The M List

The question I get asked the most is, “What’s your favorite restaurant?” I bet I get asked this question at least once a day … on the phone … in an e-mail … in the grocery store … everywhere! I always tell people I love a huge variety of food styles and restaurants, so it really depends on what I’m in the mood for. I love restaurants that are what they say they are. Fast food restaurants don’t have to have fabulous food, because their claim to fame is that they are fast! On the contrary, if a restaurant says it’s “fine dining,” it better be fine dining.
Here is my list of Utah County favorites I visit again and again. These restaurants are exactly what they say they are.

Favorite Pizza: Pizzeria Seven Twelve. This is hands down the best pizza in Utah County. It’s authentic thin-crust pizza baked in a wood-fired oven with the finest ingredients. I love that these guys are huge supporters of local food products — and the quality reflects it!

Favorite Fine Dining: Sundance Tree Room. Even after all these years, they still offer Utah County’s best fine dining. The chef is amazingly creative and there’s nothing as peaceful as dining among the pines!

Favorite Sinful Indulgence: J Dawgs. OHMYGOSH! These hot dogs are better than anything on the streets of New York or Chicago. Located in a small hot dog shack just south of BYU campus, these things are truly addicting!

Favorite Healthy Dining: Blue Lemon Restaurant & Bistro. Worth the drive to Highland, this fabulous new restaurant is a casual, yet trendy spot for the freshest food prepared with top ingredients. I love their commitment to local sustainable foods and making sure I put only good things in my body. I go here the day after I go to J Dawgs!

Favorite Sandwich Shop: Clint’s Place. Located on Center Street in downtown Provo, Clint has almost a cult following with his
delicious signature sandwiches. Talk to the guys who dine here every day, and they know just what they want and how they’ve customized their sandwich to perfection. I love “The Clinster” and “The Mojo Rising.” Yummm!

Favorite Cupcake Shop: Dippidee. So many great flavors — and they’re beautiful to look at! I like the “Red Velvet” and “Pumpkin Spice.” Oh, and the “Double Chocolate” and the “Vanilla Cream” and the …

Favorite Italian: Gloria’s Little Italy. Located on the corner of University Avenue and Center Street in Provo, this is authentic Italian food made by real Italian folks. Gloria makes her potato Gnocchi dumplings fresh everyday. Try them with Salsa Rosata, a wonderful creamy red sauce … a little taste of heaven and Italy.

As you can see, my favorite restaurants are locally owned by real people. No chain restaurants. Just people like me who love good food and the joy of serving others. Hats off to all of you!

Mary Crafts owns Culinary Crafts, an award-winning catering company in Orem. Mary also hosts “Culinary Creations,” which airs Saturday mornings on KBYU. She is the president-elect of the International Caterers Association.

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