Taking another big step toward establishing itself as a social, community-oriented downtown hotspot, The Gateway is kicking off a Gospel Brunch starting Sunday, April 9. The Gateway’s Gospel Brunch, held at the Grand Hall every other Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will feature a Bloody Mary bar by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and music by the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir, a performance group that tours the country. Local favorite Cubby’s Chicago Beef will offer their new unique spicy-beef-and-garden-fresh breakfast items, with beverages provided by 3 Cups Coffee. Future dates are April 23, May 7 and 21, 2017.
Tickets are $19 each for brunch and an additional $6 for two drinks at the Bloody Mary bar, with additional drink tickets at $3 each. Proceeds will benefit Downtown SLC Presents, a local non-profit dedicated to promoting cultural and artistic experiences in downtown Salt Lake City. http://bit.ly/gospelbrunchgateway.
“Salt Lake City has a really cool food scene, so we wanted to do something different, with a lot more soul,” says Edie Trott, marketing manager at The Gateway. “We wanted to fill up Sundays with as much life as we could, so getting a gospel brunch together felt like a great way to kick it off.”
In addition to the brunch, The Gateway will also be hosting a series of free events starting in May, including yoga on Sundays, a concert series on Thursdays and a family movie night on Fridays. The Gospel Brunch marks another step in The Gateway’s ongoing initiatives to both revitalize itself and establish itself as cultural hub.
“We’re seeing so much momentum around The Gateway right now,” says Jason Mathis, executive director at Downtown Alliance. “As they continue their re-brand, they’re adding a lot more to their programming, and we’re excited to see what the summer holds for them. The gospel brunch is something we’ve been excited about for a while, and a big step for downtown Salt Lake City.”
Spring has sprung, and we just got two inches of snow last night, so that means one thing: it’s time for Easter. And along with Easter comes easter dining specials. See below.
Café Niche
Café Niche on 300 South is offering some mouthwatering Easter brunch dishes from Chef Andy Morrison’s kitchen on Sunday, April 16 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Specials include an entrée selection of Crab and Avocado Strata: a savory baked egg and bread custard with roasted cherry tomatoes and arugula for $15. Carrot Cake Cheesecake with house made ginger syrup and candied walnuts join other dessert selections for just $8.
Chef Morrison’s focus is on offering farm fresh dishes with amazing flavor. Selections are offered la carte from her brunch menu of traditional breakfast dishes, small plates, fresh salads, hearty sandwiches and desserts. Highlights include a hearty Biscuits and Gravy with house made cheddar jalapeño biscuits, sausage gravy and two local free range eggs any style ($10); the Wild Mushroom Scramble with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, eggs, arugula, lemon vinaigrette, balsamic reduction and pecorino cheese ($12); or the Niche Breakfast with bacon or sausage, toast, two fresh eggs, and two of the following: hash browns, sautéed spinach, half avocado, sliced tomatoes or fresh fruit.
Starting at 11:30 a.m., Niche starts mixing mimosas and Bloody Marys. More adventurous diners can choose Adrian’s roulette cocktail. Guests choose a spirit and whether they would like something refreshing or spirit driven and are pleasantly surprised with new taste treats.
Caffe Niche is located on the corner of 779 East and 300 South / 801-433-3380 http://www.caffeniche.com / Facebook: CaffeNicheSLC
Current Fish & Oyster
Current Fish & Oyster welcomes the onset of spring and Easter. Current is extending brunch hours on Easter Sunday April 16, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will be closed for dinner that evening. Current’s bright and urban patio boasts the blooms of the season and will be seated for Easter dining, weather permitting.
Special Easter brunch offerings from Current’s kitchen include: ham and Zursun bean cassoulet with farm-fresh local egg; light and delicious spring vegetable hash; local trout and spring vegetable niçoise; or a chopped lobster salad with fresh spring greens and a lemon tarragon vinaigrette.
Brunch highlights include “for the table” offerings of East and West Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, house lox and ricotta doughnuts. Diners can enjoy traditional or crab benedict, a delicate seafood cobb salad or hearty shrimp and grits, along with omelets, buttermilk fried chicken, French toast or pancakes or the Un-Common burger, one of the best in town.
The $6 Mimosa bar is available at 11:30 a.m. featuring fresh squeezed juices of orange, white peach, strawberry and pear. These join brunch cocktail selections of an oyster shooter, Bloody Mary, Irish Coffee or a refreshing Current Radler with Sierra Nevada hefeweizen, ginger liqueur and grapefruit juice.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 801-326-FISH (3474) or visiting www.CurrentFishandOyster.com.
Bambara
Bambara welcomes guests to their Easter brunch on Sunday, April 16. Special holiday offerings include a one-of-a-kind oyster bar, hearty carving station, made-to-order omelet station, and a wide variety of decadent pastries and desserts.
Brunch will be available 10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. with a special Easter evening offered 5:30 p.m.—8:00 p.m. Bambara’s historic bar, The Vault, will be open 11:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m. with a unique selection of specialty cocktails. Reservations are highly recommended.
The brunch menu, including coffee, juice and soda options, costs $54 for adults, $44 for seniors ages 65 and older, and $14 for children 12 and under.
“A meal on Easter Sunday is such an important tradition for family and friends,” said executive chef Nathan Powers. “We enjoy relieving our guests of the pressure of hosting at home and welcome them to come celebrate with us instead.”
For more information about Bambara or the Easter brunch celebration, contact Christa Graff, of Graff Public Relations, LLC, at 435-640-7921 or christa@graffpr.com.
Oasis Café
Oasis Cafe on 500 East will serve an Easter brunch buffet on Sunday, April 16 from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and will be seating on their beautiful courtyard patio, an urban oasis, weather permitting. The buffet will include the popular prime rib carving station and a chocolate fountain for dessert. Cost for Adults is $35 per person, children age 13 and under $18 and is free of charge for children under the age of 3.* Reservations are highly suggested and can be made by calling 801-322-0404 or visiting OasisCafeSLC.com.
Dinner will be served from 5 until 9 p.m. with the creative daily menu filled with local organic vegetables, sustainably ranched meats and freshest seafood, the buffet is a favorite with locals.
Oasis Cafe is located at 151 South 500 East in downtown Salt Lake City. Reservations can be made by calling 801-322-0404 or by visiting http://www.oasiscafeslc.com. Hours are Monday-Friday 7:00 -8:00 a.m. for coffee and pastries, then 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.. Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Park City Dining
APEX AT THE MONTAGE DEER VALLEY
Buffet, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$55 for adults, $25 for children ages 5-12
Enjoy the fresh, regionally inspired selections for a delicious Easter Sunday brunch.
BILLY BLANCO’S
Egg hunt and Easter Bunny, starting at 1 p.m.
Note: Taking place Saturday, April 15
Even the Easter Bunny can’t resist this raved-about destination for “Motor City Mexican.” Meet the Easter Bunny, fill your baskets with candy- and toy-filled eggs – and be sure to keep an eye out for golden eggs with special prizes. The event is BYOB, for “Bring Your Own Basket,” and while you’re there, be sure to check out Billy Blanco’s burgers, tacos, salads and much more.
DEER VALLEY RESORT
Special menu items
The award-winning restaurants at Deer Valley Resort are serving a range of specials to celebrate Easter. At the Deer Valley Grocery~Café, enjoy scrambled egg toast with Cabot white cheddar, asparagus, baby heirloom tomato, chives, Niman Ranch ham and fresh arugula on toasted wild rice harvest bread. Royal Street Café is serving rosemary-rubbed lamb chops with mint chimichurri, roasted heirloom baby carrots and herbed fingerling potatoes. And the Snow Park, Silver Lake and Empire Canyon restaurants are serving hot cross buns, featuring spiced, enriched dough and dried fruits, crossed with cream cheese frosting.
GRUB STEAK
Buffet, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$32.75 for adults, $16.75 for children ages 12 and younger
Grub Steak is serving a delicious brunch replete with Easter favorites and Grub Steak classics. Enjoy selections like boneless leg of Utah lamb, slow-roasted angus beef, eggs Benedict, herb-baked cod, country link sausage, Applewood smoked bacon, roasted lemon chicken, pulled prime rib sliders, cheese blintzes, shrimp quiche, deviled eggs and grilled salmon filet. Cheeses, pastries, breads and fruits will also be on offer, plus a cereal buffet for children and Grub Steak’s famed salad bar and fruit bar.
HIGH WEST REFECTORY
Buffet, 10:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$35 for adults, $17.50 for children 12 and younger
The dining room at High West’s distillery will be open Sunday, serving its delicious weekend brunch. Reservations are recommended and can be made at OpenTable.com. Complimentary tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will also be on offer, and the tasting room and general store will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
J&G GRILL AT ST. REGIST DEER VALLEY
Buffet, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$70 for adults, $40 for children 12 and younger
J&G Grill is serving a lavish buffet featuring char-grilled Wagyu tri-tip, Caprese eggs benedict, smoked salmon rillettes, pate, lavender-scented French toast with blueberries, golden beet and orange salad with arugula and fresh ricotta, sautéed baby squash and mushrooms, smoked cheddar potato gratin, house-made granola and fruit parfaits, petite pastry and dessert displays and more. Champagne, mimosas and St. Regis’ famous Bloody Mary will be on offer, and a children’s egg hunt will be held on the slopes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
POWDER AT THE WALDORF-ASTORIA
Buffet, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$49 for adults, $24 for children ages 3-11
Everything from donuts to slow-roasted buffalo tenderloin is on offer at Powder’s delectable Easter brunch. Enjoy more than a dozen gourmet selections, including honey glazed ham, to egg frittata, French toast, smoked bacon, chicken sausage, charcuterie and cheese, a trio of salads, soups, a raw bar with shrimp, oysters and sashimi, fresh fish and vegetables, a bakery display with banana bread, pumpernickel, croissants and Pullman brioche, and a selection of desserts from the pastry shop.
RIVERHORSE
Buffet, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$65 for adults, $35 for children ages 12 and younger
This raved-about restaurant is serving a sumptuous brunch with classics like eggs Benedict, a lamb carving station, housemade meats, omelets made to order, seafood, signature desserts and a special kids buffet. A special Easter Dinner will also be served from 6 to 9 p.m.
SQUATTERS PUB & BREWERY AND THE WASATCH BREW PUB
These two locals’ favorites won’t be serving Easter specials, but “hop on over” for their raved-about brunch fare plus their $2 Midday Marys, Mimosas and Eye Openers.
STATE ROAD RESTAURANT
Buffet, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$25.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 2-12
This Kamas staple is serving a range of Easter classics, from eggs any style, buttermilk biscuits, maple sausage links and Applewood bacon, to a carvery with house-smoked Black Forest ham and aged prime rib. Rock shrimp, peeky toe crab cakes, smoked Shetland salmon, a range of breads and fruits and yogurt and granola will also be on offer, plus red velvet cake, carrot cake and cookies for dessert.
TUPELO PARK CITY
Sticky toffee waffle, spinach and feta tart, warm asparagus toast, deviled eggs. Sounds like a menu I could get into. Reservations made via OpenTable or by calling (435) 615-7700.
Step into We Olive in Trolley Square, and be prepared for an education. On a recent visit, franchise owner Stephanie Ennis and her son, co-owner Josh Garcia, took time to walk me through various olive oils, allowing me to taste and pick up on the various nuances of each one. Stop by, and they will be glad to do the same with you.
Just like cheese, wine, and chocolate, tasting olive oils properly involves a few steps. Pour a small amount into a cup. Step 1: Swirl. Cover the top to trap the aromas, and rub the cup against the palm of your other had to gradually warm the oil and release the flavors and aromas. Step 2: smell the oil. Step 3: Slurp it into your mouth, incorporate oxygen to further enhance the taste. Step 4: Swallow.
According to Josh, the three things you want to taste for with olive oil is the bitterness, the fruitiness, and the robustness (high-quality olive oils contain high levels of oleocanthals, which tend to create an urge to cough. The more “robust” the oil, the more likely you are to cough after tasting). I tasted a few different types of arbequina oils, and could instantly pick out tropical notes such as banana in one, while the other arbequina was much more mellow and one-dimensional. Thus, tasting is key.
All of We Olive’s oils are sourced from family farms in California, as opposed to other olive oil companies in Utah who source theirs from Tunisia. We Olive knows their farmers, and understand the provenance of their products.
One of the struggles of the olive oil industry is the lack of consistent regulation and certification of what makes olive oil “olive oil” and what makes extra virgin “extra virgin.” While there are rules in place, there is no international enforcement body to ensure the rules are followed. Josh and Stephanie pointed out that olive oils need to be consumed within 18 months of pressing the olives in order to preserve the taste and health benefits before the oil turns rancid. But large conglomerates of olive oil producers (those kinds that you will likely find in grocery stores) frequently hold olive oils for much longer, and have been known to blend in other types of non-olive oils into their olive oils in order to increase the shelf life. All of this done, of course, without disclosing anything to the consumer.
We Olive also has a wide selection of various balsamic vinegars; some produced in California and some in Modena, Italy. They have the straightforward balsamics, and also have some more outside the box varieties, like mission fig, peach, pear, and blackberry. No artificial flavors are used in these vinegars, rather, fresh purees are blended in. My personal favorite combination was their pineapple balsamic paired with their jalapeño olive oil. It would go perfectly on a fruit salad or as a unique vinaigrette for a salad. They sent me home with a bottle of their mission fig balsamic vinegar, which I used to make balsamic-glazed pork chops over polenta with wilted spinach.
Venture towards the back of the store and you will find the We Olive wine bar, where you can sit at the bar or a table and taste various wines alongside some delicious food. I was able to taste their cheese and charcuterie plate, featuring Creminelli salumi and prosciutto, a dish of stuffed African peppadews, prosciutto-wrapped dates (my favorite), an orchard salad, as well as a cheese and garlic flatbread. Josh is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York, and has worked in various chef roles at the New Yorker and other Gastronomy restaurants, so attention to detail with food at We Olive is a high priority. Various reds, whites, rosés, mimosas, and beers are available, including local producers Ruth Lewandowski, Proper Brewing, Mountain West Cider, and Talisman Brewing in Ogden. They plan to open their patio as soon as things warm up this summer, allowing diners to sip and dine while people-watching Trolley Square shoppers.
Josh and Stephanie are also building out a strong selection of local food producers for their grocery section, and currently carry Slide Ridge Honey, Four Sisters sauces, as well as various local pastas.
The next time you’re at Trolley Square, stop by, say hi, and ask them to take you on a tasting tour. You’ll learn more about olive oils and vinegars than you thought possible. And stay for a sip or two. And be sure to check out their events page which features various cooking demos, tastings, and other events.
I was an invited guest of We Olive. Opinions are my own.
During his travels throughout Mexico, Chef Matt Lake, owner of Alamexo, most enjoyed eating at the vibrant local cantinas. These open-air restaurants, some more boisterous than others, emphasize community and togetherness as friends and families gather around tables to share in various freshly-prepared dishes.
These memories have informed Matt’s latest culinary project: Alamexo Cantina, opening in May in the 9th and 9th neighborhood. The cantina will be the lower-key little brother to Alamexo, keeping the same attention to ingredients and the cooking process, but trading white tablecloths for bottles of cerveza and a six-foot comal.
I stopped by to taste some of Matt’s planned dishes for the cantina. I would expect nothing less than exceptional from Matt, and judging by these test plates, he’s well on his way towards that goal.
Alamexo Cantina, opening mid-May
1059 East, 900 South, Salt Lake City.
Tlaycoyo, filled with green chile and oaxaca cheese
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Flautas, filled with house-made chorizo and potatoes
Carnitas
Shredded chicken enchiladas with pumpkin seeds and green chile
As part of the grand opening of their brand new store at the Fashion Place Mall, Macy’s brought in Chef Dana Herbert to give a cooking demonstration and share some recipes from his new cookbook, “Sweet and Savory Union.” Chef Dana is the winner of TLC’s show Cake Boss: The Next Great Baker.
After his demonstration, I was able to chat with Dana for a few minutes to discuss the Macy’s Culinary Council, his cookbook, and ask him if he could only have one small appliance in his kitchen, which would it be?
Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar continues its “Flight & Bite” Wine Wednesdays weekly in Stanza’s lounge into March. This month Wine educator and sommelier Jimmy Santangelo is offering two flights; one of rosés for $15, and one featuring “big reds” for $16. Both include creative and well-paired bites from Stanza’s kitchen.
Santangelo hand selects wines and educates diners about the nuances of each. “Now that the days are longer, it’s a better excuse to stay downtown after work and join me in the bar as we explore some new wine regions and varietals,” says Santangelo. “While we bring in most of these selections by special order and we’ll sell them in flights in the restaurant during the entire month.”
Jimmy’s focus in March revolves around rosé and big red selections. Each includes two 2-1/2 oz. splashes of wine and two “bites” of Stanza’s Italian Bistro cuisine. Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. These selections are served during regular business hours each Wednesday.
Throw a rock in any direction from Main Street in Salt Lake City and you’re bound to hit a pizza shop. Actually, you’re bound to hit many pizza shops. Off the top of my head, I can think of Este, Eva Bakery, Pizza Studio, From Scratch, Settebello, Oak Wood Fire, Pier 49, Pie Hole, Sicilia, and Maxwell’s. No, Sbarro doesn’t count. And I’m sure I missed a couple.
Needless to say, downtown pizza choices abound, and while each shop offers very different styles of pizza, from thin crust at Pie Hole and Este to thick slices at Pier 49, I was a bit surprised to hear that a new pizza place, Johnny Slice, opened right across the street from Sicilia and down the street from Oak, Pier 49, and Maxwell’s. That said, Johnny Slice isn’t looking to be pigeonholed as just a pizza joint, as they seek to differentiate themselves with broad menu offerings. Breakfast sandwiches, coffee, pasta, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and desserts are all served in this light and open space dominated by striking black and white tiles. The owner of Johnny Slice is also the owner of Michelangelo Ristorante on Highland Drive (but not the restaurant of the same name just up Main Street), so the breadth of Johnny Slice’s menu is not uncharted territory for these restauranteurs.
Their kitchen serves up breakfast sandwiches like a sausage and egg, bacon and egg, veggie, and ham & cheese. Breakfast is served all day, and you can wash it all down with a hot coffee or a freshly pulled espresso. At $5.75 for a sandwich, it seems a bit on the steep side for an early morning bite on the way in to the office, but the sandwiches aren’t tiny, either.
The French toast is made with house-baked focaccia, cinnamon, powdered sugar, and real maple syrup ($6.75). Add a side of warm berry sauce for another 75 cents. A dining companion reported that the French toast was tasty and was cooked well, and just what you would expect from French toast: soft on the inside and with a nicely griddled crust.
Pizza can be ordered by the slice, or whole pies can also be ordered. By the slice pizzas are waiting and ready to be warmed upon order. I think the pizzas are good. Not great, but good. Pizzas range from your standard cheese, pepperoni, and Hawaiian, and branch out into more creative territory with their Mediterranean (white sauce, bacon, garlic, spinach, feta, tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers) and PP&J (pepperoni, pineapple, and jalapeño). I tried a variety of slices and found the sauce to be a bit one-dimensional and too acidic for my tastes, while the pizza crust was decent, but a bit too reminiscent of a bagel in the chewiness department. At the end of two pieces my jaw feels like it just completed a set of bench presses. A little crunchier and a little less chewy would work wonders.
Their version of the roast beef sandwich was a real standout. Thin-sliced deli roast beef is heaped onto a fresh hoagie roll, topped with a generous portion of roasted peppers, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and parmesan cheese, and placed into the oven to get all melty and crispy. The sandwich ($8.50) is served alongside a pickle and a delicious cup of au jus that is a perfectly salty, beefy accompaniment to the rich and hearty sandwich. You can also jazz the sandwich up further by topping it with an assortment of peppers and giardiniera from their condiment bar. A combo option for $2.50 adds a bag of chips and a soda, but unless you just returned from a Strongman competition you’re not going to have room. This sandwich is hearty, and packs a deliciously agonizing gut-punch that will have you questioning your life decisions for a few hours after. I recommend it 100%.
Roast beef sandwich
Condiment bar
I have only visited during lunch hours, but they seem to understand the importance of quick turnarounds during the crazy downtown lunch rush. Every time I have stopped by, the kitchen has been staffed with no less than 5-7 employees, a kitchen manager expediting, and an extremely friendly and helpful restaurant manager running food and bussing tables. Pizza slices and sandwiches show up within five minutes. Prior restaurant experience shines through in their service during the lunch rush. Unfortunately, dining buddies have reported this same prompt service to not quite be the case on nights and weekends, where an order of French toast and an egg sandwich took about 30 minutes to arrive, and an order of spaghetti and meatballs on another night took about the same amount of time.
Johnny Slice is serious about being open when it counts, opening at 7:30 during the week, closing at 11pm and remaining open until 2am on the weekends. Capturing the after-bar crowd will allow them to shine long after other pizza joints have closed up shop for the night.
Some serious money seems to be invested into the remodel of the old Pepper’s sandwich shop, showcasing a brand new kitchen, a large, open, bright dining room, and beautiful hand-lettered signage on the windows. I really love the black and while tiles throughout, as it makes me feel like I’m in an old-school pizza parlor. The dining area is spacious, and could easily accommodate a band for some extra weekend fun. Additionally, you can reserve a private dining room for parties, which seats 12. It’s obvious through the quality and details in the remodel that the owners care about the space, care about downtown and intend to be here for a long time.
With pizza and dining choices abounding in downtown Salt Lake City, Johnny Slice is a delicious and worthy addition.
Check out some dining and celebration options for V day. Call soon–restaurants book up early.
Oasis Cafe: $40 per person, four course fixed menu featuring ahi tartare, fennel salad or shrimp bisque, halibut, beef tenderloin, or roasted chicken, and dessert. Call (801) 322-0404 for reservations.
Current Fish and Oyster: four course menu, $70 per person (drinks, tax, gratuity extra). Additionally, if you’re looking to celebrate, but don’t like the crowds on the 14th, Chef Gardner is offering dinner specials the 10th through the 13th as well. New offerings this year for the 14th include roast duck breast and a turbot and crab roulade. This is in addition to other menu options such as oysters, calamari, beef short ribs, organic cauliflower, braised salmon, and more. (801) 326-3474
Alamexo: the Mexican restaurant is celebrating el dia del amor. Valentine’s specials will be served from the 14th through the 18th, and include filet mignon with chile paste, tamale, jalapeño relleno, and salsa mocajete ($27), mahi mahi in a salsa veracruzana ($24), as well as some specialty desserts and beverages. (801) 779-4747.
Photo courtesy Alamexo
Stanza Italian Bistro & Wine Bar: Stanza is offering a $65 per person six course dinner on the 14th. The Valentine’s menu includes buttermilk panna cotta, Alaskan king crab, black truffle spaghettini, blood orange with black olive and candied walnut, a porcini-dusted New York strip loan, and a special dessert. (801) 746-4441
Laziz Kitchen: four-course prix fixe menu. You must reserve/pay in advance. Price is $140 per couple. The menu includes stuffed roasted onions, salads, salmon, organic chicken, and chocolate cardamom ice cream. (801) 441-1228.
RYE Diner and Drinks: RYE is open for Valentine’s Day. No information on their offerings, but each entree includes a guaranteed free ticket to the Urban Lounge next door for their Valentine’s Day party. Email janavanbrocklin@gmail.com
PAGO: offering a five-course tasting menu + wine pairings. Saturday, February 11th and Tuesday, February 14th. $75 per person tasting menu, $42 wine pairings. Dinner will feature choices of chocolate-dipped strawberries, pork belly, oysters, steak tartare, braised short ribs, duck breast, curried cauliflower, triple chocolate mousse hearts, and a house ice cream tasting. (801) 532-0777.
Stoneground Italian Kitchen: offering both a three-course ($35) and five-course ($50) dining option. (801) 364-1368.
La Caille: five-course dinner, $95 adults, $55 children. See their menu on Facebook. (801) 942-1751
Log Haven: Log Haven is completely booked on 2/14, but still has some room on 2/13 and 2/15. You can see their special menu on their site. (801) 272-8255.
Park City/Deer Valley
Stein Eriksen Lodge: the lodge is featuring special Valentine’s Day options such as a rose petal turndown service, house-made chocolates, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and flower bouquets. Call the lodge at (435) 604-2793.
The Brass Tag at the Lodges at Deer Valley: the restaurant’s raved-about dinner menu will be on offer, plus a special of porcini mushroom crusted scallops served with forbidden rice, roasted cauliflower and leek puree ($28).
Deer Valley Grocery Café: for those serving a special private meal at home, add a little something extra with the Fritto Misto for two ($14.75) from Deer Valley Grocery~Café. Enjoy rice flour battered wild sockeye salmon and shrimp, served with fennel, lemon, shiitake mushrooms, fresh sage dipping broth and preserved lemon salt.
Fireside Dining: spend an evening enjoying delectable selections beside a roaring fire. Fireside Dining at Deer Valley resort will be offering a trio of specials: seared duck breast with an elderberry and elderflower lacquer, slow-roasted tomatoes, Cipollini onions and sage polenta; roasted root vegetables with herb honey butter glaze; and a s’mores tart with house-made graham crust, bittersweet ganache and bourbon marshmallow.
Flanagan’s on Main: the Irish pub is serving classic surf-and-turf for Valentine’s Day. The “Lovebirds” special ($98 total) features fresh house salad, a sumptuous grilled 28-ounce ribeye, two 6-ounce lobster tails, mixed vegetables and dessert.
Grub Steak: Park City’s longtime locals-favorite steakhouse will be serving a delicious three-course prix fixe. The Valentine’s Day menu ($59.75 per person) starts with a choice of hearts of romaine Caesar salad, wild rice and mushroom soup, or Grub Steak’s 45-item fresh salad bar. Then enjoy beef wellington, featuring tenderloin of beef and mushroom duxelle baked in puff pastry, served alongside steam asparagus and citrus hollandaise. Chocolate lava cake and fresh raspberries and Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream caps the evening for dessert.
Tupelo: Park City’s home for globally inspired, artisanally sourced and stunningly prepared food is serving an a la carte menu and a five-course tasting menu for Valentine’s Day.
The tasting menu ($95, with an optional $65 wine pairing), starts with barbecue octopus with red bean stew, red pepper vinegar, kale and pickled lemon, followed by whiskey glazed Niman Ranch pork belly with apple butter, pickled beets and smoked maple; pan roasted bass with squash caponata, herb broth, lemon and smoked soy; and sous vide wagyu ribeye with wild mushroom, roasted marrow and truffles. Enjoy a tasting of artisanal chocolates for dessert. The a la carte selections draw from Tupelo’s regular dinner menu, with selections such as buttermilk biscuits, house-made ricotta, and Utah trout.
If you can’t find something in here that you like, then I’m afraid I’m of no use to you!
The holidays are well upon us, and many local restaurants are opening up for Christmas and New Years dining.
Cafe Niche
Christmas Eve: Open from 8am to 9pm, and will be serving special dishes including wild mushroom bisque, shrimp cocktail, and Black Forest cake.
New Years: Cafe Niche will offer a special New Years Eve dining special from 5-10pm. Cost is $60 per person. Reservations are a must, and can be made by calling the restaurant (801) 433-3380. The restaurant will also be open on New Years day at 8am.
Kyoto
Kyoto will be serving their regular menu, with adjusted hours. Christmas Eve: 11-2pm and 5-9pm. Christmas Day: closed. December 26: regular hours. New Years Eve: 11am-2pm, 5-9pm. New Years: closed for lunch and open for dinner 5-10pm.
Stanza
Stanza will be open Christmas Eve from 5-9pm, with specials in addition to the regular menu, and will be closed all day on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Specials on Christmas Eve include veal cannelloni, wagyu bavette, and buche de noel for dessert.
The restaurant will also offer a New Year’s Eve special four course menu for $65, featuring oysters, roasted pumpkin soup, lobster farfalle, branzino, Mary’s chicken, and cannoli (among many other options). Call the restaurant for reservations at (801) 746-4441.
Current Fish & Oyster
Photo courtesy Current
The restaurant will be open for lunch a dinner on Christmas Eve, closing at 8pm. The restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Chef Phelix Gardner is featuring customer favorites and many holiday specials for the restaurant’s New Year’s Eve celebration. The four course menu is available beginning at 4pm on December 31st. Options include oyster brie soup, grilled calamari, banana prawn videos, roasted beef loin, caramelized organic salmon, and a chocolate peanut cremeux, among other options. Guests can also choose to add a seafood tower with mussel shooters, poached lobster, oysters, shrimp, and crab legs.
Call (801) 326-3474 for reservations.
Oasis Cafe
Oasis will be open from 8am until 3pm on Christmas Eve, offering their regular brunch menu. The restaurant will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The restaurant is offering a special four course prix fixe menu beginning at 5pm on New Years Eve. Offerings will include pan seared scallop, shrimp bisque, pan roasted halibut, prime rib, and dark chocolate cheesecake, among other options.
Cost is $45. Reservations are highly suggested. (801) 322-0404.
Finca
Finca has created a six course tasting menu for New Year’s Eve. Per Spaniard tradition, each dish will incorporate grapes in some way. Each course is also paired with an optional wine pairing as well.
Pago
Pago is offering a New Year’s Eve tasting menu, plus wine pairings, from 5-9pm. Price is $70 for the menu, plus $38 for the optional wine pairings. Some menu items include hamachi crude, sweet potato gnocchi, venison, diver scallops, and bread pudding. Call the restaurant at (801) 532-0777 for reservations.
HSL
HSL still has availability for their four-course prix fixe meal on Christmas Eve. Price is $65 per person, and features a selection of panna cotta, charred leek soup, ribeye steak, sea bass, chestnut risotto, and bouche de noel, among other choices. Call HSL at (801) 539-9999.
Laziz Kitchen
Laziz is offering a “New Year’s Eve Supper,” with two seating options: one at 7:30pm and one at 8:30pm. The menu is a four course prix fixe menu, including stuffed grape leaves, hummus, fennel salad, fish tajen, Zaatar crusted chicken, baklava bites, and assorted beverages (alcohol extra, but you can bring your own if you wish). Price is $70 per person, and must be paid for in advance by calling the restaurant at (801) 441-1228. More info on Facebook.
Avenues Bistro on Third
Avenues Bistro will host two seatings: one at 5pm and one at 7pm. The bistro will be showcasing the work of the newly-returned chef, Adam Findlay. This is a four-course meal featuring a cream of sunchoke bisque, watercress salad, ricotta gnocchi, wagyu beef, salmon, and dessert. No price was posted, but call (801) 831-5409 to inquire and make reservations.
East Liberty Tap House
East Liberty is still accepting reservations for New Year’s Eve, featuring a “tap takeover” by Red Rock Brewing. There will be other drink and food specials as well. Call them at (801) 441-2845.
Balsamic braised short ribs with tarragon demi-sauce
Farfalle with chicken and spicy sausage
We’ve all either lived this story personally, or seen it played out on the TV or movie screen: two siblings, one flashy, flamboyant, loud and exciting, and the other stable, staid, quiet and, well, at times not so exciting. Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!
The Salt Lake dining news tends to be dominated by sibling #1: new restaurants, tons of money put into stunning design, the flash, glitz and glamour of new, new, new.
But sibling #2 is the bedrock to the SLC dining scene. The Camry to our Teslas. These restaurants tend to be steady in their menu approach and not very interested in causing too many waves with their regulars via wholesale changes in menus or approach.
One of those dining mainstays in Salt Lake is Desert Edge Brewery, located in the upper level of Trolley Square. Desert Edge is owned by the same group that owns the Red Butte Cafe, Stella Grill, and Martine, and the pub has been around in one form or another since 1972, expanding into a full craft brewery in 1995.
The restaurant’s menu offers a wide selection. I remarked to my wife that this is a great place to bring family or large groups because everybody is bound to find something on the menu that interests their taste buds. For appetizers, you will find everything from bruschetta, crab cakes, and nachos, to spring rolls and asian chicken skewers. There is a wide variety of hot and cold sandwiches, with the guajillo chile pulled pork sandwich and the grilled sirloin and gorgonzola sandwich both catching my eye. Sometimes when a menu covers that much ground, execution tends to suffer, but that isn’t the case at Desert Edge, according to my recent visit.
Those interested in salads can choose from a wide range, from the basic chef to an asian salmon salad, featuring a peanut-plum vinaigrette. On a recent visit I tried the crab cakes and avocado salad ($10.95), which were executed well, with just the right amount of spice.
Pasta salads are featured prominently on the menu, with their pasta made in-house (except the farfalle). These salads are accompanied by light and tasty house-made focaccia. The house “everyday” salad, featuring zucchini, yellow squash, feta, olives, and tomatoes, didn’t blow me away, but was a decent rendition.
The restaurant has recently rolled out a new rotating specials menu. They have given creative control over to their head chef, who sets a two week menu that features ingredients that are more seasonal in nature. Right now as we enter the cold winter their specials feature deliciously rich balsamic braised short ribs with a tarragon demi sauce ($16.95), an italian meatloaf with onion demi sauce, and a spicy pasta dish featuring chicken and spicy italian sausage ($11.95).
Of course, there is plenty of selection when it comes to alcohol. Pilsners, hefeweizens, pale ales, and stouts are all on offer. Many of these can be found as a nitro version, and some are available cask-aged as well. The brewery crafts their beers to be a bit more aggressive in terms of hops, but they try to maintain an appropriate balance for the many different styles of brews. There is also much deeper wine selection than is typically available at brew pubs, with Desert Edge offering a selection of cabernet, malbec, merlot, syrah, and a nice selection of whites (chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, rose) as well. The servers know their stuff, so ask them and they will be happy to guide you in the right direction.
Prices, especially for the rotating menu specials, are beyond reasonable, in my opinion. I’m not sure where else you could find an herb-rubbed new york steak in a red-wine shallot pan sauce for $17.
We have been guided by the belief that we can do it our way, break some of the rules and give our customers a great experience. We are a ‘regulars’ establishment. We provide excellent food value by design. No corporate operation could sustain our high food costs. We just don’t have to answer to the bean counters, so we don’t. -Desert Edge website
I was struck by the high quality of ingredients, the care that went into the preparation and presentation of the food, the breadth of the menu, and the prices. In a day and age where the flashy, brash sibling gets all of the attention, sometimes it’s nice to get to know the low-key counterpart. Desert Edge may be low-key when it comes to marketing budget, but is definitely not low-key when it comes to food.
Located in Trolley Square, 551 S 600 E, Salt Lake City. (801) 521-8917.
Kitchen hours Monday through Thursday, 11am to 11pm; Saturday 11:30am to 11pm; Sunday 12pm to 10pm.
Disclaimer: I was treated to a complimentary dinner by Desert Edge in order to try their new rotating specials menu.
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