In downtown Salt Lake City lies one of the best-kept secrets in the West, possibly even the nation. The Violin Making School of America (VMSA), opened in 1972 by the late Peter Prier, thrives and attracts students from all over the world. Prier first came to Salt Lake City to work in a small shop and ended up opening his own violin repair business. Aspiring luthiers … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2022
Utah’s Top 12 Family Owned Restaurants
I suppose referring to a certain type of small, independently owned and operated restaurants as “mom and pop joints” is more of a metaphor than reality-based. Sure, there really are eateries run by husband/wife teams, but usually when we say “mom and pop” we’re referring to the scale of the restaurant, not that it’s necessarily couple-owned. At any rate, here are … [Read more...]
Secret Tunnels under Ogden’s 25th Street
A walk down Ogden’s 25th Street is a sight for historic eyes. The preserved architecture is reminiscent of the bustling railroad town that once stood, many of the original building signs are intact, and many modern businesses continue to display art and memorabilia from original decor. Legend has it that even the ground beneath your feet holds mysteries of “Two Bit Street.” … [Read more...]
Riverbed Ranch Utah: A Cult, or Utah’s First and Only Farm Steading Community?
If you’ve ever thought of leaving the rat race for an off-grid life, here’s your chance. There is an unincorporated community tucked away in northern Juab County, where modern families can trade a life of gridlock, utility bills and grocery shopping for a life of self-reliance and cooperation with like-minded folks in an agrarian desert paradise. Riverbed Ranch is an … [Read more...]
GARDEN PARTY Awesome Al Fresco at Nona Bistro
When a friend told me about the recent quiet opening of Nona Bistro on 900 South in Salt Lake City, I was eager to check it out. The reason for my enthusiasm is that Nona Bistro is the creation of Will and Emily McMaster, co-owners of one of the best pizzerias in Utah, Pizza Nono. Emily, of course, is also the owner and designer of her very successful Mabo kids clothing … [Read more...]
Chicken with White Wine Sauce
Whenever I’m eating in France, one of the things I love is how French cooks can transform a simple chicken, cut into parts, into a divine dinner. The chicken is usually sauteed and then served with a light wine sauce. It's a very simple method of keeping the chicken tender and juicy while also imparting rich flavor. Here is a recipe I use at home frequently. Ingredients: … [Read more...]
Drink Like a Sommelier at Laurel in The Grand America Salt Lake
Monday, August 28, 2022 is National Red Wine Day, a time when the flavors of fall are ushered in as grapes ripen and bolder wines replace some of our summer faves. Over at Laurel Brasserie & Bar in The Grand America Hotel, certified sommelier and Laurel Beverage Director Mark Moulton invites you to visit the restaurant and enjoy some of his top red wine picks to “Drink … [Read more...]
Avenues Street Fair Returns, Where to Brunch in Park City and more
Tupelo Park City Brunch Brunch on the patio at Tupelo Park City has returned and can be enjoyed by your brunch bunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kick off brunch with buttermilk biscuits and honey butter or maybe ricotta fritters before moving on to fabulous favorites like roasted Idaho Rainbow trout; chicken & biscuits with black pepper gravy; … [Read more...]
Westwater Canyon: A Utah River Rafting Trip to Put on Your Bucket List
Snapshot memories fill my mind from my one-day trip down Westwater Canyon with Moab-based outfitter Sheri Griffith River Expeditions. One is an image of a family of sleek otters frolicking near the river bank just outside their den. Their little faces would peek above the surface, and then they’d disappear, their curved backs surfacing momentarily as they dove, popping back up … [Read more...]
Homeless Population in Utah Increases Due to Seniors Being Priced out of the Rental Market
A Switchpoint for Better Homeless Care Why Carol Hollowell is determined to reduce the homeless population problem in Utah by offering more trust and compassion in exchange for requiring that tenants work. Carol Hollowell tells Utah Stories, “One day I saw this man in a wheelchair, and I stopped and I decided to ask him, “Why are you homeless? Why don’t you tell me your … [Read more...]