Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

The Crab Cooker — It’s one of my favorite landmarks in Newport Beach.

It’s been simple and enjoyable since 1951.

For some reason it’s hard to find consistently good Smoked Fish around here, so I’m glad it always seems to be available at The Crab Cooker.  Elsewhere it’s been previously frozen and defrosted, too dry, refrigerator flavored, unappetizing looking, or it’s too expensive.

Smoked Albacore and Smoked Salmon are favorites to have at home, as often as possible.

Fish options and prices vary.

It’s a Restaurant and Fish Market that’s walking distance from the Newport Beach Pier.

I’m always happy to eat at The Crab Cooker and perfectly satisfied afterwards.

Smoked Fish To Go — I like their Tartar Sauce, but my Cocktail Sauce is better.

And King Crab Legs could be my favorite food of all, if I had to pick one.

Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop in Costa Mesa — I’m glad to see them in the neighborhood.

It’s a narrow, well utilized, stylish space with goodness to offer.

A group of us (various media) were invited to sample Happy Hour and Kid’s Menu items.

We liked it all and learned that Greenleaf Chefs take pride in each and every dish.

We especially liked the Turkey Melts on Pretzel Bread (below) and Turkey Meatballs.

The Kid’s Menu Chicken Bites with Sweet Potato Fries are pictured below.

See the Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop website for new menu specifics.

A Delivery Program will soon be launching and Curbside Service is currently available.

They also offer Business Catering and an in-house Coffee/Juice Bar/Specialty Item Shop.

Cheers to Greenleaf with Sangria and another tasty house specialty drink.

They seem to be about healthy food and good times.

More of everything please.

I try to avoid politics here, but better decisions need to be made — People and animals first.

Happy Valentine’s Day — To avoid the crowd, we celebrated a couple days before with dinner at Soprano’s (soon to be reported on) and further plan to observe the holiday with cards and surprises the day after.  Heart shaped Toast today with much to look forward to tomorrow.

Whatever makes you happy, whatever you want — Music related to food has a place here.

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a Jell-O Shot, but the pictorial basic recipe and linked unique recipes (here, here and here) cause me to want to make and serve ’em at a party.

Have you seen the Anti-Theft Lunch Bag?  Too funny.

Perhaps the best Blackened Catfish we’ve had is at the Reel Inn in Malibu off PCH.

We took a drive along the coast and love where we landed (all day long).

We’d go back to the Reel Inn for the very same thing and more after I study the menu.

I wanted to buy the Cajun Spice but they don’t sell it and wouldn’t tell what’s in it.

It’s a Fish Market and Restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.

Pictured above is Spuddy Freis aka Mr. Potato Freis who traveled with us — We’re dorks.

View across the street from the Reel Inn (above).

On the way to Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, near Malibu.

Still on PCH heading towards Mr. Magoo or something phonetically like it. 😉

What a find — It’s the Old Place (below) and we’re so glad we peeked inside.

It’s a (circa) 50 year old BAR in a 100 year old building with cool people inside.

We appreciated the smiling guy singing with a guitar and genuinely friendly patrons.

Cheers with a non-fancy Wine glass — We’re told to try the Steamed Clams next time.

Loved the Old Place — It’s stylish all around it with unique shopping and Wine Tasting too.

Finally made it to Paramount Ranch on a mostly overcast day, but all was historically beautiful.

Paramount Ranch — It’s where many old westerns were filmed and a fun place to explore.  You’re free to roam around and play outside the Saloon, Barber Shop, Sheriff’s Office and other structures — We cracked up making short, funny videos that we’re still laughing at.

Back to the Fish in Malibu (hopefully someday) and more of everything this day, please.

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

Get off your phat phone and eat it.

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 4th Annual Taste Awards with Cat Cora, an award presenter and recipient.

This year I was one of numerous Judges — Award Winners were announced in December.

Medals were handed out at The Taste Awards Ceremony at the Vibiana this January evening.  Flipping Out won for Best Home Decor and Design Program, as represented by Jenni (above).

P. Allen Smith presented a few awards — A fine fellow we just met.

All went well, no one slipped or tripped, but the sound could’ve been better.

The Vibiana is grand and gorgeous — Inside it glowed in RED, pink and purple.

Outside there was little food — We liked what we ate, but hoped for more.

Can you guess the meat?

It’s Goose for Goose Tacos — Plain looking and simple as can be, yet quite tasty.

Above is a Potato/Chorizo appetizer of some sort from the Idaho Potato peeps.

Plates with a hole for a drink glass (above) may be cooler than the people below.

Champagne? Tequila? Thanks for offering.

Too much Tequila for our Idaho Potato Guy — Had to chill on the bench for a while.

Below:  Me on stage pretending to present an award after the show was over, and with my friend Michelle, pretending others are taking pictures of us — In between are Caramels by Amella and the address of the Vibiana.  Thanks for the invitation.  It was a good experience.

I’m hungry, but happy.  Tommy’s or Pink’s sounds good.

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.