For Arley Curtz, a pipe is more than just a way to smoke tobacco. It summons up a time when pipe smoking was both acceptable and part of a gentler civility in our culture. Curtz is a pipe maker and collector of smoking pipes. He has over 300, ranging from simple corn cobs to handmade antiques. Each one has a story. As the smoke from a pipe curls upwards, it allows Curtz a … [Read more...]
Tom+Chee: Everyone Loves a Great Grilled Cheese
The ultimate comfort food I have met exactly one person in my life who didn’t like cheese. And although there are those who avoid cheese for health or dietary reasons, I mean - c’mon - who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese sandwich? For some of us, it’s a touchstone comfort food and a throwback to our childhoods. The folks at Tom+Chee know this, and they have, with a … [Read more...]
The Road Less Traveled: Utah Stories
Next month is a big anniversary. It will be ten years in May since I decided to ditch my lucrative graphic design work, coding work, videography gigs and assorted stints with my former employer and make an attempt to operate Utah Stories full time. I had had enough of programming, and I wanted to spend at least half my time producing journalism. I wanted to talk to people … [Read more...]
Two Moms, One Kitchen: Authentic Chinese Cuisine from Mom’s Kitchen Salt Lake City
One sure-fire way to find great Asian cooking is to go to the places where Asians eat. Such is the case with Mom’s Kitchen, an unassuming little restaurant dishing up the bold, authentic flavors of China. Mom’s Kitchen is thusly named for the two moms who run the place: Mama Chen and Mama Zhang, who hail from Taiwan and Beijing, respectively. The cuisine at Mom’s Kitchen … [Read more...]
2018 Wasatch Mountain Film Festival
Returning to northern Utah for its fourth year, Wasatch Mountain Film Festival (WMFF), presented by Wasatch Mountain Arts, features a record number of films from around the globe and a new whiskey-tasting after party to cap the six-day event. WMFF is proud to bring the best selections of outdoor adventure, environmental, and social impact films to the Wasatch community.The … [Read more...]
Speakeasy Embraces Utah’s Quirky Liquor Laws
Arriving at Prohibition, Salt Lake’s 1920’s-themed restaurant and cocktail bar, it was clear I was in for more than beer and big screens. Elegantly attired, Dr. Drink (aka Victoria) welcomed me to “Mary’s Antiques and Oddities” before proprietor Nick Porter escorted me past the secret door. “Prohibition makes the perfect business model for Utah, with its quirky laws and … [Read more...]
Combining Economic and Environmental Sustainability
With its red rock and blue sky, Moab is a land of contrasts. But another stark contrast is that of growth-oriented business owners and the residents who see the recent growth as perhaps too much of a good thing. The economic, social, and political landscape of Moab has changed dramatically since the uranium-based economy came to an end several decades ago, and recreational … [Read more...]
Have Fun in Moab, Utah
The editorial staff at Utah Stories magazine has been covering Moab for six years and we love sharing our knowledge. We guarantee the following itineraries will make your next visit a fantastic one. Jeeps (families) From March 24 to April 1, Jeeps of all grades and conditions will converge on Moab for the annual Easter Jeep Safari. Jeep Safari was started in 1967 by the … [Read more...]
Tony Holiday and The Velvetones: Living and Breathing Blues
The blues began on the plantations of the South, but it didn't stay there long. It is said that the blues is an amalgamation of Mexican guitars, Native American singing and African singing. It is often performed in a call and response manner, as it was first used to keep rhythm and bring a little joy to the lives of those picking cotton on the sprawling plantations of the Old … [Read more...]
Top Three Utah Wine Dinners This March
Four-Course Wine Dinner at Tupelo Restaurant in Park City How could this combination possibly miss? On Thursday, March 22nd beginning at 6:30 PM, Tupelo restaurant in Park City teams up with Duckhorn Vineyards of Napa Valley for a four-course wine dinner featuring a carefully curated menu created by chef/owner Matt Harris and paired with six distinctive Duckhorn wines. One of … [Read more...]