Big Al’s Burger at the Junction

By Arikka Fullmer
Highway 89 Kanab, Utah

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>= mixed bag, can be good but can be bad, can’t count on it
The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxx= comfortable
Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$ under $10
Value (what you get for your money)
*** = fair -you get what you pay for, not in a bad way
This is Kanab’s greasy spoon. This is where every little league teams descend after a game. This is where teenage crush’s are crushed in the drive up.

Kanab High Cowboy football team portraits hang next to the ‘firewood for sale’ sign. Combine all that with vintage Coke decor and you’ve got an atmosphere familiar to any small town.

The menu high on the wall behind the cashier is full of typical fare. Corn dogs, fries, grilled cheese, burgers...you get the idea. To my surprise they have a buffalo burger, for cheap! I order it with cheese, fries and for 15 extra cents - Al’s homemade fry sauce. Fry sauce is a condiment anomaly unique to Utah and it is fantastic!

The shake menu shows signs of Kanab’s past and recent growth. The first shake flavor is COFFEE! I order a mint oreo shake but they don’t have mint! How can this kind of place have coffee but not mint shakes.

My dining partner orders a cheeseburger and a peanut butter cup shake. Total cost.....$13.85, a sign of the quality of food. My buffalo burger is bland, the bun flat and soggy. But the fries and sauce are delicious. It was enough to sustain me another 200 miles on the road without the emergency stop I anticipated.

Grandma Tina's

By Arikka Fullmer

198 South 100 East, Kanab, UT

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>>= a favorite, can count on it being good every time
The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxx= comfortable
Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$$$ = $15
Value (what you get for your money)
**** = worth it - you won’t be disappointed with what you get for your money

This is a family restaurant with humble decor typical of your Grandmothers. We have the choice of inside the dining room or on the sunny patio. We choose outside. So does another diner with his young pup named Dinosaur. The patio is a dog friendly place with buckets of water under each table for your best friend. We also have views of redrock cliffs in every direction.

The menu is diverse from appetizers, soups, salads and main dinner options that climb to over $20 dollars per person. We are here for lunch so I order a cheese burger and fries. It’s a bit pricier than I expected at $9 for my plate.

To my surprise the fries are spiced. I enjoyed them but more sensitive palettes may not. The burger is packed with flavor. Its obviously a preformed frozen patty but it is very tasty. The bun is full, fresh and stuffed with fresh condiments. No droopy lettuce or wilted tomatoes. So you get what you pay for in Kanab. Our waiter was attentive, genuine and had a sense of humor. Big tips all around for making us feel at home while on the road.

The Soup Kitchen

By Arikka Fullmer

http://www.slcsoup.com
2012 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>>= a favorite, can count on it being good every time

The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xx= nothing to write home about

Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$ = under $10


Value (what you get for your money)
***** = superb -lots of quality/taste for what you pay

There's nothing more classic than tomato soup and a cheese sandwich.
With temperature's dramatically dipping in the West I had to revisit my favorite soup server. The Soup Kitchen in Sugarhouse is perfect for a college student on a budget or a banker on a break from counting beans.
You may have to stand in line but as you move closer to the counter you can smell the bubbeling soups.
You'll change your mind several times before you order.
Grab a tray with paper lining, use plastic tongs to pick a variety of bread sticks for dipping, wheat, garlic, or cheese!
I order the sandwich/ soup combo, creamy tomato and eggsalad on wheat bread.
It's a twist on the classic combo that I love! The Soup Kitchen's tomato soup is filled with chunks of tomato and onion. The cream is subtle and the herbs don't overpower.
For a moment you'll be back at your grandmothers kitchen table slurping down a traditional winter warm up.
The chalkboard menu is diverse, every type of sandwich you can image with six types of soup. The quality is consistant, the service is friendly. There's always a hustle behind the counter but count on waiting for  your sandwich, don't worry soup is served hot and quick.

The dining area is 'vintage' with a slightly neglected style. You might have to brush previous diners crumbs off your table. But no one here cares, it's like dropping in on your neighbor.

Este Pizza Co.

By Arikka Fullmer
2021 Windsor St Ste A, Salt Lake City, UT
estepizzacompany.com

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>>>= always great, unique, and flavorful no matter where you’re from
The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxx= good but could be improved
Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$$$$$ $30
Value (what you get for your money)
*** = fair -you get what you pay for, not in a bad way

Este is a cozy little pizza joint in the heart of Sugarhouse, an eclectic neighborhood that houses Este well.
Tucked into the back of a free standing two story, Este consists of two simple rooms. In one, a small dining area and bar to order your pie with a sampling of single slices laid out.
The back room is the kitchen, on full display through a giant window facing the outdoor patio.
Este is one of those laid back, local as local gets places that I almost feel too uncool to be in.
But the delicious smells, and bold murals quickly make me feel very cool to finally be eating at the much raved about Este.
True to word of mouth, Este is pricey for a place with standard ingredients of pepperoni, sausage and onions.
But Este will argue you pay for what you get, and what you get and what they serve is tradition, New York style pizza.
No pineapple here!
We get the Italian flag, a red, white and green striped pie. The pesto sauce was delicious, the perfectly thin crust was flavorful and just my style. What won me over was the orzo salad, you must order a side with your pie. But pack your patience and your wallet. We weren’t greeted, were unsure how to order and waited quite awhile for our food. The atmosphere on the patio is a great place to wait though. Kick back at the tables next to the worn brick exterior, covered by an ivy canopy and string lights overhead. I will go back, next time for a more affordable single slice and wash it down with Uinta’s Kolsch, always on tap.

Café Med

By Arikka Fullmer

420 E 3300 S
Salt Lake City, Utah

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>>= a favorite, can count on it being good every time

The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxx= comfortable

Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$under $10

Value (what you get for your money)
***** = superb -lots of quality/taste for what you pay

No need to eat like a lady here... when your falafel is overflowing with crisp onion wedges and sweet tahini sauce just bite in! Café Med is popular with vegetarians and anyone with a craving for Mediterranean spice.

The falafel sandwich has been my long time favorite and I tend to order it over and over. I do switch up the side dish! Café Med’s basmati rice and their lemon rice are delicious choices but I recommend the spinach lentil soup. It’s a hearty, smooth, flavor packed treat that arrives in a generous bowl. The sage colored soup is steaming and thick enough to hold a swirl of cream. The visual is almost enough to satisfy.

Oh did I mention the tahini sauce in the actual sandwich! I just can’t get enough of the yogurt and mint. It’s paired perfectly with several crispy patties of falafel. Café Med blends chick peas and spice into a heavenly blend and price at just $6.99. Other menu items range from $5 to $12.

The service is always friendly and my most recent trip was with a large group of ladies and one child. Café Med was very accommodating. It’s a cozy place for couples or if you want to grab a quick bite alone. You may not have noticed Café Med before because of it’s unassuming location on 33^rd South. Look for the brightly colored sign. The patio is inviting and the interior is spruced up with flags, Greek columns, and endearing fake floral arraignments.

Bear Paw Café

By Arikka Fullmer

75 N Main St
St George, UT
http://bearpawcafe.com


The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks
>>>>= a favorite, can count on it being good every time

The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxx = comfortable

Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$under $10

Value (what you get for your money)
**** = worth it - you won’t be disappointed with what you get for your money

Here's a little gem I'm so happy I stumbled upon in St. George, Utah with great coffee. The Bear Paw Cafe has a classic facade on narrow Main Street. Forget the chain breakfast joints with typical greasy dishes. The Bear Paw lures you in with it’s vintage feel and by the patient line, you know it’s worth the wait.
The menu can be overwhelming, so many options that all sound so good! The drink menu alone is several pages with a full coffee/tea bar, smoothies, juices and tempting concoctions. The coffee is so good, I keep it simple.
For a simple breakfast try Grandma’s oatmeal, very filling. But my favorite is the eggs benedict with smoked salmon. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed the vegi quiche and french toast.
There are plenty of twists on classic items with pecan, blueberry, baked apple, almond, and vanilla. Bear Paw’s rustic front is just a front for its sophisticated menu.
My gripes: The line, sometimes it moves quick, other times its slower than dripping molasses. The service, usually abrupt and all business. And they never bring that yummy coffee quick enough.

Thai Delight Cafe

By Arikka Fullmer

6271 Dixie Dr., West Jordan, UT
(no menu on line)

The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>>> = always great, unique, and flavorful no matter where you're from

The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxxx = comfortable

Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$= under $10

Value (what you get for your money)
***** = superb -lots of quality/taste for what you pay

Not since my travels to Thailand have I had phad thai this good.
You would think the traditional noodle dish would be an easy and consistent staple from restaurant to restaurant. But I’ve had so many terrible variations in the U.S. that when I find a gem I hold on. I flirt with keeping it a secret but it seems word is out on Thai Delight.
Despite its out of the way location (for downtowners like me), it is a crowd favorite valley wide. Thai Delight is just off Bangerter highway and 6200 South in a strip mall with plenty of parking.The service is genuinely friendly and quick! The prices were just as refreshing. Main dishes from 8 to 10 dollars with plenty leftover for tomorrow’s lunch.

Thai Delight’s version of pad thai included chicken, shrimp, and tofu (perfectly cooked). I can’t stomach poorly fried tofu. I’m also a curry snob - I like it full bodied, spicy, and yellow. But on this trip, we ordered the Peanut Panang Curry with green peppers and chicken. It’s a red curry so our waitress asked how hot we wanted it. I loved that she gave us a choice and I loved her reaction when we said ‘Thai’ hot. I guess most Utahns, or most folks in West Jordan like it mild.

If you are looking for authentic Thai tastes and a varied menu then you will enjoy Thai Delight. The family run location is modestly decorated with booth seating. A trip to the bathroom takes you through the casual kitchen giving you a homey feel. It’s always reassuring to see where your food is prepared. The chef made it look effortless and delightful.

Tokyo Sushi

by Arikka Fullmer

725 E 3300 S
Salt Lake City, UT
menu at: TokyoSushi
The Food (taste/flavor/quality of food & drinks)
>>>> = a favorite, can count on it being good every time
The Atmosphere (environment, wait staff, comfortableness)
xxx = good but could be improved
Price (what to generally expect to pay per person per entree)
$$= $10
Value (what you get for your money)
**** = Worth It -You won't be disapointed with what you get for the $$

Tokyo Sushi in Salt Lake City is sandwiched between a car wash and a strip mall. Not your ideal, atmospheric location. But this raw fish joint is very Mom and Pop.
No frills here. The walls are bland but the food isn’t! The specials menu was delivered to us on two wrinkled pieces of paper, hand written. The ‘printed’ menu had typical Japanese dishes and a wide variety of sushi options. What Tokyo lacks in atmosphere they make up for in friendly service and great prices.
Our group was made up of four ladies. Yes ladies night! We started with two orders of edamame, served hot and salty just like I love it. The Pearl sake was smooth and kept my hungry hands busy while we waited for our orders to be crafted.
I’m not a sushi expert so I’ve never had the option of mango before! I got the LA roll, yellow tail, spicy chili and mango! My favorite and priced right at $8. Other tasty rolls were as low as $4! We all loved the firecraker roll. I was up for new adventures so I ordered my first roll with scallops....boring!
My only other complaint, the caved in booth seat with a spring in my butt not in my step. As the Saturday night rush trickled in I realized Tokyo Sushi relies on their eclectic and devote customers to provide the atmosphere. No need for stylish wood carvings or bamboo displays when you've got mullet man, frenching euro couple, and us of course! As for that handwritten menu...who cares when it delivered the best roll of the night.
In the end I was pleasantly stuffed from three rolls, edamame and sake for a total of $25. You don’t have to be a sushi snob to know that’s a deal.