March was a month of balancing strict diet goals due to the Orangetheory Fitness Transformation Challenge, which concluded mid-month, with the urge to indulge in diverse and delightful dining experiences. Here’s how I navigated my diet amidst the culinary temptations.
Oak Wood Fire Kitchen: A Warm Welcome with Wood Fired Delights
In search of a convenient meeting spot between Draper and Lehi, I stumbled upon Oak Wood Fire Kitchen. The warmth of the place was palpable, highlighted by the inviting glow of the wood fire grill. My choice of the "Hidden Valley" pizza, topped with chicken, bacon, buttermilk ranch, mozzarella, and just the right touch of jalapeños for a spicy kick, was a delight. It was so good that I ended up enjoying three slices right there! I also took home a Hot Honey Pepperoni pizza for Erik, which he reported was an excellent blend of sweet and spicy flavors. This place is definitely on our list for a return visit with the family.
Fast Food While Dieting: Chick-fil-A and Smash Burger
Staying disciplined while running errands with the family, we found ourselves at Chick-fil-A and Smash Burger. At Chick-fil-A, while the family enjoyed their usual favorites like grilled nuggets and spicy chicken sandwiches, I resisted the temptation and stuck to my diet plan, not even sneaking a fry. At Smash Burger, less tempting but still challenging with their delicious fries, I again chose to abstain, feeding Jules while Erik and Madi enjoyed their burgers. It was a test of willpower, but sticking to my diet goals felt rewarding.
Sharon’s Café: Post-Challenge Indulgence
After the transformation challenge concluded, I was free to indulge a bit and found myself craving a hearty breakfast burrito. Initially disappointed by a closed Rancheritos, I redirected to Sharon’s Café, where I ordered a smothered breakfast burrito with eggs, potatoes, and ham. The meal was exactly what I needed to satisfy my cravings. Erik opted for a dish called the Greek Way, and we also grabbed some thick pancakes for the girls, which they devoured eagerly. The café had a charming diner vibe that promised a return visit.
Fancy Burger: A Serendipitous Find
An impromptu visit to Orem to check out a car led Erik to Fancy Burger, a pleasantly upscale spot despite its dark ambiance. The menu surprised him with an option for cocktails in Utah, which added to the unique experience. He ordered a double patty classic burger with rosemary seasoned fries and a blonde ale. Erik reported that the burger, especially with its Hokkaido bun, was simply fantastic.
The Angry Korean and Louks Greek Baby Donuts: Culinary Adventures Continue
Cravings led our family to The Angry Korean, where we tried a variety of dishes including a chicken katsu rice bowl and the Big Angry Burrito filled with beef bulgogi and spicy pork. The meal was flavorful and loved by all, particularly the children. Next door, Louks offered us delightful Greek baby donuts, rounding out our dining adventure with a sweet finish.
Tea Rose: A Spice-Lover’s Retreat
Tea Rose is a quaint Thai restaurant that I frequent, not for its vast menu, but for a dish I can't seem to quit: the Massaman curry with chicken. Known for its robust spice scale, even a moderate spice level of 1 can pack a punch. This visit, the curry was as satisfying as ever, with a perfect balance of spice and flavor, complemented by potatoes and cashews. I also picked up chicken Pad Thai for Erik, who found the spice level ideal, though it was a tad too hot for my taste.
Over the Coals BBQ and Y.A.N.A Coffee and Tea
Our next adventure took us to Over the Coals BBQ, a social media find that lived up to its rave reviews. We ventured there mainly for the breakfast burritos, a comfort food that had eluded me recently. The chopped brisket burrito and the Trinity burrito, loaded with a mix of meats and other hearty fillings, were both hits. This spot being part of a small food hall added to the charm, providing a spacious area for the girls to play as we dined. Before leaving, we grabbed a Nutella and banana crepe from Y.A.N.A, a hit with the girls despite their initial skepticism about crepes.
Chinese Taste and 85 Degrees Bakery
On a whim, driven by a craving for Chinese food, we visited Chinese Taste, situated near Salt Lake’s small Chinatown. Opting for familiar dishes like house lo mein and General Tso's chicken, we found the food comforting and well-prepared. The meal was a hit, especially with Madi, who loved the egg rolls. Our post-dinner treat was supposed to be a taro bun from the newly opened 85 Degrees Bakery, but they were out. The Ube roll was a decent substitute, but it couldn’t match the nostalgia of the taro bun.
Roots Café: A Nostalgic Visit
Returning to Roots Café, a cherished spot I hadn’t visited since before the pandemic, felt like a homecoming. I invariably choose the Mediterranean omelet, a dish that never fails to satisfy with its blend of flavors, accompanied by the pancake of the day—this time a delightful cinnamon buckwheat pancake. While I also tried the breakfast burrito, it was the omelet that reaffirmed why Roots remains a favorite.
Beirut Café and Farr Ice Cream: A Culinary Contrast
Our visit to Beirut Café, which shares space with Farr Ice Cream, provided a unique dining experience where savory meets sweet. The beef shawarma and gyro plates were mostly enjoyed, though the girls found some of the meats a bit too chewy. The evening ended with ice cream—Moose Tracks for Erik and a visually appealing playdough flavor for Madi, which she picked for its colorful appearance. Although Jules was less enthusiastic about the ice cream’s chill, the meal was overall a success, showcasing the versatility of this dual-concept venue.
Throughout March, my culinary journeys ranged from disciplined choices at fast food outlets to rewarding indulgences at local eateries, reflecting a balance between maintaining diet goals and enjoying life’s flavorful moments. Each meal was an opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends, set against the backdrop of diverse and delicious foodscapes.
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