The Desert Edge Pub – Trolley Square…It’s more than just beer.

My wife and I have been eating at the Desert Edge Pub (or simply “The Pub”) for over 30 years. In that time we’ve seen the layout and decor change, waiters come and go, and even the beer selection has changed over time, but what has always stayed consistent is the quality of their food and their service.

For those craving a simple soup and salad, the Pub’s signature French onion soup with a mixed green salad is one of the best in the state. Those looking for a heartier meal should try their traditional Reuben sandwich with sauerkraut, or maybe a pastrami sandwich with cheddar cheese (and add avocado…my favorite) – all of their sandwiches are fantastic…and most of them fall under the $10 mark.

I’m a hot pasta fan myself, but I’ve grown to love their  cold pasta Chicken Niçoise salad with egg, tomato, green peppers, cucumbers, red onion, and of course…chicken.  (Food Tip: Try upgrading the green salad that comes with your sandwich with the pasta salad.)

If you’re lucky, you might even go there on a night when they’re serving their dinner special; steak sandwich with a Gorgonzola garlic cream sauce…it’s to die for!

Lastly, I have to mention the service…you won’t find a nicer group of servers than the ones at the Pub.   One in particular – Annie, that my wife and I have known for several years is a one of a kind. She exudes positive energy and is always genuinely interested in knowing how our family is doing. We truly miss her when she goes on vacation. Thanks for putting up with all of our “high-maintenance” orders over the years!

(Grade: A  or 5 out of 5 cookies!)

Posted in Salt Lake City - Food Critics Corner | 2 Comments

Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse – Great food, Great value

If you’re looking for a great pulled pork sandwich at a reasonable price, have I’ve found the place for you.

Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse opened their doors in Utah about 6 months ago (they may have been up and running in other Utah locations before then, but I’m referring to the one on in South Jordan.) and since then I’ve gone there several times to enjoy their pulled pork and their signature warm bbq sauce — The combination of the two together is to die for. Along with the pulled pork they offer you warm homemade rolls that you can smear honey butter on, or eat them plain…they’re delightful.

The atmosphere and seating is nice, but I’d prefer to have a cushioned bench rather than a hardwood bench (it’s my old age I guess). I must warn you however, that if you dine in…you’ll bring the smell of Sonny Bryan’s out with you…it truly is a “smokehouse”. My wife knows I’ve gone to Sonny Bryan’s as soon as I open the front door to our house…so beware!

They have since opened a Sonny Bryan’s in Foothill in Salt Lake City, but I still prefer the South Jordan location simply because you can order at the counter and seat yourself. At the Foothill location you have to wait to be seated and you have a server (which calls for leaving a tip, and will add $2-4 to your bill depending on what you get).

I’ve been pleased with their food and service thus far. (I give them a A- or a 4.5 cookie rating)

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A Valentines dinner out is not what it used to be.

I took my lovely wife out for dinner at the Trio restaurant on Valentines day and was very disappointed in several aspects of the meal and the environment.

First of all, I was hoping to enjoy the meal in a warm and cozy environment. Instead, the temperature had to be in the low 60′s, and when I casually mentioned it to the server she basically dismissed my comment and didn’t say anything.

Note to Trio: On Valentines day you typically see girls with sleeveless dresses or blouses on. I noticed several, and they looked cold (a few of them kept their coats on).  I realize your waiters/waitresses are working very hard and may not notice the how cold it is, but it’s the managers job to pick up on that.

Secondly, I ordered a simple dish of pasta with a side order of salmon. Now I know the price of fish has skyrocketed and the $5.50 I spent to add the salmon to my entree I thought was a good deal, but the portion I received on my plate was embarrassing to say the least. I’ve seen chicken strips at Chik-fil-a larger than what they served me.

I can only assume that because my wife and I shared the dish the cook decided it was enough for the both of us. Seriously, between my wife and I the total salmon was less than 3 oz…unacceptable.

We go out to dinner frequently with my sister and her husband, and we frequent the Trio restaurant at least once a month…and have always been pleased with the environment and the food, but for this Valentines dinner…I was very disappointed. Grade: C+

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Valentines Day is almost here!

Oreo watercolor

Let the dipping begin!

Are you trying to think of a great Valentines gift for your sweetheart? From now until February 14th you can purchase any of my hand-signed cookie watercolor prints for 50% off the retail price.  Some of my best sellers are the Oreo and Fortune cookie (displayed on this blog). Shoot me an email if you’re interested at cookie@soggyhead.com

Thanks!
Mr. Soggyhead

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Watercolors by Drew Cherrington

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