Like Oliver Twist seeking more porridge, giant corporations are going to communities with their bowls out asking for more. But unlike Oliver, they usually get exactly what they want from city leaders. “Rent seeking” is conducted with the best of intentions: they want to help ensure profits for shareholders by asking communities for welfare for “tax abatements”. These … [Read more...]
From France to Salt Lake City: HEXEH Studio’s Fine Fragrances
As a fragrance fanatic, I love incense and have diffusers dispensing beautiful fragrances strewn throughout our house. My pillow mister helps me sleep contentedly at night, with scents of lavender and cedarwood. So naturally, I was drawn to learning all about Dimitri Allouch and his unique company, HEXEH Studio, which is all about fragrance. HEXEH is a Salt Lake City-based … [Read more...]
Why Do Local Restaurants’ Closures Matter if We still Have Chick-Fil-A and Burger King?
Covid mandates and forced government closures have destroyed thousands if not millions of small businesses across the United States. Due to Covid, government leaders were given the ability to choose winners and losers. And the big winners were big corporations and the big losers were small businesses. All big-box stores were deemed “essential”, all restaurants without a … [Read more...]
Paizlee’s Grass-Fed Beef
I can remember the moment that I first tasted a real hamburger. I was staying with family in rural Utah. Dinner featured homemade hamburgers prepared with beef from a locally raised, grass-fed cow. I remember the complexity of flavor being so unique that I had asked how the meat had been seasoned. “It wasn’t,” was the answer. “It’s just the beef.” I was amazed. Until that … [Read more...]
OTC Townie Rosé 2017
Old Town Cellars, known as “the official wine of après,” is a winery located at the bottom of Main Street in Park City. The mission at Old Town Cellars (OTC) is to create approachable wines and to serve and sell them in a laid-back and inviting atmosphere. No wine snobbery allowed. Says OTC co-founder Stephen MacKay, “Starting a winery has been stressful enough. Let’s not make … [Read more...]
Kiitos Northeast Pale Ale
Have you visited Kiitos Brewing yet? If not, be sure to put it on your must-do list. This new brewery has a great vibe, friendly and informed staff, and a tremendous selection of top-notch craft brews, offered both in cans and on tap. Casey, one of the terrific bartenders at Kiitos, was especially nice and helpful in describing the brewing methods and the beers we … [Read more...]
Evolve Elements
After working in architectural woodwork for over 20 years, designing and selling millwork packages for commercial, academic, and retail businesses, Stan Sommer decided to venture out on his own. He saw a lot of millwork, casework and cabinetry work being outsourced to China and other countries to save money. His philosophy is that sending materials overseas creates problems … [Read more...]
Support Our Local Farmers
A local former state leader said to me last month, "Utah is for certain in the top three states when it comes to corruption in the form of crony capitalism." I might have guessed this, but to hear it confirmed by a former state employee of a high rank was a surprise. He didn’t wish to have his name on the record. But this issue is very closely related to our farm issue because … [Read more...]
Be Light Candle Co: A Local Company Supports Families Affected by Suicide
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. ~Matthew 5:15 Be Light Candle Co is a Salt Lake City company that makes candles out of 100% soy wax, essential oils, and recycled & repurposed cocktail glasses. Taylor Lamb is passionate about her products, but there is more to this … [Read more...]
Shop & Try Local on Black Friday
Salsa Del Diablo We started making salsa over 17 years ago out of the shear love of salsa. Since then we have been improving and refining our recipes. Having lived in Arizona and California, our inspiration is to make authentic, flavorful and unforgettable salsa. We produce small batch salsa that is smoky,sweet, savory and so sensational that customers have described it as … [Read more...]