As Salt Lake’s food scene continues to grow, so too does the number of local restaurants in which you can order a meal that is well-and-truly refined. As with most chef-driven spots, these operations stress the importance of top-notch, seasonal ingredients and, whenever possible, local sourcing. If you have a reason to celebrate or are simply looking for a meal more imaginative than usual, these are seven of our favorite spots for a special bite:
1) SLC Eatery. Managed by chefs Logan Crew and Paul Chamberlain, SLC Eatery is defined by inventive, aspirational cuisine served in a wholly unpretentious, laid-back manner; The service is still top-notch, but any would-be air of rigid formality is replaced with warmth and friendliness. The fare, meanwhile, is certainly the star or the proverbial show. From top to bottom, the menu is rife with intriguing combinations, beautiful ingredients, and elegantly composed dishes. Better yet, in addition to providing an à la carte menu, SLC Eatery adds a twist to proceedings via their take on a traditional dim sum cart. Used to present guests with intriguing bites and small plates throughout their meals, the cart adds even more intrigue to an already stellar dining experience.
2) Table X. Started by a cadre of talented chefs from the East Coast, Table X consistently plates up some of the best fare in the region. Serious about sourcing, this operation takes a step beyond farm-to-table, allowing food grown in their own behind-restaurant garden to inform much of the menu. As far as service is concerned, guests can choose a 7-course or 5-course tasting menu–with the option for an entirely vegetarian selection–and have the option to include wine pairings, as well. The restaurant’s open kitchen, meanwhile, ensures that visitors are afforded a first-hand look at this talented team’s serious abilities. Also of note: in addition to running a top-notch dining room, Table X also operates a wholesale bakery that churns out some of the finest bread in the city.
3) Oquirrh. Chef Drew Fuller–Oquirrh’s chef and owner–is a long-standing member of Salt Lake’s food scene. After cutting his teeth at some of the city’s finest, Drew and his wife Angela decided to draw upon their decades of collective experience in the food industry and open their own restaurant. Unsurprisingly, Oquirrh has been a smashing hit. The food is big and bold but still keenly balanced, the service is dialed, and the space is perfectly charming. While the menu changes seasonally, the Oquirrh’s milk-braised potatoes are–hand to heart–one of the best dishes in the city. If you see them, be sure to snag them.
4) HSL. The Salt Lake spin-off of acclaimed Park City restaurant Handle, HSL (short, unsurprisingly, for Handle Salt Lake) is a perennial favorite of many locals, and for good reason. No matter the season, the menu is sure to be packed with inventive but accessible dishes that don’t skimp where nuanced flavor is concerned. Better yet, our stellar design team had a hand in creating the space (click here to view the full project), which draws upon rich green tones and quasi-tropical vibes to transport diners from high desert to verdant oasis.
5) Arlo. Perched above the city in the heart of Marmalade, Arlo is a laid-back, inviting neighborhood spot that happens to offer one of the most pleasing dining experiences around. The service is top-notch but in no way stuffy, and the fare is excellently balanced and composed of ingredients of the highest quality. Where sustainability is concerned, Chef Milo Carrier makes a point to partner with local farms whenever possible, while also maintaining a whole-animal butchery program. Finally, this spot gets plenty of bonus points for the incredibly charming vibe it cultivates. From its gorgeous, blue-tiled kitchen to its converted store-front facade partially obscured by a tangle of hollyhocks, Arlo absolutely embodies the history, elegance, and quaintness of the neighborhood in which it resides.
6) SLC Pop. While chef-driven meals often require a night out, SLC Pop offers an alternative for those seeking a dose of molecular gastronomy without leaving home. Started by acclaimed chef Katie Weinner, this catering operation goes above and beyond, providing an at-home dining option that meets or even exceeds what you might find in a top-notch restaurant. Interactive, technical fare, custom dishware, and wholly unique flavors define chef Katie’s unforgettable pop-ups, making SLC Pop a perfect option for those with something to celebrate.
7) Hell’s Backbone Grill. Although Hell’s Backbone is a bit of a drive from downtown SLC, the flavors served up at this like-no-other eatery make the trek well-and-truly worth it. Thanks to the laudable efforts of chefs and owners Blake Spalding and Jen Castle, this otherwise out-of-the-way restaurant has bagged itself plenty of prestigious attention and now assuredly sits as one of the best restaurants in the Mountain West. The fare here revolves around regional flavors and ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s organic, no-harm farm. Whether you are passing through, relaxing at the neighboring lodge, or looking to refuel after a day-hike, Hell’s Backbone is an idyllic, memorable destination that should not be missed.
Nestled up just to the south of Harvard and Yale, 15th & 15th is a slightly younger, hipper cousin to its neighbor to the north. Lining these picturesque streets, you’ll find a wonderful assemblage of modern digs, stately Tudors, and bungalows, at the center of which sit some of the city’s best local businesses. If a quick stroll down a picturesque street for a morning cuppa, freshly baked pastry, and new paperback sounds at all appealing, this might be the spot for you.
1) Tulie Bakery. One of our all-time favorite spots to grab something sweet, Tulie’s 15th & 15th outpost embodies everything we have come to love from this wonderful local operation. The storefront is elegant and uncluttered, the inside follows suit, and the pastries are some of the best around. Translation: it’s the perfect weekend spot to camp out, grab a coffee, and dig into the Sunday crossword.
2) The King’s English. Nestled in a cottage-turned-book store, The King’s English hits all the crucial notes for a local purveyor of good reads. Their selection is extensive, the staff is friendly and always willing to lend a winning recommendation, and the vibe is as quintessentially charming as it gets. Wandering the cramped, winding corridors here is a favorite pastime of many locals, making The King’s English one of the neighborhood’s crowning jewels.
3) Sweetaly Gelato. Situated on the southern end of 15th & 15th’s main intersection, Sweetaly is many locals’ go-to spot for a refreshing summer treat, and for good reason. This operation turns out a variety of handcrafted, perfectly balanced gelato flavors daily and uses only the best ingredients in doing so. Our suggestion? Grab a cup to-go and savor it while exploring the lovely surrounding side streets.
4) Wasatch Hollow Park and Preserve. An unassuming natural oasis tucked among the neighborhood’s residential streets, Wasatch Hollow Park and Preserve is the perfect spot in which to find reprieve, relaxation, and natural splendor. The 11-acre area is comprised of two loops, both of which chart through a forested glen and run along a burbling spring. Recently, the city has invested heavily in re-introducing native vegetation and wildlife to the area, making the hollow ideal for everything from running to bird watching. What’s more, should you find yourself looking for a set of monkey bars and a slide, a lovely playground sits at the hollow’s southern entrance.
5) Walkability. We’ve certainly suggested as much already, but what truly sets 15th & 15th apart from other neighborhoods in the city is the amount of, to put it succinctly, awesome stuff that you can reach via a quick stroll. Aside from the bevy of local businesses covered in this list, Harvard & Yale is remarkably close—should you wish to sample some of that neighborhood’s local eateries—as is Sugarhouse and all the good that comes with it. If exploring by foot is your preferred way of getting to know a city, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better home base.
6) Bungalows. As mentioned above, 15th & 15th boasts some of the most charming, well-cared-for bungalows in the city. While these fine structures lend all kinds of historical character to the area, on the inside, many of them boast intuitive floor plans and beautiful updates. Better yet, if single-level living with a roomy front porch sounds like your jam, we’re happy to help land you in one of these coveted numbers.
7) Caputo’s Market & Deli. For those living in the area, Caputo’s serves dual purposes. Yes, it’s still the place to go if you find yourself craving an Italian sub (the eponymously named “Caputo” is easily one of the best sandos in the city), but this neighborhood operation also functions as a specialty grocer should you need dried pasta, fresh bread, or charcuterie in a pinch. Plus, no matter what you’re there for, you can rest assured that every offering is made or sourced with the keenest eye for quality.
8) Local restaurants. Finally, 15th & 15th is absolutely rife with stellar local eateries. Along the main intersection, you’ll find Middle Eastern cuisine at Mazza, Spanish tapas and a truly idyllic patio at Finca (rumor has it, the owner of which is opening another spot in the neighborhood soon), and traditional upscale Italian at La Trattoria di Francesco. Nestled near the western end of the area, Finn’s offers a stand-out Scandinavian twist on traditional breakfast and lunch, while Vive Juicery makes getting your daily dose of fruits and veggies a cinch.
9) Turiya’s. Crystals are certainly in the midst of their proverbial moment in the sun and there’s no better place in the city to pick up a new specimen or two than Turiya’s. The selection here is extensive and ranges from small, accessibly-priced stones to pieces so stunning they belong in a museum. This spot also stocks chimes, singing bowls, orbs, drums, and more, making it a fantastic option for any-and-all new-age gifting needs.
A whole-animal butcher that specializes in old-world food preservation, Beltex Meats is an integral part of Salt Lake’s fledgling food scene. Not only does this operation offer locals the chance to purchase animal products of the highest quality, but it has also garnered plenty of national attention, bagging yet another Good Food Award this year for their country pâté. Behind the ham hocks and head cheese sits chef and owner Philip Grubisa. A Florida native who landed in Utah as a happy accident when a closure to I-15 forced him to spend the weekend in SLC, Philip worked in some of Park City’s most acclaimed kitchens before his love for local producers and deep fascination with curing, pickling, and fermentation led him to pursue an education in preservation from renowned establishments in Tuscany and Napa Valley. After cutting his proverbial teeth with the best, he founded Beltex Meats to provide discerning locals with unique cuts, killer sandwiches, and house-cured meats, all of which depend on the approaches and techniques for which he exhibits such strong passion. Despite his immense appreciation for food, at the end of the day, it’s the people who make Beltex Meats possible that hold the most importance for Philip: “For us, it’s all about customer service. We want to provide the best products we can. But, we also want to educate our customers on the values behind whole-animal butchery and the importance of quality and sustainability, while also encouraging them to develop their own deeper relationships with the food they consume.”
PSA: While you can’t go wrong at Beltex Meats, be sure to snag some of their aforementioned pâté and their equally delicious porchetta. When forced to choose, Philip also lists their Cuban sandwich and their house-made Cubano salami (inspired by a Miami pool bar he encountered as a kid) among his favorites.
With summer temperatures hovering consistently around triple digits, there’s plenty of reason to plan an escape up one of the many city-adjacent canyons that surround SLC. Thankfully, many of our state’s mountain towns and resorts offer all kinds of summer events that can make a day trip or weekend stay even more enjoyable. Below you will find a selection of events, concert series, outdoor movies, and more, all of which provide the perfect reason to pack a bag, hop in the car, and head for the hills.
1. Coca-Cola Sunset Cinema (Solitude Mountain Resort): Every Thursday night from now until September 2nd Solitude Mountain Resort will be hosting free outdoor screenings of much-beloved classics like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Men in Black, Footloose, and more. Be sure to bring your own blankets and/or lawn chairs and settle in next to the Apex Express chairlift for a good ol’ fashioned summer flick. Dates, times, and more information can be found here.
2. Canyons Village Concert Series (Canyons Village): Taking in live music during balmy summer evenings in Park City is a perennial favorite for many around this city and state. Luckily, the Canyons Village Summer Concert Series provides the perfect opportunity to see an exciting lineup of performers like Aiko and Kris Lager Band throughout the summer. Concerts will take place on select Thursday and Saturday nights over the course of the next couple of months. Grab a blanket (or a low-back chair), and enjoy sweet, sweet melodies drifting through the crisp mountain air. More information can be found here.
3. Park City Wine Festival (Park City): It’s no secret that we like to sing the praises of this city’s culinary scene whenever possible and, for those looking to get in on the action, Park City Wine Festival is one of the best ways to sample all kinds of goodness from around the state. The event brings together more than 100 food artisans, wineries, breweries, distilleries, epicurean purveyors, and locally made products for a weekend filled with seminars, luncheons, tastings, and all-around deliciousness. Cheers! For more information, click here.
4. Sundance For The Locals (Park City & Salt Lake City): While the Sundance Institute is responsible for bringing all kinds of global attention to our state, they also take special care to provide ample opportunity for entertainment to its local denizens as well. This summer, for instance, the institute is putting on a film series dubbed “For the Locals” that will host showings in both Salt Lake and Park City during the month of July. Unsurprisingly, the films being shown are top-notch, making this the perfect way to pair your escape from the heat with a healthy dose of culture. More information can be found here.
5. Snowbasin Summer Music Series (Snowbasin): One of the prettiest mountains in the state, Snowbasin is taking full advantage of its natural splendor by hosting a concert series designed to pair views with blues (and plenty of other genres). We suggest you take a morning to hike, bike, or pursue any number of the on-resort activities before rounding off the afternoon with a free concert, delicious fare, and plenty of local brews. The concerts run weekly during the month of August. More information and a lineup of performers can be found here.
Our city has seen a bit of a boom lately in small-scale operations turning out big, bold, and wholly welcome flavors. These micro-bakers and cottage-makers have proved to be integral in expanding the boundaries of the city’s already growing food scene by providing a wealth of delicious products to the communities in which they operate. For our part, we’re tremendously enthused by the lower financial bar to entry that micro-making provides to those with a product or passion to share. Many of the operations we have encountered are run out of commissary kitchens and private homes, making start-up costs far less prohibitive compared to the capital required to open a more traditional storefront.
While we’ve tried to briefly chronicle as many of these makers as possible in our extensive Takeout List, we thought it worth the time to provide a more in-depth look at a few of our favorites, as well, to shed some light on how and why they manage these beloved operations. From baked goods to drinking shrubs, the below folks are turning out all kinds of delicious goods via pop-ups, Instagram orders, and home deliveries. Next time you’re inclined to treat yourself, we highly encourage you to give this list a gander…
1) Mims
A product of the pandemic, Mims began when former Alamexo sous chef Tripp Mims found himself furloughed and stuck at home. However, what started as a necessity has since grown into a flourishing small business that specializes in delectable baked goods. The menu initially was confined to bread and contained both familiar favorites like country white with a rotating set of unique concoctions like cotija and squid ink. Soon after starting, sweet treats found their way into the mix and Mims “sourdoughnies” (fluffy, brioche donuts made with sourdough starter) are arguably now this operation’s most popular offerings. Mims Bakery co-founder, Thy Vu, meanwhile, has put her marketing chops to work, creating a brand presence for Mims that continues to attract followers from all over the valley. Finally, it’s worth noting that Mim’s is about far more than baked goods. During the pandemic and beyond, this admirable pair has fervently supported organizations like Covid Mutual Aid and the Utah Refugee Connection, among others. In short, Mim’s combines delectable goods, fantastic marketing, and unapologetic support for their community—a combination that wound itself into our hearts all too easily. For orders and inquires, click here.
“When I reflect on MIMS Bakery and our role in the community, it really is much more than simply getting bread and sweets out the door. If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that the food community—and really our community as a whole—is able to stay afloat and shine when we support one another. I believe there has been a real shift in the way folks spend money; they are more cognizant that circulating dollars locally is more beneficial to everyone within our community. I hope this newfound momentum of support for our local makers, bakers, farmers, and small businesses continues. It creates a much more rich community when the ‘little’ guys get a chance to shine. I hope to build MIMS Bakery into a business that is recognized not only for our quality foods, but for serving the community, helping build an equitable future for years to come.” – Thy Vu, owner
2) Mad Dough
Even putting radiant vibes aside, Mad Dough’s future seems plenty bright. High-quality Bismark-style donuts are the specialty here, but there’s plenty more to this operation than straightforward sweets. Mad Dough seeks to provide a little bit of sunshine in each bite by developing flavors that are nostalgia-infused takes on the most sought-after childhood treats. Among their most recent offerings, for instance, are Reeses Pieces, Fruity Pebbles, and white chocolate Oreo. That said, their flavors are ever-changing, meaning there’s no shortage of surprises (and delicious bites) to be had by grabbing a box or two. Donuts can be ordered online for pickup here or, should you find yourself with a particularly strong craving, they’re also frequently available to snag from Central 9th Market.
“I got started in my tiny apartment kitchen! Right now, I’m super happy and grateful to be selling doughnuts out of Central 9th Market, Wed. – Sat. @ 161 W. 900 S. In the future, I want Mad Dough to have its very own storefront. My dream is for it to be in the Avenues. 🙂 For now I’m just grateful to be where I am and enjoying EVERY SECOND!!!” – Mandy Madsen, owner
3) DRUPEFRUIT
Put simply, drinking shrubs are DRUPEFRUIT’s domain. This operation—also started during 2020—artfully transforms high-quality base ingredients with fresh, seasonal produce to create intriguing, highly versatile concoctions that easily up-level cocktails, sparkling water, marinades, and more. Better yet, thanks to their fermented nature, DRUPEFRUIT’S shrubs also offer plenty in the way of probiotic benefit. Should you find yourself pining for a bottle of the good stuff, DRUPEFRUIT can be found at plenty of local spots around the city including Animalia, Mabo, Diabolical Records, The Store, and more. While these shrubs are assuredly stellar, so too is the branding that adorns them. DRUPEFRUIT wins major bonus points for its innovative use of typefaces and nostalgic, early-internet aesthetic. For orders and inquires, click here.
“Starting a bottled mixer business during a pandemic had a lot of solid logistical reasoning–bars were closed, people were making their own drinks at home, a large population of Utah is addicted to soda, and shrub-making doesn’t require a ton of overhead. But when I realized this was the best option to help satisfy the moralistic values and passions I want from a job, it made sense to dive in. I didn’t have any background in bartending or beverages at all, only food and nutrition. This is mainly because I don’t drink, but also because there weren’t many popular options for non-drinkers besides sparkling water, lemonade and ginger ale (that I knew of). La Croix and other dully-flavored sparkling waters were becoming super trendy, but I didn’t just need incentive to hydrate. Probiotic drinks we’re also becoming more well known, but they were expensive, health focused and usually the flavors weren’t super unique. I wanted a fun beverage to placate my needy palate. Once I was introduced to shrubs, I was hooked. Vinegar wakes you up and enhances life. Shrubs became my sweet and sour sipper that could help me feel better the next day instead of worse!” – Brooke Marple, owner
4) Pies The Limit
When it comes to flaky crusts and delectable fillings, Pies The Limit is a tough act to beat. Started by Dominique Wilson—SLC’s “local pie guy”—this operation puts out a range of different options, all of which are handcrafted and baked to order. Sweet staples like apple and banana cream are well represented but Dominique also whips up delicious, savory dinner pies (think: chicken pot pie, mac ‘n cheese, and pot roast) along with a couple of cheesecake variations as well. Everything here is done with care, precision, and plenty of creativity, making any of the rotating menu’s offerings the perfect choice for everything from celebrations to solo nights on the couch. And, while Dominique’s pies are assuredly dynamite, the name of his operation isn’t too shabby either. Well done, sir…well done. For orders, inquiries, and a current menu, visit @pies_the_limitut on Instagram.
5) Aziza
The “modern Middle Eastern cuisine” offered up by Aziza is varied, delicious, and perfect for chowing down at home with you and yours. From lighter offerings like tabbouleh and fattoush to soul-warming Egyptian staples like Koshary and kabab hala, there’s plenty of options no matter what you’re in the mood for. And, all that is to say nothing of the stellar dessert menu. Whatever you go for, do yourself a favor and tack on a kunafa to your order. No matter the topping du jour, it’s sure to be an absolute winner. For orders, inquiries, and a current menu, visit @azizaslc on Instagram.
“I cook and share my food with the purpose of bringing people together through food, regardless of their culture or background. I hope when people eat my food, they realize it’s not just a meal. It’s history and culture, and there’s a story behind what I’m cooking.” – Menna Rashwan, owner
6) Powder Peak Sweets
Another micro-bakery to have recently cropped up, Powder Peak specializes in cronies—their much beloved, highly sought-after donut/croissant hybrid. This buttery, pillowy dessert is topped with all kinds of flavor combinations and available for order on their website. While cronies are certainly Powder Peak’s staple, this organization is also available for any and all of your custom baking needs. From birthday cakes to specialty cookies, these fine folks can likely make it happen and the end product is sure to be delicious, perfectly balanced, and scarfed down. Finally, we’d be remiss to not mention their adorable logo—a snowboarding heart holding an eponymous signpost. For orders and inquires, click here.
“We are so grateful for the community we live in to support us this past year. Food truly brings others together which is the reason we love what we do! Seeing people enjoy what we make is what keeps us going. We believe good food brings people together. We have met some of the greatest and most supportive people through our business. We couldn’t be happier with where we are at and where we are headed!” – Jayden Brennan, owner
To state the obvious, the impact of COVID-19 on our community, our country, and our world has been profound. And, while it’s not our place to parse all of the ramifications stemming from the pandemic, this tumultuous period has brought with it numerous shifts that, moving forward, we hope will be successfully incorporated into our actions, our thoughts, and our communities. The past year-and-change has, for many, ranged from anxiety-inducing to unimaginably devastating, and we hope that, despite all the loss, pain, and suffering, SLC might benefit in some way from that which has been endured. As we all hopefully begin to put the pandemic in our rearview, here are the holdovers we hope stick with our city for the foreseeable future…
1) Greater awareness of our city’s diversity and the specific needs of its various communities: For all the things we love about SLC (and there are many), we know that diversity has never been her strong suit; sadly, this reality was something that far too many of us sat far too comfortably with for far too long. Both inclusion and representation are vital to this state’s (country’s/world’s) ecosystem, and neither means much without the other. The growing pains of last year certainly showed us all where many of the flaws in our community are, and we hope our little city will continue to do all that it can to make our underrepresented neighbors feel seen, heard, and welcome.
2) Greater support for local businesses: The call to “support local” was certainly not a new phenomenon of the past year, but shutdowns caused the sentiment to grow in importance. For many of us, doing our part to keep our beloved local spots afloat meant forgoing the massive selections and free two-day shipping offered by large online retailers and instead emphasizing where rather than what we were buying. Even one eatery/shop/pit-stop shuttering its doors for the final time during Covid was too many––but we’re grateful for those still standing and we’re personally resolving to help our locally owned spots stay afloat for years to come. A mode of consumption less focused on instant gratification and more oriented towards thoughtful decision making and keeping disposable income in-state is one we certainly hope takes root over the long run. Guess what? It grows the economy…
3) More accessible entry into (and support for) our local food scene: Restaurants and food industry employees were hit much harder than most by the pandemic. But in many ways, the adversity brought out all kinds of thoughtful ingenuity from these folks. Local organizations like Tip Your Server sprang up seemingly overnight, and the industry as a whole seemed to band together in support of those who were struggling most. We also saw many of our favorites, as well as a few new players, adapt lightning-fast to stay open and safe: patios sprang forth, carry-out was easier than ever, and a host of “micro-makers” cropped up (many of which can be found in our extensive takeout list) to bring us all of the flavor with none of the overhead. We hope this newfound adaptability (as well as these new faces) stick around long after masks are a thing of the past.
4) Greater appreciation for our natural surroundings (and practices based on preserving them): If there’s one unquestionable takeaway from Covid’s impact it’s the fragile nature of, well, nature. It seems many of us have been operating under the false pretense that we can continue to take from mother nature without fear of repercussion, but, as evidenced this year, all of that can change on a dime. We’re pretty small, y’all (see: March 2020’s earthquake/windstorm double-header that shook us all to the core), and this planet of ours deserves far more respect than she’s getting. For many, getting outside in 2020––be it for walks around the block or jaunts up a canyon––was instrumental in preserving health and sanity. With so many other activities off the table, outdoor recreation saw a substantial uptick that was equal parts encouraging and concerning. The more people that can take advantage of our state’s natural splendor the better. However, increased traffic on trails, canyon roads, climbing routes, and more also underscored the importance of preservation. While environments around the world need to be treated with more care, locally, we hope that the pandemic galvanizes support for actions and policies that keep our natural environments healthy and vibrant for decades to come.
5) A renewed sense of commitment to our neighbors and communities: The outpouring of support by our neighbors for our neighbors was a beacon of beauty during a year that was otherwise pretty brutal. Programs like @covid19mutualaid SLC and @navajohopicovid19relief made a world of difference for folks in need of funds, food, water, and PPE. On a smaller scale, plenty of people took it upon themselves to spread baked goods, fresh produce, and home-cooked meals to their neighbors and loved ones. Others volunteered to grocery shop and run errands for those more at risk of complications. While the past year certainly saw far too many neighborly acts of kindness to chronicle, the overall sentiment of caring for those around you in direct, actionable ways is one that we certainly hope sticks around.
6) A deeper understanding of what makes us feel at home: The subject of “home” is one we’ll gladly discuss ad nauseum, and 2020 expanded our collective notion of the word 100-fold. What was once a metaphorical refuge from the world transformed into a literal one in the harshest days of the pandemic, and we found ourselves grappling with how to make our spaces functional and comforting in equal measure. We rearranged our rooms and adapted new rituals and routines. We made new connections and were reminded of the importance of intention when it comes to building our lives. Here’s to bringing that same mindset along when the world around us gets a little less uncertain (fingers crossed).
7) Continued courage in the face of change and a commitment to building a better future: In short, last year showed many of us that the only constant is change. While we’ll be adding all aforementioned touchpoints to our toolbelt, we’ll also be working on rolling with the proverbial punches, because “the new normal” is, essentially, the absence of what was comfortable before. And, with some effort, thoughtfulness, and TLC, we hope that will be a beautiful thing. As we advance forward into the unknown, we hope that people all over our little city dream big, question the status quo, and continue to exhibit the courage, perseverance, and ingenuity that might ultimately lead to a profoundly different way of doing things.
Tucked between the foothills and downtown SLC (the latter of which is only 15 minutes away), Harvard Yale certainly sits among the city’s more established necks o’ the woods. Its quiet and quintessential streets are dotted primarily with bungalow, English cottage, and Tudor-style estates, although, look hard enough and you’re sure to stumble across a handful of more modern homes as well. Scattered amongst the green lawns and picture-perfect facades you’ll find a handful of stellar eateries and boutiques––hiking trails, canyons, and even more local businesses all sit just beyond the neighborhood’s boundaries. Getting in can cost a pretty penny, but the below reasons make doing so plenty worth it for those with the means:
1. Tree-lined streets. “Tree-lined streets” might be one of the most common refrains in real estate but Harvard Yale has the giants to well-and-truly back up the claim. While nearly every stretch in the neighborhood is nice and shaded, certain sections are lined with massive sycamores whose canopies blanket the entire street in soft, dappled light. These behemoths are striking in every season, but are especially welcome during summer months when temperatures begin to climb. Better yet, some of the streets in question meander and curve, making them stand apart from SLC’s otherwise fairly rigid grid system.
2. Emigration Market. Although the original Emigration Market closed its doors in 2010 after serving the neighborhood for nearly 70 years, local grocer Harmon’s quickly stepped in to refresh the much-beloved spot, preserving plenty of its charm in the process. In its current form, the market combines standard groceries with plenty of local products and an extensive selection of made-in-house bakery items and cold-case goodies. Translation: you won’t find a more idyllic, more convenient place in the entire city to get your weekly shopping done.
3. Nomad East. The neighborhood has a couple of local eateries to explore but the star of the culinary show is unequivocally Nomad East. Specializing in pizzas and shared plates, the menu here is packed with bold flavors, innovative ingredients, and creative takes on much-loved classics. Plus, a stellar drink menu and an equally stand-out brunch make this spot perfect for busy weeknight takeout and laid-back Sunday gatherings alike.
4. Jolley’s. Another long-standing Harvard Yale staple, Jolley’s has undergone plenty of transformation over the years. Since starting as a video rental store in 1991, this corner spot has expanded to include a pharmacy, local boutique, and floral business, all housed under one roof. While sadly, movie rentals are no longer part of the equation, Jolley’s still offers a convenient, local option for those in need of everything from a prescription refill to a last-minute gift or bouquet.
5. Miller Bird Refuge. Colloquially known as “the glen,” Miller Bird Refuge is a protected, verdant gulley that sits in the midst of the Harvard Yale. Centered around Red Butte Creek, the refuge features trails that chart along the creek’s two banks, meaning it’s an ideal place to experience a bit of natural tranquility without leaving the neighborhood. Even better: dogs are allowed here, making it a favorite spot for locals looking to tire out their four-legged friends.
6. Laird Park. Situated smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood, Laird Park offers a playground, swing sets, picnic tables, and plenty of green space for throwing frisbees or passing soccer balls. In short, Laird’s idyllic but perfectly straightforward layout offers everything you want from a neighborhood gathering space.
The past six weeks have put cooking skills the world over to the test. We’ve certainly been doing our fair share of sautéing during the pandemic, but for those not so accustomed to spending this much time hovering over a stovetop, home-cooking can be taxing in its own right. As such, we’ve put together a list of our favorite available-for-takeout dishes from local restaurants around the city that we will be updating on a weekly basis.
When you’ve had it with full dishwashers and Bon Appetit recipes that didn’t quite turn out the way you’d hoped, turn here.
Takashi
While they’ve been closed for dine-in the better part of the last year, SLC’s favorite sushi spot has been slinging the good stuff curbside for the last year (and thank the good lord for that). Better still, you can now satiate your cravings for Sunshine rolls, mussel shooters, and seaweed salad Monday through Saturday. (We’ll just be over here eating buttery, torched sablefish nigiri by the pallet.) Keep your eyes on @takshi_slc for specials and updates.
Papito Moe’s
With a location in SLC, West Jordan, and a food truck, Papito Moe’s has covered a lot of ground with their delicious, colorful Puerto Rican fare. Available for pick-up and delivery, these dishes have us drooling: empanadillas, mofongo, yucca fries, and alcapurria–a fritter made from a blend of green bananas, plantains, and yucca stuffed with seasoned ground beef. Click here for more information and to order.
Stun Cube
A welcome addition to SLC, Stun Cube’s Korean fare is as sublime as you’ll find. The menu contains plenty of staples like gimbap, bibimbap, and bulgogi, all of which are delicious, generously portioned, and hold up great for take-away. Grab a healthy sampling, head to a park, spread out somewhere pleasant, and enjoy. Click here for more information.
Yagi’s Dump Truck
Another of the many micro-businesses that have cropped up over the past year, Yagi’s Dump Truck, as the name implies, is thoroughly invested in the business of lovingly made dumplings. A new menu is released every week and usually contains a pleasant mix of traditional fillings and more eccentric concoctions. Visit @yagisdumptruck on Instagram for orders and inquiries.
Los Tapatíos Taco Grill
Started by two brothers originally from the state of Jalisco, Los Tapatíos specializes in birria, a rich, spice-laden beef stew that is incorporated into nearly every dish here. While the menu is fairly straightforward, the flavors found on it are bold, complex, and undeniably soul warming. Tacos are a safe bet but the birria ramen shouldn’t be ignored. Click here for more information and a menu.
Mazza
A well-known favorite for Middle Eastern food, Mazza certainly offers no shortage of savory, fragrant dishes with which to counteract chillier temps. From the starters to the entrees, the entire menu is worth exploring, and the care with which this fare is prepared ensures you can’t take a wrong turn. No matter what else you land on, be sure to snag a side of fries–they’re some of the best in the city. For a menu and ordering information, click here.
Chanon Thai
Over the years, Chanon Thai has developed a loyal cult following, and for good reason: the portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the service is some of the friendliest around (even if you’re just ordering over the phone). Don’t forget to cap things off with some mangos and sweet, sticky rice. Online ordering available here.
Passion Flour
Started by a graduate of The French Pastry School, Passion Flour specializes in technically astute desserts that are entirely plant-based. Pastries aside, this spot also offers a bevy of savory vegan dishes, making it the perfect option for an environmentally conscious takeout brunch. Online ordering via Grubhub available here.
Este
Simply put, Este’s pizza is about as close to an NYC slice as you’ll find in SLC. Thin-crust reigns supreme at this downtown pizzeria, and their saucy, cheesy pies are nothing short of perfection. (Just don’t ask for pineapple or a side of ranch for dipping—both are serious pie faux pas in these parts). Click here for a menu, specials, and online ordering.
La Cai Noodle House
This Vietnamese spot ranks among the tried-and-truest in the city. While the menu is extensive and every dish on it is prepared with care and quality ingredients, their pho to-go is a particularly sublime option on chilly nights. Click here for a menu and more information. Curbside pick-up available.
THANKSGIVING EDITION*
*Whatever your plans for next week’s big Thursday, they’re bound to be–like most everything else in 2020–non-traditional. (Like so many communities the world over, SLC is in need of some serious TLC, so we hope your plans to celebrate are limited to members of your household or include distancing and other practices for COVID safety). To that end, whether you’ve found yourself having to do a bit of holiday cooking for the first time or you’re sitting this one out (we salute you!), we’ve wrangled five local eateries that are slinging Turkey Day faves for your table (or your TV tray). Have a safe holiday, y’all!
Arlo
Arlo is offering up a slew of sides and desserts to accompany whatever turkey, ham, chicken, or meat-free centerpiece you’re cooking up this year. All of the usual Thanksgiving suspects are available for order and likely infused with a delicious flavor combination that would have otherwise not found itself onto your table. Case in point: the roasted sweet potatoes are tossed in a sesame, ginger, honey mustard sauce. If you’re looking to do a little leg work yourself but would like some help rounding out the rest of the spread, these guys have you covered. Click here to order, the last day to do so is November 22nd.
Oquirrh
A great option if you’re only in need of food for a handful of folks, Oquirrh is offering four separate main dishes (roasted turkey breast, confit turkey leg, smoked pork shank, and a vegetarian slow-cooked purple cabbage dish), all of which are rounded out by a healthy assortment of sides. Each order includes enough food for two people and, should you find yourself in need of more than just a slice, full pies are available to order a-la-carte as well. Click here for more info on how to place your order in advance.
Provisions
For those towards the southern end of the city looking to minimize day-of drive time, Provisions is offering three different meal packages available for pick up. Each offering–turkey, prime rib, and salmon–comes with its own set of sides and your choice of house-made pie, meaning, whether you’re a staunch traditionalist or a bit of a trailblazer, there’s an unabashedly delicious option for you. Click here to place your order.
Liberty Heights Fresh
Whether you’re in need of a bird to roast or ready-made sides to round out your roster, Liberty Heights has you covered. While turkeys can still be ordered ahead of time here, pre-ordering for other options has ceased. That said, they’ll have plenty of sides and desserts available for purchase in-store day of. Whether you suffer a cooking mishap or simply have a tendency to leave things till the last minute–these folks are sure to have a delicious solution.
Tradition
Known for their comfort food, Tradition excels where delicious fillings and flaky crusts are concerned. And, while many of us have only ever experienced the goodness one slice at a time, full pies are available for order this Thanksgiving. If you’re in need of a supplemental dessert or simply wish to leave the baking to the pros, look no further. Call 385-202-7167 to place your order.
DRUPEFRUIT
DRUPEFRUIT specializes in locally-made drinking shrubs delivered right to your door. Starting with a base of raw, organic apple cider vinegar and cane sugar, this operation then mixes in fresh, seasonal produce, creating a unique concoction each week (past combinations have included blueberry, lavender, and sage and mirabelle plum, carrot, and ginger). Whether you’re whipping up a cocktail or simply looking to dress up some Topo Chico, these concoctions go a long way in adding flavor, intrigue, and plenty of helpful probiotics. For orders and inquiries visit @drupefruit_slc on Instagram.
ChickQueen
The Korean fried chicken at ChickQueen is both incredibly delicious and plenty customizable thanks to this spot’s bevy of sauces and sides. And, while “honey garlic” is the flavor for us, every piece of chicken here, no matter its coating, is moist, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. Grab a couple of orders of the good stuff, throw in some of Chickqueen’s equally delicious fried veggies, and prepare to tuck-in–once you start you won’t want to stop. Order through DoorDash or by calling (385) 229-4290.
A Mano
A local artisan pasta company, A Mano’s creations run the gamut from traditional shapes to less common offerings like activated charcoal-dyed squash ravioli and their much-lauded egg raviolo. That said, everything this operation churns out is made with care, competence, and the highest quality of ingredients, making it difficult to go wrong when ordering. Bonus points for their “Foodie Bundles” (packages pairing pasta with products from other local makers) as well as for their gluten-free and vegan options. Order for pick-up here.
Lone Star
Seafood-forward Mexican from an aggressively colorful, mountain-adjacent Streamline Modern might seem like a miss, but the line you’re bound to wait in tells otherwise. This Salt Lake staple is renowned for good reason: Let it be known that the fish burrito from Lone Star not only hits the mark at all times of year, but the stuff cooked up in this tiny taqueria pulls folks from all corners of the state. Get extra sauce and be prepared to go halfsies with a friend (or have delicious leftovers). For menu and ordering information click here.
Nomad East
One of our favorite newer additions to SLC’s foodie scene, Nomad Eatery has just opened up their second location in Nomad East (perched in the old Eggs In The City spot). If you’ve stopped by the OG spot, you know the deal: the inventive eats cooked up here activate the taste buds in the most tantalizing of ways and curb cravings you never knew you had. The menu here is updating frequently, but you can’t miss with a pizza–try the Hawaii 5-0 (with Olympia Provisions Sweetheart Ham, Serrano, Pineapple, and house hot honey) or Betty White (with garlic cream, mozzarella, arugula, and pickled golden raisins) while you can. But for our money, we’ve yet to try a Nomad dish we’re not simply blown away by. For menu and ordering information click here.
Pies The Limit
When it comes to flaky crusts and delectable fillings, Pies The Limit is a tough act to beat. Started by Dominique Wilson–SLC’s “local pie guy”–this operation puts out a range of different options, all of which are handcrafted and baked to order. Sweet staples like apple and banana cream are well represented but Dominique also whips up delicious, savory dinner pies (think: chicken pot pie, mac ‘n cheese, and pot roast) along with a couple of cheesecake variations as well. FYI, should you be craving a wedge of something sweet but wary of committing to downing a whole pie, Dominique’s creations are available by the slice at Normal Ice Cream on Fridays. For ordering, inquiries, and a current menu, visit @pies_the_limitut on Instagram.
Love Letter Wontons
Fall never fails to usher in a deep-rooted desire for warm, hearty foods and Love Letter Wontons specializes in whipping up the kind of comforting fare that pairs perfectly with dipping temps and rustling leaves. The regularly rotating menu consists of different wonton, broth, and veggie options (as well as a healthy selection of add-ons) that are designed to be easily assembled at home. Classic variations like shrimp, pork, and chive are available, but so too are more inventive combinations like goose and leek. In short, if you’re in need of something soul-warming, look no further. For ordering, inquiries, and a current menu, visit @loveletterwontons on Instagram.
Salt City Kitchen
Salt City Kitchen specializes in whipping up inventive, fresh, family-style meals that are promptly delivered around the Salt Lake Valley every Thursday. Their offering changes weekly and past meals have encompassed a wide variety of cuisines, covering everything from spaghetti and meatballs to red curry. That said, any meal made by this talented operation–no matter the flavor profile–is bound to be delicious. For ordering, inquiries, and a current menu, visit @saltcitykitchen_ on Instagram.
Challah Back Dough
It’s pretty hard not to get on board with this SLC-based bread baker–their self-proclaimed “artisan bread for nonpartisan times” is full of heart and flavor in equal measure. Currently operating out of RYE’s kitchen and offering made-to-order requests and home delivery, Challah Back’s Britt Jursik specializes in…well, challah bread, obviously. The beautifully braided loaves, a specialty in Jewish cuisine, have been baked up in the form of blueberry cheese babka, pretzel loaf, rye, OG challah, vegan banana bread, and challapeño cornbread, but the possibilities are endless. Follow along and place your orders on Instagram at @challahbackdough.
Aziza
The “modern Middle Eastern cuisine” offered up by Aziza is varied, delicious, and perfect for chowing down at home with you and yours. From lighter offerings like tabbouleh and fattoush to soul-warming Egyptian staples like Koshary and kabab hala, there’s plenty of options no matter what you’re in the mood for. And, all that is to say nothing of the stellar dessert menu. Do yourself a favor and grab a peach kunafa while you can. For ordering, inquiries, and a current menu, visit @azizaslc on Instagram.
Copper Common – Copper Burger, Beef Stroganoff, Sausage Pizza
After a hiatus, Copper Common is back open for takeout, serving up comforting staples from both their own menu as well as that of neighboring Copper Onion. For our money, the dearly missed burger and the beef stroganoff are the first order of business, and their sausage pie is an assuredly safe bet, as well. Online ordering available here.
Caputo’s – The Meatball, The Caputo, Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie
Putting food aside for a moment, Caputo’s deserves a shoutout for the willingness and selflessness without which they’ve stepped up to try and serve their community in recent weeks. That said, their lineup of sandwiches is arguably one of the best in the city and we’d gladly dig into a meatball sub or towering Italian sando from them any day. Throw in one of their famous chocolate chip cookies and you’ve got yourself a meal. Online ordering available here.
Amour Cafe – Granola, Savory Heirloom Tomato Jam, Fig & Balsamic Gelato
Amour’s adorable cafe remains closed, but their spreads, gelato, and granola remain available for takeout and delivery. While the savory heirloom tomato jam is an incredible way to upgrade any sandwich, it’s really just one of many stellar options. The same goes for their gelato, but fig and balsamic is a hard combo to beat in our book. Online ordering available here.
Mim’s
A self-described micro-bakery, Mim’s was recently started by a lovely local pair–one of whom served as the sous chef at Alamexo not too long ago. Simply put, their bread is phenomenal and oh-so-fresh. You’ll find all the familiar suspects like sourdough, country white, and baguettes on their menu, but while you’re stocking up on staples be sure to throw in some Everything Bread. Trust us, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more flavorful loaf in the city. Head to their Instagram profile (@mims_slc) to order.
Mother
Started by a former counselor turned restaurant chef, Mother specializes in whipping up delicious, carefully crafted, family-style meals that are soul-warming in every way. The offering is ever-changing but, no matter what entree you land on, don’t forget to snag a couple of cups of their made-from-scratch broth and a loaf of bread from their newest partner, Mim’s Bakery! Online ordering available here.
The Bearded Lady
For anyone new to the art, pasta making can take quite a while to get the hang of. And, while dried, boxed pasta almost always pales in comparison to the hand-kneaded kind, cleaning floury surfaces and a sink full of dishes can be a daunting task on weeknights. Thankfully, The Bearded Lady offers up plenty of handmade shapes and varieties to take and boil at home. Translation: it’s little labor for a lot of flavor. DM @thebeardedladyslc for inquiries or to place your no-contact-pickup order.
Mad Dough
Although they’ve yet to inhabit a storefront, Mad Dough’s future seems incredibly bright thanks to their pairing of on-point branding and Bismark-style doughnuts. As things currently sit, they’re offering one flavor a week (announced Monday) which can be ordered by following the instructions on their Instagram account (@maddoughslc). These airy, custard-filled pastries are the real deal and we highly suggest getting in on the ground floor. You won’t be disappointed.
Brisketzilla
Manned by a pair of locals committed to sharing the culinary love, Brisketzilla is plenty worth celebrating. Their main offering, a taco/quesadilla kit that contains brisket, tortillas, salsas, and toppings, is phenomenal but so too is the sans-meat version that centers around carefully treated veggies. Every component in these meals is fresh, flavorful, and packed with local produce, making Brisketzilla a bit of a no-brainer. Orders for no-contact pickup can be placed via Instagram (@brisketzilla).
Happy Dumpling
Handmade with fresh ingredients, the dumplings whipped up by the couple behind Happy Dumplings are remarkably delicious. With four variations (chicken, pork, vegetarian, and gourmet chicken) and plenty of accompanying sauces, the offering consists of a welcome variety of flavors, all of which are currently available during Happy Dumpling’s pick-up pop-ups. Click here to place your order or to find more information on pick-up times and dates.
Arlo
Ever since it was announced that Arlo would be taking the place of Em’s, we’ve been excitedly waiting to see what the next iteration of this already fantastic spot would look like. Given current conditions, the takeout menu is fairly paired back, consisting of a salad, a pizza, and a pasta dish that all change daily. That said, the food looks to be smartly balanced, carefully prepared, and certainly worth trying. Online orders can be placed here.
Mahider Ethiopian – Alicha (meat), Yemisir Alicha (vegetarian), side of extra injera
The traditional Ethiopian cooked up at Mahider is not only tasty, but a welcome break from the takeout doldrums one so often falls into. The heat-levels range from mild to very spicy, and many of the colorful dishes are based around wat, a thick stew made with veggies, legumes, chicken, or beef. Be sure to ask for extra injera–the traditional spongey, fermented bread is similar to sourdough in taste, and acts as the perfect, edible envelope for whatever dish you select. Order online for pickup here.
11 Hauz – Jerk wings, Beef or Veggie Patty, Rasta Pasta
Owned by Jamaican transplants Sheron and Errol Grant and their three daughters, this place is to-the-brim with good vibes and even better flavors. Spicy, sweet, and seasoned to perfection, these dishes are sure to warm you up in every way. It’s a bit of drive (this place is the pride of Park City), but we can attest that these wings are worth the wait. View the full menu and place your pick-up order online here.
Yoko – Ramen, Chicken Sandwich, Wings, Yoko Salad
Yoko just recently started offering takeout options and we’re elated to see them back in business. While the menu has been pared down, all three ramen variations–chicken, pork, and veggie–are available. If hot soup in the summer isn’t your thing, grab a fried chicken sandwich, some wings, or a salad, all of which are sneaky good. Updates can be found on Instagram (@yokoramenslc) and online ordering is available here.
Diversion Social Eatery – BBQ Pork Pizza with Cauliflower Crust, Poutine, The Gorg Burger
Diversion Social Eatery is steadfastly invested in serving up the kind of delicious, comforting food over which engaging conversations are had and lasting memories are made. Their menu is extensive and features a welcome balance between indulgent items and healthier options. The above recommendations are a great starting point, but feel free to branch out–you’d be hard-pressed to order something that isn’t stellar. Find their full menu online and order through DoorDash, GrubHub, Toast, or Uber Eats.
Monsieur Crepes – Parisienne, Madame, L’Originale, Versailles
This creperie often operates out of a food truck, as well, but we recommend stopping by their adorable 1617 S 900 E spot for pick up. These filling French wraps are magnifique, and it’s really worth snagging one sweet and one savory. You know…for balance. Find their full menu online and order through DoorDash, GrubHub, Seamless, or Uber Eats.
Café Niche: Niche Breakfast, Biscuits and Gravy, Corned Beef Hash
When considering at-home brunch, committing to a sink full of dishes on Sunday morning is a tough sell. Luckily, Café Niche’s new all-day menu includes plenty of a.m. hits. While we’re gravitating towards harder-to-duplicate items like the Biscuits and Gravy and Corned Beef Hash, the Niche Breakfast is a delicious, classic, and highly customizable pick, as well. Takeout orders can be placed over the phone (801-433-3380).
Mom’s Kitchen: Mom’s Spicy Cold Noodles with Peanut Sauce, Pan-Fried Stuffed Buns, Green Onion Cake
Chilled noodles, stuffed buns, and crispy fried green onion cakes are as good a summer evening spread as we can conjure up, however, the pages-long menu at Mom’s Kitchen contains plenty of other delicious dishes, as well. Expect thoughtful, straightforward fare and portions generous enough to ensure plenty of leftovers remain. Online ordering available here.
Table X: Family Meals and Bread Boxes
Table X’s decision to follow suit with other upscale eateries and begin offering family-style meals is a welcome one. This kitchen is one of our city’s most aspirational and its commitment to quality shines through in this take-home-friendly fare. Also be sure to check out their bread boxes, each of which contains freshly baked loves and an assortment of accompanying spreads. Details on weekly offerings can be found on Instagram (@tablexrestaurant) and online ordering is available here.
Manoli’s: Pantry Staples and Family Meals
Similar to Table X and SLC Eatery, Manoli’s has adapted their takeout approach in light of the current climate. Their new offerings include take-and-bake family-style meals, reheatable mezes, cocktail kits, and pantry staples like Greek yogurt and mizithra cheese–all of which are updated on a weekly basis. If ever there was a time of Manoli’s aromatic, soul-warming fare, that time is now. Their current menu can be found on Instagram (@manolison9th) and orders can be placed over the phone (801-532-3760) or by email ([email protected]).
Nomad Eatery: Family Meals, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Breakfast Pizza
Remarkably well-executed flavors are the name of the game at this West Side eatery. Everything on the menu has the potential to knock socks off, but, for our money, we’d go with the spicy chicken sandwich or breakfast pizza. Also, keep an eye out for their hearty, affordable, and unabashedly delicious family meals. Order online for takeout here.
Feldman’s: Reuben, Sloppy Joe, Potato Pancakes, Matzoball Soup
This deli’s place in our city’s comfort food hall of fame is nigh indisputable. Again, it’s difficult to go wrong here, but well-known classics like the Reuben, Sloppy Joe, potato pancakes, and matzo ball soup are sure to lift spirits even in the midst of these trying times. Order online for takeout here.
Afghan Kitchen: Bulani, Pumpkin Mantu, Kabuli Palow
Put succinctly, the fare here is as soul-warming as you’ll find. Hearty but not heavy, aromatic but still fresh, we’ve yet to be anything but wowed by this spot. Click here for more details on these lovely dishes or here to order takeout online. Also available on Doordash and Grubhub.
Chile Tepin: Parrilladas and Enchilladas
Chile-Tepin, since opening a few years back, has proven itself to be a wonderful addition to SLC’s restaurant scene. While every dish here is fresh, comforting, and unabashedly delicious, the thought of one of their hearty enchilada platters or an order of the parilladas (an assortment of expertly prepared meats and all the requisite fixings) has us pining particularly hard. Order online for takeout or delivery here.
Oasis Cafe: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, Breakfast Burrito, Vegan Chocolate Cake
One of our city’s longest-standing spots, Oasis Cafe boasts a couple of dishes that are both familiar to many and undeniably tasty. Their grilled cheese and tomato soup are straightforward but executed with aplomb, as is their breakfast burrito (now served all day!). Vegan desserts can be a tough sell, but their chocolate cake is as moist and decadent as any dairy-based alternative. Best to wrap up your meal with a slice or two. Order online for takeout here.
Nohm: Japanese Curry, Spicy Yaki Udon, and Spicy Rice Cake
Throughout their short tenure (the restaurant opened towards the end of last year), the people behind Nohm have consistently put out some of the best food in the city. The dishes listed above are exactly the kind of rich, flavorful, nuanced fare that nourishes the soul and soothes frayed nerves. Order online here.
Arempas: Empanadas, Guava and Cheese Tequeños, and Peluda Arepas
Another relatively new spot, the Venezuelan fare at this family-run spot is remarkably flavorful and totally indulgent. It’s difficult to go wrong when ordering from this delicious and diverse menu, and our above favorites are mere suggestions, but the guava and cheese tequeños should not be missed. Order online for pickup here. Also available on Doordash and Grubhub.
SLC Eatery: Utah Scone and Family Meals
In short, we’ve never had a dish from this joint that we weren’t absolutely smitten with. In response to these uncertain times, they’ve launched a contact-free pick-up window and a series of inexpensive, family-style meals that are both bonkers-good and a whole lot of fun to assemble. No matter what you order, be sure to grab a scone or two—they’re the buttery, fluffy stuff of dreams. Order online for curbside pick-up here.
Pizza Nono: YesYes and Beehive Pizzas
9th & 9th’s Pizza Nono continues to be a sure-fire bet where takeout is concerned. All of the pizzas here are delicious and made from quality ingredients, but the two variations mentioned above are particularly alluring. The Beehive is one of the spots most popular, and for good reason—the combo of pickled jalapeños and honey is hard to beat. The YesYes (a newer addition to the menu), however, should not be missed. Truffle oil, pancetta, goat cheese, and plenty of aromatics give this pie a depth of flavor and richness that pairs perfectly with some of the restaurant’s lighter offerings. Order online for curbside pick-up here.
Bon Bon: Snickers, NY Wildberry Cheesecake, Rocky Road, and dairy-free Pineapple Sorbet
As the NBA presses pause for the foreseeable future, you might be missing this ice-cold staple of the Vivint Arena. Fortunately for us all, Bon Bon Italian Gelato is offering contactless delivery; their fascinating and tantalizing array of flavors are available in 5 oz. and 1.3 gallon containers. We suggest you cop a few and divvy them up for care package deliveries of your own. Order online for delivery here.
One of the newest projects from sustainability-inclined architect Chris Price, Meadow Haus is a compelling lesson in flexible, efficient, innovative design. Given its location in an older Park City neighborhood, the project offered a unique challenge from the jump: create a visually innovative, environmentally friendly home that took full advantage of the geography on which it sits and fit into the context of its larger built environment. In order to achieve the levels of sustainability and livability required by the project, a non-traditional layout that allowed for maximum views and plenty of outdoor living space was adopted.
The resulting spaces are inviting, well-conceived, sun-drenched, and inspiring to peruse.
In order to orient the structure around views of the ski-run laced slopes onto which it looks, the typical floor plan for multi-story living was inverted, with the home’s uppermost floor consisting of the kitchen, living, and dining areas. The staggered structure’s lower roofs were converted into expansive decks, allowing the main living spaces to easily flow outward in warmer months. From a sustainability perspective, meanwhile, Meadow Haus was constructed in accordance with Passive House principles, making it 70%-80% more efficient than standard homes being built today.
The materials used throughout Meadow Haus are indicative of Chris’s larger design ethos—one that prioritizes sustainability and resiliency as well as a certain “cool factor.” The wood panels adorning the exterior of the home, for instance, were subjected to an ancient Japanese technique known as Shou Sugi Ban—a process wherein cedar planks are carefully charred so as to increase their longevity—resulting in a highly practical facade that certainly doesn’t skimp where aesthetics are concerned. The inherent relationship between form and function in Meadow Haus’s exterior is indicative of Chris’s overarching views on sustainability. Whenever possible, he encourages his clients to build as sustainable a home as they can, educating them along the way about the carbon output required to heat and cool a structure. However, Chris is also acutely aware of quality design’s ability to make sustainability more compelling to the general public, comparing a Prius and a Tesla to illustrate his point:
“Obviously the Tesla is way cooler, and the world responds.”
On the heels of a year that’s forced a substantial examination of our society’s fundamental values, it’s difficult not to admire Chris’s practice. Meadow Haus, along with his past projects (including Treehaus—a COLLECTIVE favorite that we listed and sold a couple years ago), illustrates an approach that is ambitious in its goals and humble in its approach. Chris’s structures are precise, measured, and exhibit a desire to make the world greener, more beautiful, and healthier for both this generation and the ones that follow it.
Our state wears its “greatest snow on earth” moniker with pride, as it should. On the right day, Utah powder is as dry, fluffy, and abundant as that found anywhere else in the world, and long-time locals, new enthusiasts, and vacationing visitors alike benefit greatly from the many slopes and chutes just 45 minutes away from downtown SLC. And, while after a good storm it’s difficult to have a bad time no matter where you end up, many of the resorts that surround our city offer markedly different experiences where atmosphere, terrain, difficulty level, and snow quantity are concerned. As such, we’ve put together a rundown of our favorite resorts and the distinctive qualities that they possess. Whether you’ve just made the transition from renting to owning gear and need a comprehensive run down or are an old pro looking to switch things up, we hope you find our list helpful next time you clip (or strap) in and head down.
1) Alta: Opened in 1939, Alta unabashedly throws things back to an era of skinny skis and leather boots. The lodges and accommodations that litter the resort’s base are, for the most part, lovely, rustic relics that still offer cozy vibes aplenty when the cold sets in, and many of the locals here have no shortage of stories to swap about this state’s skiing infancy. From a powder perspective, Alta snow is some of the best (and most abundant) in the country, as is the terrain on which it falls. While the friendly, enthusiastic community here makes the resort a great place for beginners, it really sets itself apart from the pack once you get to the steep stuff. Similar to Deer Valley, Alta (unfortunately) doesn’t allow snowboarders—although some locals swear this prohibition is the reason behind the resort’s nearly unparalleled powder skiing.
2) Deer Valley: Often cited as one of the most upscale ski resorts in the country, Deer Valley’s amenities certainly back up said accolade: you’ll find picturesque accommodations, stunning lodges, delicious fare (the turkey chili is a favorite among visitors and locals, alike), and a “ski beach” to boot. The mountain is geared predominantly toward beginner and intermediate skiers—the groomers here are some of the smoothest—but offers a nice (albeit, less extensive) selection of off-piste options, too. For a particularly ritzy aprés ski experience, we suggest ordering up oysters, lobster rolls, and champagne at the resort’s on-mountain seafood restaurant, Rime. Unconventional? Yes. Delicious? Most certainly. Also worth noting is Deer Valley’s antiquated policy that doesn’t allow snowboarders on the mountain—if you board, best look elsewhere.
3) Brighton: In place of stunning lodges and 5-star accommodations, Brighton offers greasy spoon cantinas and laid back vibes as pairings for its unassumingly excellent terrain. From steep bowls to smooth groomers and a great terrain park, this resort easily offers it all. There’s no shortage of fun little pockets to explore (regardless of ability level), and yearly snow totals here often rival even the much-heralded numbers posted by Snowbird and Alta.
4) Park City: Recently combined with neighboring Canyons Resort, Park City now clocks in at over 7,000 ski-able acres and boasts amenities and services that rival the very best (a change largely instigated by new owner, Vail Resorts). If a couple of easy turns followed by a craft cocktail is more your speed, Mid-Mountain Lodge (designed by cityhomeCOLLECTIVE) is a perfect place to unbuckle those boots and kick back. Yet, remodeled lodges and chipper lifties shouldn’t distract from the fact that, for advanced skiers, Jupiter lift offers access to some truly incredible terrain and rarely gets swamped with crowds, even during peak season. Plus, for those looking to conquer their first double black diamond, Park City keeps a section of Blue Slip Bowl groomed—it’s still quite steep but offers a good way to check off that “experts only” box, nonetheless.
5) Snowbasin: Heading up north is a reliable way to avoid the weekend craziness of the Cottonwoods without sacrificing where mountain quality is concerned. This spot was home to the 2002 Winter Olympics’ downhill, Super-G, and combined events, so proficient riders can still shralp both the men’s and women’s downhill courses (Grizzly and Wildflower, respectively). At Basin, you can expect relatively shorter lift lines, world-class lodges (courtesy of aforementioned games), and a wide variety of excellent terrain, ranging from bunny to double black. Although the resort receives less average annual snowfall than some of its counterparts to the south, freshies stick around longer here due to the dearth of accommodations—and, consequently, out-of-towners—around the re- sort’s base. Those looking for an overnighter will have to journey northeast to the Ogden Valley or west to South Ogden.
6) Powder Mountain: Although Powder Mountain is slated to undergo some major expansions, for now it remains a relatively sleepy resort that offers a veritable off-piste playground. The majority of the terrain isn’t as steep as that offered at other resorts, but there are so many fun, powdery pockets to explore (many of which last for days after it snows) that you’ll likely forget all about vertical feet. Infrastructure here is relatively sparse and, as such, you might find yourself forgoing lifts and instead hailing a snowcat or a shuttle to get back up the mountain.
7) Solitude: For reasons unknown, Solitude manages to fly under the radar compared to its surrounding competitors (although that’s slowly changing). The accommodations at its base are nice and quiet and the terrain, while not as expansive as other resorts, offers a great mix of options for all difficulty levels. Thanks to the lack of crowds, if you catch Solitude on the right powder day, you’ll experience little-to-no competition for fresh tracks—head over to Honeycomb Canyon while the getting is good.
8) Sundance: What Sundance lacks in 6-person chairs and square acreage, it more than makes up for in quaint lodging, great food, and often-untracked snow. Robert Redford’s love for the surrounding landscape still informs many of the goings-on here and, as such, the resort hasn’t changed a whole lot throughout the course of his ownership. Facilities remain interspersed among the trees, and the whole thing feels more like a canyon hideaway than a bustling destination. If you live close enough, Sundance is a great option for untouched powder or a couple of pre-work laps, as much of the terrain is surprisingly good.
9) Snowbird: Considered to be the state’s toughest resort by many, “The Bird” certainly doesn’t cater to first-timers (the upper part of its most popular beginner run has been known to develop a cornice, at times). That said, Snowbird’s terrain is truly incredible and, while “best snow in the state” is certainly a contentious topic, the powder here can be unbelievably light at times. For our money, cramming in the tram and heading to the very top (skill level permitting) is worth doing at least once, as is heading over to Mineral Basin for a run or two (accessed via a tunnel that cuts through the side of the hill). It’s a demanding mountain, this one, so don’t be afraid to take a long lunch with a view at the new “Bond villain lair”-esque summit restaurant or swing by the Cliff Spa for an aprés soak.