Type of Food: Mexican
Address: 2310 S. Kiesel Ave. Ogden, UT
Website: http://thesonoragrill.com
Prices: $10-$20. (If you go between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day, you can get the Early Bird Special, which includes 2 entrees and 2 drinks for $20!)
Review: For my birthday a few months ago my mom took me to the Sonora Grill to celebrate. I hadn't ever been there before so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised with the whole experience. The atmosphere was fun and inviting and the food was fantastic! In addition to awesome drinks, like the Aguas Frescas which are to die for, the Sonora Grill also serves dishes made from high quality, fresh ingredients. I especially liked the chips (which were more like full-sized corn tortillas!) and green salsa. We ordered the Chile Verde and the Tacos Al Pastor and they were both excellent. I haven't tried the guacamole or the banana split, but I have heard they are both incredible, so I look forward to trying them soon!
The Sonora Grill is currently hosting a giveaway in which the winner will enjoy a private dinner for six people, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts. How amazing would that be? Anyway, I'm really hoping I win this so I can introduce some of my friends to this fabulous new restaurant. Click here to find out more about this giveaway. In the meantime, go try it out for yourself. It looks like they've added some new menu items since even I went a few months ago, so I look forward to going again very soon.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Lee's Fish and Rice
Type of Food: Chinese/American - chicken, seafood, fried rice, and fries
Address: 1864 W. 5300 S. Roy, UT
Website: N/A
Prices: CHEAP!
Review: This place is something special in my opinion. I had passed it a million times before actually having the guts to try it because it's one of those hole-in-the-wall places that I had never dared to try (I'm kind of a hypochondriac and I like clean places). I think the building used to be a KFC back in the day. Well, my husband Kory finally talked me into going, claiming that these types of places often have really good food. He was right. You basically have the options of deep fried fish, shrimp, or chicken strips with a side of either ham fried rice or fries. I got the 3 piece chicken and rice meal. It was great and cost a whopping $2.79. I couldn't believe it. I often pay more for a Kid's Meal at Wendy's and the quality of this was way better. The rice is so moist, not dry like most Chinese restaurants you go to. Also, the chicken strips were awesome because they were made with only white meat...none of that processed, chewed and glued crap, you know? We're talking actual chicken breast pieces, battered and fried. I love the taste of their batter too! They also serve their chicken with a homemade sweet and sour sauce that is awesome! I just can't get over the price. For the quality of food you get, you can't find anything close. Kory got the breaded cod and loved it!
The place is run by a Chinese man and his wife and they are the only employees. Because of this, it can be a bit slow, but you can call ahead to place your order and then just go pick it up if you are running short on time. I would also recommend getting it as takeout because the atmosphere leaves much to be desired. It has become one of mine and Kory's favorite places to get takeout from because it's cheap and good. It's also one of those places where regulars are abundant, which I always believe to be a good sign. When I went to pick up our order last time, there were about 7 people waiting on the benches as you walk in the door, all holding the exact change in their hands to pay for their food. Be advised that credit and debit cards are not accepted, so take cash or a check. Overall, for the price, this place can't be beat. Just don't be deceived by the run-down building and decor.
Address: 1864 W. 5300 S. Roy, UT
Website: N/A
Prices: CHEAP!
Review: This place is something special in my opinion. I had passed it a million times before actually having the guts to try it because it's one of those hole-in-the-wall places that I had never dared to try (I'm kind of a hypochondriac and I like clean places). I think the building used to be a KFC back in the day. Well, my husband Kory finally talked me into going, claiming that these types of places often have really good food. He was right. You basically have the options of deep fried fish, shrimp, or chicken strips with a side of either ham fried rice or fries. I got the 3 piece chicken and rice meal. It was great and cost a whopping $2.79. I couldn't believe it. I often pay more for a Kid's Meal at Wendy's and the quality of this was way better. The rice is so moist, not dry like most Chinese restaurants you go to. Also, the chicken strips were awesome because they were made with only white meat...none of that processed, chewed and glued crap, you know? We're talking actual chicken breast pieces, battered and fried. I love the taste of their batter too! They also serve their chicken with a homemade sweet and sour sauce that is awesome! I just can't get over the price. For the quality of food you get, you can't find anything close. Kory got the breaded cod and loved it!
The place is run by a Chinese man and his wife and they are the only employees. Because of this, it can be a bit slow, but you can call ahead to place your order and then just go pick it up if you are running short on time. I would also recommend getting it as takeout because the atmosphere leaves much to be desired. It has become one of mine and Kory's favorite places to get takeout from because it's cheap and good. It's also one of those places where regulars are abundant, which I always believe to be a good sign. When I went to pick up our order last time, there were about 7 people waiting on the benches as you walk in the door, all holding the exact change in their hands to pay for their food. Be advised that credit and debit cards are not accepted, so take cash or a check. Overall, for the price, this place can't be beat. Just don't be deceived by the run-down building and decor.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Mini's Cupcakes
Address: 14th E. 800 S. Salt Lake City, UT
Website: www.mini-cupcakes.com
Prices: $1.75 - $2.00 per cupcake
Review: Cupcakes seem to be all the rage these days and several small specialty cupcake shops have opened up along the Wasatch Front (click here). My husband stopped at Mini's Cupcakes on his way home from work today and picked up 2 cupcakes for both of us to try. I narrowed down my order to a "Pretty in Pink" and a "Black and White" because I really wanted to try both the butter cream and cream cheese frostings, as well as the Madagascar Vanilla Bean and Dark Belgium Chocolate cupcakes, and these two flavors would allow me to try all of them.
I have to say that I thought the cupcakes were good, but not worthy of the high price they charge. The chocolate cake tasted a lot like a heavy brownie and the vanilla bean cake tasted like a normal vanilla cake mix from a box, just a little heavier in consistency. Both cupcakes seemed a little dry as well. I realize my husband had to commute home for about an hour after picking them up, but that shouldn't be enough time to dry them out very much. The frostings were both good, but a little grainy. I definitely would recommend the cream cheese frosting over the butter cream frosting, but even the cream cheese tasted a bit too much like the starchy frostings you will find on any grocery store bakery cake. They were seriously only about 2" in diameter, so they truly lived up to the name "Mini's." They were pretty much bite size and for $1.75 to $2.00 each, they just didn't quite live up to the hype. I like to get a good value for the money and I just didn't feel like Mini's provided that.
Website: www.mini-cupcakes.com
Prices: $1.75 - $2.00 per cupcake
Review: Cupcakes seem to be all the rage these days and several small specialty cupcake shops have opened up along the Wasatch Front (click here). My husband stopped at Mini's Cupcakes on his way home from work today and picked up 2 cupcakes for both of us to try. I narrowed down my order to a "Pretty in Pink" and a "Black and White" because I really wanted to try both the butter cream and cream cheese frostings, as well as the Madagascar Vanilla Bean and Dark Belgium Chocolate cupcakes, and these two flavors would allow me to try all of them.
I have to say that I thought the cupcakes were good, but not worthy of the high price they charge. The chocolate cake tasted a lot like a heavy brownie and the vanilla bean cake tasted like a normal vanilla cake mix from a box, just a little heavier in consistency. Both cupcakes seemed a little dry as well. I realize my husband had to commute home for about an hour after picking them up, but that shouldn't be enough time to dry them out very much. The frostings were both good, but a little grainy. I definitely would recommend the cream cheese frosting over the butter cream frosting, but even the cream cheese tasted a bit too much like the starchy frostings you will find on any grocery store bakery cake. They were seriously only about 2" in diameter, so they truly lived up to the name "Mini's." They were pretty much bite size and for $1.75 to $2.00 each, they just didn't quite live up to the hype. I like to get a good value for the money and I just didn't feel like Mini's provided that.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Fusion of Asia
Type of Cuisine: Chinese
Address: 330 North Marketplace Drive, Ste. B600, Centerville, UT (it's in a little strip mall area directly to the south of the America First on Parrish Lane).
Website: N/A
Prices: $8-$13 for family style plates ($5.95 for the lunch combinations)
Review: Let me preface by saying that my husband and father-in-law have both served LDS missions in Hong Kong and are fairly picky about their Chinese food but this place rated high on their lists as well as the rest of ours. The owner is actually from Hong Kong and is super nice and willing to go out of his way to please his customers.
I will make a few recommendations because everything we tried was delicious. For appetisers, they have cream cheese wontons that come with a pineapple dipping sauce and they are absolutely delicious. If you are wanting a variety of appetisers, the fusion tray was a good choice because it comes with egg rolls, cheese wontons, spareribs, shrimp, and char shu pork. We also enjoyed, for the main meal, General Tao's Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Broccoli Beef, Char Shu Pork Pan Fried Noodles, Wonderful Shrimp (which I personally didn't try but I was told it was delicious), Pon Pon Chicken, Spicy Garlic Sauce Pork. They also let us try a couple of desserts that will soon be on their menu--a mango/rice soup (served cold) and deep fried honey melon, both of which I thought were absolutely delicious.
I would defintely recommend trying this place. The service was great and the food was fantastic.
Address: 330 North Marketplace Drive, Ste. B600, Centerville, UT (it's in a little strip mall area directly to the south of the America First on Parrish Lane).
Website: N/A
Prices: $8-$13 for family style plates ($5.95 for the lunch combinations)
Review: Let me preface by saying that my husband and father-in-law have both served LDS missions in Hong Kong and are fairly picky about their Chinese food but this place rated high on their lists as well as the rest of ours. The owner is actually from Hong Kong and is super nice and willing to go out of his way to please his customers.
I will make a few recommendations because everything we tried was delicious. For appetisers, they have cream cheese wontons that come with a pineapple dipping sauce and they are absolutely delicious. If you are wanting a variety of appetisers, the fusion tray was a good choice because it comes with egg rolls, cheese wontons, spareribs, shrimp, and char shu pork. We also enjoyed, for the main meal, General Tao's Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Broccoli Beef, Char Shu Pork Pan Fried Noodles, Wonderful Shrimp (which I personally didn't try but I was told it was delicious), Pon Pon Chicken, Spicy Garlic Sauce Pork. They also let us try a couple of desserts that will soon be on their menu--a mango/rice soup (served cold) and deep fried honey melon, both of which I thought were absolutely delicious.
I would defintely recommend trying this place. The service was great and the food was fantastic.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Robintino's
Type of Cuisine: Italian
Address: 1385 S 500 W, Bountiful, UT
Website: N/A
Prices: About $11 for a medium pizza
Review: This Italian restaraunt is very popular in the Davis County area. My husband and I don't find their food that good, to be honest. However, their pizza is amazing! A large is really big and will feed a big family. The crust isn't too thin or too thick. For me, it's just right. Their salads are really big, we usually split them between two people. I don't usually like ranch dressing, but their ranch is delicious! Their bleu cheese is even better! They serve complimentary breadsticks that only last a minute at our table. I have been told by many people that their mushroom pizza is really good, but I don't like mushrooms, so you'll just have to take their word for it.
I would definitley try this place if you haven't already. Try their pizza first so you'll be hooked, and then if you feel so inclined, order their other food.
Address: 1385 S 500 W, Bountiful, UT
Website: N/A
Prices: About $11 for a medium pizza
Review: This Italian restaraunt is very popular in the Davis County area. My husband and I don't find their food that good, to be honest. However, their pizza is amazing! A large is really big and will feed a big family. The crust isn't too thin or too thick. For me, it's just right. Their salads are really big, we usually split them between two people. I don't usually like ranch dressing, but their ranch is delicious! Their bleu cheese is even better! They serve complimentary breadsticks that only last a minute at our table. I have been told by many people that their mushroom pizza is really good, but I don't like mushrooms, so you'll just have to take their word for it.
I would definitley try this place if you haven't already. Try their pizza first so you'll be hooked, and then if you feel so inclined, order their other food.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Tony's
Type of Cuisine: Italian
Location: 403 39th Street, Ogden, UT
Website: N/A
Prices: Pizzas are $6.45 (including tax) for a 12" cheese pizza and $10.40 (including tax) for a 15" cheese pizza. Add about $.30 for each additional topping. Pasta is available, but this place is not known for their pasta, so I would stick to the pizzas and sandwiches.
Review: This week I'd like to give a shout out to Tony's. I have been going to Tony's since I was a little kid and it has always been a family favorite. If you like pizzeria-style pizza, this is the place for you. Their pizza is excellent, but it contains a thinner crust; if you're looking for thick, puffy crust, this isn't the place for you. Their salads come with only one choice of dressing - House Italian. It is a vinegar and oil based dressing and it's amazing!!! There are two toppings that Tony's is famous for in the Ogden area: green olives and pepperoni. Their pepperoni is spicier than most, but it is absolutely delicious. What I really wanted to spotlight today is their meatball sandwich. This sandwich is incredible. It is huge and could easily feed two people. Instead of huge meatballs that are cumbersome to eat, Tony's tops the bread with a meatball sauce. It is a really good sauce with cut up meatballs, so it is much easier to eat. They then top it with melted mozzarella cheese, and mayo and mustard if you please. Let me just tell you that it is SOOOO good! This sandwich is a value too, costing only $4.70 (including tax), and it even comes with a large helping of potato chips. I can only usually finish half of the sandwich, which is fine by me, because then I have lunch for the next day.
Note: The restaurant has tile floors, which create quite a noisy atmosphere. Sometimes it might be advisable to get takeout if loud noises bother you.
Note: If you get the meatball sandwich, ask for foil to wrap up your leftovers in. This way you can just throw the sandwich in the oven in for about 15 minutes to warm up and the bread won't get soggy in the microwave. The oven helps preserve a bit of the crispiness of the bread.
Location: 403 39th Street, Ogden, UT
Website: N/A
Prices: Pizzas are $6.45 (including tax) for a 12" cheese pizza and $10.40 (including tax) for a 15" cheese pizza. Add about $.30 for each additional topping. Pasta is available, but this place is not known for their pasta, so I would stick to the pizzas and sandwiches.
Review: This week I'd like to give a shout out to Tony's. I have been going to Tony's since I was a little kid and it has always been a family favorite. If you like pizzeria-style pizza, this is the place for you. Their pizza is excellent, but it contains a thinner crust; if you're looking for thick, puffy crust, this isn't the place for you. Their salads come with only one choice of dressing - House Italian. It is a vinegar and oil based dressing and it's amazing!!! There are two toppings that Tony's is famous for in the Ogden area: green olives and pepperoni. Their pepperoni is spicier than most, but it is absolutely delicious. What I really wanted to spotlight today is their meatball sandwich. This sandwich is incredible. It is huge and could easily feed two people. Instead of huge meatballs that are cumbersome to eat, Tony's tops the bread with a meatball sauce. It is a really good sauce with cut up meatballs, so it is much easier to eat. They then top it with melted mozzarella cheese, and mayo and mustard if you please. Let me just tell you that it is SOOOO good! This sandwich is a value too, costing only $4.70 (including tax), and it even comes with a large helping of potato chips. I can only usually finish half of the sandwich, which is fine by me, because then I have lunch for the next day.
Note: The restaurant has tile floors, which create quite a noisy atmosphere. Sometimes it might be advisable to get takeout if loud noises bother you.
Note: If you get the meatball sandwich, ask for foil to wrap up your leftovers in. This way you can just throw the sandwich in the oven in for about 15 minutes to warm up and the bread won't get soggy in the microwave. The oven helps preserve a bit of the crispiness of the bread.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Tastes of Utah
Anybody who knows me knows that I love food. My obsession is so intense that I now believe food to be my biggest hobby. I absolutely love the experience of going out to eat and I look forward to it all week long. I don't need to do anything for entertainment afterwards because the whole eating-out experience is enough entertainment for me.
I have wanted to start this blog for quite some time now because I feel like I can never find really good online restaurant reviews, especially for local restaurants. I love to try new places, but I hate being disappointed because I expected too much, thought it was too pricey, or didn't know what to order. I also love a good deal and like to get the best bang for my buck. I don't know if there's anybody else out there who likes to read restaurant reviews like I do, but if so, I thought I would start this site to review certain restaurants, list prices, give advice about good menu selections, and alert you to any specials, coupons, or promotions. If anybody has any recommendations of their own or would like to comment on a particular restaurant, please feel free to leave a comment on any of the reviews.
I have wanted to start this blog for quite some time now because I feel like I can never find really good online restaurant reviews, especially for local restaurants. I love to try new places, but I hate being disappointed because I expected too much, thought it was too pricey, or didn't know what to order. I also love a good deal and like to get the best bang for my buck. I don't know if there's anybody else out there who likes to read restaurant reviews like I do, but if so, I thought I would start this site to review certain restaurants, list prices, give advice about good menu selections, and alert you to any specials, coupons, or promotions. If anybody has any recommendations of their own or would like to comment on a particular restaurant, please feel free to leave a comment on any of the reviews.
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