J-Dawgs

Immensely popular with BYU students, J-Dawgs is the place to go for the best hot dog in Utah County. Each hot dog is made of 100% beef, cut criss-cross before cooking (which traps the special sauce), and nestled in a bun that is baked fresh every day. The special sauce, a "sweet, southern barbeque sauce," provides a tangy zing. Top your dog with onions, sauerkraut, pickles, banana peppers, and/or jalapenos. Other people try to replicate the J-Dawg, but the little red shack on 880 East 700 North is the only establishment that offers perfection on a bun. The dogs are very filling, so one will probably satisfy you, unless you just can't resist one more! http://www.jdawgs.com/Home.html

Blissful Bargains-Cosco

I am always in search of a great deal, especially when it comes to getting good food. When I find bargains, I will pass the word along to you. Recently, I discovered the deli at Cosco. You can get a slice of pizza, a hot dog, or a calzone for just a couple of bucks. If you love ice cream like I do, you'll appreciate the giant cup of soft-serve vanilla ice cream topped with strawberries for only $1.60 (plus tax). My husband and I love to get one to share. The best part is...You don't have to be a Cosco member to go to the deli! However, if you are not a member, you must pay with cash.

Coconut Shrimp!

Yes, at first I was grossed out by the thought of eating a crustascean crusted in coconut. Now, it is my favorite seafood dish! I have sampled several different coconut shrimp dishes at various restaurants, and hands down, the best coconut shrimp is at Red Lobster. The shrimp are evenly coated with a tantalizing coconut batter and deep fried to a perfect, crunchy, golden brown, but the dish is not complete without the creamy, pina colada dipping sauce. Other restaurants offer a marmalade based dipped sauce, but the sweet, creamy pineapple and coconut sauce at Red Lobster really makes the dish.

I have tried to replicate the recipe at home; however, I have had a difficult time getting the batter to be crunchy instead of chewy. Honestly, it is not worth the time and effort to make the dish. Plus, who can resist the yummy cheddar biscuits that accompany every order at Red Lobster?

Cafe Rio

Cafe Rio is a favorite! Excellent food, huge portions, great prices...need I say more? Cafe Rio's dishes reflect the traditional cooking of the Rio Grande region of Northern Mexico, Southern Texas and New Mexico. My ultimate favorite is their salads! They start with a giant, freshly homemade tortilla, toast it with chees, top it with rice and beans (I recommend the black beans), add your choice of meat (try the pork barbacoa or fire grilled steak), and finish it off with crisp romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, tortilla strips, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges. It comes with your choice of dressing: creamy tomatillo house or cilantro-lime vinaigrette (my favorite is the house). I like to dip the warm tortilla shell in the dressing. YUM! I have never had a better salad!

If you are in the mood for a burrito, make sure to order it "enchilada style" which means that they smother the burrito in a red or green sauce and bake it with cheese. Delicious!

Cafe Rio also offers daily specials with entrees that are not a part of their regular menu. You really can't go wrong with anything on the Cafe Rio Menu!

Eatin' Good in Utah

Do you ever have the dilemma of knowing where to eat? You may drive by a restaurant and think to yourself, "hey I should try that sometime," but never do because you would rather stick to your tried and true eateries? Then this is the blog for you. Food is not just about sustenance for our bodies. It is often a vital part of creating memories, providing comfort, and giving pleasure. This blog will provide insights into restaurants in Utah (and occasionally Idaho and Wyoming) to aid you in your quest for delicious eateries. At the bottom of each post you'll find dollar signs. These dollar signs indicate the price range of the restaurant. $=$0-$8, $$=$8.01-$12.00, and $$$=$12.01 and up. Good Eatin'!