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

Konnichiwa

Sushi is such a complex thing.

It can be too fishy tasting, to trendy, not enough options, over priced, not fresh, etc.

A friend suggested a placed called Red Ginger Bistro because they had good sushi and some of their rolls were 50% off.

If you blink while driving down State Street in Salt lake at 3333 south you will miss it. I've driven by that location dozens of times and never seen this place. Walking inside it is clean the decor and atmosphere is pleasant. I loved the chairs and the tables were beautiful if you have an appreciation for Oriental art. I had been weary because reviews on Urbanspoon weren't exactly the best about the staff. Our waitress' were friendly, attentive, made wonderful suggestions, and made me rethink the reviews with a grain of salt. The waitstaff/staff in a restaurant always makes the experience lean towards more positive or negative.

.There was plenty to chose from on the menu. If you love nigiri, sashimi, futomaki,hand rolls, uramaki, it is there for you. If you are not feeling sushi they also have a Chinese menu as well. We dove into an order of edamame which came out warm and salted. Perfect! At our table we ordered the Suna, the TNT, the sweetheart, the kiss, yellowtail, sweet potato, and some octopus. Wow. Everything was so fresh, the presentation was stunning Each roll was presented either on square dishes or a small wooden platform. We watched as the waiters took around other orders and every single dish was beautiful.

(the Kiss)


(the Sweetheart- awe cute)

(the sweet potato)

(the Suno and Yellowtail roll)

When the bill arrived we almost fell over because what should have been a $65+ order was only 40$! Talk about a deal. The cashier was incredibly friendly and invited us back to partake in their 50% off again. I will definitely be returning to this location. It is nice to find a place that doesn't have all the same rolls as every other sushi place in Utah valley. (Happy Sumo, Yapona, etc) Plus it is centrally located and you can go there before or after a movie because it is across the street from Century theatre.

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

You call that a sandwich??

As a matter of fact I do!!

I am very particular about my deli's because of one back in New Jersey (the Millburn Deli) that will have my heart forever.

Last summer I went to a bring your own entree BBQ and a friend brought a sandwich. But this wasn't an ordinary sandwich it was GINORMOUS!!! Of course I had to ask where in the world it came from. Grove Deli he said. I had never heard of such a place. I knew I needed to visit though. If you drive down Main street and blink you will miss this little gem. It is on about 1900 S and Main Street on the west side of the road.

When you pull up its a great little spot, not a lot of parking but what better than a deli with benches outside to enjoy your food and some sun? As I took a step inside, it wasn't really what the deli's I knew looked like. It was more of a convienence store, but with the best part at the back. The menu is basic. The specials are hand written. I went with the pulled pork bbq sandwich, and my friend got just a regular sandwich... or so I thought. When they handed it over, I am pretty sure it was the length of my elbow to my shoulder!! Mine wasn't quite as big, but it definitely wasn't something I could eat on the way back to work. (there is a reason for those benches) I can tell you that next to the amazing pulled pork at Rib City Grill, this pork was a very close second. It was juicy and tender, the bread was fresh, and the bbq sauce was just right and not overwhelming. I hope this isn't just a special they have sometimes.

I liked that they have almost any soda or juice you could want in their fridges. Any candy (American or foriegn) or chip to go with your sandwich. Although it is such a small space and it would probably take a couple times going back to get acquainted, there is always something unique about the first time. The cashier was super friendly, the sandwich maker very accomodating. I am looking forward to enjoying my next sandwich.

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/