Fall, meet our friend apple. Apple, allow us to introduce you to cider. Cider, it’s time you meet donut. Wait, donut? Here’s something we’ve never had the pleasure of meeting. Fall is here, and YHO reader Steph is looking for someone who makes/sells apple cider donuts to celebrate the season. And we thought we’d like to know, too. This is an acquaintance we would like to make this fall and next.

Any ideas out there?

By Ali Anderson Smith

Sampled: Breakfast (or lunch) from the old world on the go-go-go. Handmade and hand-rolled with cheese and egg, bacon, ham—even vegetarian options with or without jalapeno—baked inside, these kolaches should have every McSandwich out there shaking in its biscuits.

Where: Johnny Kolaches (900 S. 248 West, Salt Lake City)

High & Low: If you take your breakfast with Texan personality (which I do), Johnny Kolache should be on your short list. And at the top of it. Johnny whips up the perfect Czech pastry, popular in the likes of Oklahoma and Texas, and dresses it up with the inclusion of fruits, sausages and cheeses that will have you coming back for more. So sample the “Sugar Pie” cinnamon rolls while you’re at it. Next time, you can bet your bottom dollar we’ll be stopping in for a “Kolandwich” … if we can talk ourselves out of another delicious kolache. The BBQ pulled pork variety might be calling my name. Don’t wait too long—early birds catch the worm. Shop closes for the day when the kolaches are gone.

How Much: Breakfast kolaches, $1.69; lunch kolaches, $1.89; cinnamon rolls, $2.49

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Waffles and french fries. Though not always paired together, these are staples in restaurants and kitchens from coast to coast. We buy them, we eat them, and we Americans can probably make them just as well as the next guy, right? That’s what I thought too, until I happened upon Bruges Waffles and Frites in Salt Lake City. Bruges offers a little taste of Belgium right here in Beehive State and one thing I learned from my visit is that Belgians take waffles and fries very seriously.

At Bruges, you basically have one decision to make: Waffle or fries. Or both. We began our culinary excursion across the Atlantic with traditional frites (fries) in a paper cone with your choice of sauce. If a vegetable is ever going to obtain transcendental status, these potatoes might be on their way. Double fried for an extra crispy outside that audibly gives way to soft, pearly innards and simply-seasoned, these fries are perfect. Our favorite complimentary sauces were the “Greens” sauce with chive and green onion and the “Andalouse”—basil with some kick.

Bruges also serves up a dish of frites smothered in Flemish beef stew, slow-braised in ale. The result is a hearty and satisfying combination of crispy potatoes and spoon-tender meat, mingled with herbs and seasoned to perfection.

This culinary gem is named after a town in Belgium that is considered the “waffle capitol of the world,” where waffles are sold by street vendors and eaten at lunch, dinner and any time between. The waffles are made with a yeast dough that’s dotted with chunks of pearl sugar. These melt and caramelize to give the waffle a crispy exterior and a soft middle that’s more substantial than the average Eggo. We loved our served “plain,” but you can have yours dusted with cinnamon, dipped in chocolate or topped with creme fraiche, fruit or ice cream.

Whatever you choose, your tastebuds will thank you.

{International House of Waffles}

Bruges Waffles and Frites
336 W. Broadway
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 363-4444
www.brugeswaffles.com

By Stephanie Brubaker

Spotted: Authentic fruit-on-a-stick paletas, just like those you find south of the border, in flavors like coconut and pineapple—some rumored to be mixed with dulce de leche and others with pure sugar. Hay que rico!

Good For: Making good with the hot summer days stretching out ahead.

Where: Tarahumara Comida Mexicana (380 E. Main Street, Midway)

How Much: About $1.25 a pop

By Ali Anderson Smith

Sampled: Chocolate-chocolate delights from Dunford Donuts, sold by the half-dozen

Where: Your local 7-11, Costco, Dan’s Foods stores, and Dunford Bakers (8556 S. 2940 West, West Jordan)

High & Low: Move over Hostess (and every other chocolate-on-chocolate convenient-store confection), there’s an old donut in this town and Dunford’s Double Fudge Chocolate Cake is one for the ages. The sugary coating on this anything-but-dry cake melts in your mouth without sticking to it. Dunford’s locally-made donut is substantial, sweet and totally delicious—and available as near as your neighborhood 7-11. Also sold by the dozen at Costco, these donuts seem to be best enjoyed in the half-dozen variety, where the potential for crumbling and melting is decreased substantially. Now, who’s hungry?

How Much: Usually around $3 – $4

By Ali Anderson Smith

Spotted: Cran-Peno Preserves

Good For: Spicing anything up. Seriously. This hot (and considerably sweet) little number will take your cheese ‘n crackers or sandwich schmear—even your fruit plate—from drab to fab faster than you can say caliente.

Where: Hagermann’s Bakehouse Cafe or The Store

How Much: About $7

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Specialty bakeries are all the rage. Cupcake shops and gourmet cookie boutiques are popping up along the Wasatch Front faster than spring tulips. But now, elevating the humble donut from breakfast junk food to dignified delicacy is South Jordan’s Beyond Glaze. The dressed-up donuts at this joint might have neighboring cupcakes shaking in their pretty little liners.

There’s a time and place for chocolate-covered and jelly-filled fritters, but any afficionado knows the true test of a donut maker’s prowess lies in his execution of the plain, glazed, yeast donut. At this shop, the basic round has a texture that falls somewhere between Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts: light enough that no beverage is necessary to finish swallowing, but not so light that it dissolves as soon as it hits your tongue. That isn’t to say that Beyond Glaze’s recipe lacks sophistication. Theirs is substantial and indulgent and quite unlike any donut we’ve tried before with its simple, buttery sweetness—which also makes the perfect canvas for creative toppings.

There are too many flavors to name, but every combination comes up delicious, possibly because each component is homemade. Blueberry frosting is made with (you guessed it) fresh blueberries and pineapple icing really comes from pineapples. Other favorites include German chocolate (chocolate, caramel and coconut), chocolate peanut butter and key lime. And unlike most donuts, Beyond Glaze’s are pretty enough to serve at your next baby shower.

Not only does this pastry shop take it beyond when it comes to glaze, they also go beyond donuts. Chocolate-covered croissants, ham-and-cheese scones, and soft cinnamon or orange rolls slathered in frosting also make mouth-watering appearances. Those of us with less than Herculean will power and a penchant for pastries should be warned … and bring extra bags.

{Infinity and Beyond}

Beyond Glaze
177 W. 12300 South
Draper, Utah
(801) 809-5791
www.beyondglaze.com

Writing and photography by Stephanie Brubaker

We’re all familiar with the saying “there’s room for everyone.” This certainly applies to the booming bakery scene in Salt Lake City. More and more, the Beehive State serves as a destination for those who seek-out sugar confections.

The newest addition to the Salt Lake list is Tulie Bakery. Located near popular nail salon Nailed and the lively Cafe Trio where Xocolate used to be (fare thee well, Xocolate!), Tulie’s bright and spacious interior evokes refreshment equal to its neighbors. The communal tables at this bakery add its comfortable, casual vibe.

To dress it up, lovely details include letterpressed cards, simple-but-elegant packaging, antique bread boards, exposed brick walls and French bistro seating. Little succulents in terracotta pots? Yes, you’ll see those too.

But a good bakery can’t rest solely on its good looks. Good thing Tulie offers a bevy of temptations. Favorites include quiche (any flavor), bran muffins and their signature banana cream tart. Tulie prides themselves on use of high-quality ingredients (think hormone-free local milk, premium chocolate, pure vanilla, fresh eggs) which serve to make their treats even more enticing. There’s much to be said for simple, quality ingredients—just ask our friend Michael Pollan.

Don’t leave without ordering one of the gorgeous cakes baked up by owner Leslie Seggar. No one in town comes close to these triple-layer beauties in taste nor presentation. But don’t take our word for it….

{Tasty Tulie }

Tulie Bakery
863 E. 700 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
801-883-9741
www.tuliebakery.com

By Lacey Jane Pappas

Sampled: Milk Chocolate Torte for true choco-holics and other savory treats at chic Salt Lake bakery

Where: Tulie Bakery and Cafe (863 E. 700 South, Salt Lake City)

High and Low: Those of us with an extra sweet tooth or two are likely to feel overwhelmed at Tulie’s counter, where the hard part is deciding which decadent sweet your taste buds will enjoy the most. Chocolate lovers won’t go wrong with the Milk Chocolate Torte. This rich, smallish cake with icing and chocolate bits on top is priced on the high side, weighing in at over $6, so next time we’ll be looking to sample the bakery’s cupcakes and cookies—which look too good to pass up, and are less likely to leave you feeling guilty when you can’t polish off the entire treat. Then again, when you see your goodies wrapped in Tulie’s cute to-go packaging, that guilt becomes much less likely to follow you home, anyway.

How Much: Milk Chocolate Torte is $6.50; other items like cupcakes and cookies are $1.50 with full-size cakes at $20

Writing and photography by Lacey Jane Pappas

You don’t always have to travel to California to visit Beverly Hill’s. You can meet the real deal (or at least Utah’s version) at a little bakery tucked behind 900 East and Logan Avenue in Salt Lake City. Though you won’t be perusing the likes of Chanel or Louis Vuitton, you can indulge in a different type of rich instead: baked goods and sweets.

Walking into this yellow-brick bakery you’ll find small window displays stocked with cupcakes, eclaires, tortes, cookies and brownies. Counters are decked out with gluten-free muffins, sticky buns, chocolate-filled croissants and scone. And I haven’t even mentioned the pot pies yet.

The charming ladies behind the counter are eager to help—they’ll hand out their favorite suggestions and with those in tow, we walked away with three bags full of goodies. So what should you order? Our favorites ended up sharing the same ingredient: chocolate. Beverly’s famous cream cheese marble brownies didn’t earn that name for nothing. They’re a nice marriage of their brown-and-cream ingredients—the sharp flavor of cream cheese is masked by a decadent swirl of chocolate. Next, go for the flourless chocolate cake torte. This round piece of heaven is chock full of the sweetest chocolate that’ll slowly melt in your mouth.

Another tempting treat is the mocha meringue torte with almonds. It’s like nothing we’ve ever tasted. Your tastebuds will have a little party with this trio of chocolate, hints of mocha and salty almonds.

And to wrap things up, Beverly Hill’s treats you like the star you are—all goods packaged in lovely green boxes that could be considered designer-worthy.

{Head to The Hills}

Beverly Hill’s Bakery
902 E. Logan Avenue
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 746-4454
Open Thursday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
www.beverlyhillscakes.com

By Stephanie Brubaker
Photography by Anna Jones

To eat at Les Madeleines is to love Les Madeleines. Romina Rasmussen, a Utah native officially trained in New York, unofficially trained in Asia and granted bonafide Francophile status (by us) continues to wow locals with her beautifully-presented desserts and the creativity mixed into her savory treats—all available at her French-inspired patisserie nestled on 200 South.

Why is Les Madeleines crushable? First and foremost, because Romina uses only high-quality ingredients—including a type of butter that’s better than what you can find in France, if you can imagine, and as a result her pastries not only taste delicious but their intense flavors linger just long enough on your tastebuds.

Moreover, she whips up favorites that include hard-to-find Kouing-Aman (also spelled “kouign”). Romina’s recipe has a cult following that keeps customers coming back for more. Seriously—Les Madeleines is one of only two bakeries in the states offering this pastry delight, originally from Brittany. Another winter pick is the Meyer Lemon Meringue Tart, showing off the most in the citrus season. If you’re visiting for lunch, go for the sesame chicken wrap or the caprese with house-made pomme frites (yep, that’s French for French fry). If you’re a lavender fan, don’t leave without a glass of lavender lemonade. Savor it; you’ll be transported to Provence while it lasts.

We dare you to walk in this patisserie/cafe combo and treat yourself to just one item. In fact, we’re so confident that we’ll double dog dare you. All signs point to your loving everything on the menu as much as we do. Promesse.

{J’taime}

Les Madeleines Patisserie & Cafe
216 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City
(801) 355-2294
www.les-madeleines.com

Last winter, we set out to find our favorite cup of melty, sugary (or not-so-sugary), drinkable, good-to-the-last-drop hot chocolate. The kind that warms you from your head to your toes. The kind that’s worth going back for. Time after time. Here are our four favorites:

Caffe Niche
779 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City

Served in a nice, round mug, Caffe Niche’s hot cocoa is rich without any trace of bitterness, and creamy without being overly sweetened. To make things better, it’s served at the ideal temperature. And just look at that froth! Read the entire post here.

Cocoa Caffe
282 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City

It’s fair to say that the hot chocolate is more of a dessert than a warm drink; it’s one step away from homemade chocolate pudding—in flavor and texture. It’s not overly sweet, nor is it bitter. It’s creamy, and collectively, we found it tasty. Read the entire post here.

Elizabeth’s Bakery & Tea Shop
575 S. 700 East, Salt Lake City

A classic labeled mug of Cadbury hot chocolate is served with homemade whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles on top, as well as a petite Swiss Delice square. Note the heart-shaped tray. What we like best is the flavor: like a melted, high-quality milk chocolate bar that goes down easy. Read the entire post here.

Smart Cookie
743 W. 100 North, American Fork and 840 N. 700 East, Provo

We ordered our tasty and generously-sized hot chocolate with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream plopped inside, topped with cheap-and-delish whipped cream. You can also order yours with flavor shots like vanilla and hazelnut syrups. Read the entire post here.

Photography by Lacey Jane Pappas

Sampled: Cookies ‘n Cream Cake Bites (left at your doorstep rather than under your pillow—though you wouldn’t mind finding them there, too)

Where: The Sweet Tooth Fairy (opening soon at 1227 S. University Avenue, Provo)

High & Low: The white chocolate shell surrounding these bite-size cake pieces is tasty and substantial, keeping a good hold around the treat’s soft center. At the very least, a cake bite is like a deluxe donut hole going to the ball—all dressed-up and grown-up, made with great chocolate and yummy cake. They’re delicious and fun, and will leave a sweet impression when dropped on neighbor’s doorsteps this holiday, especially thanks to their party-perfect packaging.

How Much: $15 for box of six

Writing and photography by Elisa Scharton

Driving along scenic Highway 89 in Fruit Heights, Utah, passersby may (or may not) notice a sign announcing “Rock Loft, next right.” Naturally, you might assume that the Rock Loft is a store that sells rocks. And unless rocks are items that pique your interest, you’re likely to drive on. However, failure to make that turn would only result in your missing out on a hidden local treasure.

The Rock Loft a delightful group of shops nestled into the side of the mountains of Fruit Heights, Utah. In previous lives, this enclave on Old Mountain Road (which once connected Weber County to Salt Lake City pre-HWY 89 or I-15), housed a gas station, a dance hall—even a cherry warehouse. Nowadays, it’s home to artworks at the Canyon Gallery; delightful knicknacks at Secret Haven; designer clothing at the Hidden Closet; and, my favorite, the Bun Basket.

The Bun Basket is family-owned and operated. Upon entering, you might feel as though you stepped into Grandma’s country cabin—complete with her oversize kitchen table. A bakery and sandwich shop, the menu includes loaded ‘wiches of all kinds stacked on homemade bread. Perhaps best-known for its baked goods, you can stop by the Bun Basket for a standard cinnamon bun, but don’t miss out on the blueberry and raspberry varieties. You’ll want seconds … even thirds.

Like any trip to Grandma’s, guests never feel rushed at the Bun Basket. You’re allowed to slow down, enjoy homebaked goods, and talk with friends. But unlike Grandma’s, you won’t feel too guilty when you leave. Unless you had one too many blueberry cinnamon buns.

{Nice Buns}

The Rock Loft & Bun Basket
281 S. Mountain Road
Fruit Heights, Utah
(801) 593-9756
Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sampled: Big-as-your-head oatmeal chocolate chip cookie with coconut flakes baked in

Where: Rich’s Bagels (6191 S. Highland Drive, Holladay, and 8691 S. Highland Drive, Sandy)

High & Low: This cookie is super soft and baked to perfection, especially considering its size. The flavor is great, too, without too many chocolate chips. We recommend sharing as it’s a little awkward for a sole consumer to bite into.

How Much: $1.99 apiece

Assignment: City’s Best Snowcone
Stop No. 5: Millie’s
Location: 2092 S. 1000 East, Salt Lake City

It doesn’t take a super sleuth to realize that it feels like fall is on its way. Temperatures have been dropping this week. True, it’s still breaks 90 daily, but what’s the deal with sweaters and coats in storefront windows already? Sure sign of fall if you ask me. With that in mind, I thought it may be nice to check out a year-round way to beat the heat … or simply satisfy your sweet tooth.

I stopped by Millie’s Hamburgers, a greasy spoon nestled in the heart of Sugarhouse, to sample the Glacier. It’s basically a slushy with soft serve. It’s also basically downright delicious. It has just the right amount of ice cream, and the flavor is spot-on. The Glacier is actually a bit easier to eat (less mess) and a bit sweeter than a traditional snowcone. Plus, it has the all-important ice cream to boot.

This is one treat you don’t want to miss—whether it’s to escape the dog days of summer or just enjoy something sweet with your sweet, no matter what time of year.

Sampled: “Small” (but actually quite sizey) serving of Luna’s Italian Ice on a hot, hot, weekday afternoon.

Where: Jolley’s Pharmacy (1676 E. 1300 South, Salt Lake City)

High & Low: The mango flavor wasn’t quite right-on or fresh-tasting, but the smoothness of the ice—not to mention the healthy factor—as well as the pina colada complement more than made up for it.

How Much: $2.25

Aw, yeah. YHO’s favorite super snooper Madame P.I. is back, and continuing her search for the area’s best snow cone treat. Here’s her latest report:

Assignment: City’s Best Snowcone
Stop No. 4: African Ice
Location: 3500 E. 7800 South (Smith’s parking lot)

Madame P.I., the delinquent sleuth, reporting for duty once again. It’s been nearly a year since I’ve been scouting about, and boy did I miss y’all. I missed the shave ice too. So I figured, what better place to start than where we left off?

I think I’ve found a place that makes me feel good about my shave ice addiction. It’s called African Ice. When one consumes such copious amounts of flavored ice, I figure it might as well be for good reason. That’s why this place is the cure for what ails me. I get adequately-sugared, finely-shave ice (and the cream is free!) and African Ice gets funds to help finance lines of micro credit for African villagers.

Not only does African Ice have a shack-load of flavors, they’ve also got sugar-free syrups flavored with agave nectar. I’m not one to take a liking to anything but the pure stuff, but whoo-wee, those sugar-free syrups are tasty. If you have a hard time choosing, they have plenty of flavor-combo and local favorite suggestions.

And did I mention that you can pay 50 cents extra for a topping like caramel, chocolate, or best, ice cream? Well, there you have it. Not only is African Ice making the world a better place one shave ice at a time, they’ve made my world a better place too.

With so many locations, there’s no excuse not to check this place out: 7800 S. 700 East; 9400 S. 200 East; 4500 S. Highland Drive; 2100 S. 2100 East and 3800 E. 7800 South.

Assignment: City’s Best Snowcone
Stop No. 3: Pace’s Dairy Ann
Location: 1180 S. 500 West, Woods Cross

Madame, P.I. Reports:

I headed up north to Woods Cross to check out Pace’s Dairy Ann. It’s an old-timey hamburger joint with loads of fun treats. Not to be deterred by the abundant menu, I stayed focused and went straight for the kill: the Rainbow. With a slush-like consistency, power-packed flavor (I tried peach—the same peach that made Pace’s popsicles famous) and a swirl of soft-serve to boot, it’s easy to see why this frosty delight warms hearts over with ease.

True, it’s not your classic snowcone. Hence the “sort of.” But seriously, what’s not to love about a truly tasty alternative? (Or a place with “Dairy Ann” in the name?) Especially this time of year, when it’s slim-pickings for us snowcone lovers. Pace’s is open year-round.

Read the entire story here.

Sampled: Six-inch lemon cake by Cakes de Fleur

Where: The Store (2050 E. 6200 South and 4695 S. Holladay Blvd., Holladay)

High & Low: Not over-frosted nor over-flavored, this cake’s consistency and quality are tops. Unfortunately, the price is a little on the high side too.

How Much: $10.99 apiece