By Yeti \ October 25 2012
•Note, this blog post is written by guest blogger, Kelly Fisher, 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.
While more snow accumulated along the Wasatch, I enjoyed a lively conversation today over communal lunch with Ski Utah folks and potential bloggers. It can’t be emphasized often enough that a meal brings people together, but add passionate dialogue about both food and skiing? Now we’re talking! Plum Alley is named after Salt Lake’s Chinatown District in the early 1900’s; I love a bit of Utah history thrown in the mix. A meal at Plum Alley is a lot like going to the original Momofuku in the East Village where David Chang’s empire began, or one of Charles Phan’s Out the Door (OTD) outposts in San Francisco. They were the trailblazers in amazing Asian food with hipster flair and reasonable prices, and we now can embrace the trend at Plum Alley.
The flavors at Plum Alley are bold, fresh and inspired, and the presentation is thoughtful. Our table was awash in color and texture. My favorite flavor stand-outs today were the cauliflower with sesame aioli and mustard greens, and the roasted butternut squash with brussels sprouts. The pork buns, larb salad and ramen also consistently
deliver. Plum Alley’s housemade ice creams are definitely worth tasting; the most original award goes to Stout & Pistachio. Aside from the food & the vibe, I would simplify the font on the menu; it’s a little too edgy for my eyes.
The buzz about the upcoming ski season? LET IT SNOW! We are all hungry for a day on the mountain: whether it’s hiking, opening day, soft groomers or sublime powder. I am hungry for more details. I want to know what you carry in your ski coat aside from the mobile phone and money (ME: Zotz, a hankie, powder cords and lip stuff). I hope to share more of my Utah soon.
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57 Comments
Rachel Sharwell \ 8.2 years ago
Awesome blog Kelly!!! Thanks for showing that we're not just the best ski place in the world - we also have the food to go with it. Utah basically.... rocks!
mikaela \ 8.2 years ago
This made me so hungry , love it!
Ryan \ 8.2 years ago
Kelly just reminded me to get back to Plum Alley. Such a great atmosphere and the food is some of the best I have had. Can't wait to see where you will be next.
Karen \ 8.2 years ago
Great article, Kelly! Hopefully we'll see much more from you!
MP \ 8.2 years ago
Kelly nailed it! Can't wait for the next storm to roll in this week and I look forward to hearing more about UT's dining and making turns the best POW to be found in the lower 48!
Brittnie \ 8.2 years ago
Plum Alley is on the list for our next visit to SLC! Hopefully the snow will be flying and we will be up on the hottest tips with you as the Ski Utah blogger!
Melissa \ 8.2 years ago
It was wonderful to read Kelly's blog. Plum Alley is now top of my list of restaurants I need to try. I cannot wait to taste the roasted butternut and brussels sprouts. I look forward to reading other blogs she writes. LET IT SNOW!
James \ 8.2 years ago
Love Plum Alley and love Kelly's blog!
Melissa \ 8.2 years ago
Love Kelly's blog! She is the best! Excited to explore Utah' s best restaurants and trust her opinions and gudance. Keep blogging!
Libby \ 8.2 years ago
Have not eaten at Plum Alley - now is the time. Kelly has her finger on the pulse of food, culture and on-the-slopes not only in Utah but around the globe!
Laura \ 8.2 years ago
Sounds fantastic! Always love a new hot spot to dine- Can't wait to try it. Looks like snow might be on the way- and a great meal to "boot"! Great write-up!!!
dave Jones \ 8.2 years ago
Spot on Kelly. We are fortunate to have Plum Alley in our town. I'm a big fan of Mr. Phan and the Slanted Door. Plum Alley is my Bay Area fix!
Tiffany \ 8.2 years ago
This makes me want to read more about "your Utah". A dash of history, a big dose of food, topped off with skiing. Sign me up!
Peggy \ 8.2 years ago
We are from out of town, but each time we visit SLC Kelly always has a new and exciting recommendation for food, wine,beer & the latest cocktail. On our last trip we dined at Plum Alley. What a unique experience!! Thanks Kelly.
Laura \ 8.2 years ago
Sounds fabulous!! Next time we're in Salt Lake Plum Alley will definitely be our dining destination.
In the pocket- chocolate, trail mix and gum, can't wait to hit the slopes.
Ethan \ 8.2 years ago
Great reminder of one of many great food options on offer, so close to the slopes, in downtown SLC. Love Plum Alley.
Sara Toliver \ 8.2 years ago
Wow Kelly! My curiousity is peaked. I want to drive down and give Plum Alley a try. Can't wait to read more of your great blogs!
LOIS GARCIA \ 8.2 years ago
AFTER READING KELLY'S COMMENTS I AM READY TO ENJOY THE FABULOUS SKIING HERE LOCALLY AND TO VISIT PLUM ALLEY . LOVE FABULOUS FOOD AND AM EXCITED TO READ HER BLG IN THE FUTURE!
Doug \ 8.2 years ago
First snow to hit Aberdeen in Scotland last night. Found a nick warmer & a map of Alta in my ski jacket pocket. Its an omen - must get back to Utah snow this season.
As visitors to SLC we are VERY interested in finding out about eating places in town - thanks. Perhaps see you on the slopes of Utah
Stephanie \ 8.2 years ago
I can bare witness to the fact that Kelly knows her way around the Utah ski mountains, and great cuisine. I have been lucky enough to share tantalizing cullinary fare with her, and follow her tracks as she has cut freshies through the most challenging terrain...And she can write...BONUS!
Stephanie \ 8.2 years ago
I can bare witness to the fact that Kelly knows her way around the Utah ski mountains, and great cuisine. I have been lucky enough to share tantalizing cullinary fare with her, and follow her tracks as she has cut freshies through the most challenging terrain...And she can write...BONUS!
Dale \ 8.2 years ago
Kelly,
You have inspired this "Newcomer" to hit the city and try Plum Alley. Looking forward to hearing more from you!
Mara \ 8.2 years ago
Great post! I recently heard about Plum Alley and after reading this I will definitely check it out! Enjoyed the history trivia and your enthusiasm about the upcoming ski season! Hope to join you for some Diva runs at the Basin!
Madeline Lynch \ 8.2 years ago
Sounds like a place we need to try. As far as the pocket in my ski jacket, one of my dad's soft old hankies with his initials on it, and Chapstick for sure! Tiff's chocolates sound like a good choice too!
Mikelle Barberi Weil \ 8.2 years ago
K to the E to the LLY truly makes me want to go check out Plum Alley! I've never been and would love to go. Cheers for informing us on cool places and here's to more snow!
Bill \ 8.2 years ago
Loved the description and I am planning a dinner with friends tomorrow night at Plum Alley. Thanks Kelly!
whiskey kitchen-jd \ 8.2 years ago
great blog kelly! Ashamed to say we haven't found the time yet to try Plum; we will now. In the pockets... we'll what's a day w/out the flask of high west?
Mark \ 8.2 years ago
Just returned from a walk on Monarch Beach(Calif), 77 degrees, 50 mile visibility and now Kelly reminds me of one of my favorite spots in Salt Lake. The dinner I will have, is now diminished by what could have been. Boo Kelly!
As to the pocket on my ski jacket, unknown, the jacket is in the closet in SLC, so maybe your number and an invitation for you, Ethan & the crew for a return to Plum Alley. :)
linda graves \ 8.2 years ago
I like Kelly's style of writing! I'm not a "foody" but this definetly makes me want to go to Plum Alley soon.
As far as food and skiing. No matter what the conditions on the mountain are, I love nothing more than being with a fun group of people after a day of skiing, having a drink and a really good meal that is combined with great conversation. Lets go:)
Mike Caldwell \ 8.2 years ago
Nice work Kelly! I can't wait to have a good guide for the Utah Culinary artists. Especially Ogden related!!
Nancy \ 8.2 years ago
Love it... We are there! Thank you, can we go tonight ;-)
Muffy \ 8.2 years ago
I did not know that the name Plum Alley was a reference to anything -- thank you so much for that bit of history! I have heard great things about this restaurant and will now put it on the top of my list. I have to agree with you about hard-to-read menus, though I realize I sound just like my dear grandmother ... :)
Muffy \ 8.2 years ago
I did not know that the name Plum Alley was a reference to anything -- thank you so much for that bit of history! I have heard great things about this restaurant and will now put it on the top of my list. I have to agree with you about hard-to-read menus, though I realize I sound just like my dear grandmother ... :)
Kym Buttschardt \ 8.2 years ago
Because I have dined with Kelly at Momufuku and Out the Door, I HAVE to rally my posse and get down to Plum Alley. Right after we enjoy some turns in Utah's greatest snow on earth. And yes, it's true, Kelly is a hit on the gondola with Zotz, dark chocolate and fancy sunscreen. This future Ski Utah Foodie blogger knows her business! I can vouch!
Rob \ 8.2 years ago
We've been huge fans of Plum Alley since it opened. We've also been huge fans of the after ski food and beverage. In reading your blog, it occurs to me that Plum Alley may be the ideal venue for this ritual. Amazing food, perfect ambience to talk up the day on the hill. Let it snow so we can test our theory over some curried beans.
Susie Amoss \ 8.2 years ago
Kelly has a way of engaging all senses. She transports us to the ski and food scene of the moment, then delights us with her delicious descriptions ! With her layered expertise, I trust she will engage locals as well as lure those international ski enthusiasts who want the full-on experience. We need thoughtful and sophisticated writing - with an edge to it - she gets my vote !
Barbara Algarin \ 8.2 years ago
Kelly, this is great! I am so hungry right now and stuck at work. Oh well, I can dream of Plum Alley apres ski.
Allison \ 8.2 years ago
Kelly, you've made my choice for dinner tonight an easy one - Plum Alley here I come. Sounds amazing - I can't wait until dinner time. Nobody could make a marriage of skiing and food better than you! Your flare with food and powder make you the perfect choice for the Ski Utah blogger.
patty \ 8.2 years ago
Great blog Kelly! Don't miss the lacquered duck with warm kale salad - plum yum, as my girls say. ;)
Kelly Fisher as Ski Utah food blogger is pure GENIUS... I hope you get the blog!
In my pocket - lost keys (now found), double bubble, lip stuff, tissues & my Ski Utah pass... Let it snow!!!
Amy \ 8.2 years ago
Plum Alley is a favorite of ours, and Kelly, you remind me that it's been too long since our last visit. I'll be craving a steaming bowl of spicy veggies and a great beer until then.
I pulled my ski coat from the closet to face down yesterday's snow and found dog treats and baby wipes in the pockets -- hoping that coat gets more time on the slopes this year!
Terrell Dougan \ 8.2 years ago
Loved the description, and will go again to Plum Alley. Thought some dishes too spicy, but maybe they can pull that down on request.
My parka pocket: Kleenex, Excedrin, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, First Aid Kit, flashlight, matches, flask of brandy. Other pocket: paperback, manicure kit, cell phone, credit card. One run is all anyone should have, and then lunch and relax by fire.
kris \ 8.2 years ago
Great blog Kelly! Want to go to Plum Alley RIGHT NOW. You are a perfect fit for this job! i will definitely pass on, and can't wait to read more....as I know you certainly will be writing more.
Mbartlett \ 8.2 years ago
After reading this, it's Definately on our to try list.
Tiffany \ 8.2 years ago
My pocket always has little squares of Utah's own Amano chocolate. I will share if you find yourself in line with me! T
Susan \ 8.2 years ago
Haven't been to Plum Alley in a while, sounds like it's time to head back. Thanks for the motivation, Kelly!
Omo \ 8.2 years ago
Sounds delicious!
Annabel \ 8.2 years ago
Great blog post Kelly. We are big fans of Plum Alley. They make great vegetables - salads too. Looking forward to making some turns with you this winter!!
Scott \ 8.2 years ago
Kelly's blog makes me want to visit Plum Alley tonight. Love the detail and who wants to miss "bold, fresh and inspired"? Not me. Can't wait for the next installment.
Kris \ 8.2 years ago
As a frequent visitor to Utah and a lover of all things "food", Kelly's blog left me salivating. Plum Alley her I come! Can't wait to read about the next restaurant I can't miss.
Kris \ 8.2 years ago
As a frequent Utah visitor and lover of all things "food", Kelly's detail had my mouth salivating. I love cauliflower and I love butternut squash. Those two together would make a most delightful meal. Plum Alley hear I come! Hope I get to read more from Kelly. Her blogs will make my visits occur at faster intervals.
Louis \ 8.2 years ago
Sign me up for some Stout & Pistachio Ice Cream I always love a daring combination - SO eager to try those pork buns and cauliflower ass well. Eager to read more about food around the valley soon...
John \ 8.2 years ago
A mind full of history and a mouth full of savory, what could be better?
Virginia \ 8.2 years ago
sorry, I posted twice, you can take one down! Since the first one didn't show up, I did it again. oops.
Virginia Rainey \ 8.2 years ago
Food and skiing, and passionate dialogue about both, all in a communal setting in downtown SLC - love it. So much going on with food, chefs, and artisans in, around, and beyond Utah's many ski resorts, Kelly will do a great job telling the world all about it, from a savvy p.o.v. "Amazing Asian food with hipster flair and reasonable prices" - this is quotable!
virginia \ 8.2 years ago
Food and skiing definitely go hand-in-hand, and there's so much to talk about -- in, around and beyond our amazing mountain resorts. A communal meal with passionate dialogue? Love it. "Amazing Asian food with hipster flair" in downtown SLC?-- also love. Good luck to you! You will do Ski Utah proud.
Ken \ 8.2 years ago
Wow, what a mouth watering description! As a big city foodie who frequents Momofuko, but yearns to be in Utah skiing as much as possible, I can't wait to combine my two passions this winter. Skiing and Pork Buns!!
Thank you, Kelly
Kelley {mountain mama cooks} \ 8.2 years ago
It was so great to meet you, Kelly! At the very least, I hope we can make some turns together this winter. Ps- in my pocket you'll always find sunscreen stick, a power bar and my Iphone!