Arts Competition — See you in 2012. Results and ribbons from previous years are pictured here.
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.
In May we reported about the Hof’s Hut Restaurant & Bakery Burger Contest, linked here. In addition to posting about it, I entered 5 Burgers in the contest. The challenge was to create a Burger worthy to become Hof’s 60th Anniversary Burger to be featured during the month of September — Having forgotten about the entries, last week I received a call from a Hof’s Hut VP who informed me that I’d won the Grand Prize in the Burger Contest… It’s my Burger, the Fancy Smancy Steakhouse Burger that’ll be featured at Hof’s in September. I’m attending its photo shoot tomorrow. It’s unbelievable and exciting. Can’t wait to try it — Thanks HH!
Note: The pictured Burger isn’t it. More to be reported about the actual soon.
Would you believe I just learned what a Blondie is? It’s like a Brownie without Chocolate. Did you know that? Since I’m one of the few people in the world who doesn’t care for Brownies, this year I chose to make Blondies for the Culinary Arts Competition at the Orange County Fair. Having never made (or ate) one before submission time, I practiced by varying three different recipes to ultimately create the award winning Blondies pictured here. And it’s a good thing I did, since the first few batches didn’t turn out well at all — Then at last I was happy with the ingredient combination, taste and texture. Following is the final BLONDIES RECIPE. It’s a winner, literally.
1 Cup of Flour
1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder
1/2 Cup of Butter (1 Stick)
1/2 Cup of firmly packed Light Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup of firmly packed Dark Brown Sugar
1 Large Egg
1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
1/2 Cup of chopped Pecans
1/4 Cup of Milk Chocolate Chunks (Chocolate Bar rustically cut)
Preheat oven to 350°. Combine the Flour and Baking Powder in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, melt Butter and stir in the Light and Dark Brown Sugar until well blended, then whisk in the Egg and Vanilla. Add the Flour mixture until all is incorporated, then stir in the Pecans and Milk Chocolate Chunks. Pour batter into a 8 X 8 baking dish and bake until the Blondies are set in the center, about 25 – 30 minutes. Let cool, cut and dig in.
It’s a beautiful thing to see FOOD Bloggers and others rally together to help another in need. I haven’t met Susan, but I’m touched by the organization and Blogger participation to help her overcome cancer — Kick its ass Susan! And the rest of YOU can (and should) buy something tasty during the Online Bake Sale, or something cool at the Online Auction. Both happen on July 25, 2011, so mark your calendar. Numerous Food Bloggers and companies across the United States and Canada will be donating the goods and all proceeds will help Susan win. Here’s the link to more information.
We appreciate Summer days, grilled Chicken and having fun — All should happen often.
The pictured Chicken is reported to rival my family’s special recipe.
Providing IDEAS — Summer Salads with Strawberries and Cashews.
Strawberry Lemonade.
Homemade Hummus with Pita Bread.
Swimming.
A Water Balloon Fight — Enlarge the above photos for a better view.
The aforementioned Chicken this day was prepared with a Dry Rub by our friend David.
And then a Mop Sauce that’s applied to the Chicken while grilling.
He’s been making the recipe years and got it out of a BBQ cookbook to be linked here soon.
Food Tents help keep the bugs off.
The kids loved the Oreo Cheesecake Lollipops that were handed out this day.
Any Cookies will do.
My contribution was a Chocolate Cake with a Cream Cheese Frosting and Raspberries.
Some of the best memories are made during Summer Pool Parties or near the ocean.
Keep tuned in WORLD, as recipes, homemade dishes, contests, food news, cooking tips, experiments, brand comparisons, product testing, and interesting fodder will continue to be reported here — And ORANGE COUNTY residents and travelers to/from the OC should pay special attention, as we’re soon adding a New Category and Blogroll, Orange County (OC) Food and Orange County (OC) Bloggers, respectively. It’s slated to happen in early July.
Nibbles of Tidbits will carry on as a source for world inhabitants, and become a go-to for restaurant reviews, event information and topics of interest to OC residents and visitors. If looking for something specific (worldly or local), before or after the additions, check the related Category or use our Search Box. Much is readily accessible, if not immediately seen. You know what I mean Jelly Bean?! Interested in the Strips and Cheese in HB? See here.
Unsolicited recommendation, like most here — Kind Healthy Snacks are the best Fruit & Nut Bars. It’s the clear packaging that got me to try them and the taste keeps me buying them each week. Unlike many Snack Bars, you can see what you’re getting and it’s even better than it looks. The pictured Almond & Apricot and Mango Macadamia are the two I eat most, but all flavors tried have been exceptional. Kind offers a lot of combinations to choose from.
Some moments seem so long, but life is really quite short. Cherish it. The Crystal Cove Beach Cottages first appeared in black and white, and today The Beachcomber plays in color.
I’d been wanting to explore the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District, the Beach Cottages, and The Beachcomber for some time now, but hadn’t been sure how to get there.
I happily know how to get there now and you will too — It’s easier than you might think.
Park at Los Trancos (cliff side) and PCH to catch the shuttle down Crystal Cove (beach side).
The Beach Shuttle is $1.00 each way — It’s seamless and you’re suddenly there.
After drop off, you pass The Park Store and Visitor Center on the way to The Beachcomber.
The Beachcomber is on the sand, overlooking the Pacific — It was remodeled as a restaurant from an existing Beach Cottage and used to be called the Whistle Stop.
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove also offers Beach Rentals.
Pictured above is a North Beach Cottage, part of the Phase II Restoration Project.
The Dinner Menu — Starters/Appetizers are the same on the Lunch and Dinner Menu, but the Entries change, as does the menu from season to season. Blankets are always provided.
The Beachcomber Bar serves Appetizers and Drinks only.
We tried several specialty drinks including the Cucumber Mist Martini (pictured above), the El Morro Margarita, The Real Deal Margarita and the Black & Cran Martini. All were freshly stiff and thoroughly enjoyed on the patio over a leisurely period.
We all recommend the Tunisian Pizza on Grilled Flatbread with Bleu Cheese, Smoked Bacon, Dates, Roasted Tomatoes and Basil. It’s sweet, savory and delicious, as described.
On the Dinner Menu is Spinach Truffle Mac and other notable options.
And Center Cut Filet Mignon topped with a Bleu Cheese Gratin.
After consuming all, we played on the beach.
And thought about all that’s transpired here in days gone by.
Some Beach Cottages were constructed in the 1920’s with wood that drifted ashore, after a lumber ship capsized. And many silent films were shot here, due to the area’s Tahitian, Hawaiian appearance. It’s most apparent in B & W and appreciated in all colors.
View from the Rotating Exhibit Facility in sepia and color — Do you feel a difference?
Back in black (and white) and wanting to step back in time.
I talked to a young Lifeguard and so badly wanted to ask if he’s making $100K a year + extra for sunscreen, as recently reported, but didn’t inquire — Can’t blame him if it’s true.
Worked off the food with silliness and laughter.
Note: Be sure to ask for parking validation before leaving The Beachcomber, so your parking is FREE.
One day each week I work within walking distance from Cafe Rose Express at The Promenade Event Centre & Gardens by Turnip Rose, and the funny thing is that I just discovered it. It’s been tucked back behind my office of more than two years, but I rarely take a lunch that day, until I recently saw someone come back to the office with the most amazing looking Sandwich.
Where did you get that Sandwich?
At Cafe Rose Express, I was told — Walking distance from my office. What a treat.
It’s firstly a catering facility and event location that offers high quality breakfast and lunch weekly to the public through Cafe Rose Express and I’m happy to now know they do.
There are plenty of nice places to dine inside and especially out.
It’s genuinely an Oasis within walking distance.
The surroundings are beautiful and the food is exceptional.
It’s a pleasurable getaway for a half-hour or more. Your time there seems longer.
People get married here and enjoy lunch on the lawn with a book when free.
The Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad with Zucchini Bread is pictured above and the Cafe Rose Classic Salad is below. All Salads have been fresh and generous in size and ingredients.
We also tried the Chef’s Special, Caramelized Garlic Chicken with Pesto Mashed Potatoes and Spring Vegetable Medley. Everything I’ve tried at Cafe Rose thus far has been superior.
I’m also converted to Zucchini Bread, as theirs is so moist and delicious.
A portion of available inside dining is pictured below.
Ballroom or event room, an option for weddings and parties. See what others are saying.
Share a Sandwich on the grass for lunch — It’s humorous, the Sandwich that brought me here for the first time is a Sandwich I’d order last. It was Egg Salad. I still haven’t tried it, but it looked so fresh and grand, with loose chopped Eggs and all. I may get around to it someday.
I just love the grounds and food and look forward to going back.
I ate today’s lunch for dinner too, as the portions are extremely generous.
Didn’t plan to write about our leisurely lunch at the Daily Grill, but may have stumbled upon one of the Best Burgers in Town. It put out like a hunky beefcake — Lip smackin’ taste-TEE!
And the Sourdough Bread was served warm — Love that too.
Apologies the above photo does not do the Burger justice — It was the Burger Special of the day that had Roasted Green Chilies and Jalapeno Mayo. Two shared it and couldn’t stop raving. We’ll be going back sometime to see if their everyday Cheeseburger is as fabulous!?
Entrance to the Daily Grill in Fashion Island, Newport Beach.
Reminiscent photo on their outside patio wall — Recognize anyone?
In many cases, Saturday is the only day one gets to do what one wants to do. Today I choose to write two lines, then get out for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it just so happens.
Grateful for the opportunities and my abilities, and the nibbles in between.
We’re here ’cause I love to live so pleasantly, live this life of luxury, lazing on a Sunny Afternoon‘ at the Gulfstream in Newport Beach, corner of PCH and MacArthur/Avocado.
The Gulfstream in the Corona Del Mar Plaza has a huge outdoor patio — On one side you seat yourself for Starters, Desserts and/or Drinks only, and the other side serves the full menu at seated tables. This sunny day we thoroughly enjoyed the Grilled Artichokes with Remoulade.
And the Dip Trio with Guacamole, Hummus and Smoked Trout Dip.
All with a Hot Fudge Sundae at the end is a great time.
It’s comfortable, casual and upscale.
At the Gulfstream in the springtime…
Since our meal was so fabulous at Brasserie Pascal, previous visits to Tradition by Pascal and Pascal Epicerie & Wine Shop are linked in appreciation of consistently great meals. Merci.
Another reason for this post is that I’m still sidestepping an Examiner report — I’m not a fan of pop-ups and would never put them here. And I don’t appreciate them there, especially as a writer. It feels like swatting flies. Back to Pascal, I’ll soon be writing about the Brasserie Pascal Perfect 10 Menu as Orange County Food Examiner. And after that will re-examine.
Falling in love doesn’t happen often at a Whore House — What a meal and deal at Brasserie Pascal in Fashion Island. We loved everything about it. I tell my Mom it isn’t a WH, because she laughingly called it that when I tried to get her to eat there before. We peeked in from the outside to a sea of leather and red, part of its appeal to me. We went elsewhere that day, but I knew I’d be lured back. This day I finally had a Perfect 10 and more with another.
It started with a Hot Mess, a Dirty Vodka Martini with a Blue Cheese Stuffed Olive and Cajun Spiced Rim, and a Lychee Raspberry Martini times two, since only $5 during Happy Hour.
And the Perfect 10 Menu offers a selection of complete, high quality meals for $10, 7 days a week — The price and convenience make this fine dining experience repetitively tangible.
It’s beautiful and jazzy inside, don’t be afraid.
Before diving into the Perfect 10 we started with the Pascal Patchwork, because it’s only $10 too, and happens to be an exclusive variety of remarkable food, a sampler tray of the ‘Best of Happy Hour’ — Blue Cheese Beef Sirloin Sliders, Homemade Pate, Grilled Cheese with Truffle Oil, Thyme Fries, Buttermilk Onion Rings, Charcuterie and Gourmet Pizza.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Baked Brie Cheese on the Perfect 10 Menu for $5 sounded too good to pass up — When our meal selections arrived, our kind banquette neighbors were compelled to comment on the seemingly endless food that kept coming our way.
We were a bit out of control, but hungry and free to sit back and enjoy the food and live music.
And now the original enticement, the meal deal we heard about — We opted for the “Duo De Crevettes Croustillantes” aka Jumbo Tempura & Grilled Shrimp with Moroccan Style Tabouli and a Tomato Saffron Emulsion (pictured topmost), and the USDA Choice Aged Filet Mignon with Roquefort and Cabernet Sauce, Potato Au Gratin and Vegetables (directly above).
We usually don’t show off a bill, as who wants any, but it’s a genuine deal for all that’s pictured, with 4 magnifique Martinis – A votre sante! Are you ready now Mom? Brunch at Brasserie Pascal (11:30am – 3:30pm) includes free flowing Sparkling French Wine.
And leftovers to stretch the deal a mile — LOVED everything about Brasserie Pascal.
I love a well prepared Caesar Salad, but when it comes to making one at home, I don’t want to work with Anchovies or raw Eggs, if I don’t have to. In search of simplicity and flavor, I found a Caesar Salad Dressing I’ll keep forever. It satisfies all criteria perfectly.
No-Egg Caesar Dressing (Rachael Ray’s) – Just mix all ingredients in a blender & enjoy!
1 Garlic Clove, finely chopped
1 Lemon, juice of
1 teaspoon of Tabasco
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon of Dijon Mustard
1/3 cup of Olive Oil
1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese, shredded or shaved
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper
This Salad Dressing doesn’t lack for anything and can be tossed with any greens.
Once the Salad Dressing is prepared, only two more ingredients make this Caesar amazing.
Toasted Parmesan Cheese sprinkled as Croutons put this homemade Caesar over the top.
To prepare the Cheese-Tons, just add grated or shredded Parmesan to a dry skillet on medium. Heat until each Cheese consortium crackles and pops together, then remove from skillet to cool on a paper towel. Crumble over fresh Romaine tossed with this delicious mock Caesar Salad Dressing. It’s made in minutes and tastes like it’s from a restaurant.
We’ve previously posted about StoneFire Grill, but each time I go back I’m reminded that it’s so damn tasty — And it’s a great value, the food is high in quality, the ordering/dining process is efficient and comfortable and the service is always friendly. I just can’t get enough.
We slip and slide as we fall in love and I just can’t seem to get enough of StoneFire Grill.
There’s not much more to say about the Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts that hasn’t been said or written by many. I first saw them on the Food Network as one of Giada De Laurentiis favorite snacks. They looked and sounded so good I made ’em the next day. I love Nuts and everyone is right, the Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts are superb and easy to make at home.
The Nuts are toasted in the oven at 350° for about 10 minutes, then tossed with a little Butter, Sugar, Sea Salt, Cayenne Pepper and Rosemary. That’s it. They end up with a sweet, salty, smoky, spicy, herby flavor. Our new favorite snack — The Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts.
While Nuts are toasting in ovens coast to coast, Kids in the Kitchen are playin’ in the NYC snow and we’re ready to toast on an OC beach. We’re nuts over these Nuts — This time we used Almonds, Pecans, Cashews and Hazelnuts. Use any Nut you want, and read what others are saying here, here and here. We’re happy to have the recipe.
Who sent these to me? I don’t recall being asked to try them? Let me know if it’s you? In any event, they are timely. Just this day I told someone how much I like freeze dried fruit — I usually eat it out of the Cereal before pouring the Milk. I like ’em crispy. Thanks Crispy Green.
These Fruitzio Kiwi Snacks are outstanding. There were a couple tart bites, but I still want more. I’m not hinting or begging, I’ll be buying. Most dehydrated fruit I see is fairly expensive. I hope these aren’t, because I’m eager to try the Pineapple, Peach, Mango and Asian Pear options. Q’s: If one eats a snack pack and drinks a lot of water, what happens? Does it grow like capsule dinosaurs, into 10 Kiwis? Unrelated, have you heard of The Kiwi Game?
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