Our drinking vessels await us as we enter the Tracy Aviary, unaware of the tantalizing libations that lay ahead. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Even with all the seafood that graced the event, the shrimp ceviche was one to remember. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Can we take a moment of silence to bask in the glory that was the almond muffin with the best blackberry jam I have ever had, courtesy of 3 cups? Photo: Talyn Sherer
Stoneground’s grape gazpacho was phenomenal all around. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Nothing pairs with some good red wine like a nice chocolate cookie. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Do yourself a favor and remember the name Oak Wood Fire Kitchen. If you’re anything like me, you are willing to escape the culinary haven of downtown to seek out incredible food in other parts of the city. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The margarita pizza from Oak Wood Fire Kitchen had me ready to pack up my things and drive out to Draper to enjoy one of the best pies I have ever had. Photo: Talyn Sherer
While I am not much of a fungus food fan, the mushroom pizza from Oak Wood Fire Kitchen nearly converted me to the dark side. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The Annex brought out a variety plate filled with thinly sliced ham, cubed melon, house-made veggie chips and a delicious, saffron-flavored potato chip. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The white Chocolate macarons via Current Fish & Oyster were so damn good that SLUG writer Amanda Rock had to smuggle one out the gates, making me jealous I didn’t think to do the same. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Raspberry and Olive Oil macaron from Current Fish & Oyster were an unexpected treat. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Ever since Current Fish & Oyster opened, I have been saving every penny I find in my couch cushions and car so that I could try this place out. After tasting this salmon on toast, I nearly called and made a same-day reservation. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The duck egg by Forage rests in its nest of river rocks and twigs. While I was uncertain of it at first glance, its flavors—from the sweet onion cream to the savory puff pastry—took me back to my time in France. Photo: Talyn Sherer
A personal favorite from the entire event came out of Provisions kitchen in what can only be described as a creation by some godly chef. The PB&J Pork Belly had me in a near–food coma by the end of the night. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The Tracy Aviary was the perfect setting to pair with this amazing event, although I think the birds were ready to break their cages at the smell of all the good food. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Whiskey Street provided a nice refreshing watermelon and arugula salad which was washed down nicely with a shot of Wathen’s Kentucky bourbon. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The star of the show at Whiskey Street’s booth was their Wathen’s Kentucky bourbon. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Whiskey Street’s signature Manhattan made me want to curl up next to a fire and hibernate after all this delicious food I had just consumed. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Chow Truck brought their chicken tacos in order to prove that even amazing food can come from any kitchen. Photo: Talyn Sherer
My second home, Avenues Proper, was there to stuff our tummies and talk about their new brewpub, which is sure to be one of the most up-and-coming breweries in this State. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Our friends at Red Rock hooked us up with a bunch of free swag while tasting the beautifully labeled and delectably flavored Grand Bavarian Weissbier. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Not only does Red Rock create amazing beer, but they pair it well with equally amazing food, such as this tuna tartare number. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Figs wrapped in prosciutto—could you ask for anything more amazing? Photo: Talyn Sherer
I never thought I would get excited to see gin at any event, yet here I am salivating over the delicious creations that come out of Beehive Distilling’s Jack Rabbit Gin. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Matt Aller is one of the three geniuses behind Beehive Distilling, who has converted the non-believers like myself to their gin-loving culture. Photo: Talyn Sherer
No craft cocktail home can be complete without some lavender honey syrup from Bottle & Bee. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Guests were all smiles at Thursday night’s event as they wined and dined throughout the entire Aviary. Photo: Talyn Sherer
A happy guest enjoys some wine and talks about her love of the local food and culture. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The Bee’s Knees Cocktail is part Jack Rabbit Gin, part Bottle & Bee lavender honey syrup and, with a perfume like lavender spring to class up the joint, all parts amazing. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R): Eat Drink SLC organizers Pauline Sargetakis and Tracey Thompson are nothing short of amazing, as they worked tirelessly to put this event together with a huge success. Photo: Talyn Sherer
A few friends gather around and talk about their favorite food and drink pairings of the night. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R): Food professionals Elyce and Bill Mouskondis from Nicholas & Co. pose for a quick photo before going home to rest after the incredible tastings on Thursday night. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R): Tony Marinos and Brittany Reese take a wine break and reflect on the days of old and the beauty of the Tracy Aviary. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R): Efren Corado, Whitney Vandegrift and Joey Buck get together for a group picture and talk about their love of SLUG magazine and the inclusion in Eat, Drink SLC. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Although not entirely edible, the plastic food on the Comunidades Unidas booth served its purpose in teaching people about portion control and proper eating. Photo: Talyn Sherer
As the night came to an end, I had to rush to get a taste of the much–talked about Starmount wine. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R): Alejandra Palomino and Ricardo Bizarro are two of the nicest people you can meet, and they have dedicated their time to serving the Latin@ community in a wide range of topics. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Thursday night at Liberty Park was one for the ages. The greatest minds in food and drink came together to provide food fanatics like myself with some of the best tastings this side of the valley. Eat Drink SLC kicked off its first-ever event with more than 15 local restaurants, five distilleries, four breweries and 18 vineyards—it’s no surprise that this event sold out so quickly. Tracy Aviary played host to the event as we drank it up with peacocks and pigeons alike. All proceeds from the event benefitted the Tracy Aviary, Communidades Unidas and SB Dance. As we walked from booth to booth eating and drinking and eating some more, the allure of the Aviary made us feel as though we were in a remote jungle, glamping the night away with the best food Salt Lake had to offer. Whether you were craving a delicious almond muffin or a slice of freshly baked pizza pie, there was something for everyone. SLUG writer Amanda Rock and I explored every flavor that the event had to offer, even going so far as to eat a perfume rich lavender garnish, mistaking it for a candied treat. Keep your eyes peeled and your stomach empty for the next Eat Drink SLC in the coming year.
