Salt Lake’s food scene is booming to say the least, and despite the variety of food that is offered around every corner, it has yet to receive the national, and even international, attention that it deserves. That being said, there is one place in particular that has continued to recognize the talent of Utah’s best chefs and restaurateurs: Salt Lake Magazine.
The 2018 Dining Awards were made even more special by the unexpected but well-deserved Golden Palate award, given to Executive Editor Mary Brown Malouf for her commitment to the restaurant community and people who keep them in business. The evening event was filled with laughter, tears and all around appreciation for everything that makes up the food community. From the best restaurants to the hall-of-famers, there was not a person in the room who left without feeling hopeful and excited about what Salt Lake is evolving into.
The Blue Plate Special Awards gave special notice to the businesses who have gone above the confines of serving food in-house to expanding the message of what food represents to the community. Restaurants like Laziz and Rawtopia, and brands like Rico have made a huge impact on the community by giving back to those in need and inviting them into the Utah community in an honest and open way.
While we celebrated the best that Salt Lake had to offer, we are reminded that it is the community that makes it all possible. Thanks to Salt Lake Magazine’s efforts to shine a light on Utah’s food culture over the years, Utahns can get out and explore new and exciting flavors they may have once overlooked.
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The staff of Cuisine Unlimited went all out, ensuring that the entire venue stayed well fed and maintained a good buzz. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Quail-egg-stuffed mushrooms float across the room on their well-deserved golden thrones. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The staff at Hugo Coffee helped us sober up a bit with lattes and espresso shots galore. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Bone marrow croquettes are served atop their former shells and leave us salivating for more of their buttery goodness. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The mixed veggies provided by Cuisine Unlimited helped absorb the spirits that dwelled within. Photo: Talyn Sherer
A glass of chardonnay starts off our night as we prepare to eat, drink and clap our hands off for Salt Lake’s best restauranteurs. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Thanks to Vine Lore, our wine glasses await our selection as we enter the awards ceremony. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R) Tamerin Smith and Alaina Athens give us a rundown of the intricacies of the wine selections from Vine Lore. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Ruby Snap brought out the big guns with some custom made cookies for the event. The Katie was by far a favorite with its infused strawberries and lemon frosting.
(L–R) Jessica Olsen and Karina Nelson helped us keep our sugar rush going with the delicious cookies they serve up at Ruby Snap. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The charcuterie board was a nice touch, thanks to Beehive Cheese and Creminelli meats. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Cuisine Unlimited provided us with some charred sweet potato rounds topped with feta, pecans and puffed farro. Photo: Talyn Sherer
My new favorite distillery, New World Distillery, came out to sample their wares. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Chris Cross, besides having the coolest name in town, is the founding genius behind New World Distillery.
Randall Curtis of Harbor Seafood and Steak accepts his Blue Plate Award for being one of the many restaurants who expand food beyond the plate to the rest of the community. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Jorge Fierro of Rico brand foods talks about his time at the men’s shelter shortly after coming to Salt Lake and his continued efforts to give back. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Francis Fecteau of Libation Wines has maintained the largest selection of organic wines in Utah. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Moudi Sbeity talks about Laziz Kitchen’s collaboration with the IRC and their efforts to feed new refugees arriving in Salt Lake. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Omar Abou of Omar’s Rawtopia has made huge strides in introducing food that fits a variety of palates. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Fred Moessinger of BTG Wine Bar gives us a sneak peek into the move into the old Eagles Club building on 400 South. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Evan Lewandowski of Ruth Lendowski Wines has made it his mission to make more natural wines here in the heart of Utah. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The ever so popular Cucina wins their Best Restaurant award. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The newly built and groundbreaking restaurant Fireside on Regent earns their place among the best restaurants. Photo: Talyn Sherer
It was no surprise that Table X received its award for best restaurant, as they have challenged both themselves and their diners to explore the unknown through their unique cuisine. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The infamous Firewood restaurant gets their well-deserved place among Salt Lake’s Best Restaurants. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Manoli’s joins the stage as one of Salt Lake’s Best Restaurants. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Alamexo has quickly become one of Salt Lake best restaurants with their flavorful Mexican dishes. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Provisions has always been known for its continuously rotating menu filled with locally sourced foods and drink giving them their spot as one of Salt Lake’s best restaurants. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Stoneground, while constantly evolving, continues to impress and get the recognition they deserve. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Tin Angel recounts the passion and love they have for their food and their customers as they accept their Best Restaurant. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The Paris Bistro talks about life and love for Salt Lake Magazine as they accept their award for Best Restaurant. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The staff of HSL were extremely grateful to the community for welcoming them into their new home in Downtown. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Veneto was thrilled to be included in the Best Restaurants in Salt Lake. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R) Rich Romney and Tamara Gibo of Takashi receive their Hall of Fame award for consistency in excellence over the years. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Hells Backbone Grill talks about their deep-rooted connection to Salt Lake Magazine as they receive their Hall of Fame award. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Mazza accepts their Hall of Fame award, which came as no surprise to everyone in the audience. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Those in attendance were fortunate enough to hear about the histories and future of Salt Lake’s best and most renowned restaurants. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Omar and Moudi watch in awe as Mazza accepts their Hall of Fame award. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The staff at Log Haven accept their well-deserved Hall of Fame award while talking about the years of service they have provided at their home in Millcreek Canyon. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Mary Brown Malouf, executive editor of Salt Lake Magazine, receives her “Golden Palate” award given to her by her staff for her years of continued service to the food industry. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Mary Brown Malouf, executive editor of Salt Lake Magazine, talks about why food has become so integrated into Salt Lake Magazine and the relationships it has formed as a result. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Trina Baghoomian, director of events of SL magazine, is interviewed by Telemundo Utah. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Hugo Coffee Roasters is quickly becoming one of Salt Lake’s staple cafes, and it’s no doubt as to why that is. Photo: Talyn Sherer
Derek Kitchen admired his Blue Plate Award for the work he has put in at Laziz Kitchen and beyond. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R) Jeff Thompson, grand ambassador, and James Fowler, owner, of Sugarhouse Distillery show off their whiskey varieties that set them apart from others in the local industry. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R) Moudi Sbeity and Derek Kitchen of Laziz Kitchen are now the proud owners of the Blue Plate Award, and the community is better for it. Photo: Talyn Sherer
(L–R) Jinan Abul-Ismail, Ali Sabbah and June Sabbah are the faces of Mazza’s Hall of Fame award. Photo: Talyn Sherer
The best and perhaps most well-deserved award of the night went to Mary Brown Malouf with her Golden Palate award. Photo: Talyn Sherer
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