One Year Later and The Over Bite is Blessed.

The Over Bite

133 E Center St.

Monticello, UT, 84535

Phone: (435) 485-0550

Hours of Operation:  Monday thru Saturday, 7am – 8pm; Closed Sunday

Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Over-Bite/100094723847945/

“This business is a blessing as, it not only kept the family together, but helped us get closer.  Not only that, we became closer to the residents, and feel welcomed by, and part of, the community.” – Patrick and Shylowe Chadd, owners of The Over Bite.

 

July 15, 2026 was the one-year anniversary for The Over Bite, and much was learned by the Chadd family.  “We’ve been, and still are, running this business by the seat of our pants”, says Shylowe, but the pros far outweigh the cons.  Developing a deep connection with the community was a huge advantage as they were able to learn how to accommodate their customers.  Winter was the con as the lack of folks venturing out, or traveling through, diminished, but the shop managed to stay open and still make sales.

Likes and dislikes taught them what worked on the menu, and what didn’t.  For example, I don’t like tomatoes on my favorite sandwich, Comb Ridge Club, but employee Kellan loves the Red Rock Gobbler with extra sprouts.  In other words, the customers are going to get what they want, how they like it, and always with a smile. 

 

The most popular sandwiches?  It varies daily, just as they think they’ve figured it out, the customers surprise them by trying something different; that’s a good thing! This opened up the option of dropping non-requested items, and introducing new ones that have become very popular instead.  The Dependable, a breakfast sandwich named after Dependable Auto due to the owners sending many a customer down to The Over Bite.  Now that’s a perfect example of one business supporting another business, and vice versa. 

 

Newest signature sandwich is The Over Bite, the classic Reuben with a very tasty twist, the dressing.  Instead of the typical sweet 1000 Island dressing, it’s a combination of horseradish sauce, mustard and mayonnaise.  This is there #1 best seller, so I had to try it, and was floored; this is a sandwich that needs to be savored, not scarfed down.  Oh, kudos to Eli Chadd, who made my sandwich while mom and dad supervised…great job!  Anyway, after each bite, chewing, tasting how the meat, cheese, sauerkraut interacted with the sauce; oh, it was definitely not a sandwich to be eaten quickly.  Which, of course, cost me half a sandwich as hubby snagged the other half while I was lollygagging.

 

Good news came to the Chadds when San Juan County Economic Development awarded them a business grant.  They were able to finally buy a steam oven which was needed to make perfect sour dough bread.  The oven can bake 18 loaves per batch, so they can keep it in stock.  Instead of creating other types of breads (white, wheat), their focus is on sour dough, and infusing with ingredients such as cinnamon, raisins, or blueberries enhance the variety in stock.

Besides their popular menu items, they have dips to go with the sour dough bread, brownies, cookies, and cheesecake for Valentine’s was a huge seller.  Experimenting with gluten free products has been positive so far; those with celiac disease have been very happy with the products purchased.

Of course, smoothies, sodas (they can be dirty if desired), hot drinks and cold drinks are available, but most folks love their coffee.  Real coffee, caffeinated, hot, cold, latted or blended.

But wait, don’t be discourage if coffee is not your thing; newest item available is called Pero, and it is becoming a best seller.  Pero is a 100% natural, caffeine-free roasted grain beverage made from barley, malted barley, chicory, and rye. Designed to mimic the roasted taste and aroma of coffee, it contains no stimulants or artificial ingredients. Because of its low acidity, it is a popular alternative for those looking to avoid caffeine or acid reflux.  While some like it hot, served cold is the #1 way it’s being ordered by customers avoiding coffee and caffeine.

 

The Over Bite interior can accommodate up to 49 people.  Therefore, clubs, groups, family gatherings are welcome.  For huge sports events, there is a large screen television; grab a meal and cheer on your favorite team. Outdoor seating has been installed, so dining outside, in pleasant weather, is a plus.  Catering is a Yes!  Whether you want to use the restaurant, or have them come to you, chat with the Chadds and you will get the best of the best they have to offer.  The products they use are sourced locally, or via the Sysco Food Service which is widely used by the restaurant industry.

 

Congratulation to the Chadds, and The Over Bite, for a year full of blessings, camaraderie with the Monticello community, and offering good food and drink to anyone stopping by.  Except now I don’t know which is my favorite any longer, Comb Ridge Club or The Over Bite sandwich…. how do I choose!?!

Mary Cokenour

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breakfast In and Around San Juan County, Utah.

 

Traveling around San Juan County, UT, is having adventures throughout a living museum.  Red rocks, arches, hoodoos, sand dunes, ancient carvings and paintings, mountains, forest, desert, wildlife, and sage brush as far as the eyes can see.  That is just the landscape, in general, then there are the small towns harboring museums, shops, welcome centers and restaurants.

Locals, whether born and raised, or moved from other states, have respect for this area blessed by nature; and learn its ins and outs like the backs of their own hands.  Tourists come here all year round, many well informed, many others winging it.  The welcome centers provide various documents of information, and the employees are looked upon as extensions of internet search engines.  I should know that well, as I was one of those workers for over six years.

So, an adventure is in the works, early morning rise, and where to and what to do.  Before starting any great adventure, a good, hearty breakfast is called for, and many restaurants in and around the county provide just that.  Imagine, you are seated, order placed, and the 2024 edition of the San Juan Record’s 101 Ways to Experience San Juan County is opened up.  The oohs and aahs, the “I want to see that!” and “I need to do that!” uttered repeatedly.  Then breakfast arrives…

You might now be asking, “Where are these breakfast places?”, and I am going to tell you of our own dining adventures.  Please note, if your personal favorite is not listed, sorry, but there was, more than likely, a very good reason why they were bypassed.

San Juan County, UT

 

Monticello

 

High Desert Café

516 North Main St. (Hwy 191)

(435) 210-4441

Open Wed thru Mon, 8am to 2pm; Closed Tues.

 

Offerings are Bagel Sandwiches, Egg Platters and Sweets such as pancakes and French toast.  Smoothies are available, and freshly roasted coffee.

 

A big seller, and my personal favorite, is the Breakfast Panini consisting of 2 eggs, choice of meat (bacon is thick and crisp), cheddar cheese on grilled sourdough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ja-Roen Thai & Sushi

380 South Main St. (Hwy 191)

(435) 587-4000

Open Mon thru Sun, 7am to 10pm

 

Do not let the name fool you, even though they have excellent Thai and Japanese menus for lunch and dinner, this local restaurant offers American style breakfasts plus two Thai meals.  The chefs went through a lot of training to learn how to prepare all the dishes quickly and correctly.

 

Pancakes

Western Omelet

 

Personal favorite is the Eggs Benedict consisting of two poached eggs, grilled ham and luscious Hollandaise sauce.  The potato side is cut into fan-like shapes that are crisp on the outside, but fluffy inside.  The coffee is strong, so you will be very wide awake for adventuring.

 

 

 

 

 

The Over Bite

133 East Center St. (Hwy 491)

(435) 777-2749

Open Mon thru Sat, 7am to 8pm; Sun 9am to 8pm

 

Offerings are Breakfast Toasts, Bagel Sandwiches and Bagels and Spreads; there is a huge variety under each heading, so basically something for anyone’s tastes.

 

Personal favorite is the Bacon, Egg and Cheese on an everything bagel plus a Blended Coffee flavored with caramel syrup.  Just the correct amount of both to get the body moving, and aching for a good hike, climb, or both!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bluff

 

Cedar Shack Café

2625 US-191 (within the property of Bluff Dwellings Resort and Spa)

(435) 672-2319

Open Mon thru Sun, 7am to 9pm

 

Offerings are Omelets, Breakfast Burrito, Egg Platter, Avocado Toast, French Toast and Muffins.

As the name denotes, this is a simple building where ordering is done at the counter, and orders are picked up as they are ready.  This is the perfect place for either a sit-down breakfast, or a grab n’ go before heading out for a hike, climb, or boating down the San Juan River.

 

The Omelets come packed with meat (bacon is thick, crisp and plentiful) and cheese; the wheat toast has tiny seeds and chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.  Only issue we found was the hash browns were barely cooked, cold, liberally seasoned with black pepper and definitely not our style.  The omelets and wheat toast made up for that.  The coffee is delicious, so do not be surprised finding yourself purchasing another to-go.

Cow Canyon Coffee

163 Mission Rd. (Hwy 191 and 162, next to Cow Canyon Trading Post)

(435) 749-1036

Open Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 7am-1pm; Sat and Sun 8am-2pm. Closed Tues.

 

Besides a multitude of hot and iced coffees, hot teas, cocoa, cider, iced tea and lemonade are offered.  Baked goods of scones and muffins are baked up fresh, daily on premises. An egg dish and tofu scramble are also on the menu.  While this is a relatively new business in Bluff, owner Hannah is very happy, and appreciative, about the steady business given by local followers.

 

Personal favorite is the Strawberry Rhubarb Scone, crisp and sweet outside, fluffy inside packed with pieces of strawberry.  Yes, hubby and I did haggle over the crumbs.

Twin Rocks Café

913 East Navajo Twins Dr. (off Hwy 191)

(435) 672-2341

Open Fri to Tues, 8am to 3pm; Closed Wed and Thurs.

 

The breakfast menu here is extensive, with so many choices, it might take a few minutes to make a definite decision.  Omelets, burritos, sweet offerings of Peaches de Chelly or Navajo Blue Corn Pancakes, and a variety of egg platters.  Still cannot decide, then go for The Goat (eggs, meat, potatoes, frybread, butter and honey) or The Bluebird Special (eggs, meat, blue corn pancakes, butter and warm syrup).

 

No, we could not decide, so we ordered The Goat and The Bluebird Special.  While we each got the eggs cooked in the style we liked, and our favorite choice of meat, we shared samplings of the frybread, potatoes and blue corn pancakes together.  So good, so very good, and the coffee was fresh, hot and kept on coming!   Chef Frances does an excellent job, teaches her staff well, and is appreciated by both diners and staff.

The Bluebird Special

 

The Goat

Outside San Juan County, but Close Enough

 

Dove Creek, Colorado (only 20 minutes, along Hwy. 491 East, from Monticello)

 

Dove Creek Dinner Bell

546 US-491

(970) 677-2211

Open Tues to Fri, 7am to 7pm, Sat and Sun, 7am to 2pm, Closed Mon.

 

Dining at the Dinner Bell is similar to dining with family, even though not related, and basically strangers.  Everyone there greets everyone coming in, whether they know you or not.  It is not simply a place frequented by town locals, but by ranchers, farmers, truckers and folks from all walks of life.  It is definitely not fancy, but it is homey and welcoming, and that matters the most. 

 

Stick to the ribs breakfast platters are offered: Biscuits and Gravy, Country Fried Steak, Omelets, Egg Platters, Pancake Stacks, French Toast and a Smothered Burrito with, what else, a choice of red or green chili.

 

Hubby’s favorite is a Full Plate of Crap, yes, I said Crap.  You name the breakfast item and it is probably in the pile.  If you really need to know, just ask, and owner Charlotte will happily tell you. 

 

 

 

 

 

There you have it, our personal breakfast adventures.  Whether you reside in the area, just outside of it, or traveling a distance, definitely make the effort to have a breakfast experience in and around San Juan County, UT.

Mary Cokenour

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Be or Not to Be Caffeinated.

 According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the summer of 2022 is going to be a scorcher all over the US of A.  Fans and air conditioners will be working overtime, so do not be surprised when electrical grids going down becomes a habit.  Besides craving cool air, most of us will be craving cold beverages to bring body temperatures down.

Iced coffee, iced tea, lemonade, soda, water, flavored carbonated water, aka seltzer water, and soda will be the go-tos.  Better keep those freezers stocked with trays of ice though; they will keep if the freezer is not opened too often with a power outage.  Then I got to thinking, dangerous, I know, about these cold drinks that contain caffeine, and how they affect body temperature.

 

First off, how does caffeine work in the body?  Researchers from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University in Corvallis, wrote in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (March 2006): “Coffee drinking may help prevent type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and liver disease, including liver cancer. And it doesn't appear to significantly increase heart disease risk or cancer.  Caffeine can improve memory, decrease fatigue, improve your mental functioning; it can improve your short-term memory and speed up your reaction times.”

I have been a coffee and tea drinker since my university years.  Getting up at 5am, to catch a Long Island Railroad train to New York City, it was not unusual to see most folks with a New York Times or New York Post inserted under the arm.  In one hand was a brief case, or book bag for students, and a cup of steaming coffee or tea in the other.  Once into Manhattan, lining up at the local deli was the norm, to get a breakfast sandwich, and you guessed it, another cup of coffee.  This was the city life of an “early bird”.  After finishing university, it was off to work in the city, and the morning routine did not change much.  During the sweltering summer months though, hot coffee or tea was replaced by iced, or soda; bottled water was not a fad yet in the 1970s and 1980s.

Now what is the downside to caffeine?  It does raise blood pressure, and while mildly, for some, that is enough to cause harm.  Increased blood pressure, plus stress from ordinary life, equals heart disease just waiting to take over.  Remember that study I quoted before?  Coffee itself may not increase heart disease itself, but your lifestyle could be the contributing factor that activates it.

Caffeine is also, like anything else in reality, addictive; it will cause anxiety, insomnia, and overall stimulation of the brain.  Stopping cold turkey?  A person will go through withdrawal symptoms similar to alcoholics or drug users.

 

By the way, how do I like my coffee?  I have a favorite mug that holds up to 2 cups of liquid.  First, I put in a teaspoon, maybe two, of sweetener.   

 

Second is a ¼ cup of creamer or half n’ half.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Third is the fun part; as the coffee is poured in, it mixes with the sweetener and cream to create this lovely, frothy mocha colored, drinkable confection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, you have decided to avoid caffeine altogether by avoiding drinks containing it.  What about food though; do you know exactly what contains caffeine?  It is naturally found in tea leaves, cocoa beans, coffee beans, guarana, and kola nuts.  Yerma Mate, a popular health food item, contains it, as well as green tea which is good for digestion.  But a fan favorite is chocolate!

  

How much caffeine is in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of different types of chocolate?

 

    100% cocoa chocolate: 240 mg of caffeine — the equivalent of 2.5 cups of regular coffee

    Bittersweet chocolate (55% cocoa): 124 mg of caffeine

    Milk chocolate (33% cocoa): 45 mg of caffeine — around the amount of caffeine in a cup of        

                 black tea

    White chocolate – only contains cocoa butter with 0% caffeine

All in all, what you put inside your body, whether as a food or beverage, is a personal choice.  As with any item, moderation is the best gamble.  Have questions?  Research by reading, asking others about their experiences, and, perhaps, do some experimenting of your own.  What can happen?  You will definitely find out what suits you, amount and taste wise, the best.  Like I said, personal choice. I drink coffee and tea, hot and cold; I eat chocolate, but you won’t ever find me spitting tobacco juice on a clean floor.  Personal choice.

…and for those wanting a recipe containing coffee and chocolate, I did not forget about you.

 

Coffee Kisses

These cookies can be made with espresso, a flavored coffee made strong, or Kahlua (the alcohol will bake off, and just leave the coffee flavor).

Ingredients:

½ cup softened butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

5 Tbsp. coffee or Kahlua

2 cups flour

2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ tsp. baking powder

Hershey chocolate kisses

 Preparation:

Preheat oven to 375F. Use nonstick baking sheets, or spray with nonstick baking spray (contains flour).

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth; add eggs one at a time, then the coffee; mix until smooth and creamy.

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa and baking powder; add to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly.

Use a teaspoon to place mixture onto cookie sheets; bake for 10 minutes. While still hot, insert a chocolate kiss into center of each cookie. Let cool.

Makes 2 dozen cookies.

Mary Cokenour

 

 

 

Food Love at Peace Tree Juice Café

Peace Tree Juice Cafe

516 N Main Street
Monticello, Utah, 84535

Phone: (435) 587-5063

Website: http://www.peacetreecafe.com/Home

 

 When it comes to the restaurant business, true success is based upon the love and passion owners, cooks, chefs, and employees have for what they do.  No one knows this better than Karen Whipple, owner of the Peace Tree Juice Café – Moab and Monticello; loyalty from customers and employees speaks volumes on this subject. 

Twenty-one years ago, Karen began her venture with the first Peace Tree in Moab; based solely on the concept of fresh and healthy.  

Before opening the Peace Tree Menu, make sure to read the story behind the name; but it’s the Vision and Mission Statement that seals the deal.  “The Peace Tree Juice Café celebrates this promotion of goodwill and harmony.  It is our goal to provide healthy, flavorful sustenance using natural, organic, and farm-to-table foods when possible.  Additionally, we believe in the strength of our community and we strive to offer top-quality food and products that are locally grown and made.”  Wow, local businesses and residents promoting and supporting each other; what a great vision and mission in itself!

Karen worked hard at doing and learning, not just the business aspects, but how to make juices and smoothies; hands on experience overall.  That’s right, she didn’t just purchase equipment and books, hand them over to the employees and tell them to figure it out; she needed to perfect it within herself first.  Little by little food items were added to create breakfast and lunch menus.  A second location in Monticello opened and several years ago, a dinner menu emerged with additions of Mexican and Italian cuisines to the American fare.  Whether breakfast, lunch or dinner; the menus at Peace Tree are designed for everyone, no matter the dietary need or life style choice.  It was not always easy, but the rewards are being reaped with great reviews, repeat business, and folks wanting to experience the food love.

Again, Karen is a hands on type of owner; she told me a story of being at the Moab restaurant and how she would go in after hours and clean.  One day, while employees were still there, a new employee asked another, “Is that the cleaning lady?”  “No”, she was told, “That’s your boss!” and let me tell you, I can relate to that assumption.  But that’s Karen for you, even though she has staff, getting down and dirty for her restaurants is just the way she is; and Karen is appreciated and loved for who and what she is!

Then again, Karen appreciates and loves her staff; she knows they’re as much the backbone of the Peace Tree dynasty as she is.  From the servers to the prep cooks, everyone has an important part to play; take, for example, Chef Allea Garcia.  Allea was a military wife living in Italy for four years; perfect environment for a woman with a love and passion for cooking.  Not being one to simply sit on her duff and wait for something to do, she became assistant to the chef at the officers chow hall.  She learned by watching and doing; learned intently the ins and outs of running a kitchen, using the tools, tasting the flavors, smelling the scents.  Like any true Italian cook, she learned quickly that the best measuring tools were the hands and eyes.  

Having my personal specialty style in Italian cuisine, trying out Allea’s dishes was definitely a true test to her ability; she passed with flying colors!  Her meatballs are made with pure, high quality ground beef, no bread in the mixture for those who are gluten intolerant.  Her flavor intense, freshly made sauce is served over the meatballs and perfectly cooked spaghetti; garnished with herbs and parmesan cheese.  The garlic bread, sprinkled with roasted red pepper flakes for a little heat, is definitely necessary to sop up every drop of that delicious sauce.  As with the spaghetti, the fettuccine is perfectly cooked and draped with the creamiest, decadent Alfredo sauce; also freshly made.  Alas, the pasta is not handmade as it takes so much time to create those handmade, fresh sauces; believe me, I can relate to that as well!

Oh, but Italian is not all that Allea can do; her Mexican dishes are amazing as well.  Her Chile Rellanos are, well, they are so wonderful that I no longer have to make them for my husband, Roy.  He said, “Honey, as good as your Chile Rellanos are, I’m sorry, but I am coming to Peace Tree whenever I want some.”  Does that bother me?  Oh heck no, Allea, thank you so much for getting this chore off my meal to-do list.   I had Allea’s version of Fish Tacos, using Tilapia; the fish was so tender and flaky; the coating so perfectly seasoned, I didn’t even have to add any of the accompanying sauces.  Next time I must try the tacos with shrimp; oh yes, I do expect many a next time; and bringing others with us as well to enjoy the feasting. 

Appetizers like Roasted Red Pepper Hummus or Jalapeno Artichoke Dip are so creamy, rich and full of taste bud thrilling flavor, and served with grilled Naan bread.  Needing a small meal? Try a side or Caesar salad with one of these appetizers; it will do a body good!  We also made sure to leave just enough room for a dessert, Brownie Ala Mode, oh so warm, chewy, gooey and good!   Hey, not everyone’s definition of healthy is the same, don’t judge!

But wait, there’s more, breakfast is an incredible feast to start the day off with.  Start off with two types of freshly roasted coffees before diving into Jo’s Omelet full of veggies, and meat of your own choosing, or stick to vegetarian style.  The Panini Sandwich is a mouthful of eggs, cheese and meat; omelet and sandwich both served with seasoned, roasted red potatoes.  French Toast sprinkled with coconut or cinnamon, or Sweet Cream Pancakes for those seeking a sweeter good morning.  A lovely group of tourists, from England and the Nederlands sat inside “the cave”, and feasted on breakfast while we were there.  One item was the Lox Bagel loaded with cream cheese, smoked salmon, roasted red peppers, red onion, capers and tomatoes…it was just too pretty to eat!  That was a Sunday morning when, suddenly, a snowfall of about ¼ of an inch fell.  While others around us were in distress, we simply said, “Give it 5 minutes, the sun will be out”, and we happily continued to eat.  How could we not laugh though, when the sun came out shining, and the visitors to our area were amazed at the correctness of our prediction.  Welcome to San Juan County, where the weather changes every 5 minutes or thereabouts.  Enjoy the entertaining weather while eating, it surely is a wakeup call.

Here it is, late spring and the warmer weather is slowly creeping in.  With our beautiful Abajo Mountains, eye popping blue sky, what perfect way to enjoy meals at Peace Tree Juice Café than on their patio?  Which means, with the use of the patio seating, don’t be afraid to have your well behaved, friendly pet dining with you.  Oh dear, I almost forgot about lunch; a yum-fest of salads, wraps, Angus beef burgers, hot, or panini, sandwiches like the Southwestern Chicken.  Don’t forget about Peace Tree’s ever popular variety of Smoothies, Juice Drinks and Coffees to go along with that veggie packed wrap, or panini stuffed with turkey, avocado and bacon.  

Which brings me to Allea’s newest additions to her condiment/sauce collection; Bacon Jam (close in texture to a chutney) and a Bacon Glaze containing smoky bacon, strawberries and sriarcha; so good on chicken with the heat and sweet mixture.  She is hoping to bottle and sell this latter one, and it would go great on that other white meat, pork.  Oh my, the lunch menu just happens to have a Cuban Melt listed too; roasted pork, mouth-watering.

The front entry way also has a gift shop area featuring jewelry, paintings, metal décor and sculptures, pottery and more from local artisans.  Don’t hesitate to browse as you more than likely will find that perfect gift for yourself, or someone else.

What else can I say except, “Go to Peace Tree Juice Café and have a food love adventure!” 

Peace Tree Juice Cafe Video by

Desert Stone Studio

Mary Cokenour

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