Hi there! We made it home to Virginia! My stomach is feeling more stable (and more round) than seven weeks ago when Milo and I boarded that westbound plane. Our trip was filled with wonderful moments, and over the next week or so I’ll try to catch up on some of my favorites (aka the ones I happened to take photos of:)
One funny thing that I realized as I thought back over the trip is that I ate out A LOT. At first, it was because I was feeling so sick only specific things sounded palatable. Later, as my nausea improved, I was excited to finally be eating those meals that I wait all year for: The Best Food in Salt Lake City.
I thought I’d share some of the places that I hit up this trip (seriously, over thirty eats and treats!) I’ll also include some of those that I am sorry I missed- these will be marked with an *. If you’re ever in the valley and need a great meal, any of these should hit the spot!
Morning Bites:
Ruth’s Diner. You can’t beat this old dive up Immigration Canyon. All day long the food is amazing, but nothing quite compares to the mile-high biscuit with raspberry jam. Delicious. This trip I Dave and I shared the asparagus omelet with hollandaise and an order of traditional French toast. Left nothing wanting.
The Grand America Buffet. Thanks to a fabulous tradition with Dave’s mother and sisters, I have the chance to enjoy this meal just about every year. It is one of those take-a-taste-of-everything-and-then-go-back-with-a-third-plate-for-more-of-what-you-loved- meals. What I loved most this year was the cheese danish, stilton with apricots, roasted potatoes, vanilla yogurt piled with berries and cheese blintzes. What my mother-in-law loved most was the cheese blintzes:)
Millcreek Cafe and Eggworks. I hit this place up once right after it opened a couple years ago and wasn’t super impressed, but this time they hit the nail on the head. There was a 20 minute wait, and one of the waitresses was nice enough to bring Milo out a piece of bread to tide him over. I ordered the French toast combo, that came with scrambled eggs and bacon. It was great. Dave loved his fruit and yogurt parfait. The interior could use some cozying up, but the food was delicious.
Jamba Juice. May seem obvious for some of you lucky folks, but the closet Jamba to where I live is Manhattan, so I don’t take this one for granted. In fact, I had about one a day for the first three weeks I was in Utah. The Berry Lime Sublime (from the old menu, you can still ask for it!) and Chocolate Mood are my choices.
Original Pancake House. I was happy that Dave’s high school buddies decided to reunite. It gave me a chance to eat another delightful breakfast. I opted out of hotcakes and instead shared a dutch baby (sort of like a German pancake) with a friend. It was perfect.
*Eggs in the City. Oh how I dreamed of enjoying a mama’s burrito while in town. Those scrambled egg whites, spinach, peppers, avocado, wrapped in a wheat tortilla topped with fresh salsa and cheese with fruit on the side really sounded fantastic. Maybe in March when we’re back!
Mid-day meals:
Normandie Cafe. Hands down my favorite traditional scone in the world. I worked here for a couple years in high school and tried a taste of just about everything offered. I didn’t ever spit anything back out! My top items here are: cranberry scone, butter dream cookie (ask for these even if you don’t see them out- there’s usually some in the back,) turkey dill havarti sandwich on house made focaccia, molten chocolate torte, and the house salad. I might have watched them make their red onion vinaigrette enough times that I can replicate it;)
Pampa’s Bakery. I knew I’d love this new-to-me bakery the moment I stepped inside and saw the line-up of traditional Argentine “facturas” or pastries. Having lived in Buenos Aires for 18 months on a mission, I’m a bit partial to the food and culture! The owner was delightful and though the empanadas weren’t quite ready, he sent us out with a free factura to enjoy as we wandered and waited the half-hour until lunch began at noon. I was more than pleased with the food when we returned. Hot out of the oven beef and chicken empanadas, both just as I remembered them, flavorful without being too spicy. Dave and I also shared a “milanesa” sandwich, which is a thinly sliced steak, breaded and fried served on fresh baguette with lettuce and tomato. It was perfect. Hearty enough for two. If I lived in Salt Lake, this would be a frequent stop.
Tulie Bakery. Oh my, how have I missed this place? I joked with the employees that now that I found it I would be there every day…and I almost was! The pastries are delightful, pricey, but worth it. May favorites were the chocolate bouchon and the frangipane croissant. The cheese danish was just so-so. However, the hot chocolate made me melt. For lunch I love love loved the turkey, brie, avocado sandwich and the roasted pepper, pectorino sandwich. Amazing. Really.
Granatos. Nothing competes. Nothing can even try! These are the best Italian sandwiches this side of Italy. My favorite is the Fresh Mozzarella on a crusty baguette. One day (of the seven or eight I had them this trip!) they were out of fresh basil and offered it with pesto instead. I might have even liked that more! The veggie is fantastic with roasted peppers, artichokes, onions, lettuce, tomato and olive tapenade. Dave always gets the muffaletta.
Piñon. Another deliciously different sandwich selection. These come on a choice of bread- I always go for the house made herbed focaccia. It is amazing. This trip I ate the turkey club and added dijon. My mom went for her own creation of a ham, brie and apple panini which they grilled up to perfection.
Café Rio. No trip to Utah is complete without a Café Rio salad with black beans, shredded lettuce, salsa, guac, lime and chips on top with creamy cilantro dressing. It just isn’t.
Costa Vida. A close competitor to the above mentioned chain. Dave’s family prefers the Vida, as it’s just a stone’s throw from their house. One real benefit is the offering of a small salad, which has all the goodness of the original, just smaller (not that I took advantage of that!)
Zupas. Good, different, fresh soups and sandies. I feel bad that the one time I made it here happened to be a day that I didn’t keep a thing down the.whole.entire.day. My cauliflower bisque was yummy going DOWN;) Oh, and I love that every meal comes with a chocolate covered strawberry!
Au Naturale. Love the sweet potato fries. Love the turkey avocado wrap. Love the concept of fresh food fast.
Dan’s. Okay, not your typical favorite food place, but seriously good sandwiches at a screaming price! Dave and I took seven of these huge, Boar’s Head-meat-clad babies up to a friend’s cabin, and everyone loved them. A little secret to make them even better: grab a ciabatta loaf from the bakery section and they’ll make the sandies on it for no extra charge!
Rumbi. This was a quick stop for lunch after a play date at Discovery, and I remembered how simple and good the food is. I had a veggie rice bowl with thai peanut sauce and was fully satisfied with the steaming, fresh food. Great for a quick bite out.
Einstein’s. I know, I know, there are Einstein Bagel places everywhere! It’s a good thing, too. It had been too long since I treated myself to anything but a Costco bagel, and these are so so much better. Soft and chewy in the center. I took home a dozen, cut them in half and froze them in zippies. They’re almost as good even a couple weeks later!
Costco. Again, a national grocery chain not thought of for their gourmet fare. I have to say, however, a slice of cheese pizza (dipping in mustard optional) hits the spot after 6 hours and 10 different stores of “playing Santa” with my dad.
*Sage’s Cafe. This little haunt is little known my most, but adored by those who have been. The menu is all vegetarian and some vegan. I occasionally dream about the carrot butter appetizer, and the pesto pasta is the best I’ve ever had…anywhere. Again, on the list for March.
*Sugarhouse BBQ Company. Dave and I had Sugarhouse cater our wedding, so deep is our love for their hearty sandwiches! We always start off the meal with “Tennessee Tangos” rib ends, then I love the smoked turkey sandwich with cornbread stuffing and cranberry sauce on top, and Dave usually goes for the perfectly pulled pork.
*Tommy’s Burgers. Okay, so this dive is in Provo, but I love it, so it’s here. Don’t drive too fast or you’ll miss the one-room white, red and yellow shack on the corner. I adore the chicken sandwich. Lemon pepper chicken with cheddar cheese and sauteed mushrooms, topped with fresh lettuce and tomato. Mmmm. The thick fries accompany it well.
A Night Out On the Town:
Settebello. I can’t even describe how wonderful this pizza is, so just go taste it. For the full experience, start with a San Pelegrino Limonatta, a Misto platter and an Ensalada Grande, then order a Settebello, Lasagna, Diavola (if you like it spicy) and my favorite, the Bianca. One pizza will serve one-to-two, especially with the starters. Follow them up with a scoop of pistachio gelato. Then sleep easy.
Porcupine Grille. A long-time favorite, this is a fun place to dine with friends. It’s always hopping and “the game” is always on. I adore the tomato basil soup (I think it’s on Tuesdays now,) the veggie flatbread and the tequila lime chicken over jasmine rice. But, everything is good.
The Dodo. Another local home run. If you’ve never had a Dodo turkey sandwich with bbq dipping sauce, please, deprive yourself no longer. I like it better with cheese, and with a salad on the side.
Market Street Broiler. The seafood is fantastic, the chowder amazing. In fact, that’s the real reason I go. For the peppery, creamy chowder eaten off of hunks of fresh sourdough bread. If you dine before 7pm you can take advantage of the $20.99 early bird special menu. Or just get a bowl of chowder for $6.99;)
Citrus Grill. Best grilled cheese sandwiches ever. The first time I went they served a grilled goat cheese and honey sandwich on wheat that Dave and I still make at home. This time it was brie with mango chutney. Delicious.
Old Spaghetti Factory. There is something special about Mizithra cheese and brown butter over spaghetti. OSF gets it right with this combination. I usually love the side salad with house dressing, but this visit I was a little tended tummied, so I opted out and just loaded up on fresh sourdough instead. The scoop of spumoni ice cream included at the end of the meal finishes things just right.
African Restaurant. Okay, if you love ethnic food, you have got to put this little place on your list. Fresh, authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The platter that comes to the table is a giant pancake-looking bread called injera, piled with a serving of you choice of meat in african sauce, and doted with scoops of amazingly prepared veggies around the edges. The baskets of ingera on the side are for tearing into pieces and swiping the food into your mouth. No utensils. My kind of place! Milo loved it.
Blue Iguana. A fantastic place to head when the Red Iguana has a two hour wait and you are hungry:) The head chef here was sous chef at the RI for a number of years, and though the menu is varied, the real reason everyone loves these places is the same: the MOLE! I love and recommend the deep, spicy, sweet mole poblano, in any form. This visit I had it over bean enchiladas with shredded lettuce and salsa on the side with my rice instead of more beans. It was fantastic. Dave had the mole amarillo and raved about it, too.
Cowboy Grub. An old timers favorite. Dave’s family eats here often, and everyone has something they always get. I bounce around. The home made chicken noodle soup is awesome, and was one of my respites during morning sickness weeks. When I dined in this trip I ate The Big Monty, which is their version of a monte cristo. It was delightful, covered the ham, cheese and French toast craving I must have been having!
Sampan Chinese. Looking for food on Christmas Day? Try Sampan, they’ll be open. This was the second time they came to the rescue with hot, flavorful, Chinese food on Christmas. This time we got it take out, and enjoyed it while watching Fantastic Mr. Fox, which was a ringer, by the way. The sesame chicken and veggie chow mein were my faves.
Chick’s Cafe. If you’re ever in Heber, and want a hearty meal at a down home price, try Chick’s on Main. The entrees all come with a soup, salad bar and huge fried scone. I shared the Rainbow Trout with my mom, and we were fully satisfied. I loved eating a local fish, and it was cooked perfectly, seasoned well and accompanied by some fluffy and delicious mashed potatoes. All for $10.00. Can’t beat that!
*Oasis Cafe. This place is wonderful for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I’ve never had a meal that I didn’t absolutely love. The cheese plate is fantastic, especially if they have chunks of real honeycomb available. My all time favorite entree is the Mediterranean salad with grilled salmon, hummus, feta, tomatoes, olives, roasted red onions and yukon gold potatoes. Guess what we’re having for dinner tonight?
*Trio. This is a fun restaurant with a great menu and a really cool vibe. I love the 9th and 7th location. I always start with the rosemary flatbread with goat cheese. Then I love the tomato soup, or the three cheese ravioli with squash and sage, or the daily pasta special, which is always very special;) I had a pistachio panna cotta here once that knocked my socks off. I’d go for the creme brulée if the panna cotta is unavailable.
*Faustina. Oh dear, I have to include the best filet mignon I’ve ever had. Huckleberry sauce? I mean, kill me now. Little Faustina delivers on charm, location, and taste. I’ve only been twice, but can’t wait to head back.
*Sawadee. Best Thai food in the valley. The Som Tum green papaya salad is slightly sour and spicy, juicy and fresh tasting. Delicious. Dave and I always share the Sub Pa Rod pineapple curry, but we get it with shrimp instead of meat. Grape tomatoes, eggplant, pineapple, Thai basil, lime wedges and shrimp, all soaked in a deliciously sweet and spicy pineapple coconut curry. Mmmmm.
*Red Iguana. Okay, so if you aren’t that hungry, and are willing to bear the one to two hour wait, it might be worth it. Tacos Don Ramon are delicious and a close second to the mole poblano. Whatever you choose will be sure to satisfy you. It’s all real good.
To-Die-For Treats:
Iceberg Shake. Really? I ordered the MINI shake and it is in a 36 oz striped cup, sticking out the top about five inches!! Couldn’t get better. Be sure to share with a friend. My all time fave here is the grasshopper shake, but Dave and I switched it up due to the Holidays and got the candy cane shake with oreo crumbs…sort of like a Christmas grasshopper. It was divine.
Hatch Chocolates. I stumbled upon this little corner chocolate shoppe soon after Dave and I married. I sampled a couple things, then chose us some nice personalized chocolate easter eggs. Even years later, I think about how incredible those treats were! I was happy this visit to try something new, the pot de creme. Oohwheee! You’re in for a treat! One spoonful of this deep, rich, custardy chocolate and you’ll enter a chocolate coma not able to shake until a couple hours later. It is intense and wonderful.
Winder Farms Scone. This hole-in-the-wall country store is hopping at Christmas time. The line when we visited wrapped clear around the seating and out the door. It seemed that every family of four was ordering about three dozen hot scones! Well, they are good. I planned on just sharing one with Milo, and instead ate two myself. It’s a good thing we only do that once a year!
*Nielsen’s Custard. I can’t believe for as many times as I drove by here during my seven week vaca that I never stopped by for a single scoop of pumpkin custard! It’s to die for. Luckily, there is a Nielsen’s about 30 minutes from me here in Virginia, so I’ll have to run in and treat myself to whatever the thick, creamy flavor of the day might be.
Whooo!
What a list! Now, if I were being entirely thorough, I’d include little tiny tid bits like the delicious beer bread at The Eating Establishment, discount nights for the Mars Roll at Ginza, flax seed baguette at Vosen (amazing for veggie sandwiches at home,) seasonal ravioli at Lugano, blueberry muffins at OTC, oh-my-the best seafood buffet ever at Schneitter’s, and my mother-in-law’s cakes…which you need and insider tip to get a hold of:)
If you’ve got a favorite not listed, comment away, and I’ll give it a try!
Happy to be home, but I’m now I’m hungry!
