Hey Girl!!

Dear sweet, sweet, dough girl-

The taste of your cookies still lingers on my taste buds as I stare at my last cookie, debating whether I should save it or just dig in.

Love Jessica.

As I find myself reviewing past entries, I noticed I like simplicity. Well, People, don't walk, please run to 300 W and 700 S area. There you will find a little shop by the name of My Dough Girl. Now ask yourself: Who's your dough girl?

Is it Lilly who is so silly!? (a lemon sugar cookie with lemonheads and lemon glaze)

Could it be Judy as she melts in your mouth?? (velvety orange dough topped with buttery cream cheese frosting)

Or does Penelope tempt you because she is dipped in chocolate? (truffle like peanut butter cookie dipped half in chocolate)

Or my personal favorite an Audrey (almond dough full of adoration, almonds, cranberries, and white chocolate)

The super friendly and super cute owner has put a special touch on each of these cookies. One of the best parts of this store, besides the pin up girl ambiance, is that you can take frozen dough home and cook it yourself! (maybe that's so you're not tempted to eat them ALL on the way home)

I am lucky enough to be writing this during the month of February where she featured a beautiful cookie called "Scarlett" Its moist and dense red velvet with a buttery cream cheese frosting. (not to mention I made it in when they were in the oven and took them home fresh!) I am sorry to say folks, but next month will be a different flavor. I have no doubt it will be just as good.

I tell you what, you are definitely paying for quality when you walk in this shop!

I can't wait to go back, but for now my Scarlett is calling my name.

http://www.rubysnap.com/

Ruth's Diner

Once upon a time a handsome young lady (or so it is written) created Utah's second oldest restaurant. She didn't live to see that anniversary, but if you take the beautiful drive up Emmigration Canyon, on the right, you will find this little gem.

It has recently been remodeled but still holds its niche. It is an old trolley car that Ruth had transported up the canyon after her first restaurant was sold and demolished. This is a super small place, especially in the winter. Fitting maybe 70 guests. In the summer a patio and sidewalk seating is available.

Being my first time, I have had the opportunity to try the brunch but as soon as the leaves are on the trees I will be back. I was excited to see there was steamed artichoke on the menu. The garlic lemon aioli that it came with was fabulous and refreshing. I had a hard time deciding between the Caprese sandwich and the baked Mac and Cheese... but really, who can resist baked mac and cheese?

My mother had the Reuben which was served with fresh french fries and a large pickle. My Mac and cheese tasted fresh and cheesy. It was served with steamed veggies (sorry I didn't eat those). The portions are definitely a great size and even leave a little to take home. Oh!!! I almost forgot. The bread. Oh, the bread that is served before you really get going. Fresh, I don't think I have ever tasted such fresh bread at a restaurant before.

If you are looking for a historical place, a quaint place, a friendly place, and of course a place that has fresh food, Ruth's is really just up the road!

Btw. . . on a funny note, I can't help but mention the people that sat behind us that mistook the flamingos on the wall for penguins.

http://www.ruthsdiner.com/index.htm

Sweet is the life!!

Hello Utah foodies! Yes, I aplogize its been a few months since my last update. Happy New Year!! I'm back though-and boy do I have a treat to make a come back with!!

On a little corner surrounded by Victorian homes in the Avenues (downtown Salt Lake for those not familiar with the area) is a little shop called Hatch Family Chocolates. I've driven around this area before and I don't know how I missed this little gem!

Ok, I will admit it, I am female and I am not a huge chocolate fan so thank heavens I had to get some for a friend.When I walked in this shop I was immediately excited because of the ambiance and the jazz music that was playing throughout the store. Simplicity is the game: a little ice cream cabinet and three chocolate cabinets. It's easy to make a decision because you aren't overwhelmed by chaos and too many items. Every piece of chocolate is beautiful. Steve and Kate, the owners, hand dip the chocolates so each one has a little bit of love and passion in them, and you can taste it!! Hatch Family Chocolates is a business that has been in the family for generations with recipes passed down.

I bought the dark chocolate dipped worms in dirt, chocolate dipped strawberries that were the largest I have ever seen, dipped oreos, and a box of 6 chocolates. My tummy lept with joy when I saw the dark chocolate dipped marzipan!! Halelujah! Someone finally got a piece of chocolate right. (I am a little biased on flavors though). If you would like to stick to more "healthy" items they do have chocolate dipped fruit!!!

Behind the counter is a large drink menu. I didn't get a chance to try the hot chocolate but I have heard it is worth every calorie and sip. I will definitely be back for that and some more marzipan. One of my favorite parts of this store is that you can see Kate and staff making the chocolate in the back. It makes you feel excited because you know it didn't come from somewhere else and that they are just trying to pull it off like a chinese food dinner put in nice serving dishes!! (ok I hope you all got that analogy)

This is the real deal people!!

If you need a date night, a moment with yourself, or a treat for a loved one - I wouldn't suggest going anywhere else!!

HATCH FAMILY CHOCOLATES HAS MOVED!! VISIT THEIR BEAUTIFUL NEW LOCATION:

376 8th Avenue Salt Lake City.