Well, we have gotten lazy about keeping up with this blog. We kind of lost the excitement of it since it is summertime which means we are on the go a lot more and eating more frequently at fast food places rather than good sit down restaurants.
But here's where we've been since May! :)
Royal Jade-Layton
We both gave Royal Jade 2.5 stars. We got take out here and it's better food to eat in the restaurant, not at home. We had Sweet and Sour Chicken and General Tsoas Chicken.
Ian thinks anyone who has eaten at a cheap Chinese buffet has tasted the quality of food offered here. Kalynne disagrees and actually usually usually likes it here, today was just an off day.
Garcias-
Kalynne gave it 3 stars, Ian gave it 2. We both got the combo platters but Kalynne's was much better than Ian's. Ian has eaten here a handful of times in his life, and wonders why he continues to torture himself with return visits. Not the greatest Mexi-American food. Kalynne wishes she would have saved room for the fried ice cream-cuz it's great!
Warrens-fast food, no ranking!
Arby's-fast food, no ranking!
Sills-Layton
Ian ranked it 3.5 stars while Kalynne ranked it 3 star. We went for breakfast and it was crowded!! The new location doesn't have very many tables and has hardly any parking. Likes Moores in Ogden and the old Doug and Emmy's in Layton, Sills Cafe is a great historic diner that offers traditional and expertly cooked breakfast style food. YUM!
Maddox-Layton
We both gave Maddox 2.5 stars. Not as great as the real Maddox in Parry but still some of the best fried chicken you will ever eat. The chicken is not greasy and has a great crust. Their corn pones and honey are delish!
Corbins-Layton
Ian gave it 3.5 stars and Kalynne gave it 3. Ian ordered the Salmon and rice pilaf and grilled asparagus. Kalynne had her usual Chicken Penne with artichokes, capers, and sun dried tomatoes. It was slightly overpriced but the food was pretty good. We ate outside and the atmosphere was fun.
Quiznos-fast food, no ranking!
Bucca di Beppo-SLC
Bucca's received 4.5 stars from both of us. YUM! The restaurant has such character and there are pictures and old memorabilia all over the walls. This Italian eatery serves family style dining and the platters are HUGE! Sharing is necessary. We had the Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken and Penne San Remo. It was delicious! The stuffed chicken was humongous and the prosciutto in it was excellent. For years, our favorite Italian place in SLC has been Tucci's, we now have a new favorite. The only part Kalynne didn't like was the oil and balsamic vinegar for the dipping bread, it didn't have enough kick or something.
Ladies, if you go, make sure to stop by the restroom because it is decorated awesomely! There are old vintage products and ads from the 20s-50's and it is hilarious! If you dine upstairs, be sure to notice the Pope Table which has a bust that stares you down. It is quite comical. Also, they give you a tour before they take you to your table which is pretty different and fun.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Previous Restaurants
13. Lone Star Layton
Ian had the Garlic Steak Medallions. He felt it was overpriced but overall the steak was tender and the flavor was good. It ranked 2.5 stars.
Kalynne had a Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich which was way too messy and spicy of BBQ for her taste. It ranked 2 stars.
It's the typical trendy steak restaurant. The waitstaff was quick and helpful. Overall it was a fun atmosphere.
14. Fiesta Guadalajara Layton
Ian had 2 Enchiladas, one was with shredded beef and the other was chicken. It also came with the typical beans and rice. It was a little too saucy but it was decent Mexi-American food. He gave it 3 stars.
Kalynne had a tostada, chalupa, and enchilada. The tostada was fried in rancid oil and was nasty. The other 2 items were good until the rancid oil carried over to ruin the taste of the others. She gave it 2 stars.
15. The Garden SLC
Ian had the Alfredo Pasta and chicken with red and white sauces. The food and flavor was good but the portions were small and he left hungry. He offered the experience 3 stars.
Kalynne thinks she got a club sandwich but really doesn't remember for sure! Whatever it was she liked it and the plate it came on was cool! She offered 3 stars.
We got some fried pickles to share. Everyone was skeptical at first to try them but they were actually pretty good. The salads that others in the group got looked awesome; they know how to have great food presentation! The views and ambiance of the restaurant were exceptional with a great view of the Salt Lake Temple.
16. La Ferovia Ogden
Ian ordered Chicken Parmesan with white sauce and penne pasta. It was bland, flavorless, and overly saucy. (He doesn't like saucy things). His perception of La Ferovia is that it's set in a great location but the restaurant itself is forgettable. He gave it 2.5 stars.
Kalynne had a Trio with 3 different pastas and sauces with round steak. The pastas were good but the steak was gross. She really liked the tortellini pasta though. She also gave it 2.5 stars.
17. Training Table Layton
Ian had a Guacamole Burger. It was a middle grade burger but nothing to drive out of the way to experience. It earned 1.5 stars.
Kalynne had a Hawaiian Burger which had a pretty good taste to it. It earned 2 stars.
It has a unique experience of phone ordering from your table that could be fun for kids. The building smelt really badly and the tables were dirty and grease ridden. Our overall perception of the location was old, rundown, and dirty. It was Kalynne's first time going there and she's okay to wait another 25 years to go back. The cheese fries that we've heard are to die for weren't really any better than others we'd had before.
18. Texas Roadhouse Riverdale
Ian had the 12 oz Sirloin Steak, rice, and veggies. Texas RH has always been a favorite BBQ/steakhouse. The steak was perfectly portioned and cooked. The sides were not overwhelming. He gave it a 3.5 star.
Kalynne had Ribs, Steak Fries, and Sweet Potato. Her favorite is their fall off the bone ribs. YUM! Plan to get a little messy if you come here! She gave it a 4 star.
If you go remember to do Call Ahead Seating. We walked in and got seated within 2 minutes while others right after us had a 60 minute wait time. We love to share everything we get here so we can enjoy more of their delicious options. Plan to be stuffed. Their rolls and cinnamon butter are fabulous and complimentary. Beware of peanut shells on the floor, as they are everywhere. Don't wear flip flops or sandals! We love this place and will visit again next year!
19. Crown Burger Layton
We both had the Crown Burger and shared an order of Onion Rings. For Ian he thinks it's the best burger you'll experience in Utah. The pastrami on top of a 1/4 pound beef patty is the perfect compliment to anyone who enjoys a gourmet burger. Ian is saddened that he must wait another half year before he can go back. He gave it 4 stars. Kalynne doesn't rant and rave about the burger but thinks it's just another burger! She gave it 3 stars.
20. McGraths Layton
Ian loved the Seafood Sampler (all fried). The prawns were good, the shrimp were excellent, and the fillets were perfectly done. Ian was just thrilled to get Kalynne into a seafood restaurant.
Kalynne enjoyed a Penne Chicken Pasta once again with artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, and capers. She was actually surprised to love it as much as she did while smelling all the stinky fish. It was delicious. Their Strawberry Lemonade was also delicious. We both gave McGraths 3.5 stars.
21. Dairy Queen Layton
Yeah for Blizzards! We won't be critiquing fast food places just so you know. But we want to keep record so we know we can't go there again this year!
22. The Oaks Ogden
Ian savored the Canyon Chicken. It's a chicken smothered in goat cheese, mushrooms, and a black raspberry vinaigrette reduction. It's served with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. Ian's initial reaction to his first bite of the chicken was out of surprise and awe at the flavor. The chicken had an excellently sweet and savory flavor and was perfectly done. The creaminess of the goat cheese was the perfect counterpart to the vinaigrette. It earned 4 stars.
Kalynne had the Jumbo Florentine Ravioli with tomatoes and spinach on top. It wasn't a favorite but was still pretty good. Next year when we come back, she'll be getting the Canyon Chicken. Hers earned 3.5 stars.
This dining experience is outdoors in the heart of Ogden Canyon and provide exceptional views of both canyon walls and the Ogden River. If you plan to go, do so on a warmer day or bring a jacket. We didn't know it was outdoors and Kalynne ended up draping her daughters baby blanket for warmth. We are sad we can't go back this fall when it will be absolutely gorgeous with the colors of the foliage in the canyon. We highly recommend this establishment for those who love the outdoor beauty and quality food.
Ian had the Garlic Steak Medallions. He felt it was overpriced but overall the steak was tender and the flavor was good. It ranked 2.5 stars.
Kalynne had a Honey BBQ Chicken Sandwich which was way too messy and spicy of BBQ for her taste. It ranked 2 stars.
It's the typical trendy steak restaurant. The waitstaff was quick and helpful. Overall it was a fun atmosphere.
14. Fiesta Guadalajara Layton
Ian had 2 Enchiladas, one was with shredded beef and the other was chicken. It also came with the typical beans and rice. It was a little too saucy but it was decent Mexi-American food. He gave it 3 stars.
Kalynne had a tostada, chalupa, and enchilada. The tostada was fried in rancid oil and was nasty. The other 2 items were good until the rancid oil carried over to ruin the taste of the others. She gave it 2 stars.
15. The Garden SLC
Ian had the Alfredo Pasta and chicken with red and white sauces. The food and flavor was good but the portions were small and he left hungry. He offered the experience 3 stars.
Kalynne thinks she got a club sandwich but really doesn't remember for sure! Whatever it was she liked it and the plate it came on was cool! She offered 3 stars.
We got some fried pickles to share. Everyone was skeptical at first to try them but they were actually pretty good. The salads that others in the group got looked awesome; they know how to have great food presentation! The views and ambiance of the restaurant were exceptional with a great view of the Salt Lake Temple.
16. La Ferovia Ogden
Ian ordered Chicken Parmesan with white sauce and penne pasta. It was bland, flavorless, and overly saucy. (He doesn't like saucy things). His perception of La Ferovia is that it's set in a great location but the restaurant itself is forgettable. He gave it 2.5 stars.
Kalynne had a Trio with 3 different pastas and sauces with round steak. The pastas were good but the steak was gross. She really liked the tortellini pasta though. She also gave it 2.5 stars.
17. Training Table Layton
Ian had a Guacamole Burger. It was a middle grade burger but nothing to drive out of the way to experience. It earned 1.5 stars.
Kalynne had a Hawaiian Burger which had a pretty good taste to it. It earned 2 stars.
It has a unique experience of phone ordering from your table that could be fun for kids. The building smelt really badly and the tables were dirty and grease ridden. Our overall perception of the location was old, rundown, and dirty. It was Kalynne's first time going there and she's okay to wait another 25 years to go back. The cheese fries that we've heard are to die for weren't really any better than others we'd had before.
18. Texas Roadhouse Riverdale
Ian had the 12 oz Sirloin Steak, rice, and veggies. Texas RH has always been a favorite BBQ/steakhouse. The steak was perfectly portioned and cooked. The sides were not overwhelming. He gave it a 3.5 star.
Kalynne had Ribs, Steak Fries, and Sweet Potato. Her favorite is their fall off the bone ribs. YUM! Plan to get a little messy if you come here! She gave it a 4 star.
If you go remember to do Call Ahead Seating. We walked in and got seated within 2 minutes while others right after us had a 60 minute wait time. We love to share everything we get here so we can enjoy more of their delicious options. Plan to be stuffed. Their rolls and cinnamon butter are fabulous and complimentary. Beware of peanut shells on the floor, as they are everywhere. Don't wear flip flops or sandals! We love this place and will visit again next year!
19. Crown Burger Layton
We both had the Crown Burger and shared an order of Onion Rings. For Ian he thinks it's the best burger you'll experience in Utah. The pastrami on top of a 1/4 pound beef patty is the perfect compliment to anyone who enjoys a gourmet burger. Ian is saddened that he must wait another half year before he can go back. He gave it 4 stars. Kalynne doesn't rant and rave about the burger but thinks it's just another burger! She gave it 3 stars.
20. McGraths Layton
Ian loved the Seafood Sampler (all fried). The prawns were good, the shrimp were excellent, and the fillets were perfectly done. Ian was just thrilled to get Kalynne into a seafood restaurant.
Kalynne enjoyed a Penne Chicken Pasta once again with artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, and capers. She was actually surprised to love it as much as she did while smelling all the stinky fish. It was delicious. Their Strawberry Lemonade was also delicious. We both gave McGraths 3.5 stars.
21. Dairy Queen Layton
Yeah for Blizzards! We won't be critiquing fast food places just so you know. But we want to keep record so we know we can't go there again this year!
22. The Oaks Ogden
Ian savored the Canyon Chicken. It's a chicken smothered in goat cheese, mushrooms, and a black raspberry vinaigrette reduction. It's served with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. Ian's initial reaction to his first bite of the chicken was out of surprise and awe at the flavor. The chicken had an excellently sweet and savory flavor and was perfectly done. The creaminess of the goat cheese was the perfect counterpart to the vinaigrette. It earned 4 stars.
Kalynne had the Jumbo Florentine Ravioli with tomatoes and spinach on top. It wasn't a favorite but was still pretty good. Next year when we come back, she'll be getting the Canyon Chicken. Hers earned 3.5 stars.
This dining experience is outdoors in the heart of Ogden Canyon and provide exceptional views of both canyon walls and the Ogden River. If you plan to go, do so on a warmer day or bring a jacket. We didn't know it was outdoors and Kalynne ended up draping her daughters baby blanket for warmth. We are sad we can't go back this fall when it will be absolutely gorgeous with the colors of the foliage in the canyon. We highly recommend this establishment for those who love the outdoor beauty and quality food.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Restaurants so far...
1. Famous Dave's Layton
Ian had the beef brisket and BBQ chicken. Ian loves their brisket and says it's some of the best he's ever had but his chicken was dry. He sure loved the BBQ sauces though! He gave his experience a 2.5 star.
Kalynne had the rib tips and something else (we haven't recorded what we've had at each place. We are solely going by memory here!) Kalynne ranked hers a solid 3 star.
2. Jeremiah's Ogden
Ian had a pan seared salmon and garlic mashed potatoes. The potatoes had a very good flavor but the salmon was overcooked on the skin side. It ranked 2 star for Ian.
Kalynne had a Penne Pasta with Alfredo sauce and sun dried tomatoes with chicken chunks. YUM. Seriously some of the best sun dried tomatoes I've had!!! It got a 4 star.
3. Rooster's Layton
I-enjoyed some fish and chips. Rank:3
K-ate some sort of pasta with once again sun dried tomatoes. I was very disappointed with it and thought the previous week's was much better tasting. Rank: 2
Overall we were not pleased with this dining experience. The wait staff was super slow and not good at all. They took forever and weren't very helpful. Several waiters were sitting around while one girl managed the bar and tables. We much prefer Ogden's location due to the fact that they have great staff and even better food and service!
4. Five Guys Bountiful
We both had the regular burger. Ian got all the toppings whereas Kalynne didn't get the onions, mushrooms, or BBQ sauce. Kalynne gave it a 3.5 star and Ian gave 3 stars.
If you go, plan to consume one of the fattiest and richest burgers ever. Hands down in the top five for burgers that we've had. What it lacks in nutrition it more than makes up in flavor. They have a wide assortment of toppings and you can customize your burger to fit your preference. Diners beware to order the small burger and not a regular (it is a double patty)! Also, be sure to order a small side of fries to share. They are delish and are made fresh.
5. Mandarin Palace Layton
We went with family and did family style ordering. We had a wide arrangement of Chinese foods. We had beef and broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, seafood lo mien, general Tao, and orange chicken. Ian conferred a 2 star while Kalynne was 3 star.
For those who like decent cheap Chinese food, you'll like this restaurant.
6. Rumbi Island Grill Layton
Ian enjoyed the Jamaican jerk pork with brown rice bowl. 2.5 stars
Kalynne had the Teriyaki chicken rice bowl. The rice was too dry and there's not enough veggies and meat for the amount of rice. 2.5 stars
Decent food that will fill you up.
7. Jasoh Ogden
Ian had a 12 oz New York Strip. Probably his most favorite restaurant so far during the restaurant resolution experience. The steak was perfectly done and had great flavor. Everything from the salad to the desserts was flavorful and the waitstaff were expertly trained.
Kalynne had Ravioli. Her all time favorite this evening was their 18 year old strawberry vinaigrette and dipping bread. It is to die for. She wanted to buy some to take home and eat till she could eat no more. She's licking her lips thinking of it! The waiter we had was incredible. He had a great British accent and made the setting sooo much better. There are 2 sides to this restaurant. Fine dining and Pub. We were on the pub side but he treated us as though we were on the fine dining side. It easily scored a 5 star in her book!
This is a great little restaurant on 25th that we can't wait to go back to next year.
8. Boston's Layton
We shared 2 small pizzas. One was the Florentine and the other Athenian. Ian gave 1.5 star and Kalynne gave 1 star.
We were HIGHLY disappointed with this experience. The wait was horrid, the staff was disinterested and absent minded. We asked for a piece of bread for Reagan to munch on and she brought her a saturated garlic butter bread stick. We were not impressed. The food took forever to come out and wasn't very good at all. Not the best pizza we've had. We don't recommend this place to anyone and won't be going back.
9. Tucci's SLC
This is one of Ian's favorite local Italian restaurants. He had the Italian Calzone. It was very greasy and heavy and a poor indicator to the quality that is normally experienced with Tucci's. Solid 3 star.
Kalynne had the 4 Cheese and Chicken Calzone. She could only eat half of it before she hit cheese overload. 3.5 stars.
We overall love this location but weren't too happy with our menu choices this day. Order their pastas if you go.
10. The Mandarin Bountiful
We shared the Honey Almond Chicken and Seafood Chow Mien. The food was excellent. The flavors weren't overbearing or underwhelming. However, while the food was excellent, the restaurant is small and crowds very easily. We were squished in a corner and could barely move our chairs. Ian rated it 3.5 stars while Kalynne rated it 3 star.
11. Papa Murphy's Layton
We got half Cowboy and half Hawaiian. Papa Murphy's pizza is always good. We also love their cheesy bread! Our favorite part is that you cook it and eat it when you're ready and it always tastes fresh and is filling.
12. MacCool's Layton
Ian ordered the Fish and Chips. The sweet potato fries were excellent and the portions for the fish and chips were perfect. 3.5 stars.
Kalynne had the Chicken Pot Pie and was dissatisfied with it. It came with a HUGE puff pastry on top on a bowl that had the pot pie filling. The pastry was bland and overwhelming and the filling was way too peppery. 2 stars.
This is a fun little Irish restaurant off Layton's Restaurant Row. It had a fun ambiance that played well with the style of food served. The wait staff was good and the service was quick.
Ian had the beef brisket and BBQ chicken. Ian loves their brisket and says it's some of the best he's ever had but his chicken was dry. He sure loved the BBQ sauces though! He gave his experience a 2.5 star.
Kalynne had the rib tips and something else (we haven't recorded what we've had at each place. We are solely going by memory here!) Kalynne ranked hers a solid 3 star.
2. Jeremiah's Ogden
Ian had a pan seared salmon and garlic mashed potatoes. The potatoes had a very good flavor but the salmon was overcooked on the skin side. It ranked 2 star for Ian.
Kalynne had a Penne Pasta with Alfredo sauce and sun dried tomatoes with chicken chunks. YUM. Seriously some of the best sun dried tomatoes I've had!!! It got a 4 star.
3. Rooster's Layton
I-enjoyed some fish and chips. Rank:3
K-ate some sort of pasta with once again sun dried tomatoes. I was very disappointed with it and thought the previous week's was much better tasting. Rank: 2
Overall we were not pleased with this dining experience. The wait staff was super slow and not good at all. They took forever and weren't very helpful. Several waiters were sitting around while one girl managed the bar and tables. We much prefer Ogden's location due to the fact that they have great staff and even better food and service!
4. Five Guys Bountiful
We both had the regular burger. Ian got all the toppings whereas Kalynne didn't get the onions, mushrooms, or BBQ sauce. Kalynne gave it a 3.5 star and Ian gave 3 stars.
If you go, plan to consume one of the fattiest and richest burgers ever. Hands down in the top five for burgers that we've had. What it lacks in nutrition it more than makes up in flavor. They have a wide assortment of toppings and you can customize your burger to fit your preference. Diners beware to order the small burger and not a regular (it is a double patty)! Also, be sure to order a small side of fries to share. They are delish and are made fresh.
5. Mandarin Palace Layton
We went with family and did family style ordering. We had a wide arrangement of Chinese foods. We had beef and broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, seafood lo mien, general Tao, and orange chicken. Ian conferred a 2 star while Kalynne was 3 star.
For those who like decent cheap Chinese food, you'll like this restaurant.
6. Rumbi Island Grill Layton
Ian enjoyed the Jamaican jerk pork with brown rice bowl. 2.5 stars
Kalynne had the Teriyaki chicken rice bowl. The rice was too dry and there's not enough veggies and meat for the amount of rice. 2.5 stars
Decent food that will fill you up.
7. Jasoh Ogden
Ian had a 12 oz New York Strip. Probably his most favorite restaurant so far during the restaurant resolution experience. The steak was perfectly done and had great flavor. Everything from the salad to the desserts was flavorful and the waitstaff were expertly trained.
Kalynne had Ravioli. Her all time favorite this evening was their 18 year old strawberry vinaigrette and dipping bread. It is to die for. She wanted to buy some to take home and eat till she could eat no more. She's licking her lips thinking of it! The waiter we had was incredible. He had a great British accent and made the setting sooo much better. There are 2 sides to this restaurant. Fine dining and Pub. We were on the pub side but he treated us as though we were on the fine dining side. It easily scored a 5 star in her book!
This is a great little restaurant on 25th that we can't wait to go back to next year.
8. Boston's Layton
We shared 2 small pizzas. One was the Florentine and the other Athenian. Ian gave 1.5 star and Kalynne gave 1 star.
We were HIGHLY disappointed with this experience. The wait was horrid, the staff was disinterested and absent minded. We asked for a piece of bread for Reagan to munch on and she brought her a saturated garlic butter bread stick. We were not impressed. The food took forever to come out and wasn't very good at all. Not the best pizza we've had. We don't recommend this place to anyone and won't be going back.
9. Tucci's SLC
This is one of Ian's favorite local Italian restaurants. He had the Italian Calzone. It was very greasy and heavy and a poor indicator to the quality that is normally experienced with Tucci's. Solid 3 star.
Kalynne had the 4 Cheese and Chicken Calzone. She could only eat half of it before she hit cheese overload. 3.5 stars.
We overall love this location but weren't too happy with our menu choices this day. Order their pastas if you go.
10. The Mandarin Bountiful
We shared the Honey Almond Chicken and Seafood Chow Mien. The food was excellent. The flavors weren't overbearing or underwhelming. However, while the food was excellent, the restaurant is small and crowds very easily. We were squished in a corner and could barely move our chairs. Ian rated it 3.5 stars while Kalynne rated it 3 star.
11. Papa Murphy's Layton
We got half Cowboy and half Hawaiian. Papa Murphy's pizza is always good. We also love their cheesy bread! Our favorite part is that you cook it and eat it when you're ready and it always tastes fresh and is filling.
12. MacCool's Layton
Ian ordered the Fish and Chips. The sweet potato fries were excellent and the portions for the fish and chips were perfect. 3.5 stars.
Kalynne had the Chicken Pot Pie and was dissatisfied with it. It came with a HUGE puff pastry on top on a bowl that had the pot pie filling. The pastry was bland and overwhelming and the filling was way too peppery. 2 stars.
This is a fun little Irish restaurant off Layton's Restaurant Row. It had a fun ambiance that played well with the style of food served. The wait staff was good and the service was quick.
This year we made a New Years Resolution to eat at a different restaurant all year round. We couldn't eat at the same place more than once. We were really excited to be forced to try new things and places and off we went! Everyone thought we were crazy but after 5 months of it several people have been asking about our findings and wanting to know where we've gone and what we think so we decided to blog about it!
Disclaimer: this blog is meant for those living on a budget and who enjoy eating mainly at restaurants along the Wasatch Front. We do not consider ourselves food experts or critics but we know what we enjoy and are now sharing with you!
We each ranked our perception of the restaurants including the quality of food, service/waitstaff, atmosphere/ambiance, and overall experience on a 5 star scale.
Disclaimer: this blog is meant for those living on a budget and who enjoy eating mainly at restaurants along the Wasatch Front. We do not consider ourselves food experts or critics but we know what we enjoy and are now sharing with you!
We each ranked our perception of the restaurants including the quality of food, service/waitstaff, atmosphere/ambiance, and overall experience on a 5 star scale.
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