There was a time when eating at a bar pretty much meant a choice between corn nuts, pretzels, pork rinds, or maybe a pickled egg from that gigantic jar behind the bar. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But thankfully, times have changed and those looking to dine a little more creatively or healthy in bars can now do so. Here are a dozen of my favorite bar … [Read more...]
THE CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS A Delectable Visit to Current Fish & Oyster
With all of the shiny new restaurants popping up in and around SLC, it’s easy to forget about the tried and true ones - those that helped pave the way for the new kids on the block. One such dining destination is Current Fish and Oyster. Not that Current is one of the more ancient eateries around; it was opened in the spring of 2015 by Joes LaSalle and Mikel Trapp. But it’s one … [Read more...]
MARVELOUS MONARCA Upscale Mexican Fare from the Owners of Santo Tacos
I have been a huge fan of Santo Taco in Rose Park for quite some time. It’s one of the best taco joints around and new Santo Taco locations keep coming, including a downtown SLC taco shop and one in Herriman scheduled to open this winter. In contrast to those funky Santo Taco eateries is the upscale downtown Mexican restaurant Monarca, which is run by the same couple who … [Read more...]
TEA TIME: Chinese Flavor at Hong Kong Teahouse
The first time I reviewed Hong Kong Teahouse and Restaurant was back in the winter of 2003, nearly 20 years ago. The Chinese eatery had just opened in the shadow of the then newly built Gateway mall. Back then, it was pretty risky for businesses to venture that far west of downtown, and the Hong Kong Teahouse owners were pioneers in doing so. During the past two decades they’ve … [Read more...]
KITA KILLS A Visit to Pendry’s Superb Japanese Steakhouse
During a recent stay at the beautiful Pendry boutique hotel at Park City Mountain’s Canyons Village, my wife and I had the pleasure of enjoying a dinner at KITA, which is Pendry’s Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant. Stroll up to the check-in stand and you’ll be greeted by very friendly Pendry staffers such as Stuart, a supervisor who was extremely helpful to us … [Read more...]
GARDEN PARTY Awesome Al Fresco at Nona Bistro
When a friend told me about the recent quiet opening of Nona Bistro on 900 South in Salt Lake City, I was eager to check it out. The reason for my enthusiasm is that Nona Bistro is the creation of Will and Emily McMaster, co-owners of one of the best pizzerias in Utah, Pizza Nono. Emily, of course, is also the owner and designer of her very successful Mabo kids clothing … [Read more...]
THE POWER OF UBUNTU: Zulu Piri Piri Chicken Grille’s Hopeful Mission
I recently attended the grand opening of a restaurant that was like no other. And I don’t just mean the food, which has a South African culinary theme. This restaurant is different from most in that the owners, investors and employees of Zulu Piri Piri Chicken Grille are embarked on a humanitarian mission that is literally helping to save the lives of young women in … [Read more...]
POP-UP POWER: Enchanting Epicurean Arthur SLC
A couple of weeks ago my wife and I had the good fortune of meeting Alexa (Lex) Finch at a hospitality industry wine tasting event. Lex and her chef husband Kevin are the brains and talent behind a pop-up dining series being held in SLC this summer, called Arthur. The series is hosted at one of my favorite restaurants - Nohm - on selected Saturday and Sunday evenings, including … [Read more...]
DELIGHTFUL DECK DINING Deer Valley’s Summer Dinners on the Deck
Through August 27, Deer Valley Grocery-Cafe at Deer Valley Resort is hosting a series of specially curated culinary experiences this summer called Summer Dinners on the Deck. Delightful themed dinners are served every Friday and Saturday evening on the deck at Deer Valley Grocery-Cafe, from 6 to 9 p.m. This past weekend, my wife and I enjoyed a wonderful deck dinner at … [Read more...]
LAZIZ 2.0 Midvale’s New Laziz Kitchen
When partners Derek Kitchen and Moudi Sbeity opened Laziz Kitchen in 2016, it was an instant hit - a friendly neighborhood restaurant serving outstanding Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, with a leaning towards Lebanon, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Fast forward to 2022 and there’s a brand spanking new Laziz Kitchen, this one in Midvale. Think of it as Laziz … [Read more...]