McSwanky

For three tragic months late last year, the McDonalds near our house closed down for renovations. By "renovations" they meant "tear the whole thing down to the ground and start over from scratch." Though I'm not a huge McDonalds eater, I do appreciate a good Big Mac now and then; their grilled chicken sandwiches are especially tasty; and, let's face it, nothing beats fresh, hot McDonalds fries. But the biggest draw for me at McDonalds is the play land. All winter long when my kids are going stir crazy, and even in the summer when it's too hot to be outside at a park, the possibility of letting my kids scream and run and slide and socialize in a climate controlled environment with Coke refills for me is nearly irresistible. So I was a bit sad when our McDonalds closed down. Well, except for the fact that that particular location was A GIANT PIECE OF CRAP. The whole concept of climate control was in theory only. Because in summer there was no a/c in the play land. It was easily 100+ degrees in there. Not that my kids minded. But I had to move my sweaty self out to the main restaurant area in order to keep from melting. In the winter they somehow failed to heat the play land, so it was only slightly warmer than outdoors. And what did they say when I complained, numerous times, about the heating/air conditioning situation? Every time it was, "Well, the climate control box is locked and we don't have a key," or "The owners don't let us adjust the temperature." This was coming from the manager! After a while I simply stopped going to that location.

But I am pleased to announce that as of a couple of months ago, they finished the renovations and the new Micky D's is up and running. And, boy, did they go all out! You almost feel like you are in the lobby of a posh Manhattan hotel. Well, IF you hold your nose so that you can't smell the odor of hot grease. Well, AND if you plug your ears from the constant sounds of children screaming. But anyway, it's pretty nice. Not like any McDonalds I've ever been in, for sure. The walls are covered in neutral colored pebbles against an espresso-stained wood background. Sleek stools with trendy colored cushions sit around cherry wood (laminate, this is McDonalds) high-tables. Smoked glass pendant light fixtures in a modern shape dangle above the booths. Really, it is pretty fancy. For a Mcdonalds.

And the play land, ahhh...heat AND a/c! So luxurious!

Now if only they could manage to get your food out to you in less than 10 minutes. I mean, this is FAST food still, right? But I guess you can't have everything. I have thought about complaining, but I'm afraid they'll just say, "It's the kidney bean shaped tables or a hot Big Mac, lady. You choose." Well, I guess I choose a luke warm Big Mac. Just keep the Coke refills coming, and it's all good.

10 Ways To Lose Your Tip

I went to dinner the other night. Granted, it wasn't a five star restaurant. It was maybe a 2 star restaurant if I'm lucky. But still, after waiting tables from Detroit to San Diego over the course of 9 years, I formed a few opinions about waiting tables. And one of them was that you don't have to be serving $45 Filet Mignon to do a good job. If you work for tips, you should smile, give good service, and treat your customers like they're eating at The Ritz. Unless they don't serve food at the Ritz. Then forget that analogy.

Anyway, the waitress who served us made about every serving error I can think of. And my sweetheart of a husband still left her a 5-spot. But I thought I'd share my thoughts about waiting tables and losing tips when I'M paying the bill.

If you want a good tip...

10. Don't forget to greet me, ask how I'm doing, and introduce yourself when you come to my table. It's a small thing, but a basic friendly greeting isn't so hard to do. And giving your name so I can call it out later when you are royally screwing up is key too.

9. Keep my drink filled up. I think most people would agree that nothing irritates them more than having an empty drink glass. Whether it's water or pop, just keep it filled. And don't ask me. If you see it's nearly empty, and I'm not walking toward the front door yet, just bring me another drink! As quickly as this will lose you your tip, keeping on top of my drink will increase your tip.

8. Check back on me shortly after the food is delivered. Worse even than having an empty glass is sitting there with a hot steak and no silverware to cut it with, or no steak sauce, or no ranch for your fries, or your side dish being wrong, or your side dish being missing...AND THEN WAITING FOREVER for the server to show up. When I worked at Appleby's, a singular nightmare of a job, one good thing they did right was require a 2 minute check-back on your tables. Within 2 minutes of the food going down, whether you delivered it or someone else did, you checked to see if everything was OK. This is a must.

7. Don't make me look for you. If I need something throughout the meal, I would hope I could catch sight of you within 3-4 minutes. If I don't, I WILL flag down your manager or anther server to go hunt you down, and that will be an automatic tip deduction. (No lie, at dinner the other night, I had to get up FIVE times to go look for something the server should have brought me/the server herself/another person to help me. That server should have owed ME a tip!)

6. As much as this may sound contradictory considering my last two points, you don't need to ask me how everything is EVERY time you pass by. One check back at the beginning, and a few visual check backs, where you look and see if I'm glancing around for someone or not eating, is all you need until the meal looks like it's winding down. I do like my server to be visible and available, but I don't like to stop my conversation every 2 minutes to say, "Yes, everything is STILL fine." You know?

5. When you refill my drink, please bring me a new glass before taking my old one away. It makes me very uneasy when you take the glass I'm currently working on (leaving me with nothing while you're gone) and bring it back to me. How do I know you're not going to accidentally mix it up with a total stranger's while you're in the back??

4. And while I'm on the subject, take my empty glass away. And my empty plates. You should never leave the table side empty-handed. Clear something away with each trip, and when you see that we're done, don't leave the plates to go get the check; take them with you! It's nice to be able to have some clear space in front of you after you eat to lean your elbow on or set your purse on while you look for your money. This is especially true of a buffet style restaurant or one with a refillable salad bar. If I'm going for my second round of food, I better not find my same plate there when I get back.

3. Don't be afraid to apologize. And make things right if things go wrong. I know, as does anyone who's ever worked in a restaurant (or anyone with any common sense), that a lot of the mistakes that take place with food are not the server's fault. If the food is slow, it means the kitchen is backed up. If the steak isn't cooked right, I don't blame the waitress for overcooking it. And if I asked for no sauce but it showed up with sauce, I'll give the benefit of the doubt that she ordered it right but the kitchen screwed it up. But regardless of who is to blame, it's the server's place to apologize and make it right. If it's a minor thing, have it remade. Bring a free app for me to nibble on in the meantime. If it's a big screw up, bring over the manager, have him apologize, and make sure he adjusts the bill. In all my years working in restaurants, I've never once heard a manager say, "I can't believe we had to discount that check." But I've heard many complain about angry customers walking out because they weren't treated right. Comped food is cheap, lost customers cost a lot.

2. Room for Dessert? I may say no, I'm too full, but knowing me I chose your restaurant because of the desserts, not the food. So if you fail to ask me if I'd like to see a dessert menu, you're not only losing out on a potential ticket increase, but potential tip too.

1. Check, please! Other than the frustrations of an empty drink glass or a wrong food order, waiting for your check long after you've finished is up at the top. It's not so hard to print out the check as soon as the customers have started eating so it's ready to give them when they're done.


So those are my restaurant pet peeves. And honestly, avoiding them isn't that hard. Smile, be friendly, communicate about problems, keep up on drinks and dirty plates, and fix things when they go wrong and you should find yourself with a nice big tip at the end of the meal.

Unless you wait tables in Utah. In which case, I'm truly sorry for you.

Ich Bin Ein Hamburger

I have noticed over about the last year that trendy new burger places are popping up all over the place. Not only did In 'N' Out Burger make it to our state, and not only did a few copy-cat restaurants open up, it seems like everyone wants to get in on the burger business all of the sudden. There is a new burger shop on every corner practically. And I keep hearing "Oh, Such-and-Such a place has the BEST burgers." Five Guys. Whataburger. Chadders. Smash Burger. They are everywhere. And even though I haven't tried them all, the few I've tried....well, they just taste like burgers to me.

Do you have a new hamburger place by you that is just amazing? Is there something special about their burgers, some mouthwatering ingredient or sauce that makes you love them? Or do you find, like me, that overall burgers are burgers?

So far, I think nothing beats a thick, juicy, homemade burger, hot of my backyard grill. Mmmmmmmmm.......

Magic Ingredients

Today I was eating some leftovers from dinner out last night, and I was really relishing the flavors. And it occured to me, there are certain ingredients that, when I see them listed on the menu together, will almost assuredly mean I will chose that dish and love it. They are:

capers

mushrooms

sun-dried tomatoes

spinach

goat cheese

pine nuts

pecans

roasted red peppers

fresh mozerella

polenta

mustard

green or calamata olives

I know, they're all kind of weird. But I like strong flavors. And I like everything from pasta to chicken to sea food if it's made with the above ingredients in the right combination.

What about you? Are there any ingredients you just love love love to find on the menu?

Support Your Local Mom and Pop!

If you're local, i.e. the Salt Lake Valley, you may or may not know about a great little locally owned steakhouse called Madeline's in South Jordan. It's delicious. Great food (I love their coconut shrimp, and their steaks are mouthwatering), a nice atmosphere, and I love that it's locally owned and one-of-a-kind. Plus, they happen to have one of the most fantastic raspberry cheesecakes EVER. You know me--I do NOT like to mess with my cheesecake. In theory, mixing in fruit is a serious crime. But somehow it just works. There is a sour cream layer on the top too that is yummy. ANYWAY.... Madeline's is having a promotion that I wanted to let you all know about. Here are the details:

"All you have to do is forward this email on to your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, Facebook friends, Twitter friends, or whoever you want and have them sign up for our VIP text program. Once they sign up, they will immediately receive a free dessert, and then they will be entered into a drawing to win free dinner! 1 out of every 15 will win! So the chances are pretty good.

This is just me trying to be creative and trying to give back to our loyal customers. And at the same time get the word out about Madeline's Steakhouse.


The way to sign up, for yourself (if you're not already on our VIP text program) and for your friends that read this email is simply this:

--------------------------------------------
TEXT the word 'Madelines' to 74700

Then they will automatically receive a free dessert and be eligible to win free dinner at 1 out of 15 chances.


Again, Renee and I sincerely appreciate your business. We understand that you have choices when it comes to eating out and we're excited to earn you business. We look forward to serving you.


If you have any feedback for us please don't hesitate to email me at:

madelinessteakhouse@yahoo.com

We look forward to positive comments as well as any comments on how we can improve. Please don't hesitate to reply.


Your friends,

Adam and Renee Wheaton (Owners of Madeline's Steakhouse and Grill)"

So there you have it. Free dessert just for texting the above code. And a 1 in 15 chance of winning a free dinner! Plus, the most important thing, you know you are helping to keep a local restaurant in business during this tough economic time.

You're welcome.

Best. Food. EVER. And I can prove it.

If you haven't eaten at Pizzaria 712 yet, what is wrong with you??? I told you already that it was delicious. The most amazing Italian style pizzas (like the bacon and roasted squash pizza with carmelized onions and fresh mozzerela--I know it sounds bizarre, but it is To Die For), the most delicious appetizers (like the fall-apart-tender braised short rib over polenta with fresh horseradish sauce.) And amazing desserts (like the fresh pear cobbler and the vanilla bean panna cotta). And all of it is made fresh, right when you order, one dish at a time, in their imported Italian brick oven. And all from locally grown ingredients, hand-selected that week at the farmer's market.

If that isn't enough to tempt you, or you think I may be too biased (being related to one of the people involved with starting the restaurant) then read this:

PROOF

Now go eat there, already! (Orem, State Street just south of Center St.)

My Top Ten Restaurants

I was reading the City Weekly (artsy fartsy SLC newspaper) last week and they had a top 100 restaurants in Utah article in it. I love to eat out. LOVE it. Can't think of any way I'd rather spend my money. So I was stoked. I have already tried a couple of their suggestions (The Vienna Bistro was wonderful!). Anyway, it inspired me to do a top 10--I'm not going to try to get overly ambitious here-- of my own. So, in no particular order (other than #1), here are my top 10 favorite restaurants in Utah:

10. Bombay House. If you don't eat Indian food, you should. You have to get over the fact that it looks like something from a baby's diaper and just try it. If you're scared, go with the Chicken Tikka Masala. Every picky eater I know who has tried that has loved it. Me, I like the baby diarrhea-est of them all: the Saag Paneer (spinach with chunks of farmer's cheese).

9. Red Butte Cafe. It's on Foothill not far from the U of U. They have a standard menu with things like sandwiches and amazing enchiladas. But their weekly specials are the best. Steaks, chicken, fish...all prepared very interestingly and very well. Plus they have a really good bakery for dessert. And I like the ambiance too.

8. Ginza. This was my first taste of sushi. It's where I was deflowered, so to speak. It's where I was trained in the art of eating things I never thought I'd put in my mouth let alone love. The X-roll is to die for, and their Mars Roll is the best in the state. And it's all made by a classically-trained Japanese sushi chef.

7. Stoneground. It's not fancy. It's not swanky. Half of the place is a pool hall. But the other half is a fantastic restaurant that serves mouth-watering pastas, other pseudo-Italian foods, pizzas, and has only one dessert: a tiramisu from heaven above.

6. I've gotta go with sushi again here. Tsunami. Sugarhouse location, preferably. Their decor is modern and hip, and their sushi-made-by-white-guys is surprisingly creative and well-made. Try the Don Juan. It's like candy.

5. Noodles & Company. You know I'm not usually one to give props to the chain restaurants. But pasta is probably my favorite food; so what could be better than an entire restaurant dedicated to it? Oh, and they make really good rice crispy treats and have bottled Izzy's (all natural fruit pop).

4. Sampan. The biggest downfall of Chinese food as a whole is that it isn't very fresh or very high quality. You know you hate it when your orange chicken is mostly breading with parts-is-parts chicken inside. Well, that will never happen at Sampan. Their orange chicken is thinly sliced breast, barely breaded, crispy and delicious. And their cream cheese wantons are divine.

3. Pizzeria 712. I may have a personal connection to this restaurant, but I can say with all honesty that it's one of my favorite places to eat in the state. And the pizza is only an afterthought for me. The appetizers, salads, and desserts are so interesting and unique. And they change so often that I never eat the same thing there twice. Everything is freshly made with local ingredients. And the thin crust pizzas (cooked at 712 degrees in their brick oven, the Italian way) are about the best you'll ever eat.

2. Cafe Trio. My friend Kelli introduced me to this hip little restaurant this year. And though I've only eaten there 3 times (due to the distance from my house--Ft.Union or Downtown--I have loved every morsel I've put in my mouth. They serve American/European food. Nothing crazy. But everything is very fresh and prepared in really unique ways. The pork piccata is wonderful. The appetizers are wonderful. The desserts are wonderful. Don't miss this place.

1. The Tree Room at Sundance. This is definitely my favorite restaurant. It's not cheap. It's a bit of a drive (up Provo Canyon). But it's worth it once or twice a year on special occasions. You've never had such a mouthwatering steaks as the Pepper Steak with Mango Chutney or the Buffalo Tenderloin. I usually get whatever fish they have on special and I'm never sorry. I eat my weight in their currant and sunflower rolls. And despite being sickeningly full at that point, I never leave without a warm chocolate cake (gooey souffle style). It might be a bank breaker, but treat yourself once in your life if once a year is too much. Plus, you just might get to sit next to Bob. I have. Twice.

Now you know where to eat. Don't let me catch you at the Olive Garden or Chilis ever again!

Looking for Guinea Pigs

I like to eat healthy if I have the option. I almost always choose grilled options over fried, chicken or fish over meat, and fruit or veggies for my side rather than rice or potatoes. But when it comes to fast food, well, there don't tend to be very many good options out there. If I look at one more fast food grilled chicken sandwich, I'll barf. I'd rather starve at this point. Or eat PBJ at home. Why can't someone think of more interesting options for fast food than a plain slab of chicken on a bun? Well,finally someone has. It's called Au Naturale. The problem? t's in Sugarhouse, which is 40 minutes away. So it's not likely that I'll be stopping by there for lunch very often. But I'm curious about this place. The menu looks creative and interesting. And most of the menu items are between 300-600 calories-- not bad. So who wants to be the first to head to Sugarhouse to try their...

Roasted Yam, black bean, and brown rice burrito
OR
Grilled Salmon sandwich with cucumber and lime-caper aioli
OR
Roasted Tomato-Basil Soup
OR
Fresh Caprese Salad with a blackberry-balsamic vinagrette dressing.
Or
THIS amazing grilled chicken sandwich...



Does that look fast foody to you? No, me neither. And everything else they have sounds delicious, too! So who will be the first space monkey? Suit up!

We Have Arrived

I knew our small town had clearly hit the BIG TIME when I saw this down the street from me today...



NYC, Paris, Tokyo and Milan: Eat your heart out.