Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

This Heart Shaped Egg is on our test list — Do you think it works?  More ideas are here too.

Quite an impressive spread ready to dip in the Chocolate Fountain, a Christmas gift for one of my nieces — It looks like they’re making the most of it and why not?!  Next time I’m there.

They prepared Graham Crackers, Marshmallows, Strawberries, Rice Crispy Treats, Nilla Wafers, Grapes and Pound Cake for dippin’ and say the Chocolate Fountain was fun and worked well.

In recognition of National Chocolate Lover’s Month aka Celebration of Chocolate Month, their photos are perfect.  Thanks!  In addition to Chocolate, February also celebrates National Grapefruit Month, National Canned Food Month, National Potato Lover’s Month and other special food related days.  Read more about them here, here and here.  Pass me a toothpick.

Believe the title?  Perhaps a Smart Water placebo may benefit you.  Actually, the pictured brand of Bottled Water was simply 1 of 4 bottles of Water (various brands) consumed during a 15 mile walk that started in Costa Mesa and ended in Buena Park.  Don’t ask why — I’m Fredericka Gump and it was a beautiful day.  The undrinkable Water is the star in this photo.

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.

Huell Howser, California’s Gold — Rest in Peace.  Broguiere’s says he’s their favorite visitor.

Most Someecards are quite funny — Why not walk, talk, dance and drink the drink?

It’s almost Christmas — I often laughingly say that in January.  It’s true.  Time flies by fast.  Celebrate abilities, opportunities, family, friends, food and fun every day with a Martini or Milk.

Introduce Chocolate to Milk and voila, or make their nuptials better with Vanilla Ice Cream (necessary) and Malted Milk Powder (preferred) — Chocolate Milkshake meet Chocolate Malt.

Haven’t we met?  Hello Chocolate Malt — Shake it for me.

At The Getty Center in Los Angeles surrounded by works of art indoors and out.

A tasteful way to spend a day B at the Get-TAY — It ain’t no ghetto. We sang… At the Get-TAY.

A Banquet Piece by Pieter Claesz (1630), a favorite of our food related selections is pictured above — Others are woven between photos of pristine grounds and architecture, spectacular views, and surprisingly great Pizza.  Admission is FREE to see all.  Parking is $15.00.

Flowering Maze over a reflecting pool — Go through it on a boat. JK, it’s just for viewing.

Still Life Tea Set by Jean-Etienne Liotard (Circa 1781).

City and ocean views are framed within 30-inch square grids of travertine — Beauty abounds.

Still Life with Grapes and Other Fruit by Luca Forte (1630).

There are endless angles to appreciate at The Getty Center.

The Restaurant (below) offers Brunch and sophisticated Lunch and Dinner MENUS.

And the Cafe at The Getty Center is located below it.

The Cafe is somewhat cafeteria-style offering convenient, prepared and cook to order food.

We opted for the Pepperoni Pizza, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.

It (above) unexpectedly turned out to be one of the best Pizzas I’ve ever had.

Cheers to the Pizza — I’m ready to go back for IT, more exhibits and new views.

Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Pomegranate by Jacob Van Hulsdonck (Circa 1620).

Just a few of the 360-degree available views.

Still Life with Fish, Vegetables, Gougeres, Pots and Cruets on a Table by Jean-Baptiste Simeon Chardin (1769) is shown above, and more architectural wonder is modeled below — A photography student’s or wide-eyed explorer’s jackpot is at The Getty Center daily.

Did you know that Vincent Van Gogh’s Irises (1889) is there too?

Sit amongst courtyard fountains and well manicured trees — Nothing is out of place.

The Museum Store is entertaining in itself with its unique items for play and purchase.

We were at the Get-TAY at the right time to see one of infinity beautiful sunsets.

And A Maid Milking a Cow in a Barn by Gerard Ter Borch (Circa 1652).

Is the cow on the left looking at us?  I loved its face in person and miss him already. 😉

We saw (and ate) some thaaangs!  Don’t miss it.

Dave & Buster’s for the FOOD would be impressive enough, but no, they’ve got everything.

Step inside to experience entertainment in numerous forms — It’s always fun there.

The Eat+Play Combo’s are pretty good deals — Check ’em out before ordering.

The Snow Cone with Cherry Vodka and Blue Curacao is a fun drink, though on the sweet side.

This visit we ate and played really well together.

In the restaurant, before play, we started with the Spinach Dip (above).

And then had the Fire Grilled Salmon (top) and Chicken and Shrimp Rockefeller (above).

The Dining Room at Dave & Buster’s in Irvine (above) is slated to be remodeled to fit in with recent changes in style and direction — Though I’ve liked it as is, I have confidence in what it might look like next, as D & B’s other transformations have been agreeable.

Our food was excellent — The Chicken and Shrimp Rockefeller is especially awesome.

Cheers to more SPORTS at Dave & Buster’s.

Giant screens to watch favorite teams are scattered throughout.

Walk and roll your way to fun and games.

Pool tables, rooms for private parties, FOOD, Drinks, Sports and Games are to be had.

Lots of GAMES to choose from — We had a blast playin’ for tickets to redeem at the…

…Winner’s Circle for a variety of PRIZES.

Save points and return to add-on more to aim for a top prize, or just see what you can get.

It’s a place for adults (especially) and kids alike — Everyone has a good time there.

It’s all fun and games until someone loses a tie. 😉

Goooooooo Dave & Buster’s!  Thanks for being there for us.

Watermelon carving at its finest — It’s ferocious Friday!  See other cool food photos here.

I like Pistachios, but its advertisers make me want Cashews — Ever seen a Cashew Tree?

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.

I marvel at the trees and have always been fascinated by the brain — And I’m keen on Broccoli and Nuts and Mushrooms of all kinds.  That about covers it (at least here now).  Chow Ciao. 😉

Creamy White American Cheese for a Melt or a cold chunk of Extra Sharp Cheddar otherwise.

It’s always a great year when it starts at the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.

Happy 2013 — God Bless the USA with BBQ and liberty for all.

Block Party entrance view from VIP/Media Lounge (above) and its satisfying food (below).

Familiar OC Fair food like Bacon Wrapped Turkey Legs were found between food trucks.

The Lime Truck, one of many Gourmet Food Trucks throughout an area of the OC fairgrounds.

Queen Nation, one of several (1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s & 1990’s) cover bands playing about.

Young and old enjoyed the Game Room, Demolition Derby, rides and midnight confetti.

After the fireworks, it was fun to gather and throw the confetti in the air like snow.

We’d gladly attend every year!

Much to report about in 2013 — Until then we’ll be at the OC Fair’s New Year’s Eve Block Party.  After the festivities, Nibbles of Tidbits will kick off with an easy Tomato Soup recipe and explanation re the Sandwich, our Dave & Buster’s experience, and many surprises to come.

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.

Too bad we can’t fill our gas tanks with Beer — Don’t drink and drive this year (or ever). Taxi!

I set out to assess and collect information regarding 2013 Food Trends and thankfully found a compilation of several predictions at Nutrition Unplugged and many are linked (below) for convenience.  I’m glad to see that Cauliflower will be taking over for last year’s over-rated Kale trend, since I like to roast it in the oven with Garlic Cloves and Lemon.  Happy eating in 2013!

Andrew Freeman & Co. – How Hotel & Restaurant Trends Will Shape a New Reality in 2013

Baum + Whiteman – 17 Hottest Food and Dining Trends for 2013

Cooking Light – Our Predictions: 2013 Food Trends

Epicurious – Epicurious Predicts the Top 10 Food Trends of 2013

Food Network – 2013 Predictions from Food Network Kitchens

FohBoh – 2013 Food Trends

Innova Market Insights – Top Trends for 2013

Meat Poultry – Top Food Trends for 2013

National Restaurant Association – What’s Hot 2013 Chef Survey

Orange County Register – Food Trends for 2013

Phil Lempert – The Top 10 Food Trend Predictions for 2013

Produce Marketing Association’s Produce Trends – Produce Trends

Sterling-Rice Group – Cutting-Edge Dining Trends of 2013

Technomic – Technomic’s Take: What’s Ahead in 2013?

The Food Channel – Top Ten Food Trends of 2013

What else would a food blog want?  Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!  Bon appétit.

I love this simple, cute appetizer idea.  Do you need more instruction?  I’d dress the Baby Greens and Tomatoes with Olive Oil and Salt and Pepper or Italian Dressing to thoroughly enjoy it all.  And I might add a dollop of Caramel Sauce at the base of the Apple for dessert.

Merry Christmas — Searching for appetizer or dessert ideas?  I like the Veggie Platter above.

Laugh, eat, love and remember… Jesus is the reason for the season.

Nativity scenes made of Sausage, Bacon and Kraut (or anything else) shouldn’t be banned.