Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

It’s another Fullerton find for me — I love The Olde Ship‘s interior and real Pub feel.

The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant is British owned and operated since 1993, but a first for me and it’s my kind of place.  I like the menu, lighting, friendliness, unique seating and Fish & Chips and want to try more.  Pictured below is the Whitby Platter with Cod and Shrimp.

A toast to how hip it is inside.

Churchill’s Roast Beef & Yorkshire Pudding is pictured at top and Soup of the Day below.

It was Broccoli Cheddar Soup and will be Award Winning Clam Chowder next time.

Thar-be another The Olde Ship in Santa Ana that’s grand and offers live entertainment.

I’m glad to ‘finally see the brilliance’ and now light-up for a line-up of Starters to try soon.

Where can I find the BEST Bánh Mì Sandwich?  Locally all answers lead to Little Saigon.

We collected suggestions, then set out to eat at a few of them in one day.

We started at the Coffee Factory with extra strong Coffees and a Bánh Mì (Thit Nuon).

It’s a BBQ’d Pork Bánh Mì Sandwich that we’d go back for, and the Coffee too.

We were also referred to Paris Patisserie & Boulangerie aka Au Coeur De Paris for Macarons.

It’s formerly known as Le Versailles, I think.

We got a box filled with one of each Macaron flavor to go.

At Tip Top Sandwiches (below) a Chicken Bánh Mì Sandwich on a Croissant was recommended.

There are a couple Tip Top Sandwiches locations off Brookhurst around Little Saigon.

Good, but we liked the Bánh Mì at the Coffee Factory better, though vow to try more.

Also went to Brodard Restaurant for Nem Nuong Cuon and more Macarons (below).

Nem Nuong Cuon are popular Pork Spring Rolls that are wrapped in Rice Paper.

Though a favorite of many, I don’t particularly like Rice Paper over a fried Spring Roll.

And we got another box of Macarons from Brodard to try and compare.

I loved the colors and Macaron flavors at Brodard.

Gorgeous — Never thought to describe a Cookie as gorgeous, but couldn’t stop staring.

We had no complaints about the Macarons — Both boxes were above average.

Without recommendations, it seems impossible for an outsider to know where to go and what to eat in and around Little Saigon.  The above was a good start, but we’re not done searching for the best Bánh Mì and already have other suggestions on a list.  Do you have a favorite?

We went to Michigan (and Wisconsin) — It’s where precious family live, eat, laugh, love, farm, can, build, cheer for the Packers, play cards, enjoy campfires, worship and hunt.

Once thriving century old family farms are deeply special — Wish I could go back in time.

It’s Winter and snow will be falling — I thought all was beautiful, but locals say to come back in the Summer or early Fall to see the changing leaves.  This visit we traveled through Menominee, Green Bay, Stephenson and Wallace (I think) and post the food angle about it.

The Portobello Sandwich is popular at the Serving Spoon — You’ll have to find it.

Their Reuben Sandwich was one of the best I’ve had — It was lean and flavorful.

Truck (below) has a Keg as a gas tank or maybe it was truly Beer.

Sweetie Freis family making Sauerkraut.

Keep it tightly covered and well pressed to make it best.

Freis family canning — Set for the Winter.

Pickles, Grape Juice and Tomatoes.

Peaches, finalized Sauerkraut and more all shelved in a large basement — Impressive.

Once strained, the Grape Juice was simply marvelous darling.

River view from a bro’s house in Wallace — It was campfire time every night.

Walking in the woods, walking in the woods, nobody walks in the woods — JK, we did.

Deer hunting season starts this week — Real action will soon be goin’ down here.

The Deer Whisperer (below) feeding ’em before… Shhhhh.  Sorry, it’s how it goes.

Large bags of Deer Corn and Sugar Beets are sold in the U.P., not seen much in the O.C.

Good hunters have much respect for the animals — Put on that orange too.

There’s much respect for the Lord — No Alcohol before 11:00a.m. on Sundays.

I’ve never tried an Old Wisconsin Wiener — Have you?  It doesn’t sound sexy.

At a Fish Fry they say = A cool hometown bar that serves good Fried Fish on a Friday.

I had Cod, which may be available any day — Names and links to be added once known.

Gun safety is extremely important — I had good training before shooting my first gun.

What kind of gun was it you ask?  A 357 Magnum, thank you very much, and what the %&*$ happened — It was crazy, like skiing on a double black diamond slope the first time you ever go down a mountain.  It was intense and loud as all $*(% without ear plugs.

Venison in all forms abounds — Preparing a Roast for dinner.

Venison Sausage to start.

Cooked Venison with Gravy (below).

A family meal in the U.P.  It was super duper yooper for all — Thank you!

I had 3 plates of mostly the Ham, Cole Slaw and Scalloped Potatoes.

Played Rummy many times too, another first for me.  I play cards, but hadn’t played Rummy.

On the way back to Green Bay Airport we stopped at Seguins — A Cheese shop in Wisconsin.

They offer lots of Cheese samples, unique gifts, and local memorabilia to see, try and/or buy.

I’ve been recruited as a Packer’s Fan — I guess that means they’re winning the Super Bowl.

From what I’ve seen and learned from one visit, the above picture captures a genuine spirit that’s felt throughout the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin — So happy together.

One of countless thanks is for the freedom to grow and eat fruit — Thank God for it and YOU.

From California to Michigan and back to post about a family vacation and my first trip there.

Much is in store in Michigan with M — Photo Credits.

These Red, White & Blue Gumdrops are similar to Shelly’s Jellies, but different in that SJ’s are always made with real, puréed and/or juiced Fruit, instead of Extracts and/or Oils.  I love the patriotic stars, Gumdrop’s timely color combo and the freedom to make anything I want.

May the best of the worst (too commonly) win — Hope to toast to those I voted for!

My thoughts exactly (above) while in LLC and LLP America — Otherwise you just walk out hungry with more work to do, and have less time to do it.  Right!?  That always sucks about having too many meetings.  Have you seen someecards?  Most are pretty darn funny.

I also like… fun, fabulous, fantastic, fulfillment, fascination, etc. 😉

YOU might have to do something about it — Cheers to more jobs!  Huh?

Happy Friday — Hey, this feels like blogging… 🙂

The 2 for $20 meal — It’s a real deal at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.

Right now at Applebee’s you get (1) Appetizer and (2) full size Entrees for $20 – See MENU.

This was our first time to an Applebee’s and we learned it’s hipper than we thought.

It’s a welcoming place for the young and the old — I like that.  Its full Bar helps too.

We happened upon “$5 Sangria Saturdays” and appreciated the generous size glass too.

For an Appetizer, we opted for the Spinach & Artichoke Dip and would do so again.

And for Entrees we chose the Chipotle Cream Steak & Shrimp and the Three Cheese Chicken Penne.  Both were good.  Top Sirloin was served as the Steak (above) and it was tender, a must for any Steak — I never like to chew and chew and chew a Steak.

The ‘Welcome Back!’ sign shall apply next time, since we’d go back for this deal.

Cheers to 2 for $20 at Applebee’s and other specials like it — The service, atmosphere and lighting was pleasant too.  We also like the T.G.I. Friday’s 3-Course Menu for (2) for $20.  And Chili’s Grill & Bar has a $20 Dinner for Two that we plan to try (and report on) soon.

More keep landing here to view our Halloween Cupcake and Cookie decorating ideas.

I’ve posted much about it previously — A link to all is here.

Pictured are the latest and hopefully greatest, though certainly not professional samples.

Trick or Eat is adopted from the Trick or Eat Dinner at The Cellar in Fullerton.

Happy Halloween from Nibbles of Tidbits!

Growing up some of the best times were spent trick-or-treating and trading Candy.

Now it’s fun to decorate and give away Cookies and Cupcakes to/from/with friends/family.

The kids love them too — Halloween is a creative time.

Enjoy the possibilities — Eyeballs bring anything to life.

Can’t have Burnt Toast featured at the top of the page for too long — Who wants to keep staring at that?  Not me.  Our recent Brunch at the Rusty Pelican was excellent (and much prettier to see).  That’s all about it for now.  We’ll go back for more info and Champagne.

Over the edge with too many slices of Burnt Toast that it mustn’t go unreported — Its ratio has tipped into the majority, possibly happening 57% of the time, I confess.  Why is everything else more enticing when toasting Bread?  I’ll still eat it to give a better slice to you.

Under the boardwalk, we’ll be having some fun — At the Redondo Beach Pier, people walking above.  Fish Markets and Old-Time Arcades, people falling in love.  I’m grateful to be reminded of the magic that’s there and hope to return to experience more soon.  There’s so much to do.

And much more to eat under the boardwalk around the Redondo Beach Pier.

Many things I love like Crab and Lobster, but we weren’t so excited about the Sea Urchin.

Others were eating ’em up, after a breaking of its shell and a quick rinse of water.

Several fresh Oyster types were available to be shucked and consumed.

The offerings are varied and seem endless — Pick something, have it cooked and eat outside.

Free cooking — Broiled, fried or otherwise.

Smelt — I remember my Mom serving them for dinner when I was a kid and I liked them.

We opted for Ceviche this day — There are so many choices above and under the boardwalk.

Ceviche, Tortillas and a giant Pacifico on the patio with much more to go.

One of my favorite Old-Time Arcades is here near the Pier.

We had a blast with $20 — Its old-time prices go with its nostalgic experience.

Mostly old-fashioned games meet a few worthy new ones — Didn’t catch the Candy though.

Caught a Jawbreaker that escaped during its retrieval and bounced down the boardwalk. 🙂

Like some newer Arcades, tickets are earned towards prizes.

We chose Surprise Boxes — The sampling above wasn’t too bad.  I can use the basting brush.

This day we also walked along the shore from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach (and back), ultimately to El Torasco, a long-time favorite Mexican restaurant of mine, and then barely made it back to Hermosa before the sun went down — A beautiful day indeed!

Dare to make Pozole — Check, and in most cases it’s all about the reconstituted Dried Chiles.

In researching how to make Pozole, I learned… Dried Chiles soaked in Hot Water, then puréed and added to the Broth commonly denote this Mexican Soup, as do its accompaniments.

Its familiar garnishes include all shown and more.  My first attempt at making Pozole turned out fairly well, but not great enough to add a recipe.  I referred to several recipes in order to make the pictured version and will add more Chiles next time — Extra RED to be best fed.

One of my favorite Burritos is the Junior Super Deluxe at El Tarasco in Manhattan Beach.

It’s been about ten years since I’d been there and had one, and it tastes exactly the same.

LOVE the Chips and Salsa there too — We used to drive miles to get there at midnight.

This day we walked a couple miles along the surf from Hermosa Beach — It’s worth it no matter how you travel to get there.  Enlarge MENU for a better view.  This first El Tarasco has been open since 1969, and though prices aren’t the same, they’re definitely reasonable.

It won’t take another ten years to sink my teeth into another one — I’ve got the fever again.

Note:  It’s a tiny place only a counter long — Sometimes you wait, other times you don’t.

They were easy to make, but it seems the Sugar Cookie Dough I used (Pillsbury) isn’t conducive to the recipe shown below and linked here — The Candy Corn Cookies baked up well-formed on the video, but my wannabes didn’t end up as triangularly cute or colorful.

The pictured Cookies didn’t stay triangular and basically baked into blobs.

The wannabes were entertaining to make and not bad to eat, but not what I wanted.

Halloween Cookies — I’ve decorated a lot of them.  Samples (visual only) are linked here, if you’re searching for Halloween Cookie decorating ideas.  This year I’m most excited about the Candy Corn Cookies shown on the Howdini Video above.  They look credible and are so cute.

I’ve added Candy Corn Cookies to my ‘To Make List’ since they’re too easy to make, a bonus.

We’re forever in search of the “this is the best one yet” Hamburger and heard good things about the Burgers at Café Beau Soleil and Crêperie at Fashion Island — So we went.

Its outdoor patio is across from Urban Outfitters.

Café Beau Soleil And Crêperie is so French — Even our waiter was French and looked familiar.  It couldn’t be that I remembered him from France, since it’s been more than ten years since I’ve been there.  No, I later remembered that he waited on me at Pescadou Bistro one time, another French restaurant in Newport Beach where you’ll find him working at night.

Toast with a Glass of Wine, but not with the one circled below — It’s 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Grigio, which probably doesn’t sound all that great in the first place, but since I like Chardonnay and my Mom (and Hamburger sharing partner) likes Pinot Grigio, we gave it a try.

And it might be the worst Wine I’d ever had — Not sure what’s up with it, but be warned.

Other than that, all was pleasant at the French Café on a beautiful day.

And we liked the Hamburger — It ranks high on our informal best Hamburger list.

We had the Le Burger with Caramelized Onions and Gruyere Cheese on a Brioche Bun and would get it again, with sure to be a better French Wine.  Cheers to many other things, including the bitchen bracelet my Mom bought at Uno de 50 shortly before our relaxing lunch.

Where should we go next sweet Mom?  Cheers to you!

You can’t make it as good as this he said.  Purposeful reverse psychology or not, I’m going to try.  It’s what I do and part of the reason why I started Nibbles of Tidbits.  We’re talking about Posole and the one we had here was good, but the Broth was a little flat.  The challenge now is to make a Posole that’s better than the one pictured.  Coming soon my friend (hopefully).  I’m not sayin’ it’ll be great, but it’s possible, thank God.  Check back to see if you get any. 😉

Posole aka Pozolé aka Pozolli is a Mexican Stew that’s most often made with Pork and Hominy.

I’m currently reviewing recipes to incorporate the best authentic and common themes.

Garnishes will be included, but no human meat — Pozolé has a bizarre history.

Update 10/20/12: First attempt at making Pozole shown here — Second attempt in order.

It’s Watermelon LOVE, what a surprise since it’s generally not one of my favorite flavors, though I always like it as Fresh Fruit and 100% Juice.  Inspired by the request of Kids in the Kitchen, I discovered Shelly’s Jellies are superb when made from pureed Watermelon.

At first I didn’t think it was possible to create an intensely flavored Candy without using Citrus Juice and Zest — Since I’d made all available citrus flavors, I took a chance with Strawberry and Watermelon and both couldn’t have turned out better.  Lexi and Hannah (pictured) loved the Watermelon and Bailee liked the Strawberry ones better.  Blackberry Jellies are next.

None can say they’ve tasted a better, naturally flavored Jelly Candy. Thanks for the ideas kids!

A gift from the Grandkids (Kids in the Kitchen) who know their BBQ’ing Grandpa (aka Mad Dog) well and it’s definitely Budweiser in between his grilling.  Always marinate and never use a recipe it also states — I concur with that.  October still feels like July in Southern California.  The ten minute rule seems doable in this record heat.  Pop open a Stella for me, sorry Dad.

Official exploration and documentation of FOOD in Fullerton kicked off at Moodaepo’s.

We spent two days sampling food in Fullerton’s SOCO District (South of Commonwealth).

At Stadium Tavern (above), we had Salads on the patio — The top special was a Lump Crab Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Avocados with a Basil Oil and Balsamic Reduction.  We relished both Salads on a sunny afternoon.  Have you been to Roscoe’s Famous Deli (below)?

The Sandwiches are crazy tall — We needed an extra pair of Bread.  The place is cool too.

We had the Harbor Sub (above) and the Silly Billy (below).

On top of all that jazz, its twinkling atmosphere glows ready for any kind of patron.

My Fullerton restaurant Tour Guide (below) doing who knows what at Roscoe’s. 😉

After all, we toasted to life with a customized Iced Tea from Tranquil Tea Lounge.

Refreshing and flavorful on this hot day — We’ll get it hot on a cold day, someday.

An informative and nice bunch run Tranquil Tea Lounge — And you may smell any of the labeled jars.  It’s how we decided what to drink.  They are well identified and pungent.

Its limited menu is inviting and it’s casual and artsy inside.

We’ll be scouting the streets to choose where to go next in Fullerton.  Check back.

I’ve previously written about The Cellar too — It’s within walking distance from (or in the same building as) Stadium Tavern, where we’d gladly have another Salad.  I’m learning that Fullerton has much to offer in the way of FOOD and people.  I’m ready for more.

Whole Foods Market Newport Beach came along just in time to elevate the Special Menu (below) — It’s an incredible store and where I bought the best of the best ingredients for a “You Pick, I Prepare” Dinner.  And I thank Whole Foods Market for its $100 Gift Card towards all.  Though this post is partially sponsored, I will always tell it like it is, yo yo yo. 😉

What would you pick?  Remember Slam Books?  What’s your favorite FOOD?  Fill-in the blanks.

My answers would be very different than these, with all due respect — That’s all I’m gonna say.  Okay, I might heckle about it later.  My Slam Menu picks would likely include King Crab Legs and a Soufflé.  I got off easy with the Special Menu above, though still managed to create fodder for ‘The Bad’ segment of Nibbles of Tidbits.  It’s always a learning experience.

Most turned out well.  The Shrimp for the Shrimp Cocktail was sweet and tender, not tough, and I thank the Whole Foods Market Seafood Department for deveining them for me.  It saved a lot of time and it’s a job I certainly don’t love.  Now that’s some super service!

The Split Pea and Ham Soup (made without a recipe) fortunately turned out tasty as all get out.  And the Parmesan Crisps are what’s best about this Caesar Salad — It’s Shaved Parmesan Cheese that’s cooked in a skillet on medium (without oil) until golden brown and crisp.  I always add ’em instead of Croutons.  And then there’s the Meatloaf… Meatloaf, really?

It’s mostly ironic, since I never liked it.  Growing up I’d ask what’s for dinner and when my Mom would laughingly say “your favorite” I knew it was Meatloaf.  She knew it was the opposite of my favorite.  And here I am faced with it again.  I got past it by converting my true favorite Meatball Recipe into a Meatloaf, and served it with a Sauce made of Tomatoes, Roasted Garlic and Caramelized Onions (puréed).  If I think of a Meatloaf as a giant Meatball, I’m better.

I’ve made plenty of Twice Baked/Re-Stuffed Potatoes in my life and most have turned out perfectly fine, but these didn’t.  Isn’t that terrific when it matters.  They tasted good, but had too much Cheese (with Butter), which made all runny and oily.  Wouldn’t you know it?!

The Carrots were a bonus — They were roasted in the oven with Sweet Onions and Garlic.

And then there’s the Banana Cream Pie aka Banana Pot Pie, as dubbed by the mystery guest.  The Pie didn’t set and I’m not sure why.  Cornstarch has been problematic for me lately and will opt for Flour next time.  A Chocolate Bundt Cake from a mix was made for backup.

It was suggested that the Banana Cream ‘Pudding’ be spooned over the Chocolate Cake.

All was not lost.  Nothing was lost.  It was all good — And the time was especially great.

Thanks Whole Foods Market Newport Beach — I look forward to seeing you again.

It’s my 2nd year as a Judge at the Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon — Last year is here.

Though it sounds glamorous, it really isn’t — Too much Chocolate is possible.

Its location, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is best as a venue for an 80’s concert.

For this purpose, booths/tables were set up to hand-out tiny to full size pieces of Chocolate (and other unique Candies) to those who paid to attend the event.  Personally I never love to stand in line after line, but some products and people make it worth it, like Deuvo (above).

All may take a Chocolate making class at The Gourmandise School of Sweet and Savories.

It’s in Santa Monica — At the end of the class, you’re sent home with lots of custom Chocolate.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts students sculpted Chocolate Flowers and more.

They made this mostly edible Cake (above) to display their talents — I just LOVE it.

More Chocolate and Brittle samples — I’ve already voted and will say this… I most appreciated Mignon Chocolate and might of preferred to buy those pictured at top and head to the beach.

Since the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium was a short walk from the booming Santa Monica Pier, that’s where we went — We hadn’t been there in years and luckily arrived intact, once passed the crazy guy yelling every word that shouldn’t be written here, plus all the other clowns along the way.  It’s a bit of a weird world there, Venice like we come to realize.  Interesting.

Cheers to the Chocolate, from the Mexican Restaurant at the end of the Santa Monica Pier.

It was cool kickin’ it there with Sirloin, Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas — All was tender but bland.

Overall, nothing to complain about this day, but all is checked off the list.  Thank you.