A couple of months ago I reviewed The Grand America’s wonderful new restaurant, Laurel Brasserie & Bar. It is a killer addition to the downtown SLC dining scene and maybe most surprising: it’s affordable. Well, even more affordable are the Happy Hour specials at Laurel’s bar, which I was barely able to touch on in my previous review since I had so much else to say about the … [Read more...]
A Special Wine Dinner, a Lebanese Restaurant Coming to Midvale and a Lunch Reboot in SLC
Soter Vineyards Wine Dinner @ BTG One of Oregon’s best wine producers is Soter Vineyards in Carlton, Oregon. Soter’s 240-acre Mineral Springs Ranch is a biodynamic farm, from which comes seductive Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines. On Tuesday, May 31st starting at 7:00 p.m. BTG Wine Bar will host a four course dinner paired with wines crafted from Soter Vineyards … [Read more...]
Simple Roasted Chicken
One thing that really separates good cooks from not-so-good, is the ability to roast a chicken properly. You’d be surprised how many professional chefs and cooks can’t. It’s deceptively easy, but cooking the meat - especially the breast - so it’s tender and juicy while also creating a beautiful, crispy skin requires attention to detail and technique. This is one of my … [Read more...]
Skouras Moscofilero
When wine expert and Libation Inc. owner/founder Francis Fecteau recommends a wine to me, I listen. We’ve known each other for decades, and he’s never steered me wrong yet. My wife, Faith, listens also. And I’m glad about that because otherwise, I might never have tasted Skouras Moscofilero 2021, which she brought home recently after a recommendation from Francis. I’m not … [Read more...]
APPLAUSE WORTHY CUISINE: A Delightful Dinner at Oquirrh Restaurant
As someone who is married to a restaurateur, I’ve never quite understood how marriages survive with couples working together in the same restaurant. But then, I guess that could be said of any business. I’m pretty sure working alongside my wife would not end well, because I would drive her crazy. But there are couples who make this situation work, like Angie and Andrew (Drew) … [Read more...]
Curried Rice Pilaf
Curried rice pilaf is a simple side dish, but so much more interesting in texture and flavor than plain pilaf. You could also make this into a main dish by adding cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, veggies, etc. to the rice. Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice 1 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 shallot, minced 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced 1-inch piece … [Read more...]
Eight Settlers Distillery Release Party
Eight Settlers Distillery in Cottonwood Heights is a sprawling, eye-popping distillery and restaurant where spirits such as Eight Settlers Green Ditch Gin, Butler Vodka, Ragtown American Whiskey, and Devil’s Gate Bourbon Whiskey are produced and also where they can be enjoyed. This week, Eight Settlers announced the launch of its first ever Green Ditch Barrel Aged Gin, … [Read more...]
A New Locally Made Product for Meat Lovers and More Foodie News
Nice to Meat You! Bill White Ranches in Park City recently announced the launch of a new product line for meat lovers: jerky! In addition to Bill White Ranches traditional cuts of beef - which are available at Windy Ridge Bakery - new beef jerky flavors include original beef jerky, honey flavored beef jerky, jalapeño beef jerky, jalapeño cheese beef sticks, and original … [Read more...]
FINE DINING NOT DEAD: A Visit to The Charleston
It’s sort of sad - to me, at least - that for every independent restaurant in Draper, Utah, there are probably 25 more chains and franchise eateries. In fact that might be lowballing the actual numbers. And, if you’re looking for fine dining in Draper … well, best of luck. There is however, at least one such option: The Charleston. To my knowledge, The Charleston in … [Read more...]
Thai Charity Marketplace 2022 and More Foodie News
Thai Charity Marketplace 2022 On Sunday, May 15th, 99 Thai Fusion restaurant and the Thai Association of Utah will host the return of their Thai Marketplace for charity, 2022. According to the organizers, “There will be Thai foods, desserts, souvenirs, fruits, and goods from many different vendors. Thai cultural shows and live music will be performed to entertain … [Read more...]