It’s hard for me to believe that Mark Alston and Del Vance opened The Bayou way back in late 2002. Since that time, it’s become the place for beer aficionados to congregate in SLC - not surprising given that there are some 300+ beers on tap and in bottles and cans on any given day at what has become lovingly known as “Beervana.” The Bayou has won countless awards for their beer … [Read more...]
Cabin Cuisine: Superb food & views at Lookout Cabin
Granted, it’s not so easy to get to and there is no parking, unless you can catch a ride on a snowcat. But if you find yourself skiing at Park City resort, you should make it a point to visit Lookout Cabin for its top-notch food, drink and service. Oh, and the views at this 9,000 foot on-mountain eatery don’t suck, either. Tucked away from urban glitz and glam … [Read more...]
Reef’s 3.0—Middle Eastern Fare Comes to Deer Valley
Moving on up Following a long run in its Marriott Plaza location on Main Street—Reef’s second—the restaurant relocated this December to its third venue in the Deer Valley Club, following a rent spike that the owners felt was unreasonable. It’s an interesting juxtaposition: a somewhat funky, Middle Eastern eatery situated in a posh Deer Valley lodge. I hope this location works … [Read more...]
Romantic Tables: Best Bets for Valentine’s Day Dining
OF COURSE, dining out on Valentine’s Day is a well-worn cliche. But hey, I’m a romantic and a sentimentalist at heart. So I’m always down for making my Valentine’s meal a special one, whether it’s a quiet and intimate feast at home, or a more public dinner out on the town. As always, there's an abundance of local restaurants offering special dining options for Cupid’s big … [Read more...]
Hungry After Midnight? Check Out Five Late Night Eateries
When late-night hunger pangs hit and you’re in need of noshes that don’t come through a drive-thru window, Salt Lake has plenty of options across the valley. From desserts and sweets to gastropub fare worthy of your dollars, here are five spots open into the wee hours of the night that will satisfy any craving. Whiskey Street In Whiskey Street, customers will find some of … [Read more...]
Spanish Flare: A Visit to Venerable Cafe Madrid
Waaaaay back in 1997, I enjoyed my first dinner at Cafe Madrid. I’ve returned many, many times over the years. The restaurant was located on 3900 South back then, and was owned by Encina Arias and her husband Paul Peterson. In 2002 Cafe Madrid was named Best Neighborhood Restaurant by Bon Appetit magazine. Near the end of 2004, Gabrielle and Todd McAfee purchased the … [Read more...]
Chef Jonathan LeBlanc Retools the Stanza Kitchen and Menu
“I am really proud of the food we’re now offering to customers,” says Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar owner, Joel LaSalle. ‘Twas not always so, however. Since its inception a couple years ago, a revolving contingent of chefs has been the rule at Stanza, and consistency a constant issue. But with the hiring of Executive Chef Jonathan LeBlanc, LaSalle is a very happy man, … [Read more...]
Chunga’s—Festive Feeling, Welcoming Atmosphere, Incredible Food
An afternoon appointment last week took me past downtown where, on 900 W., I found a signproclaiming: “Chunga’s,” with the slogan below, “Never Underestimate the Power of the Taco.” Some wouldn’t notice, others may see it and drive right on by, but a true food addict like myself will decide that commitments can wait—I immediately put everything else aside. What I found … [Read more...]