NY style, Only if you bring the Boar's Head

Once upon a time I lived in a little state named New Jersey. This is where my food adventures began really. Who doesn't love food in their life?  Something just transitioned when I moved there. I gained a deeper appreciation for culture and where people were from. I also gained a love for small shops, hometown, non corporate, full of heart food.  It's hard to explain to someone the passion I gained for all things unique and all things cuisine from any part of the globe. This is why I started a blog. People needed to know there is so much more than corporate america food out there.

Some of my favorite places are small inside and out. One such place is Center Street Old World NY Style Deli: I was recommended this little place in Provo. I will be honest I was hesitant because my favorite deli has been and will always be the Millburn Deli in Millburn NJ. I went in just after lunch time when it was slow. The place is tiny, and it has a super homey quaint feeling to it. Just like your mom was cooking for you at home. There are a few tables that customers have turned into their own art (super fun) and then some pictures on the wall of NYC. (can't go wrong with that decor, and I did offer her some of the photos I had personally taken when I lived there) The owner was there and helped me decide what I was going to have.

I was REALLY excited to see she was serving Boar's head because its some of the best deli meat ever. I ordered a Rustic picnic: Turkey/Pastrami/Munster topped with homemade coleslaw. I hate being a skeptic with food but having expectations for sandwiches, but wow this sandwich seriously melted in my mouth. I couldn't stop taking bites, but I wanted it to last! I didn't do a combo or anything. The sandwich was perfect. Although she did have some great sides to chose from! Oh- and I like I got to chose the bread it went on.

I asked why she wanted to open a NY style deli and she told me about her upbrining back east. I am certainly glad that her passion for where she came from has translated into this little place! I will definitely be going back for another rustic picnic, I've also been told to try the Aaron special! They do sell the meat seperately as well if you want to take it home and make your own creations which is fantastic!

https://www.facebook.com/centerstreetdeli

Hankering with a Sweet Tooth

Cute, Girly, and Sweet.

When I walked into the location of the Sweet Tooth Fairy in Provo (East Bay), those were the thoughts that crossed my mind. I had passed the Draper location several times, but I never had an opportunity to stop in. I enjoyed the simplicity of the shop set up, and from what the girl was saying they were in the middle of a remodel as well. I love shops like this because they aren't overwhelming. The layout is simple. The cases are in front of you and everything is lined neatly with a menu that isn't confusing to read. I want to also send a shout out to the amazing girl that helped  me. I soon learned she had a love for food just like I did. I would definitely go back to this location just to have another conversation with her, however I feel bad I didn't catch her name.

I've written before that I think cupcakes are a fad. I still believe that. However, they are a simple fad that I have recently learned in my own kitchen, is COMPLETELY as creative as you want to make them! Not to mention cupcakes are easy to eat and you don't have to leave any evidence!!


At Sweet Tooth Fairy you have your option of cupcakes, cake bites, cookies, and brownies/bars. I needed to get a good opinion going, so I bought a cupcake, three cake bites, and a bar. I am very particular about cupcakes. Dry is bad. Yes, unforutnately it happens, but thank heavens this was not one of those experiences. I chose a raspberry lemonade cupcake. These flavors were amazing! I was more impressed there were fresh raspberries in the actual cupcake. Divine, especially since I love raspberry seeds. The frosting wasn't overly sweet, and the lemon flavor was just right. There were a lot of cupcakes to chose from. This place has a special vanilla cupcake that I will look forward to trying and I usually go for red velvet anywhere I go, but that will have to be for my next trip! Right now, my mouth is watering for another raspberry lemonade ...

The bar I bought caught my interest because it was a combination of butterscotch and marshmallow. Who doesn't love that? (please don't raise your hands) I loved the idea of this, but I guess I expected it to be a little more moist with a little more of each of the flavors. Although, I know sometimes getting marshmallows to keep their flavor and consistency in baking can be difficult. I would probably try it again.


Then there were the cake bites... Again, another trend/fad. Cake bites and cake pops are easy to eat and don't make you feel like you've just consumed a whole slice of cake. They are pretty easy to make as well. These were about the size of a half dollar. And they cost a dollar a piece. *gasp* Oh, the price you pay for fun food!! I decided to try a variety. I got a red velvet one, a fairyfetti, and a double fudge. I am not a chocolate person and I think the double fudge was the best one of all. The white chocolate they are dipped in over powers the cake flavor I think, and the cake is very dense and really moist. They are super cute, and one of the best selling items at Sweet Tooth Fairy. Definitely worth trying, but I think I will stick to the cupcakes.

 Every business has a story and Sweet Tooth Fairy is no different. It is one of "bringing smiles to people with a cookie." Megan Faulkner Brown is the creator of this cute shop. Not only was she able to create a fun product but she knew how to market it. To me, that is one of my most favorite parts of local businesses and I love learning about people like Megan. Her product has been on Rachel Ray, Martha Stewart, and QVC. Too much fun being able to sell yourself and what you love!!!

Check it out if you need a snack on the way to the theatre, or outdoor/indoor movie, or just need something to calm that sweet tooth!!!

 

UPDATE TO SWEET TOOTH FAIRY: THEY ARE CHAMPIONS ON FOOD NETWORKS "CUPCAKE WARS" CONGRATS GIRLS!

http://thesweettoothfairy.com/Default.aspx

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/

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

Its Gelato.. Not Ice Cream.

THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED!!!! ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST...


Good Evening. Today's lesson is the difference between Gelato and Ice Cream.

1- Gelato: The Italian version of Ice Cream. It is like high end ice creams. Made with less than 55% air, creating a denser product. Usually made with fresh fruit, chocolates, cookies, biscotti, etc. Flavors like Pistachio, Hazlenut, Biscotti, Mascarpone, Straciatella, Honeydew, Cantalope, etc. etc. Gelato is said to originate in the North of Italy, where its counterpart Sorbetto came from the south. (that is fruit and water based)
2- Ice cream: that other stuff.. not comparable.. not as tasty.. you get my drift.


On Center Street in Provo there is a beautiful big red door. Maestro's is the name you will see printed on it.





Behind that door lies sweet , sweet tastiness. If you love gelato and if you love crepes- I promise this is the place for you. It's not over done. Pure and simple from the walk in to the walk out.


I had some Gelato there one day, but I didn't feel I could add it to my blog until I had a crepe. I didn't know what a treat I was in for. I love marshmallows (as you should know by now, and if you don't... well now you do) so I ordered the S'mores. They made the crepe like crepe makers do. I use to make crepes at home when I had more time. My favorite to make is ham with some apples, brie, and walnuts. So, the crepe maker started to make my S'mores. She sprinkled it with graham crackers and marshmallows. Then the magic happened!! SHE PULLED OUT A BLOW TORCH!! She toasted the mallows for me, then sprinkled just a little bit of chocolate syrup on. When you order a crepe you can get a scoop of gelato for 1.50! This time I had the biscotti. It kind of had the taste of nilla wafers. I wanted the mascarpone from the first time I went... but it wasn't there.


If you are looking for a surprise treat after you visit one of the many restaurants on Center Street, then Maestro's is the place!!



**Warning: Don't get your heart set on a flavor because they are always trying new things!

La Dolce Vita

This didn't need a fancy title because the restaurant name just makes it all perfect. I went to this restaurant in Provo because my uncle went to Italy and he says that this is the closest he has had in Utah to what he remembers.




La Dolce Vita is a quaint little place just off center street and about 1st East in Provo. When you walk in it feels Italian. Anyone who has been to someone's home who is Italian or a REAL Italian restaurant (like in Little Italy in NYC, or actual Italy) knows there is a little bit of tackiness that comes with the decor. It is not a bad thing by any means, its actually quite comforting.


I treated my aunt and uncle to dinner when we went and we browsed the menu for what seemed like forever. Too many decisions that sounded great. We started with a small pizza margharita.. perfect size for one person or a few people to share. Then came the big guns. When you go to an Italian restaurant you should at least try one Italian Soda. Mine was peach. Just the right amount of syrup so you didn't feel all sugared out at the beginning of the meal.

I ordered a combo that had gnocchi which I am still on the hunt for some that is better than, dare I say- Buca Di Beppos, and it also came with some ziti with an awesome alfredo sauce. You could just tell that everything was homemade from scratch. The red sauce wasn't too acidic, and the alfredo wasn't too heavy. Made for the perfect combination. My uncle had a calzone. I don't remember what was in it, but even he couldn't finish it. It was smothered in Red sauce also and he ordered a side of Italian sausage to go with it. My aunt had what looked like an enchilada, but it was just a cannellone. Yum! She had the same ziti I did. We didn't order dessert because ... the next blog will talk about that place.










If you are looking for fresh, cosy, yummy Italian food I suggest stopping in, and they have some great specials too! (must be for all those college kids and young married people)



http://www.ladolcevitaprovo.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/