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Sweet and Savory at The Waffle Affair

May 18, 2015May 18, 2015Leave a comment

I’m moving further into Orange County because of my job, and to be honest, I’ve been dreading it. I’m currently right in the middle of all of the hotspots in Orange County and Los Angeles, and the thought of being far away from all of the summer food festivals is killing me. However, I’ve been lucky enough to spend more time exploring some OC favorites, and I’m liking what I’m seeing! I was delighted to be invited to an event last week in Newport Beach by a local blogger! The Waffle Affair was hosting a small media event complete with savory waffles, sweet bites, and most importantly, coffee!

Tucked away in a small strip mall off of Bayside Drive, this cafe is whimsically decorated with a black and white color scheme and classic glass chandeliers. It’s a small space, but there is also outside seating available, perfect for a summer morning or sunny afternoon. They can fulfill any sweet or savory craving that you may have.

First, we started off their Bits and Dips, waffle bites stuffed with hot dogs! Yes, you read this correctly, HOT DOGS. I’m not the biggest fan of hot dogs, but when it’s served inside a delicious waffle batter to offset the meaty mysteriousness that I usually have a hard time rationalizing, it’s a nice combo. These were a great option if you have wee ones that you want to please while you enjoy your afternoon latte.

Some of us got to this waffle before I had a chance to take the photo, and that ‘some of us’ may or may not have been me…but, that is besides the point. The one on the left was turkey and havarti and the one on the right was salami and fontina. If you’ve ever had a cheese plate in your life, you know that these are great flavor combinations. Basically, if I need lunch on the go and I’m near this place, I’m picking up the salami and fontina stat!

This photo is huge because the flavor was huge! This carrot cake waffle bite was topped with the most delicious dollop of their homemade cream cheese concoction! I could eat these all day! If you love carrot cake, these bites were absolutely awesome, and the cream cheese topping was a huge hit with everyone! We also enjoyed tastes of their chocolate chip, vanilla bean, cinnamon, and coconut waffles! Many of which were gone before I could get a bright enough photo. That is just a testament to their yumminess!

We were also lucky enough to take some sweets to-go! I also ordered their seasonal latte, Lavender and Honey! They exclusively serve illy’s Arabica beans, which I’ve grown fond of. They have a full range of caffeinated beverage options to pair without whatever waffle you choose!

I can’t wait to come back and try more of their specialty waffle flavors including Cafe au Lait, Earl Grey Tea, and many more! If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot for some savory and sweet options, this is the place to go!

For more information, visit thewaffleaffair.com!

Steam Kettle Cooking in Huntington Beach

May 12, 2015May 4, 2015Leave a comment

My dad had heard about Ritter’s Steam Kettle Cooking through various articles. I was reluctant to go because of his description. I’m not the biggest fan of hot liquids as food (yeah, I know I’m weird), so I didn’t really know what to expect or if I was going to enjoy it. Per usual, my apprehension was completely unnecessary. Steam kettle cooking is a unique way of preparing foods in steam kettles that cook the food fast and even. At Ritter’s they focus on Cajun Creole Style flavors (thing Oysters, Po’ Boy Sandwiches, Fried Okra, etc.), but the real star is their Pan Roast and other entrees.

Their Pan Roast is from heaven. Seriously. It’s a tomato cream based Creole dish served with rice and your choice of mix-in. Due to my shrimp allergy, I opted for the chicken and sausage, which was absolutely delicious! I’m sure the shrimp, crab, clams and lobster is even better! You can also choose your level of spiciness, which I like because I’m on the pickier side when it comes to that. The portion is ginormous, which makes for a great lunch the next day that will make everyone in the office jealous.

My close second favorite dish is the Cilantro Chicken. Yum! When it first arrived, I thought the pile of cilantro would be too overpowering, but it was a great centerpiece to the dish. The chicken/sausage combination with the lemon garlic broth and tomatoes was awesome! This dish might have changed my mind about my aversion to hot liquids.

I could not ignore this dish. I groaned when my dad ordered a salad, but then this came out! This blackened salmon salad with a creamy creole mustard sauce was filling and refreshing! We also ordered the Linguine and Clams to go for my mom to enjoy the next day. I regret not getting a photo because it looked and tasted like the best dish of them all! Doused in garlic and filled with hidden clams, it made the perfect takeaway meal.

There are two locations, one in Huntington Beach and one in Santa Ana.

For more information, visit http://rittersskc.com/.

5 Last Minute Gifts for Mother’s Day

May 8, 2015May 8, 2015Leave a comment

Newsflash! Mother’s Day is this Sunday! Sometimes, flowers and a card just aren’t enough. But, if you waited until the last minute to do your shopping, it can be hard to narrow down the perfect gift! I’m here to help!

1. Candles are a woman’s best friend.

I’m obsessed with Archipelago candles! There are so many different scents, and I even found my mom’s favorite, Tuberose! They are most likely carried at a retail store near you, and make for a great additional gift to a card and flowers.

2. Show your mom she is one in a million!

Kate Spade has the cutest initial necklaces in silver and gold! You can get your mom’s initial or ‘M’ for Mom! It’s simple for the mom that isn’t a jewelry fanatic, and perfect for stacking for the mom that already has her set of necklaces.

3. You can never go wrong with wine.

Modern House Wines are the best thing to come to Target since sliced bread. In addition to being one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, these wines are affordable, smooth, and come with the best phrases on each bottle.

4. Mom’s Day Out

Instead of just one gift, give her the gift of an entire day full of fun plans! It doesn’t have to be crazy, but sometimes, a crowded brunch and a generic card isn’t very personable.

Ideas: explore local coffee shops, shop at local boutiques and support the small businesses around you, stroll around a farmers market, or go see a chick-flick together.

5. Dog Moms are Moms Too!

This t-shirt probably won’t make it in time for Mother’s Day, but it is too cute to not include on this list! First of all, I am obsessed with Kelley DiGioia’s Instagram because her two dogs are the definition of adorable, especially the ween! Seriously, follow her adorable family right now. When she announced that she would be helping out her local Humane Society by selling THE cutest ‘Dog Mom’ t-shirts, I knew I had to have one! It is so freaking comfy and it makes me feel like treating my dog like my child is a totally valid lifestyle.