brekkie fan's blog

Kudos for the little things: purse hooks

2012-01-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

I know. You're wondering what this has to do with food, right? First off, it's my birthday month. I take certain liberties when writing on my tiny blog, like for my favorite holiday (refer to previous sentence for clarification). Heck, I'll take whatever liberties I want.

For the ladies out there, you will appreciate this post. Think about all those times you've been stuck waiting in line outside the bathroom. Dining room floors with no carpet, making those high heels do more damage to your posture. No space to place your carefully coordinated accessory. Such annoyances can put unrest to an otherwise pleasant evening.

More often than not, we're SOL. Interior designers think about the beauty of a space, and not always the practicality or functionality. It's about selling an experience, yet some basic needs aren't met. Like the fancy hotel room with all its amenities. A suite in Vegas had switches to turn individual sections on and turn everything off, but we staged our own light show when attempting something in between. Details can be tedious, except they also make all the difference.

So back to those metal hooks. My first experience with purse care didn't even involve a hook; it was at Bastide in Los Angeles many moons ago. As our four top was seated, a miniature ottoman was situated just to my left. For a moment, I thought they wanted me to kick my feet up and relax. Uh, no. It's for your purse to sit. Really? That was damn thoughtful of them. The bar had been set. Only one other restaurant has done that for me, and they weren't in wine country.

Where does this fascination stem from? We keep our essentials in our handbags. Keys, money, lipstick, smartphone, unmentionables, identification....the list can go on. If pockets were considered sexy, we wouldn't have to worry about this. But they're not. It is acceptable for a guy to place his things on the table. Not so much when we plunk our hobo down. It just doesn't get the same kind of respect, or require the same amount of space for that matter.

Locally, I found two places that took this minor detail into consideration. Both are chains, and each time I was so shocked I probably annoyed my drinking companion. Before the remodel, it was at PF Chang's in Irvine. Oh, and I should be more specific: I'm talking about the bar area (Although the occasional establishment may have coat hooks between booths conducting double duty). Since they upgraded, finding an open seat at the counter is oddly impossible, so I cannot vouch for their hooks anymore.

Location two is where I was earlier in the week -- Bluewater Grill in Tustin. Here I am, floundering to prevent my unstructured shoulder bag from sliding off the stool. Jasmine, our barkeep, intervened with, "There are hooks underneath." Instantly, my mood became Zen-like. A certain clarity taking over. I ordered my beer and toasted to happy hour.

Guys can roll their eyes all they want, but Jasmine summed it up best. As she explained to her husband,

"Sure. Why don't you put your wallet on the ground?"

My obsession with Tasti D-Lite

2011-12-31T18:30:00.000-08:00

I have this tendency to add disclaimers to my cooking, and stories to my reasons for some of the things I say or do. So let's give some back story on my newest craving.

In addition to dining out, television pop culture is one of my favorite things. I know I would be badass if given the opportunity on a game show (unless they ask me about Lost or the original Star Trek, then forget it). Anyway, I used to follow a blogger by the name of Michael Ausiello. He's done writing for Entertainment Weekly and TV Guide, and reading up on his spoilers always made my week. Ausiello has a few obsessions of his own: Mariska Hargitay, Smurfs, Diet Snapple, and Tasti D-Lite. That's how I first heard of this mysterious dessert. Oh sure, it's been on the East coast for years. I've just never gotten around to trying it. Even on my most recent foray into Vegas, I wasn't able to swing by the Strip location. So I did a ~~double~~ triple take when I spotted signage in Tustin not too long ago.

Since we live in a golden age of frozen treats, I was curious to figure out what made this obsession-worthy. Pinkberry wasn't doing it for me (not a fan of tart). Red Mango is all but nonexistent in California. Yogurtland is great, but too icy. Don't even get me started on some of the other knockoffs. So I began my initial visit to Tasti with a hint of skepticism, but Alexis quickly dispelled any hesitation with a bit of education and a lotta enthusiasm (typically left up to the customer and signage, if you've been in enough dessert shoppes).

Tasti D-Lite has a massive amount of flavors. Like 100+. Ranging from 70-100 calories an ounce, there are 8 options readily dispensable at any time. However, if you seek something else, they are able to recreate any other flavor in their repertoire in a matter of minutes. Seriously, how can you beat that? Dessert on demand! I'm pretty obsessed with the Bananas Foster flavor (Nutella is close behind), because besides loving the actual dessert, I can taste the roasted banana quality normally saved for the heated version.

They've been around longer than their competition, and classify themselves as soft serve. Not fro-yo, not ice cream nor gelato. They sweeten with sugar and other normal flavors. While it's certainly a matter of taste, my Treat Card is already racking up points.

Alexis informed me last nite that they have a grand opening party scheduled for a mid-to-late-January weekend. Discounted tastings, entertainment and a swirly balloon will be the beacon for those who have yet to try Tasti. Give it a go, and decide for yourself.

Tasti D-Lite Tustin is located at 13662 Newport Avenue, on the Corner of Newport and Main (in the same plaza as Subway). Here is their Facebook page.

Oh, and Happy New Year!

My favorite neighborhood...in Daly City

2011-12-26T00:30:00.000-08:00


Toast Deli

I don't expect to catch up on a year's worth of personal blogging in a matter of days. I also can't justify discussing a neighborhood in Northern California when the general theme of this blog is Orange County. But right now, I don't mind. I'm always up here for the holidays, and dishing about any meal is better than not dishing at all. So I will talk about my local neighborhood center, King Plaza.

Located very close to Skyline Boulevard, locals may equate this center as the place where Classic Bowl is. That is true, but it also holds a number of food options. Not to completely disregard Classic (I've played many a game growing up), more than one friend has given a glowing review of their snack bar calamari. Just sayin'. And my old DJ friend Keith Okada even has a nightclub there, so even more of a reason to linger -- especially if you like your old school mixes.

Taking up the most real estate is Manila Oriental Market (or MOM, if you're seeking a pun). Think 99 Ranch, but less corporate. Steam tables towards the front, fish mongers in the back, lots of produce off to the side. Maybe the shelves reach higher, or the aisles narrower, but they carry some serious inventory. If you're cooking Asian/Pacific Islander anything, look no further. My mom doesn't bother with most grocery stores besides this, unless it's called Costco. Only piece of advice: avoid the parking lot, if possible. Park around the perimeter of the square, unless you are that patient with searching for a spot. I'm more concerned about dinging my car or getting into a fender bender. The extra five minutes walking does a body good. I grab some chicken thighs, brown sugar, tamarind soda, fruit cocktail, almond jello mix, and sweetened soy milk before cutting across the lot.

Tucked into a corner is Toast Deli. It used to be Grain, and used to sell burritos. This is now, and they are surviving with their concept of bulky sandwich options. Is it Vietnamese or Filipino? It pulls a Kogi and does both with their adaptations of banh mi stuffed with standard Filipino fare. The favorite is their sisig surprise, shown above. Pork, egg, onion, jalapeno, spread and toasty bread. If I ate this in high school, I think I would've appreciated the cuisine sooner. It's perfect on a chilly Daly City afternoon, which is most of the time. Its salty/crunchy/spicy personality makes me happy I don't need a fork or rice to enjoy good eats. Cramped dining quarters mean take-out is ideal, but not necessary. Although if watching MTV and blaring r&b bothers you, I suggest calling ahead. I've started making this a ritual when I visit home, and the owner is always there to say hello (or good-bye, if he's making a delivery).

My last stop for this visit is Valerio's Tropical Bake Shop. Along the same part of strip mall, this is where everyone stocks up on carbs. The aroma of baking wafts from the back and surrounds their display cases and metal racks in this standing room only space. If there's fruit or vegetable present, it's wrapped and baked in pastry, if at all. All the wares are enclosed in cello or boxed in clear containers, so there's no question what you're getting. Need some pan de sal, de leche, or de ube? Got it. Chicken empanadas glow golden, smaller than Argentinean versions, but nonetheless are filled with meaty goodness.Those are my snack of choice. Unless you're a regular, don't expect customer service. Folks go in here knowing what they want, and if they don't, yay for plain labeling with English translation. I like going here after Toast so my impulsive nature doesn't take over.

King Plaza has changed over the years. My usual route (in my childhood/tweens/teens) consisted of bowling a few games with a side of fries for sustenance, walking across the street for a lunch slice of pepperoni in the pizza joint, and finishing off at Phil Mart for some coin purse candies. It was my home turf then, and it still provides my essentials now, as I lug my plastic bags into the boot of my car.

King Plaza is flanked by Callan Boulevard, Warwick Street, Shipley Avenue and King Drive in Daly City. It is off Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard). Wear a jacket, and I already warned you about parking.

Le Comptoir at Tiara Cafe - a (belated) recap

2011-12-25T17:15:00.000-08:00


Course one: tomato bisque, before the bisque

I've followed chef Gary Menes for the last decade, and not in a stalker sense. You see, he's the cousin of my best friend; because of her, I experienced The French Laundry back in September of 2001. Gary's worked at a number of places: Patina, Firefly, Marche, The French Laundry, etc. Thanks to him, I've found joy in many things I would otherwise hold a considerable distaste for (like lima beans, but we'll leave it at that.)

Gary's most recent venture is a pop-up inside Tiara Cafe, located in downtown Los Angeles. Named Le Comptoir (aka The Counter), it is limited to four nights a week of dinner service. We went during his second week, and while this recount isn't as timely as I would've liked, a memorable meal is always worth reliving. Pardon the dim lighting. I'll be seeking a penlight to attach to my car keys for properly lit culinary excursions in the future.

We began with an amuse bouche of cheese and crackers. If you know Gary's preferred cuisine, it's rarely pedestrian. There's always a twist or fanciful turn to keep you on your toes. In the case of our amuse, he had arranged a small cracker to be baked with a touch of cheese inside. The miniature pillow melted in our mouth, reminding me that simple concepts can still be complex, in the hands of the right person.

Our initial photograph is the 'before' of a savory bisque. The molecular marbles are actually yogurt (white), herbs (green) and infused tomato (red, yellow, and orange). Once the liquid is poured in, each spoonful is a lottery of bursting flavor. What could I possibly relate this to, except the soup dumplings you request during dim sum. They explode better than any pop rock. As juices combine with your tomato bisque, each sphere imparts a different reaction of taste; all of them delightful to our senses.

So close, we could toss an egg.

Back in my hospitality management days at Cal Poly Pomona, our full-service restaurant, RKR, had what we referred to as the fishbowl. Simply put, it was an aquarium window built for guests to witness the magic in the back of the house. Or to just give some relief that you could see your food being made. Seated in the middle of 12 stools, this was my view most of the evening. Lettuces dividing me from the cooking action, microgreens and thoughtful plating on the other side of my hedge. A bread station would be to my right, and a grill on the flip side. We got to interact all evening, instead of just a few moments at a time. We asked him questions. We joked. We drank wine and silently drooled for the next course.

While not all courses photographed well, I must discuss the second: "oeuf sur la plat", which I think is egg on the plate. A small nest of eggs was placed between us, a prelude of what to come.The most interactive of the five, this began with chef heating a miniature cast iron skillet to an extremely hot temperature (confirming with a scanner that looks a lot like what couples use when registering for gifts). At the desired temp, the skillets are placed in front of us, and we hurriedly crack a fresh egg to fry up for a brief two minutes. Compound butter, bits of arugula, and herbs were cautiously placed atop our fry for the last half of the cooking process. The scorching heat and freshness you could taste in the yolk made for a rich, albeit quick few bites. Acting like temporary sous chefs: priceless.


Course three

His next course was an ode to fulfilling vegetarian meals. L ike his Test Kitchen stint, serving up seven-course meatless dinners, and hitting it out of the park. Setting blue hubbard squash on a mound of barley with pomegranate sauce, a side of mustard frill, pickled shallots and some roasted spring onion is kind of ballsy in the middle of a hearty dinner. Yet I loved it, visually, and with every bite. The grainy texture paired with softly dense squash held a savory appeal. Those earthy qualities of our greens evened things out and kept the dish from becoming one note. It would ease us into our next round.

Ordering a cup of joe

At this point, one of us needs a caffeine perk. Why the scale and funnel? That's how Gary rolls with his coffee obsession. It was borderline humorous to see so much work into something most places take for granted. Then again, we were at Le Comptoir. Don't request seeking a subtle blend, this coffee fix is robust!

Say cheese

I'm intentionally jumping a few courses for a number of reasons. Partially because I want you to explore more of Gary Menes' cooking for yourself. Also because photographs of dark meat and even darker bon bons aren't visually stunning. Lastly (and maybe my real hidden agenda), as much as I love beef, lamb, and pork, meat-free dining can be mind-blowing, and I thought it might be nice to showcase what I wouldn't normally.

When given the choice between dessert menu and cheese course, I rarely go sweet. Glorious cheese endings are in a league of their own. Like bacon, what couldn't benefit from a little dairy? (Perhaps fish, but that's off topic). Chef Menes touts a fresh version made in-house. He plates with shaved burgundy truffles(!!), grapes and extra virgin olive oil. Oh, and a sliver of crusty crouton. The aroma of truffles alone brings me to my happy place. It kind of turns me on. Where was I? Oh, yes, the cheese. I find the umami characteristic so much more satisfying than sugary delights. And that's all you need to know.

Gary manages to take a high-end experience and make it accessible to the masses. No ridiculous reservations period, dress code, or pretentiousness required. The free, open lot parking helps, too. It's always a pleasure to sit down at his table, for I'm guaranteed to leave content.

To learn more about Gary Menes and the weekly menu of Le Comptoir, visit here.

Thanks Mom! or Adobo 101

2011-12-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

(The next time I make it, I swear to take a photo; but bear in mind, photos of brown food are rarely well-received.)

The moment my mom complimented me on my adobo recipe was the moment I decided to make it a blog post. Nevermind the positive feedback from friends, Filipino or otherwise. Her opinion mattered most. When you consider that she never actually taught me any recipes, and that this was the first time I cooked food associated with our culture for her, it was kind of a big deal for me.

I will be the first to admit this is not an original recipe. However, I do know the person who wrote it, and they're not Asian; that's beside the point (but always an interesting one to point out). Everyone has their own take on adobo. Chicken or pork? Wet or dry? How much of a particular ingredient are you using? The one I always ponder is whether to add carrots and/or potatoes. It comes down to personal preference, so take this as a starter recipe. I like it. My husband and yoga partner love it. Mom approves.

I'll point out anything modified as we go along...

Ingredients

3 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in and skin on) - original says 2, but the packages I tend to find are always 1.5#. In this case, I lean towards more protein.

1 1/2 cups soy sauce - normally 1 cup only, but I up all the subsequent ingredients to compensate for the extra pound of chicken.

3/4 cup white vinegar - avoid any other flavors or colors. plain is good.

2 tablespoons fresh ground pepper - with so few ingredients, fresh is preferred.

3 tablespoons brown sugar - don't even think about white.

6 garlic cloves, minced - I cheat and use the frozen cubes from Trader Joe's. They melt right into the sauce.

4 bay leaves - whole is ideal, but the flakes mean you don't have to worry about biting into one.

What to do

Combine soy sauce, vinegar, pepper, brown sugar, garlic and bay leaves in a large pot. I like whisking everything together so the ingredients are evenly distributed and the sugar is fully dissolved. That's just my Capricorn tendency.

Place chicken, skin side down, in pot and bring to a boil. The key here is to have enough surface area for all the chicken to lay flat. Cooking this side first gives it a rich coloring, and the fat from the skin melts into the liquid (at least, that's what I tell myself). I think doing so contributes to the overall taste.

Once it boils, immediately turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover the pot. Moisture builds up. Steam builds up. Cooking in one vessel is good. Get started on that rice. My parents started using a blend of white and brown rice, which holds up well under all that sauce.

After 30 minutes, remove the lid and turn chicken over. Simmer for another 20-30 minutes. Now I don't know if I should've placed the lid back on, but I've done it both ways. The liquid will reduce a bit with the lid off, so if you like a wet recipe, put it back on.

You're done! Scoop some of that well-timed rice onto a plate and enjoy your meal. Remember to have a serving spoon handy so folks can pour some of the cooking liquid over your rice (what a waste if you don't!).

What I love about adobo is that most of the ingredients are already in my kitchen. And you really can't go wrong with meat, rice and soy sauce. The brown sugar cuts through some of the vinegar's acidity and soy's salt content, making it even more important than you think. The thighs are a darker meat, hence more flavor. And unless you plan to peel and chop all that garlic, it's a user-friendly recipe that impresses even my mom. In the words of my favorite character on Fairly Legal, "Win-win!!"

Note: I just received a book that covers cooking from around the world, and their version of adobo utilizes boneless pork belly, red onions, red and green bell peppers, ginger and paprika. They also fry up the meat first. All fantastic options if you're craving some veg (I noticed a lot of Filipino cooking is more meat-centric, or maybe it's just what's been presented to me?). I think I'll try it for some New Year's parties we're attending.

What is honey tarae?

2011-12-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

I suppose you could call this a side view. Just tilt your head 90-degrees to the right. Trust me, if I was any more proficient at this, maybe I could figure out why the photo is determined to remain sideways.

I can tell you what it isn't; it's not a typo. According to my friend Diane, this is something she's only seen in Korea. Yet we found it post-happy hour in our local Irvine Spectrum at a cart. Not exactly the type of place that would sell such ethnic treats. Let's face it, the vendor was somewhere between Old Navy and Red Robin, with Forever XXI in the background. It was out of place, to say the least. Why hadn't I seen them sooner? Turns out they've been on site since spring, but only operate on the weekends. Sounds pop-up(ish), if you ask me.

In Asian culture, honey tarae is a traditional royal court cake consisting of ripened honey and malt. The process in which they make it sounds nearly impossible, yet believable once you see for yourself. These specific cakes are filled with your choice of either nuts or Oreo flavors, and can be ordered individually or in packages of eight.

The sole operator is a friendly chap who passed the time making these single bite morsels. Crafted from a modest piece of solid honey, he pierced a hole into it before going through the motions. It reminded me of an Amazing Race episode where teams had to create noodles from scratch. He took this itty bitty sweet, and deftly stretched it to exponential proportions in under a minute. We're talking upwards of 16,000 strands without batting an eyelash.

While the texture is definitely unusual for what you'd expect, it manages to melt better than any caramel I've ever had. Just a dollar for one of these meticulously crafted lovelies, and that includes a live demonstration. Akin to a puppet show, his hands seem to dance in front of a miniature curtain. Now THAT'S entertainment!

How Heinz continues to celebrate veterans

2011-11-16T01:16:00.000-08:00

While many celebrated Veterans Day last week, I couldn't help but wonder how I could show my respect and support for the military. I mean, it's like what someone said to me about Valentine's Day, "I don't need a holiday to send flowers." The thought was more fleeting as the day came and went; but as fate would have it, we found ourselves seated for dinner at a local chain when the answer materialized in the form of a ketchup bottle.

The condiment company best known for french fry dipping is currently promoting "Our Turn To Serve", a witty foodservice play on words. They've teamed up with the USO and Wounded Warrior project and provided a way to give thanks to men and women serving around the world. There are two interactive methods available.

Their digital postcard option pulls up a handful of patriotic backgrounds for the choosing. With a message, it can be emailed to an active service member or veteran. Once sent, Heinz will donate 57-cents in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. The second option is a one-click gesture. Just "Like" them on Facebook, and the same amount will be given, up to $200,000. Data charges may apply if using your phone.

In Next Iron Chef (Super Chef edition) fashion, Heinz presents a patriotic plate of thanks, done two ways.

More to chew on in Irvine...

2011-10-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

A little bit of San Diego is migrating North in the not-too-distant future, as we await the opening of CUCINA Enoteca. Featured at last week's Restaurant Rave, they ended the evening with a cooking demo by Chef Joe Magnanelli. I sampled some light bites with Carmelle, catering manager and social media director. Their ricotta gnudi ("the best vegetarian meatball", per Carmelle) was divine in its sage brown butter sauce, dusted with parmigiano and amaretti. I also took a shine to the housemade rosemary ricotta bruschetta. Decorated with fresh fig, pistachio dust and fine saba drizzle, I would eat fruit all the time if it tasted this savory.

They will be occupying a quarter of the 25,000 square feet previously inhabited by Fox Sports Grill. Features include an extensive patio, polenta bar (yes, you read that right), wine shop, and house-made grappa. While a specific date is unconfirmed, it's safe to say they will be serving famished holiday shoppers.

Spotted: Signage in Quail Hill (405/Sand Canyon) adjacent to CVS. Big bowls of broth to ease neighbors during the transition from hot to not-so-hot, or as the rest of the country refers to it, Autumn and Winter. This neighborhood center is becoming quite the multicultural food court in recent years. Lucca is still king, but we've seen movement by Turkish brand Wraps Xpress as well as O Fine Japanese Cuisine. Bacchus Secret Cellar has even brought cozy wine flights to these parts. A shiny new place to garnish and slurp, away from the bustling UCI crowd; just don't tell anyone from IVC.

Simply Nutrition

2011-09-20T23:34:00.000-07:00

I write about food because I love food. Brekkie, tapas, charcuterie. Hawaiian, Mediterranean, comfort. Wine, Guinness, ginger ale. The list can go on and on. Maybe the toughest thing about having a passion for dining (at least for me) is trying to keep the weight off. In a blink, that pint of hot chocolate ice cream from Starbucks can evaporate, yet it takes constant discipline to maintain an acceptable waistline. On the flip side, at least I have a reason to buy new pants.

When you get past all the advice from every person trying to sell you a solution to weight loss, it always comes down to this:

Proper nutrition in conjunction with regular exercise is key.

It seems easy enough, but not really. First of all, it's not cheap to eat healthy. Who wants to spend twice as much at Whole Paycheck when there's a 10 for $10 deal elsewhere? How often do you want to get up before 6 a.m. to get in your WOD (workout of the day) when you could stay up late sifting thru the DVR (it is a new season, after all). We are a society that equates eating to all emotions. It's a birthday, let's have cake! A miserable day can easily translate to drinks with co-workers. We can't escape it. Food is our livelihood; it sustains and entertains until we are content. Until it becomes a habit, physical exertion is a chore. It's finding that right combination for yourself that will make the difference.

Yet even after a certain balance is achieved, we still struggle to keep it interesting. Yes, there are exceptions. (I'm taking to you, people who can eat and do the same things over and over again.) I, on the other hand, require variety to keep things interesting. I've gone from the gym to personal trainers to heated yoga. I would never have imagined myself wanting to go to a place to get even more sweaty than I already am. EVER. Choosing between eggs and Greek yogurt for brekkie can only satiate me to a point. I need more options. This is where Simply Nutrition comes into play.

An acquaintance introduced me to this. Now before I elaborate, lemme explain something. I don't practice this five days a week. Maybe three, at best. Sometimes, I'm still hungry afterwards. Is it worth the cost? Perhaps. It's what fits into my lifestyle, and I feel better because of it. Also, if I had to choose between this and spending the same amount on Del Taco, there's a lot less guilt if I go with the former. It doesn't hurt that they have a history of success stories via their other name, Herbalife.

When I visit Simply Nutrition, it's a little like getting lunch. Personal wellness coaches welcome me, and I place my order. There are 3 'courses' to be consumed; each one serves a purpose. I can even take the last one to-go.

4 ounces of mango-flavored aloe vera for digestion. I refer to it as my shot.
10 ounces of (hot/cold) herbal tea in four flavors. An energy booster than burns up to 80 calories.
A 16 ounce smoothie, which can be one of 17 flavors such as cinnamon cookie or wild berry. This is my meal replacement. Logging in at under 200 calories, there's 17 grams of plant protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving.

They promote 2 visits a day combined with 1 normal meal for weight loss. I opt for their "get healthy" goal: 1 a day with 2 meals. The ultimate idea is to purchase product to use at home, so you can do-it-yourself. I say, why bother with cleaning a blender when they do the measuring and mixing for me? For about $5 a day ($4 if you purchase in advance), I hydrate, put healthy stuff in my system, and have one less fattening meal. I can't argue with that.

There's a brief presentation on your first visit, which answers a lot of questions. You can even have your BMI measured, which ~~can be~~ is depressing. I didn't feel any real pressure to buy product. The people are there to keep you company, answer concerns, and mix a beverage. Wait, is that like a bartender? Not quite, but during lunchtime it resembles happy hour (minus the twists of lemon and mini umbrellas).

I've been going to heated yoga for the better part of three months. Herbalife/Simply Nutrition has been a part of my routine for over a month, closer to two. Am I reaping the benefits? Yes and no. If anything, I'm managing my weight better, while stretching the hell out of my hips and shoulders. They're closed on the weekends, so that's where willpower kicks in. I do what I can, and remain positive knowing I'm choosing a healthier option on a semi-regular basis. Being a fan of delicious flavor will always be my Achilles' heel, but this helps.

Simply Nutrition is located at 14241 Jeffrey Road (cross street Roosevelt, across from Albertsons) in Irvine. (949) 670-7955. Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

Gen Korean BBQ House & Yakitori Bar - Soft Opening

2011-09-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

Two days ago, I had no plans to eat here; in fact, I wasn't aware of its existence. Just coincidence that my meeting was next door at Wahoo's, and that I figured out it was about to open. Ok, the balloon arch kinda clued me in. My previous experiences at Korean bbq are few and far between. There was this one place by the airport with a Korean co-worker (he did all the ordering). It reminded me of a scene in Lost In Translation, where Bill Murry's character is deciding on dinner, and all the pictures look the same. I think the other time was at the Asian trifecta of eats off Bristol/Paularino. I won't even bother to elaborate that mishap (It was me, not them.). So for me to want to check out a brand new establishment, with no idea of the menu or a seasoned bbq griller by my side was dicey.

When people talk about a clean, well-lit place, there should be a pic of Gen handy, for this is exactly that. The furniture may be of dark woods, but the walls and light fixtures are a super bright "GE is paying our electric bill" white. The space is divided into thirds - on your far right is the bar, middle has tables and chairs, and lefty is primarily booths. We are booth people, and you cannot help but notice the additional 'blocks' of light atop each seating space. Nothing to hide here. We decide to grill our gracious server and the nearest manager for more intel.

That night (Friday, September 9) was their first evening of a two-week long soft opening. While some would say that you're either open or you're closed, we could distinguish between the two options a number of ways. Tea was not available, although both hot and cold varieties are on the menu. An enticing fried Twinkie, like the other desserts, was not yet possible either. What a tease! The manager mentioned that we should also check out their bento lunches, as they are a hefty amount of eats for the price.

Related to Tomikawa in Irvine, other siblings go by the names Octopus and Sumo. They span as far north as Ventura, depending on which brand you are referring to. If you're a fan of Tomikawa, then Gen's appetizer selection should look familiar, since they mimicked it. We did order some gyoza and fried chicken to start, which were a crunchy change of pace from the rest of the menu. Everything else requires a repeat visit, since we were game to tackle their $22 all-you-can-eat feast. For the money, you receive not only 22 bbq options, but the following:

Rice and radish sheets for wrapping.
Banchan - all the individually served sides expected; we had mashed potato, kimchi, mushroom, assorted veggies and a few others. It was like Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan all over again.
White rice upon request.
Two different soups towards the end of our meal. One was a white, more eggy custard. The other had a red hue that Mr. brekkie fan tried and loved. Grace could not provide the technical names, but it didn't matter. Anyone want to name for me?
Green salad.
A trio of sauces including a mild sesame oil seasoned with pepper.

Don't expect me to name all 22 possibilities, because I thought the website would have it for me, but it didn't. I recall an American kobe, shrimp, some internal organ stuff I wasn't about to touch, short rib, assorted vegetables, and bulgogi, which (surprise surprise) was our favorite. Being able to choose between eating my meats with rice, all wrapped up, over greens, or straight off the grill was pretty cool. Radish wraps gave an earthy quality, while rice wrapping endured a gelatinous texture requiring a lot of chew.

Our server spent much of her time babysitting the meat - arranging it down on the grill, turning things over, and taking a thick pair of shears to hack food to more manageable bites. When I tried to take the reins and actually do some of the work myself, Grace jumped right in to assist, saying it's what she's here for. After a couple of rounds, she would summon someone to swap out the grill for a shiny, new one. While this was a great gesture on the restaurant's part, I would've been fine with cooking off the same surface. I was more bothered by the circle of grease surrounding our grill space like a force field.

It's easy to love a place based on one meal, especially when they are trying their best to impress you. However, if dinner was any indication of how they plan to operate, I'm already plotting my next visit to the yakitori bar...they just better have tea and dessert ready!

Gen Korean BBQ House and Yakitori Bar is in Tustin, situated within a plaza on the corner of Newport and Main. It's a stand-alone establishment, adjacent to Wahoo's Fish Taco. (If they had business cards or a more updated website, I would include more accurate information.) I can tell you they are open seven days, until 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

Master Sommelier Throwdown At A Restaurant Next Week

2011-09-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

There's wine, and then there's the Michael Jordan of wine. If that made sense to you, then you'll toast the special event being held on September 15 at A Restaurant in Newport Beach.

The first of many themed wine dinners, this is being dubbed Old World versus New World per Tony Motakef, A's General Manager. The establishment will be closed for a long evening of wine dueling. At last count, they were approaching capacity for the $145-per-plate dinner where diners will actively participate in the competition, selecting the ultimate winner.

With just over 100 individuals in the United States who operate under the title of Master Sommelier, having two super-oneophiles under the same roof is likely akin to the drama-free rapport on Top Chef Masters. Competing against Costa Mesa-based Jordan (yes, there really is one) is Mr. Peter Neptune, Senior Vice President of Corporate Training for The Henry Wine Group. Along with Chef Jon Blackford, the trio will host the Thursday soiree.

For each of the six courses specially created for this evening , Neptune will present an 'old world' wine, while the former Napa Rose sommelier is in charge of covering 'new world' styles. Guests will serve as both judge and jury, determining the best of each pairing. Bring your number two pencils sharpened, because we're getting schooled on some pricey juice boxes.

For more information on the sommelier showdown, contact Tony Motakef at (714) 322-8459.

It's Tuesday....what's for dinner?

2011-08-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

That depends. You could be at Rubio's having a $1.50 taco special (or three). Or, you could be at AnQi Gourmet Bistro having this....

Or this....

On Tuesdays, Mama is shuttled from Crustacean Beverly Hills down to daughter Elizabeth's branch of House of An for some magic in their Secret Kitchen. The specialty: roasted crab.

While you'll have to pay a pretty penny for your seafood (upwards of $50+), I have to admit, it tastes better when they leave it in the shell. Maybe it's the sweet sense of accomplishment after you've gotten in the crab's business and dirtied your hands? Who knows. Just share the experience with a friend, so you're not playing with your food by yourself.

AnQi Gourmet Bistro is located next to Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza, 3333 South Bristol Street in Costa Mesa. They are open for lunch and dinner daily. 714.557.5679. www.anqibistro.com.

There's still time to wine and dine!

2011-08-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Whether you're more food truck groupie or oenophile (or both), the final weeks of summer still offer options to keep your ATM card busy. Don't believe me?

Saturday, August 27 (12 to 6 p.m.; early entry begins at 10 a.m.)

The OC Foodie Fest is back with a vengeance. Ok, maybe that's too strong a word. Older. Wiser. The team that brought you last year's literal hot mess has learned from all the constructive criticism in, and it shows. Some of the biggest changes include family-friendly entertainment in the form of local bands, a classic car show and street performers. Plus they've moved to the lot at Angel Stadium for more elbow room.

Events leading up to next week's finale included a Feed the Hungry event featuring Seabirds Truck and a date night themed Pub & Grub at Goat Hill Tavern. This Friday, James Foxall's team plans to host 500 Marines for an all-American night of baseball, complete with food truck tailgating and prizes.

More incentive to give them another chance (besides more food options) include on-site cash machines, CHEAPER parking, and the concept of shade. All their ducks appear to be in a row, so read my advice on surviving your next GFT and make me proud.

Through Sunday, September 4

Those who prefer to stay indoors can literally drink to their heart's content at The Capital Grille's Generous Pour event. Master Sommelier George Miliotes is our comeback kid with nine (yes, 9) unlimited pours for the thirsty. With a selection of domestic and international tastes, there's bound to be a varietal that pairs well with dinner. A generous pour, indeed.

For $25, our preference is a Napa Valley Cab from Freemark Abbey; Specifically, the 2003 Cabernet Bosche. Per Miliotes, this is, "Supple and balanced yet rich and intense, with dark plum and spicy black cherry fruit, firmed up with fine, strong tannins." Tell us how you really feel, George!

The party is still going on, if you know where to look.

Joe Bastianich Visits Hi-Time Wine Cellars Tomorrow

2011-08-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting forEVER for Pizzeria Mozza to open in Newport Beach. Although they still haven't announced an opening date, they are ready to share a glimpse of what to expect. Batali and his Crocs are not available this weekend. However, we get the next best thing: Joe Bastianich.

Joe, son of Felice and (culinary Italian royalty) Lidia, is also Batali's business partner. He'll be paying a visit to Hi-Time tomorrow for a special event.

The event itself is from 2 - 8:30 p.m.; however, the cellars will be graced with Bastianich's presence only between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m. He'll be discussing the wines being poured and talking about their upcoming pizzeria. Oh, and did we forget to mention the pizza samples?

Cost to attend this tasting is $30. The opportunity to speak to Joe about judging MasterChef with Gordon Ramsay and Graham Elliot (or Batali, for that matter): Well, you can't put a price on dishing gossip.....or can you?

For more information on tomorrow's event, you can click here for Hi-Time's Facebook page.

To monitor the progress of Pizzeria Mozza on their newly created Facebook page, follow this link.

Wahoo! Score Dad a meal on Father's Day

2011-06-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

Ever notice the fuss given to Mother's Day? Flowers. Brunches. Spa treatments. I agree, they deserve it all. Let's just remember to show the dads a little appreciation this weekend, too. And I'm talking more than a greeting card or phone call.

For years, I'd bounce between golf-related paraphernalia and ties. He didn't seem to mind - Dad was pleased I thought of him as I went shopping. These days, I've come to realize the importance of giving time. Although the catch was that there was never enough of it (and it had nothing to do with being free).When I visit the parentals in the Bay Area, the first question I tend to ask is, "When are you free to go out (to eat)?" Sometimes with both, occasionally with just my dad, it's our time to hang out and just be. This leads me to today's post.

So my acquaintance Lisa works for Wahoo's Fish Taco. Founded by a trio of brothers in 1988, Wahoo's took the American dream and ran full speed with it. Combining restaurant experience from the family business plus their love of surfing in Mexico, the first location opened in Orange County. Success and a penchant for sticker-based decor soon followed.

During this weekend dedicated to fathers, they've got a special. Head over to their website and print a coupon. Good for a free #1 combo just for dad, they get a choice of taco or enchilada, served with ahi rice and either black or spicy cajun white beans. Their filling options are comparable, if not better than Chipotle: carne asada, chicken, carnitas, mushrooms, banzai veggies, vegetarian or fish. 

Throw in a bottle of beer, and it's the laid back way to thank him after his golf game. Or his nap.

My summer lovin' lunch - The Cabo Caesar at Sage Cafe, Costa Mesa

2011-06-16T23:39:00.000-07:00

Hiding in the shadows of The Camp is a sit-down eatery so mini, you've probably passed it and never realized. Open since December, they call themselves Sage Cafe. Not to be confused with the one known simply as Sage, this is an anomaly in the Asian/hipster/upper echelon options within South Coast Plaza and SoBeCa's neighborhood. Normally, I have an aversion to soup, salad, and sandwich places. But something told me this would be different, so I met my co-worker there one spring morning as they were changing over from brekkie to lunch.

He couldn't help but inquire whether a breakfast sandwich was still available, which they happily obliged to. Mind you, they have one modest griddle back there, and if it weren't for our timing, they would've responded otherwise (which we know for a fact). I was in a 'healthy' mood, and settled on a salad.

Now for a salad, this was behemoth. Crunchy yellow/red bells, hints of slivered green onion and earthy pepitas won me over. The romaine and croutons were almost an afterthought alongside the other players. Grilled chicken kept it hearty, but not heavy. Their cilantro Caesar brought it all together. A dish of beauty, indeed it was.

I managed to get through half before admitting defeat and requesting a box. Fortunately, I knew all the components were sturdy enough to maintain both their texture and taste for another meal. Not your run-of-the-mill Caesar, the Cabo put a spring in my step. Being in good company and spotting a reality housewife didn't hurt, either.

If you decide to hunt them down, call ahead for their daily special. Their soup constantly changes as well, which makes the decision even more stressful for someone like myself who's a big fan of variety. Maybe it's the idea of supporting the underdog, but they fit right in to their surroundings. The anti-Panera, perhaps? *(Oh, and if you like them enough, get added to their daily text so you can debate specials right before lunch hour.)

Sage Cafe
735 West Baker Street
Costa Mesa, 92626
714.754.1978

Natalie Tran reminds me of home...sort of.

2011-05-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Some of the best finds occur when you're not looking. It holds true for shopping; and, in this case, catching up on Facebook.

Natalie Tran is a one-woman YouTube channel who also spends time vlogging for Lonely Planet. In this clip, she's covering two of my all-time favorite topics: San Francisco and cooking brekkie....in a hotel room, no less.

With a Vietnamese heritage, Australian upbringing, and going to university in South Wales, one might be curious about her accent. I especially love the way she pronounces aluminum. Check out her version of porridge, bacon and eggs using a coffeemaker and iron.

How does Natalie remind me of home? Besides being Asian and cooking my favorite meal in the best neighborhood on Earth, she also makes me think of one of my childhood friends. Actually, more like two friends if you mashed up their personalities.

Surviving your next gourmet food truck event.

2011-05-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Maybe someone has already written about this, but I'm not gonna check.

I hear lots of stories from friends about their experiences with GFTs (gourmet food trucks, so I don't have to keep typing it out), with varying degrees of sadness and elation. The experience cannot be the same for everyone, but we can always strive to have control over a situation where one or more GFTs are gathered. While San Francisco's Off the Grid (OtG) is no stranger to me, I did attend my first Fort Mason Friday event with gusto. Despite freezing my digits and toes, I managed to compare and contrast our experience with everything I've come to expect down in Southern California. Here's the best advice I can give for those looking to explore their next GFT event.

RESEARCH - Find a list of trucks or tents (SF has lots) attending, and study up on them. Ask your foodie friends for advice. Go on Yelp. Read their website menus. Decide on a plan of attack. Have you already tried some? Then try something new! My good friend Amber went to her first OtG already familiar with a number of GFTs. Her quote of the night was, "I need to find something I can't get at WalMart." (Note: The GFTs frequent an area by Brisbane's WalMart.com offices.)
DIVIDE & CONQUER - Hands down the best piece of advice I can possibly offer. When I attended an 80 GFT event at Santa Anita Park last month, I brought a friend. There was NO WAY we would be able to hit a tenth of the places in the amount of time we had. We had a printed list of who was scheduled to show, and we discussed on the drive up. Our #1 priority was lining up for The Grilled Cheese Truck, notorious for their endless lines. Despite our determination, there were at least 30 people in front of us when we arrived at start time, and the truck didn't even begin taking orders for another 30 minutes! In the meantime, we tag-teamed and managed to grab eats from Lardon, Tornado Potato, and Border Grill while still in line for grilled cheese. It was a productive alternative to just standing there.
HIT UP THE ATM - Maybe it wasn't well-marked, but OtG had no visible ATM at the venue. Many trucks, whether LA, OC, or SF, only accept cash (although most Orange County ones take cards). Even those that take plastic sometimes have technical difficulties and are forced to revert back to paper and coin. My eyes typically aren't bigger than my stomach, so $20-40 usually works well. Another idea that ties into "divide & conquer" is sharing your food with a friend. It cuts food cost in half, but you also need to know someone with similar taste. There's the possibility that you'll have to pay for parking, so pad your pre-determined amount by another five bucks, just in case.
USEFUL TOOLS - My preferred accessory is a messenger-style handbag. It frees up my hands, giving me easy access to my iPhone (for snapshots) and cash. I can also focus on my food knowing my belongings are securely stashed. Also, something I don't do, but am always envious when others remember, is bring a portable chair or table. Dining space is pretty limited at most events, unless sitting on the sidewalk/ground isn't an issue for you. If you have enough dining companions, designating someone to handle this detail while you "divide & conquer" on their behalf is beneficial to everyone.
ARTICLES YOU SHOULD TRY TO BRING - Kudos to OC GFTs for remembering cleanliness is next to godliness for some of us. The hand sanitizer they provide is a decent alternative, but handiwipes are a lifesaver. Complain all you want about OCD behavior, but I'll be the one without greasy hands after devouring my Icon chicken drumstick from Iz It. A bottled water is a neutral palate cleanser, plus saves you a buck that can be used elsewhere. Oh, and a reusable bag is great if you plan on bringing home leftovers. Throw in one or two plastic containers, and you're good to go.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY - Dressing to impress is not a good idea. Ladies: pull your hair back, unless you want it to whip your face when trying to eat. If the sun is still out, use sunscreen. The best GFT outfit involves jeans; they've got pockets for money, and double as a lazy napkin. Lastly, wear comfortable footwear. You're spending most, if not all, of your time standing around. Something cushioned (Flip flops don't count.) will protect your toes from the elements and passers-by not paying attention.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING - If an event starts at 5, don't show up at 7. Try to park by 6 at the latest. The first time any OtG or other GFT festival happens at a new location, they always run out of food. While they learn from the experience, that doesn't guarantee you can cruise on in an hour before it's over and expect to get what you want. All lines get worse as the event progresses. Arrive early and leave while it's still tolerable.

If you manage to utilize even two things on this list, I can safely say you'll be better off at your next GFT event. It's been about a year and-a-half since I've started getting into them, and this is all from trial and error. I still make mistakes (Open toe wedges in SF on a Friday night. Really?), but still come out with a more positive experience than if I didn't bring cash or arrive early.

For the brekkie fans: Free Jamba Juice Energy Drink (TODAY only)

2011-04-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

I love free stuff. If it doesn't require me to sleep on a sidewalk overnight, there's a good chance I'll be there. Take for example, my impressive haul at the grand opening of Henry's Farmers Market last year:

Those kinds of scores don't come along often, but that's alright. There's enough free stuff year-round to keep me content. Which leads me to today's special.

Visit your nearby Jamba Juice starting at 2pm local time for a very free can of their new All Natural Energy Drinks (Note: This is only for the first 100 customers, so if you're having an early lunch, it ain't happening.). Flavors to choose from include Crisp Apple, Strawberry Banana, and Blueberry Pomegranate. Manufactured by Nestle, these are created with real fruit and natural caffeine. A lightly carbonated beverage to boost the afternoon or morning slump!

There are three Jamba shops within a 10 mile radius of me, so I'm thinking there's at least one near you. To locate your nearest Jamba Juice and read up on their new drink, you can go here. Maybe I'll have this tonight when I pull my all-nighter watching the royal wedding?

41 olive - for those with good taste (buds)

2011-04-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

Dining establishments at Irvine Spectrum have come and gone (Fox Sports Grill, Rock Bottom Brewery, The Fish Market, etc.), but specialty shops appear to have a more lasting impression on patrons. Think Anthropologie, Vans and L'Occitane en Provence. While most storefronts are geared towards only men or solely women, the massive windows of 41 olive provide a fishbowl glimpse into a place anybody can appreciate. According to branch manager Malti Naran, even little children are game to taste testing; they also have strong opinions of what's good, too!

With a loft layout, entrants are exposed to all facets of the store from the moment they step inside. The majority of wall space is lined with dark cabinetry and an overhanging shelf. The row of metallic vessels, called fusti, not only decorate the room like a crown molding, but contain an array of imported vinegars and olive oils. Tasting cups and squares of bread entice curious appetites to sample the wares of 41 olive. I immediately gravitate towards the white truffle oil, an Italian treat containing no extracts; just a divine richness that almost makes one feel guilty for having. It is such an indulgence that it has its own pricing structure, but more on that later.

The idea for this particular shop came to Malti last year, while attending her son's graduation back East. She stumbled upon a place that enabled customers to purchase tasty elixirs that were bottled on the spot. No need to wonder how long an item had been sitting or how it tasted. It was a great find that she knew would work well, provided she found a captive audience who appreciated the culinary arts. Amid celebrity chefs, food trucks and diverse ethnic neighborhoods, they settled upon the family-oriented entertainment venue.

Flavors are as diverse as one can imagine, but the olive oils are placed into two distinct categories: varietals and infused flavors, and are arranged from mild to robust. While trying everything seemed ambitious, I sampled some unique-sounding tastes, specifically the dark chocolate and peach balsamic vinegars, made from white Trebbiano grapes. Their intensity from sipping them straight up was more than I expected, so switching back to olive oil was a perfect way to finish my tasting. At the pairing bar, they plan on holding private events for foodies looking to expand their horizons. One of their more popular flavors is the oil infused with herbs de Provence, prominently placed at one end of the bar.

Pricing for all flavors (minus the specialty salts and white truffle oil) are as follows: 375ml bottles are $17.99 and 750ml bottles are $29.99. White truffle oil has separate sizing: 60ml for $14.99 and 200ml for $29.99. Bottling, sealing and labeling occur while you wait, giving a personable feel you don't find in most stores.

During my visit, I spied a quartet of older gentlemen peering through the window, a mother-daughter team with bags in tow, a couple of college students, a young couple, and a mother and child all peruse or inquire about 41 olive's inventory. It looks as though their concept knows no bounds, or at the very least, is sparking curiosity with the home chef in all of us.

41 olive
85 Fortune
Suite 315
949.892.6665
website forthcoming

I Watch TV - Part Three (or My DVR is gonna HATE me)

2011-04-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

It's the first full week of April, and what's going on? A whole lotta tasty television. Seriously! Classy chefs, frugal finders, one business savvy Aussie, and Marcel (not the monkey) are taking over cable. Check it out.

Extreme Couponing: The Series (TLC) premieres tonite! My obsession with saving money has never been so piqued as when they aired the stand alone episode in December. Now, my stockpile has enough toothpaste, shower gel, pasta and tomato products (all for under a buck) to get our household through the next year. It's original and brilliant.

Top Chef: Masters (Bravo) also cooks up another season of diva-lite culinary competition, immediately following this evening's Top Chef: All-Stars Reunion. Curtis Stone is having the best 12 months, ever. First, he kicked ass on The Celebrity Apprentice last year. Second, the man is already a judge/investor on America's Next Great Restaurant (NBC), which I'm kinda digging. Of course, the handsome Aussie has this respected gig. Stone even gets the title of spokesperson for Great Grains Cereal. Would never have expected this take-home chef to gain such momentum, but he has.

Marcel's Quantum Kitchen (SyFy) is already on its third week, and I admit to loving the scientific side of Marcel's.......hair. Kidding. His ego may be greater than the tank of liquid nitrogen in their catering kitchen, but he's earned it. Whimsical, artsy, delicious. He hits all the high notes with their menu masterpieces in this original series.

What I wake up for: The Texan at Pat & Oscar's

2011-03-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Hello sunshine!

My favorite brekkies typically revolve around local joints: Break of Dawn, Plum's Cafe, 'Carolyn's Kitchen', etc.. However, I don't discriminate when it comes to my favorite meal, so I'll check out a franchise if it's tasty fare. That's how I ended up at Pat & Oscar's (a.k.a the San Diego breadstick folks).

One rainy morning, I ran into my local Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (or was it Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs?) for some nourishment, when I spotted a sign in P&O's window "Now Serving Breakfast". Of course, I inquired. They started offering this quite recently - in the past month or so. The selections include:

French toast kissed with vanilla and orange
'Pat's Veggie' burrito filled with mushrooms, green chiles, green onions, scrambled eggs, mozzarella, and topped with pico de gallo and avocado
and 'Ronnie's Special' pizza utilizing housemade dough, country gravy, mozzarella, cheddar, tomato slices, scrambled eggs, bacon and basil (Whew!)

What took my breath away, though, was a pic of the Texan skillet scramble, which I ultimately ordered a few days later. Bits of brisket, green chiles, green onions, cilantro, avocado, pico de gallo and cheddar. Oh my. Thank you to the kitchen for making my dish even though it was 20 minutes after service ended.

While I typically don't enjoy condiments with my food (unless we're talking hot dogs), the pico de gallo really brought together all the components. Cilantro gave a bright flavor. Avocado cut through any heat. The brisket was rather subtle, but gave the dish enough meatiness for me to savor.

Oh, and I forgot to mention it being served over breakfast potatoes. Everything was so tasty, I didn't really notice them, but I did love my cinnamon breadstick it came with. There's also a garlic and toast option, but I needed a little sweet treat to end my Sunday brunch.

Brekkie is served on the weekends only, from 7:30-11 a.m. For a list of their Southern California locations, click here.

Japanese Bread Bears.....so darn cute!

2011-03-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

My acquaintance (I say that because we've never met, but are friends on Facebook, thanks to a mutual) Michelle posted this on her Wall earlier, and I just didn't think it was cool enough for the freelance blog. Looks like something one would find if Daiso and Andersen Bakery did a collaboration.

All together now, "Awwww!"

*(Thanks to the folks at this website for making my day even better!)

Sam, I am (a fan).

2011-03-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

Last month, I had the pleasure of meeting a culinary personality that I admire. His name is Sam Zien, but is better known as Sam the Cooking Guy. Now before you wonder why I'm not talking about a restaurant I ate at, I wanted to take time out and acknowledge a guy who is not only inspiring, but entertaining too. Oh, and he has 12 Emmys for his hard work, so show some respect!

Sam was like a lot of us, working at a place where he wasn't exactly happy at. He wanted to do something he was passionate about, and so Sam quit his job and began working on an idea he had. It was a travel show that would educate viewers on how to familiarize themselves with the food, culture, transportation, etc of a foreign country. His first series of segments would be on Tokyo, and he was preparing to film a demo when 9/11 happened. That changed everything.

Having no current employment, a show idea that wasn't really feasible anymore, and bills to pay, Sam was at a bit of a crossroads: Settle for some other job, or try a different show? With the support of his wife, he decided on a cooking show (despite the fact he had no formal cooking experience whatsoever). What would make him stand out in a sea of cable and PBS broadcasts?

His approach was to make food that was simple, yet delicious. I wouldn't compare him to anything semi-homemade, but Sam makes a point of utilizing ingredients viewers can find at their local grocery store. He also has some straightforward cooking techniques, which would make even the most novice of cooks feel at ease. Sam the Cooking Guy was picked up by a local San Diego television station, and the rest, as they say, is history.

A second show, Just Cook This!, is a national series on Discovery Health channel. He's also got ~~three~~ two cookbooks published, with a third on the way focusing on grilling. Sam also (normally) holds monthly cooking classes, but at the moment, I believe he's on hiatus preparing for the newest addition to his family. He did a live version of his show last month, where part of the proceeds went towards the Salvation Army Kroc Center Scholarship Fund.

Why am I a fan of Sam? He's a regular guy who likes to cook. He has a recurring habit of burning his mouth when trying his dishes (it's called patience, Sam). He's the Jewish guy who taught me how to make adobo I get compliments on. I'm reminded that cooking is both fun and rewarding.

If you are in Orange County, you can catch him on Cox channel 3. Sam the Cooking Guy is 100 episodes strong and is broadcast throughout the state, as well as in Nevada, Arizona, Virginia and Georgia. Here's the link to find your local station.

Yes, Sam. I am a fan. I also ate green eggs and ham in kindergarten. That's probably why I love brekkie so much.

Five Places I Recommend for OC Restaurant Week

2011-02-24T20:30:00.000-08:00

Why? I love these restaurants year-round. They provide good service, a solid menu, and a comfortable setting...and their OCRW menu is worth a visit.

Any of the Marc Cohen trifecta: 230 Forest in Laguna Beach, Opah - Seafood Grill in Irvine and Aliso Viejo, Watermarc in Laguna Beach

Chef Cohen knows his stuff, and it's apparent when you come here. While I live closer to one of the Opah's, we prefer Watermarc for its secluded dining room upstairs. I should note that Opah has undergone a bit of a transformation (for the better, of course), so don't be surprised. All three Restaurant Week menus feature specials reflective of each establishment.

Memphis at the Santora in Santa Ana

While I love the location of their original in Costa Mesa, it's just super crowded there (are you seeing the trend?). Get the same excellent cuisine in a prettier locale. Perfect before coffee at Gypsy Den or a drink at The Crosby. Parking structure and street parking are very available in the evenings.

Catal at Downtown Disney

The first of two Patina Group favorites. First off, you've already got five hours of free parking, assuming you remember to validate after the meal. That means walking it off in one of the safest places in Orange County (can we say Fox Patrol?) Servers are welcoming, just like the cuisine. Here is your date nite option.

TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea

You're in North County, you say? Okay, I can dish out a rec there. Go to this family-owned seafood joint where their portions are reasonable and the vibe is casual. Kind of the original House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer, but with a better decibel level and more family friendly.

Pinot Provence in Costa Mesa

My other Patina Group fave is across from my favorite mall, South Coast Plaza. Don't let its attachment to Westin detract you -- this is lovely hotel dining. While maybe a little formal, I'd rather have this than the opposite end of the spectrum. Call this your affordable business meal, before drinks.

Now go book your reservations, stay warm and dry, and enjoy the good deals. And for all things Orange County Restaurant Week, here's their official link.

Valentine's Day 2011 - Xanh Bistro

2011-02-16T22:34:00.000-08:00

After years of planning our mid-February plans as early as December, this was the first year we were stuck. Couldn't agree on anywhere. Time was running out. He wanted upscale Asian, but I learned the hard way there was a direct correlation between the decor of an Asian establishment and the quality of food served. So I used a lifeline and contacted a friend. He recommended Xanh Bistro.

We arrived in Fountain Valley amid rush hour traffic feeling a little flustered. Fortunately, we found our location without any trouble and were seated in moments. Tucked in a far corner of a vast strip mall, Xanh is the quintessential hidden gem. A clean, well-lit place where the kitchen kind of juts out into the dining space, blockaded by countertop and a barrier of shiny appliances. This doesn't matter, though, as our furnishings are of dark, finished woods and (dare I say) comfortable chairs. Cool green accent walls keep things light -- almost spa-like.

With the full menu at our disposal, our hearts settled on khai vi thap cam (a.k.a. the appetizer sampler). A trio of their best bites arrived at our table, along with a spouted glass vessel containing the savory "house sauce". Crispy wontons were punched with flavor by a topping of pineapple chutney. Chicken skewers, a seemingly simple appetizer, is somehow made tastier than I can ever remember having. If infusing foods with lime leaves is this delish, then everything should be prepared this way. An innovative twist on cha gio, the yam cake wraps resembled sweet potato fry clusters studded with crunchy shrimp. Cocooning these bundles in mint and leaves proved to be quite the challenge. Dipping melded all the flavors and textures into one messy, chewy, happy handful. In addition, he got the crispy tofu squares, which I loved. I ordered a cup of the mustard greens and chicken dumplings soup, which he loved. Go figure.

Despite the extensive menu of specialty items, our tastes that night were relatively simple. We each settled on a bun/rice noodle bowl. Mine was a grilled pork with egg roll, his was grilled fish and shrimp. Both sat atop a bunch of lettuce leaves and were garnished with an array of cucumber, mint, daikon, carrot, peanuts and onion flakes. With so much stuff, you'd think this sounded very kitchen sink. Wrong. The binder was (again) the umami-ness of "house sauce" that translated the many individual flavors into a cohesive taste. Our noodles almost drowned in it, creating a soup more than anything else. While I primarily consume processed pork, (i.e. Spam, sausage), this renewed my faith in the art of grilling.

Our plates were filling without being heavy. Chef Haley finds beauty in the simplistic. Her specialty is taking a known entree and improving it through superior execution. This corner find could use some wall shades to mask the slate walkway and vacant storefronts next door, but overall, Xanh was our exception to the correlation.

Xanh Bistro

16161 Brookhurst Street

Fountain Valley, 92708

714-531-2030

www.xanhbistro.com

closed Tuesdays

Visiting food blogger: Flat Stanley

2011-02-16T00:41:00.000-08:00

(Backstory: Flat Stanley was sent to be by my nephew Ryan. I was asked by both him and his teacher to show Stanley around during his visit. I decided it was about time Stanley became a foodie. This is his blog post.)

Dear Ryan,

Things are great here in Southern California. Your Auntie Anne has been a cool host. We've been to Knott's Berry Farm, Downtown Disney, and a LOT of places to eat. I thought you would like to see some of the places we visited.

In the first photo above, I'm having a BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato) sandwich at Sonic. Did you know you can get tater tots here? The drinks are great too. LOTS of flavors to choose from.

Anne and I were invited to a preview of a new place called Taco Asylum (that's a place for crazy people). The chef put crazy things inside of tortillas. This taco had pork belly, carrot, daikon (like a radish), onions, and cilantro.

You can see on the right our visit to Knott's Berry Farm. Uncle Jack was with us, but he's taking the photo. Did you get my Snoopy postcard from here? I was not tall enough to ride the roller coaster, but we walked around and shopped.

This was our dinner place after Knott's. Did you know Japanese curry is different from Indian curry? It's not as spicy. I couldn't finish my dinner, so Auntie Anne ate the rest.

My last meal was at a place called Kimera. It was next door to the Google building (where you can search for ANYTHING). Erin, our bartender, said the doughnuts were great, so we ordered them. She was right! The chocolate sauce tasted the best with them.

Thanks for letting me visit Auntie Anne. She hopes you can visit too this summer!

Reasons for nearly falling off the face of the Earth

2011-02-16T00:04:00.000-08:00

Well, the big one is the fact that I am working again. A year-and-a-half later, I'm finally doing what Mr. brekkie fan wanted by doing something I'm passionate about: Blogging about food.

I've read OC Weekly for years, ever since I moved to Orange County in 2001. I'd scan the articles, but usually I was looking for recommendations on places to dine at. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to contribute my thoughts *and* get paid for it.

The blog is called Stick A Fork In It, and the team I joined is a group that I'm flattered to be associated with. Gustavo, Edwin, Dave and Shuji (a.k.a. "The Mexican", elmomonster, Das Ubergeek and Professor Salt) have their own thoughts about food, but we all share a love for it. I could go on and on about these guys, but I know their respective posts speak for themselves.

This does NOT make me an expert on food in any way. I know what I like, and I write about it. SAFII is a medium to share the random bits of information I come across during the course of my day. Brekkie fan's blog will focus on things that might fall outside of my OC Weekly guidelines. Actually, I would love to go back to my myspace roots and really start reviewing again. Alas, I don't know if I can.

I wanted to apologize for letting this fall by the wayside while I figured out how do work from home (a really foreign concept for me). I plan to make up for it....just as soon as I do one more thing. If my brother happens to be reading this, JR - Auntie Anne the Pretzel Lady is gonna make it up to Ryan now. Hope his teacher can show it in class.

M is for....

2011-01-21T00:04:00.000-08:00

Meat - Fellow blogger Griffin and I checked out a new place in Mission Viejo aptly named The Meat House. It's their second location in Orange County (first being Costa Mesa). Plans are already in the works for a Brea site. Their goal: 10 OC spots to choose between. World domination to extend to Northern California. They are primarily found along the East coast. Surprisingly, no reviews on Yelp to date. Who wants to be first?

Go for the quality beef, tasty morsels to sample, lovely variety of specialty items and carry out service (they insist!). We were informed they are well known for their marinades. I purchased a pound of bacon sliced to order. While it was a $9 dent in our wallet, Mr. brekkie fan cannot stop raving about its superiority. The website doesn't give a street address, so here it is:

23982 Alicia Parkway (cross street Jeronimo)
inside The Gateway Shopping Center

Microwave - We were fed up with our old one (came with our home) and were determined to purchase one this week. Note to self: mounted microwaves are tougher to find, require a drill and an extra body to help install. Thank you, Whirlpool, for making our reheating a little less cumbersome.

Mental - Like crazy/beautiful. Last week I attended a sneak preview of taco asylum. With tweets uploading on a flat screen monitor and indie soda & canned beers available, they are pushing the non-conformist envelope. Pleasing for both vegans and meat eaters, be sure to check out their FREE valet service at lunch. It gets even better: dual Happy Hours! (2-6p/9-11p). With such a, ahem, disturbing theme, I wonder if HH is the most desirable way to describe such a time. How about "involuntary commitment hour"?

More to come . . .

3 for free this weekend

2011-01-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

Is there really so much going on that I have to post twice in one day? Yep.

If you're a relatively early riser, then stop by Chick fil-A at the Market Place in Irvine or The District at Tustin Legacy. From 8:30-10:30am they will be holding a pajama party. Show up in your comfy duds and receive a free original or spicy chicken biscuit. Saturday only, as they are closed Sundays. This brekkie fan will be in a sky blue waffle knit robe and sweats.

Waking up later? Stop by Bloomingdales at Fashion Island. The Home Store (on the 3rd floor of The Atrium) has 4 cooking demos starting at 11am. Local chefs will be showing their swagger in the kitchen. Here's the line up.

11am - Chef Sam Tila from Royal Thai Cuisine
noon - Chef Rich Mead from Sage Restaurant
1pm - Chef Steven Nyugen from Ten Asian Bistro
2pm - Chef Zov Karamardian from Zov's Bistro

Did Saturday pass you by? That's alright. There's still time to catch the tail end of the Irvine Korean American Day Festival. Held at the Irvine Civic Center, there will be artwork on display, performances to enjoy, and cuisine to lunch on. A 'how-to' seminar on making kimchi is featured. Plus, what festival wouldn't be complete without a visit from a food truck? Kogi BBQ is scheduled to be taking orders.

Enjoy the holiday weekend.

I Watch TV - Part Two (or Clark & Couponing)

2011-01-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

I found myself watching The Nate Berkus Show last week and realizing that it's not just about home decorating (You know, like how Bull Durham isn't really about baseball.). The episode I caught featured consumer advocate Clark Howard discussing how to save at warehouse clubs. Here's a few tips I learned.

Save money by splitting a membership with a friend. Cut your annual fees in half! Just make sure you are listing the same address for both of you. That's the key.

We all know a membership is not required to dine at Costco's "food court", but did you know the same also goes for the pharmacy? It's true. Bring your prescriptions and know you are paying some of the best possible prices.

Even warehouse stores have sales, they just don't communicate them the same way. At Sam's Club, the price will end in "1". BJ's Wholesale Club will use the word "clearance". Costco displays an asterisk "*" and list the item as "x.97"

The other show I was excited about was Extreme Couponing. The concept of clipping coupons never seemed like enough of a cost savings until I watched the profiles of four people. They all purchased basic grocery/personal care products and saved hundreds at the register. Amazing! While a great deal of time and energy is involved to generate the kind of savings they experienced, each has found a method that works for them. Joanie Demer (aka The Krazy Coupon Lady) is the person I've started following for advice.

On KCL's website they break down the various ways to save. There's a beginner's guide, sections for the major discount stores, links for all current coupons available, and even a place to brag about your shopping exploits. I'm even hoping to purchase the book in the not-so-distant future.

One term I finally caught on to after reading it so many times was Catalina. Being in Southern California, you can imagine my confusion. In grocery talk, Catalinas are coupons printed at the register after your transaction is complete. The name refers to the company that manufactures the machines. Typically, the savings are for upcoming promotions that expire in the next month or so.

The other thing KCL taught me was exactly how stacking works. The combined use of both a store *and* manufacturer coupon drives down the cost of whatever you're purchasing. The research in matching coupons to stores and sales is where it can be exhausting. The clipping of coupons can be a chore too, unless you pay for a service.

Try sharing a warehouse club membership or going to a store that accepts double coupons. Both acts can provide savings you wouldn't normally have in your pocket. That's what I think, but you don't have to take MY word for it.

I watch TV - Part One (or Burgers & Mac)

2011-01-09T00:46:00.000-08:00

My name is brekkie fan, and I watch (what I consider to be too much) TV.

So much, in fact, that I'm going to pack topics so this does not turn into a television blog with food taking a supporting role. Get your mind out of the gutter if you started thinking food porn. Sheesh.

I read that Bob's Burgers was Executive Producer Jim Dauterive's way of filling the void after King of the Hill's cancellation. It premieres tonight on FOX and is about, "a man, his family and his burger joint". Offhand, I cannot recall another animated series that revolved around food. Maybe you know one?

Join Bob Belcher on his neighborhood quest to outdo Jimmy Pesto's Pizzeria. Or the kids (Tina, Gene, Louise) and their Wagstaff Middle School adventures. Perhaps wife Linda managing the roles of mother and wife will be most interesting. Only one way to find out.

To go with your burger, may I recommend some macaroni & cheese? You know what I'm talking about. The first of many projects for the rediscovered Ted Williams. Gotta admire an individual who can turn his career around. He's like John Travolta in Pulp Fiction, a comeback kid.

That's what's for dinner tonight.

Another reason to visit SoBeCa - Taco Asylum coming next week

2011-01-07T16:43:00.000-08:00

Native Foods has been stationed there the longest, providing vegans a hipster alternative. East/Borough offers Vietnamese sandwiches without being in Westminster. Mesa is my LA dining experience. Milk & Honey is a sweet ending to anything. What else could I possibly want?

South On Bristol Entertainment Culture Arts is about to debut the next destination in Costa Mesa culinary culture. Taco Asylum, from the creators of Haven Gastropub, just announced a January 13 opening date. Before you start deciding between lengua and carne asada, know that this is neither OC chain (Wahoo's, Rubio's, Del Taco) nor the kind found in your OG food trucks. That was not a typo, by the way.

Per their Facebook fan page, here's what foodies can expect:

o grilled octopus – flour tortilla, kalamata olives, oregano, feta, tomatoes $5

o escolar – cabernet tortilla, aioli, green cabbage slaw $5

o pork belly – flour tortilla, carrots, daikon, onions, cilantro $5

o short rib – flour tortilla, pickled red onion, salsa verde, cotija cheese, cilantro $5

o curried paneer – naan tortilla, raita, tomato chutney $5

o wild mushroom – herbed tortilla, mushrooms, garbanzo puree, parsley salad, fried chickpeas $5

o lamb – flour tortilla, olive tapenade, ratatouille, mâché $6

o duck – flour tortilla, camembert, dijon crème fraîche $6

o corazon – flour tortilla, pickled turnips and peppers, harissa $5

o ghost chili pork – flour tortilla, chili threads, pork cracklins $5

This 50 seat dining space will be open daily from 11 to 11. 24 craft beers and a selection of bottled sodas were specifically selected by Beverage Director Wil Dee to complement the international selections.

Gotta go. Need to block out my calendar for Thursday and start the weekend.

Happy January!

2011-01-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

In July of 2009 I was on a road trip up Highway 1 with Mr. brekkie fan. During the drive home, I started making a list on a piece of cardboard with a Sharpie. I kept that list in a place that forced me to look at it every day. Last week I took that list and narrowed the 20 items down to 3. Three "recurring events" that I wanted to focus on doing more often. They are jog, blog, and floss. I suppose you can label them resolutions. If I am able to avoid the sore throat slash asthma attack creeping up on me, I think accomplishing all items twice this week is entirely possible (knock on wood).

This month is all about celebrations and new beginnings. Restaurants are opening. Sales are making room for spring inventory. My favorite shows on USA Network are starting up again. There's even a birthday to plan. I'm pretty excited. My only dilemma was what to blog about first? The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf decided for me.

Did you know that January is National Tea Month? While most others opt for coffee, I am in LOVE with this aromatic beverage. When you have Chinese, dim sum or Japanese, what do they always provide on the table? The Ritz-Carlton is known for their uppity afternoon service. Stores like Teavana are demystifying one's understanding of tea the same way Starbucks did for coffee. It can be soothing or energizing. It can be green, black, white or red. When used correctly, tea can even reduce puffiness around your eyes.

Here are a few fun facts to mull over the next time you sit down to a hot cuppa.

All tea comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis

The antioxidants in two cups of black tea are equivalent to one glass of red wine, seven glasses of OJ, and 20 glasses of apple juice

Tea can be used to soothe burns and sunburns. Put wet teabags on the affected areas or keep in place with gauze.

One teaspoon of loose tea is an easy way to measure out the perfect amount. Hence, the term, teaspoon!

My dear,
if you could give me a cup of tea
to clear my muddle of a head I
should better understand your affairs.

CHARLES DICKENS

Celebrating with the bubbly

2010-12-30T18:21:00.000-08:00

With New Year's Eve marking the end of twenty ten (and awards season kicking in to high gear) I'm receiving questions regarding champagne. My knowledge of alcohol is different from most of my friends in the sense that I took an interest in wine long before I found beer appealing. For my last post of the year, I wanted to recount memories revolving around this particular drink.

Growing up, I would attend weddings where they liked serving me Martinelli's sparkling cider. It tasted way better than the pale liquid all the adults had. To this day, I still equate it to special occasions. It disappears faster than any soda at grandma's house on Thanksgiving.

My first experience with champagne was a wine tasting trip with students from USF's Hospitality School. I was the only one under 21, but we worked around that. For our final destination, our group paid their respects at Domaine Chandon. This is where I learned that champagne not made in the Champagne appellation of France was labeled sparkling wine in California. There may be better wineries, but DC holds a special place in my oenophile heart. It was where I fell in love with bubbles.

Turning 21 was enjoyed by doing four things. At midnight, we went to TGI Friday's to see if I would get carded (I didn't). The weekend was spent at The Getty in Malibu and Cheesecake Factory. Lastly, I met the age prerequisite and registered for Cal Poly Pomona's Wine and Spirits class. It was the only Hospitality Management elective where you could find students from ALL majors in attendance. Go figure.

Before this class, I only drank Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante and knew that red wine paired well with beef. Professor Small led thirsty students through the nuances of determining a wine's varietal by bottle shape. Using a spit bucket was the unspoken way of saying you couldn't handle your alcohol. We spent precisely one day on beer. My greatest take away was how to properly uncork a bottle of wine. Fancy gadgets aside, classic corkscrews are both timeless and effective (and the reason I used them as wedding favors).

Living in Southern California, the closest vinification could be found in Temecula. One summer, we met up with our friend Jude at the Balloon & Wine Festival. He introduced us to almond champagne from Wilson Creek Winery. It was different. A rebel bearing the "c" word with a bit of nuttiness. He planned on purchasing a case during the holidays and giving them as presents. It's that popular down here.

For my close friend's wedding, she wanted to conduct a tasting at Mumm Napa to choose her toasting wine. We spent a giddy afternoon sipping in their relaxed tasting room. I was surprised at how many options were offered. While the concept of rose colored sparkling wine confused me, it was tasty. Good thing we took notes. I believe we ended up going with the Blanc de Noirs after all.

A few years back I was watching a television show that discussed affordable (non-Dom/Cristal) champagne options. In it, the host offered an alternative to French and California styles. It was Prosecco. The sparkler was the perfect non-traditional wine I'd been searching for. It's what I prefer today.

If there's one piece of advice I like to tell my friends, it's that whatever you consider good is good. My palate isn't the same as yours. It also changes over time. I used to only drink white wine, now it's primarily red. Experiment, choose what works, and learn how to wield a corkscrew. (Note: You don't need a corkscrew to uncork a champagne bottle. Those directions can be found here.)

Happy New Year!

and you thought my pineapple post was random?

2010-12-28T22:12:00.000-08:00

First off, thanks to Joshua for providing today's entertainment!

I'm throwing this up on the brekkie fan blog because the video you are about to view features a vegetable. A leek, to be exact. Related to the onion and garlic, it is mild in taste (like a scallion). If you plan to cook with them, be sure to read up on proper prep procedure, as they can trap dirt in their leaves.

Lemme set up this clip. Per J, the song played is, "a trance remix of an Eastern European polka song by a totally artificial Japanese performer. How did I not know about it and how did I live without it".

The YouTube description states that Hatsune Miku is not human. This voice is from software "VOCALOID".

I was just commenting to a friend how I once had a Japanese anime soundtrack phase back in college. Robotech and Gunbuster were my favorites.

So get your clubbing outfit on and enjoy.

Ievan Polkka

Random pineapple fact from my (Fruit Ninja) Sensei

2010-12-27T00:24:00.000-08:00

I purchased Fruit Ninja for my iPhone a week ago. It is rather addicting (especially when I am away from home and left to my own devices). At the end of each game, your Sensei shares a fun fruit fact. After reading a few out loud, I started to sound like that kid from Jerry Maguire.

There's this one fact that fascinates me more than the rest. Williams-Sonoma embraces this symbol of hospitality on their store windows. Shawn and Gus from Psych sneak one into every episode. The Chomp Chomp Nation food truck integrates them into their Kaya Cocount Stuffed French toast. It involves the elusive pineapple.

Supposedly, the fruit from this tropical plant contains an enzyme called bromelain. It breaks down protein. This is useful when tenderizing meat. Sensei, however, points out that bromelain is also added to beer to clarify it (a.k.a. prevent it from appearing cloudy).

The next time I'm staring into my pint of Blue Moon I'll feel empowered with knowledge.

My favorite neighborhood...in Burlingame

2010-12-23T16:46:00.000-08:00

December means my annual pilgrimage to the Bay Area. Mornings are spent sleeping in. Afternoons are for last minute shopping trips. Evenings are filled with outings, rain or fog. I typically write about Orange County, so until January it's all about the peninsula.

I did not fully appreciate the concept of dining out until beyond my college years. Therefore, trying to sound like an expert on San Francisco (or any city up here) dining would probably be met with disagreement. What I will share are the places I ended up at and what I've enjoyed.

One summer I found myself working in Burlingame. It was for a bed & breakfast reservations group. My manager had a file folder specifically for take-out menus. The surrounding neighborhood was quaint. Storefronts were an eclectic mix of big names and local finds. A walkable place with no high rises. I was enamored. Nowadays, I have a cousin and a favorite dining companion who reside here, and this is how I found myself coming back. Also, there really is only one part of the city to explore.

Crepevine was a place I used to frequent with old classmates. It was also my first experience with crepes. Still going strong and with a bounty of locations, it doesn't surprise me that they've prospered over the years. I remember the days when they didn't take credit cards. I loved their savory and sweet entrees, never straying from the namesake dishes. Secretly, I've always been curious of their "Benedictions". .

A short walk away, you can pop in the Pez Museum. I found this either on Bay Area Backroads or Food Network. This is a teeny place, but worth a visit if you're close by. It has a charm that fits right in with its surroundings. Not to be outdone by sweet nostalgia, the Powell's Sweet Shoppe chain set up a branch around the corner. Your dentist will never forgive you.

Finding somewhere open late in this town (that isn't strictly a bar) is no problem when Straits is around. Part lounge, part restaurant, it hovers with a club atmosphere. My main reason for coming here was to hang with my cousin. Secondly, it was to grab a late meal. We shared some butter chicken and samosas while 'B' threw back a martini. It's more of a social gathering place with Asian-influenced dining options than a dinner destination.

The space currently occupied by Kabul has an unfortunate track record. Fortunately, this isn't their only location. Afghan cuisine was unexplored territory for me until last night. Recommended by a friend (who knows me better than I thought), my taste buds salivated as soon as I read all the lamb entrees. The food is hearty and comforting. If you're going to indulge in carb cravings, skip the bread and appreciate the pallaw or challaw (basmati) rice that accompanies most dishes.

My dining companion had a Groupon for $50 worth of food at Medallion, formerly the location of Kuleto's. It was oddly quiet for a Saturday night. They have an early bird 3-course prix fixe for $25 featuring prime rib. However, I was there for steak. 'A' previously tried their grass fed meats and was not pleased with the taste. 14 ounces of Premium New York Gold (corn fed) with blue cheese crumbles and toy box tomatoes found its way to my table. It was cooked and seasoned just so. The creme brulee we ended with, not so much (how do you mess that up?). While this is a formal space, guests were casually dressed. Also, service was much slower than necessary. A date or celebratory place, visit when you've got time on your hands.

While not walking distance to the aforementioned establishments, by far the BEST brekkie in the area is nestled within the residential neighborhood containing Idaho Street.....Nini's Coffee Shop. Two words: salmon hash. Ok, it's listed as San Mateo, but it's practically Burlingame. The Yelpers say it best. Lots of seating options. Huge selection with portion sizes to match. A long wait, but with hot coffee to pass the time.

It's the city with a little bit of this, and a lot of that. It's easier than parking in SF, and there's ample shopping for walking off the meal. I have multiple reasons for stopping by, and now you have (at least) one, too.

My lamb. My love. My Lazy Dog.

2010-12-13T17:28:00.001-08:00

I don't hide my adoration for Lazy Dog Cafe. When Westminster (I still consider it Huntington Beach.) opened their doors, I held my birthday there. Once Orange started up, it reigned over their neighbors. These days, my check-ins revolve around champagne mojitos and hummus trios in The Market Place (Irvine). For a restaurant chain, I am quite content.

Recently I met someone for lunch. At some point, I decided a gift card would be perfect for Mr. brekkie fan's co-worker. A friend also loved their t-shirts, so it became an impromptu shopping trip. I inquired with a manager about purchasing the style worn by employees, and we were able to cut a deal.

During our conversation, it came out that I was a fan of their lamb entrees. However, they were no longer offered. Yes and no, according to my new contact. Turns out the items are seasonal and would be available NEXT WEEK. I almost teared up out of sheer joy, but I maintained my cool and thanked him for the intel.

Lamb stroganoff - Braised and tossed with exotic mushrooms, fettuccine and traditional sour cream sauce. It is savory and comforting to one's tummy.

Lamb shanks - Braised with burgundy wine gravy, served with mashed potatoes and confetti vegetables. I was on an osso buco kick for years, and this used to be my favorite.

Both items are priced in the mid-teens. Oh, and you'll likely need a doggy bag. When it's cold outside and I crave more than steak, this is Plan B for the next few months.

Kickin' things up for a second location

2010-12-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

Cruising down Bristol to meet my brother-in-law, I spotted a sign out of the corner of my eye. The Kickin' Crab. Not recalling that fellow foodie Edwin Goei previously wrote about their grand opening, I took the bait. Yelp reviews gave above average ratings and encouraged me enough to inquire if Mr. brekkie fan was interested. He was game to the idea based on the reasons I told him.

We don't have to drive to Garden Grove for comparable cuisine.
We don't have to wait 2 hours in Garden Grove for a table.
I (probably) wouldn't need to sneak in rice from next door.
It's a bigger space.

So on a whim we had a double date there tonight. Service was much better than what I've read. Our server gave a very honest recommendation about how filling certain combos would be. We ended up with combo #1, sweet potato fries, fish & chips, chowder and gumbo. I also began an addiction to their peach iced tea.

The same server happened to mention a new location fast in the works. It's slated to open in less than a month. Up the 405 in Fountain Valley, part two is situated by the intersection of McFadden and Ward. He stressed that it will be smaller in size (max headroom of about 40), but feature take-out service.

If you're debating checking this place out, make note of "Happy Hours". Monday through Friday, from 3-6pm. Chowing on the cheap is a good motivator.

Have you seen this pie?

2010-12-11T01:29:00.001-08:00

On Fridays I normally spend time with my best friend and her kids. She utilized the McDonald's drive-thru today and bought me a surprise. Behold the Holiday Pie.

It isn't available at all locations, which explains why I don't recall seeing it before. In addition, you can only purchase it until the end of the month. The marketing sounds very McRib, if you ask me.

Conceptually the same design as their apple pies, the outer crust is coated with a sugar cookie texture. Multi-color sprinkles add a festive touch. The filling is an eggy custard flavor.

Upon initial inspection, it reminds me of two things. A) Mother's Circus Animal Cookies or B) An intermediate recipe for the Easy-Bake Oven. Either way, it has an appealing selling point, 2 for $1.

While I am not advocating it, it certainly falls under those things that I'm compelled to try once. I liked the crust.

'Home grown couture' or 'If Lady Gaga was vegan, what would she wear?'

2010-12-06T23:07:00.000-08:00

Ever read the headlines after logging off email? I do. Human interest pieces (and other assorted entertainment news) can keep me clicking links until it's bedtime. I came across this piece a few minutes ago and felt compelled to share.

Yeonju Sung is not a fashion designer. A photographer with a vision, she blurs the lines between cuisine, clothing and creativity. While Sung resides in South Korea, her artwork is traveling to the US next month for an exhibition in Los Angeles. My favorite is the almost ethereal white gown.....made completely of eggplant.

The "Wearable Food" collection also brings to mind the recent series Top Chef: Just Desserts. In the October 13th episode, cheftestants were given a unique elimination challenge: Create an edible ensemble. While some faltered with their ability to incorporate their pastry chef talents, a few managed to excel with intricate interpretations of runway style. Host Gail Simmons' blog provides reference and insight into the minds of the judges.

While the pieces don't appear to be wearable, that did not stop Yeonju from crafting with thoughtful attention to detail. I would rather toss with my favorite roasted red pepper with Parmesan dressing than try them on.

Cupcakes + Christmas trees = Science?

2010-12-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

I originally had one thing to talk about regarding the Discovery Science Center (DSC). Just one. Maybe they sensed my hesitation to write about it, but someone upped the ante and gave me even more to discuss. And this is a good thing.

While I am not a parent, most of my friends are. Finding an age appropriate activity that doesn't involve sitting in front of a screen is not always easy, or affordable for that matter. This is where Auntie Anne (The Pretzel Lady, as my niece and nephew dub me) puts on her thinking cap. I logged in a few hours this year volunteering at this museum. I love DSC because it reminds me of my favorite place in the Bay Area, The Exploratorium. Even though I never enjoyed nor excelled at science, DSC reminds me that it can be fun. If you're looking for some street cred, know this - They are Orange County's only Smithsonian Affiliate.

Featured exhibits rotate every couple of months, and they are mindful of celebrating the seasons. This month showcases The Science of Gingerbread. Visitors are encouraged to explore the wonders of recipe science in the mock kitchen. Supervisors from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are scheduled to answer questions and debunk myths about bacteria. There's even a gingerbread competition going on. Entries are currently on display through January 2. DSC's Facebook page includes snapshots of a few of the creations.

General admission tickets are $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for children ages 3 to 17. If that's a little steep for your wallet, I've got some options for you.

Are you attending a holiday potluck? Perhaps you want to bring some sweets into work? Divine Desserts in Laguna Niguel has a promotion lasting through the end of the month. Buy a dozen cupcakes and receive a free child's admission. If you're already going to be spending the money, might as well get something out of it. A s'mores or apple cinnamon cupcake sounds pretty yummy right about now.

Tanaka Farms, known for their tractor-pulled wagon tours of strawberry and watermelon patches, has their Christmas tree shipment in. They have a similar offer: Purchase your tree there and receive a child's admission. Pricing is not cheap, but they do guarantee trees lasting until Christmas, or they will replace it (or give you credit towards a tree next year). The sale runs until December 20.

lingering at South Coast Plaza....

2010-12-03T01:30:00.000-08:00

December means shopping, and shopping means going to SCP. Inevitably, we are forced to stop by on a weekend. Thankfully, the gang at South Coast Plaza acknowledges this and offers a few perks this time of the year.

Sip a quick pick-me-up as you cross over Bear Street. Every weekend this month, a hot cocoa and cider station will be standing by to satisfy your thirst. Find it along the Garden Terrace, directly across from the Juniors entrance to Macy*s.

In addition, Seasons 52 will cue their piano bar earlier in the day. Normally starting nightly at 6pm, on Fridays it will begin at 1pm. The piano man will play his song beginning at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of the year. Occupying the former Clubhouse space, Seasons 52 is located on the second level, around the corner from Sephora.

Fundraising at America's 1st theme park (12/4)

2010-11-30T09:12:00.000-08:00

I was about to take a day off from updating. However, I received a tip from my fellow food blogger elmomonster. Normally I am the one to share news morsels, so this was a welcome treat. Thanks E, and get better soon!

Open since 1920, Knott's Berry Farm has welcomed visitors to explore ghost towns, village fiestas and even their water park. Teens look forward to seasonal Knott's Scary Farm. Families are drawn to Camp Snoopy. I know them best for Mrs. Knott's fried chicken dinner and the boysenberry jam. Pink's Hot Dogs also opened an outpost late last year. They also have the best deals on annual passes ($60 for a full year).

Shopping, movies, or dining out. Those are my typical choices on a Saturday. This weekend has a more eventful option. CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) is raising awareness with the aptly titled CHOC Fest. From 10am-3pm, kids of all ages can snap a photo with Snoopy and/or Cowboy Silver Bullet (Who?). Of course, I wouldn't even mention this unless there was a connection to food.

This is a collaboration of The Torch Relay for Children's Miracle Network (CMN), Knott's Merry Farm, and Mobile Food Properties. That means food trucks galore are at the heart of this fundraiser. Upscale eats from both LA and OC will be present. I'll have a comprehensive list at the end for your reference. In calculating your budget, bear in mind the $12 parking fee PLUS the $8 admission. Children under the age of 10 are free. The physical location is across the street from Knott's, on the lawn area of Park Pavilion. Be sure to dress comfortably, since the forecast is for cloudy skies with highs in the mid 60s.

$20 to dine from food trucks may seem a bit steep, but consider this: $5 will go straight to CHOC *and* you will receive an Unlimited Fountain Drink wristband. A Beer Pavilion will also be present, but don't think they'll be offering free-flowing alcohol. Thinking of it as dining alfresco and you'll be fine. Bringing a pack of handiwipes also helps.

If you plan on spending the rest of the day at Knott's, they have a promotion going on. $15 toys will be available for purchase at CHOC Fest. Each gift is the equivalent of one theme park admission at the main gate. Toys will be donated to OC Toy Collaborative (formerly the Marine Corps Reserve TOYS for TOTS). It's a win-win for everyone involved. Food trucks feed the masses, diners support charities, and the theme park provides a festive venue to spend the day.

Here's the list:

Ahn-Joo
Blue Marine Catering - Rolling Sushi
Calbi
Chomp Chomp (E mentioned this is a new Singaporian themed truck)
Dan Dan Express
Komodo
Louk's To Go
Ragin Cajun on Wheels - as seen on The Great Food Truck Race
The Surfer Taco
Tornado Potato
The Greasy Wiener *just added*
The Place LA

BTW - Pre-sale ticket holders will get in at 9:30.

Italian favorite expands to Laguna Beach

2010-11-29T12:44:00.000-08:00

Dodging raindrops as we dashed back to our car Saturday night, something caught my eye. Did 230 Forest expand recently? Actually, it was a new restaurant. Or perhaps I should say, a new location for an existing trattoria. I am referring to Alessandro Pirozzi's Alessa.

First based in Newport Beach, Yelpers have shown their love by giving it a 4.5 star rating. This merited a second location last summer in nearby Huntington Beach. While many eateries have come and gone in recent months, this South County opening remained under the radar for the most part. Open for only three weeks, it has yet to be listed on their website. They have also dropped the familiar "Cucina" from business cards. However, I hear the award-winning Rolls Royce Margarita is still present.

Brent Omeste, previously the youngest sous chef at Charlie Palmer's in South Coast Plaza, is now executive chef of this establishment. A graduate of Orange Coast College, he began working for Pirozzi at Pomodoro Cucina Italiana at the tender age of 19. Coincidentally, he has also worked for Marc Cohen at Opah.

I wish Chef Omeste and Mr. Pirozzi the best in their new venture. Early reviews are already singing praises.

Updated Happy Hour at House of Big Fish

2010-11-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

I was up at 3am on Black Friday. My cousin Adrienne, her cousin Jenn and I braved the Bay Area chill and put a fender bender sized dent on our holiday lists. During the 8+ hours on our feet, I had a recurring thought....Don't forget to share what I just learned! Even the busiest shopping day of the year is trumped by my love of culinary news.

My apparent love of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer can be found in two previous posts. In fact, we're taking another couple there tonight. It's hard to beat the balance of hearty food, beach front property and frugal price. Yet they managed to improve it. I thought their merger of bananas foster and bread pudding was epic. THIS could very well surpass the merger.

What was once a literal Happy Hour from just 4:30-5:30 has super sized itself. Now, hungry souls can find solace as early as 2:30pm (until 5:30) to the tune of 25 cents. Yes, a quarter.

Then: HH featured a selection of chilled seafood and hot appetizers for only $3.

Now: A nosh fest of crustaceans, shellfish and poultry bites for $1 or less.

The "25 cent Shrimp Extravaganza" includes your choice of preparation. If you can picture Bubba Blue from Forrest Gump, it would make the best commercial!

Buffalo style
Teriyaki
Garlic braised
BBQ
Thai glazed
or plain peel and eat with cocktail sauce

"25 Cent Wing Extravaganza" includes the same five marinade options, no plain.

Their $1 oyster is served one way. Raw, on the half shell.

I've saved the best part for last. The Monday Night Football Special: Happy Hour ALL DAY LONG! Per the website, they open at 11:30 for lunch (10am on Sundays for brunch service).

Just remember to pack a sweater and bring quarters for the parking meter. It is Laguna Beach, after all.

Happy Turkey & Gluttony Day

2010-11-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Thanksgiving parade is airing behind me. Mom and Dad are munching their version of amuse bouches (persimmon and pancit, respectfully). I've got two different heaters blowing around me. We are early to the festivities, and I get dibs on the Mac to cut down on my phone's 3G usage.

Just wanted to wish everyone a good holiday. Except maybe those in the food service and retail industries who are stuck working today. Been there, done that, and enjoyed the leftovers once I got home. Hang in there!

This is also a friendly reminder that we are less than a week away from Top Chef: All-Stars! I found a brief video clip from the cheftestants serving up their favorite cooking tips for the season. I am partial to Dale Talde's White Castle stuffing....

Cue the DVR for next Wednesday, December 1st for the best food fight on cable.

Ok, I'm hungry.

Something for the kidlets this holiday weekend

2010-11-24T14:53:00.000-08:00

Ladies have Black Friday. Teenagers have a long weekend on Facebook. Guys have televised sports. What about little ones? Nothing immediately comes to mind. Dave & Buster's at Irvine Spectrum has a solution this Sunday.

Breakfast with Santa will be hosted by D&B from 9am-12 noon on November 28. Pre-tweens and their parentals will enjoy a buffet spread featuring pancakes, sausage, oatmeal, fruit and muffins, among other options. Children 10 and under are $10.50, while the rest fork over (get it? fork!? Sorry, it's cold in here.) and additional $3.

Brave youngsters also have a photo op with the jolly guy himself. For shy ones, there's always the complimentary $5 power card for each guest, equivalent to 24 credits. Con your mom/dad, and that means double the fun! Not a bad deal.

Bring a new toy to the event, and Dave & Buster's will donate it to Toys for Tots. In return, you receive a special gift. I did try asking what it was, but the woman I spoke to didn't know.

Reservations are required. If you would like more information, their number is 949-727-0555.

New brekkie menu at Jerry's!

2010-11-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

I was at The Market Place over the weekend for a special promotion: Spend $200 and receive a $20 gift card back *plus* management would donate $10 to either Irvine or Tustin Unified schools. With Christmas around the corner, early holiday shopping was a breeze.

In addition to these incentives, they were handing out vouchers for free brekkie at Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs. When did they start serving brekkie? Very recently, according to property management. They are now open at 8am at 3 out of 4 locations (Irvine, Ladera Ranch and Santa Ana. La Habra is not currently participating). The morning menu is served until 11am.

Ranging in price from $2.95 for a simple English muffin sandwich to $6.50 for a combo, there's an option for every mood. Their Breakfast Dog doesn't have its bacon wrapped around, but the crisp strips are always welcome. I'm looking forward to checking out their Smokey Joe Croissant ~ Kielbasa made with lean pork & cracked black pepper; scrambled egg and American cheese. Premium fixings such as avocado, grilled mushrooms, extra cheese or fresh salsa are an additional charge. Note: Salsa isn't on their regular menu. I predict it will migrate over soon enough.

They even include a few Kid's (12 and under) options for $1.99, but none contain a dog. Choose between a muffin & egg plate or egg & cheese burrito. A combo that includes home potatoes or fresh fruit cup & milk or juice is only fifty cents more.

When you're looking for that morning sustenance and Chick Fil-A isn't cutting it, support a local chain. Visit Jerry's.

Introducing Niyaz (aka Fat Dude On A Diet)

2010-11-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

So in my earlier post today I mentioned my new friend Niyaz. We met recently at a group outing during Happy Hour Week. Over sliders at Marmalade and beer at JT Schmid's, I learned about his love for breakfast, the Giants, and his family. He also brought up a new project he'd been working on.

Fat Dude On A Diet is about Niyaz's (the self-proclaimed Fat Dude) journey to lose weight by cooking healthy. As someone who enjoys food about as much as he does, I understand where he's coming from. All the working out in the world isn't enough if I don't at least TRY to make healthy choices with my food. It's tough enough to find recipes that sound tasty enough. For them to be good for me is a bonus.

With the help of his friend, CIA NY graduate Brian Miller, Niyaz channels his inner chef and creates 3 new meals a week. His blog is inspiring, funny, and easy to follow if you are cooking along at home. Coincidentally, Niyaz's story occurs the same time as Christina's Story: 70 Pounds by Prom. A segment on the Rachael Ray Show, Christina is a high school senior looking to improve her lifestyle after receiving disturbing health news from her physician.

Week 2 of Fat Dude On A Diet just wrapped up. When I read Julie & Julia a couple of years ago, I thought how it would've been nice to follow Julie Powell's blog from its inception back in 2002. I suppose Niyaz can be my version of Julie, minus Meryl Streep.

Chipotle + BOGO = No cooking today!

2010-11-21T10:28:00.000-08:00

I love my Facebook family. Some friends notify me of cool deals. Others post it on their wall. My favorites might have to be the ones I just stumble upon, like this one. It was on the wall of my friend Niyaz (he'll get a proper introduction in another post). So thank you, Niyaz's friend.

Check in at Chipotle using Facebook Places Moblie on your smart phone on November 20-21, show your phone with the check-in offer on your screen, and get a BOGO (Buy One, Get One) burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos!

How to do it:

In order to qualify for the BOGO, you must be physically at the restaurant. Then, you'll need to check in at that restaurant either through the Facebook Places mobile app, or, if that is not possible for you, through touch.facebook.com on your smart phone's mobile browser, to qualify for the deal. This offer will pop up as a deal at the restaurant at which you check in. Show that deal to the cashier from your phone.

How NOT to do it:

Posting "checking in" on the wall of this particular event. Posting "checking in" on your or Chipotle's Facebook page wall, changing the status of your own Facebook profile to say "checking in at Chipotle," and other non-geo-locational check-ins. Unfortunately, these are not acceptable check-ins. Sorry.

They even included a helpful link if you have further questions.

http://blog.facebook.com/blog.php?post=446183422130

I would've posted this yesterday, but I was enjoying my Saturday. Wouldn't you?

Think pink this Saturday

2010-11-16T22:03:00.000-08:00

Supporters of breast cancer awareness, fashionistas who look stunning in pink, and foodies can find a common ground this Saturday at the Eat. Drink. Pink! party in Fountain Valley.

It will be held at the event space known as Access Group Media. Start with a stiff drink. Linger in the Burnt or Chomp Chomp Truck lines. Sample some of the competition. Vote for your favorites. Dance until they kick you out.

This free event is for adults 18 and over. Parking is also free. If you RSVP, they'll even throw in a PINK food ticket good for a single sample. You can also purchase a full pass for $10.

Go catch Harry Potter Friday or Sunday. Spend Saturday at a yelp approved event.

How about something for free?

2010-11-15T23:13:00.000-08:00

They say sharing is caring, so here I am bringing good tidings. 2 entries, 2 free items, 2morrow. (Tuesday, November 16).**

Jack in the Box - Offering 2 free beef tacos after 2pm. One offer per person. No coupon necessary. No purchase necessary. I used to date someone who just loved these. Are they still deep fried? I remember the crunchy shell and American cheese. The shredded lettuce and taco sauce were more like an afterthought.

Cold Stone Creamery - From 5-8pm, try a free sample of their new 8 layer cakes. Free = a 3oz portion. Either the Quilted Coffee Caramel or the Cake Batter Layers.

Quilted Coffee Caramel has coffee ice cream, devil's food cake, caramel & Heath toffee bar, coffee frosting, and caramel topping.

Cake Batter Layers contains cake batter ice cream, yellow cake, cookie dough, and chocolate shavings, wrapped in cake batter frosting and topped with fudge.

Find time for a mid-afternoon snack *or* dessert. Or both?

**Both offers are valid only at participating locations. While supplies last.

If you're already going to be at Starbucks or McDonald's...

2010-11-15T15:34:00.000-08:00

...and you've got the Facebook application on your device, check-in on Places to make a donation.

Facebook has teamed up with both giants to make our community and environment a little better. For every check-in at Starbucks, they'll donate $1 to help protect forest land. A brand that continues to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing waste, recycling, and building greener stores, this provides an opportunity for the fans to be a part of a conservation effort.

Busy parents, college students and fast food diners can also make a difference the next time they grab a meal from the familiar golden arches. A dollar (with a maximum of $50,000) will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities for each check-in made on Facebook. I only found out about it this morning, but it started earlier this month.

Just another way to give back by doing something you would normally do anyway - go out to eat.

1:02 am on a Sunday, on the rocks.

2010-11-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

Not the time to be inspired to write, right? Unless you've found some Jason Bourne, mainstream programming has gone to bed. I didn't think there was anything worth watching after SNL (Scarlet Johansson has some range!). And then I left the TV on....

Life/Style Television (LX/TV) airs around this time. It's reminiscent of those 'city guide' channels that come on when you power up the TV in a hotel room. Viewers get the scoop on where to go for entertainment, shopping and dining. Out-of-towners (and curious locals) may get some useful information. I use it to zone out and fall asleep on the couch. These last few weeks, however, have been some amusing reality television.

They are currently airing Season 3 of ON THE ROCKS: The Search for America's Top Bartender. Think Top Chef + (insert singing/dancing competition here) - quality lighting. Hundreds auditioned, but they feature the final 8. For the winner (using my best Padma voice), $100,000 - sponsored by Absolut Vodka, and the title of America's Top Bartender!

Shot on location in trendy/iconic bars around Los Angeles, contestants are put through challenges that test their ability to think creatively and act professionally while under a time constraint. On their most recent episode, bartenders had 10 minutes to create a cocktail using only the ingredients and tools in front of them. The catch. No glassware or stirring utensils to be found. Inventive use of pineapples and ice picks helped an otherwise daunting task.

For me, what stood out about this competition was the fact that judging occurs throughout every challenge. Each contestant works alone and in front of the three experts. Their stage presence is factored into determining the winner. Most competitions only focus on the end product. That is, unless you don't follow the rules and get penalized on The Amazing Race! A good example of this is the feedback judges provided on this "Deserted Island" challenge. Milos was commended on being the only one that used the provided hand sanitizer before starting the task. Kind of a big deal, if you're a foodservice employee.

My money is on Jason from Los Angeles. You can view this season, last season, and profiles of everyone participating by clicking on the show title above.

Cheers!

Giving thanks for mashed potatoes

2010-11-13T08:08:00.000-08:00

November is typically the month where I begin to get excited about everything pumpkin, stuffing and turkey. Yet one of my all-time favorite side dishes is the mashed potato (and yes, I can do the twist). Maybe it's the aggression released when I smush down on the butter, milk, seasonings and potatoes with my utensil? It can be a forgiving vegetable to prepare, since minutia such as keeping the skin on or having lumps comes down to personal preference -- not technique.

I stumbled across a useful article for cooking up an ideal batch. I don't expect readers to follow instructions to a tee. (Keeping the skins on and substituting milk for cream is my take on it.) Hopefully you'll find a tip to make your dish even better. If you want to take it to another level, be sure to read variation #2 "umami version". Can't go wrong with garlic & white truffle oil!

If you're still not sure about clicking the link, here's an anecdote for you.

The very first dish I learned how to cook was scrambled eggs. I thought I was an expert. Those eggs would be cooked all the way through, and I would either eat them as is or incorporate into fried rice (the second thing I learned) for brekkie. I took home ec in junior high, and my teacher's mantra for scrambling has always stuck in my head, "Firm, yet moist". One minor detail led to a future of tastier yolks. That is why I read articles about foods I already know how to prepare.

If you're ready for one cook's humbling tale, click here.

Affordable fondue: Oxymoron? Maybe not....

2010-11-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

Flashback
I had a fondue birthday party many years ago. The cost came out to $50 per person. I vowed to never have guests spend so much on dinner (unless they wanted to) ever again. I still frequented this place for happy hour, but that was about it.

Present day
Received an invitation from my friend to a special (i.e. affordable) event at our local Melting Pot. Club Fondue members are having Appreciation Nights in November. From 6-8pm, guests will have the pleasure of tasting 8 fondue recipes from their cookbook. If the promise of cheese and chocolate aren't enough for me to say "Yes!", then the included wine pairings certainly are. Here's the kicker: It will cost me $10. I can hardly get a glass of wine for that much anymore.

Now if you want in on this event, join Club Fondue. If the notion of more email in your Inbox is unappealing, then keep reading for more deals this holiday season.

Fondue and a Flick Sunday
I used to love watching Dinner & A Movie, so this is right up my alley. For $27.50 a person (minimum 2 orders), enjoy the following:

Savory cheese fondue course
A signature salad
Decadent chocolate fondue course
Choice of AMC or Regal Premiere movie certificate ($11 value)

Shop 'Til You Drop Weekend
Black Friday is just under three weeks away, and they've got the perfect GDO for the ladies (that's Girls Day Out for those wondering). Typically closed for lunch, November 26-28 will have special afternoon hours from 11:30-2:30. For $26 per person, indulge in this:

Savory cheese fondue course
A signature salad
An entree fondue
Bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys (!)

Open for Lunch
In need of that extra long lunch? This is by far the best deal. Available throughout the month of December, diners will have the option of stopping by between 11:30 and 2pm during the week OR on weekends for a prix fixe as frugal as my favorite Marche Moderne at South Coast Plaza.

Savory cheese fondue course
A signature salad
An entree fondue

Orange County Melting Pot locations are Brea, Irvine and San Clemente. Do plan ahead whenever possible and make a reservation by either calling ahead or using OpenTable. Specials like these only come around this time of the year, and fondue fanatics can only be kept waiting for so long.

Nina's Indian Grocery now expanded!

2010-11-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

I like knowing the surface streets in my area. When there's traffic, I just exit and my internal GPS takes over. I was coasting down El Toro this afternoon when something caught my eye. Like when you see those puzzles where two pictures look identical, but if you look closer you'll see subtle differences.

Nina's Indian Grocery (a place my best friend turned me on to), normally hidden from the main road, was now bigger and more prominently situated in the plaza. Initially I thought I was seeing a mirage....considering my dashboard told me the current temp was 92 degrees. However, I confirmed the sighting on the way home. Now that I think about it, I believe they took over the space that was formerly Nickel Nickel.

I selfishly admit that part of the charm of their previous location was the compact layout. Shelves packed with spices and treats. An entire aisle devoted to rice. The register/dvd rental /fast food counter. A mom and pop vibe. Then again, it's nice to see a local business doing so well.

The next time you find yourself in Lake Forest, check out the new digs.

Nina's Indian Grocery
23532 El Toro Road (cross street Raymond Way)
949-583-2789

Take The Toll Roads, feed a family

2010-11-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

A time-saving alternative to surface streets and carpooling, The Toll Roads is teaming up with Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County to provide much needed items this holiday season.

The "Drive-Up Food Drive" begins today on the following Toll Roads: 241,261,133 and 73 (91 Express Lanes are not a part of this program). Non-perishable donations will be accepted in all cash-payment lanes, plus at the following toll plazas: Windy Ridge, Irvine Ranch, Orange Grove, Tomato Springs, and Catalina View.*

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is a member of Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. This year, more than half a million people will go hungry in Orange County alone. Just like voting, every person makes a difference. Do your part to help those less fortunate.

For your reference, below is a recommended list of items to donate.

Peanut butter & jelly
Canned fruit
Canned vegetables or beans
Canned pasta meals
Canned or instant soup
Cereal
Instant rice
Macaroni & cheese
Bottled water

*The last day to drop off items before Thanksgiving is Monday, November 22.

A savory take on a sweet holiday

2010-10-31T23:10:00.000-07:00

What's black and orange and awesome all over? (Besides the Giants) The holiday that reminds us we are less than one month from Thanksgiving and two from Christmas.

We don't get any trick-or-treaters in this neighborhood, but there is no shortage of candy floating through our household. My sweet tooth isn't what it used to be, but recently I found two delightful items that do tap into my salt craving.

Clodhoppers were courtesy of my best friend's mom. She likes making sure people are fed, like all moms do. Manufactured in Canada, these bonbons are simply fudge covered graham wafer clusters. Packaging cautions us that they are "highly addictive", and they are indeed! At first they resembled yogurt covered granola pieces. Kind of a Nestle Crunch/100 Grand savory texture coated with a neutralizing vanilla outer layer. Just enough of this dual flavor to keep me reaching for more.

Pretzel m&m's came from my local pharmacy as a thank you for using their services. Who gives candy to a sick person? If you're seeking a perfect customer satisfaction score, they apparently do. Clocking in at a moderate 150 calories for the pack, these are the more accessible of the two. The familiar monogrammed shell merged with a nutritional morsel. They are the American cousin to my Clodhoppers. A surprising change from my usual peanut flavor. If you're a purist, you may be conflicted after tasting.

My favorite neighborhood...in Laguna Beach

2010-10-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

We've dined out enough to know that some areas have a higher concentration of deliciousness than others. When friends seek our advice, I tend to draw a blank when put on the spot. So this is my first installment in what I hope to be a series of quick references to Orange County dining.

The main drag of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is an idyllic example of Southern California living. You've got surf, sand, and relaxed dining as far as the eye can see. There really is something for everyone, but I've got my favorites.

One of a handful of restaurants in the county where I go below street level to dine, Brussels Bistro is a gem. Beer drinkers will appreciate the selections of brew bottled and on tap. I am fond of the regional cuisine. How many can resist the aroma of Belgian frites with homemade sauces? Others will crave a pot of mussels with their choice of flavor. There's also live music during the week and a DJ on the weekends. 222 Forest Avenue.

Nostalgic treats of all sorts can be found across the street at Candy Baron. Some may say it's overpriced, but when it's not easy to locate elsewhere it is worth every penny. I enjoy inching my way through the aisles to debate between classics (Razzles, Glee Gum) and old fashioned (Bit-O-Honey, Zagnuts). The perfect alternative when craving dessert to-go. Smuggle some into Pageant of the Masters. 231 Forest Avenue.

Down the street and around the corner is the third concept by local chef Marc Cohen, the playfully named Watermarc. He is praised by Zagat, LA Times, and OC Register for his distinctive flavor palate. With a sophisticated selection of grazing plates, it is only rivaled by the equally vast list of wines by the glass. One of the few spots where I order the same item over and over again: The burger. Not your typical patty, we're talking 1/2 pound of blended Angus chuck, sirloin and short rib. If that's not enough of a flavor profile, try my favorite add-on - duck confit, red onion marmalade, brie and aioli. 448 South Coast Highway.

For that seafood craving on a beach bum budget, hike upstairs to House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer. No question about what's offered here! Raw, chilled, grilled, or fried, diners have a conundrum....What to get? With prices starting at $5 for their hobo fish plate (DELICIOUS, by the way), your group will be asking why you've been keeping this a secret. Carnivores can indulge in steak and chicken options without feeling left out. Bread & water are upon request, so be sure to ask when seated. Oh, and you must save room for the dessert featuring bananas foster + bread pudding. 540 South Coast Highway, #200.

Getting your Gelato Paradiso groove on!

2010-10-29T16:44:00.001-07:00

Despite the autumn chill I was craving gelato. Specifically, the kind found in CDM off MacArthur & Pacific Coast Highway. There was, of course, a wait. I grabbed the nearest reading material to pass the time. It was promoting Friday Disco Night. So on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month the lights go down (cue Barry White), the disco ball is lowered, and you get 15% off if you can do the hustle.

Kidding. Actually the discount comes when you are decked out in your 70s finest. I'm talking bell bottoms, peace symbols and platforms. In fact, you could be in your cowboy boots, Hammer pants, or poodle skirt and STILL get the 15%. How sweet is that? Gianduia sweet!

If that's not enough to shake shake shake to Gelato Paradiso, there's more.

This weekend starting at 6pm on October 30th until closing time on Halloween, trick or treat down to your local GP for a free yellow cup of whatever flavor you want. Gelato or sorbetto. Free. You're welcome.

You know what else is going on there? Seasonal flavors PUMPKIN & GREEN APPLE. While the apple is on its way out, pumpkin is going strong through Thanksgiving. Before you know it, it's December and the return of both EGGNOG & PEPPERMINT!

Is that enough for you yet? No? Okay....

Students get 15% off Monday thru Friday at the Corona del Mar location. Did you know that topping your gelato with a shot of espresso is called an Affogato? Knowledge is power, kids. Save some money, use a fancy word, and feel empowered.

What are you still doing on the computer? Go get us some dessert!

Compassionate Cuisine - October 1st in the LBC

2010-09-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

While I'm definitely an omnivore, I admittedly lean (more often than not) towards my carnivorous cravings. However, places such as Veggie Grill have made me pause and rethink my notion of what's yummy. I can almost taste those sweet potato fries....

Last week I found myself craving something healthy(?!). After checking their Facebook status, I saw that the Seabirds food truck was close by. As I stood under the small patch of shade provided by their overhang, a shiny orange flyer caught my eye.

5th Annual Compassionate Cuisine: A Celebration of World Vegetarian Day

The event will benefit Animal Acres, a farmed animal sanctuary and compassionate living center. Featured guests include guest chef Tanya Petrivna of Native Foods Cafe, musicians Makena and pianist Scott Sorrentino, and author Sarah Taylor "Vegan in 30 Days". I counted approximately 20 vendors listed on the back who will be offering up their wares (after paid admission).

While the thought of driving into LA proper makes me tired, toeing the county line and frolicking around the Japanese Garden at CSU Long Beach on a Friday eve does not. So show some love. Expand your horizons. Eat well.

A Tale of Two Festivals

2010-09-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

There's an article in SF Weekly that provided some insight on the brief history of gourmet food trucks. I'd gone to my first two truck-centric events recently. Looking back, they were as different as Chiptole is to Red O. Both may serve Mexican cuisine, but the similarities ended there.

I was fortunate enough to be a +1 to the first OC Foodie Fest. 50 food trucks congregating at Anaheim's Honda Center, 80% of them based out of Los Angeles. Sold out at approximately 8,500 attendees, I knew to expect long lines. When you're surrounded by fellow foodies, you get to talking. My queue-mates began to compare and contrast the details of the event with others they attended. The general consensus was that it could've been more accommodating.

For starters, general parking was $15. This might not be a big deal, except that admission was $12. Taking into consideration sporting events typically charge under $10 here (and at the ballpark down the street), it felt like we were being cheated out of spending money. To pay that kind of money before you even enter the venue would be acceptable if you provided the promised....

....goodie bags to ticketholders. There were none. Not even a bottled water, which could have made up for some frustration. Dry throats were forced to pony up $3 for sodas/water. (Unless you were perceptive and spotted those vendors who snuck in more affordable options.) Those who paid more than double for alcohol couldn't even consume it while waiting in line. That, combined with an utter lack of....

....shade really tested one's patience. Combine the open air venue with temperatures creeping into the 80s plus lines in disarray and folks start to feel miserable. Also, let's not forget the number of trucks that began running out of food before 3:30 like Nom Nom, Ludo's and Cart for a Cause. The event was scheduled to end at 7pm, and supposedly extra inventory was allowed to be stored close by.

Maybe we blame poor planning on the trucks, for not calculating the right amount of food to prepare. Or do we point a finger at the organizers for not delivering a better overall experience? Perhaps it's the attendee for having too high an expectation for a new event. Either way, things could've been better. For me, I was relatively happy with how it all went down. I did, however, use a "divide & conquer" method when hitting the lines. This allowed us to maximize our time and eat a little more than most.

Then I go to the LA Times Food & Wine Festival at Paramount Studios in Beverly Hills, and I was pleasantly surprised.

The venue alone provided a couple of things normally overlooked: an option for free street parking *AND* built-in shade (thanks to the movie sets casting shadows). You really don't appreciate things until they are gone, and we were grateful for these two details.

While the $40ish (thanks Facebook fan page for the discount code!) to get in may be steep, I counted no less than 5 free beverages. Fiji bottled water, lemonade, Izze limon, a vodka drink, and lots and lots of wine. There were drink tickets handed to everybody, and everybody was getting their drink on! I was able to focus my spending on a few choice locations.

No doubt the publication was able to pull in a ton of sponsorship, or else how could we get so many free food samples as well? Champagne grapes from Melissa's. Lavender honey ice cream from The Cooking Channel truck. Cake balls from a local caterer (sooooo dense and moist). Bummed I didn't get to enjoy some Thai food, I was still happy with all I did.

Celebrity chefs and notable foodies were in attendance, providing some great down time to listen in on culinary discussions throughout the day. My favorite part had to be a concert provided by She & Him at the very end of the event. A close second would be the opportunity to try one of the trucks from Food Network's "The Great Food Truck Race", Nana Queens. While they were all present at OC Foodie Fest, the lines here were much more manageable. The environment overall was more controlled, yet relaxed.

The verdict:

If there is a next year, I am willing to give OC Foodie Fest another chance. If I don't have to chase down trucks in LA county (much less just drive into LA), that's always a plus. While the 2 hour trek to Paramount was torture, LA Times Food & Wine was worth the wait.

What is a gourmand?

2010-09-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

My initial thought was "another word for foodie". According to wikipedia, it is. However, what was it doing in my Sephora Fall catalog? Hmmmm.

I've always known about fragrances that utilize aromas we find in food such as citrus or vanilla. One trip to Bath & Body Works is enough of an example. With the evolution of cuisine (New American this, Asian fusion that), other industries ultimately followed suit. Hence the creation of Sniffapalooza: a community for fragrance enthusiasts.

Per founders Karen Dubin and Karen Adams, gourmand notes are characterized as being edible, sweet or dessert-like. Think candy, fruits and basically anything tasty. (I wonder if bacon counts?) Personally, I've never been too keen on moisturizing my legs with something that evokes hunger. Somehow I connect that to an ep of Seinfeld where Kramer sunbathes in cooking oil.

Where was I? Oh yes. This season, vanilla and tonka bean are making quite the comeback, per the ladies. They are being blended with French macaroon, lemon, fig and blood orange. As the holiday season approaches, richer notes are added to the mix. This includes caramel, buttercream, milk, almond, amber and of course, chocolate. They provided some delicious examples to prove their point.

Ralph Lauren's new Big Pony Seduction - (Ok, I'm sorry. This sounds kinda dirty.) Dark chocolate and musk mingle for a spicy blend.

Philosophy's Eternal Grace - Floral and citrus notes energize and make for a welcome addition to their ethereal line of fragrances.

Guerlain's Shalimar - Originally created in 1921 as a classic soft amber parfum, this 4.0 update intoxicates the senses with tonka bean, vanilla, iris and rose.

I suppose this is one way to have your cake and eat it too.

The best show in Orange County

2010-07-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

It runs over the summer for just under 8 weeks. I think. No, I KNOW it's what makes OC special. I'm talking about Pageant of the Masters.

Neither a beauty contest nor a senior golf tour, locals look forward to this unique experience where life really does imitate art. Conducted outdoors at Irvine Bowl, it's a relaxing way to revisit classic art and celebrate local artisans. The venue's waiting area doubles as an exhibition space where ticketmasters can sip wine, listen to live music and view works in various mediums.

This year's theme is especially exciting for me, as it revolves around the notion "Eat, Drink and be Merry". Coincidentally, the final scene depicted at the finale of each and every show is the infamous work, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. If you are interested in learning about the program, look no further.

Prime seating sells out early on, but those in the know go early on the day of their preferred show and camp outside the box office for returned tickets (and open spots the cast isn't already reserving for family or friends). Remember, your admission ticket is also good all summer at the Sawdust Art Festival, Art-A-Fair, and Festival of Arts.

If you haven't gone, this can make for a special date nite, group outing, or just another way to expand your cultural horizons. I assure you, within the first 30 minutes they will show the magic behind the scenes -- and it will render you speechless.

That's what he said. (Robert Irvine)

2010-06-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

*SPOILER ALERT*

This Wednesday’s Dinner Impossible is probably one of the toughest Robert Irvine has ever done. He was more than happy to share some of the fishy details during the Food and Wine Festival at Disney’s California Adventure. While his storytelling is much more compelling, I will cut to the chase and give some highlights.

45 hungry clients at Blackberry Farm, a Relais & Chateau property
Cooking ‘Rocky Mountain’ style
Running out of gas
Purifying their own water
Catching all the food (to cook), via fly fishing
1 fish caught in an hour, after falling in a lake
Finishing at 11:30pm

Besides some fabulous tidbits into this week's mission, Chef Irvine also served up some advice on kitchen techniques.

Grape seed oil - Burns at such high temperatures, he considers it the best to cook with.

Mounting butter - Whisking cold butter into any water-based sauce at the end of cooking, giving the sauce a thicker body and a glossy shine. Highly recommended when sauces are not to your liking.

Paprika + 1/4 cup water + simmering for 3 hours = something special

And a final spoiler: Look out for Restaurant: Impossible in the not-so-distant future!

Food trucking with purpose

2010-06-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

We all need to make a living. Pay our bills, support our family and so forth. I noticed that the trucks in my area are now conducting double duty with their appearances. Not only are they saving on overhead (by not being a traditional brick & mortar) and earning their keep, but their placement says even more about them than just "pick me, choose me, love me" Sorry, that was a quote from Grey's Anatomy. Here are three examples.

Crepes Bonaparte: Currently collaborating with Working Wardrobes and their retail outlet, The Hanger. Gaston and his cordial crew will be showing their wares during the store's "Wild Wednesdays" beginning June 30. Each Wednesday will be dedicated to a different location, with Brea receiving them first. For those not familiar with WW, they are an independent nonprofit organization providing career development and wardrobe services to men and women in need.

Louks: Spotted participating in Glow Fest at Disney's California Adventure. The Magic Kingdom has gone trending and invited Aki Vourakis and his gourmet Greek menu to DCA for five weeks this summer. When Mickey and Friends start knocking, you know you've arrived. Also slated to appear next month, my friends at Barcelona On The Go.

Taco Dawg, Piaggio On Wheels, Oh For Sweets Sake, Calbi, etc.: All attending Social Media Day on June 30 at the Orange County Register offices in Santa Ana. Not quite a holiday, but one where we acknowledge how sites like Twitter and Facebook have affected the way we communicate today. A groundbreaking event, these trucks are perfect examples of how social networking has allowed them to thrive. Speakers, networking and food. Sounds ideal to me.

Friendly advice on visiting your dentist

2010-06-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

I am very fortunate to be in my 30s and not possess a single cavity (hear that? that's me knocking on my dining table). My semi-annual trips to Gentle Dental have had their share of ups and downs, but I've managed to conquer some of the anxiety that comes with them. Hope this helps you too.

Piece of advice (poa) #1 - Don't wear white.
When you're receiving that teeth cleaning (or deep cleaning, depending on who you are), stuff is flying. Water, cleaner, bits of food painfully scraped out. You name it. If you value that t-shirt or have to be somewhere afterwards, do yourself a favor and wear earth tones, darker clothes, or articles you don't mind getting stained. It reminds me of my first NYC trip. My friend was booking front row tickets to Stomp. The agent informed her to "wear clothing that you wouldn't mind getting wet". Um, yeah.

poa #2 - Bring your iPod.
(or similar mp3 player) My doctor's office is pretty sweet in that they have both radio music wafting throughout *and* movies playing in each patient room. None of that elevator/Muzak noise. I find myself wanting to watch the ending of a film all the time. However, when they get started on my chompers, nothing is more effective at drowning them out than some reliable tunes. And shutting your eyes.

poa #3 - Scheduling right after lunch.
You're only as efficient as the people around you. Often times, morning appointments are either running late or emergency drop-ins. Either way they are impeding on your face time with the dentist. Most offices are best to visit right after their lunch hour. Staff is refreshed. Nobody is ahead of you. It's go time. If nothing else, do this one.

poa #4 - Have a place to eat right after.
Now be honest. Do you hold off on eating that next meal until after the appointment? It's normal (unless you're one of those who packs a toothbrush). You may have the urge to visit the nearest drive-thru. If that's the case, go ahead. Make it a reward. As my husband would say, "If you're gonna eat bad, it better taste good". My closest options are a mall food court, Mexican fast food, and a cafe across the street. Gives me something to look forward to after all is said and done.

Man vs. First Class Pizza

2010-05-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

The husband and I visited our first First Class Pizza recently, and I was pleasantly surprised. Open since 1978 and voted best pizza of 2008 by OC Weekly, they have made a respectful name for themselves against branded giants like Round Table or Costco. A Southern California chain, the husband & wife owned eatery prides itself on "butcher cut" meats, quality veggies and 100% mozzarella. Sounds like a well rounded meal to me.

So getting back to the title, my eyes rested upon a sign towards the entrance. A food challenge? I've only seen those on TV. Needless to say, I was intrigued. While I scrawled everything down on my take-out menu, I can't read one of my words (good job, brekkie fan). In the interest of stating accurate facts, I did find an accurate depiction of its details for the San Clemente location. Quite the gut buster, let me tell you. Did I mention there are two?

The Porker Challenge:
In 30 minutes, an individual must consume an XL Porker - (topped with pepperoni, Canadian bacon, meatballs, sausage and bacon pieces). Winners are reimbursed, given a $50 gift certificate and placed on their Wall of Fame.

The Side Kick challenge:
For those with a BFF, they have an even BETTER challenge. In addition to the aforementioned pizza, they must finish one pound of super hot wings, a cinna-za pizza, and a Tower (quite literally, they have a special beverage holder just for this size) of beer or soda. This prize includes everything previously mentioned plus a ride home, if needed.

Kudos to FCP for being in the spirit of all things gluttonous.

Note: As I was about to link this topic to their main website, alas, they do not have one. Also, the location I went to is shutting down. Taking all that in consideration, I'm going to list the next closest one to me plus the location that described their challenges.

13175 Jamboree Road, Tustin
714.505.3903

Talega Village
821 Via Suerte, San Clemente
949.366.1800

Open house (Blackmarket style)

2010-05-13T01:12:00.000-07:00

What if I said the term "wine flour"? Does that make you nervous? salivate? confused?

All three?

Well, for the gang at Blackmarket Bakery, it means progress. Cabernet brownies and penne, to be exact. Marche Noir (their alter ego) specializes in these innovative flavors. They love them so much they're throwing an open house to celebrate.

If you're as Costco as the next person, then free samples are right up your alley. Pay a visit to their Irvine bakery for a look-see and embrace the summery tastes. Jot down Saturday, May 15 (3-6pm).

17941 Skypark Circle
Irvine

P/S - The gang from Barcelona on the Go will also be there providing additional sustenance! I strongly recommend lentil soup for chilly weather or the empanadas for other climates.

A hard Habit to break

2010-05-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

I am a meat and potatoes kind of gal. I'll take a steak ANY day over chicken or seafood. Having said that, I would mentally bookmark a particular chain every time I drove by it for future reference. They are known as The Habit (Burger Grill), and this particular location is off Main Street in Santa Ana.

At 4pm on a Sunday, there is a line almost to the door. A good sign, as far as signs go. A clean, well-lit place. Another star in my book. Pricing is reasonable too. For $6.95 I can get a burger, fries and unlimited soda fountain. That's within a dollar of many comparable fast food meals. You've also got alternatives such as salads or sandwiches to select from.

I wrapped mine in lettuce, which was not a wise idea. Instead of being a healthy substitution, I was busy having the fillings drip and spill all over me. While the burger was good, the truth is I found other details to love. That's what I'll share.

Onion rings! Seldom found in chains. When I bite into one, most of the time the inside ring pulls out before I can finish crunching on it. Frustrating, I tell ya. That is not the case here. Something tasted more fresh than frozen, and the rings were a nice example of that.

Soft serve! Of of the best bangs for your buck, er 95 cents. Your small cup is loaded with true vanilla, and then topped with a teeny cone for a little texture (or maybe just to be funny). Either way this is a filling finish to a hearty meal.

The Habit is more than a competitor, it's got some personality too. Instead of drive-thru, why don't you sit for a spell and enjoy the soft serve? Oh, and their newest location will be at 23632 El Toro in Lake Forest (inside The Orchard).

It's a festival. For beer. Next Saturday.

2010-05-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

Disneyland has one for food and wine. So do scenic locales like Temecula or Napa. Why would the city of Irvine hold a festival for beer? Because they can.

With more open event space than they know what to do with, next Saturday's fete at Irvine lake will be sure to bring in the hops & barley masses. Even though I don't partake in throwing back a cold one, the details surrounding this event are crowd pleasing enough to discuss.

Free parking!

The In-N-Out truck!

$15 tickets for Designated Daves!

80's glam rock band Metal Shop!

If you DON'T drink, I suggest grabbing a slice of pizza, work on that tan, and partake in some people watching. You'll want to look good while dragging friends back to your ride.

If you're ready to try 60+ brewskis (or know somebody who needs a ride), here's the 411.

A little sage advice (courtesy of Mark Peel)

2010-05-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

I went to the Los Angeles Times' Festival of Books for one reason: to watch Mark Peel entertain us with his culinary prowess. On this warm Sunday afternoon, the audience felt as though they were the ones being roasted (yours truly included). Mark decided to share his updated version of a comfort food classic - tuna noodle casserole, one of his recipes featured in "New Classic Family Dinners".

One star quality of a celebrity chef is their gregarious nature. Mark's storytelling ability was no exception. We learned about his family life, the lively suppers at Campanile, and even a couple of pointers in the kitchen. Maybe you recognize them, maybe you don't. Either way, there was some tasty cooking going on.

Pasta advice: After cooking and draining, do not rinse! Otherwise the sauce will not effectively adhere to the pasta. Instead, add a splash of olive oil and pop in the refrigerator until needed. This only holds true for hot pasta dishes.

Herb advice: Fresh is always preferred unless you are one - oregano! For whatever reason, dried is more flavorful.

Tuna advice: Canned is not a bad thing. For the best, pay attention to a few things. First, the lesser known brands typically are not found at eye level (it's a marketing ploy). For maximum flavor, you'll also want to find one packed in oil and from Spain. But you don't have to take my word for it. Take Mark's.

Word of the Day: unctuousness

2010-05-05T23:55:00.000-07:00

sounds like - UNC*chew*us*nes

What is it? An adjective

Defined - Containing or composed of oil or fat

Where was it used? In Top Chef Masters on May 5, 2010 by Chef Jonathan Waxman

When was it used? During the infamous "tag team" quickfire challenge. Chef Waxman was the last member of his team to work on their (winning) seafood dish. We also learn he's claustrophobic.

Quote - "I did some tinkering. I added a good amount of butter. Now the butter will give an unctuousness to the sauce, plus it will mellow some of those acidic qualities".

Come on, get happy (at Starbucks)!

2010-05-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

Stopped by my local Starbucks for some cool refreshment and received the following....

a) Excellent service: Couldn't make up my mind, so my barista recommended something new - but charged me for my 'usual' price. If I wasn't pleased with my beverage, I wouldn't have paid the higher cost. (Normally I order a Shaken Passion Tea Lemonade sweetened. Today it was the Iced Tazo Chai with vanilla).

b) My Barista badge on foursquare: Recognition for (finally) visiting 5 different Starbucks venues. Yes, it's the little things.

c) A reminder: I was informed that from Friday, May 7th through Sunday, May 16th there would be a Happy Hour. Half price Frappuccino blended beverages from 3 to 5pm! As if we need another reason to go. This is timed quite nicely with their new customized Frap campaign

Mark your calendars for this excuse to take an afternoon break.

What every Chinese restaurant should have (in their name)

2010-05-01T07:56:00.000-07:00

Golden
Ocean
Dragon
Seafood

This stems from a conversation I had years ago when a few of us were en route to dinner. Living in Southern California, we're surrounded by a plethora of Asian cuisine - Vietnamese, sushi, Thai, dim sum, Korean BBQ, just to name a few. It may have been the area we were driving through. Diamond Bar? Rowland Heights? Alhambra? Anyway, the overall consensus was the school of thought over these four words.

Think about it. Could you name at least one Chinese restaurant that didn't have some combination of these words in their name? (Naming it after a person or utilizing the word Chinese doesn't apply here) We're talking descriptive prose to allure you into the promise of lazy Susans and honey glazed walnut shrimp. A round table discussion for you and six or more of your hungriest friends.

It was a lively topic that day. Since it reverberates in my memory bank, I'm thinking it may have also inspired my love of tasty cuisine. While I've always appreciated dining out, college was really the time when I was exposed to different flavor profiles.

OK, on with my weekend. Thank you for putting up with my silliness.

Note to restaurant owners: To further enhance your image, we also highly recommend the inclusion of a 3-letter (all CAPS) "TV" name, i.e. CBS, ABC, NBC. Ample parking is a plus.

Something besides greens

2010-04-30T23:19:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in a waiting room the other day when I came across an article discussing the colorful options healthy eaters have. The greens, reds, orange/yellows. Even black and white.

No, really.

For dark foods, the spotlight was on black beans and their high fiber content. It's this attribute that can prevent the spike in blood sugar levels after eating, helping both diabetics and hypoglycemics with their diets. Honorable mention was given to black currants and what's inside of them. Anthocyanins, chemical compounds that help keep blood pumping smoothly (and also give foods their color).

For lights, there was emphasis on varieties of onions (aka alliums) including shallots, garlic and chives. All are high in cancer preventing sulfur compounds. In addition, Vitamin C can be found in these as well as jicama and parsnips. This antioxidant is responsible for maintaining teeth and bones.

So the next time you find yourself in the produce aisles, know that it isn't just about stocking up on lettuces and tomatoes. Veggies and fruits all share similar benefits. It's finding that combination that works for you.

Reality show lead, author, web-series host, and (now) guest star. He's a chef, too!

2010-04-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

The May 3rd episode of ABC's Castle will pay homage to one of my favorite shows - Top Chef. Titled 'Food to Die For', the storyline will revolve around the death of a former cheftestant found frozen in the kitchen of his trendy Manhattan restaurant.

In a cameo, chef Rocco Dispirito will play himself. A fan of Castle's literary prowess and the victim, perhaps he'll be a possible suspect?

For those of you that enjoy a little banter with your crime sleuthing (think Moonlighting with a little NCIS team spirit), I encourage you to check out my reason to stay up late on Monday nights.

Navigating the waters of Big Fish....

2010-04-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

Checking out a new restaurant is always a bit of an adventure. I mean, you have an idea of what to expect (thanks to my fellow Yelpers), but until you go for it....you never really know what's going to happen.

I'm here to make your next experience at House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer better than everyone else's. Just follow these 7 easy steps. It's like Franklin Covey, but for food.

Waiting for a bite - Fact: By 7pm on a Saturday, the wait was over 2 hours. I kid you not. Pick up a phone and call them. Restaurateurs say most RSVPs aren't even called in until the day before or day of. I'll even provide the number: 949-715-4500.

Staying afloat - This all depends on where you're coming from, day of the week, time of day, etc. However, most diners will cruise there for happy hour or a weekend dinner. If that's the case, beware of both PCH and Highway 133. Both are the direct routes into Laguna Beach, and both have a tendency to back up. Try allocating an extra 15 minutes, just in case.

Use a metal detector - (Note: If you are going to pay for $10 valet down the street or arrive after 7pm, stop reading and continue to the next bullet point.) The neighborhood runs on meters. Luckily there is a parking structure behind the plaza. Have quarters ready.

Beach blanket babylon - This is not a quiet place. Say it with me. This is NOT a quiet place. If you can get past that, the rest will be like butter.

Bonfire eats - I like reading fine print. "Bread served on request". Hot, yeasty goodness if it's right out of the oven. You can thank me later.

Fresh catch - Three little words. Spicy seafood stew. Not that the rest of the menu isn't already a good deal. Mr. brekkie fan is a big cioppino eater, and this is one huge bowl of love. Fish and shellfish in a tomato broth? Yes!

Sweeter than the perfect wave - The most flavorful tip actually originated from the chef. Two separate options on their menu, but for maximum effect order both the bananas foster AND the white chocolate bread pudding. Then when you get the two, pour the bananas over the pudding. Oh yeah.

Celebrate 50 Years of Flavor at Haagen-Dazs

2010-04-24T00:22:00.000-07:00

Chocolate. Vanilla. Coffee.

The three original flavors of Haagen-Dazs.

Probably the purest of the ice cream brands I know. My favorite has to be sticky toffee pudding.

If not for Reuben Mattus and his daughter Doris, we might never know the rich flavors their storefronts provide. What began as a "food truck" business in New York is now celebrating decades of quality product and satisfied customers.

For one day, Tuesday, May 18, folks will have a choice between the original three. Scoopage is from 4-8pm at your local Haagen-Dazs. Stop by and be a part of history.

and the next Sonic Drive-In in Orange County will be located ....

2010-04-21T00:04:00.000-07:00

(drum roll please)

3531 South Fairview Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(cross street MacArthur)

Per their website, the location should be opening in the next 30-60 days.

Since I think most know Sonic because of their commercials (and cherry limeades, or tots), I think there should be a soundtrack as well. This will probably date me, but do I really care?

You see, the 'S' is for super
and the 'U' is for unique
The 'P' is for perfection
and you know that we are freaks
The 'E' is for exotic
and the 'R' is for raps
So tell those nosy people
just to stay the hell back

Supersonic!

A foodie's guide to navigating SCP's Spring Garden Show

2010-04-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

Beginning Thursday, April 22 and continuing through the weekend, South Coast Plaza brings back the ever popular garden show to the home store wing (Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and so forth). While my favorite thing to do is wander the display gardens and live vicariously thru them - I noticed a few of their Speaker Series topics were worth checking out. Below are their descriptions. Note: All presentations will take place on Level 1, Suite 102.

**Thursday, 12:30-1:30pm
Chef Lulu's Insights on Shopping the Farmers Market
Executive Chef Lauren "Lulu" De Rouen of Pinot Provence will share her passion for farmers market seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs, and give tips on how to best incorporate them into home menus.
** (4/20) This description is not listed on the website. However, I verified that Chef Lulu is still scheduled to speak.

Friday, 2:30-3:30pm
Food Preservation-Making Food Last Longer After Harvesting
Delilah Snell, owner of The Road Less Traveled store, a locally-based certified green business and Master Food Preserver will demonstrate the various methods of making food last longer after harvesting. Learn about the history of food preservation, cultural significance and how it celebrates flavor and tradition. Tasting samples will also be available.

Saturday, 11:15-12:15pm
Growing Summer Vegetables: The Organic Way
Pat Welsh, Emmy Award winning garden guru, TV host, magazine editor, columnist and author of Pat Welsh's Southern California Organic Gardening, Month by Month explains how to choose, plant, harvest and grow all the best-known summer veggies and control pests and diseases without synthetic fertilizers or dangerous pesticides. Spectacular photographs demonstrate growing summer crops in raised beds or the ground. Loaded with tips, hints, garden timing, free fertilizers new techniques and old time secrets culled from a lifetime of growing edible crops.
(Book signing following the presentation)

Sunday, 11:30-12:30pm
Backyard Bees: Keeping Them Alive
Janet Andrews and Kelly Yrarrazaval, founders of Backyard Bees, started beekeeping as a hobby and realized the urgent public need to provide an alternative to honeybee extermination and now rescue bees from the most unusual places. They are bee advocates and enthusiasts who keep hives alive, actively pollinating and producing honey in local, lush Orange county gardens. Janet and Kelly will also discuss the importance the honeybees in our food system.

Thursday is the new Friday in Anaheim....at least for one day in May

2010-04-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'm normally the one who retrieves the mail. More often than not, I find things I'd rather recycle. The grocery store ads are set aside, but I fail to plan my meals around them. We don't need to refinance my home or gain another credit card. I sort through envelopes of coupons, figuring out what I might (remember) to use next time I'm out. All in all, pretty counterproductive work.

One magazine saved from the circular filing cabinet this week was @HomeIN Magazine. A bi-monthly publication distributed throughout the county. It's mostly advertising, with a few coupons and maybe even an article or two sprinkled in for good measure. What caught my eye was a cover of seafood and pizza dishes. However, the best thing I read about was the 15th Annual Taste of Anaheim. Going on May 13th between the hours of 5:30 and 10:30 in the evening, The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk will host over 50 restaurants.

Places to check out include many Disneyland Resort eateries (Cafe Orleans, La Brea Bakery, Storytellers Cafe), a number of popular chains (Lazy Dog Cafe, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Ruby's Diner), as well as a few local faves (Slater's 50/50, K'ya, Foscari's).

Live bands are scheduled to perform, including Don't Stop Believin' - a Journey tribute band! You'll also find a silent auction benefiting both Canyon Hills Community Council and Leadership Anaheim. Pre-sale is selling at $35 ($40 the day of). I'm gonna try to score a volunteer opportunity (includes a t-shirt as well as admission for you and a friend).

One insider piece of advice is to start on the 2nd level of GardenWalk. Apparently, last year had Costco Gas-sized lines of diners hungry for the first restaurant they laid eyes on. Additionally, if you pay a visit to the @HomeIN Magazine booth and mention hearing about their article ~ there might even be somethin' somethin' for stopping by (I'm guessing a reusable bag?).

Free parking located on-site at Anaheim GardenWalk, which is always nice. Find the entrances off both Katella and Disney Way off the 5 freeway.

When music and food collide....

2010-04-13T17:00:00.001-07:00

Your love is better than ice cream
Better than anything else that I've tried
And your love is better than ice cream
Everyone here know how to fight

~ Ice Cream by Sarah McLachlan

That was my cake cutting song. A way to share my passion for food with my love of music. Musicians are closeted foodies. We've seen Foo Fighters and The Bravery host Top Chef. Moby's got Teany. JLo has Madres. I found a couple of examples of local artists who have the makings of a culinary crossover.

John Henry Copen & Boardwalk Ice Cream - Josh is a fan of John. Josh works at Boardwalk Ice Cream in Irvine Spectrum. For the past two Fridays, Boardwalk Ice Cream has not only sponsored John's performances by covering his stage fee, they bought dessert for anyone purchasing his CD. Utilizing Blue Bell ice cream, the gang at Boardwalk provide their take on the Balboa Bar (sans auto ferry). Couldn't decide on a topping, so I went for "everything".

For your viewing enjoyment, here's a link to John's vocal stylings.

OFFWHITE & Share Our Strength - Recently I volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank. They are a local beneficiary for an event on April 23rd at the Island Hotel named Taste of the Nation, The Garden of Everything Good. A dinner and auction, 100% of ticket sales will go towards efforts to end childhood hunger. Featured restaurants include Bluefin, Break of Dawn and Studio at Montage Resort. OFFWHITE, a "Soul Rock" acoustical duo, will provide the evening's entertainment. According to their myspace profile, they describe their sound as, "If Lenny Kravitz was in Weezer and they took Green Day out for Chicken and Waffles" (as far as I'm concerned, that's a food reference).

For more information, including photographs from last year's event, click here.

It's a long way down
It's a long way down
It's a long way down to the place where we started from....

A word about croissants

2010-04-10T23:25:00.000-07:00

It all started in junior high. Westborough Junior High in South San Francisco, to be exact (circa 1988). We had to decide between Spanish and French foreign language classes. I went en Francais because big brother chose that path. Found out exactly what his reasoning was years later, but I digress.

Ms. Orofino was the lone French teacher. We used to practice our numbers by tossing a Nerf ball around and counting up. I only have good memories of her class. My favorites happened to be on Fridays. I don't think it was every Friday, so we'll just say every other. Ms. O lived near a bakery, and she would take boulangerie orders mid-week. We had our choice of either plain croissant, pain au chocolat or baguette. A couple of days later, we would end our school week lounging at our desk with fresh baked goods. I thought the chocolate ones were too bitter, and you needed butter to make the loaf really tasty. Hence my addiction to the croissant.

Over the years I've had my fair share of flaky goodness. These are my discoveries.

Costco: Neither here nor there. Best bang for your buck in the multi-pak. Even better when you can pop in the (non-microwave) oven for a few minutes.

Starbucks: This was my cornerstone for what I thought a croissant tasted like. Sure, it's mass produced like Costco. My POV was that I didn't have to worry about freshness - each was purchased individually.

Peet's: Only spotted almond flavored ones. WTF!? Maybe I went to a bad location?

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: My BFF picked out a jalapeno cheese version without consulting me. While I am very "weak sauce", having that subtle bite of heat and creamy bit of cheese was a revelation. Then they split and toasted it. I was sold.

Champagne French Bakery: Noticeably different. More expensive and dense than all the previous ones. I was pleasantly surprised at how it tasted. While its buttery layers are a signature attribute, the less airy texture resulted in a more substantial product overall.

What about you?

Ain't no such thing as a free lunch, but there are cooking classes!

2010-04-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

What comes to mind when I mention Williams-Sonoma? Really good pancake mix. Seasonal rubber spatulas. The elusive pineapple logo. Free cooking classes.

Huh?

Yes, you heard me. The grandiose chain is currently offering three "Healthy Cooking" classes in areas I could certainly use assistance in:

Seafood
Vegetables
Chicken

Attendees will learn techniques which will enable them to create healthier (but still flavorful) meals. Demonstrations will explore different types of cookware, seasonings and tools.

One hour classes will be held on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings in the month of April at the South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa) location. Call to see if you need to RSVP. I found conflicting messages on the SCP Premiere newsletter and W-S website. Maybe I'll see you there.

SOUTH COAST PLAZA

3333 SOUTH BRISTOL ST.

COSTA MESA, CA 92626

(714) 751-1166

Share Our Selves Wild & Crazy Taco Night - 4/22

2010-03-31T23:52:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a good taco? Especially in this day and age when it's done a la food truck (i.e. Kogi or Taco Dawg,). The county has no shortage of places perfecting this portable lunch. For chain lovers, there's also local faves Baja Fish Taco s and Wahoo's. So when a non-profit wants to fundraise, what better delicacy to feature than this?

Costa Mesa charity Share Our Selves (SOS) provides free medical and social (food, clothing, financial aid, etc.) services to those in need of basic living essentials. Serving Orange County since 1970, it is a volunteer-based organization of over 400 individuals offering their time to assist those less fortunate.

The 17th Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night will take place on Thursday, April 22nd at Halecrest Swim and Tennis Club. Over 20 chefs will be present for a little friendly kitchen competition. Who? I thought you'd never ask:

Bert Agor, Ruth's Chris Steak House
Bill Bracken, Island Hotel
Dennis Brask, Five Crowns
Paul Buchanan, Primal Alchemy
Victor Cabral, Orange Hill
Ivan Calderon, Taco Mesa/Taco Rosa
Yves Fournier, Andrei's Conscious Cuisine
Mark Cleveland and Tanya Fuqua, Avanti Cafe
Manuel Gonzales, TAPS Fish House & Brewery
Alan Greeley, The Golden Truffle
Scott Green, Salt Creek Grill
Chris Hutton, The Catch
Carlito Jocson, Yard House
Louie Jocson, Pacific Prime, Inc.
Michael Kang, 5'
Jason Kordas, Jason's Downtown Restaurant
Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery
Chad Krahling, Hilton, Costa Mesa/Orange County
Marco Mariselli, Stella's Serious Italian
Alessandro Pirozzi, Cucina Alessá
Deborah Schneider, Sol Cocina
Don Schoenburg, The Lido Deck Restaurant & Wine Bar
Paul Squicciarini, Culinary Concepts
Vartan Vbgaryan, A Restaurant
Marco Zapien, Melissa's Produce

Proceeds from the event benefit the SOS Orange Aid Project. Founded in 1992, Orange Aid retrieves excess food from local food vendors and distributes to those lacking food security.

Tickets are $60 for general admission and $150 for VIP, with part ($35 and $100, respectively) of your ticket being a tax deductible donation.

OC Restaurant Week 2010 recap (1 of 2)

2010-03-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

3 days, 4 very different venues.

Sunday (or as I refer to it, hotel day)

Dining with friends is always fun. Dining with foodies is even better.
I started the day meeting up with five individuals I met through Chowhound, Yelp and other fellow food bloggers. Our destination: 6ix Park Grill inside Hyatt Irvine for California cuisine.

An airy dining room, we were seated at a pub table large enough for eight of us. 6ix Park offered multiple dining options for both lunch and dinner. Between parking validation and included beverages, this was one of the best deals in town.

Half of us chose the same daunting sandwich - an English club. I think it was the allure of fried egg that enticed us. We even had the option of fries, fruit or salad to round out our meal. A very filling option that kept us content at $10. The rest were split between the many other choices. Pulled pork loin with a bourbon BBQ sauce. Kobe beef burger plus a hint of truffle. Shrimp tempura salad (overly) coated in a wasabi aioli. (I'm pretty sure the club won out, though.)

____________________________________

Dinner led me to St. Regis in Monarch Beach and Michael Mina's Stonehill Tavern.

Jackie and I met promptly at 7:30. I've dined here maybe three times in the past, but was curious to experience what Restaurant Week would offer. I requested one of their four booths on OpenTable, which was (surprisingly) granted. Between the vertical glass wine racks and 80s/90s pop Muzak, this would be an upscale girl's night out.

For the first course, the listed watercress salad was instead a Caesar. The fresh anchovies and Parmesan crisps were sharp, mellowed out by the lightly sauced hearts. J's tuna tartare was a little unusual with pine nuts, but overall tasted great.

Next I went for the jidori chicken. I don't normally order chicken in a restaurant (too many "dry" experiences), however, I knew this would be different. Besides having wonderful flavor, there were both trumpet mushrooms *and* onion rings included in my dish (neither were listed in the description). The mac was al dente perfect, and broccoli made it quite the healthy meal. J's Tasmanian Ocean Trout resembled salmon in color, but the similarities ended there. It was fulfilling and accompanied by cauliflower puree.

For a $39 3-course meal, the dessert course was exceptional. J opted for the root beer float. With a mock chocolate straw and sassafras ice cream, she alternated between slurping and chewing on their chewy homemade chocolate chip cookies. I eagerly ordered the pumpkin donuts and was very impressed with what I was served. Bits of pecan praline made for a crunchy topping. Butterscotch gave me something saucy for dipping. My donuts were moist and rich with flavor. Quite possibly one of the best desserts I've ever tasted.

Sure, we spent another $30 on drinks and a side of fries. I'm sure it prolonged our meal. We wouldn't have it any other way. South County never tasted better.

next time ~ dining with celebrities

Iron Chef America showdown: featuring the 1st female White House Executive Chef

2010-01-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

It's called the Super Chef Battle. Michelle Obama even made an appearance to introduce the mystery ingredient: anything from the White House garden!

The hosts and commentators are decked out in their spiffiest. It's sustainable cuisine at its most intense, with a 60 minute timebomb ticking away.

I first learned about Chef Comerford at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans last month. It's exciting to see someone of Filipino decent (besides Pacquiao) have the spotlight. Of course, being a well-respected chef makes it even sweeter for me.

A fitting way to start off the new year.

for your reference: Food Network link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/iron-chef-america/index.html

Talking turkey with a Top Chef contestant

2009-11-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

Something urged me to pick the Marie Claire magazine off the rack.

Embedded between designer clothing and relationship advice was another "words of wisdom" article from one of my favorite television shows: Top Chef. If you look back on March 2009, you'll see my first discovery by Tom Colicchio on how to order a great steak.

Like ordering a perfectly done steak, planning a Thanksgiving feast is a timeless pursuit. There is time and energy spent executing measurements, temperatures, finesse. What better expert on the subject than European chef (and LA caterer) Stefan Richter?!

Despite the love/hate relationship fans may have of him, there is no questioning his culinary background. Most notably, he's held Executive Sous-Chef positions at both Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara and Bellagio Hotel, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas. A Certified Master Chef, Richter is indeed qualified to quip about the finer points of hosting.

I sincerely hope you find his article helpful. While much of Stefan's advice may appear common sense, I was intrigued by his thoughts on cooking the turkey. Actually, I hope to test it out before the holidays are over. Is it me, or is this the only time of the year when we really crave certain poultry?

Without further ado, here's Top Chef Stefan Richter's Thanksgiving tips.

Meals in and around the Magic Kingdom

2009-09-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

Everyone's got their favorites, so here are mine. This was inspired by my childhood friend's upcoming trip to celebrate her Halloween birthday.

Disney's California Adventure (gluttonous pleasure): Corndogs! ~ moved from Corndog Castle (R.I.P.) to Bountiful Farmers Market. Yes, they are also off Disneyland's Main Street in the Red Wagon, but these come with fries instead of chips!!

Downtown Disney (fine dining): Osso bucco at Catal ~ When in season, by far the finest meal without moving your vehicle. If you can score a table with a view, even better for people watching and/or fireworks gazing.

Downtown Disney (sweet tooth): Beignets at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen To Go ~ Per a reliable source, these are authentic enough to be served in NOLA. Be sure to grab extra napkins. Available in quantities of six or ten.

Grand Californian (big spender): Napa Rose ~ Awarded the best new restaurant in Orange County. Fantastic service and creative courses from beginning to end. Admire the Craftsman style decor.

Grand Californian (buffet): Storyteller Cafe ~ Easygoing dinner spread featuring family pleasing chicken, seafood and pastas. Oh, and bread pudding rules here. Less stressful than standing around Downtown at about $30 for adults. Just beyond the grandiose main lobby.

Disneyland (beverage): Mint Julep in New Orleans Square ~ While it might not include any actual bourbon, it IS refreshing and more satisfying than standby sodas or lemonade. Found at both the French Market and the appropriately named Mint Julep Bar 'round back by the train station.

Disneyland (meaty snack): Beef skewer at Bengal Barbecue ~ Straightforward hunks of protein sweetened with sauce. Alternating bites between this and the grip of green onion provides some much needed energy (hey, low carb too).

Anaheim (hotel dining): K'ya in Hotel Menage ~ Chic and affordable thisclose to the mouse? With an adjacent palapa bar serving $5 paninis, they now serve an international selection of 'street food' in their modern setting ....all for under $10.

Anaheim (hole-in-the-wall): Zankou Chicken ~ A short drive down Ball and turn left into the strip mall. Featuring mouthwatering garlic sauce, shawerma, and yes, roasted chicken. Generous portions + styrofoam plates = experiencing local culture at reasonable cost.

I'm sure there's much more to comment on, but these all work for me.

Why I like Chick-fil-A

2009-09-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

In a word: Service

Mr. brekkie_fan has told me that, "it takes a lot for a restaurant to make bad food, but good service is hit or miss". The below statements have been collected after numerous lunchtime (and a few breakfast) visits in the last 12 months.

Statement #1 - Refills are more than refills. They are an opportunity for CFA employees to check-in on tables and provide that extra attention you wouldn't otherwise get at a fast-food establishment. While they could just put out a soda fountain, that is not the case here. Props for having the diner hold on to the lid/straw for sanitary reasons.

Statement #2 - Saying no to free samples is next to impossible. Brownie bites, anyone? Toothpicked like hors d'ouvres, there is actually a person bestowing a tray. I've been told that men have an easier time declining such an offer, but a woman with a sweet tooth can be a dangerous thing. Just a morsel of flavor satisfies and balances out the salty meal.

Statement #3 - Free stuff/incentives rule! - Growing up, I'd be happy with a Monopoly game piece. These guys take it a step further and just GIVE things away. How about them grand openings? Free chicken for a year for the first 100 in line. Consecutive Fridays in a month may feature a free breakfast item, no purchase required. I enjoy getting my meal on a particular day, and then finding out if I hold onto my receipt I can get the exact same thing the following month.

Statement #4 - A well-stocked condiment bar. - I just started realizing that ALL of their dipping sauces are accessible. Who doesn't want to conduct a taste test when the mood strikes? One less thing to remember/forget when ordering that chicken.

If another chain goes to such lengths to maintain customer loyalty, that's news to me.

9.21.09 Update - one more reason to love Chick Fil-A

Statement #5 - A very kid-friendly environment. - A toddler ambles up to the taller-than-her counter and says five words no employee can resist, "Can I have a balloon?" Done. A mother walks up and returns the unused wrapped 'toy' portion of a kid's meal (their child is too young to appreciate). I overhear that when one is returned, CFA policy offers free ice cream in exchange. Oh yeah, and they also eat free on Tuesdays.

What is sjora?

2009-09-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

Psst. Over here.

What if I told you that I found an alternative to soda, iced tea, lemonade and water?

I'll even up the ante and state that this newfangled beverage:

doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup
has no caffeine
no carbonation
is available in regular and diet flavors

While this comes off like a spiel that will end with monthly installments or a second set for free...it's not. I discovered it accidentally last week.

Was feeling kinda unhealthy that day, so I stopped by my local Chicken Dijon for their veggie special. A great combination of steamed veggies, rice, fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing (my favorite veggie meal, by far). Requested a cup of water, but as I approached the self-serve fountain I noticed something.

*cue beam of light shining down and choir music*

I made it halfway through lunch before breaking down and satisfying my curiosity.

Sjora comes in (Diet) Tropical Pineapple and (Diet) Mango Peach. The separate dispenser unit carries all four flavors. While I typically don't drink any of these flavors, individually or otherwise, I concocted a blend of regular Mango Peach and Diet Tropical Pineapple. If you've ever had Orange Julius, this is what it reminded me of. Just better.

It was sweet, but not overly so. With 10% milk and 5% juice content, it wasn't rich. In fact, it was exactly as they advertise.

Simply

Smooth

Refreshment

I'm a big advocate of Arnold Palmers, but this is a satisfying alternative. The staff mentioned that they are the only chain currently featuring sjora. Being the same price point as soda or tea, it's worth the detour to check out. I certainly plan to. Yes, it's that good.

Nestle sjora

All of Pacific Whey (bakery) for half the cost

2009-08-31T22:44:00.000-07:00

I've been known to frequent Crystal Court (aka: the other side of the Bridge of Gardens at South Coast Plaza, or as Sandie would say, "whatever it's called nowadays") on many occasions. Mostly for wedding registry gifts, Ann Taylor Loft, Borders ...and soon Sur La Table.

When it comes to accessible dining options, they vary on this side of the bridge. Surfer fare at Wahoo's Fish Taco. Pseudo food court Signature Kitchen inside Macy*s Home Store. Upscale Japanese at Hamamori lounge. My midday cravings, however, gravitate towards sweeter, chewier delights. It is this hunger that brings me to Pacific Whey Cafe.

Previous PWC visits generally revolve around brekkie. Surprise, surprise. I've indulged in quite a few egg dishes and pastries at numerous locales. Newport Beach is tucked away in a neighborhood for its loyal clientele. Crystal Cove caters to al fresco shoppers. South Coast gets a fair share of those debating between Champagne French Bakery and Ruby's Diner. For a multi-location concept, this works well.

Since my Tuesday morning consists of PWC and chit chat, I did my due diligence and browsed their online menu for ideas. While pondering the griddle selections (lemon souffle cakes or heavenly hots?) I happenstanced upon a discovery.

All bakery items are half price everyday after 3:00 pm (at specific locations)

Brekkie fans rejoice! Generously portioned cookies, cupcakes, danishes and other things your heart desires are now for the taking. Between them and Zov's, PWC is my personal favorite for treats. On the fence? There's always Crystal Court starting at 3:01pm.

P.S. If you decide on brekkie, may I suggest the "Breakfast Your Whey". It allows you to customize an entree. Choices are either omelette, scramble, quesadilla, burrito or sandwich. Possible additions include tomatillo salsa, sweet bell peppers, goat cheese and turkey. Not for the frugal, pricing runs $1 per add-on. Good times.

9.1.09 - Update: The time at South Coast Plaza has been pushed back to 4pm. Guess an hour makes a difference.

South Coast Plaza

3333 Bear Street

Costa Mesa

714.641.9911

Waking at the Break of Dawn

2009-08-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Grease is the word. Is the word that you heard.
It's got groove. It's got meaning.
Grease is the time, is the place, is the motion.
Grease is the way we are feeling.

~ Frankie Valli

As much as I savor foods that are not standard fare (i.e. the Dutch baby at Plums, breakfast pasta from Off Vine), I am always drawn back to hearty morning flavors. Bacon, hash browns, omelets. Grease.

That's not to say that chef Dee Nguyen's menu is an homage to Guy Fieri. On the contrary. The heart and soul of Break of Dawn lies in Nguyen's ability to share his Vietnamese heritage to the masses during a traditionally unimaginative time of brunch.

This morning I had the pleasure of joining Kathy and her family in Laguna Hills. While it could easily be overshadowed by a Mexican chain or grocery outlet, the red awning is a beacon to incoming guests. Similar to the Krispy Kreme hot light, but much sweeter. Crossing the open patio to observe content faces and clean dishes, who else should greet me but the chef. I was surprised and pleased to be seated by Dee Nguyen himself. A subtle yet humbling gesture. I attempted small talk by mentioning how I haven't read any new Twitter updates from him lately. Pretty sure the term "tweet" went over his head. Maybe next time.

It's a learning curve with each visit. There's the unmistakable difference between requesting the french toast and wanting the creme brulee french toast. The naughty/nice crunch of two tempura eggs. A three course pre fixe featuring butternut squash soup. Kathy clued me in on the (mystery ingredient) chocolate milk her sons can't get enough of. My pearl of wisdom is the ability to sample multiple items via side dish ordering.

One may read an emphasis on savory meats such as duck and oxtail. However, be sure to take notice of griddle cakes, sticky buns and even cocktails to satisfy that sweet tooth.

The division between dining and kitchen is a long expediting counter. Dee Nguyen's framed chef coats and reviews share space with flourished dining anecdotes. Mellow greens and yellows conjure a relaxed island mentality. Earthy woods down to the salt & pepper shakers.

Today's choice was my childhood craving for meat and rice. In this case, Portuguese-Hawaiian sausage, green papaya and sesame salad, scallion puree and two fried eggs over seasoned rice. The bright salad flavor was balanced by hearty pork dabbed with onion sauce. It brought back business travel memories when I first met a fellow trainer at the Maui Prince resort over Sunday brunch.

I doubt Spamalot has anything to do with canned meat, so I digress from show tunes and thank Break of Dawn for being a non-conformist.

24351 Avenida de la Carlota
#N-6 (To the right of Trader Joe's)
Laguna Hills, 92653

Wednesday to Sunday
8am to 2:30pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
949.587.9418

road trip!

2009-06-28T01:13:00.000-07:00

Mr. brekkie_fan and I normally don't take vacations for one of two reasons:

No money
No time

Well, lately we have both.

I plan to eventually update my blog and Yelp! account. Will be conducting research "from the road" (assuming we have wifi) later this summer.

Wish me luck.

Hot Dog on a Stick Day is TO-day, June 15!

2009-06-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am (as the FoodTV show is called) glutton for punishment.

Stumbled across a Yelp event claiming free corn dogs today at a mall from 5-8pm.
The HDOS official site confirms it.

Now I know what's going thru your mind. The mall. The brave women pumping lemonade. The primary color outfits. Cheese(?!?!) on a stick. Truthfully, I have not had a true HDOS for a very long time. However, that does not mean that I do not thoroughly love corn dogs.

Would it make you any more inclined if I stated they use turkey (and there's veggie options)?

If the husband and I are able to brave the crowds on the way back from California Adventure we may just stop by (translation: he may just end up driving me there and wait for me).