Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Tickets aren’t cheap, but have immeasurable value.  We last attended in 2012.  For more information, see official Press Release below.  Photos were taken during last year’s event.

THE HOTTEST CHEFS COOK TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD HUNGER IN ORANGE COUNTY AND ACROSS AMERICA — SOS’s Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach Hosts Annual Culinary Event.

Hot chefs, restaurants, and mixologists will gather for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation^®, the city’s premier culinary benefit. Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach will raise critical funds needed to support Share Our Strength’s^® efforts to end childhood hunger in Orange County and across the nation. This year’s event will be held on June 2, 2013 at the beautiful Montage Laguna Beach from 4pm to 7pm, with a VIP reception beginning at 4pm.

More than 9 of Country’s finest chefs will participate in the gastronomic event. Along with Executive Chef Craig Strong, participating restaurants will include Lee Smith – Montage Laguna Beach, Lizzie Binder – San Francisco, Josiah Citrin-Mélisse – Los Angeles, Chris Crary – Santa Monica, Jenn Louis-Lincoln – Sunshine Tavern, Portland, Nick Roberts & Brooke Williamson – Hudson House/The Tripel, Los Angeles, Alan Wong – Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Honolulu. Guests will enjoy the finest foods paired with wines and cocktails.

In addition to fabulous food and drinks, the event will feature an auction of extraordinary items including, A Wine Preservation unit from Sub-Zero filled with wonderful wines from the Jackson family valued at over $2,500. Sub-Zero’s 315W Model is a built-in single-zone wine storage unit with a capacity of 26 (750 ml) bottles. At 15″ wide, this undercounter unit is perfect for those installations where space is an issue.

“We are thrilled once again to be back at the beautiful Montage and are grateful for their generous support and the support from our amazing celebrity chefs! Because of their generosity, 100% of our ticket sales will go to ensure No Kid Hungry is a reality in Orange County,” said Teresa Siriani Event Chair, Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach Area charities that will benefit from this year’s event include Community Action Partnership of Orange County and Second Harvest Orange County Food Bank. Since 1988, Taste of the Nation has raised more than $82.5 million, including more than $125,000 in Laguna Beach alone.

With more than 16 million children facing hunger in America (that’s almost one in five), and 200,000 in Orange County Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is more vital than ever. The event raises funds to end childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Funds raised through Taste of the Nation events support No Kid Hungry^™, Share Our Strength’s campaign to end childhood hunger in America.

“An end to childhood hunger in the United States is within reach,” said Bill Shore, Founder and Executive Director of Share Our Strength. “With all the participants in Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach sharing their strength, we are creating more resources to help the children of Orange County and our great nation receive the nutritious food they need to live healthy, active lives.”

Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network, ONEHOPE Wine, Emmi Roth USA, Cavit Collection Wines, OpenTable and S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach is locally sponsored by Lexus, Celebrity Cruise, Orange Coast Magazine, Epstein Becker Green, Evans Family Foundation and ICG. One hundred percent of ticket sales support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger.

Tickets for Taste of the Nation Montage Laguna Beach are $150 for General Admission and $250 for VIP and can be purchased by calling 1-877-26-TASTE or visiting TasteOfTheNation.org.

About Taste of the Nation
Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation^® is the nation’s premier culinary benefit dedicated to making sure no kid grows up hungry. Each spring and summer, the nation’s hottest chefs and mixologists donate their time, talent and passion at nearly 40 events across the United States and Canada, with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to support Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry^® campaign to end childhood hunger. Taste of the Nation is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network and in select markets by ONEHOPE Wine, Emmi Roth USA, Cavit Collection Wines, OpenTable and S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. Since 1988, Taste of the Nation has raised more than $82.5 million. To purchase tickets or to get involved, visit TasteOfTheNation.org.

About SHARE OUR STRENGTH’S NO KID HUNGRY CAMPAIGN
No child should grow up hungry in America, but one in five children struggles with hunger. Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign is ending childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need to effective nutrition programs like school breakfast and summer meals and teaches low-income families to cook healthy, affordable meals through its Cooking Matters program. This work is accomplished through the No Kid Hungry network, made up of private citizens, public officials, nonprofits, business leaders and others providing innovative hunger solutions in their communities. Join us at NoKidHungry.org.

Have you ever wondered what a raw, frozen Egg looks like underneath its shell?

We wanted to know, thus froze an Egg and dropped it on the concrete to see what happens.

It didn’t crack, shatter or peel, like I hoped — We had to peel it, but it wasn’t hard to do.

Our frozen Egg looked like this (below) underneath its shell.

It was somewhat clear with an opaque cloudy line running through it.

We threw it down (shell-less) a couple more times, but it wouldn’t crack.

So we power washed it until it mostly disappeared onto now smelly grass — Hhmmmm.

The Yolk became more and more visible.

We won’t have to wonder what it looks like anymore — Check 🙂 .

Ta-da!  The Yolk wouldn’t disappear fast enough, so we gave it to the Dog.  He’s still alive.

We probably should of cut it in half, but it’s too late now and our curiosity is satisfied.

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.

I sure appreciate my Mom — I’m reminded to visit and eat on Mother’s Day.  Lucky me.

I’ll try to be on-time and it’s likely my gift won’t be as stylish as these, so enjoy the photos.

And/or create something unique, if so inclined — Pictured instructions for all above are here.

Peaches & Berry Bramble Natural Gourmet Oatmeal was what I wanted to try most, but nooooooooo, the dog ate it, I swear — This time it was true.  It was too close to the end of the counter and got snatched over to the sneaky place, like too many casualties before it.

I was glad to still have the Cranberry O’ Nut Natural Gourmet Oatmeal to sample.

And was completely impressed with the clear tops — For that reason I’d want to buy it.

It’s great quality too — A little Hot Water in the Cranberry O’ Nut made an excellent breakfast.

Also had to try the Bourbon Salted Pecan Pancake & Waffle Mix — Sounds so interesting.

I made Waffles with the mix and they cooked up nicely, despite overfilling the Waffle Iron, but ultimately I wanted a lot more flavor from them.  Overall it was fun sampling (and almost sampling) a few of the products sold on Snazzy Gourmet — They offer some cool food stuff.

Does your daily happiness level look like this?  Mine does.

Happy Cinco de Mayo amigos — Ideas regarding what to make, eat and drink are here.

I hope not to receive any drunnnnk texts from this dog.  Be on alert. 😉

How about this for a Cinco de Mayo Breakfast?  Assembled Kiwis, Bananas & Tangerines.

The purpose of this post is to publicize the addition of more Chili Cheese Fries to our Chili Cheese Fries Comparison Post — It’s Wendy’s Chili Cheese Fries which are made with Chili that’s meant to be served in a bowl with a side of Buttered Crackers, not poured over French Fries and topped with Cheese.  I think not on this one.  Better options are found here.

Seinfeld is still one of my all-time favorite shows — See (20) of its food related moments here.

Best to slice ’em for Bananas Foster, Banana Cream Pies, Banana Bread, Banana Splits, etc.

Photo credits here and here.

I’m still excited about Nibbles of Tidbits’ version of Chipotle’s Barbacoa Beef Recipe — It’s one of our most popular posts and rightly so.  Many think it tastes like the real thing and so do we.

Since it was recently made again, the ingredients were photographed and added to the original post (and here to announce it) to assist with shopping and preparation.  Enjoy.

It’s easy to grow a Pineapple in a pot, or at least Mr. Freis makes it look that way.

You don’t have to live in Hawaii to enjoy the splendor and luxury of growing a Pineapple.

It takes a long time to grow — At least 2 years before it first bears fruit.  Know that.

It’s a special day when your homegrown Pineapple is ready to pick and eat.  Exciting!

Cut it off the stalk, trim excess stalk if necessary and voila — You’ve got a Pineapple.

It’s like you chose a perfectly ripe, juicy Pineapple, but instead grew and picked it — Brilliant.

It’s a magnificent thing — I’m grateful for the visual experience, education and tasting.

Let’s get more Pineapple growing ASAP — It’s going to take a while, but it’s worth it.

We’re also growing grapes and may attempt Wine — Post title inspired by a B-52’s song.

Off Street Café — It’s off a street alright, but twice I could hardly recall where.  I now know it’s off Studebaker and Artesia in (yes) Cerritos and it’s worth finding, especially for breakfast.

We last enjoyed the Eggs Benedict, a Southwest Skillet and a Coconut Pineapple Muffin.

Off Street Café’s English Muffins are surprisingly extra good — They’re made in-house I’m told.

The restaurant was once featured on Restaurant Impossible with Robert Irvine.  Chef Irvine revamped their Dinner Menu and a one-and-a-half-day renovation gave Off Street Café a French provincial, livelier atmosphere.  It looks okay, but we prefer the old fashioned counter.

Look at the Cake I didn’t make — It’s pretty and proper since today is Nibbles of Tidbits 5 Year Anniversary.  Time sure flies and life is short so savor each moment.  Happy Anniversary to us!

The top line may push it a bit, but I concur with the general finding.  All is good — Thank God.

Our first experience at the California Wine Festival — Wine glasses lined up for tasting.

We grabbed a couple glasses and sought out the FOOD, because it’s how we roll.  Plenty of Wine was all around and available from noon to 4 — Best get some food in us to start.

Ribs and Chicken Wings from The Point Restaurant & Bar in Dana Point.

Messy with a Wine glass in hand, but the meat fell off the bone and both were flavorful.

Tall tables were scattered throughout the event and came in handy when free.

For a list of Participating Wineries, check with the California Wine Festival.

Pasta from Gemmell’s Restaurant may not look like much in the photo, but it was amazing!

I don’t know what it was, but if everything they make tastes as good, I’ve been missing out.

A generous Taco Plate from Chelas Mexican Grill was another winner for me.

Wine has the leading role at this event, so the heartier food options were appreciated.

VIP Pavilion (above) — It didn’t look more exciting, but had more chairs and shade.

Grilled Fish Tacos from Rubio’s.

Sushi from Mahé.

White Chocolate Dipped Strawberries from Celebrity Cruises.

Cheers — We’re hoping to win a free Celebrity Cruise, if they haven’t picked the winner yet!?

An Alcove similar to one on a Celebrity Cruise Ship — Our favorite Festival Sponsor.

We had White Wine on this warm, sunny day — Missed out on Red and want to do it again.

We frolicked and planked on Doheny State Beach afterwards and then went out for Sushi.

One fine day.

I prefer an Iced Tea and small Cheeseburger, but like the photo and others linked here.

California Wine Festival — Seems like a great way to spend a beautiful day.  We’ll be at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point this Saturday for the Beachside Wine & Food Fest.  We look forward to sipping Wine from all over California to live Caribbean music on the beach.

Guess who/what will be celebrating a big anniversary this month?  It’s not the pictured couple if you’re trying to decipher the faces — I don’t know who they are (probably models), but what a great way to commemorate.  Come back April 24th with Champagne in hand for the answer.

Do you know The Triangle (f/k/a Triangle Square) in Costa Mesa?  Yes, it’s called The Triangle now and it’s hoping to attract more guests than there ever was — I hope it does too, since the space has historically underperformed.  I’m not sure why, since parking isn’t that bad.

New Restaurants and Bars are open and due to open this Saturday, April 20th — The Saddle Ranch Chop House and El Corazon de Costa Mesa to name just two.  And I’m most excited to see a coming soon sign for Tavern Bowl.  Things seem to be pointing upward for The Triangle.

I liked the colors of Triangle Square better, but perhaps it’s one of the ways The Triangle is hoping to capture more attention — And one should pay attention, and GO, since it is built and looks to be tasty and fun there.  Be there or you’re a square.  Success is wished to all by us!

Did you see our post regarding Miguel’s Jr. Homestyle Mexican Food Restaurant?  We recently discovered it and decidedly liked it after one meal — Now after a few more (Wet Bean & Cheese Burrito and Taco Salad with Shredded Chicken), it’s serious.  We’re in heavy like.

As previously noted we REALLY like Miguel’s Jr.’s Beans and now appreciate their massive Burritos and homestyle flavor of their Shredded Chicken — All is well prepared and well priced.

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.

Miguel’s Jr. Homestyle Mexican Food — It’s on 17th Street, near Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa.  A Taco Bell once occupied the space.  It’s Miguel’s Jr.’s first fast-food-type restaurant in Orange County, and after a quick bite I’m already glad it’s here and want to taste more.

One of Miguel’s Jr.’s listed core values is to ‘Deliver a positive experience that exceeds expectations’ — I didn’t know that walking in, but now see it’s true.  Everyone seemed genuinely friendly, and the Beans on the pictured Tostada with Shredded Chicken were extra good.  I’ll need a Bean & Cheese Burrito there real soon.  Miguel’s Jr.’s prices aren’t bad either.

The California Wine Festival — It’s happening at Laguna Cliffs Marriot Resort & Spa on Friday, April 19th and at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, April 20th, 2013.  Hope to see you there!

Get tickets and more information here — Cheers to food and California WINE at the beach.