Deseret News | Mormon Lite: Mormon-themed restaurant chain

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Mormon Lite: Mormon-themed restaurant chain

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DAWGG | 6:24 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

HUMOR???????????????????????????????

MoJules | 6:44 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

Isn't President Hinkley a Utah Mormon? I feel bad for the "UM's, because they are treated with resentment from the Utah Mormon Haters and then you get to the out of Utah members and they are just as bad, my 2nd week at church in Missouri, I heard two rude comments about the "UM's", it doesn't matter how the UM's are, it matters about all those who put them down, be it the people from Utah or the members that live outside of Utah. If a restaurant like this did exist, I would make an effort to go to it at least once in my life. To you non-Mormon's in Utah, I do understand more what it feels like, cause never do I see anything about the Mormon's on the news, except Mitt Romney, but it is mostly all about the Catholics and even the broadcasters will refer to their religion. I would bet that other religions are talked about on your local news in Utah. I have learned the hard way that sometimes people will lay in waiting to find a way to hate or be angry at the Mormon's, and some of those still have membership in the LDS church, I am related to a few. As for this being a copy cat situation, did the person that wrote this originally have it copyrighted? I started reading at this site, due to the coal miners, I had concern for them all, no matter what religion, but I have enjoyed being back in touch with Utah and also the LDS church through Deseret News, how many of us outside of Utah are reading articles here because we are Mormon's? I also choose not to read everything here, those against the church don't need to read the LDS stories.

YouMightBeInTheWrongChurch FILE | 6:49 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

Didn't know if the anti-Nephi-Le-- er, I mean, the anti-Utah-Mormon Mormons were aware that the current prophet of their church, Gordon B., is a Utah Mormon.

It may also shock them to learn that six out of the last 15 prophets are/were Utah Mormons.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 6:52 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

Uuuugh!

ImHereIncognito | 6:57 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

I would like to know why my comments were not posted. There was nothing abusive, offensive (surely not as offensive as the article and other posts) off-topic and no misrepresentation. The name is even my real AIM. Please alliterate.

Heather | 7:00 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

As a non-Utah mormon and a convert, I saw nothing wrong with this joke. I thought it was a cute, light hearted attempt at LDS humor. The people all upset about this joke are obviously taking themselves way too seriously!

As steak houses go, this is the Ruth's Chris of Mormon humor!

themommy | 7:43 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

Oh my Gosh, I have never laughed so much in my entire life (not at the article, but at all of the write ins.) I don't care if you are Mormon or Non-Mormon-maybe some of you should look into some "cranky therapy"!

LDS in Texas | 7:43 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

Gentle Reminder: Humor is humor. If you don't get the joke, why advertise your ignorance? If you don't like the joke, turn the page and keep your bias to yourself. I, for one, was grateful to find some G-rated humor. Here in Texas nearly every restaurant has an influence, ethnic or religious. Greek salads and Jewish deli's. Real Texas barbeque. Texans love to eat - and to laugh. Y'all come by.

Hello from Tonga | 8:22 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

We are here on the beautiful Pacific Island of Tonga and loved this joke. We are hungry for any news of the Church here and are very thankful to get the Deseret News Information. By the way, we wish we could find the ingredients here to make all those wonderful Mormon dishes. Bring that Steak Center here. We would line up all the way down the street.

gljackie | 8:26 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

I agree with themommy...Have some of you considered an anti-depressant or upping your dosage? Talk about much ado about nothing!

Anonymous | 8:36 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

Will Heinz Mill steak sauce be available for meat? Would also suggest free Lillburn W. Baggs for use as "doggie bags" for take home.

james alexander | 8:48 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

Give me a break. These puns are as old as the hills. One giant moan, I would have been embarassed even writing them, they are so lame. Other than that I have no strong feelings about it.

member, | 9:08 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

i love the church and our people, and i dont like this dumb joke,

MAx | 10:36 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

Will they server Polygamy Porter Beer from Wasatch Brewery

Jay | 10:45 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

I thought this was quite comical and yes I am mormon. For the ones who were complaining about this I have one thing to say, GROW UP AND LIGHTEN UP.

Anonymous | 10:55 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

And let's not forget the fry sauce!

sarah lee | 11:41 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

I thought it was funny. I'm LDS living in CA. I don't have a problem with Utah Mormons, it's the Utah idiots who are careless about supervising their kids that drive me nuts. We were visiting Provo last week and sure enough there were lots of very young kids outside without an adult anywhere in sight. Don't tell me they were watching from the living room window. That won't do if a toddler darts into the street. I actually know several families who let their grade school kids DRIVE. Are all these parents LDS? Some are, maybe all of them, but their church membership is not what makes them idiots, it's their parenting and I know lots of great LDS parents who live in CA. Utah Mormons need to know it's the UTAH culture that is offensive to others, not necessarily the LDS culture.

Anonymous | 12:14 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

The internet allows people to be rude, while not having to take ownership for their comments. People often say things in here that they would never say to another person's face. I find it unfortunate. Mosiah counseled his sons "if ye do not watch your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds...even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not." (Mosiah 4:30) Just something to consider.

Nick D | 12:29 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

Well, Sarah Lee, I guess you're perfect then, aren't you. Man, I wish I lived in SoCal so that I could be as Christlike as you are in raising your children. When are you scheduled to be translated?

inside (and outside) jokes | 12:31 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

Every region I've ever lived in has its inside jokes, every culture, and every religion with which I'm familiar. 20 years ago when I lived in PA and my sons went to BYU, they brought home a raft of jokes. The one I enjoyed most was "Why did the Mormon woman cross the road?" (You older folks remember the chicken jokes.) Answer: "Wrong question. The question is 'What is she doing out of the kitchen?'" I laughed until I cried--and as the mother of a big bunch of kids, I spent a lot of time in that kitchen. Didn't insult me, didn't make me mad, didn't take it as anything but a light-hearted poke at Mormon woman stereotypes.
Another joke going the rounds in PA at the time (I told you everyone has them) was the question "Did you know that the Amish don't pay to get on the turnpike?" Answer, "Of course they don't. They pay to get off, just like everyone else.!"
I could tell you a contractor joke that everyone from New Jersey would immediately identify with, too. As for old jokes, after 30 years, that one still gets laughs from a. contractors and b. people from Jersey. If other folks are a bit blank about it, well, humor's like that. Different jokes for different folks. (To misquote someone.)

Arizona Desert | 12:43 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

The thing I find annoying is the self righteous southern Californian Mormons who complain about the Utah Mormons. One just needs to visit Utah to see the effects of the "Cali-fornication" on Utah. The Beehive State seems to be the preferred destination for many Californians sick of the rat race. Unfortunately Californians have brought many of their social ills to Utah.

Jeff | 2:13 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

What? No green Jell-O?

sharonearly | 3:02 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

hello again from northern spain, today its cold so i won't say sunny spain!!! i just want to say that i agree with "hello from tonga". i'm sure the members here would love to have this type of option, although members will always be members no matter where they live we also have problems with clearing up! we don't have a cultural hall in our building and i guess the humour would be lost in translation as far as the menu goes but i think most members would appreciate the contact with mormon culture, sometimes we feel a little isolated... 10 days after pre. Faust's death most members of the branch weren't aware of it.most members here are people struggling to live their lives according to the gospel in a society which doesn't eaxctly help, something which i think is truefor most members no matter where they live! if this whole thing turns out just to be a joke i'll be sorry but at least i laughed!!!!

Steve R | 7:39 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I've lived in CA, moved to Utah and now live in Missouri. I would've found this story funny no matter where I live. It's bad enough we have to be criticized by people outside our faith, now we have people inside doing it. I love the joke, I've been laughing the whole time since I read it. Let's keep laughing.

A in LA | 9:03 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I can't believe this blog has gotten so much nastier since I read it yesterday. Why do these always deteriorate into "I'm better than you" type blogs. This is just so silly.
If you found the article funny - laugh (I Did)
If you found the article not funny - move on to the next one (it's just that easy!)
If you think you're better, richer, more beautiful, smarter,than anyone else - WHO CARES
AREN'T WE ALL SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE SAME SIDE?

Alex | 9:39 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I am not Mormon, but I found this short piece funny. Why must people complain so much these days? I'm tired of listening to negatively minded people, there are more important things to be worried about than an short article infused with non damaging humor. Geeze you big babies, try smiling once in a while.

total1096 | 10:19 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

"..and there were no contentions and disputations among them..." not! and over such meaningless "issues"

Christina D | 10:36 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I think it's pretty funny myself. I've lived in Utah, Oregon and Cali for about equal amounts of time, and every ward I've lived in has had a dinner in the cultural hall with Jello and 12 year old boys serving the food and would realize the value of this joke. So grow up, you weird church members from out of Utah state, at least the Utahns are willing to laugh at themselves. And if you read the original column, you might understand more what's going on... he's making fun of another restaurant that has Ghandi themed food... "Guru's". And no one protested -that- part of the column. So, get over yourselves and learn to not be so hoity-toity.

mtatum4496 | 10:38 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I am not LDS, although I guess you could call me a "cousin" since I am a member of the Community of Christ (RLDS Church). Frankly, I am astounded by the negative comments posted. I found the joke to be very funny - and also very applicable to my own faith tradition, especially since pot luck dinners are such a big thing for us too (in fact, in the southern portion of my state, they still refer to the Community of Christ as "Platter Day Saints" since there seems to be a pot luck going on all the time at one congregation or another).

I see no implied or expressed disrespect in the article, but I do see a lot of self-effacing humor there. If we cannot all find some levity in the little social traditions that materialize over time in any faith or denomination, then what does that say about each of us?

G-star | 10:49 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I miss your old addition of "White and Delightsome chocolate mousse," although knowing this publication, it's no wonder that was omitted.

Seabass | 11:15 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I love it!

Craig | 11:17 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I'm assuming all these dishes will be served on golden plates???

St George LDS | 11:29 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

This was great!! Very clever, but needed a reference to green jello, funeral potatoes, and maybe a breakfast menu that includes "Elders quorum pancakes and sausages." This is a classic.

For those offended, if you don't loosen up, you'll explode!!

Kimberly Sorensen | 11:42 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

This was a simple, light-hearted article that made me smile and cherish some of our LDS customs. What must the Lord think as he sees such controversy over such a silly thing? Signs of the times, I guess...
From Westland, MI

former nonmember | 11:47 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

Here is what I put as a comment on my Facebook account...remember I put it as a joke, because I feel some people really don't get it.

Remember Heavenly Father loves everyone...some more than others.

I thought this was funny. Maybe you don't. Because really it is sad that some people, even though they would never admit it, behave this way. Hello! He loves everyone!! He loves people who are funny and those who aren't. He even loves those that put rude comments on blogs!
So even if you live in SoCal or are originally from SoCal (my hubby) Or if you are from Ohio (me) or you were born in Utah (1 one our kids!) or if you live in Spain or you are Methodist or you live on the street...Heavenly Father LOVES YOU!!!

But he is shaking his head at all his children bickering and name calling and stomping their feet. He wants you to stop it! He wants you to grow up! So try to be nice. Stop finding fault. Love everyone!
And if your neighbors don't know about our weird dinner experiences maybe you haven't been inviting them? Now that isn't very loving, is it. There you are, excluding your friends and neighbors from a great meal and fun times. Shame on you! LOL!

If you don't find this funny maybe its because I am not funny or maybe it has something to do with you. That is your call. But I really don't care because I know God loves me!

Jann | 1:28 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

id rather go the the Big H.

ryan | 1:39 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

wow. lots of comments. but the joke is still not funny...

vincent land | 2:25 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

actually, ryan....you're the one not funny...

Happy Utah Mormon | 3:05 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I have a couple of questions for you Utah Mormon Haters who claim to be of the faith:

1) Isn't President Hinckley and President Monson from Utah therefore they are Utah Mormons?
2) Why do you fight against your own team?
3) Why do you read our "Utah" newspapers if you hate us-read your LA Times?
4) Why do so many out of staters attend our schools, not only the Y, but UofU, USU etc...
5) Do you think that the Church would be as prosperous and large without the Utah Mormons?
6) Without the Utah Mormons would the missionary efforts be as strong. In my mission within the last 10yrs 70% of the missionaries were from Utah.
7) What do you have to say about my friend who donated $1million to the perpetual education fund that is from Utah?

We should be a happy unified people! It is difficult enough taking the persecution from the anti-mormons let alone our own team!!!!!!!!! Lets follow the Commandment to Love One Another!

I am greatful to be able to fellowship with Saints all over the US when traveling. I love our Church and wish we could just get along. SoCal...I want you to know that we are all for you just as we are all for every city in Utah, please don't judge us all by meeting one bad Utah apple.

Just a thought for SoCal | 3:18 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

Maybe SoCal should branch away from the Church and create the (SLDS) SoCal Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? It looks like many of them don't want to be apart of our culture or way of thinking. We will take NoCal and the other 48 States!

PS I don't and never have worn socks with my tevas! I love my Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, and NoCal friends.

Satan | 3:26 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

FYI....I (Satan) am winning...I have the LDS faithful or unfaithful bickering at each other!!!!! Contention is of me...love your friend "S"

Another Eric | 3:43 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

With all this talk of Utah Mormons and Southern California Mormons, it might be worth pointing out that the guy who wrote this grew up in Southern California (Lake Elsinore), and it was first published in Provo's Daily Herald. So what kind of person do we have here? A Utah or Southern California Mormon? Could he possibly have been both (past tense because he's now in Portland), or neither? Is it really that important? I suggest we lighten up and be a little less provincial.

Reason, voice of | 3:52 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

Being born in Utah but growing up in So. Cal I think that with a few steps back one can easily see that though there are elements of stuff to do with LDS docitrine (figures and what not) that this has little to do with a faith but more of the socital habits and spin offs thereof. And the only thing to really do with awkward social behaviors is to make fun of them. I'll have the funeral potatoes please!

Utah convert | 3:59 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I grew up in Utah and at about 14 my brother joined the LDS church. I considered going to his baptism but thought the Sizzler was too far to ride my bike. I was curious as to what type of ceremony would take place at a Steak House anyway. That seemed kind of bizarre. I wish I had known the difference because I probably would have ridden down to the Stake Center if someone told me where it was.

former nonmember | 4:12 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I say pass the funeral potatoes! By the way I had no idea what they were until I moved to Utah! And they are wonderful! What I want to know is did I make a bad social move when I served funeral potatoes at my son's wedding dinner? I just don't know the rules! Is there ever a wrong time to serve them? I will tell you, everyone loved them and what small leftovers we had were fought over. My son in fact called from his honeymoon to see if there was any left!
I say we get past the fighting and all sit down to a meal of funeral potatoes and ham. Don't forget the green Jello!

No-UM POV | 5:55 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

As a practicing, non church attending, fourth generation, attended Ricks and BYU, Mississippi Mormon, I found the piece to be quite entertaining. Of course, I'm also entertained when my Baptist wife tells that the reason Baptists don't dance is because someone looking in might think they were having sex. Of course, my 88 year old mother quipped-"You mean you can have sex standing up?" BTW my friends who are Baptists, Methodists, etc. can also relate to parts of the restaurant piece. I don't know what funeral potatoes are exactly, but I'll bet I've had their equivalent at a Baptist social.

Mormon in CA | 6:32 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I've missed Eric Snider's stuff! This was great. I haven't laughed this much since his Snide Remarks column in the Daily Universe at BYU about "criminals" so many years ago. Sadly, I can't remember what it was called, but it was just so funny. And, for the record, as a Mormon living in California, the jokes in this article aren't exclusive to Utah. Has no one ever been to any wards in any other states? Point is, this article is funny and not intended to be sound doctrine.

NoCal Saint | 9:12 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I've never heard this before and loved it, especially the Parsley P.P. Funeral Potatoes, since I'm a descendent of that tribe. If you don't have a good sense of humor and can't laugh at yourself, what's left? I think Pres. Hinckley et al would laugh their heads off; ditto those for whom the menu items are named.

medicine man on the road | 9:15 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

I have been to many parts of the world. We are all family when the Church is close by, or even if one is by himself in the right frame of mind. Being a native Texan, grown up in California on the beaches of Santa Monica. joined the Navy (30 years-retired) to see the world to see San Diego and San Francisco(first 2 years, that's okay because of the Viet-Nam conflict), my parents moved to St Louis MO, I fell in love with a Missouri girl and we have 6 beautiful children and 12 grandchildren(so far). One needs a good sense of humor to survive everyday challenges. These jokes are just the tip of the iceberg. We must keep an open mind and a good sense of humor without insulting others. The Gospel is true.

MollyMormon | 10:12 p.m. Sept. 7, 2007

Is this for real?

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