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

Steaks 'n Cakes is a restaurant that was in the right place at the right time. The Blythe, CA, restaurant has a hand-painted sign and some rusty antique cars out front. The truth is, we were traveling through the area on a holiday, and it was one of the first locally owned restaurants we saw.



They offer homestyle comfort food, with a particular emphasis on breakfast items. I'm no a regular eggs and bacon kinda gal, but I found a way to make it work for me. I went with an egg and bacon sandwich... but nix the egg and add tomato & lettuce & mayo! Voila! A good ol' BLT. Since it was a modified order, I wasn't expecting perfection. A thick, lopsided slice of tomato made the sandwich a bit unwieldy to eat. But the classic flavors still ticked all the boxes.



I do, however, love me some good shredded hashbrowns. I'm not talking home fries or fried potatoes. I like shredded potatoes that taste more like crispy crunchy than they do potato. Top those with cheese, onion and ketchup, and let's call it a day. These were on the verge of that crisp.



I got neither steak (& eggs) or (pan)cakes, but I had a decent little homecooked meal with friends that filled our bellies.



Grade: B

Let's keep this short and sweet. I have tried to visit Novichenks on and off for several years and have not been able to order food for one reason or another.



I have seen evidence of a menu once existing. It consisted of fried appetizers, wings, sandwiches, and that's about it. Very short. One page. But elusive to me on every trip. Whether there wasn't a cook in that day, or they weren't operating the kitchen, or they couldn't deep fry. Whatever the various reasons, I've only ever been left with a drink. Maybe it's a me problem.



So, my vodka cranberries have been satisfactory. The space is definitely geared toward locals, and I don't feel a huge pool to visit again in the future. In this case, not because of bad food, but just sheer lack of it.



Grade: D