Ski Touring for Foodies?
Foodie Touring for Skiers?
Salt Lake City is Utah’s capital, its largest city and, as part of the Greater Salt Lake Metropolitan area (“Salt Lake”), the region’s center for sumptuous dining. Salt Lake is also within an hour or less of 10 of the State’s 15 ski resorts, making it the hub for satisfying skiers’ and foodies’ appetites or adventures.
Neighborhood Gems
Every city has its neighborhood gems, and Salt Lake has them dotted throughout the valley. Eva, a long-time downtown haunt, offers shareable (and surprisingly affordable) tapas in a warm but lively setting suitable for friends, families, or “I wanted to take you to a cool place” date night.
When I told a group of Texans I was taking them to a taqueria in a strip mall for dinner, they harrumphed. As a former Houstonian, I expected skepticism, but I also knew that Facil Taqueria in suburban Millcreek near the Cottonwood Canyon resorts would extinguish it at first bite. Bold Mexican flavors—not just more heat—are found in each chip, dish and cocktail. The best review: When the Texans returned to Utah for a second ski trip that season, they asked, “Can we go to that great taqueria again?” I harrumphed and obliged.
When my adult kids come home, one of the first places they want to eat (after mama’s, of course) is Nomad East, the former gas station-turned-restaurant on the East Bench near the University of Utah. Known for its inventive, seasonal pizzas (Children of the Corn is a summer favorite), do not overlook the rest of the menu, such as its Smoked Salmon Salad (warning: you WILL dream of this one) and Roast Chicken. Just order whatever looks good; leftovers will be great at the ski condo the next day. Reservations recommended.
Another great addition to the Valley’s pizza scene is Bambino, the new anchor on Midvale’s historic Main Street. Wood-fired Zas like The Wendy (creamy burrata, nduja, basil, honey) or Mushroom Ricotta (sauteed mushrooms, lemon, nutmeg, ricotta, arugula) are standouts in this walk-in or takeout establishment.
For a landlocked town, Salt Lake has several excellent sushi restaurants, such as award-winning and local favorites, Takashi and Kyoto. Chopfuku, although it brags (or jokes) about being “The Best Sushi in West Jordan,” easily stands among them. Located off I-15 in West Jordan (making it easy to get to from just about anywhere), these chefs can slice, dice, sear, smoke and present fresh seafood in ways you’ve become accustomed to or never imagined. It’s Hubby’s favorite place to order on DoorDash, but, honestly, go in, sit down and see what everyone else is ordering.
So many nominations, so little space
Foodies, rejoice! An oxymoronically-named culinary foundation (honoring a clean-shaven James) and The Gray Lady—finally—discovered there is excellent food in the Beehive State, and most of it can be found in Salt Lake.
Utah was once believed to be a culinary desert as much as a real one. However, as anyone who has ever hiked The Mighty Five or skied its Winter Olympic Games venues, Utah continues to surprise those who venture here. Here are just a few that have been recognized recently.
Urban Hill, located in the Post District adjacent to Downtown Salt Lake City, has been lauded repeatedly, but this recognition has only motivated Chef Nick Zocco to maintain high service and attention to detail. Oh, and the guy recently beat Bobby Flay! Fresh seafood and meats reign, but flavor and texture are what set menu items apart. Reservations recommended. Be sure to check out its sister restaurants, Hearth and Hill and Hill's Kitchen too.
From Paidaika to freshly-made Patatoules, Manoli’s modern Greek interpretation of traditional favorites continues to impress locals and foodies. It also has an impressive BTG wine list representing the Peloponnese peninsula and its surrounding islands. Thinking about a glass of Assyrtiko and those doggone Riblets right now!
Cosmica is the “It-Girl” right now after The New York Times included it in The Restaurant List, featuring the top 50 eateries in the country. Spoiler: It lives up to the hype. Forget the online photos of patio furniture and neon lights, of Western murals and a giant painting of the chef’s dog, Leo, over the bar…It’s all about the food, which I think might be described as “homemade Italian took a trip around the world, soaking up flavors and techniques.” Yes, the pizza and pasta are fantastic, but the pork cutlet is the best I’ve had outside Japan. Reservations recommended.
Oquirrh is a warm hug. It’s the restaurant you want to tell everyone about, but don’t want it to become too popular and lose all of its character (and, admit it, availability). Locally sourced, American fare. Sounds simple, but Oquirrh just does it better. In winter, the Chicken Pot Pie is the fan favorite. Still, year-round, the entire menu features just a dozen seasonal items that honor the farmers, fishermen, cheesemakers and other purveyors throughout Utah. Reservations recommended.
For a multi-course tasting menu, get off the mountain early, rest up and head to your next great adventure. Walk through the herb and vegetable garden to Table X, located in Millcreek, which features an ever-changing five or seven-course seasonal tasting experience. The handmade bread and freshly-churned butter became so popular that it had to open a bakery in the space below.
#ComfortFood
After a day on the mountain, sometimes (ok, often) I just want to curl up with a warm bowl, feel the steam, inhale and relax. That is comfort food to me, and here are some favorites.
There’s more to the menu than ramen at Koyote, but it’s what made this walk-in powerhouse of the Marmalade neighborhood a foodie favorite. Note: The chefs recently opened the more upscale Junah in the Central 9th neighborhood, masterfully fusing their love of Japanese flavors with Italian items…and vice versa. Reservations recommended.
For warming and authentic Thai food, Sara Thai in Sugarhouse and Kin Sen Thai in Millcreek are stellar options. The Spicy Eggplant at Sara Thai is a surprising standout on a menu with many, many outstanding dishes. At Kin Sen, the Boat Noodles and Kao Soi have amazing flavor and texture, making you wish you had some left to put in your ski pack tomorrow.
“This is a BAR”
Because of Utah’s unique alcohol laws, eateries offering wine and spirits are designated as either “bars” or “restaurants,” regardless of what they actually look like within. That said, some of the best food in Salt Lake can be found in some of its bars, which only admit those 21 and over. Note: You must bring a valid, non-expired ID to enter (no exceptions).
Bar Nohm is the acclaimed Asian fusion establishment from the slightly-evil masterminds of also-acclaimed Water Witch next door (in Central 9th), and both should have probably been included in the awards list above. But this is Utah, and I want to highlight and brag about its bars, too. Bar Nohm’s food menu equals its spirits list. Bring a group, because you’ll want to taste everything on the menu. I think the Branzino Anju (bites) are my favorite. For something more light and casual, i.e., I forgot to make a reservation, walk around the corner to The Pearl for terrific Southeast Asian street food and cocktails.
Franklin Avenue Cocktails & Kitchen and Copper Common flank the new Utah DABC Wine Store in downtown Salt Lake and, after much research, can affirm that each can make a mean cocktail with their walls of spirits. But foodies ‘gonna eat, and these are two of my regular haunts when I want to conceal a “I skied later than expected and forgot to make dinner” with a “How about meeting me for happy hour after work, Hon?” The Copper Burger is legendary but the rest of the menu (adapted from its famed sibling, Copper Onion, next door) exceeds typical bar fare. The same goes for Franklin Avenue, but those Mushroom Beignets will remind you that you'd better ski hard tomorrow. Reservations recommended.
Aker Restaurant & Lounge and Felt Bar & Eatery showcase Main Street at night. Aker serves selections of “dry-aged” sashimi and yakatori as well as other Japanese dishes in its beautiful cosmopolitan setting. Nearby Felt offers guests both cocktails and dishes — in Utah’s “Life Elevated” manner — taken up a notch. Whether curling up in a booth or sliding up to the bar, patrons at either will enjoy an upscale evening under the city’s lights. Reservations recommended for table seating.
