For many years now, I’ve been following the restaurant fortunes of Mai Nguyen and Sean Dang. They are the couple who first opened the now closed Pho Green Papaya in West Valley City - one of the first pho outposts in Utah where now there are many. The husband and wife team would go on to open Sapa Sushi Bar and Asian Grill - a beautiful addition to the SLC dining scene with … [Read more...]
Etude Pinot Noir
If you’re in the market for a great holiday gift for a wine lover, or just looking for an excellent red wine to serve with Christmas dinner, I’d consider Etude Pinot Noir, Grace Benoist Ranch, Carneros Estate Grown. According to Etude winemaker Jon Priest, this Etude Carneros Pinot Noir “hails from our estate vineyards tucked away in the far Northwest corner of the Carneros … [Read more...]
A PROPER MEAL: Stratford Proper Opens in Sugar House
In the beginning, there was Avenues Proper, the “Restaurant & Publick House” that opened in The Avenues in the spring of 2013. And it was good. Avenues Proper begat Proper Brewing Co. and Proper Burger Co., which opened simultaneously in 2016 on Main in SLC. The food was less fancy, but more focused, and it too, was good. This month, the Proper crew … [Read more...]
Sip O’ The Week—Brenda’s Holiday Cheer
It goes without saying that historic Log Haven restaurant in pristine Millcreek Canyon is a perfect spot for holiday celebrations. The rustic atmosphere, Chef Dave Jones’ superb cuisine, and the friendly, professional service staff make Log Haven a no-brainer for Christmas joy. One of those outstanding staffers is talented bartender Brenda Gomez. If there’s a … [Read more...]
Scheff’s Table—Pasta Carbonara
If I had to choose my single favorite comfort food, it would probably be pasta carbonara. It’s a relatively simple dish made with pasta, pork, eggs and a few other ingredients. An important note about carbonara: Correctly made, this dish includes raw or nearly-raw eggs. If you're squeamish about that sort of thing, don't make it or eat it. Also, while lots of … [Read more...]
CAFE SOCIETY: Silver Star Cafe is a Hidden Gem
Long before Guy Fieri raved about the pork belly with braised white beans and Carolina BBQ sauce on his Food Network show Diners Drive-Ins & Dives, I was singing the praises of Park City’s Silver Star Cafe. It’s a somewhat hidden gem, situated adjacent to Park City Mountain Resort and Park City Golf Course with spectacular mountain views and excellent food and … [Read more...]
Harissa Mussels with Chorizo
Ever since I first visited Brussels, I’ve loved steamed mussels and make them at home frequently. They are very easy and quick to prepare. I have about a dozen different steamed mussels recipes that I use and this is one of my favorites. It’s got a Moroccan flair with the use of spicy harissa paste and chorizo. Many markets carry harissa, but if you can’t find it you could … [Read more...]
Frescobaldi Alie Ammiraglia 2017
With holiday celebrations in mind, one of the more interesting and festive libations to come across my desk recently is Frescobaldi Alie Ammiraglia 2017 ($25). It’s a beautiful wine that can run the gamut from aperitif to accompanying holiday turkeys or hams. This rosè-colored Tuscan IGT wine is named for Alie, the fabled Italian sea nymph - a symbol of beauty and … [Read more...]
OFF THE EATEN PATH: Authentic Thai Cuisine in Sunset
The Davis County enclave of Sunset, Utah isn’t well known for its adventurous dining options. But I recently happened upon a terrific little hole-in-the-wall Thai cafe called Ros Ni Yuhm Thai Restaurant. For the past few months, Ros Ni Yuhm has occupied the space that was previously home to a good Vietnamese eatery called Saigon Cafe Vietnamese Noodle House. I always like … [Read more...]
Recipe for Tender Roasted Pork Loin
This is a very easy, but delicious, recipe for roasted boneless pork loin (not tenderloin) that makes for a terrific fall/winter main dish. The recipe is based on one published on a food website called Kitchn. Ingredients: 1 (3- to 4-pound) boneless pork loin roast 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black … [Read more...]