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.
We traveled to The Globe for dinner and reached La La Land, as we fell in love with the food and more in love with each other over Belgian Craft Beers and specially selected Hoppas.
The Globe Dine • Bar is owned and operated by a lovely husband and wife team from Belgium.
It’s in Historic Downtown Garden Grove — I didn’t know there was such the designation.
Since I generally like historic-anything and food-travel-everything, The Globe enticed.
And it delivered the most flavorful Hoppas (Hops + Tapas) we ever landed on.
Skirt Steak Florets, Blue Cheese, Roasted Pearl Onions with Red Wine Jus was transcending.
It’s pictured at top and directly above, along with Prosciutto Wrapped Scampi Shrimp…
Gouda Croquettes and Cherry Tomato Bruchetta — All transported with exceptional flavor.
Belgian Craft Beers are served in signature glassware and poured following Cicerone rules.
Historic Main Street is fairly short and we think The Globe is the best place on the street.
Our sampling was so good, we hope to go back for more. The menu explores the globe stopping in a different country each month — We took in a pleasing glance of France.
Traveling The Globe is worth it — You’ll find nice people, BEER and varying high-quality food.
Nibbles of Tidbits adopts the Optimist’s View of the Mayan Calendar.
We plan to toast to it with an Oreo Cookie and a big glass of Milk (or we’ll be dead).
Start the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Par-tay early at its Pre-Party Event: It’s Free.
A friend recently drove through a Starbucks Drive-Thru and when she got to the window to pay, the employee told her that her Coffee had been paid for by the anonymous person in front of her. She only remembers it was a lady. The gesture made my friend’s day, an otherwise bad one in other ways. It came at the right time and she’s still talking about it. Now I’m going to do it! And it doesn’t need to happen at a Starbucks — Any drive-thru will do, like El Pollo Loco, unless there are too many people in the car behind you, ha. You decide.
It’s great to see a Lindt Store is at The Outlets at Orange, formerly know as The Block at Orange (1998 – 2011), and perhaps to be known as O someday, jk, but reeallllly. Why not? On to the Chocolate… Lindt is my longest favorite and I LOVE the progressive new flavors.
Keep on Chocolatier-ing Swiss Master. Mmmmmmmmm.
We toast to the incredible food at The Globe, soon to be shown here, after recognition of National Lager Day — Other National Food Days in December are linked here, here and here.
A new Panera Bread just opened in Costa Mesa and I went for the Big Kid Grilled Cheese.
It’s off Harbor near Target and Henry’s Farmers Market.
This Panera Bread has an outdoor patio and fireplace (indoors and out).
The new Big Kid Grilled Cheese is described below.
The bites with Applewood Smoked Bacon were divine — It’s an amazing, rich Sandwich.
Combined with Creamy Tomato Soup, it was a most satisfying lunch.
They open early for breakfast.
I may need to go back soon for the same — Extra crispy on the outside is preferred.
Panera Bread offers a good meal — Thanks! See what we’ve said previously.
It’s hard to find a good Sports Bar. I’ve known some bad ones. Since becoming a Packer’s fan, it’s become important to find a comfortable and tasteful place to watch the games — One with lots of big screens, a civil atmosphere and great food (perhaps hardest to find) is most desired. We learned about the changes happening at Dave & Buster’s and can’t wait to test out the digs this Sunday. Read all about it (below) and check back next week for our amusement verdict. I’ve always liked D&B’s though didn’t previously consider it on game day.
Dave & Buster’s Introduces Ultimate Destination for Sports Fans
New look offers New Sports Viewing, New Food, New Games and New Fun — Think you know Dave & Buster’s? Think again. D&B’s, the leader in all-in-one entertainment, is upping the game with the launch of its newly renovated Irvine Spectrum and Outlets at Orange locations. Combining massive 15-foot TV screens, a new menu, new games, and top to bottom upgrades, Dave & Buster’s is the ultimate go-to game day headquarters for sports fans.
Over the past three months, the Orange and Irvine Dave & Buster’s have been transformed into the ultimate destination for sport enthusiasts, with a new contemporary look and feel. With enormous projection screens and 25 huge HD TV’s, Dave & Buster’s has dining, sports viewing, and entertainment under one roof.
“We’re very excited about our new look and can’t wait to share it with sports fans,” said James Glenn, General Manager, Irvine Spectrum. “Our new sports bar is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, with new food and new games – no other place has this much going on!”
Orange County Dave & Buster’s guests who are looking for fun are definitely going to find it. Highlights of the changes include:
The Irvine Dave & Buster’s is located at 71 Fortune Dr., Suite 960 Irvine, CA, 92618. Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. – midnight Sunday through Wednesday; 11:00 a.m. – 1 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.
The Orange Dave & Buster’s is located 20 City Boulevard West, Bldg. G Suite 1 Orange, CA, 92868. Hours of operation are 11:30 a.m. – midnight, Sunday through Wednesday; 11:30 a.m. – 1 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.
About Dave & Buster’s
Innovators of the restaurant/entertainment category, Dave & Buster’s was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dave & Buster’s now operates 60 large venue, high-volume restaurant/entertainment complexes throughout the United States that offer a food and fun-filled experience to adults and families. The exciting environment of the Dave & Buster’s complex contributes to each guest’s experience and also provides the perfect setting for corporate and group events. Dave & Buster’s is currently updating all of its stores to enhance the TV viewing areas and build a larger sports atmosphere. Each Dave & Buster’s offers an impressive selection of high-quality food and beverage items, combined with an extensive array of interactive entertainment attractions such as pocket billiards, shuffleboard, state-of the-art simulators, virtual reality and traditional carnival-style amusements and games of skill. Dave & Buster’s emphasizes high levels of guest service in an upscale atmosphere to create casual, yet sophisticated, ideal playing conditions.
SOURCE: Press Release from Dave & Buster’s — Read more about it here and here.
I can’t stop going on-and-on about how thin and crispy Chili’s Tortilla Chips are, and mentioned it here once before. Though we set out to taste and report about Chili’s $20 Dinner for 2, the Tortilla Chips were triangle-stars (again) amongst generously portioned, flavorful entrees and appetizer. There’s something HB Strips and Cheese tasting about Chili’s Chips and Salsa, which may make sense to a local!? Maybe it’s the frying Oil and/or the Salsa is similarly sweet. Whatever it is, I LIKE IT. Now onto our $20 Dinner for 2. What a deal!
We previously tried Chili’s $35 Dinner, Drinks & Dessert for 2 — Some dishes are the same as those offered for the $20 Dinner for 2, and some are different. The main differences are the Drinks and Dessert, and neither come with the $20 special. It can’t be that great of a deal.
We’re completely impressed with the large serving sizes and taste of all.
We chose the Crispy Onion & Jalapeno Stack for an Appetizer and the Crispy Honey-Chipotle Chicken Crispers and Grilled Chicken Salad for Entrees — The MENU is here.
Lots of good Entrees to choose from — I like that, and our server Bobby at Chili’s Buena Park location, who was authentically nice and proficient. A bag of Chips to-go well with 4 ripe Avocados awaiting purpose at home. Guacamole with more thin, crispy Tortilla Chips, ole.
Nibbles of Tidbits’ Food Coloring Series continues with a combo platter aka its first popular color combination — Red & Green in time for December. Have you seen our series? FOOD in magnificent shades of orange, purple, yellow, green, blue, red, white, black, brown and pink, have previously been celebrated here. See respective links. The Red & Green Color-Combo begins with Chocolate Cups filled with Whipped Cream, Raspberries and Kiwi. A nice start.
Do I want to go back to Paris? The above might make me think so, but… Let’s continue on.
Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil, Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar is all that’s needed.
Watermelon Jellies — Similar to Shelly’s Jellies. Wait, Shelly’s Jellies are better!
Though the painting looks like Black Olives to me, it’s Green Apples. Either way, I like it.
I plan to make Caramel and Salted Caramel soon and love it best with Apples and Ice Cream.
Can you find the FOOD above? A table filled with homemade goodness awaits inside.
Strawberries at a Christmas Party.
Life is short indeed, but I’d opt for King Crab Legs and Filet Mignon — More savory than sweet.
Though a basic, easy dessert to make, it takes time to wait before adding the next layer.
Christmas Cupcake and Cookie decorating ideas.
Looks like a table set for a Christmas Brunch in California — Photo Credit.
Apples and Grapes I didn’t paint, but would give it a try.
It’s Red & Green Season and it’s good for our hearts too — Eat up! What Color-Combo should be covered next? Black & White? Red, White & Blue? Silver & Gold? Let us be told.
We set out to have Chili’s $20 Dinner for 2 which includes one Appetizer and two Entrees, but once there we instead opted for Chili’s less advertised upgrade, the $35 Dinner for 2 that includes an Appetizer and Dessert to share, and two Margaritas and two Entrees.
To further surpass the original $20 dinner plan, we upgraded to the Platinum Presidente Ritas.
Enlarge pictured menus to assess options or visit Chili’s.
We chose the Tostada Chips & Fire-Grilled Corn Guacamole for our Appetizer.
LOVE Chili’s thin, crispy Chips — We couldn’t get over how thin they are and would go back just for them. Have they always been this good? I don’t remember. Are they as thin and crispy at all Chili’s? We hope so, but don’t know. We dined at Chili’s Buena Park location.
For Entrees we chose the Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Chicken (above).
And the Smokey Chipotle Chicken Fajitas (above and at top).
Fixings for the Smokey Chipotle Chicken Fajitas (above and below).
Shared the Brownie Sundae for Dessert — Usually prefer something light and/or fruity, but it was good and filling. Overall, we think both the $20/$35 Dinners for 2 are good values.
We’ll try the $20 Dinner for 2 next time, though the Margaritas are tempting.
Similar dinner specials for two can be found at T.G.I.’s Friday’s and Applebee’s.
The New Year’s Eve Block Party returns for a third year with a celebration that only the OC Fair could offer with hit tribute bands, gourmet food trucks, a demolition derby, Vegas-style games and a midnight pyrotechnic celebration, all for one affordable admission price.
For music lovers, the New Year’s Eve Block Party will feature four stages with tribute bands covering four decades of rock music:
For foodies, the New Year’s Eve Block Party will feature gourmet food truck grub from: Bakery Truck (desserts), Dos Chinos (Latin-Asian fusion), A Bite Truck (California fusion), Baconmania (bacon-inspired dishes), Dogzilla (gourmet hot dogs), White Rabbit (Filipino-fusion), Piaggio On Wheels (Argentinean), Garlicscapes (garlic-inspired dishes), Ragin Cajun (Cajun), Macho Nacho (gourmet nachos), Me So Hungry (gourmet sliders and hamburgers), The Burnt Truck (gourmet sliders), Shortstop BBQ (BBQ fare) and The Lime Truck (fresh California cuisine).
The NYE Bash Demolition Derby will bring the fun of mass destruction for the adventurous types and the free Vegas-style games will offer revelers a chance to test their luck.
At midnight, everyone can enjoy as the OC Fair lights up the night sky with a pyrotechnic celebration to welcome in the New Year.
Tickets are currently available at pre-sale discounts of General $37.50 and VIP $75. For those avid summer Fairgoers, a Block Party admission plus 2013 OC Fair Super Pass Combo is also available at a discounted $57.50. Prices will increase December 1 and the Super Pass combo is only available through December 20.
General admission includes access to the Block Party with standing-room-only tribute band performances, unreserved general admission seating at the NYE Bash Demolition Derby, Vegas-style games with free prizes and access to food trucks, cash bars and other food and beverage options (food and drink prices vary). A VIP ticket offers all the same access as General admission plus complimentary parking, access to a VIP lounge with a private bar serving premium liquor and specialty cocktails, two drink tickets, party favors, hors d’oeuvres, a reserved premium seat at the NYE Bash Demolition Derby and a ticket to return in the summer for the 2013 OC Fair. Group general admission discounts are also available.
Admission and parking can be purchased online at ocfair.com/blockparty or from the onsite Box Office on a limited-time basis (visit ocfair.com/blockparty for the days and hours).
The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan on Facebook.com/OCFair, or follow at twitter.com/ocfair.
Note: Above is a Press Release from the OC Fair — Nibbles of Tidbits LOVES this event and we hope to see YOU at the OC Fair’s New Year’s Eve Block Party this year. It’s a local party where there’s much to do and it really feels like a comfortable Block Party. 🙂
There’s always something to be thankful for — Happy Thanksgiving from Nibbles of Tidbits.
Many of life’s best moments happen at the dinner table, no matter how it’s set.
Minimal table settings and decor can be just as stylish and special as elaborate ones.
All photos collected herein convey sentiment in some way — I’m thankful for that feeling too.
To dine at each table would be more than fine. Pass the Wine.
Get ready to enjoy the Holiday Season — For more ideas, instructions and photo credits, see here, here, here, here, here and here. All utilized are linked to talented creators who inspired.
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