In October, my wife and I did something we hadn’t done since pre-pandemic days: we left the country. We took a couple of weeks off to visit Portugal, with a brief side jaunt to Spain for a day. Needless to say, it didn’t suck. Last week I shared our dining and drinking experiences in Lisbon and in Setúbal, just south of Lisbon. This week, we’ll explore beautiful beach … [Read more...]
Truckin’ the World: Utah’s Food Trucks Dish up Global Cuisines
Utah restaurants span international cuisines ranging from Latin America and Europe, to Asia, Africa and even Australia. But did you know that you can also explore global cuisines via Utah’s food trucks? Yep. If it’s the international fare you’re hankering for, it’s time to get truckin’. Let’s start with Europe. The Brugesmobile and Bruges Waffle Bus are the … [Read more...]
5 Rockin’ Restaurant Dishes + 5 Bodacious Brews
Over the past few years, I’ve been noticing that beer pairing dinners in breweries and restaurants have replaced some of the ubiquitous wine dinners that previously ruled the roost. And, why not? Just like with various wine varieties, different types and styles of beer pair (or don’t pair) well with certain foods. One thing for sure, it’s fun to experiment with food and beer … [Read more...]
Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Pasilla Peppers
I really love all types of stuffed peppers, but especially Mexican peppers like pasillas, poblanos, Anaheims, etc. For this recipe - which is based on one on the Chili Pepper Madness website - I used pasilla peppers but you could use whatever type you prefer or can find. I made one serving each for my wife and me with this recipe. However, it makes enough stuffing for four … [Read more...]
Overcoming Obstacles: Foods that Went From Loathed to Loved
I remember a time, not all that long ago, when foods such as kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and the like were a hard sell, especially in restaurants. But, just as avocado toast has become a “thing” in the past couple years or so, there are a number of foods that, in the past decade, have gone from unloved to positively trendy. Here are some examples of foods that were once … [Read more...]
Provençal-Style Beef Daube
I will never, ever forget the best bowl of beef stew I ever tasted. It was at a restaurant in Provence, France, in the town of Avignon. The bistro is called La Fourchette and the memorable dish was la daube de boeuf à l'Avignonnaise. It was simply sensational. This beef stew (daube, in French) recipe comes really close to that amazing daube that I enjoyed in Avignon. The key … [Read more...]
Super Supper at Stoneground
Awesome Eating Experience; Incredible Value I remember way back when Stoneground Italian Kitchen had a pool table in the middle of the dining room. Not that there was anything wrong with that. Stoneground began as a funky eatery with good, not great, fare before undergoing a major overhaul a few years ago. A complete remodel turned the restaurant from funky to fab - it’s … [Read more...]
Caribbean Spiced Fried Chicken
When I lived in New York City, my friends and I often ate at a bustling restaurant that we loved called Lola’s. It’s been closed now for a number of years, but I fondly remember the delicious fried chicken dish that the restaurant was famous for: Lola’s 100-Spice Caribbean Fried Chicken. Well, it turns out that there weren’t actually 100 spices used in the chicken seasoning. In … [Read more...]
Made in Utah Winter Fest 2019
Made in Utah Winter Fest and Winter Walk Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22 SALT LAKE CITY, UT — (November 20, 2019) -- Utah Stories has partnered with The Gateway to present the second annual Made in Utah Winter Fest in collaboration with the Gateway’s unique Winter Walk holiday light experience. With distinctive holiday light displays created by local artists, specialty art and … [Read more...]
WHERE’S THE FIRE? Bargain Binging at Oak Wood Fire Kitchen
Oak Wood Fire Kitchen During the holiday season - which is suddenly upon us - we like to spend time with friends and family. And that includes dining out in restaurants. However, for some of us, it’s also a time when money can be pretty tight. Well, do I have good news for you. I have discovered a really fine restaurant with excellent food and service that won’t put a crimp in … [Read more...]