I have two words for you: S'mores. Bar. Not only do I love a fun, interactive, dining experience, but I also absolutely love s'mores. So this combination in Gilbert, Arizona, piqued my interest.



Toasted Mallow serves up, marshmallow desserts, milkshakes, cupcakes, cake bites, and more. They are totally customizable, and can feature a range of toppings, sauces, and candies.



I ordered a s'mores bowl, which is a graham cracker bowl that was then layered with their housemade salted caramel marshmallows, topped with chocolate and caramel sauce, and toasted lightly.



I mean, come on! Does it get much better than this? Layers of sweetness - and all my favorites flavors - in one bite. Plus that light crunchy texture of a perfect toasted marshmallow. S'mores are just such a delight.



While the construction of the dessert is pretty simple, it's the experience and the nostalgia around s'mores. I think that make it truly a special experience.



Grade: A

Ravenswood has a handful of restaurants that you'll find standard, and most small towns: a Mexican restaurant, some fast food, and then there is a bakery that caught my attention.



Taraific Cakes and More serves up lunch specials, as well as classic bakery treats. I was in store to try a little bit of both.



The inside is a bit of a mish-mash of industrial paneling of different styles and wooden chairs - whatever works. It's simple and basic. But the star of the show is the display case full of goodies.



For my main meal, I opted for a chicken salad croissant and a side of pasta salad. I enjoyed my sandwich, which had a sweet mayo base. Good hunks of chicken, but I would've loved more for texture.



The pasta salad was average; I like mine with some tang and heavy-handedness on vinegar.



The sweets I tried - both banana pudding & rice krispy - were spot on, as expected. Like they've been perfected over time to have those classic treat flavors.



Have you been?



Grade: B

I didn't really know a whole lot about Utah until I started getting interested in national parks. Utah is mostly known for its beautiful, natural landscapes, Mormons, And the Sundance Film Festival.



I traveled here to visit Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion - and of course had to enjoy some good meals while here. Torrey is a small town outside of Capitol Reef National Park and it's where I needed to get some grub.



Slackers Burger Joint is a 50s themed restaurant that is known for its burgers, shakes, and other diner fare. According to their signage, they have been ranked as one of the best drive-in restaurants in Utah. Either way, it is a humble stop that has seen its fair share of wear and tear. It was pretty busy when I was there, but I was able to place an order for a burger and shake and have my meal within 10 minutes.



The world famous juicy burger is served on a stone ground sourdough bun. I had mine with mushroom and Swiss, plus other condiments on the side. I did enjoy the bun which slightly eclipsed the burger, but it was fresh and pillowy. The burger was a little overdone from my liking, but it was clearly homemade. The side of sweet potato fries were good; I just wish someone would figure out a solid dipping sauce that is standard for these.



The star was this giant milkshake, which had all of the cherries and whipped cream. They were not stingy with the portion sizes in, the sweet treat to finish off the meal was a satisfying finish.



Grade: B

Tequila Grill in Barboursville sets itself apart from other Mexican-inspired restaurants in the area with its bright orange facade. And, it may be that - or their mix of traditional and innovative dishes - that is working for them because they have been voted a fan favorite of the county in the past.



Set inside a shopping plaza, the restaurant has plenty of parking and some robust Mexican decor that is like a cross of cantina and neon nightlife. The menu features classic favorites like tacos, burritos and quesadillas. But I do appreciate that they also have things like specialty egg rolls, fish tacos, and more.



Chips & salsa = standard. Chimichanga with all the fixins = decent. I took this meal to go, so part of the lack of texture is on me. I took this meal to go, so part of the lack of texture is on me. But, it was chock-full of veggies and protein, and a big heaping portion overall. I just wouldn't hate somethin' a little extra next time.



Grade: B

A bagel bakery is a sight for sore eyes when you are from West Virginia. There aren't many bagel shops in the Mountain State, so I take full advantage of any bagel opportunity while out and about.



Bagel Bakery, a Hollister, CA, bagel shop was fairly nondescript from the outside. But, they do have a variety of bagels and donuts to choose from inside.



I ordered a salmon lox bagel, which comes with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, capers, and red onion. All on a garlic bagel.



This is a flavor combination that I always enjoy, so it was pretty safe. I did enjoy each ingredient. I liked the flavor of the bagel; I wish that it had been a little less crispy. There were some burnt edges that flipped up it kind of created a not-so-great texture and bitterness.



Grade: B