I was able to be part of a group of bloggers that went to sample some of the fun places at The Shops at Riverwoods in Provo, Utah. My favorite one was Malawi's Pizza.
Can I just say that I have a new crush? Forget Brad Pitt, I like a man who can cook. Chef Kent Anderson...... (sigh). There are only 41 chefs that rank higher than him in the world. IN THE WORLD! I recognized him from being on The Food Network too. His pizzas are incredible. Not only is the food good, but with every meal purchased, they turn around and donate a nutritious meal to a child in Malawi (hence the name). Chef Kent is the sensitive type too.... bonus points!
I got the chance to sample all their salads and loved them ALL. I only tried a couple of pastas and because I believe in total honesty, I will say that I thought they were average. Good, but not mind blowing like the pizza. Granted I only tried a couple so the others could be better. Trust me, I mean to find out...
I forgot to take more pictures of the food. I was so busy eating the pizza I forgot. Well, eating might not be the right word. It was more like making out with it. THE ARTICHOKE PIZZA WAS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER EATEN. Hands down. It is my new drug of choice. I have already been back for more. I took my husband there for our anniversary lunch and he agrees.
Another awesome thing is that most of their pizzas have less calories than one slice of regular pizza. A whole awesome pizza verses one slice of regular pizza? No contest.
Another store we went to was Blickenstaffs. It is a candy and toy store and it is sooooo much fun! I went there for another blogger event a couple months ago and loved it so much that I have taken my boys there. They have vintage candy too. They specialize in carrying candy, games, and toys that you can't find anywhere else.
They have all sorts of things that kids can ride all over the store. Seriously, no one even bats an eye as kids zoom all over!
....or adults.
Called to Surf was another stop on our little tour. They have over 3,000 women's suits and 1500+ men's suits! And most of the women's suits are one piece or tankinis which ROCKS since I can pull all my loose tummy skin out a good 12 inches. No one needs to see that....
I love the look of this store. They put a TON of effort into the decor (which I totally appreciate, given my love of design). The pier was probably my favorite. It is reclaimed wood from the railroad bridge that went across the Great Salt Lake waaaaay back when (I don't have the dates... this isn't history class)
We also got a tour of The Provo Beach Resort. Going along with "total honesty" I have to say I was sad that they didn't have a pool. When I thought BEACH RESORT I pictured a place to swim. There is a tiny pool next to the wave rider for people to wait for a turn or for kids, but not an actual pool.
BUT once I got past that, I found that everything else that they offer is SUPER fun. There really is something for every age there. There are games where you can earn tickets for prizes, crockett, bowling, a SPA!, a golf simulator, a carousel, places to eat, and a ropes course.
Of all the things there I would like to try the ropes course the most. Look how fun!!!
If you live in Utah all these places would be awesome to visit. And if you like artichokes even a little bit, you HAVE to try Malawi's artichoke pizza. ALL the pizzas were good. I think there are only a couple I haven't tried yet and I am hoping to change that real soon :)
My darling friend Amanda from Every Creative Endeavor is having a giveaway on her blog. $40.00 in gift cards to Provo Beach and $40.00 in gift cards to Blickenstaffs!!!! Go enter :)
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It looks like you had SO much fun! I totally want to try some of that pizza...wonder if they deliver to California?
The picture of you riding the pink Plasma Car cracked me up! My daughter has one my SIL got her for her birthday and she insists that I ride on it - I'm 19 weeks pregnant, so it's quite a feat!!
jealous!! this looks like too much fun!
Oh you have so sold me on the artichoke pizza. Now I'll have to see how I can talk someone in NH into a roadtrip for pizza! LOL!
It looks like you had SO much fun! You look adorable driving that little bike around. LOL!
So much fun!! It looks like you ladies had a great time together :)
Hi Stacy,
I love The Shops at Riverwoods. We lived in Orem when they opened and I usually go there whenever I'm back in town. Speaking of which, I'll be in the Salt Lake/ Provo in July and wondered if you know of any blogger get togethers. I'd love to join in so if you know of any, please let me know.
Thanks!
Just curious where you get the idea that only 41 chefs rate above kent Anderson? He is only a certified executive chef. There are 10000+ certified executive chefs in the world. There are also 100+ Certified Master Chefs in the world (the highest level a chef can reach) kent has never won a Michelin star let alone a forbes star. Sorry not trying to be rude but there are thousands of chefs that rank higher then kent and at least a hundred here in Utah.