Okay, I'm back from Utah.

Ogden seems to have it's fair share of economic problems - the same unemployment and crime issues that hinder many mid to small sized American cities. But they're making a very respectable effort to revitalize their downtown. There's no snow right now, so no tourists abound, but I suspect during peak ski season, it's a super cute town. I'd recommend paying them a visit.

I didn't get to see a lot of Ogden, but I did visit a few places along their renovated 'historic' district on 25th Street. Roosters has awesome micro-brew, and I was amazed to see inventive and healthy options on their menu! Honestly, I was really beginning to think the only salad options in America (outside of a major city) were Chicken Ceasar or some kind of Tex Mex salad in a tortilla bowl. I ate at Roosters 3 times. They had a salmon, asparagus & pasta salad that was yummy, a mediterranean salad w/ feta & oranges that I loved, and a pear & gorgonzola salad that I'll be adding to my recipe repertoire. Not to mention the atmosphere was great, and prices reasonable (although their barstools and chairs aren't very comfortable... but then again, in Utah they don't want you hanging around drinking all night. I think the uncomfortable seating is a ploy to get you to go home :-)

Then... to my amazement... we went for sushi. Sushi in Utah? Yup. It was outstanding. There are 2 sushi places on 25th street. Both looked very welcoming, we chose the one that was more highly recommended - Shin Sei. I think they've taken some risks and liberties with how they prepare and serve some of their rolls, but I gotta say... it was worth the risk. I never heard of baked sushi before (have you?) but they make one called a Volcano and it was fantastic. They also have some fried sushi's, that I did not try. I like to think of sushi as being fresh and clean... not cheesy or warm. So I only tried one of the cooked ones... but it was great. They had quite a few sushi choices that were cooked and/or had cream cheese. I'm wondering if that's a mid-west take on it? Or if the sushi chef is a genius... not sure, but I give him props. It was very fresh, and very tasty... that's what counts. Oh, and they had Pearl Coconut sake on the menu... what more could you ask?

Oh... did I mention the staff? If you go there... be sure to say 'hi' to Vicki, the hostess, for me. She was probably my single favorite experience during the whole trip. She made my day. Of course, everyone I met was very friendly. But she seemed the most genuine to me, and was just a super cool chick.

I also did a little shopping... lots of cute shops in the district. And very happy to see every single shop and establishment was locally owned... no chains. And I stayed at the Hampton Inn downtown (walking distance)... an old renovated building. Very nicely done, with free parking. Way to go Ogden, way to go.