Past times of generations and more to come.

I wasn't quite sure what to title this post. Parker's has been around since the beginning of time.. Well way before my beginning of time anyway. It is located on 5th east and state street in American Fork. The actual store is tiny and it's exactly what you would expect for a business that has been a staple in the community since the 70's.

If you are looking for a simple burger and fries, some onion rings, fish and chips or a great shake for a great price.. Parker's Drive-In is it!

I have to be sentimental for a moment. This is a place that my mom went, my aunts and uncles went, and when I was little my grandpa would take my brother and me for an ice cream cone (dipped of course) and then we would drive down to the dock at the lake and just talk. Sometimes memories come with food and vice versa.

I suggest the ranch burger. It is very similar to the big mac, but WAY better. They even have their own special sauce at Parker's Drive-In. My favorite item here is the Marshmallow shake. I am generally a fan of having substance in my shakes (like whole pieces of marshmallows) but this is the only place I love the marshmallow syrup they use.

Cheers Mate!

(this photo is from the old shoppe)

If you are reading this and haven't had the chance to experience chocolate from the UK.. please run out and do it now!! You will never eat another Hershey bar again, well ok that might be a slight exaggeration..

In downtown Salt Lake at 439 E 900 S is a little charming place. I've never been to England so I cannot compare this shop to anything, however if you HAVE been to England or the UK you may find bits and pieces you have been missing. They have all types of candies, crisps, sauces, breakfast foods, fizzie drinks, teas, and even meats! For those Harry Potter fans, this is also a good place to find some odds and ends to add to your collection.


When I am feeling in the mood for some chocolate, which if you know me isn't often, this is the first place I head! Might I suggest picking up some Minstrels, a dairy milk, or a crunchie bar!
Also, if you are feeling in the mood for tea, next door is Elizabeth's Bakery and Tea Shop. (is now closed, until further notice-april 2010) They have all types of traditional meat pies, cornish pastries, clotted creams and other pastries.

http://www.thelondonmarket.com/

Ni Hao

UPDATE: GOLDEN DRAGON HAS MOVED TO 1716 S State Street to a BEAUTIFUL location.

It is a very hard task to find tasty authentic Chinese food in a little place like the Wasatch front. Working for a company that is run by people from China and surrounding countries, I have asked them for their suggestions and they always say there isn't such a thing as "good Chinese food" in America. I use to go to two amazing places on the East coast- The China King, a little hole in the wall in East Orange, New Jersey and the nicer Shanghai Tea Garden off Lexington and 55th in New York City.

Well, I think I have found one of the most "authentic" places that has great food and great prices. Its called the Golden Dragon and is located on 1716 South State street in downtown Salt Lake. The people who run it, I was told, are from Hong Kong. My favorite was knowing they made their own bakery items like sesame balls with red bean paste and custard tarts (which i use to buy in Chinatown) YUM!!

If you want a quick lunch and don't have a lot to spend. Two people can eat for under 15 dollars! That is appetizer, rice and your meat! If you are looking for some dinner, the walnut shrimp is awesome, the duck (if you like) is very moist, AND if you are in the mood... they also serve Dim Sum! ** The picture below is the Duck.

Nothing beats authentic Chinese food!!

Oh- AND they deliver to certain areas, if you are lucky!

http://www.slcnewgoldendragon.com/

Flashback to the 50's

I would assume that many BYU students know about this amazing little place called The Malt Shoppe. Its just off the corner of University Ave and Bulldog Ave. I found this place when I worked next door. If you are looking for a super yummy, inexpensive shake, hamburger, or my favorite bacon and grilled cheese then you need to look no further. They do of course have other items such as french fries, different styles of burgers, and onion rings!! I definitely shouldn't be blogging when I am starving!

When you walk in this restaurant it has old vinyl seats, pictures of albums long remembered, and the super awesome jukebox! The owners recently remodled the interior, but it still feels like you are in a 50's Malt shoppe (literally).

They have a selection of probably over 40 shakes. When I have a craving this is where I go. They also have a drive thru if you don't want to go inside. During the summer this place is packed with local students til almost midnight.

My favorite shake is the s'mores!

Best Indian food in Salt Lake?? I am not so sure about that...

There are several Indian restaurants throughout Utah. I've been to Three. One of them is suppose to be the "best in utah" however, I beg to differ. The second was actually very tasty, but they are only open for dinner. The THIRD, is so far my most favorite. India Palace is located on center street and 100 west in Provo. If you are looking for a restaurant where customer service is just as important as the quality of the food, then this is your place. (or palace)

At lunch they have a buffet. I much prefer the dinner menu. The quality of food at the location is truely the type of place that you walk out of feeling like you didn't waste your money. My favorites include the Indian tea, the peshwari naan, the regular naan (especially when its is fresh out of the tandoori), the chicken pasanda, the tikka masala is always good too! I could go on, but I usually get the same thing!

They are my favorite because they are so attentive and are aware of what is going on in their restaurant.

If you have time I suggest you stop in. The owners will usually greet you at the door!

http://indiapalaceut.com/

such thing as a good cheesesteak outside of philly??

The Answer my friends to that question is ABSOLUTELY!!


I have yet to find a more "authentic" tasting philly Cheesesteak place that is better than Downtown Philly! This store is located off 106th south and Redwood road (yes i am sure you are catching a theme, but I had to start somewhere!) It just HAPPENS to be next to the aforementioned awesome cookiness!


Downtown Philly has done it right in my opinion. Their menu board is simple and is hand written in chalk! They have a dozen variety of options, including a kids menu! I try not to frequent this place too much because my favorite sandwhich is the Garlic Steak. Oh yea, it sounds nice and innocent, but deep down inside it is hiding cream cheese AND provolone. Yum. It's almost like having garlic bread with a philly on it. I haven't tried the traditional philly yet. For those of you who don't know what that is. It is basically steak, onions, peppers, and Cheez wiz. Yes-you read that right. And they really do serve that in Philadelphia! Downtown Philly also offers three different sizes. I have yet to venture to a full size, but trust me you will be full even after a 6"...
However it will leave you wanting more because they are so darn tasty!

The owners are incredibly friendly and definitely know their stuff!

Another good thing about this place my fellow foodies, is that if you lived on the east coast at any particular time (north east) you have been exposed to Tasty Kakes and Birch beer! As far as I know they are the only place in Utah that carries either of these items. Oooooh and if you like sasparilla they have the best!!

http://www.thedowntownphilly.com/

Over The Top Cookies

It was hard to pick a place to begin. So, why not start with dessert!

Over the top Cookies has only been open for about a month in South Jordan. It is just off of Redwood Road and 106th south. I work just around the corner and decided to step in one day to welcome them to the neighborhood.
First off, Rachel, the owner is so humble and very sweet. (cookies will do that to you) She had a business out of her home for about 5 years and decided to finally make it big! Trust me, with the type of cookies she is producing, once the word gets out, it will be hard to keep the hand out of the cookie jar!



Over the top has two sizes of cookies. A big one and teeny ones, called 'cuties.' You love candy bars and cookies? Together they are heaven! She has everything from milky way, butterfinger, m&m's, grassjumper, twix, reeces pb cups, a few others, and my most favorite the s'mores! Rachel also sells the most beautiful candy apples, and for those that like sweet and salty she has chocolate covered pretzels.
I am not a big candy bar person, but I had to try one for the novelty of it! Wow, a cookie that was soft! If she can be proud of anything it is amazingly soft cookies!! I had the Milky Way (which is my second favorite) next to the S'mores. Imagine a chocolate cookie with REAL marshmallows and pieces of graham cracker crumbled on top. And those marshmallows - they are baked so they taste like you just pulled them out of a camp fire! One word for anyone that loves cookies... HEAVEN!

Oh! Don't worry, if you like milk with your cookies she has a cute little refrigerator that has regular and chocolate milk. If you are totally enticed, you can also order them and have them shipped!!

http://www.overthetopcookies.com/