Four years after a flash flood filled the Sprague Library’s basement with more than five feet of water and caused extensive damage, the branch is better than ever thanks to a $4.5 million renovation. The library, at 2131 South 1100 East, which is considered by many to be the heart of Sugar House, reopened May 3. The design and remodel of Sprague Branch was done by … [Read more...]
Six Award-Worthy Artisan Food Makers
One of the perks of being a food writer — aside from frequently being able to dine in terrific restaurants — is to enjoy the products of some of our amazing local food artisans, from salsa makers and pastry chefs, to chocolates and gourmet tostadas. Here are a few of my favorite local food producers that are award-worthy. The Happy Dumpling Delivery Service is owned and … [Read more...]
Utah’s Disappearing Farms
Utah's farmers markets are booming, the local food movement is stronger than ever, and local farmers-market farmers are making record profits ― so why are we building over the top of the best remaining farmland in Utah? The simple answer is that the land, in the eyes of our political leaders and developers, has far more economic value as homes and apartments than as farms. … [Read more...]
The Freshness Factor: 8 Utah Farm to Table Restaurants You Will Love
Although the term “farm to table” might be a tad overworked these days, there really is a bevy of discerning local chefs and restaurateurs who place a high value on freshness and do their damndest to source produce locally whenever possible. That means that you really can get a fresh, healthy meal with a smallish carbon footprint in many of our best Utah eateries. Here are a … [Read more...]
Utah Moms Compete on Fox’s LEGO® Masters
Jen Smart is an ER and ICU nurse, and a mother of 6. Susan Earls owns Rosebud Antiques in Pleasant Grove and is the mother of 2. Both Women live in American Fork and they are partners in the current season of Fox’s LEGO® Masters. The competition features two person teams who complete building challenges, using 5 million LEGO® bricks, each week for a chance to win the $100,000 … [Read more...]
Shroom Boom: Ogden Mushroom Farm Brings Colorful Fungi to Utah
For a long time, the mushroom selection at most grocery stores was unimpressive: white or brown, button or cremini. Maybe a few portobellos were thrown in for good measure. But in recent years, mushrooms — and their diverse shapes, textures, and flavors — are having their moment in the sun. While there are more than 10,000 known types of mushrooms (and mycologists suspect … [Read more...]
PediCab Legacy in Downtown Salt Lake City
“After 7 years of serving Salt Lake City, Salt City Cycle Cab, LLC turned its last pedal. The effects of COVID-19 destroyed income streams and paralyzed fleet operations. Salt Lake was a fantastic starting point for the Cycle Cab company, and despite the closure of the largest pedicab company in the city, there are still several responsible, dedicated and resilient pedicab … [Read more...]
East African Goat Project of Utah: Refugee Kids Connecting with Their Heritage through Goat Husbandry
“It was really difficult to teach the kids how to handle a goat over Zoom,” says Katherine Wright, Goat Project Coordinator for the East African Goat Project of Utah. Like many youth activities in 2020, the Goat Project had to go remote and Wright can’t wait to get back in person with the refugee youth this spring. Teaching kids the basics of goat husbandry using dogs … [Read more...]
Need for Skilled Workers Remains High Even During Shutdowns
Trade schools balance need to train in-demand skilled works with pandemic restrictions Nicholas Labrum had already made a career change when the Covid-19 pandemic sent him searching for yet another option. Labrum had a degree from Utah State University in Sociology and had worked as a social worker with troubled teens before changing direction and going to to work for the … [Read more...]
Moab Woman Keeps 100-Year-Old Farming Tradition Alive
Her curly, vibrant red hair betrays her sensitive skin, but Mary Engleman just puts on her long-sleeved flannel shirt and wide brimmed hat to protect her from the unrelenting desert sun. To those who work in a climate-controlled office, the thick clothing would seem to only trade a burn from the sun for a slow, insulated roasting. But farm work weeds out the weak, and for … [Read more...]