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/

Car Hoppin back in the day

Many of you are familiar that I have a love for finding the mom and pop burger joints. I've visited Millies, Purple Turtle, Parkers, Paces, Emmett and Ethels... On about 61st south and 1300 East is another place I would visit again in a heart beat. And, if you blink you miss it as you drive by.

When you pull in, you have the option of either going inside or they have a car hop station (yes think modern day Sonic style). The decor inside is circa James Dean. They have a juke box, but the only thing I would change is make sure some type of music was playing all the time. The space is awfully small so everyone can hear everyones conversation.

What is unique about this one? The prices and oh- you cannot forget the burger that is 11 dollars! Yes, you read that correctly. 11 dollars! It is 2lbs of fresh cooked beef with the fixins and some fry sauce. I didn't try this. cause well, it's as big as my head.

I went for a melt in your mouth garlic burger and some hand dipped onion rings. I was more than impressed with the quality of the food. For two of these burgers and two orders of onion rings my friend and I spent less than 10 dollars. Wowza!!

This is a great place if you want something quick, something tasty, and something that will leave a great after taste. For sure a little stop you would want to make on your lunch break or on the way home.

Ps. Sorry there are no images of the food, we ate it too fast!!

Always an exception to the Rule

Hello Readers, as you know I do all I can to keep this blog as Utah's own restaurants. Created and made in Utah. I pride myself on no franchise's and no corporation's. (ie. the Chili's and Applebee's of the world)
I am in need to make one exception to my rule. In American Fork you will find some of the best BBQ. (and I ate a LOT of BBQ last year) This little joint, Rib City Grill, has something unique about it that the rest of the RCG franchise's don't have: That's two of the greatest owners ever: Vincent D'onofrio (yes people, we're talking Men in Black and Law and Order Criminal Intent actor) and his lovely and brilliant sister Toni Jorgensen.

(Toni, Vincent, and myself)

My first experience with this place was about a year and a half ago. Toni had been on a local television show, Good Things Utah, doing a pulled pork sandwich. I knew I wanted to meet this lady and eat that sandwich! She was in her store that afternoon and she made me this sandwich that wasn't even on the menu yet. Fast forward to this week... I had an opportunity to wait on her at the restaurant I work at, and she invited me back to her restaurant, I just couldn't believe she remembered me. Now, most people were in the restaurant tonight to meet her brother for a wonderful charity event (See Ride for a Hero- in support of Hero's Health Project and Utah Meth Cops Project), although he was VERY nice... My celebrity is her. She definitely knows how to run a business, take care of all her marketing and public relations, and still has time to visit with guests. Wow!

Ok. Ok. On to the tasty food!!

When you go there- Get the pork!! Not only does it taste fantastic and you get your choice of sauce to put on, but it literally melts in your mouth. The meat is so tender and juicy you just want to put your fork or sandwich down after every bite to savor it. I love sides when it's not just broccoli and french fries. Their coleslaw is so creamy! The beans are flavorful. You even can have corn on the cob on a stick. And ANYTHING tastes good on a stick right? The onion rings are ginormous, the spicy ranch should be added to everything, and don't forget the sweet potato fries.

If you can make it through the entire meal, please save room for pie! The pecan pie, I don't know where it comes from, but its so gooey and caramely (is that even a word?)

Even though this IS a franchise, you can tell that it is filled with love and hard work. If you are craving BBQ it's worth the drive from anywhere. It is in the same plaza as the Big Lots and Golds Gym.

http://ribcityutah.com/

Amendment to a blog

Today I am making my very first amendment to a blog. .

After taking a couple visits back to the "My Dough Girl" bakery to check out the other flavors (I couldn't possibly eat them in ONE sitting, well ok MAYBE if my arm was twisted) I felt the urge to talk about a couple of the other "girls."

Virginia.. oh sweet robust Virginia. Think: ginger and dark molasses and super chewy with sugar on top. When you bite in this cookie its not a typical ginger snap. As a matter a fact, there is no snap at all. The after taste... Heaven! Actually the after taste, and I am not sure where it comes from, is as if you just had a slice of a gingerbread cake with whip cream on top. What an amazing after flavor!!

If you are looking for something to cleanse your palatte but with a bit of warmth. Oh Vivianna, she will fill that need. Think: citrus dough with mangos and dark chocolate on the inside.

I still have a few more flavors to try, but for March I suggest Lucy. She is a lime cookie with cheesecake in the center and a lovely lime curd on top with some powdered sugar! Ps. Don't wear black and eat this cookie!!

Remember... run, don't walk!!!

Hey Girl!!

Dear sweet, sweet, dough girl-

The taste of your cookies still lingers on my taste buds as I stare at my last cookie, debating whether I should save it or just dig in.

Love Jessica.

As I find myself reviewing past entries, I noticed I like simplicity. Well, People, don't walk, please run to 300 W and 700 S area. There you will find a little shop by the name of My Dough Girl. Now ask yourself: Who's your dough girl?

Is it Lilly who is so silly!? (a lemon sugar cookie with lemonheads and lemon glaze)

Could it be Judy as she melts in your mouth?? (velvety orange dough topped with buttery cream cheese frosting)

Or does Penelope tempt you because she is dipped in chocolate? (truffle like peanut butter cookie dipped half in chocolate)

Or my personal favorite an Audrey (almond dough full of adoration, almonds, cranberries, and white chocolate)

The super friendly and super cute owner has put a special touch on each of these cookies. One of the best parts of this store, besides the pin up girl ambiance, is that you can take frozen dough home and cook it yourself! (maybe that's so you're not tempted to eat them ALL on the way home)

I am lucky enough to be writing this during the month of February where she featured a beautiful cookie called "Scarlett" Its moist and dense red velvet with a buttery cream cheese frosting. (not to mention I made it in when they were in the oven and took them home fresh!) I am sorry to say folks, but next month will be a different flavor. I have no doubt it will be just as good.

I tell you what, you are definitely paying for quality when you walk in this shop!

I can't wait to go back, but for now my Scarlett is calling my name.

http://www.rubysnap.com/

Ruth's Diner

Once upon a time a handsome young lady (or so it is written) created Utah's second oldest restaurant. She didn't live to see that anniversary, but if you take the beautiful drive up Emmigration Canyon, on the right, you will find this little gem.

It has recently been remodeled but still holds its niche. It is an old trolley car that Ruth had transported up the canyon after her first restaurant was sold and demolished. This is a super small place, especially in the winter. Fitting maybe 70 guests. In the summer a patio and sidewalk seating is available.

Being my first time, I have had the opportunity to try the brunch but as soon as the leaves are on the trees I will be back. I was excited to see there was steamed artichoke on the menu. The garlic lemon aioli that it came with was fabulous and refreshing. I had a hard time deciding between the Caprese sandwich and the baked Mac and Cheese... but really, who can resist baked mac and cheese?

My mother had the Reuben which was served with fresh french fries and a large pickle. My Mac and cheese tasted fresh and cheesy. It was served with steamed veggies (sorry I didn't eat those). The portions are definitely a great size and even leave a little to take home. Oh!!! I almost forgot. The bread. Oh, the bread that is served before you really get going. Fresh, I don't think I have ever tasted such fresh bread at a restaurant before.

If you are looking for a historical place, a quaint place, a friendly place, and of course a place that has fresh food, Ruth's is really just up the road!

Btw. . . on a funny note, I can't help but mention the people that sat behind us that mistook the flamingos on the wall for penguins.

http://www.ruthsdiner.com/index.htm

Sweet is the life!!

Hello Utah foodies! Yes, I aplogize its been a few months since my last update. Happy New Year!! I'm back though-and boy do I have a treat to make a come back with!!

On a little corner surrounded by Victorian homes in the Avenues (downtown Salt Lake for those not familiar with the area) is a little shop called Hatch Family Chocolates. I've driven around this area before and I don't know how I missed this little gem!

Ok, I will admit it, I am female and I am not a huge chocolate fan so thank heavens I had to get some for a friend.When I walked in this shop I was immediately excited because of the ambiance and the jazz music that was playing throughout the store. Simplicity is the game: a little ice cream cabinet and three chocolate cabinets. It's easy to make a decision because you aren't overwhelmed by chaos and too many items. Every piece of chocolate is beautiful. Steve and Kate, the owners, hand dip the chocolates so each one has a little bit of love and passion in them, and you can taste it!! Hatch Family Chocolates is a business that has been in the family for generations with recipes passed down.

I bought the dark chocolate dipped worms in dirt, chocolate dipped strawberries that were the largest I have ever seen, dipped oreos, and a box of 6 chocolates. My tummy lept with joy when I saw the dark chocolate dipped marzipan!! Halelujah! Someone finally got a piece of chocolate right. (I am a little biased on flavors though). If you would like to stick to more "healthy" items they do have chocolate dipped fruit!!!

Behind the counter is a large drink menu. I didn't get a chance to try the hot chocolate but I have heard it is worth every calorie and sip. I will definitely be back for that and some more marzipan. One of my favorite parts of this store is that you can see Kate and staff making the chocolate in the back. It makes you feel excited because you know it didn't come from somewhere else and that they are just trying to pull it off like a chinese food dinner put in nice serving dishes!! (ok I hope you all got that analogy)

This is the real deal people!!

If you need a date night, a moment with yourself, or a treat for a loved one - I wouldn't suggest going anywhere else!!

HATCH FAMILY CHOCOLATES HAS MOVED!! VISIT THEIR BEAUTIFUL NEW LOCATION:

376 8th Avenue Salt Lake City.