Shelley

If you’re not familiar with Ace Hardware, this is basically your hometown hardware store. It’s not a big-box home improvement store, so don’t expect to walk in and find lumber, 82 kinds of fertilizer, or everything you’d need to build a house from the studs. But for the day-to-day stuff? They have a surprising amount of what you need. Since this Ace opened in Daybreak, I’ve really enjoyed having it nearby. The store is super clean, the people are helpful, and I can usually get in, find what I need, and get out without turning the errand into an event. I’ve bought light bulbs, furnace filters, batteries, air fresheners, mosquito repellent, plant food, succulent potting mix, and spray paint there. They also carry regular paint and can mix it, along with garden hoses, grass seed, fertilizer, propane tanks, and a nice selection of grills, smokers, wood chips, outdoor items, and even some furniture and decorations. It’s not Home Depot or Lowe’s. I don’t see a lot of contractors roaming the aisles, but if you need something to finish a project around the house, there’s a pretty good chance they have it. And there are plenty of helpful people around if you have a question. (The slogan used to be, “Ace is the place with the helpful hardware man.” It’s since been updated to “helpful hardware folks.” And it’s true.) And I shouldn’t admit this: one of my favorite things about Ace is the candy. They have that old-fashioned, nostalgic candy that feels like something you would have seen going to the hardware store with your grandpa. Plus on Saturdays and at special events, they have free popcorn. You can also sign up for Ace Rewards. It’s free and currently gives 10 points per dollar on most purchases, with a $5 reward at 2,500 points. I frequently get coupons in the mail and by email, so that’s another way to save. P.S. If you came here for the Diet Coke review, they have a mini-fridge with a basic selection. Right next to the candy. :)

Coming from California, I didn’t understand why Utah has so many of those long conveyor-style car washes, nor did I understand the value of a monthly membership. But after living in Idaho for a bit and now Utah, I learned what road salt and winter grime can do to your car. Plus just how unpredictable the weather can be. The clean car you had yesterday after going through the wash on a clear day can be a mess again thanks to a sudden downpour in the middle of summer. So when I started looking for a car wash membership, I wanted three things. First, I wanted a service with several locations so I’d have the freedom to get my car washed on the way home from an activity or in another area of the valley when I’m out and about. Second, I wanted a good value. And obviously, third, I wanted a car wash that actually did a good job. I ended up choosing Mister Car Wash. The website says they have 500 locations nationwide, and I counted 20+ here in Utah. The location I use most often is in Herriman. It’s easy to get in and out, and I’ve never had a problem finding an open vacuum bay either. The vacuums are on both sides of the car with two different styles of nozzles, plus an air sprayer for blowing crumbs and dust out of hard-to-reach spots. There’s a clip to hold and vacuum your car mats too. As for the actual wash, it does a good job. I have the Base membership, so I can’t speak to the more premium services, but they do offer them. The higher tiers include things like tire shine, wheel polish, underbody rinse, carnauba wax, and other protective treatments. But I’m just getting used to this whole rinse-and-repeat thing that Utah weather demands. My only complaint is the same one I have with pretty much every automatic car wash—not just Mister. I always wish the drying cycle lasted just a little longer so I’d leave with a fully dry windshield. And be prepared: they don’t have a stack of towels to use. You either need to bring your own or buy one for $1. It’s a car wash, so I’m not going to make this review more complicated than it needs to be. It’s a good value, the wash does a good job, the vacuums work, and it’s easy to get in and out. That’s pretty much what I want from a car wash membership. P.S. If you follow my food reviews, you know I always make a special note about the Diet Coke. Welp, there’s none at the car wash. But you can get one at the Slim Chickens drive-thru next door or at Thirst Drinks at the other end of the parking lot.

Maxwell’s Pizza & Cheesesteaks in Daybreak (South Jordan, UT) serves big New York-style pizza (thin crust) that you can order by the slice or by the pie. I’ve done both, and the pizza is really good—the kind you have to fold in half to eat. I tend to go for the meat pizzas with a side of homemade ranch for dipping (so good). On my last visit with my toddler grandson, we kept it simple with pepperoni. These are big slices. We ordered two and had leftovers. Signature pies are 20 inches. They had a sign advertising new 14-inch pies. If you’re ordering by the slice, it’s super fast. Order a whole pie and you’ll have a little more of a wait, but nothing bad at all. I haven’t tried the cheesesteaks yet, so I can’t report on those. The menu can vary a little, though, so check the big chalkboard when you walk in. You’ll find their signature pizzas along with the topping options to build your own. They also serve sides, salads, wings, and other options. One of the things I like most about Maxwell’s is the setup. It’s not a huge place, but I’ve always been able to find seating when I’ve gone with my young adult kids. There are high-top tables inside, which are great for adults—not as good for kids. And the game is always on the two TVs. So it’s a fun and easy place to meet up, eat pizza, and watch whatever is playing. Plus, the staff is laid-back and friendly. They serve you without hovering. On a nice summer night, I like the patio even better. There are tables outside with string lights overhead, so you can hang out and enjoy your pizza without feeling like you need to clear out because seating inside is limited. And now for the important question: Diet Coke? Yes. On tap. You know I checked. There’s a gluten-free pizza, but it’s not a gluten-free kitchen. So if you need to strictly avoid gluten, this might not be your place.

Wombat Bagels is a new locally owned bagel shop in West Jordan, and I’m a fan. The owner spent a lot of time figuring out the right recipe before opening the shop, including comparing bagels from around the country and testing different recipes. Before Wombat opened, I regularly visited chain bagel restaurants, so here’s how they compare. The chains have a full menu, lots of drink options, and people often order bagels by the box for a soccer game or team event. But in my opinion, their bagels are pretty lightweight. Great for grab-and-go, but far less filling. Wombat’s are noticeably different. They’re big and substantial, with more density and chew to them but enough fluffiness inside that they don’t feel heavy. My toddler grandson can easily eat through them–and he won’t eat anything that’s too crunchy. The bagels are made fresh daily, and you know you’ve eaten a bagel when you’re done. I haven’t tried all the flavors yet, but the cinnamon raisin is my favorite so far. I like it toasted with easy butter. Other choices include plain, everything, poppy seed, cinnamon sugar, sesame seed, jalapeño cheddar, and Seahive cheddar. Plus, they have artisan schmears like scallion, green chili, cannoli, maple pecan, berry, and a flavor of the month. You can get them plain or make a meal of it with one of their breakfast or lunch sandwiches. They have egg and cheese, bacon and egg, sausage and egg, avocado, cucumber, ham, turkey, BLT, tuna, and a few other choices. There’s also a pretty extensive drink menu with coffee, cold brew, lattes, chai, matcha, tea, smoothies, and more. I’m not a coffee drinker, though, and if you know me, you know this review is going to include the Diet Coke situation. There’s no Diet Coke on tap, but they do have canned soda and will happily give you a cup of ice and a straw. Works for me. Lastly, the ambiance. There’s a comfy couch, a little table for kids to play with blocks, and about three tables for four. The whole place feels bright, clean, and easy to settle into. Think modern Magnolia—great design, but still comfortable enough to hang out with friends. And for the days when you don’t have time to hang out, there’s a drive-thru. I still have plenty of the menu left to try, but so far, Wombat Bagels has earned a spot in my regular rotation. Oh, but be warned. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday–closed on Sunday and Monday. Wondering why “Wombat?” It was the owner’s childhood nickname.

Nielsen’s Frozen Custard in South Jordan is my guilty obsession. I’d driven by the restaurant several times after moving to Daybreak but never felt the need to stop. Then a longtime Utahn told me the restaurant has been around since his childhood and the custard concretes are delicious—think really creamy ice cream with mix-ins. I never should have stopped by because now I can’t stop stopping by. Here’s what to expect. First, a diner-style menu complete with the usual entrees like burgers, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, corn dogs, fries, and onion rings. But then, there’s a full page of grinder sandwiches. If you’ve never had a grinder, this is a hot sandwich on a freshly baked 8-inch roll. Then it’s packed with fresh-sliced meats like slow-roasted lean beef, smoked ham, oven-roasted turkey, and seasoned pastrami. You get a choice of cheeses—American, Swiss, or cream cheese. There’s a veggie option too. (A friend of mine stops for a grinder every time she visits Utah.) I’ve only tried the cheeseburger, and I’d describe it as diner good. I probably wouldn’t stop just for the burger, but the restaurant is often packed, with people at the tables inside and out. So they’re doing something right. I’ll try the grinder next time. Fries and onion rings are done right. And if you’re a purist like me, you need to know there is Diet Coke on tap. (Plus Coke Zero, Dr. Pepper, Diet Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, and more…including Ironport, which I had to look up.) But back to the most important reason for stopping: the Concretes. Pick a vanilla or chocolate base, then add a mix-in like peanut butter, almonds, cookie dough, Oreos, chocolate chips, pineapple, lemon, and more. The menu says it has less fat and calories than premium ice cream, but I dunno. It’s just so good. I like the raspberry chocolate chip or a chocolate base with peanut clusters—which ends up being double-chocolate. I don’t mind. The place is always busy, especially in the summer, with a line of cars snaking onto the street from the drive-thru. It’s got a summer night ’50s vibe. So you might wait a minute, but it’s worth it. And sometimes the concrete is filled to the brim and spilling over. So it can be a little messy, but you never have to wonder if you got the full value. On a hot afternoon, a summer evening, or anytime--Nielsen's Frozen Custard is worth the visit!