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Thursday, August 24, 2017

Praise the Lord & Pass The Biscuits!



I attended the House of Blues Gospel Brunch about 10 years ago at the old location in downtown Disney and I recall it was a rip-roaring hand-clapping good time so when I got invited to check out their new location I was quick to jump at the chance! This was actually my first time at the new location in general since it opened earlier this year and I have to say it's pretty impressive! It feels a lot bigger and much more open than the old location even though it is somewhat of the same set-up with a large open main floor and an upstairs viewing section. I also hear there's a swanky Foundation Room at their new location but I didn't get a peek at it - maybe next time. ;)

Of course, you can't write about the brunch without talking about the food and holy smokes, this is a serious spread they have here folks! It's an all-you-can-eat southern theme (of course!) and features some pretty delicious southern brunch fare like biscuits and gravy, jambalaya, mac n cheese, fried chicken and waffles and of course, for you breakfast purists there's all the standard eggs, bacon, etc. fare. They also offer some really nice stations like a full made-to-order omelet bar and a yummy carving station. 

Oh, and whatever you do, do NOT skip dessert! One of my hands-down favorite items was the decadent white chocolate banana bread pudding - sinfully delicious and a MUST try! Unfortuantely, I didn't get a good enough picture of it to post but it's an iconic dish at HOB's around the world and if you've never tried it you're in for a treat! 

They also offer a $15 bottomless mimosa to add onto your brunch - very worth it as they come around quite often and keep you filled up! All in all, the food was pretty terrific and hit the spot for a Sunday morning indulgence.


Once you've had a chance to get your plate and start into your brunch the show starts - the gospel brunch features a different performer every week and we were lucky enough to be there when the fabulous Divine Connection was on stage.  They were the perfect mix of upbeat fun tunes along with some classic gospel songs. They were also really skilled at getting everyone up and shaking their booties, even getting a contingent up on stage with them to show their stuff! I also saw more than one group celebrating birthdays and even a bachelorette party. It seems like the perfect place for a celebration of any kind and they seemed to do a fabulous job of handling the large parties - make a note for your next celebration! 
 
One thing I also noticed as I looked around the room is EVERYONE was having a great time! I don't think I saw a single somber face in the place although I'm not sure how you could attend the gospel brunch and not leave in a great mood and with a happy tummy!

House of Blues Gospel Brunch is offered every Sunday at 10:30am. 
New location is at the Anaheim Garden Walk, 400 W. Disney Way, Suite 337 in Anaheim - you can't miss 'em! 
Tickets are $45 and available online at: http://houseofblues.com/an aheim/gospelbrunch 

About House of Blues Anaheim:
The new House of Blues Anaheim at GardenWalk, marks the first new House of Blues to be built in the U.S. in a decade. The venue spans 44,000 square feet of space, with live music in four unique entertainment venues all under one roof including the main concert hall, the intimate Parish, the Foundation Room and House of Blues Restaurant and Bar. All four of the entertainment and food spaces offer the most advanced sound system of any House of Blues, and the location will feature live entertainment every night.
 
About House of Blues:
Founded in 1992, House of Blues are located throughout the United States and form the country’s pre-eminent group of intimate music venues. Each features state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology in one-of-a-kind custom designed environments aimed to bring fans as close as possible to the artists. Every location’s restaurant and bar is adorned with signature original folk-art – part of the world’s largest collection – combined with the House of Blues legendary hospitality and tantalizing cuisine.


Thursday, August 10, 2017



The OCWeekly's Decadence is back! 

Friday, September 29th at the Hotel Irvine 


If you only attend one food festival this summer this is the one you want it to be folks! I've been attending this event for several years and it just gets better and better every year!  Decadence brings together 40+ of Orange County's BEST restaurants for this all-inclusive event! It's a great way to sample all those places you've been hearing about and/or grab a bite from one of your favorites.



This outdoor food & drink-sampling festival will also feature some of the best liquor, sodas and juices from local and national brands, along with signature cocktails from well-known restaurants. Expected to attend (so far!) is Reyka Vodka, Modelo Especial, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard, VitaCoco, and Hubert's Lemonade will be serving. More to be announced!




Tickets are currently on pre-sale for $10 off the regular price until Friday, August 11th ONLY! You can also opt for early entrance with VIP tickets (starting at $60) which comes with a few other perks including a VIP bag with special offers.

Get your tickets soon for an evening of music, entertainment and modern ambiance at Hotel Irvine's indoor/outdoor "backyard" space. Decadence is a celebration of self-indulgence and is sure to satisfy any sweet or savory tooth. 

Please note that this is a 21+ event and you will need to show government-issued ID for entry into the event at Hotel Irvine. *Ticket prices will increase so buy them at a discount while you can!



Read more information and get your tickets at this link: https://www.ocdecadence.com/



Thursday, July 6, 2017

JUST ANNOUNCED! 
A new summer "Movies Nights in the Backyard" night for Friday, August 11th at the Hotel Irvine 
showing the movie,
 "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them!"

I recently attended a viewing of "La La Land" at the last "Movie Nights in the Backyard" event and had a fabulous time! I was really impressed with what a great fun experience this was and how well run the event is too! From the minute you walk in it's an easy experience with the friendly folks from the Hotel Irvine greeting you!

You basically bring your own blankets and low back chairs and make yourself comfy on their gorgeous secluded lawn area. One nice thing I noticed is that unlike some of the free movies in the park events, they control the # of tickets sold so it never got ridiculously crowded.  I do suggest you bring a blanket as it can get chilly in the evenings! 

You are allowed to bring your own food BUT they also offer a wide variety of food available for purchase including their yummy backyard BBQ with freshly grilled burgers, chicken wings, and other foods like salads and sandwiches. They also have beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase to round out your Friday evening under the stars.

One other nice touch is the snack bar which is fully loaed with TONS of old school movie snacks like your favorites candies, ice cream, cookies and of course, freshly popped buttered popcorn!  

The price for general admission is only $5, and you can buy them at the door but I HIGHLY suggest you buy yours ahead of time as the last two events SOLD OUT!

They also offer a limited number of VIP experiences too which includes the following:
  • Two tickets to the movie of your choice
  • Reserved front-row seating with your very own picnic blanket
  • Unlimited access to Chef’s Backyard BBQ and movie night snacks
  • A bottle of red or white wine
  • Complimentary valet parking
All this for ONLY $45 - pretty great deal and sells out FAST so if you're interested I suggest you high-tail it over to their website ASAP!

Get your general admission and VIP tickets here before they sell out at this link: https://goo.gl/qxUfHz



Thursday, June 29, 2017

New Sunset Celebration Menu at Las Brisas!

Have you been to Las Brisas restaurant in Laguna Beach lately? If not you may be missing out! If you're like me and grew up in Orange County you've inevitably been to Las Brisas many times as it's practically an OC staple for first dates, birthday celebrations, family brunch, you name it! Of course, with its gorgeous ocean views and yummy Mexican food it's a great place any day of the week really!

The talented Chef Johannes Bernau, Las Brisas' Corporate Chef, explained how in an effort to keep things fresh and up to date, they recently revamped all their menus from breakfast to dinner. Even their infamous brunch menu has been updated and includes some new surprises! 

I recently had the opportunity to check out the new Sunset Celebration Menu in their Seaside Cantina and I have tell you, the food here is definitely up to a new level!



The menu has something for everyone from the sinful Nueske's Bacon Sliders to the vegetarian friendly Pomegranate Goat Cheese Tacos. Here is just a sampling of a few of my favorites dishes from their new menu: 

Baked (Queso) Fundido - really unique baked in phyllo dough! Delicious! 

Hamachi Sashimi w finger limes & grapefruit -
 so fresh with jsut the right amout of citrus!

Blistered Shishito Peppers
Nueske's Bacon Sliders using thick cut bacon and
 topped with a flavorful chimichurri sauce! A MUST order! 
The vegetarian Pomegranate Goat Cheese Tacos.. soo good you'll forget they're meat-free! 
The Seaside Cantina is a great place to relax, enjoy a summer cocktail and a tasty bite. They also have live music and a gorgeous wall of Tequilas that'll keep you entertained for awhile just oohing and ahhaing at them all!  Summer is the perfect time to visit and check out their new menu while taking in the gorgeous views.



















The Sunset Celebration Menu is served only in the seaside cantina from 5pm to sunset. Las Brisas is located at 361 Cliff Drive in Laguna Beach - right off PCH. They have valet parking for a fee but there is also quite a bit of metered parking on Cliff Drive if you're coming just to enjoy Happy Hour in the cantina. 



Enjoy, and tell them OCFoodieGirl sent you! ;) 

Monday, May 15, 2017

West Coast BBQ Classic!

Fun at the West Coast BBQ Classic at the Queen Mary! 

Is there such a thing as TOO much BBQ? NEVER! ;)













This weekend I attended the West Coast BBQ Classic at the Queen Mary and had SO much fun sampling everything from ribs and pulled pork to the yummy yum Mac Crack BBQ Attack! It was an all around good time with eating contests, line dancing, and a great band playing some country favorites! 























First off, what a gorgeous location and view! This fabulous event took place at the Queen Mary's event park which is adjacent to the ship herself - great location right on the water. Luckily, the weather more than cooperated as it was a beautiful sunny (but not too sunny!) day in Long Beach!


One of my favs - the Mac Crack BBQ Attack-
layers of mac n cheese, pulled pork & topped 
with crunch garlic topping. YUM! 


.
There was even BBQ'd BACON candy
at Uncle Al's! 
AND delicious smoked BBQ baked beans from Smoke Hound BBQ!






















The even had dessert...bbq'd bacon in maple bacon nitrogen icecream made on the spot from Creamistry! YUM!



 This was such a fun way to spend a day! I would highly recommend this fabulous event to anyone in the future  - especially any BBQ fanatics, of which I know there are many in the OC!

Have you been to Ms Alice in Costa Mesa?!

A hidden gem in Costa Mesa!







The adorable decor in this Alice in Wonderland themed speakeasy is reason enough to visit but wait til you try the delicious food and tasty cocktails! 


Everywhere you look is a playful reference to the beloved childhood book & movie, "Alice in Wonderland."  The movie itself is even playing silently on one wall of the speakeasy, with cozy couches set up to watch it if you're so inclined! 







The cocktails here are whimsical (of course!) like the speakeasy itself, AND very tasty! Pictured here are is the Chiquita Bonita gin cocktail & the Queen of Hearts champagne cocktail. The cocktails are season, like the menu for the most part so the menu will change. 



The food at Ms Alice was equally delicious! One of my favorite dishes was the baked brie which was baked inside of a baguette and drizzled with honey. Can you say SINFUL?   Other standouts were the mushroom pasta and the chocolate cake made with of all things mayonnaise! 
Baked Brie

Mushroom Pasta - so yummy!\
Crab Dip
  
The amazing chocolate cake

Ms. Alice is most definitely worthy of a visit even if it's just for a couple cocktails and to check out the fun decor. It's hidden behind Mansion Nightclub, although not affiliated in any way. Open for dinner only, 6:30PM+ Tues-Thursday, 6PM+ Fri & Sat. Closed Sunday & Monday. 

Ms. Alice is located at 841 Baker St in Costa Mesa
Reservations highly recommended, especially on weekends. 
Phone number949/630-5688

http://mansioncostamesa.com/ms-alice/
 🐰 themed

Sunday, May 7, 2017

The Ultimate MEAT UP Returns to The Queen Mary on May 13!

All-New Bacon and Dessert Showdowns
For 6th Annual West Coast BBQ Classic

BBQ lovers! You don't want to miss the West Coast BBQ Classic happening this Saturday, May 13th at the Queen Mary in Long Beach! 

If you love a good backyard BBQ full of some of your favorite meats, then there's no better place to be when Top Pit Masters come together to compete for a cash grand prize and the bragging rights as the BBQ Pit Master of 2017! 

Over 50 barbeque pit-masters and amateur grillers will once again come together for a classic showdown that will leave taste buds filled with the unmistakable sweet ‘n smoky flavors of BBQ AND this year, they're adding bacon and dessert aficionados to the sizzlin’ line-up! You don't want to miss this bacon lovers!!! 

Whether you are a barbecue enthusiast or simply a foodie fan, the WCBC offers something for everyone. Experience delicious BBQ samples for only $2 each, live music, backyard-lawn games, bars, contests and a merchant market. Entertainment will be provided on two separate stages with performances by country sensation Dean Kalogris, DJ Rod Epic, and more artists to be announced. Join in the fun and participate in the watermelon or cobbler eating contests. Young BBQ fans are invited to Kids Country offering games, a bounce house, face painters, potato sack races, and more.

Tickets
West Coast BBQ Classic is open to the entire family. 
Saturday, May 13th 11am - 6pm at the Queen Mary's Waterfront Event Park


General Value Pack Tix: 
$24 for admission & 5 tasting tickets. 

VIP Value Pack Tix: 
$39 for 1 hour early admission &  5 tasting tickets.  
All ticket value packs include same-day access to the Queen Mary ship.  
Kids 4 & under are free.
Event parking is $20.




Buy your tix & get more information here: 
 http://queenmary.com/events/west-coast-bbq-classic/