July’s Flavorful Farewell and Fresh Start: A Culinary Journey from Utah to Delaware

July was a whirlwind of bittersweet goodbyes and exciting new beginnings as we packed up our life in Utah and settled into Delaware. Amid the chaos of moving and starting a new job, we made time for heartfelt meals with friends, savored our favorite Utah haunts one last time, and dove into Delaware’s vibrant dining scene. This month was a record-breaker, with more restaurants visited than any other since I started blogging our culinary adventures. From soul-warming cinnamon rolls to beachside burgers, join us on this delicious ride through July’s unforgettable eats!

Gary’s Asian Bistro (Utah)

On a scorching summer day, Madi’s friend’s mom invited us for a poolside afternoon, followed by a cozy dinner at Gary’s Asian Bistro. This gem delivered a feast that won over kids and adults alike. We ordered crowd-pleasers like house lo mein, with its perfectly chewy noodles, and orange chicken, crispy and tangy, knowing the girls would dig in. But we also ventured into new territory with mu shu pork, bursting with savory depth, and vegetarian lettuce wraps, fresh and crunchy. The kids surprised us by devouring it all! The service was lightning-fast, the flavors vibrant, and the warm atmosphere made this evening with friends a memory to cherish.

Dough Lady (Utah)

Oh, Dough Lady—my heart aches knowing I’ve left this cinnamon roll paradise behind! On our final visit, we indulged in fresh mixed berry rolls, their jammy sweetness dancing on fluffy dough, and Erik’s beloved classic cinnamon roll, gooey and nostalgic. We also grabbed frozen apple pie and orange rolls to savor later, a small comfort for leaving. The strawberry roll was sadly missing, but the mixed berry’s tart-sweet balance was divine. Each bite was a love letter to Dough Lady’s soft, pillowy texture and bold flavors. I savored every morsel, knowing these rolls are irreplaceable.

Oak Woodfire Grill (Utah)

Meeting a friend for lunch at Oak Woodfire Grill felt like a warm hug from a favorite spot. Conveniently located for my friend’s drive from the south, this restaurant never fails to impress. We shared creamy street corn dip, its smoky-sweet notes perfect for scooping. I ordered the Hidden Valley Pizza, loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, spicy jalapeños, and a drizzle of herbed buttermilk ranch. The chewy, wood-fired crust tied it all together, creating a flavor explosion I savored slowly, knowing it was my last slice here. Oak’s cozy vibe and stellar food made this goodbye lunch unforgettable.

Slice House and Sweetaly Gelato (Utah)

One sunny afternoon, we swung by Slice House for takeout slices that hit all the right spots. I chose the Jamberry Pizza, its bold mix of sweet and savory topping a perfect crust. Erik went classic with pepperoni and a pepperoni-sausage combo, both hearty and satisfying. We shared bites, laughing as we swapped slices. Down the road, Sweetaly Gelato beckoned with creamy delights. Madi picked mint chocolate chip, Jules chose chocolate and raspberry (pink was the draw), while Erik and I indulged in passionfruit, vanilla, and thai rice. The girls loved my passionfruit, nearly stealing it all! This pizza-and-gelato outing was a joyful, messy family adventure.

Sunday’s Best (Utah)

A breakfast with a work friend at Sunday’s Best was a bucket-list moment before leaving Utah. This charming spot, long on my radar, delivered big. Torn between sweet and savory (my eternal breakfast dilemma), I got both: a breakfast burrito stuffed with fries, bacon, scrambled eggs, and zesty green chili, plus the Funky Monkey—brioche French toast topped with fruit, Nutella, peanuts, and maple syrup. Each dish was a flavor masterpiece, the burrito spicy and hearty, the French toast decadently sweet. I brought half the burrito home for Erik, who raved about it. Sunday’s Best’s cozy vibe made this farewell meal perfect.

Publik Kitchen (Utah)

Lunch with a clinic manager friend at Publik Kitchen, recommended by her friend, was a delightful surprise. The shaded patio kept us cool despite the summer heat. The menu was concise, but the server’s recommendation—a breakfast sandwich topped with perfectly cooked eggs—won me over. I added breakfast potatoes, crispy and golden, which elevated the meal. Though the sandwich wasn’t quite what I expected, its fresh flavors shone. I brought half home for Erik, who loved it. Publik’s laid-back charm and tasty food made this goodbye lunch a warm memory.

Sol Agave and Cherry Hill Farms Alpine at Burgess Orchards (Utah)

Meeting a friend halfway in American Fork, Sol Agave was a Mexican haven with exceptional service. My frozen coconut margarita, with its burnt coconut rim, was a tropical revelation—smooth and unforgettable. My steak-over-rice dish, molded to perfection and topped with juicy mango in a rich sauce, was a showstopper. The vibrant flavors paired perfectly with our heartfelt conversation. On the way home, I stopped at Cherry Hill Farms Alpine at Burgess Orchards for their legendary peach shakes. Erik and I shared one, its creamy sweetness divine, and saved the other for the girls. A perfect end to a perfect day.

Basta (Utah)

After shopping for family photo outfits at the mall, we treated ourselves to Basta’s Italian comfort food. We shared rigatoni vodka, creamy and rich; pappardelle Bolognese, meaty and soul-warming; and the special carbonara, salty but irresistible. Jules declared the carbonara her favorite, while Madi bounced between the rigatoni and pappardelle. Erik and I savored the leftovers, with the carbonara stealing my heart. Basta’s warm atmosphere and generous portions made this family dinner a cozy farewell to Utah dining.

Sukihana (Utah)

When Sukihana took over our favorite Asian restaurant’s spot, we were eager to try it. Madi’s new love for sushi made it a great pick. We started with shrimp poppers in a tangy special sauce, a hit with everyone. Our sushi spread included the heart-shaped Valentine roll (salmon, tuna), May Flower (tempura shrimp, crab), and Executive roll (tempura shrimp, tuna)—all fresh and vibrant. Erik’s honey crispy chicken Donburi with broccoli and rice was a crowd-pleaser. Madi and Jules devoured the shrimp and chicken, while Erik enjoyed the sushi but stuck to his bowl. Sukihana’s fresh flavors eased the sting of losing our old favorite.

Como en Casa (Utah)

A goodbye lunch with a coworker at Como en Casa was a culinary adventure through Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. Overwhelmed by options, I chose the Bandera from the Ecuadorian menu, featuring Guatita (tender beef tripe stew), seco de carne (slow-cooked beef stew bursting with flavor), and ceviche, fresh and zesty. The variety was a delight, and the Spanish-speaking staff added an authentic touch. This vibrant meal was exactly what I needed to say farewell to Utah’s dining scene.

Roots Café and Dough Lady (Utah)

For Erik’s birthday, amidst moving chaos, I stopped at Roots Café for my go-to Mediterranean omelet and the day’s mint pancake, plus a breakfast sandwich for Erik. Down the street, Dough Lady beckoned with rice crispy and mixed berry rolls, their soft dough and bold flavors a final treat. Our quick birthday breakfast was a cherished moment, filled with love and nostalgia. These spots will forever hold a special place in my heart.

2 Row Brewing (Utah)

Our favorite brewery, 2 Row Brewing, expanded its kitchen, so we made time for a final visit. We sipped Millennium Legacy Pale Ale, Joint Effort IPA, and a phenomenal passionfruit margarita that stole the show. Erik’s 2 Row Bacon Classic and my Elwood smash burger on marble rye, recommended by our waitress, were perfection, paired with crispy fries. Leaving felt heavy, knowing it’d be years before we return, but the meal was a glorious send-off.

Skillets (Utah)

A goodbye brunch at Skillets was a flavor-packed finale. I got the Lumberjack Skillet—over-medium eggs, bacon, applewood sausage, and rosemary potatoes—plus signature French toast with strawberries and blueberries. Both dishes were divine, the skillet hearty and the French toast a sweet masterpiece. I brought leftovers home for Erik, who loved them. Skillets’ vibrant vibe made this farewell brunch unforgettable.

Fav Bistro (Utah)

Dinner with Madi’s daycare friend’s family at Fav Bistro was a heartfelt send-off. We shared pineapple fried rice, pad see-ew, Thai grilled chicken (hoping Jules would eat), and steak massaman poutine—a bold twist. Madi loved the shrimp in the fried rice, Erik enjoyed everything, but Jules was picky. The waiter-recommended soju was a refreshing touch. Great food and even better company made this evening special.

Starbucks (Utah)

Starbucks isn’t usually blog-worthy, but their strawberry matcha Frappuccino and brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso were game-changers. These sweet, indulgent treats were perfect post-meal desserts during our hectic move, making every calorie worth it.

Urban Hill (Utah)

Using our final gift cards, Urban Hill delivered a grand Utah farewell. Erik and I savored bourbon-based cocktails, smooth and bold. The girls got creamy alfredo pasta and grilled cheese with Shirley Temples (Madi liked hers; Jules rejected the fizz). My Iberian “tomahawk” pork chop with bok choy and pineapple was a flavor explosion, and Erik’s smash burger with mac and cheese was a hit. The baked Alaska—mint chocolate shell, caramelized honey ice cream, whiskey ganache, and honeycomb—was a showstopping dessert. A perfect last meal.

Cotton Bottom Inn (Utah)

The girls and I met our daycare group at Cotton Bottom Inn after a park playdate. My garlic burger was juicy and bold, while the girls shared a cheeseburger, hotdog, and fries, loving the hotdog most. They ate enough to tide them over, and seeing the kids who’ve grown up together was heartwarming. A perfect goodbye to lifelong friends.

Corner Brew Pub (Utah)

With Erik in Delaware, I took the girls to Corner Brew Pub with a friend. They shared chicken fingers, fries, and cheese pizza—safe picks they loved. My carne asada pizza, with steak, jalapeños, red onions, cilantro, and chimichurri, was spicy perfection. The chocolate bread pudding with bourbon cream sauce (alcohol-free, I confirmed) was a decadent treat we all enjoyed. A great meal with a dear friend.

Greenhouse Effect Coffee and Crepes (Utah)

A coffee meetup at Greenhouse Effect Coffee and Crepes was a light, lovely farewell. My strawberry and cream crepe and dirty chai were delightful, and the hipster patio vibe was perfect for catching up with a friend. This cozy spot was a gem I’ll miss.

Dodo (Utah)

Lunch with a gym friend who recently had a baby was at Dodo. I got a brie appetizer with bread and fruit, plus a nostalgic banana cream pie. The pie’s creamy sweetness was a perfect end to a heartfelt catch-up at this nearby favorite I’ll always cherish.

Café Rio and Menchies (Utah)

One of our last Utah nights was with a work friend and her daughters at Café Rio, where the girls got kids’ meals, followed by Menchies’ soft serve. The kids had a blast, and I loved catching up. We saw them again the next night for swimming and pizza—a reminder of the lifelong friends we’ll miss dearly.

Protein Bar (Utah Airport)

On moving day, a long airport lounge wait led us to Protein Bar. We got an açai bowl, breakfast oats, and a protein coffee. The girls shockingly loved the açai bowl, nearly finishing it before our flight. A chaotic but tasty start to our Delaware journey.

Crooked Hammock (Delaware)

Reunited in Delaware, we revisited Crooked Hammock Brewery, a favorite from our first visit. Despite rainy weather, the food and beers shone. Erik and I loved the sour and IPA, taking some home. Madi’s butter-sautéed shrimp with fruit and hammock fries, Jules’ mac and cheese, Erik’s pulled pork longboard nachos, and my farmhouse burger with blueberry compote and goat cheese were phenomenal. The bold flavors welcomed us to our new home.

Cava (Delaware)

While TV shopping in Newark, Erik ordered Cava takeout: a spicy lamb and avocado bowl and a steak and harissa bowl. The kids loved the pita but found the bowls too spicy. Erik and I relished the vibrant, bold flavors—a quick, smart stop to keep everyone happy.

SoHo Slice Pizzeria (Delaware)

After a Rehoboth beach day, SoHo Slice Pizzeria was a perfect stop. Erik’s Hot Italian (pepperoni, soppressata, hot honey) was a spicy delight, my Smoking SoHo (sausage, roasted pepper, red onions, smoked mozzarella) was smoky perfection, and the kids’ cheese pizza and penne pasta were hits. Jules loved my sausage, and Madi enjoyed Erik’s spicy kick. A fantastic post-beach meal.

First State Brewery (Delaware)

Revisiting First State Brewery, Erik got the O.G. Burger with bacon, a classic done right. My brewers poutine with pork and beer gravy was a bold, indulgent choice. Madi’s grilled cheese and Jules’ chicken nuggets with mac and cheese were kid-approved. My Circle Theory Hazy IPA was crisp and hoppy, the perfect complement. A warm Delaware welcome.

July was a culinary love letter to Utah and a delicious hello to Delaware. From Dough Lady’s heavenly rolls to Urban Hill’s decadent baked Alaska, we savored every Utah bite with friends, knowing we’d miss these places and so many dear people. Trading mountains for beaches, we’ll always hold Utah close to my heart, despite its cultural challenges. In Delaware, Crooked Hammock and SoHo Slice welcomed us with open arms and bold flavors. We’re hopeful this move was the right choice for Madi and Jules, and we’re thrilled to dive deeper into Delaware’s food scene. What’s your favorite restaurant memory from a big move? Share in the comments!