A 6-Course Meal with the Grinch at Hidden Dinner

The Grinch was not HAPPY at our Hidden Dinner! He wanted to spoil our dinner before it even started, but fortunately he had a change of heart!!! <3  =)
@Essex Skyline (Santa Ana, CA)

Sweet Mud: Warm chef's hot cocoa 
This was AWESOME!!! The hot coco was smooth and creamy. The marshmallow was light and fluffy and sweeeetttt!! 

Who Pudding: Wine & mixed berry gelee w/ sweet cream 

I'm not going to lie....I felt a little warm/flushed after eating this. 
Yes, I know....cheap date! I hear it all the time! =_=

Bad Banana & Garlic: Chestnut & pear cream soup w/ banana & garlic banana pudding  

The soup was sweet, creamy, and savory! The bread pudding isn't your typical dessert bread pudding-- it was thicker, with tons of textures (from fresh garlic). I couldn't finish it because I didn't want to spoil the rest of my dinner, but I definitely would have been satisfied with this alone! :)

Spiked 'Nog: Fresh eggnog w/ spirits made for adults! ^_~ 
I couldn't stomach pure eggnog but the chef was kind enough to whip up a vegan/dairy-free eggnog for me, which meant my friend got an extra "spiked" eggnog and extra red/sleepy! hehehe... 
Super delicious!

Roast Beast w/ Who Hash: Roasted quail, wild rice stuffing, potato lentil hash, cherry pomegranate reduction
The chef wanted to create a "mini turkey" on the plate with stuffings and what I thought was cranberry sauce until now(but it was actually cherry pomegranate)! I was fooled! =P 
Eating the quail requires only your hands-- so no forks or knives needed.... otherwise you'd end up not eating at all! You'd just miss out! ;)

Sticky Pudding: Sticky toffee pudding w/ candied bacon and cranberry sorbet
The chef's "healthy" version of the dessert served with sorbet instead of creamy vanilla ice-cream.  I guess the candied bacon balances out the healthy factor of this dessert! Just saying.....=P  The toffee pudding was definitely delicious but slightly too sweet for my taste. The sorbet was tangy and very refreshing! 
I like! =D

Here is another look of deliciousness! :) 

Guess what's inside???
Chocolate Truffle!!! Yummm!!! =)

Hidden Dinner was definitely a new experience for me! It's a small dinner get-together with a theme (this month: How The Grinch Stole Hidden Dinner). There were about 20 people there. Some were like my friend and I, newcomers and of course the veterans. It's a great event to meet new people like ourselves (i.e. foodies) but then there were also curious minds, I guess.... also like us...loL!

The food was delicious, the decor was theme oriented, the environment was fun and casual! Overall, it was a great experience and I would highly recommend it! Let me know if you've been to one or planning on attending future dinners (there's one every month)! :)

XOXO,

Kathy

Food Review: from OC to LA

I am the queen of "eating out!" Yes, there are many days where I would dine out all 3 meals a day! =P

Below are places I've been to:

Orange County, CA:

Plum Cafe, Costa Mesa

Website: www.plumscafe.com

Comment: I was there for breakfast and it was delicious! My friend and I didn't have to wait long for our table because we sat at the bar! The server was super friendly and attentive! Always a plus! ;). A group of friends and I went back for a bridal shower party a month later and everything tasted GREAT! Everyone was happy with their dishes! As usual I ordered an omelette with apple-honey sausage served with Plums potatoes and toast! Thumbs up! =)

Kya Street Fare (Hotel Menage), Anaheim

Website: http://www.kyastreetfare.com/index.php/menu/kya-street-fare

Comment: I love street food!!! The menu was fabulous! The menu consists of international dishes from a wide selection of countries and cultures. My friend and I ordered quite a few dishes on the menu including: chicken satay w/ peanut sauce, Gumbo, Blackened Catfish, Crispy Coconut Shrimp, and others I can't recall right now. All I remember is, I was stuffed and satisfied! :)

Los Sanchez, Garden Grove

Website: http://www.lossanchez.com/loca.htm

Comment: Need I say more?! This whole plate plus a small drink only cost $10!!!

California burrito: chicken, fries (yes, fries!!!) guacamole, sour cream, bean, rice, lettuce, and tomato =)

Sushi Kappo Suzumaru, Tustin

Comment: I usually do take-out from here but the food is always good! I love their chirashi, nabeyaki udon, and dinner combo....ok, pretty much everything is good there although a little pricey.... =) I must say the reason why I usually do take-outs from here is because service is a little slow otherwise, everything else is great! 

Sushi Koto, Fountain Valley 

Comment: I'll let the pictures for themselves....

Red Bean Ice-cream: Is it me or does that look like a smiley face??? 

It's a smiley face!!! =D

This is the Chirashi Zen (two tiers!) w/ miso soup. The presentation was beautiful but the sushi rice was a little dry =/

OSECHI for NEW YEARS: 4-course meal for a new beginning

Cream Pan, Tustin

Comment: LOVE the Strawberry croissants! <3 They're light, flaky, and crispy but not too sweet! The perfect combo! The cream pan and banana tart are also delicious! Ahhh....dessert makes me weak.... ;)

Mizuki, Irvine

Comment: Best place to for happy hours (4pm-7pm)! Most appetizers are 50% off. The ramen are delicious and the portions are HUGE! See for yourself! =)

Los Angeles Area:

Griddle Cafe, Los Angles (Breakfast)

Website: www.thegriddlecafe.com

Comment: The wait was long (20-30 minutes at @10 am) but it was worth it! The pancakes (Red Velvet and Eyes Wide Open) are huge! My friend was only able to finish 1/4 of the double stack pancakes! Next time, we'll order just one pancake....btw, the French press coffee was excellent (free refills)! 

Bea Bea's, Burbank 

Comment: I was here for breakfast on a weekday w/ my bff and there was no wait. Loved the grilled chicken avocado omelette w/ hash brown (my breakfast of champion)! I have to go back and try the Oreo pancakes! =) 

Toast Bakery Cafe, Los Angeles

Website: http://www.toastbakerycafe.net/

Comment: Delicious food! I've been here twice! I was told that celebrities like Jessica Alba are usually spotted here, but I'm still waiting....=P

Turkey burger and sweet potato fries! YuMm!

Ketchup, Los Angeles

Website: www.dolcegroup.com/ketchup

Comment: Great atmosphere and a fun place for a girls night out! We ordered multiple appetizers (threesome fries, Californication crab cakes, Kobe sliders, and something else?) and they were filling! The servers were really nice and friendly! Always a plus that they were cute...loL =P

Gangandi Indian Cuisine

Website: http://gangadin.biz

Comment: Delicious food! I've been here twice and both times we were very satisfied! ;) The servers were super nice and attentive!

Aloo chat papri

Lamb biryani

Chicken tikka masala

Garlic Naan

Wurstkutche, Los Angeles

Website: http://www.wurstkucherestaurant.com/

Comment: A fun place to be after work! Great beers and dogs...oh yea, the Belgian fries were awesome!!! Check out their menu for some exotic meats (rabbit, veal, alligator, rattlesnake, etc.)! I was impressed! =)

LaLa's Grill, Los Angeles

Website: http://www.lalasgrill.com/

Comment: Let's just say 3 out of 4 of us ordered steak (Entrana al Champignon) for $17! Great price and definitely a fun place to dine w/ friends. I'd have to go back and try other dishes too! :)

Animal Restaurant, Los Angeles

Website: http://animalrestaurant.com/

Comment: The menu changes daily but it consists of exotic meats (i.e. sweetbreads, BBQ pork belly sliders w/ slaw = yum!!!!! A must!)

Il Chianti, Lomita (Torrance Area)

Website: http://www.il-chianti.com/il_la.html

Comment: This is a hidden treasure! Il Chianti is a Japanese-Italian fusion. The pizzas were delicious (especially "umibe" seafood pizza) and there are many choices to choose from! Must try Softshell crab hand rolls, Greek pasta, squid ink pasta (beware and try not to get BLACK ink all over yourself bc the soup is BLACK)! 

Dessert

Sweet Lady Jane

Website: http://www.sweetladyjane.com/

Comment: Love all the pastries and especially the bread pudding!!!! These are to die for! I still have to try the cake....will be back soon! hehehe...=P

Syrup Desserts, Los Angeles

Comment: Liege waffle with strawberries and ice-cream was sweeeeeettttttttt......The portion was small for the price but worth every bite! I heard the grilled cheese is also up there! ;) Do I hear another visit coming up? I love dessert...makes life so much sweeter!!! lOL!

Porto's Bakery, Glendale

Website: www.portosbakery.com

Comment: The place was so crowded, but I can see why! So much goodies and items to try! To be honest, I was a little overwhelmed! I'll have to go back and try even more....=P Can't wait!

Guava cheese pastry....on the House! =P

Ham & Cheese croissant and Steak tortas (on French bread instead of tortas). So yummy!! 

Ham & Cheese croissant: up-close! 

Steak tortas: steak, avocado, black bean spread and lettuce! 

Alcove Cafe and Bakery, Los Angeles

Website: www.alcovecafe.com

Comment: Delicious cakes! I tried the berries layered cake and peanut butter fudge layered cake...they were to die for, especially with a cup of espresso!!!! =)

The slice is huge!!!

Peanut butter fudge (w/ chunks of fudge and chocolate chips)....need I say more? 

Berries layered cake: black berries, blueberries, and strawberries. Fluffy and light...heavenly! O=)

Red Velvet cake....yummie!!!! <3

Food Review Part II

Time for more Food Reviews: My favorite part of it all, eating delicious foods!!! 

Shabu Shabu Bar (Tustin, CA))

Thoughts: This place is similar to CA Shabu Shabu.....BUT, I was totally disappointed with their selection of sauce! =_= (aka...no teriyaki sauce???) The meats/seafoods and vegetables were fresh. I'm not a fan of the brown rice there (kinda dry). We waited for 30 minutes before our food came out and we came at 5:30pm (yes, my parents like to eat early)! Granted there was a large party of 8 before us, but still...be prepared for business people! I think I'll stick with CA Shabu Shabu! =)

Quan Hop: Central and Northern Vietnamese Cuisine (Westminster, CA)

Thoughts: This is my go-to restaurant when I don't know what I'm in the mood for! Everything is consistent: hearty foods, good ambiance, and friendly service. :) This is the sister restaurant of Quan Hy, which specializes only in Central Vietnamese food. I enjoy both restauants! 

Vermicille spicy soup with seafood

Pho with filet mignon and beef meatballs

Bun Bo Hue (my favorite)! I love the spice! So HOT!!! =P

Tokyo Table (Diamond Jamboree in Irvine)

Thoughts: Another fail-proof place I go to when I'm craving sushi rolls! The prices are decent, service is quick, and the foods (well the rolls) are pretty good.

Caterpillar Roll

Rainbow Roll: My all-time favorite roll! =)

OMG Roll: OMG....really?! Cream cheese w/ salmon (ugh....loL)
Just saying....

Fried chicken

Lobster Dynamite Roll: it gets pretty thick and creamy with the sauce, so go easy!
Otherwise, I like it!

Mackerel with rice

Agedashi Tofu: The skin was a little thick than what I'm used to but the sauce and toppings were convincing. 

Spider Roll (with soft shell crab): Yummy! =P

Honey Toast w/ Vanilla Ice-cream: Remember to share! 

I can make this at home! hehehe....

Coco Ichibanya Curry House (Diamond Jamboree in Irvine)

Thoughts: I LIKE it! :) This place is comparable to Curry House but definitely does not kid when it comes to spice!!! Let's just say a level 5 (on their spice-ometer) caused me to sweat a couple of bullets, yet still tolerable! I wouldn't dare to try a level 10! Yikes!  >.<

Octopus curry at a spicy level of 10!!!! Just look at the color of the curry sauce! EEekkk....let's just say the consumer suffered from stomach pain and reflux for 2 days after! 

Hamburg Curry 

Chicken cutlet with chicken stew curry (Level 5)! Ooshiiiii...... ^_^

AnQi Gourmet Bistro & Noodle Bar (@South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa)

Thoughts: It's a beautiful restuarant with great ambiance and service. The food is fusion Vietnamese cuisine. 

Beef Carpaccio: raw beef! This was delicious! A must try! :)

Roasted Crab (only on Tuesday evenings): if you've had the Chinese/Vietnamese version, it's pretty much the same thing.

Garlic noodle: Pretty tasty, but it was a little dry. So far the best garlic noodle I've ever tasted was at AnQi's sister restaurant in SF (Thanh Long)

Lychee Panna Cotta

Vietnamese banana fritter

Here's a closer look! ;) 

Hashigo Korean Kitchen (Costa Mesa, CA)

www.hashigorestaurants.com/

Thoughts: Delicious food and friendly service! I'll definitely come back to try other entrees on the menu! Everything looked so good, but a girl could only eat so much at one visit! ;) I definitely enjoyed every bite of everything we ordered! YuMMmmmM!!!!! =D

Perfect Side Dishes (Kimchi, Radish, and Potatoes)

Tempura Calamari Appetizer 

Volcano Roll (Baked scallop on top of CA roll w unagi sauce)

The Kurrito (Kimchi fried rice w/ bbq beef drenched in spicy tofu soup)

Ok....here's a closer look of yumminess!!!! ^.^

I must return to you, Hashigo!!!!!

Oh yes, we topped dinner off w/ Yogurtland....otherwise, dinner is just not complete! hehehee.....

Until next Thursday....Eat Well!!!

Break of Dawn (Laguna Hills, CA)

http://breakofdawnrestaurant.com/index.html

Thoughts: This is an Asian Fusion restaurant (Vietnamese meets Western cuisine) and the food is awesome!!! There is a twist to every dish-- kinda of refreshing! Made my taste buds smile! =D

BBQ Pulled Pork w/ Jalapeno Corn Cake, 2 boiled-egg tempuras, and slaw. 

Chicken curry stew: A must try!!! 

Beef Short Rib w/ poached eggs, and corn bread! Yum!!

French Toast Creme Brulee: This is a One of a kind!

A close-up shot! **salivating**

LAMILL Coffee (Silver Lake, L.A.)

www.LAMILLcoffee.com

Thoughts: Breakfast food was alright (I'm a BIG breakfast snob...) so I wasn't that impressed. The coffee was a little watered-down (maybe just that day??). I wish I had tried the sandwiches rather than an omelette that I could have made. BUT (there's a BIG but in this....I must say, the Donut holes w/ vanilla cream spread were FABULOUS! The vanilla spread was just PERFECT! =D

Vanilla holes w/ vanilla cream spread

Guppy Teahouse (@ Diamond Jamboree, Irvine)

www.myguppyteahouse.com

Thoughts: I haven't really tried the food yet, but my friends and I usually go there for dessert! Note of the food: the portions are HUGE! So order at your own risk...or share =D

Coconut spread toast! Yum!!! My friend and I couldn't finish it...doggie-bagged it! ;)

Shaved ice w/ mango and strawberry (mixed w/ condensed milk)

Katsuya at the Americana (Glendale)

www.sbe.com/katsuya

Thoughts: Totally over-priced Japanese food! We went for Happy Hour and ended up with a $100 bill for two (we were no longer happy at that hour)! =/ On the same note: Happy Hour just means rolls are about $5-6, but only 1/2 the roll! You do the math! loL!

Rocking shrimp with mushroom on top of a CA roll

Kobe Tobanyaki w/ mushroom: The beef was tender and tasty, but a little on the oily side

Miso black cod in banana leaf: Beautiful presentation (for sure!), but again, I've had better

Good patio seating for people watching! We had a great view of the Trattoria Amici 

L.A. Creamery Artisan Ice Cream at the Americana (Glendale)

lacreamery.com 

Thoughts: I absolutely loved it here!!! Okay, maybe I'm biased because I love ice-cream....but there were so many (unusual) flavors that I could help want to try them all (I resisted and only got 2!) I had Berry Rose and Salted Caramel in a waffle cone (I know...weird combo, but tasted great)! A plus, the server charged us for single-scoop when he stuffed our cone w/ at least double-scoops! ;) We'll be back....

(Sorry, no pictures....we couldn't wait..you'd understand if you were there ^.^)

Gen Korean BBQ and Yakitori Bar (Tustin)

http://www.yelp.com/biz/gen-korean-bbq-and-yakitori-bar-tustin

Thoughts: Good food and good service! I was satisfied! =D

Tons of side dishes and they never go unfilled!

Sauce, pickled radish, and rice paper

Fresh Kobe beef (any cuts)

Shrimps, spicy chicken, and veggies!