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

Tea for Two.. Two for tea..

If I could pull up a chair and sit and talk with my mom for hours here, I would do it in a heart beat. This is "our" place to spend time and enjoy a cup of tea. Next time we may have to do it with proper elbow length gloves.

Located just west of Main Street on Broadway (3rd South) in Salt Lake City, is the quaint Beehive Tea Room. Imagine stepping back into Victorian times, perhaps even the 1940's, where art; music; and tea were the talk of the town. I have been to this location more than once, and every time I am there the music always catches my attention. It's like old Hollywood. You order your tea/drink and if you want to eat, your food, at the counter. They are nice enough after preparing it to bring it out to the table you pick.


One of my most favorite parts about the Beehive Tea Room is that it has a little counter with all their teas and you can sniff each one!!! Heaven! I am usually a green tea fan, but I can always go for a good Lapsang or Oolong. Then you get to pick which room and table you are going to sit at. I am obsessed with the wall in the middle room. I would love to have that in my house! Each room is filled with paintings and lamps and books throughout each room complete the ambiance.

When my mom and I visit we usually get scones and their wonderful tea sandwiches. Who doesn't love tea sandwiches? I prefer the ones with what I think is spinach spread, but they are both tasty. My mom loves the scones. Sometimes she gets them with clotted cream, and sometimes just butter.

Not only can you stop in for tea anytime, but they offer a traditional Afternoon Tea. They also are available for bridal showers and parties. Too fun! Whether you are in town just for the afternoon, or you make a special trip, it is always worth it. It is nice finding a place you can settle into and not feel rushed, I promise.

http://beehivetearoom.com/

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

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.

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.



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