My Valentine's date with SIX guys! (Review of Five Guys Burgers)

Now, lest you think I am interested in taking on way too much [dirty socks and empty cups] by dating six guys, let me explain. For our Valentine's dinner, (we usually find eating at home is easier, faster, and less of a pain) this year, it was time to venture out. Especially since eating out and exploring various food joints is no longer commonplace for us.

Since Valentine's day was on a Saturday this year, it meant we could actually spend some time together! We juggle pretty hectic work schedules during the week. The boy had mentioned he had picked me up something small for Valentine's day, and for most of the beginning of February, there was a large box stuffed in next to his computer with the words "Oriental Trading Company" printed on the side. Hmmm. Whatever it is, he had to order it in increments of 3 dozen, because that's how they sell it. He assured me he hadn't spent much, so he advised me that I shouldn't spend much on his. He had discovered that there was gluten free beef jerky being sold online, and so I ordered two 3.5 ounce bags of the gluten free, organic, peppered beef jerky, his favorite. That was a hit, too!

And then, I was able to hatch a true plan. I stumbled across an entry on the gluten free blog called Trav's Gone Gluten Free, describing a visit to the restaurant called Five Guys Burgers. I quickly pulled up their website and discovered there are 3 locations around Salt Lake City!!! (Fort Union, Sandy, and West Valley). I mapped everything out, and decided we would be going to the Fort Union location.

Now, you ask, why is it that we can go gluten free at Five Guys Burgers? Well, check out their menu for yourself :). On their website, it explains that they only serve a few items. They serve hamburgers (with a variety of toppings/vegetables), Hebrew National hot dogs, and fresh cut fries. They also serve peanuts that you can eat at your table - self serve and complimentary. With just these four menu items, and everything being "fresh," there's much less chance for contamination. Nothing else is fried in the fryer but the tasty shoestring fries (regular or cajun). The hamburger patties are grilled on a separate grill from the buns. According to the website, the only gluten-containing food they serve are their buns.

We arrived at the Fort Union Five Guys Burgers about 9pm. (They are open until 10 every day of the week). We talked with the very helpful cashier, who graciously asked the cooks to change their gloves. Then we sat down with a tray of peanuts to enjoy the atmosphere and drool at the thought of fresh fries. Our food came, and the boy removed his bacon-cheeseburger-wrapped-in-lettuce from the lettuce and put it on the toasted Kinnikinnick plain rice bagel we had toasted and brought along in a bag (he's not much of a lettuce man). Then we sank into our chairs and enjoyed something we love - familiarity + adventure. It was a chance for us to scout out a new restaurant, and safely share affectionate glances over some hot fries (fresh from Burley, Idaho!), with a side of good conversation. :)

The boy makes his debut on GlutenFreeinSLC - and he loves Five Guys hamburgers and fries! Yay!

Now, since V-day, we've been to all three locations, and there are two more locations in the works (Bountiful and Orem).

I've been told this was the gift that keeps on giving - a restaurant where we can both enjoy a good burger and some crispy Idaho fries.

Sadly, there aren't any locations in or around Boise, Idaho - where we travel so often during the summers and holidays. Hmmm, maybe someone will jump on the bandwagon. Takers?

Oh, and the big OTC box? I received this for Valentines day :). I'm in love!