Plum Alley & Ski Utah Serve It Up Family Style
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Oct 9 2013
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Oct 9 2013
•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.
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46 Comments
Becky \ 10.9 years ago
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!
carrian \ 10.9 years ago
I cannot wait to try Plum Valley! Plus Kelley is pretty fantastic!
VICKI KELLER \ 10.9 years ago
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
Jennifer Castelli \ 10.9 years ago
You made my mouth water with the descriptions. I will definitely add Plum Alley to a must try eatery. You're awesome Kelley!
Sharon \ 10.9 years ago
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.
Brian M \ 10.9 years ago
Yum! Yum! Sounds awesome! Brussel sprouts are my favorite! Can't wait to try.
Jill Stettler \ 10.9 years ago
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!
pepstunts \ 10.9 years ago
plum alley sounds awesome. I hope i can go there with hopefully the new utah foodie blogger kelley epstein AKA mountain mama.
Julie \ 10.9 years ago
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.
MLKartmom \ 10.9 years ago
Your write up makes me want to give Plum Alley a try. I hadn't heard of it before.
Thx.
LEN E \ 10.9 years ago
CAN'T WAIT TO TRY PLUM ALLEY ON MY NEXT TRIP TO SLC.
Annalise \ 10.9 years ago
I can't believe I haven't tried Plum Alley yet. Eeek, will have to fix that soon! Great review!
Gayleen \ 10.9 years ago
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?!
Jessica \ 10.9 years ago
Sounds like just the thing after a day of boarding! Great descriptive post, love your subtle humor too. :) Let it snow!
Christina \ 10.9 years ago
Next visit I'm going to Plum Alley! Thank you Kelley!
Emily \ 10.9 years ago
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.
Dave W \ 10.9 years ago
Food sounds fantastic. Definitely a place I will try.
Anna \ 10.9 years ago
Good reading. The food sounded yummy.Would love to go there.
Kris \ 10.9 years ago
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.
Kris \ 10.9 years ago
This place sounds amazing. I am so excited to tske my family there during the holidays.
renee \ 10.9 years ago
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!
Joanna \ 10.9 years ago
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.
Joanna \ 10.9 years ago
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.
Connie Cloward \ 10.9 years ago
Your write up makes me definately want to visit Plum Alley. Lunch tomorrow??
Thanks for the great write up, Kelley
Melissa \ 10.9 years ago
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!
Susan A \ 10.9 years ago
sounds great - will definitely add it to my list of places to try!!
Kim Loken \ 10.9 years ago
Thanks for the review Kelley, I need the recipe for the brussels sprouts and butternut squash.
GOOD LUCK...
NO SNOW IN PHOENIX.... YEA!!!
Kim Loken \ 10.9 years ago
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!!!!
Jen \ 10.9 years ago
Can't wait to give Plum Alley. Sounds absolutely delicious!!
Mike M \ 10.9 years ago
Very interesting. I can't wait to try Plum Alley out. Looks fantastic!!
Susan Hansen \ 10.9 years ago
Great write up Kelley! thanks for sharing as I will have to try this place when I get up north! Good luck!
Brian \ 10.9 years ago
A definite stop the next time we are in town.
Shasta Sperry \ 10.9 years ago
Caramelized brussel sprouts and butternut squash sounds amazing!
Jess \ 10.9 years ago
I should so not be reading posts like this when I'm STARVING! Butternut squash...carmelized...honey...sounds delectable. Thanks for the recommendation!
Whitney \ 10.9 years ago
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!
Janet \ 10.9 years ago
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?
Whitney Coleman \ 10.9 years ago
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!
eliza c. \ 10.9 years ago
yummy! I want to go to Plum Alley, sounds delicious!
eliza \ 10.9 years ago
YUM, I think I have to go to Plum Alley, sounds delicious!
Trino \ 10.9 years ago
You had me at "steamed buns with crispy pork belly". I am sure to give them a try next time I'm downtown.
Beth \ 10.9 years ago
Sounds awesome. Good luck Kelley! I know you would be perfect for the job!
Beth \ 10.9 years ago
Sounds awesome. Good luck Kelley! I know you would be perfect for the job!
chris \ 10.9 years ago
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!
Terry \ 10.9 years ago
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.
becca \ 10.9 years ago
oh...i looooooove kelley's blog - mt. mama cooks - and think she'd be a great add to the ski utah family!!!! fingers crossed!
Lindsey (Cafe Johnsonia) \ 10.9 years ago
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!