I’ve had my fair share of Sushi in Utah. Granted, some sushi restaurants are better than others, but I’ve never really walked away from a sushi restaurant completely disappointed. Actually, now that I mention it, I’ve rarely walk away from any restaurant disappointed.

My trip to Asuka, however, was… well… crappy.

There was nobody waiting to greet or seat me upon arrival.

My table was sticky.

My glass was dirty.

I was worried to say the least.

I opted to go with the all you can eat sushi dinner for like $18.  The sushi (nearly every roll) was anything but satisfying. The rolls were bland, lukewarm and soggy. The spicy mayo that topped many of the rolls tasted like a variation of watered down cheese whiz.

To avoid paying full price for the rolls I didn’t like, I had to force them down. I’m not joking. I had to force down sushi! Not cool.

If you’re looking for a good place to eat sushi in Utah, there are quite a few good places. My favorites are Takashi in Salt Lake on Market Street and Shoga, right off of University Parkway was pretty good in Orem.

Asuka also has a Japanese Hibachi grill. I can’t vouch for the quality of that food… I’m assuming if you go to Asuka, that you’re better off with that than a sushi roll.

If you want to review a sushi restaurant in Utah that’s delicious and not Asuka, let me know in the comments!

Asuka
2244 North University Parkway
Provo, UT 84604

Photo Courtesy of HeraldExtra.com

Rooster on University Avenue in Provo provides what is likely to be one of the most unique dining experiences in Utah County.

Rooster is a fantastic location for a  date. The white walls contrasted with the dark wood floors, furniture and paneling  coupled with the always-awesome music create an intimate lunch or dinner.

Personally, I’ve tried the pork, shrimp and beef dumplings as well as the Butter Corn Ramen and the Thai Basil Rice. The dumplings are all great, but I think I prefer the pork over the other two.

The Butter Corn Ramen was tasty. The flavors are very unique and subtle. My only qualm with the dish is that I felt like I was paying $11.00 for a glorified Top Ramen dish.

My favorite dish at Rooster is the Thai Basil Rice. The meat is delicious, and the fried egg that tops it off adds the perfect amount of creaminess to make it both delicious and unique. I recommend it.

Another thing you should definitely try are the Boba Tapioca drinks. They are just plain tasty. Like… I’d drink one every day if I could… because they’re tasty. Wait, did I already say that?

If you’re looking for a super cool place to eat with a really unique menu, Rooster is your venue. But expect that it will take a bit of a toll on the wallet. The ambiance is enjoyable, you may not leave as full as you’d expect from looking at the bill.

Rooster
163 N. University Ave.
Provo, UT

If you’d like to write a review for ReviewCrew, just leave a comment with your email address and we’ll get in touch with you!

From the outside looking in, Grove Market and Deli looks like your typical mom and pop corner store. Well, unless it’s lunch time that is…

Once noon rolls around, anyone who’s in the mood to chow down on a sandwich made from their childhood dreams lines up at Grove’s. Why? Because Grove’s doesn’t think twice about stacking the meat high and using a full loaf (yes, a full loaf) of French bread to placate the fat kid within all of us.

I recommend the turkey avocado with all the fixins. I describe it to newbies as “a good kick in the mouth,” meaning if kicks in the mouth were good, you’d want one from Grove’s. The deli meat is fresh, the avocados make more than just an appearance, and the pickles! Ohh the pickles; they snap like nobody’s business.

By the way, I’m really not kidding when I say the sandwiches are massive. A half runs about $5 and can easily be shared between two people. No one will judge you if you get a whole and keep it all for yourself though, wink-wink.

Picnic tables are located out front for your convenience. There you’ll find an eclectic mix of customers to dine with ranging from families to business people. Also, be sure to check out their hot sauce aisle; the wide selection will certainly put a smile on the face of all you fire eaters.

Grove Market and Deli
1906 S Main St
Salt Lake City, UT 84115

*Call ahead is available.  Also on the menu: chili, salads, polish dogs and assorted goods in the aisles.

Big thanks to Megan Weems for this post! If you want to write a review for ReviewCrew, hit me up on the Facebook page. And don’t forget to support awesome local cuisine!

Photo Courtesy of Sam Wibatt

If I had to pick a favorite food, I’m quite sure it would be the sandwich.

It’s simple, yet diverse. It’s traditional, versatile and absolutely delicious.  A sandwich can be made to accommodate any occasion or mood.

Now, you may doubt what I’m about to say. You very well may laugh at this post and never come back again. Ever.  I’m willing to back up my claim though.

I just had the best. Sandwich. Ever.

No joke.

If you’re a sucker for a sandwich – and I’m talking a really good, mind blowing, earth shattering, make your taste buds sing the Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s ‘The Messiah’ sandwich – you need to visit the Town and Country Market in Salt Lake.

This place is the ultimate definition of ‘hole in the wall.’  It was formerly a garage… like for repairing cars and the such. The owners have transformed it into a deli that from the outside looks almost questionable. Don’t let your eyes deceive you. Go inside. Order a sandwich and watch your world be changed. It’s only about $5… the best $5 you’ll ever spend.

I’ve tried both the Turkey Avocado and the Chicken Salad Sandwich.  I don’t know how they prepare their avocados, or what they put in that chicken salad, but I tell you, both brought tears to my eyes… in a good way… and that is NO understatement.

Show up more than twice, and the staff will start to recognize you by face and maybe even by name.

I daresay that it might be impossible to make a wrong choice on the menu.  As the writer of a foodie blog, I try to diversify my eating… but after trying out the Town and Country Market, I will be eating there at least once a week until I either move or die.  Mark my words.

Here’s a quick look at their menu.  The brief descriptions do not do the sandwiches justice. And a whole sandwich will fill you up, easily. Even if you’re a freakish eating machine. Just don’t plan on sitting down to eat while you’re there… the only tables are outside which is not helpful in the middle of the cold Utah winter.

Town and Country Market
2840 South Main Street
South Salt Lake, UT 84115

Please try this place out and tell me what you think in the comments!

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