Food Adventures of a Comfort Cook

Pie... no, cake... no, what is it?

What dessert is called a pie, but is truly a cake? The answer is Boston Cream Pie, which is actually a cake that had its layers baked in pie tins known as “Washington Pie Plates.” This delectable dessert was created by French Chef Sanzian to commemorate the opening of the Parker House Hotel in 1856...

Hash browns vs. home fries

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, what better way to honor the Irish then to write about the potato? The potato was first domesticated in an area of South America, which is now known as Peru and Bolivia, between 8000 and 5000 B.C. It makes sense that it traveled upwards into Mexico...

Edible puffs of love

FOOD ADVENTURES OF A COMFORT COOK Oh puffy, puff, Full of whippy stuff, How do I love thee? Let me count and see. Crispy, yet light, Oh such a lovely sight, Pudding and cream, Floating sugar a dream. When it comes to spontaneous poetry, I am not your go-to gal. However, when it comes to, “What...

Monticello welcomes Ja-Roen Thai Sushi

FOOD ADVENTURES OF A COMFORT COOK Late one June afternoon, a gentleman from Moab named Sam made my acquaintance. He asked me about living in Monticello and the types of businesses that are in town. But most importantly, he asked about the restaurants in Monticello. Then he asked me, “What kind of...

Blue corn and juniper ash

FOOD ADVENTURES There I was, scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed, attempting to find posts of interest, share a positive quote or two, the heart-toughing moment of an animal being rescued, and enjoy that post that gives you laughter right from the belly. Of course, I enjoy reading the foodie...

The skinny on Cal Dean Black’s Custom Catering

Recently, retired San Juan County Sheriff Cal Dean Black found himself on the other side of the interrogation table and having his mug shot taken as well. “Alright Black, give us the goods on this catering business, and no holding back on the sauce.” As Cal’s daughters, Alyssa and Sierra are...

Sweet and sour acceptance

During the 1860s to 1890s, thousands of Chinese immigrants entered the United States. Landing in San Francisco, they made their way throughout the western states in search of work, focusing on mining and railroad construction. Approximately 12,000 Chinese workers traveled from Sacramento, CA to...

Food love at Peace Tree Juice Café

When it comes to the restaurant business, true success is based upon the love and passion owners, cooks, chefs, and employees have for what they do. No one knows this better than Karen Whipple, owner of the Peace Tree Juice Café, located in Moab and Monticello. Loyalty from customers and employees...

Ode to the odiferous onion

FOOD ADVENTURES OF A COMFORT COOK “Memories of the meals we’ve made before. Misty, watering, burning eyes. While dicing onions from the store.” If Barbra Streisand sees what I’ve done with her “The Way We Were” song lyrics, I am a dead woman. Whether a home cook or restaurant prep...

Another 60 years at Patio Drive-in

FOOD ADVENTURESby Mary Cokenour In the early 1950s, A&W opened two franchises. One in Blanding, the other in Monticello. While Monticello’s franchise went bust due to lack of business, Blanding’s was booming, so much so that the owner decided to cut ties with A&W. In 1959, Patio...