La Jolla Groves, Provo, UT

This weekend we had lunch at La Jolla Groves in Provo -a sister restaurant to Chef's Table that opened this summer. I'm wondering why I haven't made my way over sooner, it was amazing...

Very cool atmosphere. The ceilings are lemon trees; it makes you feel like you're eating in an orchard. 

The service was spectacular. Our server was educated and accommodating. One of my biggest pet-peeves about some chain restaurants is the lack of expertise on behalf of the servers. Also, an inability to do anything out-of-the-box for their customers. They will flat out tell you, "no, we can't do that" and it's not because they can't, it's because they're lazy and aren't invested enough in customer service to care. 

Anyway, this place was great! Can't say it enough. Here's what we ordered: 

One of the great things about La Jolla Grove is the fresh basket of bread that comes with your meal. They have a bakery onsite, so they are constantly making fresh, delicious breads. There seems to be quite a variety as well, although I stuck with the dinner rolls brushed with butter. Just like Grandma's.

Bruschetta: Great starter..

Stuffed Mushrooms: Not my favorite stuffed mushroom, but delicious none-the-less. 

Watermelon and Cucumber Salad: Our friend Heather ordered this dish and said it was "Delicious." I didn't try it, but I believe her.

Roasted Chicken Marsala: I've had a lot of Chicken Marsala in my day, but this was BY FAR the best I've ever had. In fact, this is one of the best dishes I've ever had period. I was pretty excited about this place before my entree came, but after one bite I was converted. The chicken was cooked  and seasoned perfectly. The Marsala sauce was rich, but light at the same time. It sat on a bed of au gratin potatoes and sweet potatoes, which were to die for. Everything about this dish was perfect. If I could afford it, I would eat this everyday. Unfortunately, nether my wallet nor my midsection can handle that diet. Oh, but it was sooo good!

It was a delicious lunch at La Jolla Grove. Thanks for introducing us, Heather!

Amazing Tacos You Have Got to Try: El Mexiquense Grill

I had a hankering for some tacos the other day, so I decided to hit up El Mexiquense Grill down the street from my office in American Fork, UT. I have literally driven by this place almost everyday for 3 years and haven't ever stopped in. Boy, am I glad I did. The BEST tacos in Utah, as far as I'm concerned.

Sure, it's not the fanciest place in the world, but out of the humblest of lodgings sometimes spring some of the most delightful treats. I've been there for lunch every day this week. I can't get enough.

My favs: Carne Asada, Al Pastor, and Carnitas in that order. Everything about these tacos is great: the tortillas, meat, toppings, and sauces are all perfect. They have a couple of green, jalapeño sauces that go so well with the tacos.

Give it a try!

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/54/1486843/restaurant/Salt-Lake-City/El-Mexiquense-Grill-American-Fork

They've received some great reviews on Urban Spoon...

California Pizza Kitchen: BLT Pizza

We had eaten a late lunch so we weren't very hungry Saturday evening, but when 10pm rolled around we were starving. Does that ever happen to you? You eat light during the day or have a late lunch so you can skip dinner, but then 10pm comes and you're ready to eat again.

Well, it happens sometimes. These situations are perfect for trying something new, or going back to an old favorite. We decided to head over to CPK and order some take-out.

CPK used to be my go-to date place when I was single. Back in the day, I quickly fell in love with the BLT pizza. What a perfect rendition of my favorite sandwich! 
It's just a typical cheesy, bacony pizza, but they put this mayo/lettuce mixture on top that just makes it so good. Definitely one of my favorite pizzas.

Philadelphia Trip: Pat's King of Steaks

I've been wanting to try a real Philly Cheese Steak for a while now and I finally got the chance last week. While on a business trip in Philadelphia I made some time to stop by Pat's for a sandwich. It's funny, the guy at the window didn't say one word to me. He took my order with a nod and shut the window. Then slid me my sandwich and took my money without a "Thank You" or "Goodbye" or anything. I guess that's Philadelphia for you. City of brotherly love, my buttock.

Anyway, the sandwich was great and I could care less about the service. They can be mean old guys all they want as long as they keep making these delicious, whiz-filled sandwiches.

Marc Vetri Replied to my Tweet!!!

I was in Philadelphia this week, so I decided to drop by Vetri... 

That sounded a little more casual than it actually was. No, I made a reservation the second I knew I would be in Philly. I have been looking forward to Vetri for weeks now. And it certainly lived up to every expectation I had.

antipasti: sweetbreads with piopini mushrooms and crispy romaine leaves

This was so good. I can't even describe what the sweetbreads were like...

Manna is probably my best description. The mushrooms were tender and whole thing had this light gravy-like sauce all over it. Some of the best antipasti I've ever had.

 i piatti nella tradizione di Vetri: spinach gnocchi with shaved ricotta and brown butter

I've had gnocchi before, but never the spinach kind. This was tender and creamy with a touch of the cheesy ricotta taste. And the brown butter sauce put it over the top, in terms of decadence, which is actually one of my least favorite words, but I have to use it.

pasta: casoncelli with sage and pancetta

This was the best pasta I've ever had: smokey pancetta, sort of a brown butter sauce, sage, and a cheesy filling. All in all, one of the best meals ever.

And to top it off, afterwards I tweeted Marc Vetri himself: "had a delicious meal tonight! thank you for making such wonderful dishes."

And he actually tweeted back: "Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!"

That made my night. Thank you, Marc Vetri.