Vacation Eats

I know, vacation is over, but I miss the fun of seeing new places and trying new things. Relive with me a few unique food experiences from our summer trip.

This restaurant was right outside Bryce Canyon. The dining choices are few and far between in those parts. I'd describe this place as bad diner food. However, the pies were unbelievable. Serving size was about a quarter of a pie. My family ordered their favorites, but I decided to try something new (to me): boysenberry pie. The server described it as a cross between a blueberry and a black raspberry. I'd say that was about right. It was delicious and the fact that they served it warm really made my day. I'm not sure why, but I've noticed a lot of berry varieties while vacationing that I've never seen at home. Bumbleberries near Zion and elderberries in Montana come to mind.

In contrast, Moab was full of bars and restaurants. We liked the Moab Brewery so much, we ate there twice. A huge menu and lots of good microbrews. I loved their Scorpion Pale Ale. But the BLT was out of this world. Thick pieces of applewood bacon, fresh sliced mozzarella, romaine lettuce, heirloom tomato on toasted rye bread, with an avocado aioli spread instead of mayo. I'm not much for sandwiches, but I'd be happy to have this once a week.

Ok, we did this. I know, embarrassing, right? A 24 hour pass to as many buffets as you want (and are able) for $39.99. Pure gluttony, but it's Vegas and we never take our kids to the awful chain buffets here at home. We managed a late dinner, breakfast and then an early dinner the next day in the 24 hours. Had some fantastic chocolate cherry crepes made to order at the Paris and tons of other food too numerous to remember. My son got to have his sushi that none of the rest of us will eat and we all tried some new things. I think I will pass on ever having smoked trout for breakfast again.

However, we had some good laughs the last night. The dessert station had about 9 selections of small treats served in shot glasses. Things like chocolate mousse and key lime cheesecake. You did not feel guilty trying a half dozen because they were so small. My kids were determined to try them all. The last thing that College Daughter brought to the table was a green tea mousse, because it was the least appetizing of the choices. I've had green tea plenty of times and really find it to be sort of flavorless. The look on her face though when she put the spoon in her mouth was priceless. She claimed it was the worst tasting thing she's ever had in her life (my kids are prone to exaggeration). My son took a taste and also acted as though it were poison. After the fuss, I had to give it a try. Suffice it to say, it was just awful. Bitter, with a terrible aftertaste. The kids watched in amusement every time someone walked by our table with green tea mousse in hand. As a joke, I may have to come up with some sort of green tea punch for the holidays.