What’s New at Daphne’s California Greek? #ad

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was invited out to Daphne’s for a media tasting, and given a gift card.

When I think of Daphne’s California Greek, a smile always appears on my face.  Daphne’s was one of the very first restaurants I ate at when I first moved to California.

daphnes

I remember the day perfectly.  My SO and I were driving around in our new area, and were pretty hungry at that time.  We were looking for a place to try out, and my eyes instantly fell upon Daphne’s, “I said lets go,” so we did.”

That first meal of gyros, pita bread was awesome.  And I have been an avid Daphne’s fan since.

Daphne’s California Greek has recently come out with the Mini Pita Trio (6.59).  This trio will be available for a limited time through September:

minipitatrio

Don’t those look great? 3 different pitas that truly showcases all that Daphne’s offers.  From traditional gyro meat mixed with tzatziki sauce to more Californian flair with avocados and tomatoes thrown into the mix, there’s a little something for everyone.

Daphne’s is not only Greek food, but Greek food with the mix of Californian inspired dishes.  Lots of avocados, and greens in the mix.  You truly see this with their California Greek Salad (8.29):

californiagreeksalad

And if you have little ones that more finicky eaters, Daphne’s does have flatbread pizzas to keep them happy.  Comes in margherita, bbq and pepperoni:

daphnespizza

But, one of my favorite parts of going to Daphne’s is the hummus and pita bread:

hummus

Varieties of Original, Roasted Red Pepper or Pesto with a side of Fire Feta.  I was all over the original hummus that day.

And if you ever want authentic greek dessert.  Daphne’s does carry Baklava and Caramel Pecan.  Very moist and very very good:

daphnesdesserts

Now that I’ve made you hungry what are you looking forward to trying?

Disclosure: I was invited out to a media tasting and given a gift card.

 

 

 


Categories: Cooking, Events in LA, Restaurants | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Summer in the Vineyards: Lodi

Posted on August 4, 2013 by Jamie

Throughout the summer I have been talking about different regions of California Wine Country.  I did this to educate myself, but also to educate you about the different regions, some fun wineries to visit throughout the summer in hopes of making it easier when it comes time to planning your next Wine Country visit.

Temecula Balloon and Wine Fest 913

Other regions we have visited included:

Temecula

Sonoma

Paso Robles

Santa Barbara, Solvang, and Los Olivos

A region of California that is growing and getting more attention is none other than Lodi.  This region, joined together by two rivers that originate from the Sierra Nevada’s are what make this soil so rich, and gives their wine such flavor.

The region is well known for their Old Zinfandels which helps with the Tokay Fine Sandy Loam soil found throughout the region. The region is also continuously growing.

lodiregion

A great site to look at to learn about the Lodi Region and even the chance to join the Lodi Wine Club is found here.

Varietals grown within the Lodi region include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

And check out the Wine Trail Map:

27778_2013LocaMapInterior_FINAL1

As you can see there are a variety of wineries within this region to check out (I still have not been there myself.)

A full list of wineries can be found on the Visit Lodi site.

A few fun events happening in Lodi throughout the year include:

February: A fun Wine and Chocolate Event

In May every year is their annual ZinFest.

And September is a great time to visit the Lodi Region.  In honor of California Wine Month, Lodi will offer a Lodi Passport which offers discounts on activities in the Lodi region throughout the month of September.

Have you been to the Lodi Wine Region?  Any favorite wineries you’ve visited?  Share your thoughts in the comments.


Categories: Travel, Wine | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Food. Food. Food. They have it all at Dave and Buster’s

Posted on August 4, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was invited out to Dave and Buster’s to try out their new summer drinks and menu offerings. 

When I think of Dave and Buster’s I automatically think about fun drinks and games.  That’s what I knew Dave and Buster’s for.  I never heard anyone talk about the food.

BUT, after trying out their food options, the truth, I’m going back for the food.  Not many people know that Buster was a huge foodie, and took great pride in his food, and you truly see this in the menu items provided at Dave and Buster’s.

menuitemsandsummerdrinksDB

Just in case you missed it, last week we discussed the new summer drinks available at Dave and Buster’s.  You don’t want to miss out on that post.

Lets begin with the appetizers:

the515

The 5:15 (18.99) has special significance to Dave and Buster’s.  5:15 was the time of the very first sale, and they went and named their sampler platter after it.  5 Items, 5 each.  The 5:15 includes: Chicken Quesadillas, Pretzel Dogs, Crispy Fried Shrimp, Buffalo Wings, and BBQ Potato Chips.

dragonwings

Because there has been such an increase in the Asian population around the country, Dave and Busters has come out with an “Orient Yourself with Our Wild Side” (tastes with an asian twist) menu options:

Items include:

Dragon Wings (featured above) 8.69

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad (12.99)

Firecrackers (Edamame) 5.99

firecrackersedamame

Tomodachi Potstickers (8.99)

Hibachi Salmon (14.99)

poppinpotatoes

And if you’re looking for a fun snack before the main meal arrives I highly recommend the “Poppin’ Potatoes.”  Tossed with garlic butter and parmesan cheese.  (6.69)

Also, with every purchase of Poppin’ Potatoes, 1 dollar is donated to Make-A-Wish.  Even more reason to order these.

Now onto the Entrees (I hope you’re ready!)

chargrilledsirloinsteak

If you’re a meat lover.  You will love the food dish options they have available.  Many steak varieties from sirloins to New York strips (16.29-19.99).  Also many chicken dishes available.

baconwrappedbeefmedallions

A new dish they’re offering is their Bacon Wrapped Medallions and Grilled Shrimp skewers. (17.29)  The dish is also accompanied with a side of bruschetta.  Most bruschetta’s I’ve had have been crispy with the tomatoes atop so you can imagine my surprise when I bit into theirs and realized how soft and tender it was.  I really enjoyed their bruschetta.

firegrilledsalmon

The Fire Grilled Salmon (15.49). I usually don’t order salmon at restaurants because I’m not much of a fan, but I did try this one, and enjoyed every bite of it.  Very tender, and full of flavor.  And flavor in the good kind of way 😉

lobsteralfredo

This dish is just brilliant.  The Bistro Steak and Shrimp with Lobster Alfredo (16.99).  Now there’s pasta lovers, and then there are steak lovers.  For the most part, the steak lovers tend to focus on the steak.  The pasta lovers focus upon the pasta.  This is the best of both worlds.

My SO even admitted this is a dish he would order because the steak was included right on top (not being a big pasta person.)

potatochipcrustedchicken

But the dish I couldn’t stop raving about that evening was the Potato Chip Crusted Chicken (13.99).  Chicken covered in a crushed lays potato chip crust served with warm french onion dipping sauce with a medley of vegetables and potatoes.  I am truly inspired to try to make this dish at home.

They also brought out two of the classics:

davescheeseburger

This is definitely one of the classics.  Double Meat.  Double Cheese.  And so, so good.  Dave’s Double Cheeseburger (10.99).

legendarygoldfingers

And for those that love chicken tenders, or fingers, in this case.  They didn’t leave you hanging.  Another classic dish is their “Legendary Goldfingers” (11.99).  One of Dave and Buster’s original favorites.

After all of that, are you ready for dessert?

donutholes

Where are my donut lovers?  These donut holes (6.89) have you covered.  They are served with chocolate and raspberry sauces to dip right into.

fonduebelgian

I have to admit I was pretty darn excited when this one came out.  Belgian Chocolate Fondue (8.99).  Served with marshmallows, pound cake, strawberries, graham crackers and brownies, what’s not to love?

browniesundae

Love brownies?  Love ice cream?  If so, then this Ginormous Brownie Sundae will make you quite happy (7.99).  These brownies, house made, put on the bottom with two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream covered with three classic sauces: chocolate, caramel, and raspberry with fresh strawberries.  Of course, it has that cherry on top.

bananasfosterpie

But the real winner for me that evening was the Bananas Foster Pie.  Chilled banana pudding and vanilla sponge cake layered in a cinnamon graham pastry with rum sauce and warm caramel.  It completely melts in your mouth.

Now, after all of this, do you see what I mean about the food?  I am sold.  So, let me know, what are you most looking forward to trying?

Disclosure: I was invited out to try the new Summer Drinks and Menu Offerings at Dave and Buster’s.

 

 

 


Categories: Fun Stuff, Orange County, Restaurants | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments