Mr. Foodie:

SW Utah Restaurant Reviews

“All the news that’s fit to eat”

By Andy Margles

As the old adage goes, “A food reviewer’s work is never done”. Recently, I read some great on-line reviews of a Philly cheesesteak restaurant in Dixie Bowl & Billiards, of all places. Being a lover of all-things cheesesteak, I immediately journeyed over there, only to find that it had vacated that spot months ago. Undaunted, I then drove to its’ new address,185 Bluff St., which turned out to be a vacant lot next to Kneaders. There, in the pouring rain, sat Chuck’s Phat Philly’s Food Truck.

While their online site listed hours of 11-9, it was empty, so, still hungry and somewhat discouraged, I returned home. Days later, after calling Chuck and verifying that he was actually there, I once again safaried down Bluff on my hunt for “The Elusive Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich”. Proving that the third time was indeed a charm, the food truck was there and looked open for business.

Chuck, a friendly guy, who owns and runs the operation, apologized several times for the confusion about the hours and location. I ordered my cheesesteak the normal way, “wit” (with onions) and “wit wiz” (with cheese wiz). However, CHUCK HAD NO WIZ!!! He confided to me that since the locals weren’t ordering it, he just stopped carrying wiz! My heart sank… I was now already pretty certain that, despite the many glowing online reviews, this was not going to be the beloved Philly cheesesteak that I knew and loved. Dang! Oh well, when in Utah, I guess.

BENJA’S THAI (SG, 2 locations): Pretty standard Thai menu, but very well-made and tasty. Tom Kha Kai soup and khau soi special are standouts. Curries great as well.

Chuck then offered me his “special sauce” to spread on the sandwich. “Sure, why not”, I figured, especially since it wasn’t going to be authentic anyway. Feeling adventurous, I actually chose the Balboa, a cheesesteak sandwich on lightly toasted garlic bread, with pepper jack cheese. Next, I ordered some fries, which he dips in honey and dusts in Cajun spices. My empty stomach growling in anticipation, I sat alone in the car and awaited my somewhat unusual, but tasty sounding order.

SAKURA (SG): High-quality sushi combined with Japanese steakhouse. Try the special combo rolls. Kids love steakhousechef show. New building and lobby big upgrade over prior digs (check out gorgeous new exterior doors and “aquarium floor”). New location hard to find without GPS and parking inconvenient

Q: So, was it worth all the hassle, Mr. Foodie? A: Well, the meat was juicy, tender and flavorful. The recommended sauce was a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a touch of heat, and it went great on the chopped beef, onions, spicy cheese and garlic toast. The French fries were perfectly cooked, while the Cajun spices and honey added a delicious counterpoint to the tasty, crispy spuds.

Chuck’s Phat Phillies is now open on Tu-Thurs 11-3 and Fr-Sat 11-3 and 5-8, but these may change. Call them at 435-261-7805.

1861 (Washington): Undiscovered gem! Yummy small plates of interesting, but very accessible food. Reasonably priced, healthful and delicious. Lovely décor. Located on grounds of Ovation Retirement Community, but NOT “old people food”! Black bass always delicious. Only open for dinner, Thu-Sat. Try it!

Verdict: Utah-Philly cheesesteak food truck, with delicious, if inauthentic, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, is worth your dough.

BEST OF THE REST:

Casa Tequilana (Leeds) (Mexican), Rusty Crab Daddy (SG) (seafood boils), Chef Alfredo (SG) (Italian), Aragosta (SG)(European), Cliffside (SG) (modern American) (great views!)

NEW FOR YOU: Mary’s Cheesecakes, 1664 S Dixie Dr., has recently opened, expanding from a homebased business. Growing up with 3 delis within 10 minutes of my home, I know really good, dense, deli cheesecakes and this is quite close to the real deal. Many flavors and toppings, sold by the cake/slice/minis.

Verdict: Put on your oversized sweatpants and head on down!

Agree? Disagree? Found a place that I should try?

You can reach me at: Andymargles@gmail.com.