One Smart Cookie

There are times that I drive by places over and over. I add them to a list which keeps growing and growing. I stepped out to go see a movie (the Avengers, of course) and I wanted something other than the treats at the movie theatre.

In American Fork next to the Cinemark theatre is a small shop called Smart Cookie. I had heard of them on the radio, and only driven by hundreds of times. It was time to make a visit and do some research.

The shop was simple and the girl at the counter was really sweet and very helpful. The story goes: Christian McDaniel created, tested, and perfected a handful of cookie recipes, that when combined with premium ice creams would surpass his childhood’s ideal dessert (vanilla ice cream with oatmeal cookie in a sandwich). With 25 perfect cookie recipes in hand, Christian traded in his financial calculator for a commercial-grade mixer, and Smart Cookie Company was born.

I have been use to super fancy flavors and spoiled by (RubySnap) gourmet cookies. The cookies are as simple as the shop is. I liked that they incorporated an ice cream counter next to the cookie choices to create the perfect ice cream sandwich, although the ice cream sandwich would've melted in my pocket on the way to the movie. The choices are basic and you would think that would make your decision easy. Oh contraire!

I went with the sugar cookie with a lemon frosting, and an always personal favorite: the chocolate chip walnut cookie. I had to eat the lemon one first because I didn't want the frosting to squish in my pocket. My only wish for this cookie, because it was soft just like I love, was that the lemon frosting didn't taste so much like confectioner's sugar. I would've loved more tang! Second was the chocolate chip walnut. Nice and chewy as well. I am not a fan of crunchy cookies unless it's those delish Biscoff cookies that are served on Delta flights.

I didn't notice walnuts at all, it was good, but I will have to try it again. I like a lot of chunk in my cookie if there are flavors in it, but perhaps I was too into the movie to have noticed? I can't wait to go back and try one as an ice cream sandwich.

If you are in the American Fork or the Fort Union area stop in and try a cookie, the prices are SO awesome and the flavors will remind you of the cookies your mom makes at home.

 

http://www.smartcookiecompany.com/index.php

Update

I am sad to inform my readers that may or may not know, Parkers in American Fork closed at the end of December 2011 after 53 years of business. I am certainly thankful for the memories. My grandfather use to take us there for dipped cones and then to go hang out at the docks at Utah Lake. Thank you Parkers for the wonderful food and family memories!

I didn't believe in a good pastry... til now!!

Friday on the way to work I was surprised by a tiny shop in a strip mall in American Fork called Shirley's Bakery. I quickly looked them up online, wondering why in the world I didn't know about this place yet, and saw they have been around in Utah County since 1966! Wow- that is staying power! Their original location is located in Provo.

I have a confession to make. . . As a baker, I do not usually care for any kind of pastries. I don't enjoy the dry flakiness of them. (yes, I am aware that is the traditional build of pastries all over the world.) That being said, my whole perception and faith in pastries has been restored after visiting Shirley's Bakery today. When I walked in the door, there were two ladies busy behind the counter. The shop is small with a case for the pastries and a couple of shelves for bread, rolls, and the sweet rolls to be picked up and carried out in large quantities. I had to purchase one of the sweet rolls because my aunt raved about them. I chose a raspberry filled one. It was soft, the frosting was just the right amount, and the raspberry wasn't dripping everywhere. I also tried a pastry that was swirled with some raspberry, dipped in a light glaze with crushed peanuts it tasted JUST like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but so much softer.

There is something magical about these goodies. They are made from scratch recipes and you can taste that. It's like when you bake a loaf of bread and it comes out of the oven nice and soft. Every pastry I had was like that. No crustiness anywhere!! Well, I have to admit, I went back today for more!! And good news was it was just before close and they offer what is left from the day at 30% off! I highly recommend the pull aparts!

http://shirleyshomemadebakery.com/our-products/pastries/

Muy Bueno

I have very few food memories from being little. (under the age of 9) I do remember going with my mom and grandma to a little white building on State Street in Orem called Mi Ranchito. I remember it being festive and colorful and the food was pretty decent.

Fast forward... a few years. It was one of our favorite places to go eat with our grandma, and now the tradition continues. Mi Ranchitos tradition started in 1983. The best part about this restaurant is 17 years later it is still a family owned and run restaurant. The Armenta family came to Utah from Guanajuato, Mexico. The location in Orem doesn't exist anymore (that i know of), but you can stop in on State Street in American Fork or there is also a location on State Street in Sandy.


The colors when you walk in are bright and fun. The chips are some of the best chips and salsa at a restaurant like this. I am a fan of anything burrito so I had the carne asada burrito which is also served with beans and rice. My friend ordered the enchiladas de mole. When the plates come out you almost have to take a deep breath to make room because they are so big. Perhaps if you haven't eaten for a couple days you can eat a whole plate, but they definitely make great leftovers. I think this is a place you can go back to over and over because there is so many flavorful fresh menu items to chose from.

I must add as well, the horchata.. some of the best I have ever tasted!!I believe that the staff needed a little lighter of sense of humor and to pay a little more attention, I know how hard it is to be a waiter but personality will always be key.

http://www.miranchitogrill.com/index.html

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/

Update!!

FYI.. The Downtown Philly now has a location in American Fork just in front of the Costco! CHECK IT OUT!!

Feeling like Something on the Healthier side??

First of all, back to the whole concept of my blog.. You must be original to Utah... There are only 5 of these and fortunately for all of us they are here in Utah.



I had never heard of it until I transfered to my current location in Draper. I was enthralled when I went inside. Tons of options and mostly healthy (unless you eat the Wisconsin Cauliflower too often). I prefer the combo because you get tons of food and its worth every penny. You can choose soup and sandwich or soup and salad. You can make your own salad and add toppings to your soups. My personal faves are the Chicken Enchilada Chili and the Thai Chicken Salad... Then theres the Wild Mushroom Bisque, and the turkey cranberry sandwich, and ooooooh lest I forget the awesome Hawaiian BBQ chicken Sandwich!!! Yum!! I am hungry just thinkin about it. For some the best part may be the tasty slice of bread you get with your meal and the chocolate dipped strawberry. For me I LOVE they have diet coke lime on tap! (yea its the simple things really) If you are in the mood for dessert they also offer cheesecake, brownies, and fondue!




I have only been to the new American Fork location which is stunning. It makes you feel like you are in your own kitchen, and then of course the Draper location. You can also find them in South Jordan off 106th south, Provo, and Cottonwood.



http://www.zupas.com/index.php