Penny Ann's

5 out of 5 forks

Penny Ann's Cafe

1810 S. Main, Salt Lake City UT

American/Italian

Wednesday 3:45pm

$23.67 for two

 

If we could choose 6 forks, this would be the place that gets it!  Kim had never heard of this place, Kelly had heard about it from work.  So we ventured out this afternoon to try it out.  We heard they had the best pies.  

We arrived at 3:45 and found out it closes at 4:00.  We got there just in time.  There was one other couple there as customers and the family who runs the place.  It was clean and cozy.  Cindy seated us and was quite pleasant, making good conversation each time she came near.  Penny served us and was quite friendly as well, giving recommendations as well as sharing some family stories. 

Kelly ordered sourdough pepperjack grilled cheese and Kim ordered a chicken cordon bleu sandwich.  We also ordered sweet potato fries as an appetizer.  We were told the family is from New York, so fry sauce was a new thing to them.  They created their own version and we have to agree it is the best fry sauce we have both had.  The sweet potato fries were pretty close to perfect as well.  Kelly ate much more than she should have and blamed Kim. 

Kim couldn't decide if she wanted fish and chips or this cordon bleu sandwich, and Penny suggested the cordon bleu.  She recommended quite well.  It was delicious.  Kelly's sandwich was "nummy" and she would definitely order it again.  She was surprised it wasn't a greasy sandwich as many grilled cheese sandwiches are.

Then came time to choose some pie.  They didn't seem be out of any flavor and recommended quite a few.  This was a difficult decision for both of us, but we ended up finally getting to it.  Kelly ordered chocolate peanut butter and Kim ordered one of her old stand by's, key lime.  Kelly's pie was also "nummy" (I'm thinking she's in a food coma from this delicious meal).  She did say she isn't sure it was the best pie she's had, and she will have to come back for more to make a decision.  Kim's key lime pie was very good, but she as well can't yet say it is "the best".  She wants to try various flavors before she comes to a decision. 

Our total for appetizer, meal, and dessert was $23.67.  And we each got a free pen!  We both signed up for the Penny Ann's Cafe Club with the promise of free pie on our birthdays and anniversary.  We didn't have to be asked twice. 

Definitely a place we will visit again and again.  We highly recommend it.

Mama's Plantation

2 out of 5 forks

Mama's Plantation

7194 Union Park Avenue  Midvale, UT

Southern/Soul Food

Thursday 11:30am

$18.74 for two

 

 

This one was hard to find as there is no signage saying "Mama's Plantation" other than on the door.  Kim had eaten at one of these restaurants a few years ago, but since that one closed down, as had all other locations, we thought maybe this might be a bit better than her previous experience.  Unfortunately, it was not.  

 

We arrived at 11:30am and were the only customers there.  No one else ever arrived.  We were served by a very nice young woman named Nashia.  She was attentive and kind, but once she delivered part of our meal with earphones in, music playing so loudly we could hear the words.  Yet, she was somehow able to hear us.  

 

Our table was small and the tablecloths were a cute plastic pink.  The setting was intended to be as if we were in the old south.  It was a good attempt, other than the TVs on the wall playing TNT.  We ordered at 11:37 and most of the meal came out 20 minutes later for a meal "made to order."  

 

Kelly ordered mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and biscuits.  Kim ordered pulled pork and fries.  When the food came, the biscuit and mashed potatoes weren't ready, but the potatoes did arrive a few moments later.  The biscuit took another 15.  

 

The food was really nothing to brag about.  It could have been quite amazing with a bit more effort.  The only thing "real" or "homemade" as advertised were the potatoes.  Even the biscuit was the refrigerator kind.  Very disappointing.  For dessert we asked for sweet potato pie, but they were out.  So we settled for peach cobbler, which was pretty good, though they were skimpy on the ice cream.  Overall the food was quite pricey for the amount we received. 

 

Total cost was $18.74 - and they only take cash or check.  And for some reason, it took Nashia a total of 5 minutes to go to some other location in the building for change.

 

The good news is that the bathrooms were very clean.  As was the kitchen, which we could see from the cash register.  Except for that fried chicken in the fryer .... kind of scary for a restaurant with no customers in sight.  How long is that going to be sitting there before it's served?

This is a place we do not recommend and to which we will not be returning.  We're really disappointed since this place has such amazing potential.  I imagine it ran much nicer when Mama was the one doing the cooking.