Hey, West Jordan, do you remember a guy named Uncle Sid? He cooked up American and Mexican comfort food years ago over in your neck of the woods. Starting to ring a bell? Well, he's back, and the grill is fired up once again.
Not familiar with Uncle Sid? That's OK. I'll let you in on the family secret.
Uncle Sid's AmeriMex Grill is just what it sounds like — a grill run by a guy named Sid, apparently with nieces and nephews, who makes American- and Mexican-style food.
He serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, making favorites in a style that doesn't raise a lot of hackles but instead fills a very important need — that is, to make inexpensive food people can relate to.
That's not to say the food is boring; Uncle Sid has a personal style all his own.
My family and I went in on a weeknight and sat down in a quickly crowding dining room. We started right away with crispy, hot jalapeo poppers. We could have chosen two other comfortable favorites, nachos or a quesadilla. Very basic chips and very non-challenging salsa also came to the table while we waited for entrees.
I had the pork chimichanga, with a side of housemade cream of mushroom soup. Yes, it does sound odd. The chimi was fine, comforting, of course, but not challenging. Requisite easy beans and rice come on the side. I admired the soup for the bounty of mushrooms that weren't slimy at all. And while the broth was a little heavy, it showed promise with a mild meaty flavor.
My son ordered the grilled lemon pepper chicken with a salad of spring greens and tortilla strips on the side. The dressing needed a little help; it was too thick. But then, I prefer a creamy dressing that's more buttermilk and less mayonnaise. The chicken was tender and easy to enjoy. We all liked the sauted zucchini and new potatoes on the side.
My husband had the sizzling chicken fajitas, served with plenty of warm roasted tortillas. The veggies were a little limp, but overall, a comforting ensemble.
Save room for dessert — you'll want the Tres Leche cake. It's a little piece of heaven. And the flan was better than at many more authentic Mexican spots around town. Tres Leche is a mildly sweet cream-soaked cake flavored with vanilla. It's served cold and has a slightly lumpy texture, but nothing says comfort better after dinner. Except maybe a small, creamy dish of caramel-laced flan. And Uncle Sid's flan delivers.
Service is fantastic. They treat you like one of their own, and that, too, is comforting.
I don't know, guys; on this one, you be the judge. I'm not going to bust anyone over my personal bugaboos. The food is a good value for the generous portions and low prices. Even though Uncle Sid's is a little too comforting for my taste, I think there will probably be a strong new following of fans, because Uncle Sid is a longtime local guy, and the food at the Grill is accessible to a large audience.
Give it a try, and don't forget the Tres Leche.
Appetizers $4.25, soup $2.95, salad $2.25, dinner plates and combinations $8.95-$10.95, desserts $3.95.
Uncle Sid's AmeriMex Grill
** 1/2 (out of five)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 a.m.-10 p.m., closed Sunday
Location: 7816 S. Redwood Road, West Jordan; 561-3344
Payment: checks, major credit cards
Reservations: not necessary
E-MAIL: stephanie@desnews.com