Top 10 Eats of 2010

It's time to say adios to 2010, and while it has been quite a good year, I can't wait to see what's in store for 2011.  Hopefully it involves lots of new restaurants and food discoveries!

It was hard narrowing down my most memorable eats from 2010, but I think this list sums it up pretty accurately.  I know already many of these meals/restaurants are must repeats for 2011.

Without futher adieu, I give to you my Memorable Meals of 2010 (in no particular order).

1. French Onion Soup at Little Next Door

I've searched high and low to find a French Onion Soup that tops this one.  Little Next Door is one of the things I miss most about living in LA.  Honorable mention goes to the French Macaroons.

Cute and lovely French Macaroons.

2. Farmer's Market Scramble at Britta's Cafe

A simple dish made with fresh vegetables from the Farmer's Market next door and feta cheese. 

Fresh from the market!

Plus,  Britta's serves you scones while you wait for your meal instead of bread.  Definite bonus.

Mmmmmm....scones.....

3. Carmelized onion, goat cheese, mushroom and thyme flatbread at Rustic Kitchen

Photo from wheretoeatboston.com

I traveled east this summer (Boston to be exact) and was pleasantly surprised by this gem of a flatbread.  Light, crispy, delicious-  with just the right amount of herbs and goat cheese.  Swoon.

4. Vegetables con Burrata at Pizzeria Ortica

I left Pizzeria Ortica with mixed emotions, but the standout was the Vegetables con Burrata. 

If only their pizza could be as amazing as the appetizer?

5. Everything at Chicken Dijon

Greek food is the name of the game at Chicken Dijon and this place does not disappoint.  Definitely best cheap eats discovery of 2010.  Go there and order the Lamb Gyro. 

You'll thank me later.

6. Dungeness Crab at PPQ Dungeness Island.

Fresh San Francisco crab slathered in garlic and butter served with noodles and rice? 

Stick a fork in me I'm done.

7.  Chicken Faijtas at Taco Rosa

Hands down best Mexican restaurant in Orange County.  Fresh ingredients and margaritas to die for. 

Look at that sizzle!

And you musn't forget the sopapillas.  It's pretty much a given you are going to order them when dining at Taco Rosa.


Chocolate sauce and honey for dipping?  Are you drooling yet?

8. Sushi Extravaganza at Sushi Roku


Photo from Vegas.com

October led me to Las Vegas for work, and a sushi extravaganza was had as a result.  Crispy tuna on rice, seared scallops, soft shell crab...the list goes on and on.  We were so stuffed with sushi that we actually passed on dessert.  Gasp!
9.  Mango Chicken Salad at R+D Kitchen

A simple salad with mangos, chicken, vegetables and noodles.  Light and refreshing. 


Pile of delicious goodness.

Best paired with R+D Kitchen's crispy fries with sea salt.



Fries and salad - balances each other out!

 10.  John Dory Fish and Potatoes at Lucca Cafe

Photo from LAtimes.com

I've loved pretty much every meal at Lucca, but the John Dory with potatoes was a sure standout.  The fish was perfectly cooked and the potatoes were the perfect complement.  Of course, I could write an ode about all of the desserts Lucca has to offer as well...

So there you have it.  10 delicious meals to round out 2010.  Bring it on 2011!

Whiskey Bread Pudding

Every year I feel like the holidays come and go in the blink of an eye.  Before you know it, Christmas is over, New Year's Eve is upon us, and everyone jumps on their resolutions for the new year.  One of my resolutions is to make my mom's Whiskey Bread Pudding.

For the past few years the Whiskey Bread Pudding has been a Christmas Eve dessert staple in our household, and this year certainly did not disappoint!  While bread pudding may not seem like the most exciting or exotic of desserts, it is certainly quite delicious.  So delicious in fact that there were hardly any leftovers for the next day.

So friends, before those resolutions kick in and we all start our detox cleanses of 2011, I give you Whiskey Bread Pudding.

Whiskey Bread Pudding (adapted from this recipe here)

Bread Pudding Ingredients:
12 to 14 cups 1-inch cubes day-old French bread
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 cups 2% milk
6 large eggs
1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
4 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raisins or currants
Whiskey Sauce for topping (see below)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the bread in a large bowl. Grease a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish with the remaining tablespoon of butter and set aside.

Combine the milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and raisins in a large bowl. Whisk to mix. Pour the mixture over the bread, and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes.

Ooey, gooey, bread deliciousness

Transfer the bread mixture to the casserole dish and bake until the center of the bread pudding is set, 50 to 60 minutes.  Remove from oven and let bread pudding set an additional 20-30 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the mixture.  Drizzle with Whiskey Sauce and a dollop of whipped cream.

Whiskey Sauce:

2 cups whipping cream
1/2 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
2 tablespoons tapioca starch
3/4 cup whiskey (Seagram's goes nicely with this)

In a 1-quart saucepan set over medium heat, combine the cream, milk, and sugar. Place the tapioca starch and 1/4 cup of the whiskey in a small mixing bowl and whisk together.

Cream sauce in action

Directions:

Pour the whisky mixture into the saucepan and bring to a boil. Once the sauce begins to boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.  The sauce should be thick, not watery.

Remove the sauce from the heat, add the salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup of whiskey.  Drizzle over bread pudding and serve warm.

Tis the Season

The official Christmas countdown is on and so begins the great Christmas Treat Fest of 2010.  Every year I whip myself up into a baking frenzy creating delicious treats for friends, co-workers and family.  I've been scouring the interwebs and there are a variety of Christmas goodies I must try this year.

So I give you...the 12 days of Christmas Treats (in no particular order):

12. Joy the Baker's Oatmeal Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies: Oatmeal Pecan Chocolate Cookies: Oatmeal cookies have always been a family favorite and I love the idea of jazzing them up with some pecans and of course chocolate.

11. Smitten Kitchen's Roasted Chestnut Cookies:  I just saw a bunch of chestnuts in Trader Joe's and now I want to make these cookies.  Plus they are rolled in powdered sugar.  WIN.

10. Cannelle et Vanille's Candy Cane Marshmallows:  These just scream holiday season to me.  Plus, if I can get them to look half as good as they do in these pictures, I'll consider myself a success.

 9. Oh She Glows' Favorite Snickerdoodles:  I love Snickerdoodles so I think I will really love this recipe.  Who doesn't love a good sugar cookie?

8. Peas and Thank You's Christmas Cookie Dough Balls:  Christmas Dough Balls?  The cookie dough is my favorite part about making yummy Christmas treats...and these are egg-free so you can eat as much dough as you want.  I die.

7. David Lebovitz's Salted Butter Caramels:  Really the title says it all.  Can you think of anything better?

6. Steamy Kitchen's Nutella Shortbread Cookies with Almond and Banana:  Because everyone could use a little (or a lot) of Nutella in their lives.  And banana and chocolate always tastes good together.

5. A for Aubergine's Gingersnaps: Gingersnaps are a lovely cookie and so is this girl.  These would pair quite nicely with the Favorite Snickerdoodles.

4. Emeril Lagasse's Peppermint Bark:  Easy to make and even easier to transport.  Can be made with white or milk chocolate.

3. Elizabeth Gordon's Allergy Free Holiday Spritz Cookies: As a food allergy sufferer myself, I love finding allergy friendly recipes that taste great and are perfect for holiday gatherings.

2. Joy the Baker's Ginger Persimmon Bread:  Because I like the word persimmon.  And anything ginger.  Plus I needed a break from all the chocolate madness.

1. Tartelette's Pumpkin Semifreddo: For the love of all things pumpkin, I must make this dessert.

Tis the Season indeed.  Now what to make first?

A Very Merry (and delicious) San Francisco Treat

San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the US to visit.  It's a quick hop, skip, and a jump from Orange County so I try to get up there as often as I can.  One of my close friends recently moved up there so I figured it was the perfect chance to plan a quick weekend getaway to see her.

One of the best things about San Francisco in my opinion is the food.  The city prides itself on using fresh, locally grown ingredients and it definitely shows.  The coffee you are enjoying with your breakfast most likely came from the coffee shop down the street and the vegetables with your meal are from the local farmer's market.

On this trip I wanted to try some different restaurants that I haven't been to before.  As much as I love Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square, I wanted to go off the beaten path and eat what the locals eat.  Luckily, my friend and her boyfriend are foodies so they knew exactly where to go.

Our first culinary adventure was on Friday evening at Beretta in the Mission District.  The restaurant/bar is all small plates, so you order a variety of different items to share.  And share we did.  Highlights for me included the Eggplant Capionata with Burrata Cheese (I die), Bruschette with Broccoli Rabe, Winter Greens with Persimmon and Pomegranate and Proscuitto with Arugula Pizza.  I was too busy stuffing my face with all of the food goodness to take pictures, but trust me it was amazing.

Saturday was spent in Napa, which really means that the main meal of our day consisted of vino, vino, and more vino.  If you are ever in the Napa/Sonoma area, be sure to check out Anaba Wines - my personal favorite of the trip.

Feeling pretty good at Anaba Wines

By Saturday evening we had only one thing on our mind:  Dungeness Crab.  Dungeness Crab just happens to be in season in San Francisco, so we made our way down to PPQ Dungeness Island for a truly epic crab feast.  I should have known we were in for a treat when I saw the line out the door.
After an hour of waiting with our mouths watering, we were finally seated.  And the feasting began.  Roasted Crab with garlic and butter and garlic noodles.  The picture below does not do it justice.

Delicious crab, rice, noodles, and tea.  A carb-lover's paradise.

While this certainly wasn't the most healthy meal of the trip, it was truly delicious.  Every time you cracked open a piece of the crab the meat inside was tender and full of flavor, and the garlic noodles were the perfect accompaniment.  There was a fried banana ice cream thing served at the end of the meal, but I was too full of delicious crab to really even care.  Well played PPQ Dungeness Island.

Other culinary highlights included Savor and Toast, two delightful breakfast joints that we dined at in Noe Valley, as well as famed bakery Tartine, where some delicious shortbread and pumpkin bread was consumed.

Before we knew it it was time to head back down south, but not before grabbing a few Ghirardelli chocolates on the way out.

Thanks San Francisco for the very memorable eats (and drinks).  I have a feeling I'll be dreaming of Dungeness Crab for a long time....

Beer Bread and Beer Wars

The rain has made it's return to Southern California which means lots of time indoors spent lazing about, wathcing movies, and of course coming up with new and delicious things to cook.

I recently rented the movie Beer Wars on Netflix, which is about how local craft brewers are trying to make their mark in the beer industry while competing with corporate conglomerates Anheuser-Busch, Coors, and Miller.  I'm a big fan of craft brews so this documentary was defnitely appealing.  One of the most interesting parts was a blind taste test involving Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Light.  Nobody could tell the difference between the three beers!  Just goes to show you that "name" isn't everything, so next time you are out try a craft brew instead!  Ok, jumping off my soapbox...

After the movie I was inspired to make something I had been thinking about for awhile: Beer Bread.
This recipe is incredibly simple and literally takes 5 minutes to make.

Quick and Easy Beer Bread

12oz beer of your choice (I recommend a wheatier beer or a lager)
3 cups flour
2 tbsp baking powder
Drizzle of honey (to taste)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl.  Add in the beer.  Continue to stir until all the flour and beer is blended together.  Add in honey for a little bit of sweetness.


My pictures came out blurry so an image from wikipedia will have to suffice


Pour mixture into a 9x5 greased loaf pan.  Place pan in oven and bake from 50-60 minutes.  You will have a thick, hearty bread that goes well with pretty much anything!  I just had the bread with some butter but I think any sort of jam or preserves would go nicely as well.  Devour on a lazy afternoon, then repeat.

Fall Harvest Crumble

It's no secret that I love oatmeal - in fact, I find myself partaking in some sort of oatmeal combination nearly every morning.  But aside from being a delicious and filling breakfast, oats are great for other sorts of things, like fruit crumbles.

I came home one night after work to the smells of fresh fruit and brown sugar wafting through the apartment.  Turns out that the boyfriend had been hard at work preparing a Fruit Crumble with a delicious brown sugar and oats topping.  Now not to be biased, but this crumble was pretty epic.  He didn't have a specific name or recipe for it, so we are just rolling with Fall Harvest Crumble. ;)

Fall Harvest Crumble

Ingredients:

4 baking apples (Jonathans or Jonagolds if you have them)
1 pear
2 cups blueberries (raspberries would work well also)
1/2 cup water
1 cup oats
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 stick butter
1 cup white whole wheat flour (regular flour also works)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 F.  Grease or butter a 9x5 loaf pan.

2. Slice apples and pear into small pieces and put into a small sauce pan.  Add 1/2 cup of water and bring to a boil.  Once fruit begins boiling, add in the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and honey.

3. Reduce heat so the fruit is just simmering.  Continue to cook until apples become nice and tender.  The apples should be soft, but not super mushy. 

4.  Add berries into the saucepan and continue to mix together for another couple of minutes.  Once berries are blended in, remove saucepan from heat.

5. Melt your 1/2 stick butter and pour into a mixing bowl.  Add the oats, sugar, and white whole wheat flour.  Mix with a wooden spoon until mixture is thick and crumbly.

6. Pour fruit mixture into 9x5 loaf pan. 

6.  Pour oat mixture on top of fruit in pan - spread evenly throughout the top.

7. Bake in oven at 400F for 30-40 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool for another 5-10 minutes.




The end result.  Please disregard my dingy loaf pan.


When cooled, scoop out of pan and enjoy with your favorite ice cream or whipped topping!

Harvest Crumble and tea.  The perfect dessert.

Tailgating 101: How to have a healthier tailgate

Fall isn't just about pumpkins and baked apples and changing leaf colors (California you are exempt).  It is also about football, and more importantly, tailgating!

Coming from a very sports oriented family, football games are just a part of our fall routine.  I have an uncle who is a head coach for a college team, so the chances are pretty high that we will attend at least ONE football game sometime between September and December.  Naturally, the pre-game ritual involves some sort of tailgate, whether it is putting out a spread of food on the back of someone's truck, or planting ourselves in a parking lot for the afternoon with a portable BBQ. 

But tailgating doesn't have to be the over-indulgent affair that leaves you with heartburn and regret as you sit in the stands watching your favorite team play.  If you incorporate some healthy items into your tailgate, you'll not only feel better, but the game will be a much more enjoyable experience.

1.  Plan Ahead - Coordinate with your group who is bringing what so you aren't left to scrounge around in the stadium for a halftime snack.  The food is overpriced and really not that great anyway.

2. Incorporate Fruits and Vegetables - Even if you are in the mood for a burger and chips or a loaded hot dog, be sure to incorporate some fresh fruits and veggies with your meal.  Add some carrot and celery sticks on the side of your burger, or nosh on an apple or some grapes before you even get to the main tailgate fare.  You won't eat as much and can still enjoy your burger or hot dog or pizza without overdoing it.

3. Bring Foods YOU want to Eat - If the tailgate menu doesn't appeal to you, bring the foods you want to eat!  Sandwiches, salads, crackers, nuts and pretzels are all great options if you aren't feeling like eating the Chili con Carne that's simmering in the pot next to you.

4. Drink in Moderation - We've all been there.  And we all remember the hangovers the next day.  Drink a glass of water in between each beverage of choice, and try to limit your intake to 2-3 drinks maximum.  Trust me, you'll feel better in the morning and you will have saved tons of calories.

5.  Don't be afraid to indulge...a little - You can't expect yourself to go to a tailgate and not enjoy some of your favorite treats right?  Enjoy yourself!  A little indulgence never hurt anyone.

The Tastes of Fall

If you had asked me a couple of years ago what my favorite season is, I would've said summer without any hesitation.  But now I think fall is starting to grow on me, and dare I say it, replace summer for #1 in my book.

Growing up and living in Southern California means that our "seasons" are not of the traditional sense, but we do see the temperatures drop and the leaves change color (well not the palm trees).

Another great thing about fall is fall food - fall means the return of seasonal beverages and treats, harvest vegetables, warm soups and stews, and of course, pumpkin.  Lots and lots of pumpkin.

Here are just some of my foodie fall favorites:

1. Spiced Apple Cider

I never liked apple juice as a kid, but there's something about spiced apple cider on a cool day that warms you right up.  Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider is a great fall treat, but I also like making my own and adding in my own spices to my liking.

2. Butternut Squash Ravioli

Butternut Squash ravioli is popping up more and more on restaurant menus, but I especially love this treat in the fall.  When it's done right, it's not too sweet and not overloaded with ingredients.  My current favorite is the Butternut Squash Ravioli at Pomodoro's in Irvine, which has butternut squash, sage, brown butter, and a small crumble of amaretti crackers.  You can choose if you want a large or smaller portion which is also nice.  I like to share this dish with a friend or otherwise I find myself being tempted to lick the plate clean.

Pomodoro's Butternut Squash Ravioli mid-feast

3. Pumpkin Butter

I first met Trader Joe's Pumpkin Butter last fall and it's been a love affair ever since.  There's not much more to say except that Trader Joe's ran out of their Pumpkin Butter last season, so I suggest you go there.  Now.


4. Boudin's Soup in a Bread Bowl

I love soup.  I'll eat it throughout the year, but I especially like soup in the fall.  And in a bread bowl.  Boudin Bakery is really the only place I've seen that does it right.  The insides are carved out of a sourdough boule, filled with piping hot soup.  Plus, they give you the little top bit from the boule so you can dip it in your soup while enjoying.  It's a true carbolicious comfort food treat.  Clam Chowder or Chili in a bread bowl is highly recommended.

5. Pumpkin.  All things pumpkin.

Pumpkin bread, pumpkin oatmeal, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin soup.  If it's got pumpkin in it, chances are it's going in my belly.  Officially obsessed.

Pumpkin Muffins?  Yes Please!

A Conundrum of the Frozen Variety

Growing up, I was always a big fan of frozen sweet treats - frozen yogurt to be specific.  I have happy memories as a child going to Penguin's Yogurt in Los Angeles and getting a small cup of vanilla topped with M&M candies.  Those were the days.  Then when my family moved to Orange County, Golden Spoon's peanut butter chocolate frozen yogurt became my new flavor du jour.

For me, I always liked the soft swirl texture of frozen yogurt over ice cream.  I liked that it felt lighter and less dense, and of course I loved adding some sort of sprinkles as a topping.  Until now.

You see, my love affair with yogurt swiftly ended once I discovered I had corn allergies and I sadly realized that my beloved Golden Spoon made their frozen yogurt with high fructose corn syrup (this fact still pains me to this day, especially in the summertime).  Gone were the days of going to the yogurt shop and getting some simple soft serve.

Then the "yogurt craze" hit.  Pinkberry led the pack, claiming to be made with "natural" ingredients and was far "healthier" than other yogurt shops.  Other similar spin off shops soon followed.

I decided to jump on the bandwagon and try one of the healthy yogurt shops.  After all they claimed to be free of artificial ingredients right?  $3.00 and a stomachache later, I realized it couldn't be farther from the truth.  After some extensive googling, I found out that not only were the ingredients not "natural", but they were also things that I couldn't even pronounce!  I felt like the kid in the ice cream commercials who tries to read all the ingredients on the back of the container.  So much for the fresh, organic, yogurt I was hoping for.

What these yogurt shops don't realize is that yogurt without all the added sugars and preservatives actually tastes quite good!  There's no need for the corn syrup, artificial ingredients and fake sweeteners.  Why isn't there just natural frozen yogurt out there that not only tastes good but is good for you too?  I'm a big supporter of enjoying food in its purest form and then adding on extras if need be.  If plain yogurt is too tart or not sweet enough, add on some fruit or chocolate chips to sweeten it up a bit.  This way, everyone can control the sugar content of their yogurt to their own liking.

Until an all-natural yogurt shop opens, I'll have to settle for other alternatives such as coconut milk ice cream and sorbet until I can enjoy soft serve frozen yogurt again.  Hey, a girl can dream right?

Eating My Way Through Las Vegas

This past week I went on a business trip to Las Vegas.  While there was certainly more work than play during the trip, I did get to enjoy some pretty fabulous meals along the way.  Unfortunately I do not have any pictures of these said meals (mainly because we were entertaining our client and I didn't want to be the weird girl taking pics of their food) except for a Corona my coworker consumed on our Southwest flight back to Orange County.  Epic blogger fail.

My breakfasts and lunches were pretty standard fare - oatmeal, eggs, salad, sandwiches, etc., but the dinners were definitely something to write home about.

So you'll just have to use your imagination, or visit these locations yourself for a truly foodgasmic experience.

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse at the Mirage

Four Words - All.  You. Can. Eat.  We dined here before catching the Cirque du Soleil Show LOVE at the Mirage (which was beyond amazing), and it was a truly a (meaty) feast.  The restaurant was your typical Churrascaria, which means various meats were presented to you on skewers to enjoy with a wide variety of sides.

The fun part about this restaurant is that they give you a little block that has a red cube and a green cube.  When you are ready for them to come around with the different kinds of meats, you have the green cube facing up.  When you've had enough and cannot stomach another bite you know it's time for the red cube.

Some of the meats that were offered included bacon-wrapped turkey, filet mignon, teryiaki steak, and grilled chicken.  In addition to the meat we were presented with a variety of sides including empanadas, black beans, rice, grilled vegetables, and fried plantains.  I think plantains are quickly becoming a new favorite of mine.  I must figure out how to cook them well at home.

Rare 120 at The Hard Rock Hotel

We only dined on appetizers at this location, but all of them were fantastic.  Lobster quesadillas with goat cheese, ahi tartare with lotus chips, Greek salad, and Kobe beef skewers.  They were small bites but also very satisfying.  The rest of the dinner menu looked enticing as well.

Botero at Encore

This dinner was pretty spectacular.  Not to mention that 10 of us managed to polish off 3 bottles of some of the best red wine I've had in a long time.  It was a Malbec wine which I don't normally drink, but may start drinking after this.

We started with a bunch of delicious appetizers - Caprese Salad, Ricotta Ravioli, Oysters, Ahi Tuna, and Truffle Mac 'n Cheese.  I don't know what it is with me and Truffle Mac 'n Cheese but this combo cannot be beat.  The flavors are rich and decadent, but also not too heavy.  If I could marry Truffle Mac 'n Cheese I would.  For real.

Botero is actually a steakhouse, but after my meat extravaganza at the Mirage a couple of nights prior, I was looking for something lighter.  I finally settled on a soup duo - French Onion with Portabello Mushroom and Acorn Squash with Duck Confit.  Both were excellent although the Acorn Squash was almost a little too rich.  Many of my dining companions enjoyed steak, lobster, halibut, and pasta which all looked enticing.

Sushi Roku at Caesars Palace

I've been to Sushi Roku in Los Angeles, so I knew I was in for a good meal when we decided to go to the Caesars Palace location.  The ambiance of this location definitely trumps the LA one since you get a stunning view of the Las Vegas strip as you dine.  But the food is just as good as in California ;)

Some highlights include: Ahi Tuna on Crispy Rice (I got my fill of Ahi Tuna in Vegas), Soft Shell Crab Rolls, Fresh Scallops, Albacore, Seaweed Salad, and Vegetable Tempura.  We had initially discussed having dessert after sushi, but the sushi left us feeling stuffed (in a good way).

And before we knew it, it was time to pack our bags and hop our flight back home.  But not without a Corona in can.

And I'm spent.

Wordless Wednesday

I don't think I've ever been to a place as gorgeous as Capri, Italy.  Pictures just don't do it justice.  And the food?  Absolutely divine.

I will return.  Hopefully sooner rather than later.

A Bunch of Bananas

Sometimes life gets busy and when life gets busy I don't have nearly enough time to go on as many "Dining Underground" excursions as I'd like.  This is one of those times.

I'm currently in what you would call "crunch time" at work, which means my dining adventures have been less than thrilling (unless you call daily trips to Starbucks for tea excitement).  Somehow in the midst of all this craziness I managed to purchase an excessive amount of bananas.  How this happened I'm not too sure, but in my sleep-deprived-due-to-work haze, bananas were purchased.

In between my numerous work meetings and picking at my chipped nail polish, I decided on the only logical thing to do with my sudden bounty of bananas.  Make banana bread!

Not just any banana bread, VEGAN banana bread.  Why vegan you may ask?  While I'm not a vegan by any means, sometimes I just have an urge for vegan baked goodness.  That coupled with the fact that I was out of eggs and in no mood to run to the store for more.

This recipe takes only 10 minutes to make and then another 45-50 minutes in the oven.

Vegan Banana Bread (based loosely off of this recipe from Joy the Baker)

2 large or 3 small very ripe bananas
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup agave nectar
1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon flaxseed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas really well. Add the agave nectar, flaxseed, brown sugar, oil and mix together.

Smushed banana goodness

Sift in the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Use a wooden spoon to mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and sprinkle with cinnamon on top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be lightly browned when the bread is done baking, and then enjoy.

The end result

 Absolutely delicious and filling.  Just what I needed to get me through this week.

Sampling a little bit of everything at the Taste of Newport

Every year the city of Newport Beach hosts "Taste of Newport", a 3-day street festival with food offerings from many popular restaurants located in Newport Beach and bordering cities.  There's food, there's booze, and usually some form of entertainment (Foreigner anyone?).  You load up a card filled with "food credits" aka cash, and then enjoy amuse bouche size dishes from a variety of vendors.  This allows you to try many different dishes without getting overly stuffed.

This was my first time experiencing the Taste of Newport, and with my lovely parents as my guides, we eagerly began scouring the food stalls to decide which places would be worthy of our food credits.  But first, as all dining adventures should go, we started with a glass of champagne.

Bubbly before feasting!

Bubbly in hand, it was time to start exploring.  My game plan for the evening was to try dishes from places I haven't dined at before, and to try something new.  My dad made a beeline for the Kityama booth (Kitayama happens to be one of my favorite sushi restaurants) and got some chicken teryiaki and a spicy tuna roll.  My mom decided to go the Spanish route and enjoyed some paella from Tapas Flavors of Spain.  I sampled both of their selections and they were excellent.

Still feeling undecided, I wandered over to the Palm Terrace and my gaze fell upon the truffle mac n' cheese.  Truffle mac n' cheese?  Clearly I was going to have to try this.

Kinda makes you want to dive right in huh?

This was truly decadent - you could really taste the crushed truffles mixed with the pasta.  My dad had the lamb chops from the Palm Terrace and they were excellent as well.  Way to go Palm Terrace.

Wanting something with some protein, I found myself intrigued by the Kobe beef sliders at Back Bay Bistro made with carmelized onions and bleu cheese.  These bad boys were so good I devoured TWO of them, and so quickly that I didn't even pause to take a picture.  I'm definitely going to have to make a trip to the Back Bay Bistro in the near future.

After some more champagne, it was time for dessert.  My parents opted for ice cream cones from Ruby's but I was looking for something else.  Enter Tuxedo Strawberries from the Ritz Restaurant.

White + Dark Chocolate = Bliss

These suckers are so cute that you almost can't eat them.  Almost. ;)

We also grabbed some macaroons and chocolate from Christopher Michael Chocolates to enjoy later.

Overall, it was a delightful evening.  I got to try food from places I normally wouldn't dine at (or couldn't afford) and left feeling perfectly content.  Taste of Newport - I'll see you again next year.

The Yardhouse: A Conflicted Opinion

While this blog has mainly focused on all of my favorite Orange County eats, there are also places that leave me feeling conflicted.  The Yardhouse is one of them.

The Yardhouse is a chain restaurant/bar that prides itself on their extensive beer selection (and the fact that you can order beer by the yard).  It's the perfect place for happy hour, watching your favorite sports match, and of course, having a beer.  So why the conflict?  Quite frankly, it's the food.

I've eaten at The Yardhouse many times, and while there is absoultely nothing wrong with the food, I always leave just feeling meh.  And this is a place that even caters to gluten intolerances and other allergies so you would think I would be singing it's praises. But instead I always leave thinking "Oh Yardhouse, if only you put in a wee bit more effort."  For example, once while dining there I ordered the summer salad with chicken.  The salad arrived, but the chicken was still en route according to our server.  10 minutes later after I had already made a dent in the salad, the chicken arrived on a plate, looking like it was nuked in the microwave.  Le sigh.

And it's not that the sliders and the tuna rolls and pasta dishes don't sound enticing, but I just don't want to invest my time or money on just sub-par food.  Yes, I appreciate the fact that they list all of their nutritional information and are willing to modify for any dietary needs, but I just wish it had a little more of the "wow" factor considering the price.

For now, I will continue to go to the Yardhouse and enjoy their beverage selection and keep my fingers crossed that one day, just one day I may grow to love their menu.  As long as they don't ever serve me microwaved chicken on the side of my salad again.

Pumpkin Spice is Oh So Nice

Fall is (unofficially) here, which means it's time for everything pumpkin: pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin scones, pumpkin bread....need I go on?

Every year I'm always lured into a Starbucks or other coffeehouse/bakery establishment with the promise of delicious pumpkin baked goods and drinks.  However, since many of these treats either have some sort of corn or soy additive, I unfortunately cannot partake.

So I figured, "why not make your own pumpkin treats?"  I'll know EXACTLY what is in them, and can modify them to my liking (aka if I'm feeling healthy or indulgent). 

Now I know this blog is about the dining secrets of Orange County, but I figure it doesn't hurt to throw a recipe in there now and then.  Capiche? Capiche.

Lately I've had muffins on the brain, so clearly the logical answer was to make pumpkin muffins.  This recipe comes from one of my favorite food blogs, Smitten Kitchen, with a few modifications.

Since I don't feel like going for broke yet, this is the healthified version of pumpkin muffins.

Pumpkin Muffins (see the original recipe here)

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp baking powder (I used Hain baking powder which uses potato starch instead of corn)
1/3 cup canola oil
2 large eggs
1-1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup agave nectar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg

Preheat your oven to 350F.  Put liners in muffin cups or lightly coat muffin cups with cooking spray so they do not stick.

Combine pumpkin, oil and eggs in a large bowl.  Whisk together until smooth.  Stir in the agave nectar.

In another bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, and baking powder.  Slowly pour the dry ingredients into your pumpkin mixture.  Whisk together until everything is combined.

Divide the batter among the muffin cups and then sprinkle with additional nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice.

Bake until puffed and golden brown for 25-30 minutes.

Let muffins cool for 5 minutes, then eat and enjoy!  Yep, it's just that easy. 

Now you have a healthy breakfast treat or snack that can be enjoyed anytime.

Hidden Italian gems inside a Strip Mall

I'm becoming more and more convinced that the best restaurants are the little hole in the wall ones - the taco shop that looks like it could undergo some serious renovation, the sushi bar that has no name on the outside but somehow everyone knows how to find it, and delicious Italian restaurants tucked away in a strip mall.  For now, let's talk Italian (although I do have some tasty taco shops and sushi bars that I will need to discuss in the very near future).

Capone's is a small Italian Cucina that has been a Huntington Beach staple for over 17 years.  It's a family run restaurant that prides itself on homemade sauces, soups, and desserts made with only the freshest ingredients.  The restaurant is reasonably priced, and has a very homey vibe to it.  Plus, Monday and Wednesdays are 1/2 off a bottle of wine or no corkage fee if you choose to bring in your own bottle.  Not too shabby if you ask me.  But let's get to the food.

Of course, I forgot my camera when feasting on all of this Italian goodness, so a picture of Capone's entrance will have to suffice for the time being.

If you wish to start your meal with some antipasti, the Calamari Fritti with spicy marinara sauce or the Bruschetta Capone are light and especially flavorful.  I'm always a sucker for fresh bruschetta, and this is one of the best I've ever had.

For my main course, I settled on the Spaghetti Primavera - spaghetti noodles with fresh vegetables, olive oil, basil, and grilled chicken.  It was fantastic (and huge!) and seasoned perfectly.  My dining companions enjoyed Chicken Marsala, Linguine with Clams, and Penne con petit de Pollo with a balsamic glaze.  Judging by the fact that nearly all of us cleared our plates, I think it's safe to say the entrees were a hit. 

We all contemplated sampling something from the dessert tray (namely the tiramisu) but our bellies were so full and content from the delicious wine and dinner that we decided to pass.  Next time Capone's, next time.

I love meals like this when I leave feeling full but not overstuffed, and eager to come back to the restaurant to try some of their other dishes.  Good food, good friends, good night.

Capone's Cucina
19688 Beach Blvd #10

Huntington Beach, CA 92646

Vino, Va Bene!

I really do love a good glass of wine.  I think my love was truly born after studying abroad in Italy.  It was there that I really began to appreciate Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and the like.  When I returned to the states, I immediately sought out wine bars where I could further my appreciation.  LA has tons of gems such as Bodega, Sheddy's, and Bottle Rock to name a few.  But after moving to Orange County, I found that the area has a severe lack of wine bars.  Until I found Bacchus' Secret Cellar.

Secret is definitely the word for this wine shoppe/bar.  It's nestled away in the Quail Hill neighborhood of Orange County, stuck between a Subway and a Thai Food restaurant in the local shopping center.  Sure, the location may sound weird, but once you walk inside you forget that someone is making 6-inch subs next door.

The walls of the cellar are lined with various wines from all over the world and tucked away in one corner is a cheese case highlighting different kinds of cheeses that would go well with your wine.  There is one bar, and the rest of the space is adorned with tables, couches, and comfy chairs.  You really do feel like you are in someone's cellar and not in some trendy bar.  If you are looking for more of a homey vibe, Bacchus definitely has it.

Vino, Va Bene!

The cellar offers different wine "flights" - 3 2.5oz glasses of different red or white wines for a set price, or you can order by the glass (or bottle) off of their extensive menu.  In addition to the cheese, Bacchus also offers various meats and other small bites to enjoy with your glass of wine, and of course some very decadent-looking chocolate truffles.

Overall, I was impressed with Bacchus' Secret Cellar.  It's a good stop for a nice date night, or just a casual drink with a friend.  With so many wine varieties to choose from, I think I'll be making more than one return trip to Bacchus.

Bacchus' Secret Cellar
6735 Quail Hill Parkway
Irvine, CA 92603

Taco Rosa makes my heart sing

Being a Southern California native, I just happen to LOVE Mexican food.  Guacamole and rice and beans oh my!  However, when I found out I was allergic to corn of all things, I started to see many of my Mexican food-filled dreams fly out the window.  No more salty tortilla chips with guac.  No more fresh tamales.  No more mini taquitos and tostadas.  The horror!  Since Mexican food is a very heavily corn-based, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to eat at many Mexican restaurants anymore.  But then I remembered, there's Taco Rosa.

Taco Rosa is a lovely Mexican Cantina that was created from Taco Mesa founders Ivan and Marco Calderon.  While Taco Mesa serves fast and fresh Mexican dishes, Taco Rosa can be viewed as Taco Mesa's more refined big sister.  I have mad mad love for both establishments, but right now this post is dedicated to Taco Rosa (which doesn't mean that Taco Mesa won't make an appearance in the near future).

Taco Rosa's cuisine is something you could imagine yourself eating if you were actually in Mexico City.  The restaurant offers many classic Mexican dishes, with a slight French or Spanish influence.  If you are looking for more "Americanized" Mexican food, let me tell you, Taco Rosa is NOT that.  If you are in the mood for classic, Mexican flavors with a bit of a twist, this is your place.  Plus, they have happy hour weekdays from 3-6 so you can enjoy all of their delicious beverages for half the price.  But more on the beverages later.

The menu has all of the standards - Quesadillas, Fajitas, Enchiladas, Tostadas, etc.  They are also more than willing to accomodate any dietary needs.  Everytime I go in there I ask for flour tortillas instead of corn for all of my dishes and they are more than happy to oblige.  Oh, and they make the tortillas on site so you KNOW they are good.

When you first sit down, you are presented with some carrots, onions and vinegar (aka escabeche), a couple flautas, and some guacamole.  It's the perfect way to tease your palate of the yummy goodness that is to come.  Now Taco Rosa is well known for their homemade margaritas with agave nectar and sea salt, but I also have a love for their house sangria with fresh fruit.  The drinks are big and strong so you definitely get your money's worth.

Decadant Sangria and a Blended Margarita

On the food front, their Chicken Quesadilla, Carne Asada Burrito, and Calamari Tostada are all fantastic choices.  But of course, I have got to call out their Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas that are always just SIZZLING with flavor when presented.

Just look at that sizzle!

One of Taco Rosa's most popular dishes is the Enchiladas Mexico City which is made with pulled chicken in a tomatillo sauce and smothered in cheese.  Corn tortillas are traditionally used for this dish, and sometimes it's best not to mess with tradition, so my review is strictly based on word of mouth.

If you want something yum and meaty, try the Carnitas Pibil which is made in a wrapped banana leaf, or the Alambre Tacos with bacon and peppers.

Just make sure you leave room for dessert.  Oh, the dessert.  Sopapillas happen to be one of my favorite Mexican desserts, and many restaurants do not serve them.  For those who do not know, a sopapilla is a Mexican quick bread that is made with flour, shortening, oil, and baking powder, to creat a small pillow-like shape.  The sopapillas are then dipped in a fryer and usually served warm with ice cream.  Taco Rosa however, takes sopapillas to the next level.  Once the sopapillas are fried, they are served piping hot over vanilla bean ice cream with fresh strawberries, and honey and chocolate sauce for dipping.  Words cannot describe.

Perfection

Now that you are officially full of Mexican food goodness, you can roll yourself out of the restaurant and take a nice long siesta while your belly digests all that delicious food.  Taco Rosa only uses the finest and freshest ingredients, so you don't leave with that greasy Mexican food feeling. 

There are two Taco Rosa locations in Orange County - one in Newport Beach and one in Tustin.  Both are fine establishments, but if you are looking for something a little quieter and more intimate, the Newport location is definitely for you.  Regardless of which Taco Rosa establishment you dine at, you MUST order the sopapillas.  Just trust me on this one.

Taco Rosa

Tustin Marketplace
Bridgepark Plaza
13792 Jamboree Rd., 92670
(714) 505-6080
fax (714) 505-6133

Newport Beach
2632 San Miguel Rd., 92660
(949) 720-0980
fax (949) 720-0982