Craig England Jr. is the horticulturist for the floral gardens and the arboretum at Red Butte Garden. Many varieties of roses grace the gardens, and England is in charge of a crew that maintains three gardens, preparing them for events, including weddings and concerts, as well as for everyday visitors. England and his crew’s meticulous care is the reason the gardens are so … [Read more...]
Archives for April 2020
The Last of The Hobos and Utah Phantom Train
I grew up on a “haunted” racehorse farm close to the border of Vineyard and Orem. Trains would run north and south along the tracks exactly west of the farm. These trains ran past a bar that was literally “on the other side of the tracks,” and just a stone’s throw away from my farm. I believe the bar was called Danna and Shirley's Hitching Post. Many of my nights were spent … [Read more...]
iZonus: “Eyes on Us”
“Have you ever seen lights on top of a cone for traffic control,” asked Jed Davis, Highway Patrol Officer and iZonus co-founder. “They haven’t done that yet,” says Roger Koyle, iZonus co-founder, CEO, and entrepreneur, “Seriously I can’t believe they haven't done that yet?” They set out to design lights for first responders that would increase advanced awareness to … [Read more...]
New Faces in Salt Lake Places
When my husband found out that he got a job in Salt Lake City for a mining company, and we’d be leaving behind our beloved Lake Tahoe, I had mixed feelings. I began reading through Reddit threads about what life is really like along the Wasatch Front. I Googled, “does Utah water down its wine, too?” I was woefully behind in my understanding of what were, in my opinion, the … [Read more...]
Starry Starry Night: Dark Sky Parks and Research Flourish in Utah
One of the great delights of a camping trip, or better yet, living in one of Utah’s remote places away from the lights of the larger cities, is looking up on a clear night to see the sky filled with stars. Staring into the dark sky, punctured with points of light and maybe the glowing brushstroke of the Milky Way, can be inspiring, humbling and exhilarating. It is … [Read more...]
Tales of Takeout, Takeout Tryout #1: Gourmandise
With restaurants currently closed for in-house dining, the job of restaurant criticism and reviewing is challenging, to say the least. But, many restaurants are open for takeout meals with curbside pickup and/or delivery. So, when you’re given lemons you make lemonade, right? For now - until restaurants fully open again - I will turn my attention here in Utah Bites to … [Read more...]
Corn & Black Bean Salsa Recipe
One of my wife’s very favorite things to eat is Corn & Black Bean Salsa, which she usually buys at Harmons. However, it is very easy and inexpensive to make at home, and also tastes much fresher. Give it a try! Ingredients: Fresh corn kernels from 2-3 ears of corn 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp ground cumin 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 … [Read more...]
Level Crossing Peach Blonde
Level Crossing Brewing has rejiggered their taproom for the safety of customers and staff and they are taking to-go orders for their outstanding wood-fired pizzas for pickup from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. They include Margherita, Italian Hero Pizza, Veggin’ Out, Hawaiian, Sweet Home Chicago, Holy Trinity and others. While you’re there, pick up a crowler ($5 each) of one of their … [Read more...]
Utah Distillery Owners Chime in On How They Are Handling COVID-19 Closures
Owners of Sugar House Distillery and New World Distillery talk about measures they have taken to pivot and adapt to COVID-19 closures. Dina Blaes Regional Director for Salt Lake County offers recommendations. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: WATCH THE VIDEO: Utah’s distilleries have been media darlings in recent years. Thanks to Utah liquor law changes over the past few years … [Read more...]
The Other Side Academy: A Home for Recovering Addicts and Criminals in Salt Lake City
“We’re a family here. We’re all about connection. If addiction is disconnection, recovery is reconnection.” —Dave Derocher. I recently had the chance to meet with Dave Derocher, executive director of The Other Side Academy, a home for recovering addicts and criminals in Salt Lake City. I greeted him in their home-base building, a historic mansion located in east downtown. … [Read more...]