I keep hearing from culinary pundits and colleagues about the demise - even “death” - of fine dining. Really? Have you tried to get a reservation at fine dining destinations like Log Haven, Grappa, The Glitretind, Caffe Molise, Fleming’s, Tiburon, Tuscany, Franck’s, Veneto, and the like lately? Many such restaurants are booked for weeks in advance. Log Haven is already sold out … [Read more...]
UTAH’S NEW FUN ZONE: Food, Games, & Much More At Flanker
The newest tenant at The Gateway is already making a huge impression on SLC visitors and locals alike; overnight it’s become one of the most bustling and vibrant spots in town. It’s called Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club and if you’re looking for food, fun and games, this is the place. Flanker opened last month in the huge space previously occupied by Punch Bowl Social, … [Read more...]
FEELING BLUE: A Visit to Blue Fin Sushi
Layton, Utah isn’t exactly renowned for its dining scene. For every 20 chain eateries, there’s one good independently owned restaurant worthy of your dining dollars, such as Weller’s Bistro, Roosters, Sill’s Cafe, Osaka, Taste of India, Kim Long, Blanquita’s, Royal Jade, Big Sai’s, and a handful of others. Well, now you can add to that short list a relative newcomer to the … [Read more...]
THE BEST BITES OF 2021: 25 Delicious Dishes From the Past Year
After spending much of 2020 writing “Tales of Takeout” articles in the midst of a pandemic, in 2021 I returned to reviewing restaurants in person. I am grateful to all of the hard-working and resilient restaurant workers and owners who continue to weather the storm and feed me the fodder which allows me to produce this weekly food and drink newsletter. I am especially grateful … [Read more...]
BOWLS OF FLAVOR: Deer Valley’s New Fresh Tracks Kitchen
Last week, I finally got my first ski day of the season. And I did it at my favorite local ski resort: Deer Valley. One reason I love Deer Valley Resort so much - endless powder notwithstanding - is the amenities. Deer Valley Resort has the best dining options around, including a new eatery I visited called Fresh Tracks Kitchen. Fresh Tracks Kitchen is located in the … [Read more...]
HO HO HOLIDAY DINING: Xmas and New Year’s Restaurant Dinners
On both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Aerie restaurant at Snowbird’s Cliff Lodge will offer a special holiday menu from 5 to 9 p.m., priced at $79 per person, tax and gratuity not included. Executive Chef Ken Ohlinger’s holiday dinner starts with Bay Scallop Potato Chowder, followed by Roasted Pear & Blue Cheese Salad. The entree is a choice of Skate “Meuniere” with … [Read more...]
MORE PAGO TO LOVE: Pago 2.0 Opens on Main
When restaurateur Scott Evans opened Pago restaurant in 2009 in the 9th and 9th neighborhood, “farm-to-table,” “artisan,” “craft,” and “local” weren’t terms nearly as pervasive in the culinary world as they are today. He deserves credit for creating one of the first local restaurants to use and promote local products from businesses like Beehive Cheese, Clifford Family Farms, … [Read more...]
A VISIT TO LOG HAVEN: New Winter Menu and More at SLC’s Lovely Log Mansion
Originally created in upper Millcreek Canyon as a log hideaway anniversary gift for his wife in 1920 by steel baron L.F. Rains, today Log Haven is a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind restaurant with cuisine that hits the high notes of the restaurant’s superb ambiance, service, and the natural beauty that surrounds it. In November Chef Dave Jones launched his new winter menu and Log … [Read more...]
ESCAPE TO NOLA: Exploring the Bold Flavors of New Orleans
Having not left Utah for nearly two years thanks to the pandemic, my wife and I finally escaped the Beehive State recently for a much-needed change of scenery. Specifically, we flew to New Orleans for R&R and some outstanding food and drink in that one-of-a-kind American city. So, in this week’s Utah Bites we’re leaving Utah to appreciate and explore NOLA, with the hope … [Read more...]
Southwestern Sensation: Chimayo Celebrates 25 Years
It is hard for me to fathom that it’s been 25 years now since Park City restaurateur Bill White opened Chimayo restaurant. Where does the time go? I remember the opening well, as it was eagerly anticipated following the opening of White’s wildly successful Grappa restaurant in 1992. Personally, I was thrilled that Southwestern-style flavors - all but nonexistent here but for … [Read more...]