Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

It’s a Deep Fried Avocado Stuffed with Carne Asada.  Have you heard of such a thing?  Does it even sound good?  Well… It’s now at Baja Blues near the Action Sports Arena at the Orange County Fair and a favorite of many, I’m told.  I recently got to try it during a Fair Foodie Tour.

It’s not bad, but I discovered other preferences on the tour — Report posted on 07/28/12.

Don’t knock the Horehound Drops, they’ve got history — Today they’re mostly spotted in old fashioned candy shops.  Look… Horehound Drops, hahaha.  I’ll have you know that it was my Great Grandmother’s favorite candy and will forever remind me of her.  I love seeing them.  Aside from that, others appreciate its purported health benefits.  Though an early valued herb, mysteries about the Horehound are still being uncovered.  What’s that slutty dog up to?

The Taste of Orange County didn’t start off pretty — Long lines, slow processing and network glitches frustrated a lot of people including us, but we hung in there to eventually enjoy a sunny day filled with appetizing food, cooking demonstrations, artwork and live bands.

FOOD commenced with a Spicy Lobster Shrimp Grinder (at top) from SlapFish.

And the fare continued all day with specialties from several local high-quality restaurants, including Tamarind of London, which offered a nice seating area too, as did a few others.

Though not pictured, Mastro’s Steakhouse presented one of the best lounge areas.

The hip set-up paired well with Mastro’s Steak and Lobster Mashed Potatoes (above).

A few favorites came from Red Table.

We loved the Yuzu Crab Ceviche Tacos and Braised Beef Short Ribs.

We meant to go back for Red Table’s Broken Banana Cream Pie after savory, but forgot.

Spicy, tender, flavorful Chicken from Clay Oven.

Haven GastroPub served up Crab Rolls (above) and Fried Pigs Ears (below).

Pig’s Ears were another first — The pictured were sweet, spicy, crispy and tasty.

Short Rib and Crab-related offerings seemed to be popular, an agreeable thing.

The grilling meat reminded us of the upcoming Orange County Fair.

Chef Demo Host, Chef Jamie Gwen and Executive Chef Rob Wilson from the Montage Laguna Beach show ‘Easy Luxury Hors d’oeuvres Tricks & Tips’ with audience member volunteers.

Great OC Farm-To-Table Dinner, an extra cost but valuable — 7 Courses by 9 Top Chefs.

The Ultimate Stones cover band — They were good and almost as old as the originals.

Thanks for the Cupcakes — Media break under a tree with a glass of Wine.

We’re glad we stayed for all.

Each is responsible for him/herself — Government need not mandate how much one can eat or drink, drugs and alcohol aside. There are more important issues to tackle.  Mayor Bloomberg’s latest proposal is simply ridiculous on quite a few levels, but since Nibbles of Tidbits is a food blog and not a political blog, I’ll move on.  Run Soda run, and Hot Dog, you’d better hide.

Note: This is a variation of a pre-published report, posted again to assess technical issues.

Much work went into the preparation of this list — The Birthday (Food) Freebies List.  It’s a notable compilation, though we have not verified all.  Do you know the restaurants?  We’re familiar with most of them.  How many stops can you schedule on your birthday?  It might be fun to make an entire day of it.  We’ll surely document it when it happens.  I know a few birthdays coming up.  Anyone game?  More birthday freebies are listed here, here and here.

Happy Birthday to you, whenever it may be…

The Chicken Shish Kabob Mediterranean Entree is A MUST, as noted on Panini Cafe’s Menu and verbalized by friends.  Four of us recently had lunch on their patio in Irvine to celebrate a couple birthdays.  My original sights were set on Lamb, Mousaka or a Panini, but had to try the Chicken Shish Kabob due to the hoopla.  We all ordered the same plate, not a food bloggers dream, but WOW is the word — It’s beautiful, extremely flavorful, tender and juicy baby.

It’s the Best Chicken Kabob we’ve ever had — My friends go to Panini Cafe for it as often as possible.  Their office is within walking distance and now I wish mine was too.  It’s superb.

The pictured dessert isn’t served at Panini Cafe.  It was made by a dear friend and amazing baker for our birthdays — A tasty lunch indeed.  Let’s meet back here soon for another Kabob.

It seems my birthday falls on National Gingerbread Day and almost half the year is over.  I jokingly tell people it’s almost Christmas during January, as time flies by, thus it’s Christmas in June, which makes Gingerbread more appropriate — Hope photo doesn’t suggest implications.

Note: Additional June Food Holiday INFO is here, here and here — A Merry Month to you.

Until I attempt the process of making French Macarons, I enjoy testing the local best.

I haven’t found a French Macaron (around here) that I must have again, thus ordered a dozen from Nicole Lee Fine Chocolates, a company I learned about at the Los Angeles Luxury Chocolate Salon I helped judge last year — So far they are the best I’ve had.  Each unique taste combination is pleasantly identifiable within its respective, delicate, creamy, flavorful Cookie.  The preliminary favorites are Blackberry, Lychee Rose, Passion Fruit and Raspberry.

Next time we’ll try the Vanilla Olive Oil, Rum Raisin and Genmai Green Tea flavors, but can’t be ordering them too often, as they’re not cheap, especially combined with shipping.  To save money and experiment, French Macarons are on the ‘To Make List’ and when it happens I’ll start here, where there’s a collection of helpful tips and information about them.

Is this ever YOU?  Hopefully the last photo isn’t.

WOW!  We had one of the best meals ever at the Old Vine Café at The Camp.

It’s a relatively small restaurant with airy, open indoor/outdoor seating.

We thoroughly enjoyed our patio seat and hope for the same one next time.

We like the Tasting Menus so much, we want to try them ALL.

There are 9 Tasting Menus to choose from, which are basically four course meals, with Wine paired with each course — The food portions and Wine pours are extremely generous too.

The Old Vine Café is stylish and its virtuoso menu is presented on painted canvas.

It was hard to decide, but we chose The Premium Tasting Menu and Savory Tasting Menu.  

TOAST between each course and if you fancy a Wine, take a bottle home.  We fell for the 2007 Von Hovel Riesling Spatlese, Mosel Saar Ruver Germany.  It was crisp and not too sweet.

The pictured are generally described — See Dinner Menu for complete (better) descriptions.

At top from first course down, we savored Large Shrimp with a Lemon Grass Curry Sauce.

And Seasonal Greens with Crispy Prosciutto, Fried Onions and Maytag Blue Cheese, a giant Hand Made Raviolo with Smoked Duck, Goat Cheese and Porcini Mushrooms in Brown Butter with Sage, and Prosciutto Wrapped Baby Artichokes with a Citrus Infused Olive Oil.

Char Grilled Lamb Chops with a Blueberry Malbec Demi Glace — The Sauce was magical.

Beef Tenderloin Stroganoff with Shitake Mushrooms served over Hand Made Fettuccini.

Artisan Cheese with Marcona Almonds and Fresh Fruit.

Dark Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake — Cheers to that with Port.

All is set near tall pine trees, a CAMP fire, hammock and the largest wind chimes I’ve seen.

Mark McDonald is the Old Vine Café’s Chef and owner, and a true expert on Local Cuisine, where Orange County’s Best Restaurants are highlighted .  I’m also a listed expert and humbled to be named amongst others far more knowledge, especially after this meal.

It’s worth the sometimes parking hassles of The Camp — Once you’re there, it’s a delicious escape.  I love it, I love it, I love it, like a Joyologist, and should have my leg kicked up high.

Already ready for the next OVC Tasting Menu.

Part Deux on Eat Chow’s second location in Newport Beach — See our first report here.

A surprising thing happened at this gathering to celebrate the opening of Eat Chow II…

A few of us (especially me) think we had the best Turkey Burger ever (above), and I usually don’t care for them.  Eat Chow makes them with Shredded Lettuce, Tomato, Caramelized Onions, House Made Pickles and 1000 Island Dressing, and Cheddar Cheese on a Brioche Bun.

One cool server delivering Turkey Chili Cups to sample — Merci.

Truffle Parmesan Fries and Fried Green Tomatoes.

Media at this celebration to taste, photograph and tweet about the well crafted offerings.

Earlier posted photos are of the Spanish Style Roasted Chicken Salad and Curry Salmon Tacos.

Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding.

We’ll go back to Eat Chow for the Turkey Burger — Can’t believe I think that, but it’s true.

Strips and Cheese aka Cheese Strips aka Beach Strips in Huntington Beach are sought after by generations.  I remember having them when I was Chef Lexi’s age and it’s brilliant to see they haven’t changed — You can’t say that about many things.  We’re glad they’re still around.

Look for Strips at Zacks or Jacks (not Babes in the distance below).  Although Babes are the more colorful snack shacks, they lack in service, selection and quality.  I give thumbs down to their freezer-burned Rootbeer Float in hand, while still smiling because it’s a beautiful day.

We say skip Babes and park your bike at Zacks and/or Jacks.

I still have questions for my Grandpa, especially these days, and sure wish he was around to ask them.  He was a Butcher for decades and a very special man.  He lived past 90, so I’m thankful for that, but now must post the above chart for future Beef cut reference.  Boo. Moo.

Enlarge chart for a better view — Do you know your Beef?

Regretfully I don’t even taste the Sourdough in this Bread, let alone the “Extra” Sourdough.  What’s up with that?  Have you also noticed that about many so-called Sourdough Breads?

The Park Bench Cafe — An outdoor Cafe in Huntington Beach that caters to dogs and people.

A serene place for Breakfast or Lunch — Dogs are treated to Canine Cuisine and people pay.

We had the Club House Sandwich pictured at top and the Supreme Melt below.

And Leon had the Peanut Butter Puppy.

Water is available for the Dogs.

And the surrounding park and lake are picturesque for all.

The French Fries are extra good.

Back view of The Park Bench Cafe and its outdoor seating.

And view from car, before backing out to head for nearby dog beach to soak in the sun.

Dog day afternoon without a bank robbery — I see why it always looks busy when I drive by.

Truly free BC, or from a public garden today, as we must pay for property space to produce.

Grow your own food, FISH and pick fresh Herbs from communal locales along the way.  

While on a walk, look for Rosemary, Mint, Basil, Lemon, Lime and Orange trees and bushes offering Fruit and Herbs.  You’ll be surprised how many you see, especially those named here.  We appreciate ALL that grows and yields nourishment for life.  Air is the best of the free!

Partly titled desperado, because I didn’t capture what I set out to feature from an exploratory visit to the Natural History Museum, Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits and California Science Center — Yet still piece together far reaching, less spectacular photo remnants, with no complaints about an awe-inspiring day that held the past, present and future in many ways.

Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Can is an obvious food angle, but how about above?  Do you see the Claussen’s Pickle Jar holding the Paleontologist tools?  That’s it, and I like the photo.

Lions eating Zebra, not pretty, but interesting to see in a museum.

Ostrich Eggs — Ever had one?  I haven’t and hear one roughly equals a dozen Eggs.

We had Fish Tacos from The Surfer Taco, a Food Truck lined up with others near the La Brea Tar Pits.  The extra food options came in handy before continuing our museum day and drive back to Orange County, along the coast with more discovery stops along the way.

Ever eat Walrus?  We’re going to pass on that one, and hope those below wouldn’t eat us.

I’ve yet to experience the ideal Coffee Pot design.  Even when I focus on the pour, I still spill.  Is it just me?  Granted I haven’t spent a lot of money on a Coffee Maker, nor poured from the King’s pot, but it just seems that too many Coffee Pots have an imperfect design.  That’s it.

Warning:  Pictured spill may be exaggerated and is closer than it seems.

What up Cheese — You tryin’ to start something? 😉 Smile it’s Monday.  Cheese.

After seeing traffic resulting from Nibbles of Tidbits / I Need Text Company pins, especially from this post, I joined Pinterest.  In honor of our most popular pin, oddly a fake appetizer platter, we present the Super Platter (above), which looks to be real.  Pin this.  Photo credit.

I made a variation of these Baked Green Bean Fries — They question whether or not they can be called “Fries” since they’re not fried.  What do you think?  Are Fries determined by shape or cooking method?  I understand the debate, but can’t take a side.  We say both.

We dipped them in Ranch Dressing, just like French Fries, but call ’em Stix if you insist.

Either way, I likely won’t be making them again, as they’re just okay for the effort. 

Heather’s RECIPE is HERE — The Green Beans are basically coated with Egg and seasoned Bread Crumbs, then baked in the oven.  I used Panko Bread Crumbs instead and seasoned them with Smoked Paprika and Ground Chipotle, Salt and Pepper.  They were of interest to try, but I prefer Green Beans simply made with Butter, Lemon Zest and S & P, or with Bacon.

Apologies for the poor copycat photos — Love to experiment with almost everything.