Provo Utah McDonalds Gets an A

March 5th, 2010

Price:
Kid Friendly:
Food Quality:
Cleanliness:
Promptness:
Location:

1225 S University Ave
Provo, Utah 84601

Yesterday, on my way to work, I decided to stop by the Provo Utah McDonalds across the street from the Provo Towne Center Mall.

There were multiple things I was impressed with:

  1. Can You Say FAST? In comparison to other fast food restaurants in Provo, Utah, the McDonalds was AMAZING. I don’t think it took more than 3 minutes to go through the entire drive through and I wasn’t even the only car there.
  2. Friendly Employees: Both the ladies I spoke with, the first at the money window, and the 2nd when I got my food, were very friendly. They said things like, “Have a great day!” “Thanks for coming – see you again.” I know, I know, these aren’t really new things but both these ladies seemed to be really sincere instead of mono-tone robots.
  3. Fresh Fast Food: yes, my Egg McMuffin and hashbrowns were both hot and crispy. I know McDonalds is one big system but not all McDonalds are cut out of the same cloth.

One other side note that I didn’t experience on this occasion but have in the past is their cleanliness. The employees seem to take pride in keeping everything spot free.

McDonalds in Provo, Utah definitely get’s a big

Gordon Monson Dumb Question of the Year!

March 4th, 2010

No, I’m NOT a fan of the Utah Utes unless they are playing a non-Mountain West team.

But this question by Gordon Monson had to be one of the dumbest, most pathetic inquiries I’ve ever heard in sports media.

Bless Jim Boylen’s heart for calling him out on the stupidest sports question in Utah history!

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

How would YOU answer that idiotic question?

Recommended Family Activity in Utah – Hogle Zoo

December 21st, 2009

Utah’s Hogle Zoo has been a Utah treasure since 1931. Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon just outside of downtown Salt Lake City, 42-acre Hogle Zoo is situated among natural hillside terrain in a beautiful mountain setting, which enhances the visitor experience as guests discover the wonders of the natural world.  With nearly 900 animals to visit, the splendor of the animal kingdom is very much a sight to behold.  What a perfect family activity in Utah!

Hogle Zoo’s Mission

With its mission of education, conservation and recreation, Hogle Zoo welcomes nearly one million guests per year, including over 70,000 school children, free of charge, on organized field trips. Additionally, Hogle Zoo is the most popular paid tourist attraction in Salt Lake County, and is the second most-visited paid attraction in the state of Utah, after the national park system.

What to do at Hogle Zoo?

There’s always something exciting to do at Utah’s Hogle Zoo!

  • View Animals: Open every day of the year except for New Year’s and Christmas days, Hogle Zoo is place where visitors can view animals throughout different seasons so there’s always something new.

    baby elephant utahA number of baby animals were born at Hogle Zoo in 2009, including a female African elephant, Zuri. This little elephant has proven to be a draw for crowds of smiling fans ooh-ing and aww-ing over her energetic antics, and Zuri and her mom Christie are a commanding testament to the hard work and dedication of Hogle Zoo’s animal staff.

  • Ongoing Education: In addition to the continued education that visitors receive by viewing the animals at Hogle Zoo, there are a number of classes, workshops, lectures and special events on grounds each month for families to attend.

    From learning experiences and camps to December’s ZooLights! holiday light event, Hogle Zoo is a year-round attraction for people of any age.

  • Volunteer Work: Hogle Zoo also accepts volunteer applications twice a year for supporters 14-years-old and up who would like to donate their time to a worthy cause.

Renewing Hogle Zoo

Hogle Zoo has been working on an aggressive capital campaign to Renew the Zoo and securing a Salt Lake County bond to help with these efforts. Completed Master Plan projects to date include the L.S. Skaggs Animal Health Center, the Oasis Plaza and Conservation Carousel, Asian Highlands, Elephant Encounter, the Wildlife Theatre and the Entry Plaza.

In November 2008 72% of Salt Lake County voters said “yes” to this bond which will help continue building of the Zoo’s Master Plan. This bond will allow the Zoo to break ground in 2010 on the next phase of the Master Plan,Rocky Shores, which will provide a home to bring polar bears back to Hogle Zoo.

Association of Zoos Accredidation

Hogle Zoo is unique in that it is one of 221 institutions in the United States accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). In 2009, Hogle Zoo once again received their accreditation and with this prestigious honor, Hogle Zoo is recognized as one of the top zoos in the world.

Follow Hogle Zoo Online

Web: Hogle Zoo Website and Baby Elephant in Utah Website (all about Zuri our new baby elephant)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HogleZoo
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Hogle_Zoo

Hogle Zoo Upcoming Events – Winter 2010

The 17th Annual World of the Wild Art Exhibition
January 30 through March 14

This exhibit was started to provide Utah artists an opportunity to display their works of wildlife and “wildnature” in a setting complementary to their work. This show has grown to be one of the best venues in Utah for viewing wildlife and nature art. This year’s show will be juried by Robin Rankin, the executive director of the Kimball Art Center in Park City, Utah.

Chinese New Year Celebration
January 23

2010 is Year of the Tiger in Chinese Zodiac, so we will honor this year in our Asian Highlands area featuring our Amur tigers. These Asian Highlands cats are from cold climates and are very active this time of year. There will be kids activities in Asian Highlands on this day highlighting these animals, as well as the cultures that prevail in Asia and the surrounding countries.

Mating Dances and Wild Romances
February 12

Ever wonder how the animals attract each other, date and mate? Learn everything you ever wanted to know about love in the animal kingdom in a fun date-night setting at Hogle Zoo. Evening includes activities, education presentation and hors d’oeuvres.

Valentine Breakfast
February 13

This is a great event for kids of all ages to learn about flirting in the animal world through fun games and activities. Throw in a scrumptious continental breakfast and valentine craft, and you’ve got chemistry for family fun!

Memberships are a great way to support Hogle Zoo year-round!
Hogle Zoo membership is a year-long pass to animal exploration, exciting members-only events, great discounts and much more! Not only do you receive many great benefits from becoming a member, you also support the future of wildlife through conservation and education programs at Hogle Zoo.

  • Free, unlimited admission during regular Zoo hours for one full year from the date of purchase, excludes ZooLights!
  • Member e-newsletter
  • Discounted admission to over 125 zoos across the country
  • Discount on carousel rides
  • Discounts on gift and food purchases
  • Discount on train rides
  • Discount on Zoo classes, ZooCamp and ZooSnooz overnights
  • Invitations to members-only events

Hogle Zoo memberships can be purchased online!

Bombay House Indian Restaurant in Provo Utah

February 13th, 2009

Price:
Kid Friendly:  kid friendly business utah
Food Quality:
Cleanliness:
Promptness:
Location:

bombay-house-restaurant-provo-utah

Bombay House Cuisine of India
463 North University Ave
Provo, Utah 84601
(801) 373-6677

The other night, while my family was soaking up the sun in Phoenix, Arizona, I had the chance to stop in at the Bombay House Indian Restaurant in Provo Utah!

If you haven’t tried the Bombay House on University Avenue in Provo, YOU MUST!  Not only is the food extremely authentic (“…minus a bit of spice” says owner Daniel Shanthakumar, who you’ll always find greeting customers with a happy smile), but it’s clean, very well decorated, and a great price for the quality dining experience.

What to Order Your First Time: Chicken Cocunut Kurma – this boneless chicken cooked with coconut milk, onions, garlic, ginger tomatoes, cashew nuts and spices is TO DIE FOR!  In addition to the Cocunut Kurma, you have to get Garlic Naan Bread.  My mouth waters…

Timing is everything!  My wife and I have been to the Bombay House a few times now and have realized one thing – either call ahead or plan to wait for a bit.  During the week isn’t bad at all.  But come Friday and Saturday night, the Bombay House in Provo Utah is hopping with customers.  It’s well worth the wait though, and the service is very timely once you’re seated.  I’ve only taken kids there once.  I give it a “Smiley Face” for kid-friendliness, mainly because there’s music playing so children wouldn’t be a big distraction.  Because the food is quite authentic, kids may not have the biggest selection so just be aware. Parking can be a bit tight so be prepared for that too.

The Bombay House Indian Restaurant in Provo, Utah is a definite must and one of the “Hidden Treasures in Happy Valley!”

Tell Daniel we recommended it the next time you visit!

Macaroni Grill in Provo, Utah

February 3rd, 2009

Price:
Kid Friendly: not kid friendly restaurant in utah county
Food Quality:
Cleanliness:
Promptness:
Location:

macgrilllogo

Macaroni Grill
4801 N University Ave # 50
Provo, UT 84604

There are so many quality restaurants in Provo, Utah anymore.   It’s hard to know where to go with all the options to chose from.

Today 14 business friends and I went to Macaroni Grill in Provo, Utah for a high quality “quick lunch”.  Unfortunately, there was nothing “quick” about this experience.

I know, Macaroni Grill isn’t supposed to be an “In and Out” joint, but let me share with readers some interesting statistics that I took note of while patiently waiting:

  • Arrived at Macaroni Grill – 11:55 a.m.
  • Bread and Oil served to lunch party – 12:05 p.m.
  • Drinks orderd – 12:10 p.m.
  • Orders taken – 12:20 p.m.
  • Side Salads served – 12:45 p.m. (50 minutes total to get a side salad)
  • Refill of drinks – I don’t recall this happening, although some say it did.
  • Orders finally arrive – 12:55 p.m. (some of our party had to leave so their orders had to be brought in boxes)
  • Free Chocolate Cake for entire party, of which some of us didn’t have time to eat – 1:10 p.m.

Like I said at the forefront of this Provo Utah restaurant review, the Macaroni Grill has always been one of my favorite places to eat.  I totally recommend the Chicken Scallopine with Angel Hair pasta.  However, if you are looking for a quality lunch and are in a time crunch, Macaroni Grill may not be the best pick.

What’s your experience?  Where do you recommend for a nice, quick lunch in Provo, Utah?

Taco Bell in Provo, Utah Explains?

October 27th, 2008

Some of you may have read the post about the bad experience at Taco Bell in Provo, Utah.  Although we still like the fast food at Taco Bell, this wasn’t an experience we will hold near and dear to our hearts.

The funniest thing is that we received a response.  It appears the response was from their manager, but we’ll let you be the judge on that.  Here’s what it said:

if any of you would have stopped and noticed, they were most likely SHORT HANDED. those that are hired, call in sick or never show up. there is a huge turnover. we have unreliable teens and even very unreliable ‘adults’. so when it does take more time than usual, its most likely because the managers are stuck doing it ourselves. we hire every other day, people that keep saying they are reliable and responsible, and they have every excuse in the book not to show up. we give excellent pay, incentives, everything we can think of to keep them. but they are lazy and stupid. and when they are at work, they screw around to the point i have to fire them. not the greatest job in the world, and when i am finished with my education at BYU I AM LEAVING fast food. tired of crappy employees, tired of customers yelling at me because of them. customers are rude, thoughtless and i have yet to meet one grateful person for a hot meal that i had to make with 15 other orders by myself. so before you start falpping your mouth. be grateful for those that actually work. and if you still cant handle it, buy your food at smiths and make your own darn taco!

Let’s point out why Taco Bell in Provo, Utah may not be the best place for fast food (according to the possible manager):

  1. “SHORT HANDED”: we agree.  As we waited for over 40 minutes for one small order, we could definitely tell that this fast food joint was under-staffed.
  2. “…those that are hired call in sick or never show up”: again, we agree.  As a manager of a fairly big company, WHO you hire is probably one of the most important responsibilities.  As the response states, “…so when it does take more time than usual, its most likely because the managers are stuck doing it ourselves…we hire every other day, people that keep saying they are reliable and responsible, and they have every excuse in the book not to show up.” Our recommendation then would be to be a bit more picky on who you hire so every client can be taken care of in a timely manner.
  3. Employee Loyalty: again, from the response, “…not the greatest job in the world”. It sounds like the manager also states that the people he/she hires are “…lazy and stupid. and when they are at work, they screw around to the point i have to fire them.”
  4. “Attitude reflects leadership, Captain!”: this comment caps it all off -”…customers are rude, thoughtless and i have yet to meet one grateful person for a hot meal that i had to make with 15 other orders by myself. so before you start falpping your mouth (we left the misspelling for emphasis). be grateful for those that actually work. and if you still cant handle it, buy your food at smiths and make your own darn taco!”

We don’t think we need to say much more about the Taco Bell in Provo, Utah: it appears that one of their employees said it all for them…

Stay tune next time for other reviews on fast food restaurants in Utah County.

Taco Bell in Provo, Utah – Make a Run for the…Door!

September 25th, 2008

The intent of UtahCountyReviews.com is to introduce Utah tourists and new residents of Utah County to all Happy Valley has to offer. However, today I’m going to RANT about a Provo, Utah fast food restaurant – Taco Bell.

Located on the corner of Bull Dog and Freedom Blvd. in Provo, this joint is horrific!

My family and I went there today for “fast food” – 40 minutes later I finally walked out the door with my order or 2 Gorditas, 2 hard shell tacos, 2 Cheese Roll-Ups for the kids, and some Cinnamon Twists.  They were lucky I was so dang hungry!  Four customers ahead of me ask for refunds because of the devastating delay – three customers came in, saw us all standing there, and left, and one patient man finally received his order after about 45 minutes of waiting – HOLY COW!

The only positive thing that came from this was that my food was hot and they actually gave us one extra Cheese Roll-Up, which I didn’t think twice about splitting amongst my children.

SO, BEWARE of “The Border” at the Provo, Utah Taco Bell unless you’re prepared for a nice family sit down feast (which it’s not by any means)!

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