Since when was fried chicken healthy?

Olive Oil Fried Chicken - 10 pcs

Marinated Grilled Chicken Lunch Combo
Well, apparently fried chicken is healthy here @ BBQ Chicken USA, where "It's not barbecue...it's BBQ---Best of the Best Quality Chicken"! Featured above is the Olive-Oil Fried Chicken Strips, which were unbelievably crunchy and the Marinated Grilled Chicken Lunch Combo, with Cajun seasoning! I know the chicken is fried, but I guess knowing that it is fried in olive oil makes it a little less fattening...psychologically? Anyways, it doesn't matter because their high-quality chicken was delicious. Most places that fry chicken typically lack in the amount of meat they offer you, but not here! Each chicken strip had a big chunk of all-white breast meat. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. Next was the marinated grilled chicken loaded with Cajun seasoning. Again, it was high quality chicken that was just yummy.

Although they had great chicken..sadly, there were some trade offs. They started off with a free appetizer which I think is supposed to be a salad. It was basically shredded cabbage with a homemade thousand island dressing. Wow, it tasted very odd. I wasn't sure how this salad was supposed to get me ready for the chicken, but it did not complement each other very well. However, despite this one little nub, I will still come back to BBQ Chicken USA! They really do have the Best of the Best Quality chicken--they just have to work on being the best of best quality salads.

A sweet Sunday brunch at Britta's Cafe


Raisin Scones & Butter

Eggs Benedict

Madame Croque



A refreshing ice tea, to top it all off
I was really craving some old fashioned American breakfast one day and decided to try Britta's Cafe located in the University Center in Irvine, CA. Britta's Cafe is so, so cute. They have two outdoor patio areas, one with a beautiful overhead garden. Inside, the decor is anything but modern and trendy. It truly felt like an American country breakfast joint with its blue checkered tablecloth and fresh sunflower on the table.  

Featured above:
(1) Raisin Scones: which were good but would have been even better if they were hot. Oh well, they were free with the meal!
(2) Eggs Benedict in full size: (half means just one egg less!)---I've never had a better eggs benedict, their sauce was perfect. I highly recommend choosing the potatoes for your side, over the salad
(3) Madame Croque sandwich with ham, turkey, fried egg, and cheese--in theory this would've been amazing, however it was not my favorite because the meats were too dry *shrug*
(4) Simple glass of ice tea & lemon--what can I say about this one? Can't go wrong with ice tea

Although Britta's is a little on the pricey side, I wouldn't mind coming here every once in awhile just to have a meal outside in the garden patio. I think it would be quite romantic at night with it all lit up with candles placed on each table. But, since I only came for breakfast...until next time!

Good Morning-from Ikea

FREE BREAKFAST
Offer valid Friday, November 26 - Sunday, November 28, 2010

Fuel up on a free breakfast before you shop! Limit one per customer. Offer valid for one small breakfast (value 99¢) and one cup of coffee (value 99¢). Offer not valid at IKEA Home Shopping. See your local IKEA store for details.

Not your average deli

Chicken Di Giorgio

Pulled Pork Sandwich



Looks TASTY don't they? Featured above are two sandwiches from Harry's Deli in Irvine, CA. Aside from their visual appeal, the Chicken Di Giorgio and Pulled Pork Sandwich (two of their most popular customer picks) have such high-packed flavor, it will tantalize your taste buds. Situated in a corporate park area of Irvine, Harry's Deli is somewhat hard to find. I had to circle around the area a few times before I realized the Deli is tucked away around the corner. Yet, their "hidden" location has not deterred customers from flocking in--especially during the lunch-rush--when you may end up having to wait 20 minutes! However, Chef Harry's impeccable customer service truly makes up for the wait time. Not only do they call your name when your order is ready, they actually REMEMBER your name when you leave!

A little bit about Chef Harry:
Harry’s Deli is all about good old fashion food love. We believe in making things the delicious way, homemade! Harry even whips his own mayo, along with making pretty much everything on his menu from scratch. We love making people go, “mmmm” and “ooohhhh,” it’s our goal in life. So come on by for a treat.
 MMMM is right! Their Chicken Di Giorgio Sandwich is a crusted escalope of chicken---escalope meaning coated with egg and breadcrumbs---and topped with tomato, basil, garlic, and buffalo mozzarella. The Pulled Pork Sandwich was soaked in a smokey, barbecue sauce---topped with their homemade coleslaw, which really brought out the flavor of the pork. Both sandwiches are cushioned with a large, fluffy ciabatta roll--and of course, served with a smile. Thanks Harry's Deli for a great sandwich experience!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I LOVE the new festive logo from Google today. Not only does it show all my favorite Thanksgiving foods, if you scroll over the images, you will be directed to Thanksgiving recipes by Ina Garten, my favorite cook from Barefoot Contessa! If you are looking to change things up this Thanksgiving, one of my favorite recipes from Ina Garten is her smashed sweet potato recipe, an easy alternative to the traditional mashed potato. Whatever you decide to make this holiday, remember the meal is never complete without your family, friends, and loved ones by your side.
 Eat well this Thanksgiving.
-Balloon Journey

Thanks for the love, Eat Drink Pink!

My first tweet
My first Facebook link
I just had my first Tweet and link on Facebook! This really made my day, so I wanted to thank Eat, Drink, Pink! for posting. <3 It was an incredible, edible event to raise awareness and support breast cancer. I hope you continue this event next year!

Eat, Drink, Pink!



Last night, I had the opportunity to attend "Eat, Drink, Pink!" an all pink music and food event to help benefit breast cancer awareness in Orange County. A $10 sampling pass allowed me to try desserts from each vendor from cake pops to bacon cupcakes (it's like a mini breakfast in a cupcake form)!

Top Dessert favs from event:

Chocolate marble & Oreo Truffle cakepops from Pop & Dots
Chocolate marble cake pop
Breakfast cupcake, topped with bacon from My Delight Cupcakery

Coconut stuffed french toast from Chomp Chomp Nation
Coconut Stuffed French Toast
Top Food favs from event:
Seabass sope from Taco Mesa
Seabass Sope
Gourmet fried chicken &cheeseburger sliders from The Burnt Truck
Gourmet Sliders from The Burnt Truck

Overall, I loved everything about this event, especially seeing everyone (guys and gals) wearing pink. Eat, Drink, Pink was sponsored by Yelp, which had some free giveaways, and OC Weekly. It felt cozy, relaxed, and not overly crowded. It was great that all these vendors came out to support the cause to raise awareness for breast cancer. See more photos from this event on my Flickr account here!

For more amazing photos from the event, Eat, Drink, Pink! is featured on the OC Weekly

Melting Pot...will melt your heart


Featured above is Melting Pot, a restaurant most noted for fondue-style cooking, with a French-inspired menu for their "Big Night Out". This is one of the most romantic places to come for a date, birthday or anniversary dinner, with high quality food. I would definitely come back because they have more cooking styles to offer! This set menu featured four courses:

First course: Fondue Ă  la France
A rich, smooth combination of baby Brie, Fontina, Gruyère and Raclette cheeses accented with Nueske’s bacon, onions, white-truffle cream and fresh chives
Dippings for white wine & brie fondue
Second course: Salade Niçoise (ni - swaz)
Timeless classic combining haricots verts, tomatoes, hard-boiled egg and Niçoise olives topped with a tangy Shallot Vinaigrette
Salade Niçoise
Third course: Fondue Feast
Filet Mignon, Peppercorn-Crusted NY Strip, Chicken Provençal, Roasted-Garlic Shrimp, Maple
Leaf Farms Duck a l’Orange, Ratatouille & Goat Cheese Ravioli and Fresh Vegetables
Entree cooking style: Coq au Vin
Flavors of fresh herbs, mushrooms, garlic, spices and burgundy wine
Meats for dipping
Fourth course: White Chocolate Crème Brûlée
A fondue version of the classic French dessert including white chocolate and caramelized sugar
Dessert @ Melting Pot

TODAY: 2 Free Tacos @ Jack in the Box


Free tacos after 2 p.m. today at Jack in the Box

Hungry? Jack in the Box restaurants will give out two free tacos to customers after 2 p.m. today, the company says on its website.
Published: 11/16/10 1:22 pm | Updated: 11/16/10 1:24 pm
 
Hungry? Jack in the Box restaurants will give out two free tacos to customers after 2 p.m. today, the company says on its website.
No coupon is needed for the offer, and no purchase is necessary.
The offer is limited to two tacos per customer.
The deal is good only on Nov. 16, 2010.

Udon with Sansai


Udon with Sansai, originally uploaded by Balloon Journey.
Fukada is a simple, organic and modern Japanese restaurant located near the Irvine Spectrum Center. Featured above is their Udon Noodle with sansai (Japanese mountain veggies). Simple, hearty, and cheap--perfect for a casual meal.

Local Hawaiian treats


Unique treats I encountered on a trip to Hawaii.

Brazilian Cuisine in Hollywood

Last weekend, I had a chance to try Bossa Nova, a small Brazilian restaurant in West Hollywood. On the outside, you probably wouldn't be able to tell that they even had Brazilian food because the large sign outside just says "Pizza, Pasta, & Sandwiches".

The environment of Bossa Nova is mix of fancy and casual. Although they have nice decor and a water fountain in the middle of the dining room, the waiters are really nice and casual. Bonuses: They have indoor & outdoor patio seating, cheap prices, and free parking in the back (unlike many places in Hollywood!).

So, on to the best part: the food. The first thing that was brought to us was their cheese bread, which was soft, fluffy and flavorful. Next, we tried one of their specialty appetizers, which was coxinha. This was basically shredded chicken and cheese stuffed inside a lightly fried dough. It tasted like a cheesy, chicken nugget, with a bit of spice! I liked it because it was unexpected. For the main entrees, I tried the Coulette Steak Picanha and the Skirt Steak, both which came with fried plantains.
Coulotte Steak Picanha with Fried Plantains

Wow, it complemented together so well. Overall, Bossa Nova is a good place for cheap, delicious steak & Brazilian appetizers.

"How You Roll" Contest Sponsored by Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

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If you could dream up a sushi roll, what would be in it (or on it)? Tell us the ingredients and name the roll for your chance to win a one-night stay in a luxury guestroom at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and dinner for two in Ocean & Vine’s Sushi at Sunset sushi bar.

Additionally, the winning sushi roll will be featured on the menu at Ocean & Vine’s Sushi at Sunset bar from December 1-31, 2010. Click here for entry form!

Now, what fantastic new sushi should I create....?

MEGA BURGER!

Avocado, Brie, Caramelized Onions Chicken Burger. HEAVEN!!





@ Serendipity, Las Vegas

Boardwalk Ice Cream Co.

Top side: crushed Reese's Pieces
Bottom side: crushed Oreos
@ Boardwalk Ice Cream Company, Irvine Spectrum

One of kind, build your own ice cream bar. Vanilla ice-cream bars are fresh dipped in your choice of milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Then, you can layer on as many toppings as you can fit! Pictured above is crushed peanuts, Reese's Pieces, & Oreos. Only $3.75...sweet!!

Brushetta, reinvented.

Even though it's an appetizer, I could get full off of all this for lunch!
Brushetta appetizer featuring:
Brie, Apple, and Walnuts (upper right)
Prosciutto, Cream Cheese and Figs (bottom left)
Hummus, Avocado, and Tomato (upper left)
Salmon, Capers, and Cream Cheese (bottom right)

@ B Street Vine in Downtown San Mateo

Traditional Korean Comfort Food

I love the side dishes! More legit than BCD Tofu House across the street
@ Chae Bahn Restaurant in Irvine, CA

My mission for the perfect taco in OC...is COMPLETE

Jugos Acapulco is your hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant, located in Costa Mesa on W 19th St (It's next to Smart & Final if you can't find it). For only $1.25 a taco...the price is ridiculous for the size of their portions. Their tacos are made with the large corn tortillas versus the smaller ones. They're also known for their fresh fruits and smoothies, but I didn't get to try them.
My taco list:

Cow tongue (trust me, it's worth a try)
Cow head (again, you gotta try it)
Pollo
Carnitas
I can't believe I was full off of three tacos, but it was soo good. Typically, tacos are pretty greasy, but somehow Jugos Acapulco managed to make the meat juicy but not oily. This resulted in a tortilla that stayed dry..instead of wet, greasy, and sloppy like most places. I was so hungry that I forgot to take pictures...so this post will be updated with some visual imagery to feast your eyes on next time!

 Update on pictures [!]
I returned to Jugo's and finally got to snap some pictures.
Pollo, Cow Tongue, & Cow Head
Fresh squeezed Cantolope Juice only $2.75
Served in a blender!
3 tacos, 1 juice = $6.83. Not bad for dinner.

Yelp Helps!

Got this in my inbox today...so I'm spreading the word!


"Gather your good will and gumption and head on over to Yelp Helps, the East Bay's first non-profit soirĂ©e of its kind! We're teaming up with some of Bay Area’s most dynamic organizations and local businesses to throw the biggest, baddest, and most do-goodest gala the East Bay's ever experienced! It's all going down on Monday, October 18th at the David Brower Center and the best part: you're invited!

This fashionable fĂªte filled with fun and philanthropy takes place at one of the Bay Area’s most advanced green buildings and a gorgeously swanky space! You'll have the opportunity to get friendly with over 30 non-profits dishing out info through interactive demos. Fancy a fruit smoothie? Hop on the Changing Gears' bike-powered blender! Or rock out with Chixx Mixx, the all-girl rockers from Bay Area Girls Rock Camp. Chat with Youth Radio as they film the night's festivities, wax poetic with the California Shakespeare Theater, get reel with the ladies from QWOCMAP, geek-out on Girls, Inc's liquid nitrogen ice cream, and go industrial with metalwork and fire art collective, The Crucible! And that's only the start!

As you mix and mingle with passionate East Bay helpers and cause-worthy non-profits, enjoy complimentary hors d'Å“uvres from Back to Earth, the organic catering outfit from Gather or the similarly conscious cuisine served up by No Worries, a vegan Filipino restaurant. Continue nomming on PieTisserie's addictive sweets, while savoring NK Chocolates' transcendent truffles. Feeling randy and ready? Thank The Cookie Department's caffeine and aphrodisiac-laced cookies! Meanwhile, youth-run supper club, Old Skool CafĂ©'ll be dishing out their signature mini sweet potato pies!

With all that food, you'll need something to wash it all down and at the ready are a handful of options for spirit seekers and virgin drinkers! SKYY Vodka and EspolĂ³n Tequila will be mixing up crafty cocktails while Cupcake Vineyard, Terra Valentine and Trumer Pils keep the buzz a'flowing. As Amanda's fizzes up the festivities with homemade sodas, similarly sparkly, DRY Soda, will be on hand to reinforce the refreshments. And any fan of fermented tea will be thrilled to hear House Kombucha will be in the er, house! But what’s a fabulous event without documentation? The Yelparazzi will be snapping you in your best while The Laugh Box presents you with strip style photos. So get ready for the lights, camera, action (thanks to Quantum Music Event Planners); you won't want to miss this fashionable and free event!"

Orange County’s Largest Multicultural Festival

Coming next Saturday, October 2!
" The Irvine Global Village Festival welcomes more than 13,000 guests to celebrate Irvine’s cultural diversity and experience sights, sounds, and tastes of the world representing upwards of 50 cultures. Guests enjoy the mosaic of music and dance on five stages; immerse themselves in cultural and religious displays; indulge in international cuisine; and shop in the world marketplace. This family focused event tantalizes tots with hands-on art projects, games, puppet shows, and activities in a giant, interactive Kids Village. The event was promoted as the #1 activity to attend in OC by OC Register and was highlighted at the Best Festival for 2009 by OC Weekly."

French Inspired Afternoon Tea



@ The French Bakery: Lafayette, CA. This place is très adorable! It's almost impossible not to feel like a lady when you walk in. Imagine seated in a cozy room right next to the fireplace, with a large velvet chair on the side (see photostream). The walls are painted pink, with vintage frames and pictures. Throughout the bakery, small trinkets are displayed for sale.

This day, I sampled four teas:
  • Darjeeling Rose Camellia*: hints of soft rose petals mixed with spice and black tea
  • Peach: tasted just like a fresh, ripe peach
  • French Breakfast*: hint of chocolate malt and black tea (tasted like hot cocoa when I added milk & sugar)
  • Mango: much like the peach, tasted like a fresh, ripe mango!
*teas are imported from France

Darjeeling Rose Camelia, Peach, French Breakfast & Mango


Their tea set comes with 2 petit fours, a scone, finger sandwiches, and your own pot of tea. The tea stays hot with a small candle underneath the pot. It might not look like a lot of food, but I could barely finish everything. But then again, the whole point of afternoon tea is just to have a few nibbles and chat with friends! 

Dessert...with a view!


Took a trip to downtown Tiburon and came across Bistro 35 Patisserie. You are immediately drawn in by the pastries displayed in the window. As you walk closer towards the back, there is a small seating area that faces the ocean, with the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. The first pastry was a large strawberry tart. The custard inside the tart was very rich and creamy and complemented the strawberries very well. The chocolate almond croissant was light, fluffy, and amazing! The chocolate was not too sweet, which added the perfect balance of flavor in the croissant.
Strawberry Tart

Imported: Burma Superstar


Burma Superstar in San Francisco, is one of three locations in the Bay Area. It was lunchtime and the dishes above are on their 'lunch special' menu. The tea was surprisingly fragrant and soothing, a blend of Jasmine and Green tea.  The Tea Leaf salad (also featured on the Food Network) was a great appetizer. The salad mixes unique ingredients such as sunflower seeds and tea leaves imported from Burma. It's hard to describe the taste, so you have to try it yourself! The Chicken Dahl's curry sauce, made with yellow beans, was rich and flavorful. The chicken was still on the bone, but was very tender and the meat came right off with my fork. The last dish was the Superstar Vegetarian Noodles, which had a hint of tomato and lemon in the sauce. It tasted like a Burmese version of pasta. Try going during lunch to reduce your wait time for a table. The wait during dinnertime can be up to 2 hours, but I guess they make up for it by providing free hot tea while you wait in the cold outside! 

8/30/10 Recently returned to Burma Superstar and tried the Garlic Noodles with Duck: it was too good for my tastebuds. The garlic wasn't too overpowering, and made it oh so flavorful!
Garlic Noodles with Duck

    SF Street Food Festival 2010

    Food truck extravaganza
    Don't miss out on this year's SF Street Food Festival in the Mission district! If you like street food...then support their cause for the formalization of mobile vending in San Francisco here.

    Cham Sut Gol (AYCE Korean BBQ)

    Best $20 I ever spent for All-you-can-eat Korean bbq

    @ Cham Sut Gol in Garden Grove, CA
    Exactly how I felt when I made my trip to Italy last summer.

    SF Chef 2010

    This week only, there will be a "SF Chefs Showcase" which features 3-course dinner menus at prix-fixe prices of $35 and $50. The restaurants range from Downtown SF, Sunset District, Fisherman's Wharf, Oakland, to Berkeley. Trying a 3-course meal this way will be cheaper than if you ordered from the regular menu! Find out which restaurants are participating and learn more about SF Chef 2010. Now I just have to decide which restaurants to try this week!