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Friday, September 4, 2009

EAT LOCAL CHALLENGE

I am issuing a challenge and I want you to take this seriously. Pass on the challenge. Post it on your blog. Tell your mom and challenge her.

I give you permission to take the above graphic when you post about this on your blog, cuz I know you are.

What's my challenge? I want you to eat local. I want you to support your locally-owned restaurants. Not corporately-owned, locally-owned. You know, the people who are worrying about the success of their restaurant that supports their family. We are in a recession and they are taking a hit.

I'll probably get a nasty e-mail because I am discouraging your patronage to big chain places like Applebee's, Wendy's and Macaroni Grill. But I don't care. I hate the thought of a hidden treasure going under because they don't have the extra cash to pay for big time advertising.

So next time you go out, go local. Try that neighborhood burger joint or the local pizzeria. It takes a lot of guts and passion to open a restaurant. You can help fuel that passion by patronizing your local restaurants.

To help my peeps out, here are two lists of local places that I know are good and I am so sure I missed a few. I have two locations for you. Southern California and Utah Valley. Each is linked to a map of it's location on Google Maps. Don't pay attention to any bad reviews. I wouldn't post these places if I had had a bad experience there. You don't know the people who posted reviews on there, but you know me and you can trust me. If you have any local places you like where you live, add it in the comments.

Once again, let me try and convince you further to patronize your local eateries. Not only will you be supporting your local economy, but you are also supporting hard working, passionate American families and neighbors.

Southern California:
Los Jarritos in Pomona, CA
Foscari Italian Cuisine in Anaheim Hills, CA
Donut Man in Glendora, CA
B & J Family Restaurant in Glendora, CA
Afloat Sushi in Pasadena, CA
Grand Burger in Glendora, CA
TJ's Subs in Glendora, CA
Rojus Cookie House in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Que Pasa in Chino Hills, CA
Apple Pan in Los Angeles, CA
The Deli in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Utah Valley:
Diamond Grill in Salem, UT
Mi Ranchito in Orem, UT
Gloria's Little Italy in Provo, UT
Glade's Drive Inn in Spanish Fork, UT
Cow's Creamery in Park City, UT
Terra Mia in Orem, UT
Sukura Japanese Grill in Orem, UT
Sammy's Cafe in Provo, UT
Pizzaria 712 in Orem, UT
Fat Jack's Pizza in Payson, UT
Dalton's in Payson, UT
Sweet Tooth Fairy in Provo, UT
The Red Iguana in Salt Lake City, UT

24 comments:

Unknown said...

I can't wait to try out some of these places.

{natalie} said...

i like two jacks in springville/spanish fork (i am pretty sure they are local)

also diegos in provo (mexican food)

i love the sweet tooth fairy and p712 is my favorite.

[Morgan] said...

done and done.

i didn't realize that red iguana was locally owned! i love two jacks in springville too. and well, the sweet tooth fairy? she's wonderful. (i said that like i know her personally. i do not. but, i know her treats pretty well:)

Kalli said...

If eating local involves my own kitchen I am there.

Also, I might save my pennies for JCW's every now and then. American Fork. Derishious.

Erin said...

FLorida has TUNS!
My favs:
Orlando/Oviedo FL: PEPPINOS
MElbourne FL: Dos Amigos, Sarno Pizzarea, San Remos, Bone fish Willys, Grills at the port

Angie Judd said...

Yum. I'm excited to try some of these. :)
Bamboo Hut in Provo and Sushi Ya in Orem are two of my favs. Yep. They are dangerously good.

The P*dunc's said...

Eating local here could be dangerous! At the local Cantuckee Diner, you can watch the waitress wipe the spilled salad bar contents right back into the containers they came from, all while eating fried sheep scrotum.

Or, you can lunch with the ants at Gaunces Deli all while munching on your veggie wrap, with added fly for a little protien. (There are no food safety regs here, my friend.)

There are the good ones, though, and we try to eat there. But the problem is that they go out of business all too often!

Back when we were living in Utah, my husband and I had three local favorites that we went to and all three disappeared! We figured we are cursed!

I will endorse OTHERS to eat local while I am living where I am! Meanwhile, I will stick to my own kitchen!

Frieda Loves Bread said...

I agree...eat local and support your community~ great choices you have listed here!

Mrs. O said...

How about Flour Girls and Dough Boys in American Fork?

Karla said...

There's a new Mexican Grill that opened across the street from Mountain View Hospital in Payson. Mr. Doughboy and I went there on their second day of business. I hope they make it.

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Got it!
~ingrid

{Erica} said...

Anna and Mese just bought The Sandwich Stoppe in Beaumont, CA. It's yummy and of course very friendly. They are working to do revamp the menus and the place.

Isn't Stan's in Provo locally owned? What about Thai Chili? I'm not sure but I think they are and they have yummy musaman curry and coconut soup.

I admit I haven't tried very many local places around here. Thanks for the list...can't wait to try these places out.

Jessica said...

thanks for the So Cal love. i need some new places to eat (since i am often too lazy to cook!)

Blake said...

good call. Wife and I love Mi Ranchito. Also Spicy Thai in Provo. Cool family that owns/runs it.

Gabby said...

I'm in! I live in Orange County, CA, the land of chain restaurants!

Carina said...

Yamato in Orem

El Azteca in Orem or Provo

Four Seasons Hot Pot & Dumpling in Provo

Maestro's in Provo

Dew in Provo

Ripples in Provo (over chain fast food)

Lea Ann said...

BRAVO! Totally agree and try never to eat at chains. Thanks for the post.

it'sliketheweather said...

What a great idea! I'm lucky to live in an area that has very few chain restaurants and a potpourri of awesome family owned restaurants, farms with fresh veggies, eggs and wine.

Ann-Michelle said...

GO WHITNEY!

I'd like to add in an encouraging word for local produce. We should take advantage of the farmer's markets for the last month that we can. If you can't make it to a Saturday market, there are quite a few on State Street in Orem north of 800 N., and two on 800 N. itself, that are open 6 days a week. The Harward's Farms stands all over the county are incredible. I've been so thrilled with the local selections and the quality.

Vanessa and Company said...

Thanks for the SoCal list!
I will definitely check 'em out!

Land Family said...

Love Jarritos, though I am partial to the one in Upland, because I lived closer, I miss it terribly. I also love Siamese in LaVerne, CA

cat+tadd=sam said...

You better add J-Dawgs. Yum

Heather said...

Sccaddy's is a new local place in SLC right by Costco on 1800 S. 300 W. We just tried it and we weren't disappointed.

Nicole Shelby said...

Spark in Provo. Phenomenal.