With 2022 in the rearview mirror, I am looking back on the wines that I enjoyed during the year - my top ten favorites from around the world, ranging from French bubbly to Argentine Bonarda. Hands down the best Champagne I enjoyed was Roger Coulon Heri-Hodie 1er Cru Brut Champagne ($43). The Champagne is full-bodied, concentrated and elegant, with fresh floral notes and … [Read more...]
A YEAR OF DELICIOUS DINING 25 Favorite Restaurant Dishes from 2022
Not a week goes by that I don’t think to myself how lucky I am to get paid to eat in restaurants and write about them. It’s a job that doesn’t suck. And as the calendar turns over to a new year, I like to look back on the previous one and consider some of the most memorable restaurant dishes I enjoyed. Here are my Top 25 from 2022, ranging from steak tartare and sushi to … [Read more...]
Spiced Cornish Game Hens
This cornish game hen recipe is elegant enough to serve for a special New Year’s Eve dinner, but also delicious any old time. The vibrant flavor comes primarily from a blend of 10 different herbs and spices. I like to serve these game hens on a bed of couscous or basmati rice. Ingredients: 2 Cornish game hens, giblets and backbone removed and split in half 1 Tbsp … [Read more...]
Log Haven Swan Song 2020
For many years I have been a big fan of uber-talented winemaker Rick Longoria, who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting numerous times. And so, I was a bit bummed to learn earlier this year that Rick and his wife Diana had sold his family’s Lompoc, California winery property, label, and inventory. They sold the winery to Brooke and Lindsey Christian of Bethesda, Maryland who have … [Read more...]
What to Do for New Year’s Eve in Salt Lake and Beyond
NYE Masquerade Ball The folks behind Lefleau Entertainment and A Big Easy Production really know how to throw a great party. And that’s what they’ll be doing this New Year’s Eve as they host their Annual New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at the downtown SLC Marriott. Included with your dinner ticket is a full three-course dinner with cash bar, New Year’s Eve party favors, a … [Read more...]
Delicious Temptations at Utah Resorts
Through the years ― particularly with winter sport destinations like Deer Valley Resort leading the way ― our local resorts have really stepped up their culinary games. Eclectic dining fare is more the norm now for skiers and boarders, rather than the exception. Here are some of our favorite gourmet-worthy slopeside dishes and dining venues. While I love the … [Read more...]
ITALIAN INSPIRATION: A Visit to The Gateway’s New Italian Graffiti
You know the saying “A rolling stone gathers no moss,” right? Well, that can certainly be said of Marc Marrone, partner with Reed Allen Slobusky of Nice Hospitality, who opened HallPass at The Gateway in 2019 and is the founder of SkinnyFATS. Having partnered with Slobusky and Nice Hospitality, Marrone opened Italian Graffiti restaurant at The Gateway a couple weeks ago, in the … [Read more...]
Sippin’ Santa Cocktails Event till the End of 2022 in Downtown Salt Lake
Sippin’ Santa @ HallPass The folks at HallPass in The Gateway invite you (adults, that is) to enjoy their special holiday Sippin’ Santa cocktails, an immersive pop-up, running now through December 31st. It features holiday-themed cocktails created by mixologist Jeff “Beachbum” Berry. The Sippin’ Santa holiday cocktails at HallPass include: Sippin’ Santa: Aged Demerara … [Read more...]
Marcella’s Spaghetti with Clams
One of my favorite cooks and teachers was the late, great Marcella Hazan. I have cooked using recipes from her book Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking probably over a hundred times. Her recipe for spaghetti with clams is one of my all-time favorites and I’m happy to share it here with you. Ingredients: 2 dozen littleneck clams 5 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 … [Read more...]
Festive Holiday Cocktails from Utah’s Local Distilleries
Located in Eden, Utah, New World Distillery is dedicated to “Bringing the spirits of the past alive in your glass.” Their handcrafted products range from Ogden Valley Vodka, Barrel-Rested Gin, and Wasatch Blossom Utah Tart Cherry Liqueur, to Rabbit and Grass Agave Spirits Blanco and Reposado, Oomaw Gin, and Ogden Nine Rails Bourbon Whiskey. Spiced Cranberry Paloma from New … [Read more...]