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 à 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....?