So Long, Valter

I and many other foodies and restaurateurs were saddened to hear of Valter Nassi’s passing last week. I met Valter in the mid-90s and we quickly hit it off, both of us being recent transplants from New York City, albeit by way of Italy in Valter’s case. 

Valter, a former NYC restaurateur, would open Il Sansovino here in SLC and eventually operate Cucina Toscana and Valter’s Osteria. In 2017 I wrote the following about Valter, upon the opening of his Osteria, drawing a comparison between him and Sirio Maccioni of NYC’s renowned Le Cirque. 

“Every circus needs an impresario—a ringmaster—and Nassi is nothing if not that. As with Sirio Maccioni at Le Cirque, the Italy-born Nassi bounces from table to table at his restaurant, always looking the bon vivant in a well-tailored suit—greeting and wooing customers, kissing women’s hands and hugging the men. Like Maccioni, he can make brand-new diners feel like family, which is one reason his restaurant is busy even on a weeknight. Although not everyone loves Nassi’s shtick, those who do are very loyal, and many followed him from Cucina Toscana to his namesake eatery. People who suffer from haphephobia—the fear of being touched—would be well-advised to dine elsewhere.”

Valter was also a raconteur. I know at least a dozen people who’ve shared stories with me about Valter seemingly generously shaving fresh truffles onto their pastas or sending wines to their table, only to find those “extras” appearing on the bill at the end of the evening. He was a one-of-a-kind character and he will be missed. 

Family Nights at Ghidotti’s

Meals are best when shared, that’s why Park City restaurateur Bill White has launched Family & Friends Nights at his Ghidotti’s restaurant in Park City. 

Every other Wednesday, guests at Ghidotti’s will be treated to family-style servings from their specially curated menu, where everyone at the table can get to taste the restaurant’s classic Italian dishes. If you’re not a big fan of food sharing, that’s OK. There are also select special individual plates to enjoy. For dessert, guests can choose between family-style portions of Mama G’s cannolis or tiramisu. In addition, drink specials include Mama G’s Sangria by the carafe or half-carafe and selected house wines for $25 per bottle. 

Upcoming Family & Friends Nights at Ghidotti’s include October 5, October 19, November 2, and November 16. 

Utah Firefighter Chili Cookoff

Are you a chili lover like me? Or maybe you just want to help a good cause? Or both? Then you’ll want to grab tickets for the annual Utah Firefighter Chili Cookoff, which will be held at America First Field Pavilion on Saturday, October 8th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Chili Cookoff is held to raise money for the University of Utah Burn Center Camp Programs and will include sampling of dozens of firefighter team’s best chilis as well as tasty beverages from Moab Brewery and others. So far, there are 18 teams signed up to cook chili. 

There are two ways to purchase tickets: Online by clicking here, or in person at the event (cash and credit cards only). Tickets are $1 each and each chili serving = 2 tickets. Tickets will be sold in $10 increments. Enjoy the Chili Cookoff! 

FOR MORE RESTAURANT REVIEWS GO HERE.

THIS CONTENT IS FROM UTAH BITES NEWSLETTER.

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Originally trained as an anthropologist, Ted Scheffler is a seasoned food, wine & travel writer based in Utah. He loves cooking, skiing, and spends an inordinate amount of time tending to his ever-growing herd of guitars and amplifiers.

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