Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

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.

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.

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.

From Alaska to California and hopefully back for more — I’ve never been there, but our resident photographer cruised Alaska last year and came back exclaiming he had the ‘Best Crab Bisque’ ever.  It was at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau and he couldn’t stop talking about it.

I tried to find its recipe online, but could not, thus resorted to having it shipped from Tracy.

It’s not cheap (mostly due to shipping), but I learned it’s worth it — Wow!  I see now.

Though not as pretty as when it’s served to you in Juneau, Alaska, it cooked up flawlessly.

One has the option to add Cream, Milk or Stock — I added Cream, as recommended by Tracy.

She also suggests a squeeze of Lime at the end — It has generous pieces of King Crab.

This King Crab Bisque is superb without a Lime squeeze and magnificent with one.

Tracy’s King Crab Shack was recently featured on Top Chef, as shown in a few TV pics.

Chef-testants had to quickly create a dish with Tracy’s Crab Legs — The Best Legs in Town.

Tracy’s King Crab Shack Story and Stovetop Instructions are above.

Thanks to Matt for the beautiful Alaskan photos and tip on Tracy’s — I’m hooked on all!

Meet Yolanda’s Fridge — The latest STAR on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  It would inspire me to cook and eat (and drink) well.  All is easily identifiable and accessible.  It’s pretty like Yolanda too, and better stay pretty since it’s a walk-in fridge with see-through doors.  I love its contents in both photographs.  Pre-washed and ready to eat is a most ideal treat.

Where’s the Grey Poupon?  Hopefully there’s a hidden fridge too for the less attractive food, condiments and leftovers.  I wonder!?  Yolanda’s Fridge is on Twitter — Why not ask it.  Huh?

May your day be filled with Jelly Belly Corn on the Cob, quartered Orange Starbursts, Green Apple Runts, Caramel Sauce Gravy, Yellow Starburst Butter and Graham Cracker Chicken.

Don’t pass up allowable time to pull one over — Photo credit and recipes are here and here.

I want to pull up a seat in front of this setting — Looks like much is about to be served.

Competitions & Contests Announced for 2013 OC Fair

Think you  bake one delicious apple pie, brew the best beer or have an uncanny knack for  making crafts? Enter [YOUR] 2013 OC Fair competitive entries for an opportunity to earn an award and have your winning entry on display for more than one million Fairgoers from July 12th – August 11th. The 2013 OC Fair invites locals to put their skills and knowledge to the test and sign up to compete in the many competitions and contests being offered this year.

Categories and divisions available this year include:

• Culinary/Wine/Beer: Baked Goods & Confections, Preserved Foods, Sugar Arts, Food Blog Posts, Table Setting Designs, Homemade Beers, Commercial Wines & Home Wines
• Crafts & Hobbies: Collections, Fiber Arts, Hand Crafts & Hobbies, Jewelry Arts
• Visual Arts: Woodworking, Photography & Non-Traditional Prints, Sculpture, Painting, Graphics, Ceramics, Student Video Festival
• Garden & Floral: Fruit & Vegetable, Cut Flowers, Container Plants, Floral Arrangements, Floral Design Contest
• Livestock: Market Shows (Orange County 4-H and FFA only): Beef, Calves, Swine, Sheep, Goats, Rabbits, Broilers, and Turkeys, Breeding Shows: Dairy Goats, Pygmy Goats, Open Angora Goats, Cavies, Poultry, Rabbits, Youth Breeding Sheep, Youth Egg Laying Contest, Educational Posters & Contest
• Youth: Collections, Culinary, Garden & Floral, Fiber Arts, Youth Fine Arts, Hobby & Craft, Jewelry Arts, Photography

The OC Fair competitive entries require online registration in advance and the deadlines for entry registrations are as follows:

• April 26 – Commercial Wine
• May 3 – Homemade Beer
• May 18 – Home Wine
• June 1 – Crafts & Hobbies, Visual Arts, Youth (Fiber  Arts, Collections, Hand Crafts & Hobbies, Jewelry Arts)
• June 7 – Livestock
• June 10 – Culinary Arts Baked Goods & Confections, Preserved Foods, Sugar Arts, Table  Design

Entry registration deadlines for Garden & Floral competitions vary, visit ocfair.com/competitions for the list of dates. Entry registration for all competitions is currently being accepted online at ocfair.com/competitions. For participants who need help with an online entry, the OC Fair has scheduled “Help Days” from May 29 – May 31, Wednesday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the OC Fair & Event Center Administration Building.

In addition to the traditional competitions, the OC Fair is also hosting Special Culinary Arts Contests for amateur cooks and bakers to show off their skills. Most contests are only open to adults 18 and older. Each contest will be judged and awarded live at the Fair. The entry registration forms and contest details are available online at ocfair.com/competitions in the Culinary Arts Guide under the “Culinary/Wine/Beer” section. Entry forms are due the Wednesday before each contest:

• Get Baking Cookie Contest – July 20 (Also open to ages 5-18) (Register by July 17)
• Hot! Hot! Hot! Chili, Wings or Salsa Contest – July 27 (Register by July 24)
• OC Cupcake Classic – August 3 (Also open to youth ages 5-18) (Register by July 31)
• Salad Daze Contest – August 10 (Register by August 7)

The 2013 OC Fair, themed Come & Get It, is July 12th – August 11th and brings 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday – Sunday. Concert tickets, action sports reserved seats and single-day general admission are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com or from the on-site Box Office. The popular Super Pass, which offers the passholder 23 days of admission, is available for purchase online at ocfair.com from the onsite Box Office.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, visit ocfair.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/OCFair and/or follow them at twitter.com/ocfair.

Note:  Press Release is from the OC Fair & Event Center and Photo Credit is here.

THANKS to the California Avocado Commission for all this goodness — Since we had so many Avocados, we ate a lot of Avocado dishes/meals.  You name it, we made almost everything.

Most are familiar Avocado favorites and some ideas came from others linked throughout.

We made them all from top down — Starting with Snow Crab Stuffed Avocados made with Mayo, Lemon Juice and Zest, Red Bell Pepper, Dill and Red Onion.  Simple, rich and amazing.

Continuing with a Veggie Croissant Sandwich made with Salad Bar Vegetables, Avocado, and Cream Cheese instead of Mayo.  An Egg Baked in an Avocado — Have you seen that one before?  It’s different and not bad.  And I could eat an Avocado with Good Seasons Italian Dressing (above) everyday.  It’s ready in minutes and always satisfies.  On to Mango Salsa.

Mango Salsa ingredients, plus Jalapeno are pictured above and combined below.

BLT Sandwich, plus A+, minus the L & T on this day.

Open-faced BLT, plus A, minus L — Avocado was mashed with a little Mayo.

Avocado Pizza (if you will) made with a Flour Tortilla, mashed Avocado drizzled with Olive Oil and Lemon Juice, topped with a Fried Egg, Cumin and Salt & Pepper.  I overcooked this Egg.

It could be better next time — The original is much more impressive.

Black Beans, Corn, Red Bell Peppers, Avocado, Red Onions, Jalapeno and Lime w/EVOO.

Cucumber Avocado Salad with Tomatoes, Green Onions, Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil.

Avocado on Toast with Sriracha and Olive Oil — An unexpected new favorite.

Avocado with Grapefruit — Many say how well it goes together.  It’s okay.

And would you believe Avocado Ice Cream?

Ours was made with Avocados, Coconut Milk, Milk, Lime Juice and Lime Zest.

I didn’t think I’d like the Avocado Ice Cream, but did and would make it again.

Ahhhhhh Avocados, they’re wonderful to eat and moisturize well — Cheers to Avocados!

Dogs apparently love them too — I can’t believe we ate ’em all and still want more.

Many thanks to the California Avocado Commission, Mission Produce and to California Avocado Growers, especially the Pinkertons for one of the best days ever.  We LOVE Avocados.

We recently traveled to Oxnard for a hands on tour with a California Avocado Grower.

It’s a special day when you start it with an outdoor brunch on a hill.

AVOCADOS — The Star of the day in every way.

We learned about growing techniques from Dan Pinkerton on his farm.

Bloggers from all around were invited to experience the California Avocado Story.

We RSVP’ed Y-E-S!

And you can see why we were glad to experience it all.

Avocado in EVERYTHING was the Menu — Starting with a Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche.

Bacon Smoked with Avocado Wood.

A very fresh Fruit Salad, including Avocados — It’s a Fruit you know, right!?

Omelettes with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Cheese and sliced Avocados.

Baby Greens Salad with Avocado.

Spring Vegetable, Sausage and California Avocado Frittata.

Warm Bagels with an Avocado Spread.

Grilled Fajita Potatoes with Avocados.

A Chocolate Mousse dessert made with Avocados.

Professionals also photographed Avocados’ glory.

My first plate (below) before going back for more Bacon Smoked with Avocado Wood.

Take all the Avocados you want they told us — Thank you!

We stuffed our face (and bags to go). 🙂

We loved the view, brunch and our friendly, informative tour guides.

Our drive was already worth it.

Then it was on to Dan and Susan Pinkerton’s other grove/farm/crop, along with Jan from the California Avocado Commission to pick our own Avocados and possibly drive a tractor.

Learning about tree buds and what to look for and hope for when growing Avocados.

The beautiful trees were loaded.

Looking to pick some Avocados.

As if all wasn’t enough, it was on to a tour of one of California’s leading Avocado packing houses, Mission Produce — It was truly a behind-the-scenes look at a farm-to-fork journey.

Hair nets please everyone — Oh goody.

Thousands of Avocados — Crates filled on farms and hauled off by tractors to be here.

First a cold wash to bring down the Avocados’ basking-in-the-sun temperature.

The cool-down is an important step to Mission Produce.

On to the belts and rollers, through specially made machinery.

First a wash, then light wax.

Now sorting — Second tier Avocados, Grade 2’s get tossed on top for separate packaging.

Others move on to be weighed, stickered by size and PLU, then packaged.

Each cup weighs then drops the Avocado — I think the heaviest lasts the longest.  Not sure.

Boxing Avocados to be shipped to grocery stores and restaurants near YOU.

You’ve seen them sold in stores and now you know the care involved — All is well run.

More Avocados to take home — Thank you!  And a 1/2 Avocado Stress Ball.  Does it look real?

We’re grateful for all that grows, those who grow it and those who get it to us.

What an amazing day — God bless California Avocados.