Firebird Pizza and Pasta

This cozy restaurant, nestled between Cocolitos and Cravings on Pleasant Grove’s Main Street, really rattled our imaginations and our taste buds with an intriguing menu, great service and an all-around enjoyable visit. The pizza and pasta menu appeals to both traditionalists and thrill-seekers alike. This allowed my extremely picky teenage daughter to thoroughly enjoy spaghetti noodles with marinara sauce (and meatballs!) while I loved the Creamy Chicken Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Pasta — and that was just on the pasta portion of the menu. As for pizza, the No. 1 choice, according to a manager, is the BBQ Chicken selection. (And, indeed, it was delicious.) There are 11 specialty pizza choices as well as traditional topping alternatives. And the pizza, and Cheesy Bread, was fantastic.

— 93 Main St., Pleasant Grove, (801) 785-8804, firebirdpizzaandpasta.weebly.com

The Donut Hole

Looking to make some new friends at work? Hoping to win over your carpool kids? Make a quick stop by The Donut Hole in Payson for a dozen freshly made doughnuts and watch as those frantic kids or stressed-out co-workers instantly calm down while devouring a morning pastry. The Donut Hole is a great place, too, for a delicious breakfast sandwich or afternoon sweet treat.

— 1392 Turf Farm Road, Payson, (801) 465-4500, facebook.com/thedonuthole801