MIMI'S CAFE

Where: Mimi's Cafe, 304 E University Parkway, Orem

Who Went: Chelsey & Abby

Number of Visits: 1 (maybe 2?)

What We Ordered: Cinnamon Brioche French Toast & Spinach and Bacon Eggs Benedict

What It Cost: $22.43

What We Thought:

I wanted to take my sister-in-law out to lunch after having her over for a weekend sleepover, so naturally my first inclination was to take her to the amazing and wonderful Joe's. Sadly, it was a Monday or a holiday (can't remember which), so Joe's was closed and we had to settle for something less amazing. She had already been to Kneader's a bunch of times and wasn't interested in Magleby's, so I thought we should give Mimi's Cafe a try, since I've heard people like their breakfast. 

Luckily for us, it was pretty dead, so we were able to get a seat rather quickly and place our order. The service was fine - not overly friendly but not super slow, and it has kind of an interesting atmosphere. I think they claim to be "a taste of France," and try to have a French-like atmosphere, but the restaurant was established 35 years ago, and I have to say (since I just came back from France, and feel a little less clueless), it is not really the type of bistro atmosphere you find across the Atlantic these days. Nonetheless, it was kind of quaint and they tried to make it pretty cozy even though it was quite a large restaurant. 

Abby ordered probably the best-looking thing on the menu, which was their cinnamon brioche French Toast. It came with two huge eggs - weirdly larger than the French Toast, and also sausage. The bread was nice and cinnamon-y, but was it amazing? Would I go here just for that? Probably not. It was probably a 6.5 out of 10 on French Toast, but I've had some pretty amazing French Toast in my life, so maybe I'm too critical of a judge.

I ordered the Eggs Benedict, because if there is anything I have learned from watching all of those episodes of Master Chef, it's that you can tell if someone really knows how to cook if they can properly poach an egg. And if you're putting Eggs Benedict on your menu (more than one variety, even), then your eggs better be masterful, Hollandaise perfect, and the whole thing cohesively delicious.

I don't even have to explain the disappointment when I cut into this instead. Way overcooked! There was no egg oozing, no delicious yolk to slather my English muffin in, no nothing. Super disappointing. I probably could have been appeased if there was at least hearty meat to accompany it, but the bacon was translucent, and it really just didn't do it for me. Mostly, THE EGG! Come on! It should be the star of the show! (I'm starting to sound like Gordon Ramsey...)

What You Should Do: Definitely hit up Joe's or Kneaders instead. The atmosphere is kind of fun and different, and they won't rush you through the meal, but for the high ticket price and lackluster food, you can definitely find better breakfast options elsewhere in Utah County.

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BYU CREAMERY

Where: BYU Creamery, 1209 N 900 E Provo

Who Went: Chelsey, Owen, Monica, Devynne, and many more

Number of Visits: Many, many, many

What We Ordered: Guacamole Bacon Cheeseburger and Garlic Fries

What It Cost: ~$8

What We Thought: 

Well everyone, it's been a crazy summer. Hopefully most of you have not noticed my utter lack of posting, but you know, we all need a summer break every now and then. Between trips to Armenia, France, San Francisco and Portland (twice), I didn't have much computer time or Provo eating time, so you'll have to forgive me. But, now we are back to the grind -- some people already have midterms, BYU's already killed it at the LaVell, and surely some people are already engaged. So let's get to it, starting with a good ol' back to school classic -- BYU Creamery! 

I seriously can't believe I haven't posted about the Creamery yet. I love this place! It's actually my favorite burger in Utah County, and it just has so many good memories and flavors and everything! The burgers are great. They are more of the thin-style burger, and their meat is always super fresh and delicious. Add some guac and bacon -- you've won my heart. I love the texture and taste and everything about them!

Another great part about the Creamery is their flavored fries -- I can never decide what my favorite flavor is! The garlic fries go great with burgers, the spicy ones are so flavorful and fun, and Owen is so pepper-obsessed that we also love ordering the black pepper ones. I would say try them all, but they are pretty filling so you may have to make more than one trip :)

It's sad, but we were so full after this meal that we didn't even get the main event -- the ICE CREAM! But don't worry, I've had it a million times before, and can't say enough good things about it. Their ice cream may be my all-time favorite, competing greatly with Tillamook and all its goodness. BYU Creamery has some amazing flavors -- my top two are Graham Canyon (graham cracker flavored ice cream with chocolate bits, don't think its weird until you try it!!) and Earnestly Chocolate (chocolate ice cream with caramel and marshmallow, another surprisingly amazing combo!), but really you can't go wrong here. Share your fries so you have enough room to get some ice cream -- and my little trick is to always get the "child size." It seems like the same size as 1 scoop, its just the right amount to satisfy your craving, and it's totally cheaper!

What You Should Do: Get in the back-to-school spirit and give the BYU Creamery a visit! They are a BYU classic, and definitely for a good reason. Everything is delicious, and the old-school decor will make you feel like BYU's been around for forever (which it has). Not to mention, you can do a little grocery shopping, and take some creamery ice cream home with you afterwards! Win win!

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