Utah Stories

The Secret of Blue Iguana

The effort to seek out this hidden gem will be rewarding.

|


The “hidden” entrance to Blue Iguana. Photos by Jeff David.

The word “hidden” holds real significance here. Blue Iguana is tucked in between two buildings directly west of the Capitol Theatre. As you come through the alley and walk down the stairs, you are immediately transported into a festive atmosphere with an inviting aroma.

Kris Cappaert has been the proprietor here since shortly after Blue Iguana’s inception 19 years ago. A lifelong Utahn with a passion for food, a mind for business, and boundless energy, Kris has established a place that she long dreamed of.

She is but part of the equation here as Manuel Castillo has been her executive chef for nearly all that time. Any restaurant that has had the same owner, same chef, and nearly half the original staff for so long must be doing something right.

Both Kris & Manuel enthusiastically introduced me to Mole—a sauce made from spices, chilies, nuts, and chocolate. Blue Iguana has seven different types; the most popular being Mole Poblano: red chiles & peanuts with a dash of cinnamon and chocolate. Another, the Mole Negro, has 18 ingredients created through an intricate, step-by-step process.

Each mole is unique with a smooth, rich flavor. Moles go great as a sauce for any of the meats, or even as a dip for chips. Mix and match a specific Mole with a dish to find your perfect combination; or better yet, get a recommendation.

Before you do anything, dig into some chips and salsa. Homemade each day, the salsa is a fine-chopped blend of veggies and herbs, has an incredibly “fresh” flavor, is slightly spicy, and just may be addictive.

Blue Iguana’s Puntas De Filete.

The menu is an encyclopedia of Mexican cuisine. I asked them to surprise me with an entree—something unique and spicy. They brought out the Puntas De Filete: grilled sirloin tips and bacon sautéed with onion & serrano chilies, served with an almond mole and topped with avocado. The ingredients combine to make the dish like a beautiful orchestra—each piece enhancing the others. The serrano peppers gave it a “slow burn of satisfaction.”

While dining at Blue Iguana, I got to meet an enthusiastic owner & chef, taste delicious food, and watch loyal customers who were familiar with the experienced staff. It is not simply a restaurant, but an experience. My last question for Chef Manuel was, “What is your secret?” He replied that there are no secrets with his food. “Everything is made from passion and love.”

Locations: 165 S. West Temple in Downtown Salt Lake and 255 Main Street in Park City.

,

Join our newsletter.
Stay informed.

Related Articles


  • The “Monster” of Bear Lake

    Have you ever heard of Utah’s hidden lake monsters? Beyond the tourist buzz of Bear Lake, whispers of a mysterious creature have persisted for generations. Dive into the untold stories, rare sightings, and eerie folklore surrounding Utah’s most elusive aquatic legend. Are the rumors real, or just a product of overactive imaginations?

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.


  • Frisco, Utah: The Untold Story of the West’s Most Notorious Ghost Town

    Once a wild silver mining town, Frisco, Utah, was infamous for its nightly violence and lawless streets. Known as the “toughest mining town in the West,” its fortunes changed after a catastrophic mine collapse. Today, the deserted remains of Frisco, with its decaying kilns and empty streets, tell the story of a town that lived fast and died young. The mysteries of its vanished lawman and the outlaws who once ruled the streets still linger in its desolate landscape.

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.


  • From Felon to Founder: How Rocky Rebuilt His Life After 12 Felony Convictions

    By the age of eight, Rocky was already using drugs, and by his twenties, he had 12 felony convictions and had spent years behind bars. His future seemed sealed. But then, something unexpected happened. Learn how Rocky defied the odds, escaped the cycle of addiction and crime, and turned his shattered life into a story of redemption and success.


  • Utah Book Bans Ignite Cultural Clash: Educator John Arthur on Local Control

    A battle over book bans is sweeping Utah’s schools, pitting state laws against local communities’ rights to shape education. Utah Teacher of the Year John Arthur steps into the fray, challenging restrictions that he believes rob students of vital perspectives and the freedom to explore. Are blanket bans the answer, or are we sacrificing young minds in a cultural clash?