if not now...when?

fun times with OC bloggers at the matador cantina!

i made it to my first oc blogcrush meetup/networking/eating and merriment event this last week. we were hosted by the amazing matador cantina in historic downtown fullerton. i'm so glad i made it - we had a great time!

first of all, when did downtown fullerton get to be so cool? seriously - i went to csuf back in the early 90's and i don't remember a single interesting thing to do up there. but NOW - downtown fullerton is a pretty cool and happening place! tons of restaurants and shopping, all gentrified and revitalized. they have a nighttime farmer's market that is over for the winter, but will definitely be going on my calendar for spring!

our get-togther was hosted by the fine folks over at the matador cantina. really, i could go on and on about the amazing food here. the chile rellenos, the queso fundido, the cantina rolls. but just take a gander at some of the offerings you can find up there.

chile relleno

cantina rolls

 

jalapeno (!!) martini

 

cookie fundido

i think this is one of those times where a picture tells the story better that any words can. the guacamole was amazing. they had a pumpkin cake dessert (seasonal) that was out of this world (and i am a BiG pumpkin fan, so that says a lot). their margaritas were voted the best in OC by the readers of OC weekly magazine. so really, the trip for us south counteans up to fullerton - worth it in my opinion. a great date, a fun girls night out.  AND since it is in the old historic section of fullerton the building itself is actually pretty cool, too.

thanks again to the matador for your food and your hospitality! i know i'll be back SOON!

and oc bloggers - make sure that you sign up at BlogCrush over at facebook so that YOU can come to the next fabulous meetup. it's a great way to meet new blogging friends like suzanne, marcy, priscilla, dawn, lisa, and so many others. i had a great time making some new friends, and i can't wait until the next blogcrush get together! :)

oh, and 

GO ANGELS!!!!

friday flair

something new - i keep seeing all these "themed" posts on other blogs. they are so much fun, so i thought i might adopt some for myself! :)

for your weekend enjoyment - GO ANGELS!! 

 

big sports weekend around here. angels and dodgers playoff games, and USC/notre dame football. go team(s)!! :) 

i love san clemente

i wanna live there when i grow up! ;)

i miss my hometown, even if i just live a few miles away.

taken today at the san clemente farmer's market and around del mar.

 

 

   

     

hope everyone had a lovely weekend. i know i did! :)

cheap eats for date nights!

i love love love to eat out!! no dishes, no work, and well, fresh bread doesn't hurt, either! ;)

everyone seems to be trimming in their budgets lately - it's a scary world out there. but i have found that there are a few really good restaurants out there coming to the rescue! it's the year of the bargain dinner.

the savannah chop house in laguna niguel has the "perfect 10" menu that they have introduced:

 “The Perfect 10 ”

PREMIUM USDA 10 oz N.Y. STRIP
Mashed Potatoes & Peppercorn Sauce 10

½ POUND KING CRAB LEGS
Jalapeno Cheddar Potatoes, Blue Lake Green Beans 10

FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY
Chef’s Nightly Presentation 10

HONEY & BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN
Mashed Potatoes, Spinach, and Thyme Gravy 10

SAVANNAH VEGETABLE RISOTTO
Asparagus, Cremini Mushrooms, Sweet Corn & Carrots 10

the perfect 10 menu items are available for dine in only.

we went a couple of weekends ago. they originally had only 3 items on this menu, and one of them was filet mignon rather that NY steak, but it was a great deal. i'd go early - we were there with the senior crowd because we were going to the movies. we had no wait, but there were a TON of people waiting by the time we left. we got potatoes AND veggies on the side.

brasserie pascal at fashion island in newport beach is offering the le parfait 10 menu from 11:30am-6:30pm daily. you can choose from choice aged filet mignon, fresh alaskan halibut, or coq au vin. all $10 each, and i understand that they come with a potato and a veggie side. this is not on their website, but i think i read it on another food blog somewhere. sounds delicious!

morton's across from south coast plaza has a great bar/happy hour meal that could totally be a meal. an affordable way to try out a legendary restaurant.

Join us daily in the bar for 'Power Hour' at Morton's. It's Happy Hour done right!
Specially priced select beverages include...

Beer - $4
Sam Adams Seasonal
Budweiser
Bud Light

Wine - $5
BV Coastal Cabernet
Canyon Road Chardonnay
Cavit Pinot Grigio
Columbia Crest Merlot

The Morton's Spritz - $6
A blend of Prosecco, Aperol and orange juice

Morton's Mortinis - $7
Power Hour Cosmo
Power Hour Gin or Vodka Mortini
Power Hour Mojito
Power Hour Jim Beam Manhattan
Power Hour Palm Beacher

'Bar Bites' for just $5 include...
Three Miniature Crab Cakes
Iceberg Wedge Bites
Chicken Goujonettes
Three Prime Cheeseburgers

Jumbo Lump Crab, Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Four Petite Filet Mignon Sandwiches

Blue Cheese French Fries

Oysters on the Half Shell and Colossal Shrimp Cocktail also available

Daily from 4:30pm - 6:30pm and 9pm - Close

And make sure to leave room for Morton's Prime Burger and French Fries for only $15! A mouth-watering meal at Morton's at a price you'll love!

brio tuscany grille in monarch beach sent out a mailer for a $10 menu, including a steak choice and lobster raviolis. it is not, however, on their website, so you may want to call for verification. the mailer didn't have an expiration, but it did come to us in july, so i can't guarantee that they are still offering it.

a couple of much pricier, but ritizier, selections:

the stonehill tavern at the st. regis hotel in monarch beach. they are offering a $39 tasting menu, with a different choice wednesday through sunday. each menu comes with a soup or salad first course, an entree, and dessert (yippee!!).

Join us for dinner and enjoy our Seasonal Tasting Menu
Three Courses - $39

WEDNESDAY- FISH & CHIPS
THURSDAY- STEAK FRITES
FRIDAY- CEDAR- PLANK SALMON
SATURDAY- ROAST PRIME RIB
SUNDAY- SEAFOOD STEW

Social Hour nightly 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
$9 hand-crafted cocktails, bar menu

fleming's steakhouse in newport beach has the summer prix fixe menu for $35.95. this menu will be available through september 22, 2009.

A Complete 3-Course Dinner
$35.95* per Guest

APPETIZER (CHOICE OF ONE)
Spinach Salad
with crisp smoked bacon, egg and balsamic vinaigrette
OR
Chilled Potato Leek Soup
with sautéed corn and herb salsa on rosemary crostini

ENTRÉE (CHOICE OF ONE)
Peppercorn Crusted Filet Mignon
truffle-infused pan juices finished with cream, served with yukon gold potato croquettes
OR

Roasted Sesame Chicken
breast of chicken served with cracked wheat herbed pilaf
OR

Broiled Sea Scallops
with roasted tomato beurre blanc and orzo pasta

SIDE DISHES
Sautéed Mushrooms or Green Beans with toasted almonds

DESSERT
Caramelized Banana Crème Brulée with chantilly crème

* Excluding wine, tax and gratuity.

and you knew that ruth's chris steakhouse had to get in on this trend. and they did with the ruth's summer classics. again - dessert included. i love that! :) the three course meals are $39.95 per person.

Starter
(Choice of Starter)
Caesar Salad
Fresh crisp Romaine hearts tossed with Romano cheese, a creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan and black pepper crisps

Steak House Salad
Iceberg, baby arugula and baby lettuces with grape tomatoes, garlic croutons and red onions

Mixed Greens & Asparagus Salad
Field Greens served atop fresh asparagus, tossed with roasted tomato vinaigrette, garnished with grape tomatoes & Cajun pecans and topped with crispy onions

Roasted Tomato & Crab Soup
A Roasted Plum tomato soup topped with crab meat and garnished with fresh basil

Entrée
(Choice of Entrée)
6 oz. Filet & Shrimp
A 6-ounce medallion of our filet topped with jumbo shrimp

Fresh Fish Selection
Chef’s daily feature

Stuffed Chicken Breast
Oven roasted free-range double chicken breast stuffed with garlic herb cheese and served with lemon butter

Sizzlin Blue Crab Cakes
Three of our jumbo lump crab cakes topped with sizzling lemon butter

Sides
(Choice of personal side)
Green Beans with Roasted Garlic
Creamed Spinach • 1/2 Broiled Tomato
Mashed Potatoes • Mushrooms

Dessert
Summer "Symphony" Selection:
Duo of Fresh Berries with Sweet Cream
& Raspberry Sorbet in a Chocolate Cup 
 

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and of course, now i'm hungry looking up all of those restaurant websites! so, grab your significant other or even a group of girlfriends. get out there and contribute to the economic recovery! your tastebuds and your wallet will thank you.

vote for me?

 

really?? i don't know who nominated me, but apparently i am up for a "you've just been spotted 2009 orange county blog" award from just spotted!! crazy - i barely write in my blog anymore, but thanks to whoever nominated me! if nothing else, i am really happy to have found this website and a GREAT list of fellow orange county bloggers!! i think i could spend hours perusing all of the great blogs they have listed!! 

anywho... if you are so inclined, go vote for me, and check out their site! voting is on on the left side, and i am under the "be creative" category. oh, and the amazing  ANNIE is also nominated under the "kid and family" category - so glad to see her adventures and her amazing pictures are being recognized! go annie!! :)

but seriously, wow. it is really an honor to be nominated with the likes of annie, suzanne broughton, tara whitney,  sadie olive, blondie 'n sc, and many other favorites! thanks again! :)

 

summer

 

and to think the farthest we ventured from orange county was to legoland and valley center in san diego. we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place!

i hope everyone is having a great summer!

i can't be a farmer, but i can shop at the farmer's market!

  visit my flickr!

as summer starts to race upon us, there is no better way to celebrate the season than to visit your local farmer's market!! we will be at the beach this summer, and i am really looking forward to being able to visit this great little farm. they have the BEST strawberries EVER!!

the LA times has a columnist writing about farmer's markets, recipes, and farm market fare. i wish the register would add this kind of info to their food column online... more of a focus on orange county. here is a google map that gives locations and times for southern california farmer's markets.

***ETA: YAY oc register - they are starting a farmer's market section!! i wonder if she read the same times article that i did?? ;) ***

View Where to find your local farmers market in a larger map

slow foods usa also has links to local chapters that can guide you to local markets and other sources for good, natural food. 

i just really enjoy getting outside in the beautiful weather - getting some good, fresh food from some hardworking people who actually care about food. i try to buy mostly organic fruits and veggies all year round, but the spring and summer bounty make the farmer's market practically irresistable! :-)

also looking forward to finishing this book: lots of recipes and even more reasons to eat real food.

 

looking forward to a holiday weekend, complete with night at the museum II and another weekend at the beach!

almost midway thru december...

and i am really hating typepad right now. i just had a long post, complete with CHRISTMAS LIGHT info, and POOF, typepad made it disappear like jimmy hoffa. grrrr... i think it is this new editor. it's making typepad act really weird for me.

i'll give links to the maps for what i think are two of the best christmas light displays in south orange county.

bramford street candy cane lane 

this is a very special neighborhood where i think about 99.9% of the houses are lit up. so worth the trip! :)

el corzo, rancho santa margarita 

this winter wonderland is kind of out of the way for a lot of people, and the crowds can be off-putting, but once you get out of your car and walk down this street, you'll feel like you are in another world, complete with SNOW and a mini ice rink. GO - you will not be disappointed, i promise! ;) i posted a ton of pictures of it a couple of years ago here. 

and yay!! snowdays is back!! you can go here and make the coolest virtual snowflakes. my kids LOVE this site, and i bet yours will, too!   

one last thing. if you love christmas treats, you must go to trader joe's. they have so many yummies - peppermint joe joes (oreos), salted caramels, triple gingersnaps, the list goes on and on. so good - make sure you put some of these delicacies on your christmas list. ;)

and if you scrapbookers out there need something really, really cool to ask for for christmas, THIS might be the perfect thing to ask for under the tree. it is being put on by scrapbook oasis and my awesome friend, susan lyons. i know that susan is a planner extraordinaire, and that karen and scrapbook oasis always hit it out of the park with their events, so this should be amazing.    

sorry no pics on this post, but typepad is *NOT* my friend right now.

hope everyone had a great weekend! :) 

'tis the season...

for appetizers!

these little frittatas are soooo good. i made them in a mini cupcake pan. it worked perfectly. they weren't hard to make, but they did take a lot of work, if i remember correctly...

from cooking light (can you tell i like that magazine?):

Individual Potato-Bacon Frittatas

Yield

6 servings (serving size: 2 frittatas)

Ingredients

• 3/4  pound  small red potatoes (about 6)
• Cooking spray
• 1/2  cup  chopped onion
• 1/2  cup  chopped red bell pepper
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4  cup  (3 ounces) shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
• 4  bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (drained)
• 1 3/4  cups  egg substitute
• 1/4  teaspoon  salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Place potatoes in a large saucepan, and cover with water. Bring to a boil, and cook 25 minutes or until tender. Drain; cool slightly. Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat. Stir in potato, cheese, and bacon.

Combine egg substitute, salt, and black pepper. Spoon vegetable mixture evenly into 12 muffin cups or 6-ounce ramekins coated with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture evenly over vegetable mixture. Bake at 375° for 18 minutes or until set. Remove from muffin cups, and cool slightly.

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here is a fun holiday/wintery event i found for this weekend. these snow events are always fun. i would be going if sarah wasn't sick... :(

20th Annual Winter Wonderland

Saturday, December 6th

10:30am-1pm

Bonita Creek Park (3010 La Vida, Newport Beach

Celebrate the warm sounds of holiday mustic and enjoy 100 tons of snow with the Recreation and Senior Services Department during the 20th Annual Winter Wonderland Event. Bonita Creek Park is transformed into a winter escapade, with sledding, snowman building, holiday crafts and more. Although Santa and his elves are busy, they will make a special visit. Throughout the festivities, food and photos will be for sale. Additional parking and shuttle service is available in the lot located at 1701 Camelback Street.

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here is a link for a map to a christmas light display in aliso viejo. greenbriar is the main street with the lights, but they are really kind all over the whole area. i haven't been this year, but there were lots of good displays here.

apparently, i don't have street addresses saved for a lot of the really good lights that we go to every year. i will be on a MISSION this weekend, out finding them and bringing them to you. i hope that there are a lot of you who love christmas lights like we do! :)

i actually scrapbooked last night for the first time in about 6 months. when i get all my stuff organized, i'll post some pictures of the merry day album i'm working on! it was so fun to get out and see some friends! ;)

3 weeks and counting people!!! :D

new banner...

karen, does that picture look familiar? ;)

thanks again for the replies on my jack/school post. i'm still thinking, but i have months to make a decision... i know it will work out whatever i decide to do.

i will come up with some sort of challenge "assignments" for the jenni bowlin kit. they should be arriving early this week, for those who ordered. she has the monthy inspirations up - check them out!

check out our local idea of SNOW.

its either that or this, so we'll take what we can get. ;)

if you want to take a look at a GREAT blog, check out kellicrowe. boop - thanks SO much for having me give her a second look. she is hilarious, yet she really has a lot to say. so, i'm shouting out to her here. i love her homeschooling posts, and i loved, loved, loved her shelter post. wow. and she is a kickass scrapper.

happy monday - it is midnight, and i have to go to bed! *muah*