The atmosphere is cozy and inviting at Plum Alley
A family style feast where nothing was left untouched
•Note, this blog post is written by guest blogger, Kelley Epstein, who is a finalist for the Ski Utah Foodie blogger position. Comment, engage and share this post. The Ski Utah Foodie Blogger will be announced here, this upcoming Monday at noon.
After receiving an email last week notifying me that I had been selected as one of the finalists for Ski Utah's next foodie blogger, I was immediately elated. Followed all to quickly by a bit of apprehension as the next part of the email was inviting me to a collaborative lunch interview with the other finalists. Way to put the pressure on, Ski Utah! Not knowing what to expect I showed up to lunch today ready for anything.
First off, I have to give kudos to the Ski Utah team for picking the perfect restaurant where a handful of nervous potentials vying for the same position would immediately be put at ease. Plum Alley is a hidden gem in downtown Salt Lake. The cozy southeast Asian restaurant serves up lunch and dinner in a friendly, family style setting. The menu is small but has plenty of variety with something for everyone.
As soon as our food started showing up, everyone dug in with zero hesitation- the sure sign of a good group that likes to eat! The steamed buns with crispy pork belly were fantastic. I can see why they have become Plum Alley's signature dish. Both the pulled pork and vegetarian ramen were some of the best I've ever had. The broths had so much depth and were so savory, it was hard not to slurp the entire bowl. But if i'm being totally honest, the highlight of the meal came in the form of the side dishes. The perfectly braised greens were slightly sweet with a just a little kick from the ginger and garlic. I'm pretty sure I monopolized the dish and ate more than my fair share. The brussels sprouts and butternut squash were roasted until the outsides caramelized and they were finished with a just a little drizzle of honey. You know a restaurant is good when the side dishes shine like these did!
While the food and service were both outstanding, it would be unfair of me not to mention the great company with which I shared lunch. Any hesitation I had about meeting with the other finalists vanished quickly. Between the Ski Utah team and the other finalists, there was no denying what a fantastic opportunity it was to sit down with a group of like minded people and talk something we're all passionate about. I know that whoever is chosen to be the next foodie blogger, they will bring passion and something special to the Ski Utah crew.
I overheard the content editor tell one of the other finalists that at Ski Utah, "we sell a good time." After today's lunch, I couldn't agree more.
Your Comments:
I cannot wait to try Plum Valley! Plus Kelley is pretty fantastic!
Can't wait to visit a new restaurant in Park City. Stayed at the Woldorf-Astoria last summer and wondered where to eat... Excited!!
Vicki Keller
You made my mouth water with the descriptions. I will definitely add Plum Alley to a must try eatery. You're awesome Kelley!
I can't wait to try Plum Alley. If Kelley thinks it's great then I will not hesitate for a second. My mouth is watering just listening to her describe the food. Sounds fantastic.
Yum! Yum! Sounds awesome! Brussel sprouts are my favorite! Can't wait to try.
We often visit Park City and Salt Lake City. Kelley convinced me to set up a visit to Plum Alley next time we're in the area. Kelley is the best chef, best blogger, and all around best for any job that needs to be well done!
plum alley sounds awesome. I hope i can go there with hopefully the new utah foodie blogger kelley epstein AKA mountain mama.
I put Plum Alley on my list of Must Try's in SLC! There is no doubt Kelley is the poster child for becoming Ski Utah's Food Blogger. She knows Utah, especially how to have a good time on a mountain of snow, along with being an incredible chef, knowledgeable foodie, and witty writer.
Your write up makes me want to give Plum Alley a try. I hadn't heard of it before.
Thx.
CAN'T WAIT TO TRY PLUM ALLEY ON MY NEXT TRIP TO SLC.
I can't believe I haven't tried Plum Alley yet. Eeek, will have to fix that soon! Great review!
I love Kelley's blog; she has the most amazing recipes! I think she would be a wonderful asset to Ski Utah....plus she loves snow...hello?!
Sounds like just the thing after a day of boarding! Great descriptive post, love your subtle humor too. :) Let it snow!
Next visit I'm going to Plum Alley! Thank you Kelley!
Kelley is an awesome chef. I have known her since she was a little girl and have used many of her recepies from her blog. She follows through and would be a great person for this position for Ski Utah Foodie.
Food sounds fantastic. Definitely a place I will try.
What a great article. We will be attending this restaraunt when we cime for the holidays. Thank you Kelley. I have always been a fan of your work.
This place sounds amazing. I am so excited to tske my family there during the holidays.
yummy i agree with your suggestions! this place also has a great ambience! I hope i get to read more of your blogs in the near future!
Should not have read your comments on an empty stomach. Found myself imagining every bite. Can't wait to visit the restaurant on my next visit to SLC.
Should not have read your comments on an empty stomach. Found myself imagining every bite. Can't wait to visit the restaurant on my next visit to SLC.
Your write up makes me definately want to visit Plum Alley. Lunch tomorrow??
Thanks for the great write up, Kelley
I have heard that Plum Alley was not to be missed but after reading this post, I HAVE to go. That sounds right up my "alley." The way you described the pork got my mouth watering!
sounds great - will definitely add it to my list of places to try!!
Good reading. The food sounded yummy.Would love to go there.
Thanks for the review Kelley, I need the recipe for the brussels sprouts and butternut squash.
GOOD LUCK...
NO SNOW IN PHOENIX.... YEA!!!
Thanks for the review Kelley. I need the recipe for The brussels sprouts and butternut squash. Perfect Thankgiving Day side. Next time Mike and I hit Salt Lake we'll be at Plum Alley. Good Luck!
No snow here in Phoenix YEA!!!!
Can't wait to give Plum Alley. Sounds absolutely delicious!!
Very interesting. I can't wait to try Plum Alley out. Looks fantastic!!
Great write up Kelley! thanks for sharing as I will have to try this place when I get up north! Good luck!
A definite stop the next time we are in town.
Caramelized brussel sprouts and butternut squash sounds amazing!
I should so not be reading posts like this when I'm STARVING! Butternut squash...carmelized...honey...sounds delectable. Thanks for the recommendation!
MMMmmmm...!! Thanks for the recommendation Kelley! Plum Valley sounds lake the perfect place to go after a long day of shredding with friends and family. I love your food blog and couldn't think of a better fit than you as the Ski Utah Foodie blogger!
I will be traveling to Salt Lake for work soon and don't know the local food scene. It's always helpful to have good and unbiased recommendations. I guess my first stop will be Plum Alley! Sounds fantastic! What else do you recommend, Kelley?
MMMMMMmmm....!!! Plum Alley sounds like just what I want after a long day of shredding. Thanks for the recommendation Kelley! I love your blog and couldn't think of a better fit than you as the Ski Utah Foodie blogger!
yummy! I want to go to Plum Alley, sounds delicious!
YUM, I think I have to go to Plum Alley, sounds delicious!
You had me at "steamed buns with crispy pork belly". I am sure to give them a try next time I'm downtown.
Sounds awesome. Good luck Kelley! I know you would be perfect for the job!
Sounds awesome. Good luck Kelley! I know you would be perfect for the job!
This blog is spot on, I agree sides are awesome at Plum. Together with sister restaurant The Copper Onion, these are the folks you want preparing you a meal in downtown SLC...And then go skiing!
I'm always looking for a new restaurant to try. Kelley made it sound like Plum Alley was one not to be missed. I'll definitely be going there soon. Thanks.
oh...i looooooove kelley's blog - mt. mama cooks - and think she'd be a great add to the ski utah family!!!! fingers crossed!
I just tried Plum Alley for the first time this summer and LOVED it. I took my little girl with me to a lunch with our friends who were visiting from New York. I agree about them having a variety of options. We had vegetarians and people who are gluten-free (including me) eating with us and Plum Alley had loads of great things we could all enjoy. I can't wait to go back and try the Brussels sprouts and butternut squash. Sounds fantastic!
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Kelley is a fabulous skier and foodie and would be perfect for the blog position!!
PS.. I too am a big fan of Plum Alley. Loved their bok choy and their pork buns!