Post 92: Bacon Shortage (OC: Costa Mesa)

With the extreme heat and dry weather this summer, crops such as soybeans and corn have suffered.  Because the quantity of pig feed made from soybeans and corn are in short supply, farmers have had to cut back on food for their swine.  In turn, the pigs are not growing as large and as fat as expected.  As a result the commodity price for pork has recently increased, which has caused some media outlets to report that there will be a major shortage of bacon and other pork products.  Talk about chain reaction.  It looks like the end of the world really will come by December.  Whether the end of the world arrives or not, we really should live our lives to the fullest... and means EAT MORE BACON.  And if you really care about your life, you'll exercise it off afterward (ha).  When I first got wind of the bacon shortage, I sprang into action and headed over to Rooster Café, the local breakfast hub in Costa Mesa, for some bacon and eggs.  It's all I needed to satisfy my hunger and consequently calm my panic attack.

Although there is a lunch menu also, Rooster Café is known for everything breakfast related... scrambles, burritos, and simple plates like my bacon and eggs.  They have taken the breakfast burrito once step further also; there are breakfast tacos.  What I really like what this local joint is that instead of the usual grilled potatoes served alongside a breakfast plate, there is an option of having brown rice instead.  The brown rice is good by itself, but I do enjoy it with a bit of runny yolk, a pat of butter and a dash of hot sauce.

It's a friendly place.  Many patrons are gathered to meet friends for brunch, but many of the diners eat by themselves... whether at the counter or outside with a copy of the morning paper.  One of the women who takes orders is what I call the "Laker lady."  She's always excited to share that she is a regular season ticket holder at Staples Center and that Kobe and her are "homies."  I can always tell by the stance she takes while hovering over the counter that she is not just a basketball super fan, but she has definitely played many a game in her life.  When she pours orange juice, it even sounds like she makes a swish into the glass.

The menu displayed inside proudly states that 96.3% of their food comes from local farmers markets.  Perhaps that is where the bacon comes from too. Never mind that.  The goal of the day had been accomplished.  Bacon prices soar... Michael nabs crispy fried bacon and eggs.  Now off to the office!

I've just decided that the remaining posts for this month will have to do with pork, bacon, or my favorite... PORK BELLY.  Yum! Until  next time, let's get S.O.F.A.T.

ML - 20121004

Post 87: More Fried Chicken and Waffles (OC: Costa Mesa)

Continuing with the thought of fried chicken and waffles in honor of National Fried Chicken Day, I now take you down south to a waffle purveyor in Orange County.  Nestled in between boutique shops and an indoor mini mall with food related retail is The Iron Press.  The supposed restaurant seems more to me like a waffle bar or delicatessen rather than just a restaurant.  It is a simple and modern space with an open kitchen where the masters of the presses whip up wondrous waffles while the wistful waiting watch with their wandering eyes. 

The chicken and waffles was quite simple... almost minimalist even.  The buttermilk fried chicken breast was sandwiched between golden brown waffles and served with a jalapeño maple syrup.  The cole slaw that I had thought would come as a side was actually already inside the sandwich.  The chicken was not the least bit greasy, and the cole slaw was prepared without mayonnaise.  And although that may be good news for the health conscious, it may have been too progressive for me.  The maple syrup was neither spicy enough nor sweet enough.  In the world of Real Housewives, this was so very Orange County.  Atlanta Housewives has the drama of untouchable egos, extramarital affairs and extremely low blows.  Like Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken, it's a little dirty and such a guilty pleasure.  Beverly Hills Housewives has the drama of mo' money mo' problems... bling, bling, bling.  Like the ad hoc fried chicken from Bouchon, it's elegant, rich, and classy... but when you're immersed in the middle of it, it oozes bits of naughty pleasure as well.  OC Housewives, on the other hand, revolves around unconfirmed dirty looks and eating cake that isn't yours.   And like the chicken from The Iron Press, there's just not enough drama.  I ordered a side of bacon just so I could have that greasy, salty taste that I so desperately desired.

What made more of an impression on me was the burger.  With fresh ground rib eye and the bite of raw red onions, the burger waffle had much more oomph than the chicken.  The combination of juicy meat and ooey gooey cheese helped create the hearty quality of comfort food.  There is more of an emotional attachment that keeps 'em coming back for more... much like a trashy episode of Atlanta or Beverly Hills Housewives.  I wanted oil.  I wanted salt.  I wanted to say ooooh, that's good.  And I got it from the burger and waffle fries.  Oh, the waffle fries and the accompanying garlic aioli were ooooh, so good.

There are many more items on the menu, including the ham and smoked gouda waffle, the bratwurst waffle, the breakfast waffle sandwich, dessert waffles and the Guinness ice cream float... all of which have descriptions that preview a bit of tasty drama for the next visit to The Iron Press.  On the backs of the shirts that the staff wear, the Iron Press proudly exclaims, "WE LIKE BEER & WAFFLES."  Well, so do I.  Until the next time, let's all get S.O.F.A.T.

ML - 20120828/20120527