Introduction & La Jolla Groves

Okay, for a first review, I need to make a few things clear: I am very picky. I consider all aspects of a dining experience: the utensil, the plate, the chair, the noise level, the lighting, the menu options, the menu layout, the temperature of the food, the service, the price and I could go on. I have never dined at the "perfect" restaurant. Just like there is no perfect presidential candidate (No, Mitt is not perfect. But he is so completely and totally and 100% better than Newt!) there is also no perfect restaurant. However, I'm completely devoted to trying to disprove my theory. Mama's Fish House in Maui gave it a good go, but alas, it's not perfect either. Perfectly wonderful, delicious and delightful, so often means perfectly expensive it seems. So, having said that, I'll give my two cents on the La Jolla Grove in Provo at the Riverwoods Mall.

I actually can't give you a full and complete review, because it has been nearly nine months since I dined there. I've been three times: May 24, 2011; Nov. 1, 2010 and the end of July 2010. I don't always remember the very day I eat somewhere, but in this case, I happen to recall the date. However, I can't recall what I ate! That's a bad sign, isn't it? First off, when we went last time, we had a fine time, but there were not very many people there and I felt very much like I had to whisper or the other parties dining would hear my every word. Not enough energy, noise and infrastructure to make me feel super relaxed and comfortable.

Secondly, when I dined there in July of 2010 we were served a warm assortment of rolls. Not last time. No assortment. Not warm. Not impressed. They have a bakery on site, but I felt like the rolls had come from some other source other than La Jolla. Go figure. By the way, if you serve me warm, fresh baked rolls or bread, it's such a great way to make me happy, very happy. Speaking of the bakery, the first time we went, we tasted the lemon sweet roll on the dessert menu. It was excellent -- lemony, chewy and delicious. However, it wasn't cheap and I remember thinking I'd stick with my Rhodes Orange Rolls to satisfy my sweet roll craving.

As far as the food, I think my husband got a salad with watermelon in it. He liked it. I thought it was small and personally I feel like watermelon doesn't quite fit in a green salad; however, I realize it works for some. I like the fact that there are sandwiches on the dinner menu (at least that was the case last year). Who says a sandwich can only be for lunch?

The service has been pleasant and orderly and the lemon trees are nice. La Jolla means 'the jewel' in Spanish. Calling it 'the jewel' and then having lemon trees all over doesn't quite gel for me, but that probably doesn't really matter too much to too many. Remember, I did say I was very picky! I just kind of want it to be called The Lemon Grove, that's all. Oh and by the way, what's in a name anyway? To me it really does matter. The Pie Dump and the Pita Pit may have decent food, but it's hard for me to get past the name. I didn't dine at the Cheesecake Factory for years -- just don't like the name.

For being a food review, I've said very little about the food; but once again, I remember very little about the food. I do have a daughter that really loves the shrimp pasta dish. I've heard Malawi's Pizza is under the same management. I think you can get similar dishes there for a little less moola. Don't quote me on that though. Of course, to quote me, you'd have to read me and I'm not sure anyone has or will or if they have if they ever will again. I hope so. This could be fun, but it will be way more fun, if you tell us what you think too! -Shannon

(La Jolla Groves 4801 North University Avenue #610 Provo, UT 84604 (801) 224-5111)

They have a variety of luscious lemon desserts.

Filet Minon & Homemade Steak Fries

Apple and Apricot Salad

Turkey Sandwich

I went to La Jolla Groves just this past weekend and it was probably my fourth time going there. I went with a group of friends. One of these friends is super health conscious. She loves this place! It is one of her favorite restaurants. Her favorite is the mushroom soup. One friend has never been there before and was absolutely dragging his feet because he had no desire to go. He was pleasantly surprised! He really liked the food and said he would go back! A common thing I hear from people is that is is expensive and you get small portions. I personally feel like it is hit and miss. I love the lemon trees. I love the healthy perspective. I can tell the food is really fresh. I got the bruschetta once and was so disappointed, I didn't even eat it. It was sun dried tomatoes which is untraditional for bruschetta. The description didn't mention it on the menu that it was sun dried tomatoes, it would have been a good thing to have on there. I did get a warm basket of rolls, both white and wheat homemade delicious rolls. Definitely a good start to a meal! The service was nice, patient, friendly, informative and pleasant. They had a water boy that constantly came around and it was great. The food took a way long time to come out. Too long. It was a busy Saturday night, I will give them that. I sampled all the dishes at my table. My favorite by far is the Turkey sandwich. It was fresh, it had soft yummy bread, great pesto sauce and was just the right combination of flavor, color and texture. It hit the spot! I have bought the whole wheat bread from the bakery and it was delicious. All in all I would recommend it, but not to anyone on a tight budget and a big appetite! -Summer