Salt Lake City has its share of amazing, local restaurants, but in that regard, we think there can really never be too much. Last year, on one Park City weekend, we made a point to visit Handle…and we fell in long, lasting love with chef Briar Handly, his wife/co-owner Melissa Gray, and every last item on the menu. When we were alerted to their intentions to open a sister spot here in SLC, we were elated. Melissa partnered with our head honcho, Cody Derrick, on the design, and here we are now: staring down the barrel of another stellar restaurant opening.
Says Cody, "Melissa and I talked for a long time about what we wanted HSL to feel like. Where would the magic be? We knew that we wanted patrons to walk into a space that felt alive and conscious…like it had a soul of its own." Briar has an uncanny ability to manipulate organic, clean ingredients in creating plates with saliva-producing descriptions and follow-up flavors that ultimately (somehow) outdo that which you read on the menu. Cody and Melissa wanted the interior design to reflect that same organic, lively sentiment. Much of what's inside was locally-sourced and/or locally-made, and the two found one-off antiques and filled the spot with plants (both paper and actual…you'll see). It all feels very real.
The color palette is fresh and green. Everywhere, green. Layers and layers of different textures, shades, and materials…and yet, somehow, it's all very light. "We knew that, if it were solely up to me, the design would probably have been a bit too dark, and if Melissa had gone it alone, perhaps too light. Instead, we created something together that we probably couldn't have come to on our own. The result is something that can be experienced even in copious amounts and still leave you feeling uplifted. Put away every last appetizer on the menu and stay for too long. You're better off for it."
Official design story with more photos to come in the next few weeks. In the mean time, make your way to the address below (it's in the old Vinto space). HSL opens to the public this Friday, April 8th, and we suggest you make your rezzies now...you'll want to get a good seat. (Hint: it's all of them. They're all good seats).
HSL | 418 E 200 S | 801.539.9999 or reservations here
