I have been watching Soda Tsunami since their sign went up across from the Cabela’s in Ammon. So, of course I jumped at the chance to attend their grand opening last week.

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 Sailing blissfully away on a sea of sugary delight)

Over-all Tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 4

Experience:5

TASTE: When I went I got the Volcano which is a delicious flavor explosion, so I totally dig the name. The Volcano is much like an Italian cream soda with Sprite, raspberry syrup, whipped cream, and my favorite SPRINKLES! The cream mixes in with the drink, and it is all around delicious. My boyfriend got the Coconut Wave which was also delish ( Cola, coconut, and lime). We didn’t get any of the cookies, bagels, or personal pizzas but I have no doubt that they are amazing as well!

ATMOSPHERE: Soda Tsunami is really neat in the fact that it has a nice sit in area, and also has a drive thru. So, if you want a place to meet up before a movie or game S.T. has got you, and if you want to swing by while on the way to the park good ol S.T. has got you there too.

EXPERIENCE: I had a great time going to Soda Tsunami. I went on the Grand Opening, and they were BUSY! But we were helped promptly and the service was very friendly. I was referred to try the Volcano and I wasn’t disappointed. Can’t wait to go back and get my soda fix!

If you haven’t been to Soda Tsunami I encourage you to do so. Try the Volcano!

https://www.facebook.com/sodatsunami/

The Persnickety Lemon (love the name!) opened up here within the last month or so, and needless to say I was excited. It is downtown on Park avenue, so I walk past it everyday on my way to work.

This quaint market focuses on artisan products, and healthy options. I came over to bombard them on their first day of serving lunch with my boyfriend and two guy co-workers.

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 Why are my socks on the floor? Oh, that’s right. They were knocked right off!)

Over-all Tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Experience:5

TASTE: The sweet shop owners (Jennifer and Jed) were serving a Cowboy quinoa wrap. It was a multi-grain flatbread with a tex-mex quinoa salad which was spicy and filling. When she told us this was the option for the day I started getting ready to walk out. I thought there was no way that all these guys would eat a quinoa wrap! She gave us all a taste test, and they went ahead an ordered it. I was pleasantly surprised. This is certainly a testament to how delicious it is. Since then I have been back, and had more delicious experiences!

Everything tastes fresh, and doesn’t leave you filling gross. There is a lot of attention to detail that I appreciate. There are Gluten-free, and vegan options which is a really lovely difference here in the city of meat n taters.

ATMOSPHERE: The downstairs dining area is vintage, comfy, and eclectic. It has a neat sitting area with a sofa and coffee table that is cozy. It really is the perfect place to meet up or host an event! Check their Facebook to find out how to rent their space including the commercial kitchen.

EXPERIENCE: The owners are incredibly friendly and helpful. I’m excited to see that there are new options in downtown Idaho Falls! I hear that they will be starting classes (how to build terrariums and make artisanal cheese and such) and I can’t wait to go.

The Persnickety Lemon is a co-op. They feature locally made breads, sweets, salsas, nut milks, juices, and more. Their menu changes often, so go in to see what yummy items they are serving up!

The Persnickety Lemon

Chances are if you are from this neck of the woods you have been to a Java Espress before, and hopefully you have been into Kool Beanz Café. If you haven’t I’m gonna take a minute to tell you why you should!

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 OH MY GAWD, BECKY)

Over-all Tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Experience:5

TASTE: Kool Beanz offers a lot of different options to start and end your day right. A couple of my favorites are the California Dreamin’ latte (Tiramisu and almond!) and the Spicy Tom bagel sandwich that has turkey, bacon, and house-made jalapeno garlic cream cheese!

ATMOSPHERE: Kool Beanz is exactly that. It is cool. It has an industrial chic look that provides the vibes of a larger city than Idaho Falls. It is in Snake River Landing which makes it the perfect place to stop by on the weekend before you head out on a bike ride or jog, or after to get a glass of wine.

EXPERIENCE: I have had really nice experiences at KB. The baristas are incredibly helpful, and willing to give you suggestions of all their favorite things. The lattes are made with care. The last one I had, had some lovely latte art on it. That ain’t easy! I’ve tried and failed.

I definitely recommend checking out Kool Beanz Café.

Here is their Facebook page. Like to keep up on Wine Tastings and other events!

Kool Beanz Cafe

Hi all! I am going to try something new for this post.

I’m going to share a recipe! One of my favorite things to do is cook at home. The process is sort of meditative for me, and it feels like such a huge accomplishment when you make something that knocks your own socks off.

To start this off I have a cocktail recipe for you!

EGGNOG MARTINI

(One sip will put you in the Christmas spirit!)

Time: 5m 

Ingredients:

1 oz vanilla vodka of your choice (try an Idaho local like 44 North or Zodiac)

3/4oz RumChata

2.5 oz eggnog (try an Idaho Local like Reed’s Dairy for us South Eastern Idahoans!)

Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg

Steps:

1. Grab your martini shaker
2. Place all of your ingredients along with some ice in the shaker
3. SHAKE SHAKE IT SHAKE IT AH-OH
4. Pour that delicious beverage into a glass ( I encourage a standard martini glass, because it looks so classy)
5. OPTIONAL…I guess: Top it off with some whipped cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg

There it is, and SO EASY! Now make this puppy, put on some nice Christmas tunes, and devour some cookies! It’s that time of year errybody!!

I went to Ogden the week of my birthday. During this time I took the opportunity to eat ALL THE THINGS.

My favorite place that I went was Waffle Love. They added an adorable little shop on 25th street. Let me briefly tell you about how perfect this location is! 25th street is fun, eclectic, and literally the place to be in Ogden. They recently opened a record shop and independent bookstore. So, Waffle Love just adds believe me.

My boyfriend and I went there Saturday morning before the Farmers Market started, and got some delicious, sugary, breakfast treats. We later came back for dinner…for frickin grilled cheese waffles and tomato soup. WHAT!? Can you believe that these exist!? So delish.

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 Too LEGIT to QUIT)

Over-all tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Experience: 5

TASTE: I feel like I don’t even need to describe how I felt about this. All I need to do is say CHURRO waffle. Strawberry and raspberry BISCOFF waffle. There. I said it.

ATMOSPHERE: This shop is beautiful. It is all brick walls and the gorgeous, vintagey, hanging lights. They have a fantastic mural in there of Ogden. I could hang out there for a long while.

EXPERIENCE: Fantastic! The shop is cute. The food is amazing. The service is quick and wonderful. Another of my favorite parts…they have the shop story on the wall. It looks handwritten, and there are drawings to go along with it. Such a sweet story, and it makes your experience feel even more personal.

ALL AROUND AMAZING. I am a fan for life now. I really hope you guys can make it to a Waffle Love near you!

Jonny and I got shirts. That’s what happened.

Waffle Love Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Waffle-Love/1456605154659205?fref=ts

City Bagels is OPEN in Downtown Idaho Falls as of last week, and if you haven’t been you absolutely need to go! I’ve been waiting patiently ever since I saw their sign up across from Ming’s on Shoup, and was so excited to get in there.

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 AHMEEEEEEZING)

Over-all Tastiness: 5

Atmosphere: 5

Experience:4

TASTE: Let me tell you a little bit about the options at City Bagels… They have fresh-baked bagels. These bagels are out of this world, ok? They are soft, but chewy…*deep sigh* The everything bagel is my favorite so far! They have cookies, cupcakes, muffins, scones, and…wait for it…individual cheesecakes! So good they bring a tear to my eye.

They have an extensive drink menu with Italian sodas, coffee and espresso drinks, and a gourmet hot chocolate list. My favorite is the coconut tres leches hot chocolate. It’s delish.

ATMOSPHERE: City Bagels is so unique! It is an absolutely beautiful restaurant with wood paneling, red velvet, pretty flowers on each table, and a fantastic chandelier. They also have an upstairs eating area that lets you gaze down on it all. It’s wonderfully classy, and well put together!

EXPERIENCE: The staff is really great, nice, and helpful. Right now things are just beginning for them, so be patient as it all gets started.

I can’t scream at you from my laptop, so I will use caps to indicate the level of my enthusiasm. GO TO CITY BAGELS & BAKERY. YOU WILL LOVE IT.

City Bagel’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/City-Bagels-Bakery/1175863225822597?fref=ts

I had a few referrals to go to A Street Soup Market when it opened up here not that long ago. I finally made it over, and definitely was not disappointed! A Street Soup Market is comfort food at its finest. Delicious from scratch soups alongside well-crafted sandwiches(on fresh-baked bread!!). To top it all off homemade cookies for dessert. It’s like going home.

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 is this some kind of sorcery!? This is amazing!)

Over-all tastiness: 4

Atmosphere: 5

Experience: 5

TASTE: When I went the special was a Cajun chicken sandwich (they have rotating specials! something new! daily!). It’s a tasty chicken sandwich with peppers, and a little kick. I enjoyed it. I also had the chicken coconut curry soup, which is TO DIE FOR. I foresee myself eating a lot more of that yumminess as it gets chillier. The chocolate chip cookies were also just a delight!

ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere was nice. The restaurant is cozy and makes you want to stay awhile. We sat right by the window that faces the street. I really liked that, and it is kind of private in that section of the dining area.

EXPERIENCE: The service is excellent. It is quick and friendly. The servers know a lot about the food!

Get your buns over to A Street Soup Market, and prepare yourself for SOUP BELLY it’s a thing. It is like a nice flannel blanket inside your tummy that will make you want to take an epic nap. This is perfectly appropriate…unless you are on your lunch break and going back to work. EGAD!

A Street Soup Market Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/astreetsoupmarket/?fref=ts

Pssst… I read that they have bread bowls now.

Driving around the back of the Edward’s Movie Theater one evening my boyfriend and I spotted this little shack. Pick Me Up! I thought it might be a coffee place, so I knew I had to come back and check it out. Alas, it wasn’t a coffee hut! It was something I have actually never been to before. A specialty soda and cookie joint!

Rating: (on a 0-5 scale, 0 not so great-5 wowza)

Over-all tastiness: 4

Atmosphere: n/a

Experience: 5

My favorite part about Pick Me Up was that it was a unique experience. I have never been to a little soda and cookie shack before! They have a lot of fun flavors to try. I got the Swank (coconut, pineapple, peach!) which I would completely refer, because it is delish!! Added benefit it reminds me of Hillary Swank. Which in turn reminds me of Million Dollar Baby. So sad, but SO GOOD. None of that has anything to do with the beverage… Also, the sugar cookies are the bomb digs. I crave them now all too often.

Another great part was that the staff in there was fantastic! They were fun, sweet, and helpful!

Atmosphere wasn’t really something I could rate here, but being able to walk up grab soda and then go to the park afterwards was fun. This little gem is kind of hidden too. So, go find it! It’s almost like an adventure with the reward being sweet deliciousness at the end.

Pick Me Up’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pickmeupdrinks/

This post is dedicated to my lovely girls’ weekend in Utah. We went down to the Downtown Yoga Festival in Salt Lake City. PREFACE- I am not the yogi type. I am the lazy type that likes to do as much restorative yoga as possible. Which is basically the closest thing I can get to napping and still claiming it is exercise. The yoga festival was awesome though, and I am so glad that my lack of yoga skills didn’t keep me from going. The festival was a three day event, and it included yoga classes, speakers, music, and merchants.

My favorite instructor was Becca Pati. If you are into yoga at all check out her YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/yogaandlifewithbecca). She did a really nice vinyasa- type flow for her Unfuck Yourself class on Saturday with a modern playlist and some inspiration from her. It was the first time I’ve done yoga quite like that, and it was badass! We went to her class on Sunday too. Couldn’t get enough! This is the day I also did some the strangest yoga of my life, which will forever bond me with my friends I went with.

We went to Alleged in Ogden on Saturday night which is one of my favorite bars in Ogden. It is a three-level bar with a different sort of vibe on each level. My favorite is the roof-top, and on this particular night they had a sweet little duo performing, Megan Burtt and the Cure for Love. They are such a delight! I’ll share Megan Burtt’s YouTube also (https://www.youtube.com/user/mjburtt). So much sharing is being done here!

The last day we went to Publik coffee in SLC, and it is basically the “cool kid” of coffee shops. Just go there and you will know what I am talking about. The shop was really minimal, and the coffee was fantastic.  They also had an only toast menu which is really reminiscent of a coffee shop I went to in San Fran last year. I got some great photos of the place (too many to put in this post!). I plan on sharing more on my Facebook page, so keep checking there for more stuff, and give er a like if you are so inclined (https://www.facebook.com/LiveaLittleLocal/). YES! More links!

So, that was my weekend! I encourage you to go check out the yoga festival in SLC. The Downtown Yoga Festival in Salt Lake City happens twice a year (https://www.facebook.com/downtownyogafestival/) So, get your buns to the fall session. You will be the most relaxed you have ever been. It will be like soaking in a hottub for a week, without the wrinkly, soggy skin. While you’re there be cool and go to Publik coffee. They serve their coffee in mason jars, people. It’s hip!

Ogden, Utah is basically my second home. I grew up there and I go back constantly to visit my sweet family.

Needless to say, I have a few favorite restaurants there and I am always interested on what new ones are opening up.

This last visit was to go see my lil brother. He is not so little because he just turned 23,  BUT HE WILL ALWAYS BE LITTLE TO ME! I went to see him and take him to  The Used show in Salt Lake City. The concert was fantastic. It was their 15 year anniversary,  and they played the entire In Love and Death album. Fan girling hard.

Anyways! It was Ogden Restaurant week while I was down there. So, got to take advantage of some gooood food.

Every time I go to Ogden I try to go to Slackwater Pub and Pizzeria. This place makes me so happy. I am not lying if I wasn’t livin the life up here in Idaho I would consider working there. The atmosphere is wonderful. They are right next to the river and they often have live music out on the patio. The staff is so kind and awesome. BUT let’s talk about the important shit. PIZZA. Slackwater has amazingly creative pizzas Tikka Masala, Thai, and my favorite California Sunrise, a chicken, bacon and avocado miracle. They offer a variety of different specialty beers and wines with many locally brewed options. Which adds!

My Buffalo Chicken Calzone and spring salad with thai coconut vinaigrette. Yup. All that.

A new place that I tried out on my visit CRAFT BURGER.

Craft Burger is a gourmet burger and spirits type joint. It is owned by the same people who own Warren’s another Ogden restaurant in my top 3. Craft Burger is pretty much the adult version of that place. I’m not kidding they do Lime Rickey’s there ( a staple of Warren’s) with vodka. Yesssssum. So, you are going to see a picture of the truly beautiful hamburger I consumed. It was really well cooked and just take a look at that bacon! The food was so great and the chips were delicious. The staff was really friendly.

The building was also delish 😉

Exposed brick and the lighting was fantastic. I could live there. I might have tried to.

My Ogden Recommends:

SLACKWATER– Do it. Go there.

Check out 25th street– The hotbed of local restaurants is located on 25th street in Ogden and around their old town area. Craft Burger is there!