Hearty Soups and Spicy Dishes Make for Fall-Worthy Warmers at Plum Alley.
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Date: Oct 9 2013
•Note, this blog post is written by guest blogger, Pamela Olson, 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.
In East Asian cultures, the plum carries much symbolism. The first to bloom while the winter air still bites, plum blossoms represent nature’s vigor. In art, the plum is considered one of the “three friends of winter” with pine and bamboo. Today, with the season’s first snow visible on the peaks (watch Powderhound Matt giddily slay new snow at Powder Mountain!), it seemed fitting for winter-loving friends to gather at Plum Alley, a dining hot spot in Salt Lake City.
Plum Alley is modern Asian-fusion, a sensory experience verging on overload. The setting is vibrant yet coolly-subdued, the ceiling a carpet of glowing lanterns while a painting of a gaping fish covers the roll-up garage wall. Aromas of sesame, rich meats and roasting peppers simmer in the air. Simple crates of chopsticks and sauces as well as the concise menu and snappy service make Plum Alley inviting and accessible.
With seven of us sharing family style, we sampled much of Chef Jamison Frank’s offerings but for me, it all comes down to the P.A. Ramen. The broth is reduced for 20 hours before it’s loaded with pork belly, pulled pork, house-made noodles and poached egg. It’s complex comfort food perfect for an après ski dinner. That said, the delicious starter of zucchini tossed in a chili garlic sauce with mushrooms, crispy shallots and a fried egg was spicy and addicting. The House Noodles were rich with a sesame sauce, balanced with sautéed red peppers and eggplant and topped with cilantro. Rounding it off are house-made ice creams and an admirable selection of whiskeys, including a daily feature.
Local Knowledge:
* It’s popular. Arrive early and expect elbow-to-elbow seating at long tables. Dining next to strangers makes the experience jovial!
* Plum Alley is one of Bon Appetit’s Top 50 New Best New Restaurants.
*Plum Alley is the name of Salt Lake City’s old Chinatown.
Plum Alley
111 E. Broadway
www.plumalley.com
801-355-0543
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81 Comments
RAO posted 4.9 years ago
Sounds like Plum Alley is aptly named. This article really brings it to life, perfect for skiing foodies like me! I can hardly wait to taste the pork belly....
April posted 4.9 years ago
Pam, we will check out those places when in town next time!!
Julie posted 4.9 years ago
Awesome blog! Can't wait to check it out next time we visit UT!
Andre posted 4.9 years ago
Thanks Pam. Ill check out those places when in town next time!!
Quinn K posted 4.9 years ago
I love reading reviews of great restaurants especially in such a descriptive way. I can almost smell the aroma of the restaurant! Great job PAM!!!
Cyd posted 4.9 years ago
This is an artistically written blog which makes me want to fly to Salt Lake City just to dine at Plum Alley. Why is this noteworthy? I live in Hawaii where Asian food is divine.
Kalli posted 4.9 years ago
Simply mouthwatering! I am so excited about these comfort dishes.
Sure to be a family favorite!
Scott posted 4.9 years ago
Thanks for the local tip - I'll be in town to try it next weekend, always looking for new places!
Mimi posted 4.9 years ago
UGH! I'm kicking myself for not going there when I was in town... when you said ramen, I didn't know you meant RAMEN! I can taste it now - the sweet, savory remorse!
George posted 4.9 years ago
Pam, your description of the Ramen makes my mouth water, just the thing to warm my belly after a day of punishing the powder...and perhaps a whiskey or two...I'll be seeing you at Plum Alley me thinks!
Teresa posted 4.9 years ago
Sounds heavenly! I can't wait to try it.
Steve posted 4.9 years ago
Will definitely be our next place to try! Sounds wonderful.
George posted 4.9 years ago
The description of the Ramen makes my mouth water, just the thing to warm my belly after a day of punishing the powder me thinks...and perhaps a whiskey or two...I'll be seeing you at Plum Alley!
FS66 posted 4.9 years ago
I really enjoyed reading the symbolism regarding the plum. Very interesting. I’m a fan of the restaurant and of Pam’s writing!
Randy posted 4.9 years ago
"zucchine tossed in a chili garlic sauce" ..this sounds like it would be a great reward after a long day of skiing. Look forward to stopping by Plum Alley this winter (when visiting SLC).
Jen posted 4.9 years ago
Ummm...you had me at pork belly! Sounds like a definite must stop next time we're in town. Thanks!
Marisa posted 4.9 years ago
Looking forward to our family in SLC bringing us to Plum Alley! Tantalizing description of balanced ingredients, absolutely mouth-watering. Also love Pam's addition of the plum's history of vigor. Can't wait to try it!
Alex posted 4.9 years ago
We will have to check it out the next time we are in SLC
Mike G posted 4.9 years ago
Thanks for the review! We will be sure to add it to our list!
James posted 4.9 years ago
Yummy!
Mandy Jeppsen posted 4.9 years ago
Mouth is watering now. Fly me to Utah for a taste!
Wendy posted 4.9 years ago
"a sensory experience verging on overload" - totally agree. I was a little unsure of the shared tables the first time I went, but it ended up being fun to see the other dishes and meet a few new people.
Michelle posted 4.9 years ago
Your descriptions really makes me anxious to visit Plum Alley --it sounds like a fun place to try something new.
Cindy posted 4.9 years ago
You are making my mouth water! Your description of the restaurant and cuisine are divine.
Deb posted 4.9 years ago
Steaming bowl of ramen after a powder day? Sounds perfect! Let it snow!
Raj posted 4.9 years ago
Even though I live in Japan, where ramen stands are as ubiquitous as Coffee shops in Seattle, Pam's description made me want to try Plum Alley's ramen broth. Although any article that lovingly describes Pork makes me salivate.
Guy posted 4.9 years ago
I will have to stop by on my next trip to SLC!
Ginger posted 4.9 years ago
I can taste, smell and "see" your food! love the pictures you make with your words..talented..thanks for the info!
Jenn B posted 4.9 years ago
Sounds like a place I need to try the next time I'm out there! Agree w/Michael^... wish she could point me to simialr places in Tampa Bay!
David posted 4.9 years ago
The writer Pamela Olson showed great skill in writing this article on Plum Allet with the focus on Ramen which is "hot "with cost conscious foodies!
Pam's previous food writing experience will help you get a wider draw in national media. Hire Pam as the foodie blogger she is GREAT!
Laurie posted 4.9 years ago
Can't wait to try this place! Sounds like Pamela loves food as much as I do!
Tracey T posted 4.9 years ago
LOVE PLum Alley-- and you are so right- that Ramen is incredible. One of my favorite spots to grab a bite in SLC--thanks for sharing!
Kristen Case posted 4.9 years ago
As editor of Park City Magazine (who has hired Pam to pen stories for us) and a freelance writer myself, I can tell you that Pam O is one of the best food writers in the state of Utah. I haven't been to Plum Alley yet, but this post makes me want to visit! Ski Utah (and Utah eateries) would be lucky to have Pam O as the food blogger! My two cents.
Erik posted 4.9 years ago
Came across this while considering a plan for Sundance Film Fest -- definitely putting this on my meandering itenerary. Thanks for the write up!
Kathy C. posted 4.9 years ago
I have never been there, but from your article, Pam, it makes me want to try it. It is definitely on my list of must do's in SLC.
EJL posted 4.9 years ago
Excellent review! I'm convinced!
jim posted 4.9 years ago
Sounds great,we will have to add it to our list of resturants to visit.
Michelle posted 4.9 years ago
Painted a picture of food bliss and soothing experience that I can no longer deny. Sounds delicious!
Lynette posted 4.9 years ago
Great review! Look forward to trying it out.
Rebekah posted 4.9 years ago
Plum Alley just made my list of restaurants to try in Salt Lake!
Andy posted 4.9 years ago
MMMMM Sounds great - I'll check it out.
Chalise posted 4.9 years ago
This place sounds awesome - Great review!
Gabi posted 4.9 years ago
Wow, you make it sound so inviting!
We'll definitely add it to our next night out list. :)
Michael posted 4.9 years ago
Pam knows good food. SLC has great food and places like this keep us coming back. Wish Pam could tell me where to go back in Florida.
Michael posted 4.9 years ago
Pam knows good food. SLC has great food and places like this keep us coming back. Wish Pam could tell me where to go back in Florida.
Gabi posted 4.9 years ago
You make it sound so inviting! Plum Alley is definitely on our next night out list now. :)
Patrick K. posted 4.9 years ago
Great Review, can't wait to try it out!
Rebekah posted 4.9 years ago
I have definitely put Plum Alley on my list of Must Do's for later this winter when I visit Utah's ski resorts. See you in January!
Rebekah posted 4.9 years ago
I definitely have put Plum Alley on my list of Must Stops for later on this winter, when I visit Utah's ski resorts. See you in January!
Scott Perry posted 4.9 years ago
I ate at Plum Alley last time I was in SLC. Am now thinking of changing my name to Pork Belly.
Traci posted 4.9 years ago
This article makes me want to get down to Plum Alley right now and have some of their delicious ramen. And, I learned something new about the plum!
Traci posted 4.9 years ago
This article makes me want to go right down to Plum Alley and get some of that delicious ramen. And, I learned something new about the plum!
Traci posted 4.9 years ago
This article makes me want to go right down to Plum Alley and get some of that delicious ramen. And, I learned something new about the plum!
Lucy B. posted 4.9 years ago
What a lovely review! I'm putting this place at the top of my list for next time I'm in town.
KK posted 4.9 years ago
Totally agree, love Plum Alley one of the SLC's great spots!
Nelson posted 4.9 years ago
Have passed this place a few times. Was always curious about the name, now I must try the noodles.
Erin posted 4.9 years ago
This makes me want to both ski and eat some delicious Plum Alley cuisine!
dan nailen posted 4.9 years ago
Pam nails it. Plum Alley is one of the best things to hit SLC's foodie scene in a while. Magicians with pork!
Lisa posted 4.9 years ago
This food sounds delicious. Mouth watering.
Tim posted 4.9 years ago
Nice! I've only been to Plum Alley once but I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to going back soon.
Tim posted 4.9 years ago
Nice! I've only been to Plum Alley once but I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to going back soon.
Natalie Bernhisel-Robinson posted 4.9 years ago
Thanks Pam! I will have to give this place a try. Sounds delish!
Lyman posted 4.9 years ago
Now I'm hungry again, and I just ate lunch!
Joe posted 4.9 years ago
great write up on this special place. I sadly have only been once, this article certainly makes me want to go again soon!
Tamara posted 4.9 years ago
I love Plum Alley and this reminds me why. My mouth is watering reading this. Time for me and the hubby to head back to Plum Alley.
Mylene posted 4.9 years ago
Loved the Pork Belly steam buns - YUM! And one of the specials that night was a Seafood Yellow Curry dish - Flavorful and Tasty - another YUM!
kelley {mountain mama cooks} posted 4.9 years ago
You nailed it, Pamela! Lunch was great yesterday. Hope our paths will cross again soon......perhaps over lunch!
Amy H. posted 4.9 years ago
I love Plum Alley! I've always wondered where the name came from. Now I need to go try that Ramen!
Cara posted 4.9 years ago
Wow! Wish I could go there now! Thanks for the Beta Ski Utah
Ange posted 4.9 years ago
Now my mouth is watering! Ha! Sounds amazing.
Suzanne Dingley posted 4.9 years ago
I've never been to Plum Alley, but after reading this review I'm definitely going to try it.
RH posted 4.9 years ago
Wow! I'm from southern Utah. Sounds like a great place to check out when I'm in SLC. Thanks!
Lindsay Wilson posted 4.9 years ago
I frequently drive past Plum Alley and I've heard a little snippet here and there about it. Now I'm sold. I can't stop thinking about those house noodles. Looks like my husband is in for a date night!
Matt posted 4.9 years ago
Love this place! Can't wait for bowl of PA Rammen after a good powder day.
Mindy posted 4.9 years ago
Great article! I tried Plum Alley for the first time this week and thoroughly enjoyed every bite, and sip as well! They have some fun, unique cocktails to partner with the unique dishes. Great insights Pam!
Travis posted 4.9 years ago
Downtown SLC is alive and well!!
Amy posted 4.9 years ago
Hey, I have never tried this place but it sounds wonderful. It is now on the short list.
Murray Peters posted 4.9 years ago
Putting it to the top of the list of places to try. Thanks Pam!
Shelly Smith posted 4.9 years ago
We visit SLC routinely to visit friends and to enjoy the great outdoors. We find this venue inviting and scrumptious and can't wait for future visits. Thanks for encouraging others to visit and support this venue as your write-up is a great motivator!
rubbertoe posted 4.9 years ago
She called it perfectly. Aromas to cure!
Enjoy
DA posted 4.9 years ago
Sounds like I have been missing out on something special. Thanks for the review!