An Expanding Empire

Hello my fellow foodies!

As previously stated, until someone is paying for me to write these, I am on my own paycheck. Unfortunately- This does mean fewer posts for a little while. I promise, I haven't forgotten my mission. My list is long and my taste buds salivating!!

I am proud to announce another opening of the every so tasty Downtown Philly Cheesesteaks. For those of you who have not glanced at the beginning of my blog, they were who got me up and going after much procrastination. Yesterday they opened their 4th location!! I am so proud of them for being able to expand their empire and staying true to themselves. They just opened in Brighams Landing in Provo, just a couple blocks from the Cougar Stadium.

Now you can run-not walk- to them along the Wasatch Front- South Jordan, American Fork, Downtown Salt Lake City, and Provo!! Keep up the great work guys!!

http://thedowntownphilly.com/locations.php

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/The-Downtown-Philly-Cheesesteaks/114782522038

When life hands you lemons... YOU MAKE COOKIES!!!

In February I had the honor of writing about a place I have come to love even more over the year. Let's rewind, if I may, to this past summer. . .

A quaint and tasty bakery located on 770s and 300w in downtown Salt Lake City by the name of "My Dough Girl" was given a cease and desist letter from Pillsbury (or as we now call them Pillsbury) letting her know she had to change her name. After much protest and boycotting from consumers, and as much media attention we could give her without getting her in trouble, my friend Tami Cromar- owner and baker extraordinaire- decided it was better to just change her name.

** for more information follow this link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38646774/ns/business-consumer_news/

This is a very personal blog entry for me, because of how much I admire Tami. From the moment I walked in her store to this day, she has treated me like a friend. She stood tall through every month of this, even when she felt broken. To have that strength and still hold strong to personal creativity is admirable and it makes her one of my hero's.

On that note, December 1st, was the unveiling of the new name. *drum roll please*

Same sassy red head who is still serving the most wonderful cookies every day, with every bit of passion involved, just a different name. I can't wait to get up and try December's cookie "Noelle"!! Yum!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/pages/RubySnap/114126331987914

http://www.rubysnap.com/

Cupcakes. Fad or staying power??

Recently consumers have seen a jump in cupcakes. Cupcake stores, cupcake shows, cupcake parties, cupcake wedding cakes. What is it about cupcakes that is so appealing?? As I start to explore local cupcake bakeries (sorry Coco Bean cannot be included as they are also out of state) I am intrigued at what makes a GREAT cupcake and why it is such a niche market.

Tucked away behind the University Mall in Orem is a store called Cupcake Chic. It's simple with a few chairs inside. The cupcake case is my favorite so far! What makes this one unique I think is that they don't offer all the flavors on the same day. Great marketing! That way you have to come back and keep trying them. On my visit I decided to go for the pumpkin, being seasonal, and key lime. They also had other very tasty looking flavors today such as red velvet, chocolate cherry, neopolitain, and a few others. If you look on their website you can see the many flavors offered and the days they are available. There are no fancy names, no chincing (is that even a word??) on the size or the flavor at this bakery!!

(sorry about the glare)

(they were so good they glow!!)

When I buy a cupcake I want it to be dense and moist. You can't ethically produce a cupcake that is dry and sell it. I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor of the frosting, it wasn't too cream cheesy, on the pumpkin cupcake and how flavorful the pumpkin was. I believe it is hard to pull off key lime when you bring it out of its element as a pie or a cheesecake. This one was spot on!! I couldn't believe it and I really wanted another. On the bottom is a thin layer of graham cracker that wasn't dry or soggy. The actual cupcake has the tender flavor of a cheesecake and the frosting, well lets just say I was certainly pleased to see the lime zest mixed in!! Wowza! But may I suggest you not lick the frosting off on these cupcakes first, try to at least get one bite in of the frosting and cake.

I am definitely looking forward to trying the gingerbread and egg nog cupcake when they come in season!!!

http://www.cupcakechicutah.com/home%20page.html

Simply Sweet

Hello my foodie friends. Thanks for your patience of me not being able to write as often.

 

Let's talk food!

If you blink, you'll miss a cute little house on the west side of State Street in Orem. It has a green door and the name of The Chocolate. Bakeries like this are popping up all over, but this one has stood out to me so far. There are no bells and whistles. It's just simple. That what I loved the most. When you walk in the bakery cases greet you and to the right there is a little room off to the side you can order your treats and eat with your friends.


I liked being in here and ordering because the girl that helped me was super friendly and let me know about her favorites and what was popular. Many bakeries now you can buy pasteries, a whole cake, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies. The Chocolate is nice because the selection is minimal so you don't feel overwhelmed in picking what looks good.


There are several cakes to chose from. If you get a slice its about 4 dollars and change, or you can go all out at spend 36-42$ on a whole one!! I bought a slice of the red velvet (aka The Velvet) which was enough for three people to enjoy. YUM!! The cupcakes are easy to chose from- I was suggested to try the german chocolate! I bought a turtle brownie, which tasted absolutely homemade!




When I eat I love to be able to pick out the flavors in things. This place is ideal for me, because even down to the frosting I could taste how it was made. If you don't want to spend an arm and leg for a tasty dessert I suggest swinging by!!
PS. this thursday *october 28th* is chocolate day!!!
http://thechocolatedc.com/menu.php

Tepanyaki!!

There are very few places that I can list on my "most favorite places to have dinner" list. This isn't because I am picky, it's just because I really love to just eat everywhere. However, there is Tepanyaki! There is a bit of a history behind my love for this food. In New Jersey, down the street from my home was a Japanese restaurant called Izumi. My friend and I ate there at least once a month because we loved it so much. The waiters and hostess knew who we were each time. Some of the nicest people ever! The flavors at this particular teppanyaki restaurant were mouth watering, it was something we looked foward to every time. I also have yet to find a spicy mustard like Izumi had.

Fast forward ... or rewind, to three years ago when I moved back to Utah. I had to find a place that was at least a little similar. Tepanyaki in Bountiful existed before it burned down. Then one opened in Cleafield, Provo, West Jordan, Lehi, and Salt Lake City. If you have never been let me give you a run down. You sit at a table that is actually a very large griddle with about 10 seats around it. Your waiter takes your order which is usually something like noodles or rice and shrimp, chicken, or some cut of steak. I prefer a mix of shrimp and strip steak and noodles! You start with some clear soup (yum!) and a salad with ginger type dressing. Your chef comes out with his little cart and cooks in front of you. There is something absoultely appealing about having your food cooked in front of you to order and knowing you can eat it hot on your plate. For those of you in an area with Benihana's it's the same thing but with better taste and friendlier cooks!! (and non corporate)

Even though I have been many times the onion volcano never get's old, nor does the little jokes the chefs tell as they prepare your food. At the Tepanyaki I usually like to order a little bit of sushi as well. It is a little pricey, and I usually go for a special occasion unless I have a craving. I have tried other places in Utah but still Tepanyaki is at the top of the list.

http://www.my-tepanyaki.com/

Salt City Burger Co.

Mmmmm burgers.....

I was sad to see Su Casa go on 5th South in Bountiful, but replacing it is a mouth watering burger joint. Alright, joint doesn't really describe this place. When you walk into the one in Bountiful you are surrounded by beautiful wood decorating the walls and bar. On a side note, for anyone that has been to Lagoon, I'll be honest, it reminds me of the ice cream place that is in pioneer village!

A good friend of mine was super spontaneous and invited me out this time! There is also another location in Sandy on appx 91st south and 13th east. I had put in on my list of places to visit.

I am partial to mom and pop burger joints, the ones that have been around since before anyone else can remember. This one is pretty close behind them. Started in 1960's on 33rd south as Fred's Burger Chalet. Sounds like my kind of place!!

I ordered a southwest burger. This was a 1/3lb burger topped with a slab of cream cheese (yes, you read that correctly), two ginourmous roasted green chilis, pepperjack cheese, and I added avocado! The menu says that this is a symphony of flavors, it was definitely music in my mouth.

I am a sucker for sweet potato fries and I am always on a mission to find the best. I hate to say it, but these are in second place, only next to Purple Turtle in

Pleasant Grove. They are fresh cut and you get a huge basket.

The onion rings are also stunning. They don't fall apart as you bite them and you can taste that they are hand dipped. A unique part of SCBC is the condiment bar they have in the middle of the restaurant. Pretty much every sauce you can think of from west coast to east coast, and of course the staples like: onions, pickles, mayo, jalepenos, etc. I think there was only a couple of things I was disappointed with the first was the bun, but perhaps it was just an off day, and second was the service. I don't think I have been in a restaurant in a long time where everyone looks so miserable to be at work. Again, perhaps it was just an off day??

pastrami and swiss sandwich

I also liked they have fresca on tap! I didn't try one of their shakes or malts, that will have to be for another trip!

http://www.saltcityburgerco.com/Site/Salt_City_Burger_Co..html

Heavenly Candy

Welcome back foodies!!

As you all know, I am a true believer in making sure local food business is patronized by both locals and travelers. I am thankful I have a place to talk about these businesses.

This weekend at the Bountiful summerfest I was lucky to run across a business called "A piece of Heaven Candy Company." At first, I thought "wow! 8$ for a half pound pecan log!" Then I ate it!! If you enjoy pecan logs and peanut brittle, then you know that good fresh product is hard to come by. This did not disappoint. The fondant center was flavorful but not overwhelming. The homemade caramel was gooey, and the pecans were not soggy at all! The cashew and peanut brittle was very pleasant because it didn't break your teeth and it tasted homemade.

This company has a fabulous story, and right now they only are at festivals and ship from their home. The recipe came from her grandmother in the 50's. Kris has found her love in candy making and has chosen to donate 10% of their sales to a single parent foundation to help them with simple things such as transportation, house payments, and even christmas for their kids.

I promise you, if you are a fan of pecan logs, it is worth every penny!!

http://stores.homestead.com/APieceOfHeavenCandyCo/-strse-template/about/Page.bok