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.

Five Things You'll Love About Urban Plates + #GIVEAWAY

What mom doesn't want a delicious made from scratch meal she didn't have to prepare and she gets to eat HOT and not 20 minutes after the meal has ended and everyone has left the table? Ooooh! Me! Me! That is exactly what you will find at Urban Plates. You get high quality proteins paired with delicious fresh produce in a fast-casual dining experience that will leave you coming back again and again.

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I recently had the opportunity to attend a lunch with friends hosted by Urban Plates in Aliso Viejo and I am sharing five things you'll love about this urban-chic restaurant and I'm throwing in a giveaway so you can check it out for yourself!!

{1} ORGANICS ALL THE TIME
People want to know that the food they are eating is not only good for them, but
that it was grown responsibly without harsh chemicals and pesticides. I love that
Urban Plates has a big sign that greets you as you come in to let you know exactly
what is organic all the time. 

{2} FOOD MADE FROM SCRATCH

You literally watch your food being prepared in front of you. You want the delicious Antioxidant Salad? Well, it's not even being started until you walk up to the counter and tell the chef that you want him to make you one. And you can fully customize your food choice because you stand there and watch them assemble it. 

{3} DELICIOUS SIDE OPTIONS

If you're tired of your only side options to your protein at a fast casual restaurant being french fries, fruit or kettle potato chips, then you will LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all the amazing side options that Urban Plates has to offer. The sides are seasonal so as to be using organic ingredients that are locally sourced and fresh for you. As of right now, Urban Plates in Aliso Viejo has sixteen side options including SESAME BROCCOLINI and RAINBOW CARROTS with BEETS.

{4} A KIDS MENU THAT ROCKS

It's really not my favorite when I go into a restaurant and they have high quality food on the "grown-up" menu and then crappy out of the box mac'n'cheese for the kids I'm like - "Really, I just paid $8 for you to eat box mac'n'cheese?" Totally not my favorite. There is none of that at Urban Plates. The kids get the same fresh, organic ingredients that are prepared from scratch. BTW: Their mac'n'cheese is the bomb.

{5} DESSERTS, DESSERTS, AND MORE DESSERTS

The desserts at Urban Plates are NO JOKE! My friend says she sneaks over to Urban Plates with with her youngest all the time just to grab a Chewy Molasses Cookie. In keeping with its scratch-cooking commitment, Urban Plates has in-house pastry chefs that create more than 20 different kinds of desserts each day. They are all delicious. They even have seasonal dessert items. Right now it is taking all of my willpower not to go to Urban Plates immediately to try the NEW Fresh Apple Caramel Cake. If you win the giveaway, please have a slice for me!

{MORE THINGS YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT URBAN PLATES}

I know we already counted down THE FIVE THINGS YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT URBAN PLATES, but I just can't help it, there are more things that I have to share with you! So, let me give you a few more reasons to spend your next lunch with friends at Urban Plates.

{6} LOTS OF YUMMY DRINKS
There are so many yummy things to drink at Urban Plates. Some locations - like Aliso Viejo - have their own signature Urban Coctails. I'm non-alcoholic as far as beverages go, so I love their Urban Replenishers and Natural Sodas sweetened with organic cane sugar

{7} GRASS FED AND FREE RANGE

Not only are the veggies and produce organic, but the protein options are also high quality. You can tell their beef is grass fed and their chicken is free range because it is so flavorful!

{8} EVERYTHING IS SO PRETTY

The food and the restaurant are just so pleasing to the eye. I love the colorful plates with all the fresh veggies and the ambiance of the restaurant makes you want to hang out with friends. The Aliso Viejo location has a fabulous patio that makes dining al fresco a fabulous experience.

{GIVEAWAY}
Now that I've given you FIVE (plus) reasons to go to Urban Plates it's time for you to head in and find out what you love best about this fabulous restaurant. I'm giving away a $25 gift card to one lucky winner. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!!!

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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!

New Ruby's Diner at Promenade at Downey Debuts Table-Top Ordering Technology

The Promenade at Downey is now home to the newest Ruby's Diner! This 

newest location opened its doors March 1, 2017 and is located in the heart of 

the popular Promenade at Downey. However, this isn't just any new Ruby's 

Diner location - it is the first location to roll out table-top ordering technology. 

This means that for the first time, you can order your favorite burger, fries, and 

shake through the touch of an easy to use digital menu that is conveniently

located at your table!

I had the chance to attend the media night and try out the new table-top 

ordering technology and it is so easy to use! I found it easy to navigate and

I had no problem locating our family favorites, adding them to "basket" and

then sending our order to the kitchen. It was so easy to customize our order -

like removing the mayo from my Fresh Roast Turkey Breast Sandwich or

adding cheese to Grace's Kid-sized Beef Burger. My server was always close by

to answer any questions I had or to help me find what I was looking for.

Don't want to use the new table-top ordering technology? No problem! Ruby's

full-service team members will still be ready and waiting to deliver the 

traditional level of personal service that you've come to expect from Ruby's 

over the years. 

The new Downey location not only has the new table-top ordering technology,

it also has the all-new breakfast menu that Ruby's unveiled January 23rd.

Believe me, you're going to want to check out the delicious new breakfast

menu items. The Southern Fried Benny is amazing!

The Downey Ruby's Diner will be open Sunday-Thursday 7am-10pm

and Friday-Saturday from 7am-11pm. It is conveniently located in the

heart of the popular Promenade at Downey across from the Cinemark

Theaters. 

The Promenade at Downey is located on historical ground with

roots in aerospace and film. The decor of the new restaurant is a nod to

Downey's aviation and aerospace history. If you have a airplane lover in

the family - they will love the ambiance of the newest Ruby's Diner.