Although the term “farm to table” might be a tad overworked these days, there really is a bevy of discerning local chefs and restaurateurs who place a high value on freshness and do their damndest to source produce locally whenever possible. That means that you really can get a fresh, healthy meal with a smallish carbon footprint in many of our best Utah eateries. Here are a … [Read more...]
HOPELESS RAMENTIC: 8 Rad Ramen Restaurants in Salt Lake
There is no sign that the recent craze for ramen is going away. And, as a rabid ramen lover, I’m fine with that. The more ramen restaurants, the better. If you need assistance sorting through the plethora of ramen eateries in and around SLC, I’m here to help. These are a few of my favorites. Toshio “Tosh” Sekikawa has been making ramen in Utah for as long as anyone - … [Read more...]
French 75 with Cognac, A Must Try Cocktail at Firewood in Park City
During a delightful dinner recently at Park City’s Firewood restaurant, beverage expert Greg Ceccarelli suggested a cocktail to kick the evening off: the French 75. However, he had a trick up his sleeve. This French 75 was made using cognac, where gin is the more typical spirit of choice for the cocktail. I learned that, apparently, there is debate and some … [Read more...]
Laissez Les Bons Temps : A Taste of Mardi Gras at Stanza
Stanza restaurant is normally known for its fine Italian fare. After all, the complete name of the eatery is Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar. But this week, Stanza was transformed - at least in spirit - into a New Orleans eatery. The occasion was Mardi Gras, and Stanza Executive Chef Jonathan LeBlanc has Southern roots and a deep knowledge of Creole and Cajun … [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...]
Love is in the Air: A Visit to Osteria Amore
Yes, love is in the air this week. But this is not another article about where to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I covered that in last week’s Utah Bites. Rather, this week I’m turning to a new restaurant that I’m really loving: Osteria Amore. In Italy, an osteria was traditionally an eatery serving simple, uncomplicated food and wine. Think of it as an Italian version of a … [Read more...]
Exclusive Locally Made Aquavit, Chef Bryan Woolley’s New Adventure and Antiquum Farm Winemaker Dinner Not to be Missed
Exclusive Aquavit @ Stein’s According to the fine folks at Deer Valley’s Stein Eriksen Lodge, “A new spirit is flowing.” That spirit is an exclusive Aquavit produced by Park City’s Alpine Distilling - some 200 private-label bottles worth. “We are thrilled to unveil a unique spirit that is true to Stein Eriksen Lodge’s proud Norwegian heritage,” said Stein Eriksen Lodge Vice … [Read more...]
The Artful Dish: Creating Meals too Beautiful to Eat, Utah Top Restaurants
There is a well-worn saying that you only have one chance to make a first impression. Well, in my opinion, that’s as true of food as it is of social relationships. And, it’s especially true of restaurant food. The first impression we get of a dish in a restaurant is a visual one. And, we can’t help but make a quick judgement about that dish, depending on how appealing it is to … [Read more...]
Utah’s Rockin’ Roadhouse: Fab Food, Marvelous Music & More at Garage on Beck
Perhaps the late, great Dead Goat Saloon would qualify, but one thing missing from Utah culture was a legit rockin’ roadhouse, so Bob McCarthy decided to create one. He did so by turning what was the Jimax Lounge on State Highway 89 in North Salt Lake into the Garage on Beck, which has become a treasured piece of Americana in an unlikely spot - surrounded by a junkyard and oil … [Read more...]
“Agriculture is my passion” — Benjamin Stutman
"Agriculture is my passion." This statement encompasses a wide-ranging interview with Benjamin Stutman, owner of Paizlee's Grass Fed Beef in Southern Utah. The national meat industry is currently dominated by four major packing companies that provide their products at low cost to consumers because hamburger is just hamburger. Stutman's response is to sell a healthier … [Read more...]