2011 LA County Fair is counting down to its final week

Now through Sunday, October 2, the L.A. County Fair is counting down to its final week for this year. There are lots of changes, especially to the fair layout. They have moved the midway closer to the yellow gate. It’s almost feels like you are in Vegas – lots of flashing lights, games, and rides everywhere.

There are lots of entertainment options from viewing the tapestry exhibit which houses photography, crafts, jewelry, and clothing to the many culinary competitions like tablescaping and baked goods. There are excellent cooking demonstrations throughout the day. Check out the Fun Guide to plan your day around the demonstrations and shows. Visit the Plan Your Visit page for information: http://www.lacountyfair.com/2011/planyourvisit/planYourVisit.asp

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/2011-la-county-fair-is-counting-down-to-its-final-week

Mahalo!

OC Food Diva

The Palm Restaurant in Las Vegas, NV unveiled a new menu

On September 12, 2011, The Palm in Las Vegas unveiled a new menu to their guests. What’s new on the interior – new logoed plates, new uniforms for the service staff, and new service techniques for some of your favorite items. The Palm is also celebrating its 85^th anniversary this year so watch for dining specials all year long.

Another new spin is a new bread basket of pretzel rolls, walnut raisin bread, sourdough, and Torino bread sticks. The pretzel rolls are awesome! A little salt and the glaze make it the perfect roll. I love the rustic Italian presentation!

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/the-palm-restaurant-las-vegas-nv-unveiled-a-new-menu-review

Mahalo,

OC Food Diva

Dessy B’s Steakhouse in Las Vegas, NV was a gamble that paid off big time

You’ll have to read the full story on their website, but I’ll give you a run down. Arthur Church was the District Manager for Sizzler and worked for the company for 27 years. He got a call that they were closing all four Las Vegas valley restaurants. After a month, Arthur hired 28 of his former Sizzler employees. They worked day and night to renovate the whole building, adding new booths and changing up the décor. Dessy’s opened up in November 2008 and the rest is history.

What’s a steakhouse without steak? The ribeye steak is served with your choice of potato (French fries). The steak had a good char flavor, but not seasoned enough. It needs more salt and pepper before it is thrown on the grill. A little garlic butter would go great on this too. Otherwise, the steak was cooked to a perfect rare. The French fries were cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Ask for a side of Ranch dressing for dipping. It's definitely made in-house and you can taste the freshness. Thumbs up but need more seasoning!

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/dessy-b-s-steakhouse-las-vegas-nv-was-a-gamble-that-paid-off-big-time-review

Mahalo!

OC Food Diva

Chipotle Paprika Grilled Ribeye

The hubby grilled ribeyes with Victoria Taylor's Smoky Paprika Chipotle Seasoning (birthday gift from Jeannie), garlic salt, and pepper. The ribeye came out smoky, a little spicy, and juicy. Check out their website for more details: http://www.vgourmet.com/

Mahalo,

OC Food Diva

The Lime Truck and Food Network gave away free lunches to the first 100 guests today

Food Network and The Lime Truck have been hinting all week about free lunch for their first 100 guests. If you follow Food Network and The Lime Truck on Facebook and Twitter, at 11am today, you were privy to location information on where to find The Lime Truck. All you had to do is show up, get a ticket, and get some local, fresh and ingredient-driven food. The Lime Truck, as of this week, is in second place on this season’s The Great Food Truck Race on the Food Network. The grand prize is $100,000.

Daniel Shemtob and Jason Quinn are at the reigns of this gravy train, offering ingredient-driven, fresh food for hungry foodies. Their menu changes daily so if you see it here today, it may be gone tomorrow. So the rule of thumb is, “If it sounds good, try it.” Jason was on hand today, graciously handing out all 100 lunches himself. Melissa’s Produce, supplier of fresh food for The Lime Truck, gave away tubs of their Tomatillo Sauce to today’s lucky lunch bunch.

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/the-lime-truck-and-food-network-gave-away-free-lunches-to-the-first-100-guests

Mahalo,

OC Food Diva

Merlin’s Magic Dinner Show is comedy, magic, and great food in Orange, CA

Merlin’s Magic Dinner Show is located inside of The Rib Trader on Chapman Avenue. As a frequent diner at The Rib Trader, Merlin’s Magic Dinner Show had peaked my interest over the years and I finally made it a point to see what it’s all about. If you’re early, you can always hang out in Rib Trader’s bar for drinks and appetizers from their scrumptious menu. A great starter is the Fried Mushrooms which are served with their homemade pepper ranch dressing. These are so light. The batter is almost tempura-like and seasoned like a good fried chicken. The dressing is the topper, adding a cool, creamy flavor to these hot-out-of-the-fryer delicacies. Thumbs up, way up!

When the theatre is ready for seating, you’ll walk down the corridor and be welcomed by Merlin and his bar wenches. Once you’re checked in and seated, the wenches come around for your drink orders. While that is going on, Merlin pops on stage between courses and does a few tricks and asking members of the audience to assist. His tricks are mostly slight of hand so it great that the venue is so intimate. He’s actually a pretty funny comedian and the wenches are there to beat him up on the sidelines with their witty comebacks. The costuming is fabulous. If you’re a fan of the Renaissance Faire, you’ll be right at home here.

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/merlin-s-magic-dinner-show-is-comedy-magic-and-great-food-orange-ca-review

Mahalo!

OC Food Diva

Five Crowns brings English charm to Corona Del Mar, CA

Five Crowns has been a Corona Del Mar landmark since 1965. Its exterior is a replica of an English country inn and offers warm hospitality and cozy fireplaces with authentic antiques and paintings adorning the walls. They recently renovated the interior of the restaurant in March. If you haven’t been there since last year, it is a delightful surprise. Also, the executive chef has made changes to the menu by incorporating foods from local farms in Southern California. You can enjoy fabulous food while cutting down your carbon footprint. The service is always friendly and top-notch.

Here ye! Here ye! You’re food adventure is about to start! If you get there early, take a step back and have a fine drink in the pub. The décor is similar to those in England, dark wood, bench seats, and a rustic-looking bar. Have a pint of your favorite ale or fine cocktail. In no time, the hostess will come by to seat you at your table in the newly renovated dining room.

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/five-crowns-brings-english-charm-to-corona-del-mar-ca-review

Mahalo!

OC Food Diva

The Lime Truck - 100 free lunches...

The Lime Truck & Food Network will be giving out free lunches this Friday, September 16th. Visit Food Network's website, "Like" their Facebook Fan Page, or "following" them on Twitter for more information. Location will be announced on Friday at 11:00am. Stay Tuned!

Mahalo,

OC Food Diva

The 15th Annual Original Lobster Festival is cookin’ this weekend in Long Beach, CA

Thousands come from miles around to get a taste of Maine’s best catch, the lobster. Tons of fresh, live Maine lobsters are flown in daily and steamed in the World’s Largest Cooker, prepared and served by Bristol Farms’ Master Chef. They have a giant food court with everything from ribs and chicken to sweets like smoothies and candied apples. There is also a children’s area, arts & crafts booths, dance floor, two stages with live entertainment and beach bars serving beer, margaritas, and other assorted drinks. Being the largest Lobster Festival outside of Maine, having the Pacific Ocean just footsteps away makes for a perfect setting.

A.J. Gibbs, The Mydeco Dance King, started the entertainment with his style of Zydeco dancing. Festival goers were having fun and dancing those calories off. The Chris Anderson Group followed with their toe-tapping music style. They play good bluesy, soulful, rock n’ roll music.  The music was perfect since the “Mardi Gras” motif was in the air.  

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/the-15th-annual-original-lobster-festival-is-cookin-this-weekend-long-beach

Mahalo!

OC Food Diva

BullsEye Bar at Black Angus in Montclair celebrates its Grand Opening

On September 8, 2011, the BullsEye Bar was a positively buzzing with guests watching the Saints vs. Packers game and partaking in the game time food and drink specials. The concept is a casual sport bar, bringing back memories of the sports bar days in the mid-1990s. You’ll have a great view from anywhere in the bar of any of the 10 Hi-Def flat screen TVs that line its walls. The Saints vs. Packers game was on and the folks were cheering away as their favorite teams scored touchdowns. There is free wi-fi in the bar too. This is the 29^th and final BullsEye Bar that has been retrofitted into existing Black Angus locations.  The first opened September 2009 in Black Angus Burbank. The bar has its own special menu, but you are free to order from the full Black Angus menu if you wish. The Bud girls were handing out Bud Light beaded necklaces, giving the bar a “Mardi Gras” atmosphere. Go Saints! AM 570 KLAC with host, Vic “The Brick” Jacobs, was giving away prizes ranging from LA County Fair tickets to Dodger game tickets. Black Angus CEO, Merry Taylor, and General Manager, Mike Tefft, were also on hand for the festivities.

Let’s grind on some sports bar grub! Chipotle Buffalo Wings are tossed with a unique blend of chipotle chili and BBQ seasoning, cooked crisp, tossed with buffalo sauce, and served with celery sticks and bleu cheese dip. Great wings! They weren’t super saucy and messy like wings tend to be served. The skin was crispy and quite tasty. The chipotle added a little heat and great smoky flavor. The bleu cheese dip was cool and creamy. Thumbs up!

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/bullseye-bar-at-black-angus-montclair-celebrates-its-grand-opening

Happy Eats!

OC Food Diva

Honey-Mustard Chicken from Easy Everyday Cooking

This recipe is easy and came out delicious and juicy. Don't bake it over the time on the recipe as the honey will start to burn.

Honey-Mustard Chicken

http://www.kitchencookingrecipes.com/forum/recipes-forum/63366-best-loved-recipes-honey-mustard-chicken-recipe.html

Happy Eats!

OC Food Diva

Baking stylings of Leora

Leora is a co-worker who loves to bake...

Decadent Chocolate Cake with Butter Cream Frosting

Mandarin Orange Ice Box Cake

Bacon MANia is all about BACON in Orange County, CA

This year’s winner of the OC Foodie Fest, Jay and Karen Dieugenio are the proud parents of this little piggy. Jay and Karen are heavy into tailgating and what better way to do it than with bacon. No one else was doing it and the truck was born. Bacon is the basis of good down-home cooking. The Dieugenios run a family-oriented truck, which is a family itself. Their team is friendly and just wants to make sure you’re happy. 

E-I-E-I-Ouch! is two lamb, beef and applewood smoked bacon patties served on toasted rolls with jalapeno chevre goat cheese, lettuce and Havarti crisps. Wow! This meat combination is orgasmic! The bacon seasons up the lamb and beef perfectly. The two cheeses give the sliders depth – salty and crispy from the havarti, creamy and slightly spicy from the goat cheese. The rolls are perfectly constructed – soft and light enough for eating yet strong enough hold everything together. Thumbs up, way up!

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/bacon-mania-is-all-about-bacon-orange-county-ca-review

Happy Eats!

OC Food Diva

The Great Food Truck Race, America's Favorite Giveaway

The Great Food Truck Race, America's Favorite Giveaway

The Poutine Truck is feeding hungry Los Angelinos with Quebecois comfort food

James MacKinnon, Emmy winning make-up artist, provides this French Canadian comfort food which is called Poutine – French fries, gravy, and cheese curds to the street of Los Angeles. It’s a simple dish and an excellent concept for a food truck. During a trip to the Canadian Winter Olympics, James happened upon poutine. He waited in over two hours in line on a cold winter day. He liked is so much he stood in line again while eating the first serving. The idea of the truck was born while waiting and eating in this line. After 2 years, James purchased a truck and began researching. He connected with his old friend, Debbie Lee (finalist on The Next Food Network Star, Season 5), to serve as the consulting chef ala Poutine.

Recently, I was invited to The Poutine FOUR BRIX Wine Pairing Party at the City Sip Wine Bar in Los Angeles. Let’s check out what was on the menu.

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/the-poutine-truck-is-feeding-hungry-los-angelinos-with-quebecois-comfort-food-review

Happy Eats!

OC Food Diva

Seabirds Truck and Food Network gave away free lunches to the first 100 guests yesterday

Food Network and Seabirds have been hinting all week about free lunch for their first 100 guests. If you follow Food Network and Seabirds on Facebook and Twitter, at 11am yesterday, you were privy to location information on where to find the Seabirds. All you had to do is show up, get a ticket, and get some local, fresh and organic vegan food. Seabirds is a contestant on this season’s The Great Food Truck Race on the Food Network. The grand prize is $100,000.

Stephanie Morgan’s dream started when she was working in the Financial District in NY back when the food truck craze started. She noticed that there weren’t really any healthy food trucks around. Being a vegan, it was hard to enjoy the food craze that was going on. She then moved to Sacramento and would frequent some local taco trucks where they could make her a veggie burrito or taco. There were no food trucks out there for the vegan community. She was determined to open a food truck for vegans that served fresh, organic, local-grown foods. The local growers she uses are Tanaka Farm and OC Produce in Irvine and South Coast Farm in San Juan Capistrano. Her dream is now a reality! Vegetarian food is not just for vegans anymore!

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/seabirds-truck-and-food-network-gave-away-free-lunches-to-the-first-100-guests

Happy Eats!

OC Food Diva

Roy’s in Anaheim, CA celebrated the Keiki of CHOC Hospital

On August 31, 2011, guests dining at Roy’s Anaheim were treated to a rare opportunity to meet celebrity chef, Roy Yamaguchi, and celebrate the keiki (children) of CHOC Hospital. Roy’s Anaheim will be offering a monetary donation to the CHOC Healthy Eating Program dedicated to educating and encouraging children and teens to adopt responsible habits through physical activity and nutritious diets. In addition, all proceeds from the night’s raffle will benefit CHOC. The raffle prize was an intimate chef’s table dinner at Roy’s Anaheim with Chef Partner Ron Plata. Santa Monica Seafood, Melissa’s, and Kaena Wine Company donated seafood and wine for the 5-course dinner and wine pairings. Menu creation included help from Chef Jacquelyn Nabong of Tommy Bahama Island Grille and Chef Michael Rossi of The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon.

The menu featured sustainable ingredients to raise awareness of sustainable food practices and to celebrate Chef Roy’s involvement with the inaugural Hawaii Food & Wine Festival this year. Let’s “talk story” and see what Chef Roy served.

To read more and see photos, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/restaurant-in-anaheim/roy-s-anaheim-ca-celebrated-the-keiki-of-choc-hospital

Happy Eats!

OC Food Diva