Ramsay, Keller, Waters. More often than not, it’s a solitary name on a restaurant’s menu that draws the crowds. It’s easy to see why, in this industry, a singularly executed vision goes a long way toward a seal of excellence. There are always exceptions to the rule of course, and sometimes two heads are better than one. Here are two of my favorite restaurants in Utah—where … [Read more...]
Best Chefs of Utah: Part of Our Local Community
In our September issue, we bring to you the best of Utah chefs. Foodies and non-foodies alike enjoy the taste of good quality and delicious meals, and here we have you covered! Meet the best chefs of Utah in 2019. Rockstar Utah Chefs Why do so many people love watching and reading about chefs? What is so special about this army of people in white (although … [Read more...]
The pioneering flavor
A quartet of Utah’s culinary pioneers It occurred to me just a week or so ago that I’ve had the privilege of writing about food and drink in Utah for a little over 25 years. When I first began reviewing restaurants for a tiny publication called the Private Eye in the spring of 1994, I wouldn’t have bet that I’d last 25 months as a restaurant critic, never mind 25 years! … [Read more...]
Chef Jonathan LeBlanc Retools the Stanza Kitchen and Menu
“I am really proud of the food we’re now offering to customers,” says Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar owner, Joel LaSalle. ‘Twas not always so, however. Since its inception a couple years ago, a revolving contingent of chefs has been the rule at Stanza, and consistency a constant issue. But with the hiring of Executive Chef Jonathan LeBlanc, LaSalle is a very happy man, … [Read more...]
Head Chef Rene Negron at Cliff Dining Pub
The Cliff Dining Pub: sitting on the southeast bench of Salt Lake Valley, this Draper establishment provides a one-of-a-kind Sushi experience. There’s an impressive versatility to the design of The Cliff. From stylish atmosphere and live music, to the diverse and top-end cuisine—this fine eatery renders a clear picture: The Cliff knows what it’s doing, and it does it … [Read more...]
The Journey of Chef Shawn Bucher
Chef Shawn Bucher’s journey has come full circle: from learning how to make great food and gaining valuable business experience, to now putting those skills together to help culinary and business minds alike. Chef Shawn began his culinary journey at age 14 in a butcher shop—Bowman’s Market in Kaysville. One year later, a school guidance counselor urged him to enroll at the … [Read more...]
Toscano Hires New Executive Chef
Toscano, the south valley’s premier Italian restaurant, has secured the services of Jason Hammett as its Executive Chef. Jason comes to Toscano from Brio Tuscan Grill at City Creek Center, where he served as the executive chef. Prior to Brio, Jason was the Chef/Partner with Buca Di Beppo in Salt Lake City, as well as chef stints with the Salt Lake Hilton Doubletree, Chez … [Read more...]
Beyond Beer and Burgers
Some of Utah's best chefs and brewers sit down with a cold one and discuss their favorite food and beer pairings currently available on their menus. Oasis Café Looking for a breakfast/brunch beer pairing? Look to Oasis Café for Squatter’s Nitro Red Ale on tap paired with huevos rancheros. Chef Efren Nicholas combines Spanish rice, southwest vegetables and a housemade salsa … [Read more...]
Chef Justin Shifflett of Stoneground Kitchen
For Chef Justin Shifflett of Stoneground Kitchen, cooking has been his life since birth. Growing up, he always wanted to be in the kitchen with his father, and cooking is infused in his blood. With the aspiration to one day cook for food lovers like himself, Chef Shifflett kept his goals hot and his pathway ready. After enrolling in all of the home economics classes in high … [Read more...]