Nielsen's Frozen Custard

My husband is always making fun of me for liking old people desserts (I like a lot of things with malt, caramel, peanuts, etc.) and this is where it all started. Whenever we go to Nielsen's I without fail order a single chocolate with almond's on top. And without fail my sweet husband makes fun of my choice. Would you like me to get your walker, your teeth, where were you when Lincoln was shot. Yes he is quite the comedian.

But all geriatric hilarity aside, their chocolate custard with their salted almonds is probably my favorite dessert.  Their custard is the creamiest cold confection, and the salt and crunch of the almonds, heaven. 

They also have great burgers, super juicy ones with grilled onions, pickles, ketchup the works all on a pillowy flour topped bun. It is a mystery to me why anyone visits a fast food chain, when there are burgers and fries this good available (and in a drive thru no less) and it's all fresh and made with care.

Not to be missed, anything involving their custard particularly Nielsen's concretes the shakes that make all other shakes feel completely inferior. Available in pretty much every flavor. They also have sundaes and floats. So get to your nearest Nielsen's and party like it's 1952. And just like 1952, they don't accept any cards. Cash only, annoying but totally worth it.

Nielsen's Bountiful
Nielsen's Salt Lake
Nielsen's St. George

Boots to the Moon

Last night I ran to Velour to pick up some tickets for an upcoming show (Imagine Dragons, check them out... please). It was supposed to be quick, I had a pretty draining day and I wanted to get home. With tickets in hand I glanced at the list of performers that night. I saw that Boots to the Moon was about to go on, and quickly handed more money to Corey. Boots to the Moon is a one-man act by a friend of mine from high school. Joscef Castor is a brilliant example of the creativity and beauty that exists here in Utah. I don't pretend to be a music critic, but his lyrics and music are lovely, and his ability to let go on stage and give an authentic performance is inspiring.

As I stood a few feet from the stage, I saw him interacting with the crowd, and was reminded why I love Velour. It is a beautiful venue with an intimate setting that has given me some really great memories. The shows there are just good. They really are. If you want to see for yourself, here are the shows that are happening this weekend:

Friday: Beau Stephenson, Maddie Penrose, Ben Bailey, Lindsey Stirling
Saturday: The Old World, The Trappers, Folka Dots, I Hate You Just Kidding


Doors open at 8pm, and ticket prices range from $5 - $12, depending on the show.

Chunga's

Holes in the wall always have the greatest food don't they? This one is no exception. In fact in may be one of the very best. I knew it would be pretty good as a friend had recommended Chunga's to me, but I got really excited when I walked in and saw two abuelitas hand-making tortillas (and for those of you who don't habla espanol, that's grandmothers in Spanish.)

The food did not disappoint, the tacos al pastor were some of the best tacos I have ever had. With, of course the best tortillas. Their rice and beans were so good, and the chips and salsa (chipotle & pico.) The service was incredible, they were so nice, the food came out so quick and she checked back with me often to see if I need more of anything.

I will be finding several excuses to make my way to Salt Lake just so I can stop by Chunga's.

Slab

I will never forget the first time I found Slab, my son was two months old and it was time to lose the babyweight so I went for a walk. Aaaand walked right into Slab, needless to say my exercise attempt(s) (are usually) was futile. Long story short we ended up eating there three times a week.

I love this pizza, the crust is so good! And not like any other pizza it is thin and crisp and just the right amount of chewy. And then there are the options. They have everything you could possibly want, from classics like Cheese and Pepperoni to the much more exciting red curry pulled pork and Rosemary Potato and Bacon (which are both ridiculously good by the way.)  Look at the menu here. Better yet, look at the menu there.

Slab is a staple for us and it will be for you too. The restaurant is great, the staff is even better and the food, well it is some of the very best in Utah Valley! Run don't walk. 669 East 800 North Provo

Weekend Roundup

Don't worry. We know whats going on so you don't have to. Here's what our valleys have to offer you this weekend.

Mist:SaltLake This truly sounds like one of the greatest things to come to Utah in a long time. Chef Gavin Baker established Mist in 2008, it is a Guerilla restaurant the travels the globe seeking the best local ingredients and the best local chefs. "Mist is a multi-course, multi-sensory experience. I invite you to join us as we visit locations around the world, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. There is something about Mist that inspires everyone involved to give selflessly and whole-heartedly what they have to offer."-Gavin Baker
Email them at info@themistproject.com to get on the waiting list for tickets. Local Chefs featured are Colten Soelburg-Communal, Viet Pham-Forage, Ryan Lowder-The Copper Onion, Takashi Gibo-Takashi

Slab $ & Berkeley Kershisnik will be performing at Slab this Saturday night. Amazing pizza and great music, and I highly recommend The Luke & Meikel pizzas (and really all of their slices of goodness.)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82Q8paOnu7I 

Pats BBQ $ In need of a little southern comfort this weekend? Pats is the best BBQ in SLC. Their pork ribs, piece of chicken (their chicken is so crazy tender, all the meats are) the pulled pork, beef brisket, and the sides! The sides are equal to their main dish meat counterparts. Don't miss the Baked Beans, Creole Black Beans and Rice and cornbread. They also have great music on the weekend, this weekend features Harry Lee & The Back Alley Blues Band Friday night 7p.m.-9p.m. Carbon Gypsies Saturday night 7p.m.-9p.m.

Sora  $$ We had lunch here this week (a post and photos to come next week) and we cannot stop thinking about it. The restaurant is beautiful, and so calm. The food was so good, I had their Mars roll, which is the best sushi I have ever had in Utah County. We also had their Vegetable Tempura Udon, it was the ultimate feel good food. The noodles were wonderful and satisfying, the broth was so flavorful yet clean and everything was so balanced. Beccy actually ordered it, and after tasting it I ordered one myself. All I can think about is when I can go back for more. FYI parents, no high chairs just booster seats.


And once you have a full belly, we recommend you look into the following happenings:

Friday
CUAC (Central Utah Art Center) A new show opening "The Gang's All Here: curated by Max Presneill. Anyone who says Utah doesn't have good art has never been to the CUAC. They bring worldwide contemporary art to Ephraim (!!!) of all places.Their exhibits open every 2nd Friday and are always delightful. Its a beautiful drive to Ephraim, and the shows don't disappoint. Also, if you meet the right people, you'll find yourself eating the most divine tacos the state has to offer. You'll have to go to learn more...

Saturday:
Velour This Saturday night is their annual Valentine's Day Masquarade Show. The line up for the evening includes Soft Science (one of my favorite things happening in the music scene right now), Timber!, Spencer Russell and Salazar. Wear a mask if you'd like. It will get you in the door for only $5. Without a mask, its $7. Shows like this at Velour are always incredible. Mark your calendars! Take a date!!


Need more recommendations? Tweet us here, we will point you in the right direction.

Communal

I love eating here. The restaurant is beautiful, the music great (like really great.) And the food, well, the food is excellent. I am not exaggerating when I say that everything on the menu is great, nor am I exaggerating when I say I have eaten everything on the menu (and in the last month no less, it has been a really great month.)

My favorites on the first course Citrus & Avocado Salad, with Frisee and Green Olives Mushroom Ragu on Polenta, oh my goodness that polenta, incredible! Tomato Jam, Mushroom & Ricotta Crostini, I am now a bit obsessed with tomato jam.

The main course standouts, Hangar Steak with Blue Cheese Butter, that blue cheese butter and a perfectly cooked steak, heaven. Now, the Roasted Chicken in Natural Juices, let me just preface this by saying that a really well roasted chicken is one of my all time favorite meals. Each time I went, (and I got a quarter chicken each time, because it is that good.) my dining companions commented that they never really bother to order chicken when they go out, particularly to places like Communal who so expertly prepare steak and pork. And I would have to agree with them, but honestly Communals roast chicken is some of the best I have ever had. Tender and perfectly seasoned (well, I always add a bit of salt, but other than that seasoned perfection.) and the house fries or their mashed potatoes are the perfect compliment. The other sides not to miss (really, it's all of them but if you must choose) the aforementioned house fries and mashed potatoes. The Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Hazelnuts are so very good and the Butternut Squash Gratin. 

As you will be having dessert (and you would be a fool to miss it) Get the bread pudding, it reminds me of the most decadent and delicious french toast and with the perfect topping vanilla creme anglaise. Don't miss the Vanilla Pot De Creme or the Affogato.

The In

I have the pleasure of working out of an amazing office in downtown Provo, The IN. Before this place opened up, I found myself spending 6-8 hours a day in a basement: 7 ft ceilings, 1 tiny window.
Working in a beautiful space like this makes such a difference! The people here are lovely, there are sincere connections to be made, and the views. Oh the views. Most evenings I am treated to a grand sunset. Its a perfect way to end a workday.

If you are interested in being here, and you should be, please visit their website for more info, or drop by anytime during business hours and someone awesome will be here to give you a tour. (maybe even me)