Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Snapshots of a colorful evening with FOOD, music, games and prizes — Happy New Year.

The surprise Best Dish of the 2011/2012 OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party (in our humble opinions) was the Crispy Brussels Sprouts from the Home Skillet Truck — With Capers, a smoky flavor and Herb Dressing, it’s quite phenomenal tasting.  We’ll try more from ’em next time.

Met a cool dynamic of people and won (3) Tickets to the OC Fair at the Black Jack Table.

Didn’t have a Takoyaki Ball, but they look interesting with added Octopus.

It’s The Cured (above), a tribute to The Cure, one of my all-time favorite bands.

Pleasant surprises continue to happen — Unexpected good wishes to all in 2012.

Happy Moo Year — It’s good I love Milk and a Cheese Platter in the VIP Lounge.

Note:  Part (1) of (2) re the happenings at the 2011/2012 OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.

It’s been a stimulating FOOD YEAR that started from day one — And here we are again, full circling on to another year with the same kick off as last.  Exciting stuff, since we’ll be VIP Media at the 2011/2012 OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  Come on out the weather is fine.

In 2011, I won and judged several food competitions and I’m THANKFUL for the ribbons, prizes, food, drinks and invitations — Faithfully gratified I aspire to experience more of all in 2012, officially commencing at midnight.  It’s time to eat, dance and gamble at the Block Party.

Toast to 2012 and pray for the best — It’s going to be a big year!

Happy New Year from Nibbles of Tidbits, I Need Text Company and Shelly Borrell.

I used to sneak Champagne into movie theaters when I was younger, and to be completely honest, can’t say I wouldn’t do it again.  Popping the cork quietly was always a challenge and it was doubly uncomfortable when the empty bottle would roll (all the way) down the aisle between the seats.  Fortunately we were never identified.  TODAY, if I go to Island Cinema, I won’t have to be covert — One may freely sip Champagne with a Panini in the other hand, while watching a movie.  Learn more about Island Cinema here, here and here.  We’re wondering if the food is good and will report back when known.  We like the concept of all.

Seasons 52 food sure looks and tastes like it’s over 475 calories, but they promise it’s not.

First, a big thank you goes to our super awesome Server, Julianne and management for the Wine — Though there by default, at one point there was nowhere else I wanted to be.  I walked in feeling down about recent events and left well-fed, optimistic and confident.

Just sayin’ the service and food hit the spot this night, on the patio at Seasons 52 Fresh Grill.

We had Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms, a Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, Chipotle Shrimp, and Steak and Cremini Mushroom Flatbread — Their menu changes with the weeks and seasons.

Next time I’m saving room and time for the Mini Indulgences — They’re so cute and look tasty.

The Mandarin Orange Cosmopolitan is superb and practically two with a second icy pour.

Outdoor patio view at Seasons 52, with heat lamps and a fireplace in December.

Seasons 52 occupies the space below The Capital Grille at South Coast Plaza.

This day I realized one’s perception is equal to nothing on earth and all continues to be possible for the naive.  There’s a Seasons 52, turn, turn, turn, and a time to every purpose under Heaven — A time to eat, a time to sleep, a time to leap, a time to bleeeeep, a time to get deep, a time to keep, a time to say more than a peep and a time to drive a Jeep. 😉

It’s fun to WIN things.  I happily know it.  That might not sound humble, but I truly am.  Just sayin’ I’ve been fortunate to experience many wins (and loss).  It’s life.  Okay, too deep — It’s only about (2) Tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  Do YOU want them?

How to WIN them — Do (1) of these things: LIKE Nibbles of Tidbits on Facebook, Leave a COMMENT on this post, Follow @FoodBlog on Twitter with a Tweet or send an E-Mail to soup4you@hotmail.com.  We’ll track all and draw a name on Christmas Day.  Tickets will be sent out or delivered the next day, December 26th.  You may enter once a day.  Good luck!

Photos in this post are from the OC Fair’s Pre-Party Event, a taste of the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party happening December 31, 2011 — We went last year and had a blast.

The Garlic Scapes guy handing out Deep Fried Artichoke Hearts with a Garlic Dipping Sauce.

Fried Spinach with Parmesan and Bacon from Bacon Mania.

Garlic Sliders from Garlic Scapes, one of our favorite Gourmet Food Trucks of the evening.

Bleu Slaw and “Offensive” Baked Beans (that’s what they call ’em) were from Short Stop BBQ.

Pre-Party glimpse of Gourmet Food Trucks — All to be at the big event on New Year’s Eve.

Everything we ate was excellent and the menus were sophisticated — Impressive and rich.

The Garlic Artichoke Dip and Chips are pictured above, and below are the mentioned samples.

We prefer the Artichoke Dip to the Hearts — It had loads of flavor and the Chips were delicate.

The Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs from Piaggio were two for $5 and couldn’t have been better.  And I got lucky this night too, by winning a Tornado Potato after spinning the pre-party wheel.

Your (2) Tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party are waiting under this tree.  Remember to enter once a day to WIN ’em, starting now by liking Nibbles of Tidbits on Facebook or by leaving a COMMENT here or by following @FoodBlog on Twitter with a Tweet or by sending an E-mail to soup4you@hotmail.com.  I hope to see you New Year’s Eve.

The Turnip Rose Grand Newport Plaza, Celebrations and Elite Catering — A celebration to last throughout the years.  So bring your good times and your laughter too, they’re gonna celebrate your party with you.  Everyone around Orange County come on.  It’s a wonderful place for a memorable wedding (or event) and we got a taste of it.  Wow about everything!

The venue, FOOD, decor and service couldn’t be better and Celebrations couldn’t be hipper.

At a “Taste of Turnip Rose” we tried a little (and in some cases a lot) of that being offered by The Turnip Rose Elite Catering and we’re still talking about how great it all was.

This is your sample of our sampling of the Grand Buffet, California Classics Buffet and more.

All Chicken was tender and flavorful, not commonly said about wedding reception Chicken.

We’re still marveling that each Filet Mignon being perfectly cooked.

Unique Scalloped Potatoes.

There were self serve and full service stations throughout the Ballroom at the Grand Newport Plaza.  We hit ’em all more than once and rolled out with giant smiles on our faces — More “Filet Mignon PLEASE” seemed to be our theme of the evening.  Gracias.

And many thank you, thank you, thank you’s and WOW’s.

Mahi Mahi (below) to be plated and topped with a Cucumber Mango Salsa.

Filet Mignon and Mahi Mahi shared our third plate of food. 🙂

Flawlessly cooked Filet after Filet after Filet.

Sample table setting.

Pretty Special Martinis.

Hors D’ Oeuvres were passed by well-dressed, friendly and knowledgeable Servers.

The Mandarin Chicken (above) tasted like the Sauce was basted in — Truly tasty alone.

The adorable Gourmet Sliders have Truffle Oil, yum-and-a-half regarding that.

Additional Martini options include the Filet Peppercorn Martini and others below.

Salad Buffet.

Peanut Butter Brownie Shooters and Mini Cupcakes.

Bride and Groom Strawberries.

The service was impeccable and the affiliated DJ played great songs.

We met nice, soon-to-be Brides and Grooms including Nikki & Kyle.  Enlarge for a better view.

Sample food choices/options — You can’t go wrong with The Turnip Rose Elite Catering.

Coffee Stations, a Chocolate Fountain and Liquor injected Strawberries in the courtyard.

Lots to dip.

The Festival of Strawberries, a Sweet Things item with an injection of Kahlua…

…Amaretto, Tia Maria, Drambuie or Grand Marnier, if you so choose.

Love is Sweet! Candy Buffet for guests to pack a box to go.

Fun for all ages — We enjoyed the Candy days after the event, a lingering memory.

On to the hippest, we ended the night with a personal tour of Celebrations.

Celebrations is the most stylish OC wedding venue I’ve seen — Every detail is covered too.

It’s well designed and highlights each Bride and Groom in special ways.

Nice lighting, monogrammed floors, a photo booth, nearby Bars, changing wall photos, etc.

Celebrations is located in the former Club Vegas space, $2M later and way better.

Guests will certainly be impressed with the place now.  We are!

Choose your colors.

The kitchen is pristine too, like everything else there.  Was tempted to show the bathrooms.

As if all isn’t enough, a Farewell Table was set up with Hot Tea, Coffee and Donuts.

Even the parking is pleasant and close to the Grand Newport Plaza and Celebrations.

We love Kelly, one of the nicest around — He runs all with his Brother and a dedicated team.

Full with a Farewell Table Donut bagged in hand — Let’s celebrate, it’s (more than) all right.

08/05/13 Update:  Visit The Turnip Rose website for venue information — The Grand Newport Plaza event room is no longer available, but Celebrations is going strong, and so is The Promenade Event Centre & Gardens in Costa Mesa.

Up the stairs to Make Me Bad — Partly owned by former Korn Drummer is the 2nd Floor Restaurant and Art Gallery in Huntington Beach.  The space has gone through several changes to become the cool place it is today.  You’ll need to learn the specifics elsewhere, since I don’t get paid to know.

In addition to food and drinks, ART is for sale — Eat, drink, shop and people watch.

There’s an attention grabbing Main Street view from the 2nd Floor’s outdoor patio — This day we saw a guy skateboarding up and down Main in a leopard g-string (only).  It was cold too.  Tried to capture him on film, but kept missing it.  Entertaining stuff all-around.

Each table is a work of art (though not for sale, I don’t think) and the menu is unique too.

We’ll definitely be going back for the House Mac & Cheese.

It’s a harmonious blend of Cheddar, Parmesan and Gouda Chesse with Bacon and Jalapeno.

We think the Pulled Pork Sliders rock too.

Have to say we didn’t love the Santana San Lucas Salad (above) — This day it had way too much Dressing and the Filet Mignon was a bit bland and cold.  It’s okay though, because there are more Sliders and Colossal Creations to try next time.

We liked the Sauce on the Thai Green Beans, one of several sides to choose from.

The long Bar is waiting for you and the service is excellent.

Where do you want to sit?

Read what Yelpers are saying about the 2nd Floor Restaurant and Art Gallery.

Just walk up the stairs.  No need to be shy.  And check out the live bands on Wednesdays.

At publishing time, there are 43 days, 23 hours, 52 minutes and 32 seconds until 2012.

And it’s time for another Block Party, though it seems last year’s was only yesterday.

We were impressed with the inaugural OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party in 2010/2011 and look forward to reporting about its 2011/2012 festivities starting at 7:30PM, December 31st.  Check back somewhere along the countdown as we may be giving away tickets.

Posted photos are from the 2010/2011 event — Between the Gourmet Food Trucks, Tribute Bands, Dancing, Rides, Comedy Shows, Dueling Pianos, Casino, Fireworks and more.  There’s plenty to do, see, eat and participate in before and after midnight.  Last year the crowd was fun, friendly, respectable, and varied in age.  The complementary Adult Chocolate Milk and food in the VIP Lounge was nice and the girls were sweet too.  Can you guess which is me?

I now hope to see The Cure and David Bowie Tribute Bands with a Slider and Champagne.

Visit the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party website to learn more — Hope to see you there.

Fun choices on the final day of the year — A grand way to start the first day of the next one.

OC Foodies lists several places to dine out in Orange County on Thanksgiving — Might one of the ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ feast at one of them, possibly but who cares.  Real OC housewives are most likely cooking and cleaning that day, and fakes are just big Turkeys.

Thanks go to LUCCA Cafe for recognizing our valuable Veterans this Veteran’s Day.

On November 11th at LUCCA Cafe in Irvine, active duty military personnel and Veterans may enjoy a FREE LUNCH.  It’s being offered in honor of Chef Cathy Pavlov’s father, late Corporal Robert L. Shellrecht, pictured above.  We would like to thank him and ALL those who came before and after for their service to our great country — No one is more deserving.

If you’re one of those special people, mark your calendar and claim your justified meal.

Note: Photos courtesy of LUCCA Cafe, Mediterranean dining (and more) in Orange County.

My lovely Mom in front of PREP Kitchen Essentials — A Cooking School and specialty store.

It’s located in the Shops at Rossmoor in Seal Beach.

Take a Cooking Class or taste the Antica Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars.

We fell hard for Antica’s 18 year aged Balsamic Vinegars — They are staggeringly tasty.

Took home a bottle of Antica’s Dark Aged Espresso Balsamic Vinegar and can’t stop drinking it.

And left with a bottle of the Ultra Robust Frantolo/Leccino Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  We’re ready to return for more Balsamic Vinegar, oh my.  Once upon a time I lived within walking distance from this store, before it was ever conceived.  Didn’t take a Cooking Class but you might want to!?

Filet Mignon with Cognac Sauce — Each Steak was cooked beautifully by The Turnip Rose Elite Catering.  We recently attended a “Taste of Turnip Rose” at the Grand Newport Plaza and everything was over the top in the best ways possible.  We were almost paralyzed by the quality and perfection of food, style, hospitality, service, detail and coolness.  What an evening!  Will you marry us?  A full report of the event will soon be posted.  Thank you for all.

We stumbled upon the best wedding venues in town — Celebrations and more.

My favorite flavor is probably Orange — It’s what I choose most in everything.

And I’m currently based in Orange County, made known in About and About the Writer.

In addition to cooking adventures, mishaps, discoveries and more, Nibbles of Tidbits posts about Orange County events, restaurants, happenings, living, and everything food related.

To enhance all, an Orange County Food Blogroll is set apart — Met a few about town.

Peel open the OC with the list of Orange County Food Blogs linked on the right.

Orange Art — How to make Orange Guy.

Lovin’ these photos — Thanks and credit go here, here, here, here and here.

Stopped by to learn more and will be donating time to Someone Cares Soup Kitchen in November and December when it’s needed most.  How about you?  Come do it too.

Read more and watch a video about the volunteer experience here.  Also appreciate the Rosemary bursting through the fence at Someone Cares Soup Kitchen — We’re always on the lookout for Herbs planted around the city.  An abundant find saves money and inspires new dishes.  In this case, a Rosemary sprig will come in handy for Union Square Cafe Bar Nuts.

It was a Crawfish Boil tasting at Memphis at the Santora that got me there.

I’m akin to Memphis in Costa Mesa and now dig its cousin in Artist Village.

Have you tried Crawfish?  I hadn’t until this day — Had been a bit apprehensive for some reason, but was invited to Memphis at the Santora for a Crawfish Boil Tasting.  It was time.

Crawfish to be continued — Keen on abundant outdoor patio seating and alluring designs.

Also like its colors and unique curves.

Enchanting outdoor and indoor lighting abounds curled puffy booths, benches and a Bar.

Back to the Crawfish — Food Bloggers were invited to a Memphis Crawfish Boil.

We sat down communal style to partake in a Crawfish Boil by Executive Chef Diego Velasco.

Bloggers (est. 20) sat inside and outside with Brut and Dixie ready for the Crawfish.

Top that paper, grab another Dixie, pour more Brut and allow for photos.

My continued interest in photographing Bloggers photographing FOOD.

Finally tried Crawfish, but just couldn’t suck out its brains and found nearby flavors liver-ish.

Had ’em with Corn Bread Muffins, Corn on the Cob, Smoked Sausage, Potatoes and Beignets.

The Memphis Crawfish Boil is currently available to you — Dig in and start crackin’.

Our table included writers of the New Santa Ana Blog, Greer’s OC, Wandering Chopsticks, Gourmet Pigs and Great Taste Magazine, and yielded several bowls of shells.

Overall, it was fun to commune over the Louisiana style meal, but don’t need a lot of Crawfish in my life.  Though entertaining, it’s messy work for diminutive meat.  We favored the juicy Smoked Sausage and fell for Memphis at the Santora, its building and peeps.  It’s cool.

Have you heard about Marco’s Meal For Two at Maggiano’s Little Italy?

It’s more like a meal for four than two, and it’s only $39.95 any day at Maggiano’s.

You choose any Appetizer, Two Classic Pastas and a Dessert (plus more later).

We opted for the Stuffed Mushrooms, Mom’s Lasagna Marinara, Baked Rigatoni Pomodoro and Tiramisu — All was generous in size and amazing to eat.  We’d go back again for the same.

And as if that’s not enough, you get to take home two additional Classic Pastas.

Further details are shown above — See MENU for Classic Pasta options.

Cheers to a wonderful Italian meal in Little Italy for dinner.

Two Take Home Classic Pastas, plus leftovers to enjoy a couple times after — A fine value.

The above was pegged an Oil & Vinegar Pac Man and post title includes a fictitious word inspired by another, who expressed Maggiano’s is ‘tops’ in three other letters after the t.

So many love Maggiano’s and I’m always reminded why — Fly me to the spoon and dish up.

Maggiano’s South Coast Plaza yesterday and take away Eggplant Parmesan today.

One of the Best Happy Hours in town is at McCormick & Schmick’s Pilsner Room in Irvine.  We’ve now tried almost everything on McCormick’s Happy Hour Menu and the $2.95 full size Cheeseburger and French Fries will always be a must.  It’s filling, cheap and tasty. 

We highlight it and supplement our previous post with Ceviche.  It’s good too, though not as delicious as Mary Sue Milliken’s Ceviche had a couple days prior, but enjoyable in its edible bowl for $4.95.  Their Happy Hour is generally between 4 – 7 PM.  This day we practically killed ourselves trying to make the 7PM cut-off, then learned that HH is all night during Monday Night Football.  Cool, we didn’t need to order everything at 6:55PM.  It seems that Monday is a good day for some things.

New or long-standing, all restaurants have high hopes.  It’s sad when one has to close, and more job loss isn’t good either.  I just walked by Marie Callender’s Restaurant & Bakery in Costa Mesa, an old faithful to many and learned it’s no mas — No more Soup for me there.  At least with this restaurant there are other locations to obtain whatever you’re going to miss.

After the Irvine Spectrum, the Cadillac Culinary Challenge Test Drive Event drives on.

As reported, I was one of five Food Blogger Judges at Cadillac’s Irvine stop.

As one lucky Judge, I got to taste the dishes prepared by Mary Sue Milliken and Yvon Goetz.

The event’s sponsors also include Share Our Strength, Bon Appétit and Epicurious.

Samples were delivered to the first two rows of the audience — Get to the next event early.

Halfway through Mary Sue’s sample the Judges were informed they’re to receive larger samples than the audience.  Wow, okay.  I quickly finished the small sample of Ceviche to prepare for the larger sample.  Happiness, because it was perfectly tangy and spicy.

And then tried Chef Yvon Goetz dish, Chili Lime Rubbed Hawaiian Mahi Mahi (above). 

Both dishes were impressive and the Mad Hungry Woman wrote more about ’em here.

Voting — Three of five Judges voted for Chef Yvon Goetz dish and two voted for Mary Sue’s.

Beautiful, fresh ingredients were used by both.

And the winner of this challenge was Chef Yvon Goetz.

I voted for Mary Sue’s Ceviche — It received the popular (audience) vote.  No losers here.

I like taking photos of other bloggers taking photos of FOOD.

Before, during and after the competition, some test drove Cadillacs — Love the Escalade.

What a terrific, well run event — Check the schedule to see if it’s heading towards you.

Can I just travel the country judging food competitions?  Thanks for the taste.

The Cadillac Culinary Challenge Test Drive Event made a stop at the Irvine Spectrum.

Chef Mary Sue Milliken went head-to-head with local Chef Yvon Goetz of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar.  Both prepared Fish and I luckily got to judge one of the competitions.

Guess who won?  One won the Judge’s vote and the other won the popular/audience vote.

All was nicely done as shown in this Guess Who Report — Back to Cadillac after we mack.

This weekend the Cadillac Culinary Test Drive Challenge will be happening at the Irvine Spectrum Center.  Mary Sue Milliken of Border Grill Restaurant & Truck (among other accolades) will be competing against local famous Chef Yvon Goetz of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar.  I hope to be there on Saturday (or Sunday) to help JUDGE one of the six presentations / challenges and possibly test drive an Escalade.  Good luck to both Chefs — See you there.

We liked the Crow Burger Kitchen, whew.  Pre Nibbles of Tidbits we ate and drank at The Crow Bar and Kitchen in Corona Del Mar and haven’t been back.  Didn’t have the best experience at the time — Food was not as described and we didn’t like their touted Bloody Mary.  We like unique, but tasty too.  We had high hopes for their distinctive menu and may need to give it another try.  We’ll definitely go back to Crow Burger Kitchen for the Green Bean Fries.

It’s a limited menu at Crow Burger Kitchen — Mostly Burgers, matchless Fries and Beer.

We had the Cheeseburger Cheeseburger Cheeseburger, which includes Black Pepper Cheese, Cream Cheese and Goat Cheese.  It’s rich but good and comes on a Wheat English Muffin, but we opted for a Buttermilk Bun.  And a friend previously had the Green Label Burger, which was described as “excellent” — It’s 3 ounces larger than their other Burgers.

All Burger meat is fresh and ground in-house and we love the Fry Sauce selection.

And must also mention that the service at Crow Burger Kitchen was outstanding this day.  We will be sure to try The Crow Bar in CDM again, as they must be doing something right — We’ll just have to find and eat [it] next time.  Caw, caw.

It’s a coop in the translation of a “friendly society” of neighbors, friends of friends, long time patrons, regulars and the newly enlightened — It’s The Chicken Coop Restaurant at the point of Old Newport and Westminster Avenue.  Dinner, lunch and/or drinks in the Bar is best.

The Prime Rib (top) was the special of this day.  The Chicken Coop prices are comparably good and most entrees are served with a Salad, Baked Potato, Vegetables and Roll.

Broasted Chicken is a specialty — It’s crispy, juicy and pressure cooked to eliminate grease.

They have an Oyster Bar Menu too that offers Oysters Rockefeller, Steamed Clams, Baked Mussels, Mexican Shrimp Cocktails, Shrimp Scampi, Calamari Tacos and much more.

Enlarge MENUS for a better view. 

Their Cadillac Margaritas and Bloody Mary’s are simply marvelous — Fly me to the Coop.