Although each of Utah’s cities would like to dispute this fact, we know that the best food in Utah is made in Provo. The best food in Provo is made on Cougar Boulevard, and the best food on Cougar Boulevard, some say, is made at Rancherito’s.

The beloved Mexican restaurant received a surprise visit from finance major and formidable Yelp critic, Antjuan Igo. It was 1:30 am on a Thursday night when Igo found himself famished after a long night of scrolling TikTok in his apartment with no groceries. He was astonished to find that the carne asada fries he ordered from Rancherito’s were exactly what his body–and his soul was craving. In his own words, he stated:

“I took one bite of my carne asada fries and saw my whole life flash before my eyes. It was an experience like I’ve never had before. The flavor, the grease, the 4 hours I spent on the toilet after… I felt like I was being reborn.”

After leaving a raving Yelp review, Antjuan’s story acquired attention from the Michelin Guide, which was so impressed by the establishment itself that Rancherito’s was officially awarded a Michelin Star. One representative from Michelin said:

“Eating at the Provo Rancherito’s is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. It is simple, yet innovative. It’s like everything you’ve ever wanted to put in your mouth but were too embarrassed to admit to yourself. We’ve never seen anything like it.”

The Alternate Universe reached out to the owner of Rancherito’s and asked what makes their food so soul (and gut) stirring. The owner, Chef Gusto, said the following:

“Great cooking is not for the faint of heart. You must be imaginative, strong-hearted– you must try things that may not work. And you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul. What I say is true, anyone can cook… but only the fearless can be great.”

So, the next time you find yourself roaming Cougar Boulevard, take a moment to stop into the Rancherito’s–you may be surprised at the culinary journey you’ll take on.

**UPDATE: Rancherito’s customers have been advised to visit with caution, as the establishment has recently been accused of having a rodent problem.