Restaurant Spotlight: Meat coma anyone?

Ok, I have a confession... I like food. Maybe "like" is slightly an understatement. I LOVE food. I like how it looks, how it smells, how it tastes. I even like thinking about food, especially during those long workdays. Maybe I dream about food from time to time... Is anyone with me? Anyways, food makes me happier than most things, including cute chinchillas.

This week I am raving about Tucanos, heaven to both carnivore and and vegetarian alike. Here's the scoop: all you can eat meat with an all you can eat pasta/salad bar. You stay seated while friendly young men bring you swords of meat with a smile. Sounds like heaven? Well, it's Tucanos. I took my wife there to "celebrate" her birthday. The truth though is I just went for the meat. What was nice was the all you can eat salad bar. My wife isn't really into meat, to the point where it kind of scares her. I was able to enjoy the endless tsunami of meat swords while she loaded her plate with pastas and salad. That is the definition of win-win in my not so humble opinion. For those of you who are in the middle of the meat spectrum, Tucanos offers a wide variety of other meats that you can still enjoy. Personally I'm not hardcore enough to be a steak fan. Without steak I still enjoyed the many types of chicken, turkey, sausage, cod (my favorite) and shrimp. There are also grilled sides served like pineapple and veggies, for you health nuts out there.

Tucanos may be a little pricey for your family of 15, but for a work meeting or a date it is great. To save even more you can sign up for their birthday voucher. Tucanos mails you a postcard the month of your birthday. That card gets you a free meal with any other full meal purchased. Out of my favorite Provo eateries, Tucanos is just classic. The atmosphere is great and there is more food than you can know what to do with. I have to stop now, writing about Tucanos is making me too hungry. I'll definitely be going there after finals are over.

Here is the link to the birthday club signup: http://www.tucanos.com/birthday-club.html

Cold hands and warm fuzzies— are you ready to serve?

Well, it's Monday again. Whether you're waist-deep in dishes (me tonight) or trying to get gum out of Jimmy's hair, Mondays are just tough. Today we are happy to announce a new antidote: service. I know it sounds cliche, but bear with me.

It's the holidays, right? So, you have a chance to do some real good for people who have it tough every day of the week, not just Mondays. We at the CVB think so, so, we are putting our money where our mouth is:

For every "follow" we get on Instagram, our staff will donate $1 to Toys for Tots, up to $250 dollars. This is a win-win because we get to give, and you get to help us give.

What exactly is Toys for Tots?

Toys for Tots is a charity that provides toys to underprivileged children. These underprivileged children have parents who can't afford Christmas gifts. Toys for Tots gives these children the "merry" Christmas that they deserve. You can find out more about Toys for Tots at the link below:

http://www.toysfortots.org/

Help us help others and follow on Instagram @VisitUtahValley. Remember, it ends December 16th.

I like caramel with my hot chocolate

Well, the cold is officially here! Love it or hate it, this is the time to break out the hot chocolate and unpack the pink snuggies hidden under your daughter's bed. With snow on the ground, we are giving you our list of fun 'dos' for this next week.

 

Do 1: Watch A Christmas Carol

This family outing will be as timeless as the play. Nothing makes memories like the warm charm of the Hale Center Theater combined with a Dickens classic. I've been to Hale Theater many times and am always taken with the ambiance and the quality of the performances. Treat your kids to the giving side of the holidays with A Christmas Carol. It's a great date night and an even better evening with the family. You'll be surprised how enjoyable it is for your younger kids!

Do 2: "Lights on" in Provo

 

I know I know, ANOTHER tree lighting ceremony. However, downtown Provo isn't your run of the bunch outlet mall. Downtown Provo is the gem with a personality to match you lovers of the holidays. The fun starts Saturday, December 7th at 7 p.m. Santa himself will be illuminating the lights outside of the City Center, so bring some of the kids. There will be caroling and hot chocolate afterwards. It's always fun to walk around and see the downtown lights. You will be in walking distance of the new temple, the new Nuskin building, and dozens of great restaurants.

  Do 3: Tim Tam Slams

This is my personal favorite treat. It's yummy, and it is also really fun to say out loud. If you're unfortunate enough to not know what Tim Tams are, let me explain. Tim Tams are a heavenly wafer cookie with delicious chocolate filling, and of course, a chocolate exterior. Tim Tam "slams" are Tim Tams dipped in hot chocolate. Try biting off each end of the Tim Tam and drinking hot chocolate through it. The Tim Tam becomes a straw that melts and gets all gooey. The melted chocolate on peoples' faces also makes for good Christmas card pictures (hint hint).

-Wren