Panini Kabob Grill at the Kaleidoscope Mission Viejo + #GIVEAWAY

Panini Kabob Grill is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo, and you're going to want to visit soon and try them all! Panini Kabob Grill serves up a fresh, healthy, and high quality Mediterranean menu and we loved everything that we tried on our recent visit for lunch. I love when we find a family friendly restaurant where everyone can find something they like and no one complains! It's every mom's dream!!

We started with the Hummus Trio and just like the menu says - it's a must! I figured that I would have this delicious looking plate all to myself, but the kids went crazy for the warm whole wheat pita bread and the delicious hummus. It comes with a combination of garbanzo, black bean, and edamame hummus and they were all amazing! Our waiter was so kind and brought extra pita bread when the kids finished the bread before all of our hummus was gone.

The restaurant serves a variety of salads, panini sandwiches, and wraps. JT decided to have the Turkey Club and he loved it! He opted for the Caesar salad as his side and loved both the sandwich and the salad. All the sandwiches are served on Tuscan style country bread, except for the Tuna Melt which is served on whole grain bread. All the chicken and turkey they serve at the restaurant are all natural raised without antibiotics and are vegetarian grain fed.

Panini Kabob Grill also has a great Kids Menu and both of my girls ordered the 7" cheese pizza. The menu is for 12 and under and there are breakfast and lunch/dinner options.



I couldn't go to Panini Kabob Grill and not get a kabob! I had the Jumbo Shrimp Kabob and it was amazing! The shrimp were HUGE! I chose the basmati rice and the Mediterranean Greek salad and I thought both choices were perfect with the shrimp kabob. Again, the chicken, beef, and lamb are 100% vegetarian fed and antibiotic and hormone free.

The kabob platters can also be ordered as family combos so that you can share the deliciousness! There are also several vegetarian options and all platters can be split for an additional charge.

Breakfast is served Wednesdays until 11:00am and on weekends until 3:00pm. So it's the perfect weekend brunch spot!

It's located on the side of Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo and it has it's own small parking lot with about eight spaces in front of the restaurant. For your convenience you can park in that lot or Plaza Level of the parking garage - near Burke Williams Spa - and walk around to the restaurant. It also has great patio seating and excellent service!

Panini Kabob Grill

27741 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 212

Mission Viejo

HOURS

Daily 8:00am to 9:30pm

http://paninikabobgrill.com/our-locations/mission-viejo/

{GIVEAWAY}

Enter to win a $50 gift card to Panini Kabob Grill in Mission Viejo!

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Bad to the Bone BBQ || AMAZING "Real Pit BBQ" in Southern California

There just isn't any other way to say it - Bad to the Bone BBQ is no joke. If you are craving "real pit BBQ" then you need to head down to San Juan Capistrano and chow down at Bad to the Bone BBQ. Founded by Marty Wells, a former rodeo cowboy and roper, Bad to the Bone BBQ slow-cooks its meats in J&R wood burning pits over hickory wood for long periods of time. The results? Amazing BBQ that will make you want to shout "Hoo-eee!" and dig in for more.

Not only is the food amazing, but the atmosphere is fantastic too. While we were there there was a real-life cowboy singing in the bar area. It was so fun to dig into our food, enjoy the patio seating, and be serenaded by a cowboy. It was a really fun vibe and location. There were families, couples, groups of friends - just lots of people want really good BBQ. It's tucked into a little shopping center San Juan Capistrano and once you finally make your way there - it will change your life. I dream of the fall off the bone ribs and tender tri-tip on an almost weekly basis.

Make sure you come hungry because the serving sizes are plentiful. They even have things your kids will love like REAL mac'n'cheese, chicken strips, and hamburgers. My kids devoured their food and asked if they could come back for their birthday dinner choice. There wasn't one thing we had that wasn't amazing. I had the Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich and my husband went big and had the 3-meat combo plate. You better believe I was eating off of his plate to try the Baby Back Ribs, Tri-Tip, and Brisket. My oldest has graduated from the kids menu and he ordered the Smokehouse Burger. He dubbed it "the best tasting burger that I've ever had".

Bad to the Bone BBQ serves up USDA Prime and Choice beef along with organic free range chicken with its own signature sauces and dry rubs. If you're ambitious and like to try your hand at smoking up your own real BBQ at home, the signature sauces and dry rubs are available for purchase. And if you're like me and like to leave BBQ to the professionals, they also offer an array of catering options which can be customized to meet the needs of your event.

For instance, are you stressing out about preparing Thanksgiving dinner this year? Then leave it Bad to the Bone BBQ to do all the work for you! There are three options to choose from and each serve six to eight guests and only require three hours for reheating. My niece is getting married the day before Thanksgiving this year, so I am losing my Thanksgiving prep day and you can bet I am pitching this idea to my husband so we can have a stress-free Thanksgiving day.

Bad to the Bone BBQ also has some delicious desserts! We were so stuff at the end of our delicious meal, but I couldn't pass up the chance to try their Chocolate Pecan Pie. I thought I'd be eating alone because the kids don't usually like pecans, but everyone was crazy for it and they all gobbled it up. They have seasonal specials and holiday menus, as well as daily features, so be sure to ask about them when you visit.

Bad to the Bone BBQ
31738 Rancho Viejo Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

949-218-0227

HOURS
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Disclosure: We were invited to eat at Bad to the Bone BBQ for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Hatch Chile Festival & No Kid Hungry Return to The Habit Burger | #NoKidHungry #MakeItaHabit

Disclosure: I was invited to try the Hatch Green Chile items at The Habit Burger. All opinions are my own.

I'm so excited that the Hatch Chile Festival has returned to The Habit Burger! This means that the three special menu items that make use of this flavorful Southwestern pepper are back for a limited time. Hatch Chiles are grown in New Mexico and combine three different chile varieties to create the perfect blend of heat and flavor. I really love them so much!!! And The Habit chargrills each Hatch Chile over an open flame to bring out its smoky flavor and deepen the savory taste. Believe me, you will love the flavor and the slight heat they add to three special menu items.

First up on the menu is Grilled Hatch and Golden Chicken Salad. It combines a golden hand-breaded, fried chicken breast and chargrilled Hatch green chiles on top of fresh garden greens, crumbled bacon, carrots and diced tomatoes. The salad is tossed with The Habit's tangy house-made cilantro lime ranch dressing and the golden chicken is drizzled with the new creamy spiced Hatch green chile aioli. 

I really loved the flavor the Hatch chiles brings to the salad and the new creamy spiced Hatch green chile aioli on top of the chicken just puts it over the top. The cilantro lime dressing pairs perfectly with the heat and flavor of the Hatch chiles.

Next up is the Grilled Hatch and Pepper Jack Chicken Sandwich. Here you have a juicy chargrilled chicken breast with grilled Hatch green chiles. The sandwich is topped with melted
Pepper Jack cheese, fresh tomatoes, lettuce and the Hatch green chile aioli all on grilled sourdough bread.

I was talking with the manager of my local Habit Burger and he said he loves the sandwich because he thinks the sourdough is so flavorful and combines perfectly with the Hatch Chiles,

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Finally, it wouldn't be The Habit Burger without a burger to round out the Hatch chile menu items. The Grilled Hatch and Pepper Jack Charburger features chargrilled Hatch green chiles, melted Pepper Jack cheese atop a delicious charburger with fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and Hatch green chile aioli on a toasted sesame seed bun.

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I wish that Hatch chiles were available year round so that these could all be a regular menu items - especially the salad! You're definitely going to want to get into The Habit Burger before the season is over and enjoy these before they are gone until next year. Don't miss out!

You know what pairs perfectly with the Grilled Hatch and Golden Chicken Salad? Why the one and only Tempura Green Beans! What?! I dare say I love them more than onion rings and fries.

Do yourself a favor, order yourself some of these with your Hatch Chile menu item of choice and it will be a big, old party in your mouth!

And if those three delicious menu items weren't enough reason to get you into The Habit Burger, then how about helping end childhood hunger and getting a free Charburger on your next visit for doing so? The Habit Burger is partnering with No Kid Hungry through the end of September to raise money and put an end to childhood hunger. Any guest that makes a donation of $2 or more to No Kid Hungry will get a certificate for a free Charburger with cheese that they can redeem on their next visit.

Last year The Habit raised more than $400,000 for No Kid Hungry and has set a goal to raise another $400,000 this year. That would bring their three year total to $1,000,000. That equates to 10 million meals to children who face hunger. So pop in, donate your $2, get your free Charburger and help end childhood hunger!

{GIVEAWAY}

Enter below to win a $25 gift card to The Habit Burger so that you can try all the delicious Hatch Chile menu items for yourself!

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Miguel's Jr. Now Open in Huntington Beach + #GIVEAWAY

Disclosure: I was invited as media to attend a media tasting. All opinions are my own.

The city of Huntington Beach just got a whole lot cooler with the opening of the
newest Miguel's Jr. location. This family owned and operated restaurant has
been serving up high-quality and delicious homestyle Mexican food for over
40 years. The Huntington Beach Miguel's Jr. is the brand's 17th location and is
located inside the Newland Center at 19620 Beach Boulevard in
Huntington Beach, California.

 The newest Miguel's Jr. location not only has amazing dine-in counter service -
I can personally attest to the fact that the staff is amazing!!! - but it also has
what every busy mom loves - a DRIVE-THRU! As a mom with three kids I
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE when my favorite fast-casual restaurants have a drive-thru
option. It is so easy and convenient on those busy nights when we need to grab
something delicious for dinner on our way to our next adventure.

We attended the media preview and the ribbon cutting ceremony and it was so
fun to meet President and CEO Javier Vasquez and founders Mike and Mary
Vasquez. I told you the restaurants were family owned and operated!

All of the delicious food are based on Mary's recipes. They use only premium
ingredients like Haas avocados, all natural and hormone free poultry,
pasture raised Midwest corn fed beef, 100% stone ground tortillas and
tortilla chips, as well as daily fresh-made salsa and hot sauce.

They recently expanded their beverage menu and it now features new fresh 
squeezed, all-natural lemonade and house-made horchata featuring 100%
natural pure cane sugar. We are big fans of both! They both hit the spot on a hot
day and I love that they are made fresh.

The new Huntington Beach location features this great enclosed patio that is the
perfect place to enjoy your favorite Miguel's Jr. burrito. I love the El Potato with
either chile verde pork or carne asada. I've heard that the Garbage Burrito is also
a favorite - I'll have to try that out sometime! They also serve up a delicious
breakfast menu and if you order before 8:00AM Monday thru Friday you can
get your favorite breakfast burrito for half off!

{{{GIVEAWAY}}}

It's time for a giveaway! If you want a free burrito and a gift card to buy yourself

some horchata or lemonade, then head over to THIS FACEBOOK POST and

enter! It's easy! Just like the post for one entry, comment for an extra entry,

tag a friend for another entry and SHARE for one more!

Hurry! The contest ends September 15, 2017 at 11:59PM PST!

Choose the All New Ruby's Diner Breafast Menu Items

Grace and I are big fans of Ruby's Diner! So when we had the chance to try out
a few of the eleven new breakfast items that Ruby's is testing out in several of its
Southern California, you bet we shooby on doobied down to check them out!
I love the Ruby's has a fun activity to keep the kids engaged while you wait for your
food. Grace had a great time building her Ruby's Diner food truck.

The first new breakfast dish we tried was the Southern Fried Benny. Oh mama, is it
amazing and delicious! It has poached eggs, chicken tenders, a buttermilk biscuit,
country gravy RubySpuds. I have never had a poached egg before and having it
combined with the gravy and chicken tenders was such a fun flavor combination. This
is my favorite savory breakfast dish I have very had.

Grace loved the RubySpuds that came on the side and she even tried the smothered

chicken tenders. I love when food is delicious and my adventurous toddler will try big

people food and enjoys it!

Next up we tried the 50/50 Hot Cakes Combo. These tasty hot cakes are infused with

orange and layered with orange marmalade and powdered sugar. These were yummy,

 but I felt like they need more orange. The hot cakes were beautifully cooked and 

perfectly fluffy, but the orange was too subtle for me. I think an orange marmalade

syrup or something would put them over the top. 

They are served with a side of maple syrup, but I didn't use it because I was worried

that it would totally drown out the orange flavor of the hot cakes. Grace enjoyed them

and she also loved the eggs and bacon that comes with the combo.

Last we had to try the French Toast Sticks. I learned from my server that they used to
be on the breakfast menu, took a little hiatus, and they are back again. They were so
crispy and yummy and Grace was a big fan of all the dips she had to choose from.
You will definitely want to get these and split them with a friend next time you're at
Ruby's for breakfast.

 

Ruby's Diner is currently testing these and 8 other new breakfast menu items at
five California locations including Laguna Hills, Palm Springs, Cabazon and Costa
Mesa. Now through January 15, 2017 you can help vote for your favorite new
menu items through a digital survey and help determine the new breakfast menu
that will be unveiled on January 16th and will be available at all locations
beginning January 25th.

In addition to the Southern Fried Benny, 50/50 Hotcakes, and French Toast Sticks,
the other new menu items that are up for review are Country Breakfast Sliders,
Breakfast Grilled Cheese, Mile High Quesadilla, Banana Nut French Toast Combo,
Egg White Burrito, Country Sausage and Biscuit Bowl, Hash Bowl and and the
Chorizo Bowl. Which item do you want to try? Be sure to head in before January 15th
so you can vote for your new favorite breakfast dish at Ruby's Diner!

Lighthouse Bayview Cafe: Amazing Food and Views

Disclosure: We were hosted by Lighthouse Bayview Cafe in order to facilitate a review. All opinions are our own.

At least once a week all summer I haul the kids down to 15th street in Newport Beach
on Balboa Peninsula for a beach day with friends. And at least once a week I drove by
Marina Park as I cruise down Balboa Blvd. and I never knew that tucked behind the
beautiful community center there was an amazing waterfront culinary destination -
Lighthouse Bayview Cafe! It opened a year ago December 9th and and it has been
a favorite with locals ever since.

Grace and I had the chance to be hosted for lunch at Lighthouse Bayview Cafe and it

was such a fun experience. We ate out on the beautiful patio with the amazing view of the

23-slip marina which even has dock space for boaters to access it from the water.

It has a 180-degree harbor, city, and mountain views with access to the sand. It is just

a gem of a location and any table is a good table. The upstairs is only opened on

weekends for brunch. And if you want to have brunch, they suggest making a

reservation, as it is very popular.

There is nothing like ordering lunch with a beautiful view of the bay while your toddler

plays in the sand. It was picturesque and relaxing and we enjoyed every minute of it.

The lunch menu offers appetizers, salads, entrees and soups options that will have

thinking, "How will I ever choose?!" It was a hard choice, but we started off with the

HUMMUS DUO which features roasted pepper and edamame hummus, vegetable

crudite, and warm pita bread. It was delicious! I also thought Romanesco broccoli

was the coolest vegetable I have ever seen!

For my entree, I finally settled on the PULLED PORK CUBAN PANINI, because

YUM!!! It has ham, swiss cheese pickles, and spicy mustard on sourdough with french

fries on the side. It was the perfect size and it was delicious! I have never been a fan of

swiss cheese, but it created the perfect flavor profile on this panini. Chef Ryan is a genius

and I can't wait to get back to Lighthouse Bayview Cafe this winter to try more of his

winter menu offerings - especially the ALL GROWN-UP GRILLED CHEESE.

I was so glad there was a kid's menu for Grace. She is always happy with a good

chicken finger and french fries. She was especially happy with the two choices of

"beep" because she loves ketchup and ranch. She also loved that she could play on the

sand while mom snapped pictures of the food.

Lighthouse Bayview Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week and has

Happy Hour Monday through Friday. If you want to catch their amazing brunch menu,

then you'll want to make an appearance on Saturday or Sunday. Remember to make a

reservation, because brunch is VERY popular! I definitely need to get my mouth on the

beignets and the BANANA PECAN BREAD PUDDING FRENCH TOAST. You

had me at SALTED CARAMEL DRIZZLE, Chef Ryan!

Boudin Bakery's New Hawaiian BBQ Dishes + {GIVEAWAY}

Boudin Bakery has brought the Hawaiian Islands to the mainland and you aren't going to
want to miss their new delicious Hawaiian BBQ inspired dishes. If you love a good luau
with delicious Hawaiian barbecued pork, then it's time you get to Boudin before these
yummy flavors take flight over the Pacific to the Islands they were inspired by.

P.S. It wasn't until I was editing my photos that I realized we were photobombed by Chef Alan!

For a limited time you can enjoy the Aloha BBQ Pork Sandwich, the Luau BBQ
Pork Salad, or the Classic BBQ Pork Sandwich. Or better yet, take two friends with
you, each order one of these amazing dishes and then you can share and
try them all!

We recently attended an intimate luau hosted by Boudin and had the opportunity
to try all three of the dishes. We were also treated to special demonstrations by
Corporate Chef Alan where he showed us how the chefs at Boudin create these
delicious Hawaiian BBQ dishes. It was fun to get a behind the scenes look at how
they are made and pick up a few kitchen tips to help make my own food a little
more flavorful and exciting.

The Luau BBQ Pork Salad is a spring mix topped with roasted BBQ pork, red and

green cabbage, carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, house-made caramelized pineapple,

pickled red onion, almonds, and cilantro tossed with a ginger soy BBQ vinaigrette.

The Aloha BBQ Pork Sandwich has roasted BBQ pork, house-made caramelized

pineapple, pickled red onion and cilantro in ginger soy BBQ sauce, on a garlic-buttered

toasted sourdough baguette.

The Classic BBQ Pork Sandwich has roasted BBQ pork and house-made coleslaw on

a garlic-buttered toasted sourdough baguette.

They were all equally delicious because they all have the amazing Boudin roasted BBQ

pork on them - which means it's spiced, roasted slow, and then a little bit saucy!
 My favorite that day was the Luau Salad because I was in a salad mood and the flavor
combinations were on point! So yummy!

Chef Alan taught us how to make amazing coleslaw at home and he got down to the

fact that you need to start with fresh, quality ingredients. And that is how every dish

at Boudin begins. They prep and chop everything on site - especially things like the

caramelized pineapple. It is cut, grilled and caramelized on location so it is fresh and

ready to be served up to each and every person that orders.

 

I think I am going to have to try and make some coleslaw myself because Chef Alan
made it look like it was no big deal. However, he is a trained chef that creates amazing
food, so I'm guessing that's why it looked easy-peasy lemon-squeezy. Ha!

The kids' favorite part of the luau is Mr. Chad! He is fantastic and teaches them lots of

fun things while we get to learn from Chef Alan. This time he taught them how to hula

and even Grace got in on the action. You have to watch the video below because it is

just too cute!

Also, for the month of September Boudin Bakery is again partnering with
#NoKidHungry. Make a $5 donation at your local Boudin and get a coupon book
worth over $25 in savings and 100% of your donation goes to No Kid Hungry!

{GIVEAWAY}

If you want to get your hula on and try these delicious Hawaiian dishes from Boudin,

then you're in luck because I'm giving away a $25 gift card! Enter below

and be sure to tell me which dish you're most excited to try!

a Rafflecopter giveaway