Visiting from Philly? Transplant from Chicago? Having married a man from the “Philly area” (Wilmington, Delaware to be exact), I had heard for years about East Coast food and how “I haven’t tasted anything” until I’ve had Sunday ragout dinners liked they served at Italian restaurants on Sundays, or fresh peel n’ eat shrimp sprinkled with Old Bay, or a real cheesesteak—which you can’t get in Utah because nobody serves them on FRESH Amoroso rolls. It’s all about the roll, he says. Then, low and behold, Maxwell’s opens in Park City and they are shipping in Amoroso rolls! We were elated to find this classic sandwich, done right. So, I’ve done some research, asked around and found what people say are dishes that will remind you of “that place around the corner.”
Region: East Coast-ish
Dish: Philly Cheesesteak
Where to Get It:
Vito’s - It’s cash only, and only open M-F, 11-2, but people flock to it and swear it’s the best.
100 S Main Street, Bountiful, UT 801-953-8486
Pepito’s - They start out with the traditional Amoroso Bun and pile on fresh-cut ribeye steak. In Ogden, named one Utah’s Best big little ski towns. 252 25th Street, Ogden, UT 385-244-1701
Maxwell’s - Good place for a sandwich and some sports. In Park City at Kimball Junction, and downtown SLC on Main Street.
Dish: Reuben Sandwich
Where to Get it:
Feldman’s - From the moment they opened their doors, there’s hardly been an empty seat. Sit at the counter and hear a good story now and then. 2005 E. 2700 South, SLC, UT 801 906-0369
Region: Midwest
Dish: Chicago Dog
Where to get it:
Red Hot - For a Chicago dog, you need all the requisite ingredients: Classic yellow mustard, onions, green relish, cucumbers, tomatoes, sport peppers, pickle spear, and celery salt on a perfectly steamed bun.
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Dish: Pierogis
Where to Get it:
Trestle Tavern - Perfect little dumplings popularized in the Midwest and beyond by Central and Eastern European immigrants, the versions at Trestle are tender and flavorful—if not fully traditional. Dig into the pork and smoked cabbage with cider-honey reduction and mustard vinaigrette; or the potato and horseradish with mustard cream and kale.
Region: Southeast
Dish: Chicken & Dumplings.
Where to Get it:
Chicken n’ dumplings are a filling comfort food, found in Southern states and the Midwest, also attributed to French Canadians and created during the Great Depression. It’s basically boiled chicken, broth and dumplings, seasoned with salt and pepper. Nothing fancy! So it’s nice when someone creates a modern update.
Boneyard Saloon & Wine Dive - Chicken & Dumpling Pot Pie. Take a puff pastry, stuff it with chicken breast, onions, carrots, potatoes, celery and thyme and there you have it. Perfect apres-ski dish. 1251 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT, 435-649-0911
Dish: Fried Chicken
Where to Get it:
Powder at Waldorf - Buttermilk Fried Organic Chicken, with cheddar potatoes, pancetta braised greens and…the capper: gravy.
Region: Southwest
Instead of selecting one dish here, I’m just going to send you all to Black Sheep Café in Provo. At some point in your travels, whether after a day at Sundance Mountain Resort, or on your way down to Eagle Point or Brian Head Ski Resort, make this a must stop for Navajo tacos, pozole and green chile frites.
Where to get it:
Black Sheep Café - 19 N University Ave. Provo, UT 801.607.2485
Region: Northwest
Dish: Coffee
Where to Get it:
Does SLC rival Stumptown for artisan roasters and tattooed baristas? I say yes. Seek out La Barba, Publik, Blue Copper, to name a few. Also, read this.
Dish: Salmon
Cinnabar - Pop in for après-ski and enjoy a lovely tray of house-smoked salmon cured with tarragon, lemon zest and juniper berries, served with crostinis, caper berries and marinated cucumbers.
Dish: Berries.
Where to Get it:
Montage Deer Valley, Apex - This is a cocktail and has a kick of the South to boot. If you can’t make it to the Montage, here’s the recipe.
