One of my most memorable meals ever was a rustic lunch at a roadside bistro in Provence, France -- a green salad with poached egg and lardons, and a main course of sausage with white beans; so simple, yet so delicious. Here is my version of the main dish. You could use any type of sausage, and just about any kind of bean, too. So, feel free to experiment with the ingredients … [Read more...]
Conceito Legítimo Red Wine
A recent visit to Portugal provided me with the opportunity to familiarize myself with a wide variety of Portuguese wines, from the ubiquitous Vinho Verde to Vintage Port, and everything in-between. One of the biggest surprises was the huge range of Portuguese wines - much more than just the two famous ones I mentioned. Conceito Legítimo Vinho Tinto 2019 is a good example … [Read more...]
BREWS & CHEWS: 6 Can’t Miss Restaurant Food & Beer Pairings
For decades, wine snobs ruled the roost when it came to finicky food and beverage pairings. You know: Chardonnay ain’t good with steak; Cabernet is. That sort of thing. Well, with the emergence of America’s craft breweries and the idea that you can eat something besides burgers or beef jerky with your beer, focused food and beer pairings have become as popular as food and wine … [Read more...]
Haunted Haven, The Coop and Bestselling Food Writer in Salt Lake
Haunted Haven Returns to Log Haven Did you know that Log Haven restaurant in Millcreek Canyon is considered, by some, to be haunted? For example, General Manager Ian Campbell – who’s about as un-superstitious a person as I know – was “once walking past a freezer at Log Haven and out of the corner of his eye he saw a man with black and white clothing similar to that of a chef. … [Read more...]
Ham Fried Rice
Discovering some leftover holiday ham while digging through our freezer this week I was puzzling about what to do with it for a quick and easy dinner. Fried rice! I thought. The key to making great fried rice is to cook the rice ahead of time (or use leftover rice) to allow it to dry out a bit so it doesn’t clump. Ingredients: Cooked long-grain white rice — 1 1/2 cups … [Read more...]
An Awesome Argentine Bonarda Bargain
Move over Malbec. Argentina is the planet’s fifth largest wine producer and according to recent numbers, Malbec accounts for about 39% of the red grape varieties cultivated there. So, Malbec gets most of the headlines. But I was surprised to learn that Bonarda - a red wine grape varietal that originated in the Savoie of France and is called Douce Noir there - is Argentina’s … [Read more...]
CRANDALL’S CORNER: Another Bourbon Group Hit at Franklin Ave.
Bar loving Utahns can thank the Salt Lake City-based Bourbon Group for bringing an inspired mixture of great cuisine, top-notch libations, and inviting ambiance to our town with establishments like Whiskey Street, Bourbon House, White Horse Spirits & Kitchen, and now, Franklin Ave. Cocktails & Kitchen, which opened in mid-summer. All of these places help to raise the … [Read more...]
Witches Tea, New Whiskey, and Student Nights in Utah
Witches Tea at The Grand America Mark your calendar as the Witches Tea returns to The Grand America in October. Here’s what the folks at The Grand America have to say about the ongoing event. “It’s time to celebrate witching season with a deliciously magical afternoon in The Grand America Hotel’s Lobby Lounge. Come dressed in your most bewitching costume and we’ll serve our … [Read more...]
Tortellini with Peas & Prosciutto
Using store bought tortellini is the basis for this rich, creamy pasta dish that is very quick and easy to make. I’ve never made it for anyone who didn’t love it. Ingredients: 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 shallot, peeled & minced 1 garlic clove, peeled & minced 1 cup whipping cream 1/4 lb. thinly sliced prosciutto, julienned 1/2 cup peas, fresh or … [Read more...]
Wine Clubs Come to Utah!
Many wine lovers in Utah have been frustrated for years not being allowed to participate in wine clubs. Well, rejoice. For the first time, Utah wine lovers can enjoy boutique wines from six wine clubs from renowned wine regions. Here is the scoop from the founders of Vin 7000, a boutique wine brokerage based in Park City. “The brokerage [Vin 7000] partners exclusively with … [Read more...]