The crew at Red Rock were pouring their hearts out for us all night. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The Red Rock Elephino welcomed me with open arms as I entered Eat Drink SLC. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Red Rock’s crostinis had me salivating all over my plate like one of Pavlov’s dogs. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Salt Lakes newest kick in the ass, Kid Curry vodka. A smooth vodka that shoots with ease. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Head distiller, or as I like to call him “The Vodka Alchemist” Keanan Beatty shows off his baby named Kid Curry. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Each crostini we came across was unique in its own right and left a lasting impression on my taste buds. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The pièce de résistance was the ceviche with some leche de tigre drizzled on top. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Two different bruschetta options gave us a mix of salty and sweet flavors as we devoured them with little hesitation. Photo: Talyn Sherer
A wine that looks like it was made for a SLUG staff writer, Communal Brands make sure their bottles are dressed to impress. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Tracy Aviary is truly a spectacular venue for an event such as this. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Avenues Proper drizzles some duck fat over their signature bar popcorn. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Starmont makes a glorious return to this year’s event. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The Ahi Tuna Poke was a sample fit for royalty. I would imagine that Poseidon ate this for breakfast every day. Photo: Talyn Sherer
A good, old-fashioned Manhattan just for me. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The ticket vessel awaits its fill as the winers and diners make their rounds. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The duck confit had me begging the staff for more as my wife dragged me away. Photo: Talyn Sherer
A food I never even knew existed, the squash blossom, was like eating flowers off the head of a 1960s hippie. In other words, it was a delicious experience that will not soon be forgotten. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Josh Rosenthal of La Barba has been busy—they’ve been producing their cold brew coffee with flair. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The day is not complete until I have had my dessert, and my dessert must consist of some sort of parfait with candied lemons and limes. Photo: Talyn Sherer
At first glance, the sandwiches from Uinta look pretty basic, but don’t let looks fool you. The flavors are far from any ordinary sandwich this side of the valley. Photo: Talyn Sherer
My new favorite food hangout, HSL, showed up just for me! (And a few other people, I guess.) Photo: Talyn Sherer
Beehive Distilling showcases what kinds of magic spices make up their delicious gin. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Bandits’ Grill and Bar brought out the big guns with their pulled pork sandwiches. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Shane Barber of Bandits’ is by far one of the most passionate people you will ever meet. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Vive Juicery samples out the sweet mint juice that helps me feel healthy in the midst of my wine binging. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Where else can you go to eat, drink and get harassed by a peacock? Photo: Talyn Sherer
As the sun began to set, the crowds filled into the booths, hoping to get their hands on whatever scraps of food that lie within. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Personal shrimp cocktails for free? Shut up and take all my money. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Although I missed the braised octopus from Current Fish & Oyster, I did catch a glimpse of their beautiful table display. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The wine flowed like the fountains of ancient Rome and we drank like philosophers of the old days. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Minx provides the tunes that pair with the wine, the food and all things Tracy Aviary. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The artist officially known as Minx, serenades us all with a beautiful song. Photo: Talyn Sherer
A crowd of people gather and talk wine as the event starts to find its end. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Tucked away in my new stomping grounds, Amour Cafe shows us what they’re working with on Thursday night. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R) John Francis (Jam Master John), Casee Francis (Marmalade Officer), Amber Billingsley (Pastry and Gelato Genius) and Elyse Osguthorpe (Cafe Manager Extraordinaire) are the fantastic four that make up Amour Cafe and Spreads. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Even at dusk, Tracy Aviary still keeps us feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Last call has friends flocking to the Kid Curry booth to get one last shot in before being tossed to the wolves of Liberty Park. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R) Dave and Dana Joslyn take a seat and enjoy the setting sun from the comfort of the Tracy Aviary. Photo: Talyn Sherer
First-time Eat Drink SLC attendees, Shahrzad Jalili and Hossein Dadkhah, were thrilled to mingle with the best of SLC. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R) SB Dance reps Stephen and Tracy Brown are accompanied by their friend, Tim Brown. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Salt Lake City’s second annual Eat Drink SLC kicked off at the Tracy Aviary on Thursday night as I felt a rush of endorphins take over my body thinking about last year’s incredible experience. This event gathers the best food of the valley as they join forces with domestic winemakers to produce a sold-out event that keeps you coming back for more. We drank, we ate and we nearly got our heads taken off by an angry vulture, all within the beautiful setting of the Tracy Aviary. From the people to the food to the sun setting over the trees of Liberty Park as your buzz finally starts to set in, it all ties together for one memorable night. If these words have not convinced you enough to save your pennies for next year’s event, then let me close by saying this: There are over 20 wineries sampling out several varieties of their vino, paired with several local breweries and distilleries, and all accompanied by some of the best food you could find from far and wide in the Salt Lake Valley. I challenge you to try and resist an event such as this come next year.
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