Sizzling June Bites: Our Family’s Tasty Restaurant Roundup

June was a flavor-packed adventure that had our family buzzing with excitement! From cheesy shrimp tacos to light, veggie-loaded pizzas, tropical açai bowls, and a fresh poke feast by the beach, we dove into a delicious mix of new restaurants and old favorites. Every bite brought joy, whether it was a farewell lunch, a post-swim treat, or a birthday celebration. Join us as we share the mouthwatering highlights of June’s culinary journey—get ready for a tasty ride! I realize this is so late and I hope you forgive me with our hectic schedules moving across the country.

Del Barrio: A Taco-Filled Farewell

We kicked off June with a heartfelt goodbye lunch at Del Barrio for a retiring friend who loves their tacos. Our whole team gathered to celebrate, and I tried something new: the shrimp tacos. Bursting with cheesy goodness and fresh shrimp, they were a total win! This spot has become a favorite since we discovered it a few months ago, and it was the perfect place to send off our friend in style.

Millcreek Pizza: A Post-Swim Pizza Party

After a swim session, we craved pizza and found Millcreek Pizza, a local gem we hadn’t tried before. We grabbed takeout: garlic bread, the Betty White pizza (garlic alfredo base, artichoke hearts, peppers, sundried tomatoes, arugula, and added chicken for protein), and the T-Rex pizza (a meat lover’s dream with Canadian bacon, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and bacon). These pizzas were surprisingly light, not greasy, and packed with bold flavors. We’re already kicking ourselves for not discovering this place sooner!

Rio Acai: Grand Opening Goodies

When Rio Acai opened across from Rise4 with free açai bowls for their grand opening, we couldn’t resist! After swimming, the girls got small Flamengo (passionfruit and dragon fruit base) and Ipanema (mango base) bowls, which they devoured while sharing inside the vibrant shop. Erik and I got takeout: the Floripa Flex (açai, peanut butter, pea protein) for me and the Rio (classic açai) for him, both topped with fruits, seeds, and granola. I couldn’t resist the Brazilian cheese balls—so good! While a bit pricey for regular visits, the grand opening deal made it a fun, tropical treat.

Jurassic Taco: Dino-Sized Burritos

For our niece’s birthday, we headed south and dined with my sister-in-law’s family at Jurassic Taco. I got the Burrosaurus with steak, a massive burrito loaded with melted cheese and guacamole. Erik tackled the T-Rex taco with steak and chorizo—huge and delicious! We shared chips and salsa, while the girls got a chicken taco and a tempura shrimp taco (Madi’s loving shrimp lately). The girls, picky as ever, preferred the chips, and Madi found her taco a bit spicy despite her love for heat. Still, Erik and I loved the bold flavors and the takeout vibe.

Mint: Sushi Night with Friends

A reunion with gym friends brought us back to Mint for a family-style feast. I started with the “I’m the Danger” cocktail (vodka, mango puree, spicy bitters)—a fiery delight! We ordered classic rolls like Jalapeño Hamachi and Stargazer, plus the new Luna roll with strawberries, which stole the show and became my new favorite. Every bite was as amazing as always, making Mint a go-to for sushi lovers.

Dough Lady: Cinnamon Roll Bliss

No month is complete without Dough Lady! After swimming, we grabbed a mint mojito roll (a refreshing standout), banana bread roll (tasty but less doughy), a traditional cinnamon roll for Erik, and Madi’s pick, the brown butter chai, which the girls devoured in one sitting. The mint mojito’s unique flavor was a highlight, but Dough Lady’s signature doughy texture keeps us hooked. We’ll be back for more!

Chick-fil-A: A Spicy Surprise

We don’t usually blog about fast food, but Chick-fil-A’s Jalapeño Ranch Club Chicken Sandwich in Salt Lake City was too good to ignore. With pepper jack cheese, candied bacon, pickled jalapeños, and a buttermilk ranch bun, it was a flavor explosion! We usually stick to grilled nuggets, fries, and diet lemonade, but this adventurous pick was a game-changer. Here’s hoping it becomes a permanent menu item!

Veronica’s Pizza: Coastal Crab Cravings

While in Dover, Delaware, for my new job orientation, I stayed near the hospital and found Veronica’s Pizza. I ordered their crab pizza and garlic knots, figuring fresh seafood was a must near the ocean. The crab pizza was phenomenal—Madi would’ve loved it! The large pie lasted for days as leftovers, making it a delicious and practical choice.

Striper Bites: Beachside Bites in Lewes

During a stormy trip to Lewes and Rehoboth with coworkers, we stopped at Striper Bites. Despite flash floods, the weather cleared, and I enjoyed a fresh tuna and watermelon poke bowl that hit all the right spots. The welcoming vibe and great conversation made this meal extra special as I settled into my new job and area.

Slack Water: Sweet, Spicy, and Social

Before our big move (more on that later!), we caught up with friends at Slack Water, a local chain we hadn’t tried. Jules got mac and cheese, Madi got cheese pizza, Erik went for the Cardiac Arrest (meat lover’s pizza), and I savored the Strawberry Jalapeño special pizza with chicken—a perfect sweet-spicy balance. We paired it with Drekker Brewing’s Funky Money and Raspberry Cheesecake sour beers, sparking dreams of a North Dakota brewery visit. The food, drinks, and friend time made this a memorable lunch.

Urban Hill: Brunch Goals

Using our Delta Amex gift card benefits, we treated ourselves to brunch at Urban Hill. The girls devoured pancakes and French toast with sausage and bacon, Erik loved his pork belly egg benedict, and I savored the Creekstone Farms brisket hash with an over-easy egg. Drinks were a highlight: my Il Padrino (bourbon, coconut, espresso syrup) and Erik’s Garibaldi (aperitivo, passionfruit) were smooth and delightful. We even shared a cinnamon roll (great, but Dough Lady still reigns!). The food was phenomenal, and we wish we’d visited sooner.

Woodbine: Food Hall Fun

While searching for Mozz Pizza near downtown, we ended up at Woodbine food hall. Madi’s sushi craving led us to Shwe Letyar Sushi, where we got the Shwe Combo Roll (crab, tempura shrimp, fried onions, tempura crunchies) and the Utah Combo Roll (veggies, tuna, salmon). Madi loved both! Erik got Jules a cheese pizza and himself the Sopressa pizza (garlic, mozzarella, salami). This unexpected food hall adventure was a hit!

Market Street Grill: Surprise Birthday Bash

A friend’s surprise birthday party at Market Street Grill was a blast! The Blueberry Julep and Market Street Old Fashioned were fantastic, with the fruity julep stealing my heart. The waiter convinced me to try the cobia special, a white fish that was light and delightful—a perfect recommendation for a celebratory night.

Cottonwood Heights Café: A Farewell Breakfast

Before leaving Utah, I met a friend for breakfast at Cottonwood Heights Café. Torn between sweet and savory, I got the Mediterranean omelet and a massive blueberry pancake—both bursting with flavor. It was the perfect way to catch up with a great friend before our move, leaving me full and nostalgic.

June was a flavor-packed month, from Del Barrio’s cheesy shrimp tacos to Urban Hill’s brunch bliss and Dough Lady’s irresistible cinnamon rolls. Each restaurant brought joy, whether it was a family outing, a friend-filled feast, or a solo adventure in a new city. As we prepare for our move, these meals remind us how food connects us to people and places. What’s your favorite June dining spot? Share in the comments, and let’s keep the culinary adventure going!