For many years now, I’ve been following the restaurant fortunes of Mai Nguyen and Sean Dang. They are the couple who first opened the now closed Pho Green Papaya in West Valley City - one of the first pho outposts in Utah where now there are many. The husband and wife team would go on to open Sapa Sushi Bar and Asian Grill - a beautiful addition to the SLC dining scene with … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2018
Etude Pinot Noir
If you’re in the market for a great holiday gift for a wine lover, or just looking for an excellent red wine to serve with Christmas dinner, I’d consider Etude Pinot Noir, Grace Benoist Ranch, Carneros Estate Grown. According to Etude winemaker Jon Priest, this Etude Carneros Pinot Noir “hails from our estate vineyards tucked away in the far Northwest corner of the Carneros … [Read more...]
Local Community of “Unloved Arts” to Present Neo-Vaudeville “All Weirdo” Revue Called “Gonzo Rising”
Vaudeville tradition of the weirdo act is making a comeback at Gonzo Rising Salt Lake City - Local performing artists and self-proclaimed “weirdos” are gathering at the historic Beehive Social Club at 666 State Street on Wednesday, January 30th to celebrate the old vaudeville tradition of the Weirdo Act. Produced by Utah’s own Clusterphoque [to rhyme with … [Read more...]
A PROPER MEAL: Stratford Proper Opens in Sugar House
In the beginning, there was Avenues Proper, the “Restaurant & Publick House” that opened in The Avenues in the spring of 2013. And it was good. Avenues Proper begat Proper Brewing Co. and Proper Burger Co., which opened simultaneously in 2016 on Main in SLC. The food was less fancy, but more focused, and it too, was good. This month, the Proper crew … [Read more...]
Sip O’ The Week—Brenda’s Holiday Cheer
It goes without saying that historic Log Haven restaurant in pristine Millcreek Canyon is a perfect spot for holiday celebrations. The rustic atmosphere, Chef Dave Jones’ superb cuisine, and the friendly, professional service staff make Log Haven a no-brainer for Christmas joy. One of those outstanding staffers is talented bartender Brenda Gomez. If there’s a … [Read more...]
Scheff’s Table—Pasta Carbonara
If I had to choose my single favorite comfort food, it would probably be pasta carbonara. It’s a relatively simple dish made with pasta, pork, eggs and a few other ingredients. An important note about carbonara: Correctly made, this dish includes raw or nearly-raw eggs. If you're squeamish about that sort of thing, don't make it or eat it. Also, while lots of … [Read more...]
Homeless in Sugar House: The Problem Does Not Go Away, Only Moves Around
For decades, Salt Lake City’s Rio Grande district carried the reputation of a scary and blighted area, rife with drugs and crime. Once a bustling transit hub during America’s train era, the district slowly disintegrated into a derelict haven for prostitution and criminal activity, as a highly concentrated and dangerous transient population threatened the … [Read more...]
Taking Back Our Economy One Bar of Soap At a Time
Welcome to Riverton! Welcome to Sandy! Welcome to Bountiful! Traveling along the Wasatch Front, we see evidence of the larger problem of the American economy: homogenous central retail shopping districts. It’s like a bad radio station that only cycles through the top 10 hits. “And now for more oldies but goodies: Walmart! Costco! Applebees! McDonalds! And if you missed … [Read more...]
The Value Of Real Streets Shopping & People
Once upon a time we shopped by taking leisurely strolls along public sidewalks. We stopped and looked at shop windows. On display were objects designed to grab attention and lure potential customers inside to start a conversation. The conversation went something like this: “How are you doing today?” “Fine.” “Is there anything in particular I can help you find?” “No, I’m … [Read more...]
CAFE SOCIETY: Silver Star Cafe is a Hidden Gem
Long before Guy Fieri raved about the pork belly with braised white beans and Carolina BBQ sauce on his Food Network show Diners Drive-Ins & Dives, I was singing the praises of Park City’s Silver Star Cafe. It’s a somewhat hidden gem, situated adjacent to Park City Mountain Resort and Park City Golf Course with spectacular mountain views and excellent food and … [Read more...]