Cute as a Cupcake

I have to admit, it's hard to follow up the sweet entry I did for My Dough Girl.

If you wander down the road, there is a little place called Mini's Cupcakes across from Sears. I am a true believer of finding places that are "Utah's Own" That doesn't just mean it's local to Utah. I also look for the places that utilize Utah's products. The dairy, the flour from Lehi Roller Mills, etc. Mini's is definitely one of them, and you can definitely taste it in their products.

If you are a girly girl (which, I am not) this place would be your sanctuary. When you walk in the walls are white and pink. There is pink decor, vintage gifts, bride magazines on the tables, pictures of Audrey Hepburn, and of course those tasty little mini's.

Why a mini? After researching on their website it is to make sure it is the "right size," unlike the typical American cupcakes we are use to. Yes, they are a little pricey, but when you are dealing with fresh ingredients and time sensitive products you must pay for quality and please, never think differently.

At 2.50 a piece there are definitely plenty to choose from. I picked the s'more please one for me, the tiramisu for my mother, and the chocoholic for my friend. I'm almost positive it would be worth trying each one because just the presentation is lovely.

Next door is a fun little room that can hold parties. You can also have breakfast and lunch at Mini's.

For those of you that are not close to downtown, there is also one located in Sugarhouse.

http://www.mini-cupcakes.com/

Car Hoppin back in the day

Many of you are familiar that I have a love for finding the mom and pop burger joints. I've visited Millies, Purple Turtle, Parkers, Paces, Emmett and Ethels... On about 61st south and 1300 East is another place I would visit again in a heart beat. And, if you blink you miss it as you drive by.

When you pull in, you have the option of either going inside or they have a car hop station (yes think modern day Sonic style). The decor inside is circa James Dean. They have a juke box, but the only thing I would change is make sure some type of music was playing all the time. The space is awfully small so everyone can hear everyones conversation.

What is unique about this one? The prices and oh- you cannot forget the burger that is 11 dollars! Yes, you read that correctly. 11 dollars! It is 2lbs of fresh cooked beef with the fixins and some fry sauce. I didn't try this. cause well, it's as big as my head.

I went for a melt in your mouth garlic burger and some hand dipped onion rings. I was more than impressed with the quality of the food. For two of these burgers and two orders of onion rings my friend and I spent less than 10 dollars. Wowza!!

This is a great place if you want something quick, something tasty, and something that will leave a great after taste. For sure a little stop you would want to make on your lunch break or on the way home.

Ps. Sorry there are no images of the food, we ate it too fast!!

Always an exception to the Rule

Hello Readers, as you know I do all I can to keep this blog as Utah's own restaurants. Created and made in Utah. I pride myself on no franchise's and no corporation's. (ie. the Chili's and Applebee's of the world)
I am in need to make one exception to my rule. In American Fork you will find some of the best BBQ. (and I ate a LOT of BBQ last year) This little joint, Rib City Grill, has something unique about it that the rest of the RCG franchise's don't have: That's two of the greatest owners ever: Vincent D'onofrio (yes people, we're talking Men in Black and Law and Order Criminal Intent actor) and his lovely and brilliant sister Toni Jorgensen.

(Toni, Vincent, and myself)

My first experience with this place was about a year and a half ago. Toni had been on a local television show, Good Things Utah, doing a pulled pork sandwich. I knew I wanted to meet this lady and eat that sandwich! She was in her store that afternoon and she made me this sandwich that wasn't even on the menu yet. Fast forward to this week... I had an opportunity to wait on her at the restaurant I work at, and she invited me back to her restaurant, I just couldn't believe she remembered me. Now, most people were in the restaurant tonight to meet her brother for a wonderful charity event (See Ride for a Hero- in support of Hero's Health Project and Utah Meth Cops Project), although he was VERY nice... My celebrity is her. She definitely knows how to run a business, take care of all her marketing and public relations, and still has time to visit with guests. Wow!

Ok. Ok. On to the tasty food!!

When you go there- Get the pork!! Not only does it taste fantastic and you get your choice of sauce to put on, but it literally melts in your mouth. The meat is so tender and juicy you just want to put your fork or sandwich down after every bite to savor it. I love sides when it's not just broccoli and french fries. Their coleslaw is so creamy! The beans are flavorful. You even can have corn on the cob on a stick. And ANYTHING tastes good on a stick right? The onion rings are ginormous, the spicy ranch should be added to everything, and don't forget the sweet potato fries.

If you can make it through the entire meal, please save room for pie! The pecan pie, I don't know where it comes from, but its so gooey and caramely (is that even a word?)

Even though this IS a franchise, you can tell that it is filled with love and hard work. If you are craving BBQ it's worth the drive from anywhere. It is in the same plaza as the Big Lots and Golds Gym.

http://ribcityutah.com/

Amendment to a blog

Today I am making my very first amendment to a blog. .

After taking a couple visits back to the "My Dough Girl" bakery to check out the other flavors (I couldn't possibly eat them in ONE sitting, well ok MAYBE if my arm was twisted) I felt the urge to talk about a couple of the other "girls."

Virginia.. oh sweet robust Virginia. Think: ginger and dark molasses and super chewy with sugar on top. When you bite in this cookie its not a typical ginger snap. As a matter a fact, there is no snap at all. The after taste... Heaven! Actually the after taste, and I am not sure where it comes from, is as if you just had a slice of a gingerbread cake with whip cream on top. What an amazing after flavor!!

If you are looking for something to cleanse your palatte but with a bit of warmth. Oh Vivianna, she will fill that need. Think: citrus dough with mangos and dark chocolate on the inside.

I still have a few more flavors to try, but for March I suggest Lucy. She is a lime cookie with cheesecake in the center and a lovely lime curd on top with some powdered sugar! Ps. Don't wear black and eat this cookie!!

Remember... run, don't walk!!!