Nick Watts is proud of the burgers he builds. And, as founder of Chedda Burger - which began as a food truck and now has two brick-and-mortar locations - he deserves to be. The tattoo of a cheeseburger on an inside wrist is a reminder that a good burger can save a life. In a way, burgers saved Nick’s. Watts is open about the past demons he wrestled with. He feels that being … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2018
Saffron Valley In Sugar House
Lavanya Mahate is a remarkable woman. Does she sleep? It doesn’t seem so. The founder of East India Pantry, Biscotts and Saffron Valley is constantly on the go, overseeing her various business ventures, which now includes a new Saffron Valley restaurant in Sugar House. The newest sibling to Mahate’s South Jordan and Avenues Saffron Valley locations, the new eatery on 21st South … [Read more...]
Wandervans—The Sweet Spot Between the Tent and the RV
A desire to wander and witness first-hand the splendors of the natural world has long been relegated to his retirement years. Before traveling extensively, we must wait for a long distant future, after kids have moved out and a steady stream of retirement income can maintain expenses. It was the responsible thing to do. This is no longer the case. The word ‘wanderlust’ … [Read more...]
Flora/Fauna Wines—Small, Independently Owned, Local Wine Brokerage
Brett Ludemann, CSW, (Certified Specialist of Wine) is not new to the liquor business in Utah. He worked for a large wine brokerage in town for ten years before starting Flora/Fauna in January 2017, after being approached by a producer out of California that wanted to sell wine in Utah. Opportunity knocked and Ludemann answered with Flora/Fauna Wines. “The name Flora/Fauna … [Read more...]
Wine o’ the Week: Anko Torrontés 2015
When you think of Argentine wine, you probably think of Malbec, right? Well, not so fast. Yes, Argentina is properly well-known for its Malbec wine, but one of the most underrated and under-the-radar wines from that country is Torrontés. It’s an aromatic white wine that, although it smells sweet and floral, is usually made in a dry style, especially in the higher-elevation … [Read more...]
Utah Sips: Events for Beer (and Bird) Lovers and Wine Aficionados
If you’re a beer and bird lover - and who isn’t? - I’ve got the perfect event for you. On Thursday, March 1st, from 6 to 10 PM, Tracy Aviary will be the scene of Birds and Brews: Migration Edition, co-hosted by Fisher Brewing Company, Clark Planetarium and Dark Sky SLC. The evening will feature live music, beverages by Fisher Brewing, and handmade art from printmaker Anna … [Read more...]
The Dish: Pretty Bird Eatery, Harmons Holladay Market , and screening of Soul Food Junkies
Viet Pham’s much-anticipated and long-awaited Pretty Bird eatery is finally real. It opened just this week at 146 Regent Street in the Eccles Theater building. This seems like quite a departure for Pham, who is best-known for his refined cooking at his previous restaurant, Forage, and for appearances on Iron Chef America (where he slayed Bobby Flay) and Extreme Chef. I say it … [Read more...]
Lost and Discarded Love and Courtship Traditions In Utah and Abroad.
The J. Geils Band said it best... “Love Stinks”, but it doesn't have to be that way. Several years ago I wrote a lecture/performance piece with the sole purpose of impressing and eventually wooing a girl. The title of the performance was “Love, Luv, Wuv: One Man’s Bitter Interpretation of The Folklore and Mythology of Love.” It was a hit, not only with the girl I had a crush … [Read more...]
Easy Asian Carrot Salad
This is a super simple recipe that features the bright taste of fresh carrots tossed in a Asian-style peanut-soy-chili sauce. There’s no cooking required so it can be made in a matter of minutes for a quick side dish. Serves 4-6 as a side or appetizer Ingredients: 4-5 large carrots, peeled 3 Tbs peanut butter (I prefer chunky but smooth works well too) 2 Tbs … [Read more...]
Down on The Bayou: Dinner and a Show at The Bayou and State Room
It’s hard for me to believe that Mark Alston and Del Vance opened The Bayou way back in late 2002. Since that time, it’s become the place for beer aficionados to congregate in SLC - not surprising given that there are some 300+ beers on tap and in bottles and cans on any given day at what has become lovingly known as “Beervana.” The Bayou has won countless awards for their beer … [Read more...]