Where is Emmett??

I feel like I've been inconsistent with my posting, but until someone pays me to go eat at restaurants and review them... I have to do in on my own time and when I have some money.

That out of the way. Let's get down to business!

I have done several blogs about burger places. Millies, Pace's, Purple Turtle, and Parkers. Today I add another. Emmett and Ethels use to just be a little small shack on Main street in Lehi called Emmetts. There was about 10 menu items (approximately) and if you knew someone named Emmett you could get a free shirt or something like that. Well, they closed up shop because they built an actual building for them to house in and they changed the name.

I was interested to go in and see what was different. The menu had expanded as did the prices. They have quite a few booths and tables you can sit at with your family or date or by yourself. The walls are painted with local landmarks (for those of you that don't know the Lehi Roller Mills is where Footloose was filmed and this restaurant is just down the street)

I looked through all the burgers and sandwiches. I asked the cashier her favorite and she said the most popular was the ranch burger. I went with the Rueben because pastrami was sounding tasty. I always like to try a few items and yes it makes me look like a pig, but I don't eat it all. I am sad to say this time I barely ate any of it. I like to give EVERYONE a fair chance, this is what this blog is about. I was really sad this time after the bill was paid and the first bite was taken. I also ordered onion rings and a lime rickey. That is grape flavor, lime flavor, and sprite. I think its only in Utah, but if you have seen it elsewhere let me know!! I also got a Mississippi mud shake that was chocolate with marshmallows,brownie pieces, and walnuts. I was shocked when my tab came to 17$!! It really wasn't that much food, no more than I have ordered from any of the other afore mentioned burger places.

I only live about 12 minutes from this place. By the time I got home my sandwich was really soggy and slightly burned. The meat was very nice and salty though. The shake was just ok. The onion rings were also just ok. The best part of my visit was probably the sample of the hard ice cream they have with honeycomb bits (no not the cereal) in it. I would definitely only go back for that.

I guess if you don't mind quality and price you could stop in here for something quick. If you want value, my suggestion is just drive east 15 minutes.

Connies Cookies!

I am not one to have much of a sweet tooth. I think I used it all up when I was a kid, just ask my mom. This past weekend I was working at the Bountiful Summerfest with the Oak Pit BBQ Co. And saw people walking around with the fluffiest cookies I have ever seen.

I do love a good cookie though.

Behind us was a small booth with handmade cookies and some cute earrings. Well, people this is not a jewelry blog!! It's a food blog!

There wasn't much of a selection on the table the first day I went because she was almost sold out!!! What is so special about this Connie?? She is a yoga instructor in Bountiful and Sugarhouse (a plus) and her cookies come in all tastes. All tastes you say?? Connie specializes in Gluten free cookies. This is a blessing for those of you with wheat allergies or Celiac disease. Connie also does vegan cookies and of course for regular people like me.. regular old cookies.

We are talking tasty flavors like triple peanut butter (gluten free), zucchini chocolate chip (gluten free), everything nice (which is like a little bit of everything), double chocolate mint, regular chocolate chip, and these awesome ginger cookies. I was wary because I am not a huge ginger person, but the ginger cookies are like gingerbread but a BILLION times better. She uses natural and the finest ingredients and the size and texture of each one is almost perfection. Besides cookies she also does cakes in the gluten free genre.

Right now she just takes orders through her email yogacookie@gmail.com and she is also at the Bountiful Farmers market on Thursdays from 4-7pm.

http://yogacookie.blogspot.com/

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/

No need for a store for the best BBQ!

This is a one of a kind blog. Summer is a great time for food that you don't normally get to eat because it's only offered at fairs and festivals. Walking up and down the aisles you have many choices from navajo tacos, scones, ethnic food, and of couse BBQ.

What makes good BBQ?? The flavor, the sauce, the way it is cooked?

Here is a special shout out to Oak Pit BBQ Co. My favorite pollack Sean and his brother in law Pablo owns this company and in a year or so have totally made a name for themselves and hopefully I can help spread the word a little! Right now he does festivals, fairs, bars, and catering. What does he have to offer? Heaven!! *yes i know I use that word a lot* Pablo runs the California part, and Sean is in charge of good ol Utah.

Tri -tip Sandwiches, Beef Ribs, chicken... He uses the best wood, hand made his own bbq pit, and created his own spice mixture! Heart and soul makes this BBQ taste the best. The ribs are juicy and flavorful and you don't even need the sauce with them, but when you use the sauce it makes it that much better! These ribs aren't dripping sauce like others you may get, and once you try them, you will know why! The tri-tip I noticed is very popular, but I think it's cause its easy to eat and walk. The meat is so juicy and tender and served on a grilled bun. It's everything you could hope for in a sandwich like that.

Next time you are in the area... follow your nose to the great smoke smell and try some. I promise you won't regret it. Tell em Jess sent you!

Also, Check them out on Facebook!!

http://www.oakpitbbqco.com/

Millies in Sugarhouse

I am aware that I have done several posts on small burger joints (parkers, paces', and purple turtle). Today I need to add another to the list! I have probably passed by this quaint little place dozens of times, if you blink you will miss it. Millies is located on 21st south and 1000 East. It is a family owned and run business and has been around for quite some time. I asked the manager (i am pretty sure that is who she was) what her favorite was and she said " EVERYTHING! I have worked here for 25 years and I still eat here 5 days a week." To me, that says a lot about a restaurant.

I went into this place waiting to compare it to the others. I have to say this place really set the standard high. For freshness it stands out hands down. You may be saying "but Jess, a burger is a burger!" and I will say back " oh but you are soooo wrong!" But nicely of course. There is a lot to chose from on the menu from a regular hamburger for .99 or a halibut sandwich for 7 bucks! I ordered a Double Millies Cheeseburger, a small order of onion rings, and a banana walnut shake. Wow, I was in for a surprise when I took my first bite!

The burger patties were a great size, not flat or pressed (like a place I ate in cedar city this past weekend). It had a great sauce on it that wasn't too overwhelming, lettuce, tomato, cheese and pickles. It tasted so fresh and right off the grill in your back yard. I don't eat a lot of fried food, but today I made an exception. These onion rings didn't crumble when you bit them, the onions were so juicy and not dry like some places you get. There wasn't tons of breading on the outside. Pretty close to the perfect onion ring. And finally, but certainly not least is the shake. Ok, so I LOVE shakes. I have tried all different kinds up and down the valley when I am in the mood. Today I was so pleased with the one from Millies. Normally when you get a shake you aren't concerned with the ice cream because well... you can't taste it! I could taste the banana, the walnuts, and still taste that it was made from vanilla soft serve.

I know I have given this place a little bit of a more descriptive review than most. I just wanted you all to see if your mouths would water this time. If you are in the Sugarhouse area I do suggest stopping by and even just getting one of their Glaciers which is a flavored slush that has ice cream in it (and this reminds me of a place in New Jersey called Rita's YUM!!)

Update!!

FYI.. The Downtown Philly now has a location in American Fork just in front of the Costco! CHECK IT OUT!!