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...]
Hot Pot Heaven – The Gateway’s Mr. Shabu Ain’t Too Shabby
I’ve been watching the rebirth of The Gateway over the past year or so with cautious optimism. It looked like it was about to receive last rights not very long ago. But, with the addition of excellent eateries such as MidiCi and, more recently, places like Chedda Burger, Seabird, and Punch Bowl Social, The Gateway is drawing hungry and thirsty crowds again. A brand new … [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...]