SLUG Contributor Limelight
April 2, 2015
Contributor Limelight: Talyn Sherer
Articles by contributor
Lacto Fervere: Inviting Bacteria to the Table
When it comes to creating your own lacto fermentations, understanding the “how” isn’t as important as understanding the “why.” … read more
Baking Therapy: Galettes 101
SLUG Food photographer Talyn Behzad gives us a rundown of the art of the galette, featuring fresh ingredients from local favorites. … read more
Eat Drink SLC 2019 @ Tracy Aviary 07.10
If you missed this year’s Eat, Drink SLC, make sure to mark your calendar for next year and come prepared to have a culinary experience unlike any other. … read more
Local Libations with Scott Gardner
Award-winning bartender Scott Gardner (Water Witch, HSL) used local spirits from Beehive Distilling, Elevation Distilling, Vida Tequila and Outlaw Distillery to create these delicious, fall-inspired drinks. … read more
Articles by contributor
SLUG Mag’s Brewstillery 2024 @ Artspace City Center 06.15
SLUG Mag’s Brewstillery 2024 featured over 30 brewers and distillers from all over Utah with a wide variety of unique drinks for all palates! … read more
All the Way Around: Baby’s Bagels
Bagels get people passionate. I’m avoiding all that shmear and focusing on whether I enjoyed the entire bagel experience, and on that front, Baby’s Bagels scores a hole-in-one. … read more
Bar Nohm: Setting the Bar High in Central 9th
With a dining experience unlike any other in SLC, Bar Nohm is the presents an ever-changing menu that seamlessly melds the flavors of Korea and Japan. … read more
Scales and Tails: Do Snakes Deserve their Deadly Reputation?
As proprietor of the Utah reptile sanctuary Scales & Tails, Shane Richins counters myths misrepresenting snakes as heartless killers. … read more
Tamarind Vietnamese & Phở Kitchen: Fast and Furious Fusion
In Vietnamese culture, tamarind trees symbolize a fruit ripe with possibilities. Tamarind Vietnamese & Phở Kitchen is a dream come to fruition. … read more
Caffé Molise: A Flight of Flavor
As you dine, eagle emblems catch your gaze and an array of eclectic art injects a playful spirit. At Caffé Molise, each plate is both a visual and gustatory delight. … read more
Salt Lake County’s Dumpling Destinations
We present a few local, Asian-style dumpling spots in Salt Lake City that can likely satisfy any craving from savory to spicy. … read more
The Old Back and Forth with Clay Turnbow, Head Brewer...
Steve Koonce interviews Kiitos Brewing’s Head Brewer Clay Turnbow about 2023 beer trends, experimental hops and more. … read more
Downtown’s Not-So-Secret Spot: Franklin Ave Cocktails and Kitchen
Once a secret speakeasy above the Franklin Avenue Variety Theater, Franklin Ave Cocktails and Kitchen honors their namesake, from menu to ambiance. … read more
Tommy Nguyen & The Pearl: The Best of Growing Up
With years of experience and hard work under his belt, Nguyen is now co-owner and head chef of one of SLC’s newest 21+ restaurants, The Pearl. … read more
The 13th Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival Presented By...
This was only the second year the Craft Lake City DIY Fest took place at the Utah State Fairpark, and it saw lots of exciting changes. … read more
Spirit + Experimental Music Pairings
Following April’s Beer + Metal pairings, we’re looking at four locally distilled spirits and pairing them with excellent albums of experimental music. … read more
Baking Therapy: Galettes 101
SLUG Food photographer Talyn Behzad gives us a rundown of the art of the galette, featuring fresh ingredients from local favorites. … read more
Horn of Africa: Grabbing Goat By The Horns
The rich array of spices and flavors on display at Horn of Africa make for an unforgettable introduction to what Somalia has to offer the world. … read more
The Shooter’s Sandwich: Updating the Perfect Traveling Food
Let’s talk about how the Shooter’s Sandwich might be modified, but to do justice to the improvements, we first have to understand the original. … read more
Food Review: Caputo’s Market and Deli
Caputo’s Market and Deli is an absolute Downtown institution and is a great example of the staying power of a quality, centrally located lunch spot. … read more
Food Review: Beaumont Bakery & Café
Throughout their past year of operation, Beaumont has safely secured their spot as one of the classier pastry/lunch shops in the valley. … read more
Food Review: Ginger Street
Ginger Street 324 State St. || 385.477.4975 Mon–Thur: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Fri: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Sat: 12 p.m.–11 p.m. Sun: 3 p.m.–9 p.m. gingerstreet.com At Ginger Street in Downtown Salt Lake City, a casual and trendy atmosphere is almost as interesting as the food being served. Diners are greeted by servers sporting identical Cotopaxi fanny packs. A DJ
Fresh, Local, Creative Eats: Roots Café
Roots Café is a creative place to enjoy fresh, locally sourced food. As a breakfast and lunch place by design, their menu is simple and affordable. … read more
Tradition: Comfort Close to Home
Tradition opened its doors in April of 2017 with hopes to share personal-experience-inspired versions of comfort food within the SLC dining scene. … read more
The Dayroom: Fighter of the Night Room
The Dayroom has no boundaries when dictating their style because they’re in it for the melting pot—amen. This is where The Dayroom shines. … read more
SLC Eatery: Food 2.0
SLC holds a myriad of core restaurants that hit a wide range of taste, ambiance and skill. Among them is SLC Eatery and their modern American cuisine. … read more
Twist It, Pull It, Cupbop It: Ramen 930 partners with...
So what in the actual hell is a Cupbop? Basically, it’s Korean street food made in large quantities from rice, lettuce, barbecued meat and a bunch of sauce. … read more
SPONSORED
Lucky Slice: The Cowabunga Up North
One could arguably ask any Ogdenite working through lunch what their top spot is for lunch, and the answer, more times than not, will be Lucky Slice. … read more
Cuppa: Cafe for Creatives
Created by Nathanael and Bec Sato and located just off storied Historic “two-bit” 25th Street, Cuppa offers a massive selection of organic loose-leaf teas. … read more
Pupusas Piled High: El Viroleño
I am really happy that I gave El Viroleño a try. Do not be dissuaded by the industrial neighborhood location or the plastic tablecloths. … read more
Hot Wheels and Hot Wings: Hog Wallow
Hog Wallow is the perfect locale for not only libations but incredible food options. It’s a low-key great time, afternoon or night. … read more
Purgatory or Bust
As it’s clear that Purgatory isn’t going anywhere, the only task assigned to us patrons is that we must keep coming back. Relevance has never tasted so good! … read more
UTOG Brewing: Putting Ogden on the Tap
UTOG Brewing hopes to create a space where friends and families can grab a beer and a bite to eat comfortably in a welcoming atmosphere. … read more
’Mexo Mouth Water: Alamexo Mexican Kitchen
As Alamexo’s restaurant concept isn’t specific to one region of Mexico, they are able to paint a broad stroke with their selection of entrées. … read more
High West – Supper Club Series
While many travelers will find themselves in Wanship, the ambitious adventurers continue farther up the road to experience the majesty that is the Blue Sky Ranch, home to High West Distillery and Refectory. … read more
Cinematic Dreamer? The Utah Film Commission’s Next Level Grant Program...
According to Virginia Pearce, the Director at the Utah Film Commission, it is common for these aspiring filmmakers to understand the technical-skill-driven aspects of making a movie, but the business side can be tricky, particularly the fundraising side. … read more
Snap, Crackle, Popping at Fireside on Regent
Well done, Fireside. You have paired yourself nicely with bringing big city, Broadway-style show dining to life in Salt Lake City in a low-key yet sophisticated atmosphere. … read more
Food Review: Post Office Place
As is any properly run kitchen should, Post Office Place unpretentiously boasts using all aspects of the the animal, creating both culinary creativity as well as a food-conscious environment. … read more
Oh, Cluck … Pretty Bird Food Review
Let’s talk about the chicken. I don’t know Pretty Bird’s particular process in creating this scrumptious fried chicken, but it just as well could be a family secret straight outta Nashville. … read more
Four Courses of Dessert in SLC: City Cakes
“Cake-decorating is an art, and I love to be creative. City Cakes has very talented decorators that can create exactly what the customer is asking for out of buttercream.” … read more
Four Courses of Dessert in SLC: Doki Doki
At Doki Doki, we commit ourselves to make teas without any powder or artificial flavorings. We only use real loose-leaf teas, either imported or sold by our suppliers in the States. We brew our teas fresh at the store and use all real cream if customers want to order milk teas. … read more
Four Courses of Dessert in SLC: Fillings and Emulsions
“Fillings and Emulsions is a destination patisserie—most people already have an idea when they come for the first time. Macarons for sure, the Cuban meat pies and our breakfast and savory pastries are actually some of the items that are taking over our sales.” … read more
Holy Thai Basil! Bangkok Terrace
In Thailand, food is a reason for celebration, and Bangkok Terrace of Salt Lake City has created a menu and space to complement old-world tradition from the Southeast Asian country. … read more
The Eklektik: Bricolage of the Beehive
Restaurateurs Aliza Levy and Sion Croudo have lived through the summers of Mexico City and San Diego, and it feels only right to highlight their recent Salt Lake City endeavor, the artful Latino-fusion flavors that comprise The Eklektik. … read more
Hungry Hawaiian: I Like Pig Plates And I Cannot Lie
With plans to expand by adding a food truck in the near future, the Hungry Hawaiian owners are not only pursuing their dream of serving real, feel-good food, but also honoring and reviving owner Keni Aikau’s late father’s passion. … read more
Shahrazad: Halal? Is It Meat You’re Looking For?
I feel like I have only scratched the surface of what Shahrazad has to offer. I still need to try the lamb and the goat—the word on the street is that they are among the best in the valley. Honestly, I could eat there every day and feel completely happy never straying from the chicken skewers and hummus. … read more
Dinner Date with a Cicerone®: Slackwater with Beer-and-Pizza Pairings
Beer and food have something in common, which complements more than hinders, creating a beautiful and naturally harmonious dance on the palate. Plus, beer is great for every occasion, affordable, easy to share and pour, and like a summer-anthem song—only it plays all year long. … read more
Utah Brewers Guild: How Liquid Craft Influences a City
Utah Brewers Guild’s goal is to show the economic impact of the craft beer industry and the positive benefits we are making on the local economy. Brewers of all levels and experience are coming to Utah to create excellent craft beer, and there is still room for more. … read more
Nomad Eatery: Alamo of the West Side
Here is described only three of 26-plus variations making up the food card presented by Nomad, and we haven’t even touched their red-brick pizza oven ($10–12) or dessert ($4–7) selections. Straightforward, fast and casual: There are way too many excellent combinations of satisfaction for one not to keep coming back. … read more
Afghan Kitchen: Nosh-E-Jaan or Good Eating
Afghanistan has a history of expertise in cooking and hospitality, along with a passion to serve guests a spread of food. Afghan Kitchen lives up to its heritage. The restaurant is unassuming from the street, but don’t let that fool you. There is something to be said for simplicity. … read more
Tonkotsu Shabu Shabu Bar
Utah’s need for cold-weather comfort food has looked to Japan’s hot foods as the ramen craze took over. But there’s more! Enter Tonkotsu Shabu Shabu. … read more
Celeste Ristorante: Authentic Italian Fare
I look forward to many return visits to Celeste Ristorante. There is so much more that I am eager to try, from the housemade salads and antipasti to the myriad pasta combinations and the selections of fish, beef and even wild boar. … read more
Holystone Distilling
Holystone Distilling represents reverence for the process of distilling, humility before our customers, dedication to the craft and a strong work ethic. … read more
Pallet: Spooning Up Something New
Currently rated No. 28 out of 1,205 restaurants in Salt Lake City on TripAdvisor, Pallet is extremely underrated when it comes to its online popularity. … read more
The Desert’s Well: Lake Effect
Lake Effect is beyond capable of satisfying a more potent palette. Don’t miss the Latin-inspired kitchen, there’s something here for everyone. … read more
The Desert’s Well: Copper Common
The world may never know what constitutes a great bar but, if I had to point one out for reference, Copper Common would be on that list. … read more
The Desert’s Well: White Horse
White Horse’s cocktail menu rotates every three months or so and floats around their selection of amaros for a unique and spicy flavor profile. … read more
The Desert’s Well: Water Witch
Water Witch is just straight-up fun, and if you want to sip on a drink while your friend takes a shot of something on fire, the witch will point the way. … read more
Better With Bitters: Three Local Bitters + Cocktails
In Salt Lake City’s vibrant craft cocktail scene, locally made bitters add another layer of our local cocktail identity to what’s in your glass. … read more
Salud to Life, Tequila and Mexican Fusion
Here in Salt Lake, the off-the-beaten-path Frida Bistro delivers the subtle yet powerful essence your taste buds crave. … read more
Birds of a Feather: Chef Viet Pham Talks Fine Dining...
Chef Viet Pham is arguably one of Salt Lake’s most influential chefs. His work with Bowman Brown within the confines of the dearly departed Downtown staple Forage earned both chefs a reputation boasting Best New Chef Award from Food & Wine Magazine in 2011 … read more
What’s Your Handle?
With a patio designed for a 5-o’clock-somewhere afternoon glass of wine and a menu made of culinary tastebud dreams, Handle Salt Lake, the sibling of Park City’s Handle, is a curated masterpiece of art. … read more
Power to the Pizza: Chef Michael Richey Brings Central Italy...
When Chef Michael Richey opened Fireside on Regent earlier this year, he made sure to bring the same attention to authenticity that he instilled in Picco. … read more
Star of India: Indian Food Comes to North Temple
I miss the Bollywood movies and the murals of their old location downtown, but it’s the food and the family behind Star of India that make this restaurant shine. … read more
X Appeal: Table X is Fixing to be the Ryan...
This spirit of innovative cultivation permeates everything about Table X, from its blink-and-you’ll-miss-it menu changes to the rustic-chic exposed ceiling beams and geometrically painted walls. … read more
The Brewster Ruling Roosters: Jacquie King Wright
Roosters Brewing Co.’s most cutting-edge move just might be when they promoted Jacquie King Wright to the 25th Street Head Brewer position. … read more
2 Row Brewing: Orchestrating the Perfect India Pale Ales
IPAs continue to dominate the craft beer scene. Breweries like 2 Row ensure that consumers are never bored with their beer selections. “I love the challenge of making IPAs,” Brian says. “They’re not the easiest beer to get right, but when you do, there’s nothing in the world like them.” … read more
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep: Show Me Your Pig!
Located in the heart of Sugarhouse is a contemporary brewpub inspired by Utah’s intrinsic history. Black Sheep has taken over the dining space at Epic Brewing, offering a menu that surprises with authentic Native American cuisine. The made-to-order spread is a fusion of Southwestern, Navajo and Mexican-inspired dishes. … read more
RoHa Brewing Project: Trailblazing Saisons & Single Track
RoHa’s main objective is to deliver beers that force you to slow down and enjoy the simple life in a community of down-to-earth brewers and beer drinkers. … read more
Pizza Nono
Pizza Nono—whose name is taken from the Italian word for “nine”—is located in a refurbished insurance office building in the heart of 9th and 9th. As the focus of the restaurant is to craft quality pizza made from fresh ingredients, the menu is limited to a few well-crafted selections. … read more
Laziz Kitchen: Lebanese to Please
A few months ago, Moudi Sbeity and Derek Kitchen opened Laziz Kitchen, a Lebanese restaurant in the burgeoning Central Ninth neighborhood. Under the brand name Laziz, which is Arabic for “tasty,” Laziz Kitchen’s hummus and spreads have long been popular mainstays of local farmer’s markets. … read more
Sweet Lake: Brunch for People Who Hate Brunch
There are many things that make Sweet Lake ideal for a brunch outing, but the best thing about their menu is that it caters to all. I was excited to learn that owners Hasen Cone and Teri Rosquist have expanded their operation into a brick-and-mortar store and included biscuits on their menu. … read more
A Salt Lake Oasis: Oasis Cafe
Oasis Cafe is transporting. I can take a friend or associate visiting from anywhere in the world and know that they would feel welcome and at ease. … read more
Follow the Flame: Apollo Burger
Apollo Burger has succeeded in its quest to give Utah families quality food and quick service, all at an affordable price. I take comfort in knowing that, as they continue to expand and push forward, there will be quality hamburger restaurants in Salt Lake for generations to come. … read more
The Rose Establishment: Cultivating Craveable Fare
Whether you sit outside on the cozy patio or inside, surrounded by wood, white brick and simple light fixtures, The Rose Establishment is a coffee shop you’ll enjoy spending time in. … read more
Coffee Lab: One Man’s Passion is Another’s Cup of Joe
Hidden away in the building of the University of Utah School of Pharmacy is a one-man show serving up precise brews that give customers not only a caffeine boost, but also an advanced coffee experience. … read more
It’s All Good at All Chay
Nestled in a small Rose Park strip mall, All Chay serves vegan versions of traditional Vietnamese food. Over the past year, this neighborhood restaurant has become a cozy refuge with a homey, bohemian vibe. With friendly service and flavorful cuisine, All Chay is a hidden treasure worth seeking out. … read more
Blue Poblano: The Strong, Silent Type
Whether you’re ordering the Dang Quesadilla or a Vegetarian Taco, the Blue Poblano has all the qualities of a great, local taquería. … read more
SLC VegFest: A Tasty & Free Vegucation
Demonstrating how easy it is to be vegan is the focus of UARC’s first annual SLC VegFest, which takes place on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Library Square. With free samples of vegan fare available, the biggest challenge at SLC VegFest will be deciding what to eat! … read more
Festa Italiana: Authentic Flavors & Culture
To pair with Italian beer and wine available at the festival, there will be an array of favorites from popular local Italian restaurants at Festa Italiana. Expect pasta as well as lesser-known dishes that Italians have grown up eating. … read more
Deep Fried, Tried and True: A Culinary Tour of the...
Fair food is many things, but its chief characteristic is honesty. When you visit the fair, it’s expected that you try something that has no illusions about what it is. You’re encouraged to expand your horizons regarding the sheer scope of food that can be improved with a trip through the deep fryer. … read more
From Scratch
I’ve always considered the Gallivan Center to be a jewel of Salt Lake City open space—a tucked-away, quiet oasis in an otherwise business-as-usual urban block. The increasingly busy space has led to a cluster of restaurants and eateries popping up along the small avenue that winds its way along the south end of the Gallivan Center. Of these food destinations, From Scratch is numbered among the best. … read more
Utah’s Bboy Federation: They Reminisce
Organizations like the Bboy Federation are at the forefront of the movement to percolate hip-hop culture throughout Utah. … read more
Dinner at Yours: The Best Table in Town is Your...
Dinner at Yours offers a rotating menu based on what ingredients are in season. Their food is locally sourced as much as possible, and they offer meals to accommodate any dietary restrictions that customers might have. … read more
The New Guard of Utah Breweries: Branagan’s Brewery
Branagan’s Irish-themed brewpub will see beers that reflect the Branagan’s theme with ales that typically hail from the British Isles but aren’t afraid to intermingle with a little barrel-aging. … read more
The New Guard of Utah Breweries: Fisher Brewing Co.
The story of the A. Fisher Brewing Company began in 1884 when German immigrant and brewer Albert Fisher moved to Utah and set up shop on 200 South, next to the Jordan River. Now, his descendants are hoping to bring some of his old-world brews to the 21st Century. … read more
Props to Proper Burger Co.
when Avenues Proper opened three years ago, diners were charmed by their crave-worthy fare and the beer brewed at their Avenues location. This year, they’ve expanded with Proper Brewing Co. and Proper Burger Co., a casual burger joint serving Proper Beer in downtown Salt Lake City. … read more
The New Guard of Utah Breweries: Strap Tank Brewing Co.
Our journey to Strap Tank Brewing Company begins in a place that many might consider to be a beer wasteland (even by Utah standards). It’s a place that hasn’t seen a brewery since before Prohibition: Utah County—specifically, the city of Springville. … read more
Best New Thing of The Day: Hub & Spoke Diner
Hub & Spoke is a diner in name and ambition. It opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. It concentrates on breakfast, lunch and shakes. But its space does not say diner: It is cool and hip, and the menu, though it has many of the same old items, has also changed. … read more
Chubby’s Mexican Restaurant
Much as I’d love to keep Chubby’s all to myself, it is definitely worthy of your time. For us in Rose Park, it is a neighborhood treasure. The food is consistently good, and the staff is both friendly and attentive. … read more
Bistro 222: Cuisine for the Business Casual
Over the past few months, downtown Salt Lake’s Bistro 222 has undergone some major changes. Most notably would be the hiring of new Executive Chef Brady Gray, formerly of Ruth’s Chris and Baci Trattoria. Gray’s past work experience in contemporary American and Italian cuisine fits nicely within the metropolitan environs of the 222 Main Building. … read more
CY Noodles House
CY Noodles House opened in the summer of 2015 in Chinatown, offering diners something different in the shopping development. … read more
Gallery Stroll: Escaping Winter
Winter can be smothering at times, choking out our days with blankets of snow—or worse, smog. Utah’s winter weather could be why this month’s Gallery Stroll offerings lean toward escapism. Whether it’s finding comfort in similarities, exploring dreamlike lands, or partying like it’s Fat Tuesday, the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll has the cure for all those winter hues. … read more
Legends Sports Pub: A Seat in the Cheering Section
Coming in the front door of Legends Sports Pub with or without your kids, you are met with a fine full-service bar, complete with bottles and shots all in plain view. The many smaller televisions and one giant television always broadcast sports channels, and the overhead audio plays sports as well, which might seem a little distracting, but to me, it creates a perfect situation for social time. … read more
Hook & Ladder Co.
When a young Van Turner opened his hamburger restaurant on Salt Lake’s West side, I doubt that he thought he’d still be at it 44 years later. Yet, there he remains—a mainstay of his Glendale neighborhood. And it really is his neighborhood. The former city councilman has spent most of his life running Hook & Ladder Co. and the adjacent Firehouse Floral and Gifts. … read more
High West Distillery & Saloon: Keeping Park City in Good...
Few Park City locales manage to marry the city’s frontier roots with its current cosmopolitan landscape as effectively as High West Distillery and Saloon. … read more
Current Fish & Oyster: Get Swept Away
Current Fish & Oyster has submerged Salt Lake City’s dining scene in fresh seafood, skillfully and simply prepared. … read more
Coachmans Dinner & Pancake House
Coachmans serves breakfast all day, and offers classic mainstays like steak and eggs. … read more
Passion Flour Patisserie: Authentic French Pastries Gone Vegan
Jessica Davies, a classically trained French pastry chef gone vegan, has brought high-end vegan pastries to Salt Lake City’s dining scene. Located at 165 E. 900 S., Passion Flour Patisserie is a charming shop, the type of place where you could lose yourself in a leisurely afternoon, nose in a book, enjoying a cup of
Mama Africa: Food Speaks All Languages
It’s just past 11 a.m., and the sun’s already starting to beat down on the crowd that has converged in Tooele City Park for the city’s annual arts festival. It’s a humble gathering of local artists and craftspeople, but the excitement for one of the city’s favorite traditions has already started to crackle and
Hops Hunters Hikes: Range Brew
Range Brew: Summit Land Conservancy and Wasatch Brewery Unite Deep in the misty crags and sprawling agricultural meadows of Summit County lies a hidden oasis of wild hops, enough to fuel any beer lover’s wet dream. Every summer for the past three years, Summit Land Conservancy has been hosting hikes on open-space land to harvest
MAZZA MEDIA & INDUSTRY DINNER 05.19 @ 9th & 9th...
This past Sunday, Mazza hosted a private event with special dishes not normally found on their menu. Beginning at 6 p.m., the evening was made even more beautiful by the 9th and 9th location’s décor at dusk—Owner Ali Sabbah, I learned, has collected all of the lavish adornment from Lebanon, and even pieced together the elegant liquor cabinet piece by piece. The sun glinting off of the copper pillars created a gorgeous environment to enjoy specialty Middle Eastern food. … read more
TWODOG Wine Summer Solstice Wine Pairing Party @ The Sun...
Sure, some of the initial stages of their business model involve the snobs to the west, but Erickson and the gang are like Robin Hood in the wine game, and they offer their delicious product to us, here, and rep Utah, too. “Everything we do in Utah, we can,” says Erickson. … read more
Celebrate The Bounty 2013 @ Union Pacific Depot 10.10
After enduring a crash diet during the summer, I’ve made a solid effort to keep my girth at a reasonable level. After spending an evening at Celebrate the Bounty, Local First’s annual food-centric fundraiser, I found that my poundage had veered dangerously into the red. The delicious, delicious red. … read more
Pepper @ Lo-Fi Cafe 01.22 with Lionize
As the members of Pepper walk on stage, there is a roar coming from the crowd before the band can even touch their instruments. With little introduction, they go right into the newer song “Freeze.” Older songs like “Boot” and “Stone Love” make me feel more at home. … read more
Pixies @ The Great Saltair 02.15 with Best Coast
The “Great” Saltair? I know, it’s old and quasi historic and hosted some soft-rock shitty bands your parents liked back when my uncles were jamming with Jimi and Janis on an airbase in Dan Nang. Whatever, though. It was Valentine’s weekend, and though I dug deep into the corners of my misanthropic being, I just couldn’t find it in me to get all that mad about seeing Pixies (no asterisk—fight me) in the live sphere. … read more
The Black Lips @ Urban Lounge 03.31 with The Coathangers,...
To a thunderous welcome from their devoted audience, The Black Lips furiously launched into their set, opening with the garage rock number “Family Tree.” … read more
Cosmonauts @ The Shred Shed 08.15 with Beat Hotel, Breakers,...
The world seems to be going to hell in a hand basket with the greats getting one-way tickets out of here. To find some relief from these epic bummers, the path to temporary salvation seems to include finding a bar to crawl into or checking out a Rock n’ Roll gig. Luckily for me, I am able to do both. … read more
Reggae Rise Up Music Festival @ Liberty Park 07.12-13
I was armed with only a debit card, sunscreen and ample amounts of optimism. This two day trek would be a testament to cheerful repetitive beats and herbal breezes that remind you you’re not that old. … read more
Review: Pure Paint For Now People @ Weber State
Pure Paint for Now People, the current exhibition at the Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery at Weber State University, seeks to explore the definition of contemporary painting with a curated selection of pieces by locally, nationally and internationally recognized artists. … read more
Four Vintages: Red Rock’s Rêve Tasting 05.11
Kicking off American Craft Beer Week on Monday, May 11, Red Rock held a tasting event featuring four vintages of their Rêve, a soured Belgian tripel–style ale. Red Rock first released the much coveted Rêve in November of 2007, and it continually sells out within a matter of days. The gastropub hosted the dinner in their sectioned-off private dining room at their Fashion Place location at 6227 S. State St. … read more
Johnniebeefs: The Taste of Summer
Johnniebeefs 6913 S. 1300 E. Cottonwood Heights, Utah 801.352.0372 Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday: Closed As long as I can remember, my summers have been punctuated by outdoor cookouts—and this has usually meant sausages and hotdogs. As such, I’ve got a soft spot for a well-prepared dog, even if it isn’t
World of More Craft: Craft Lake City Spices Up The...
Another year of craft explosion is right around the corner. Four seasons of preparatory functions have led up to a fifth year of artistry, which is sure to be the most successful and fulfilled Craft Lake City DIY Festival yet. Artisans from around the Salt Lake valley will coincide at the Gallivan Center from August 9–10 in a smorgasbord of handmade objects and mind-melting performances. This year, I was lucky enough to quiz four distinctly different artisans participating in the event. … read more
Summer of Death: Urban Surfin’
Some people believe skateboarding to be an art. Others would say that jumping around on a wooden toy is a monumental waste of time. I say, every minute you are skateboarding is a minute that you aren’t stealing an old lady’s purse. In celebration of not making an octogenarian your prey, the 14th annual Summer of Death Presented by Scion had its first contest of the year on Saturday, July 20, paired with the Urban Arts Festival. … read more
Mike Brown’s Monthly Dirt: Jazz Nation Predictions
If you know me at all, you know it’s safe to say I’m somewhat of a narcissist and only truly care about three things in life: my cat Jet Pack, free drinks and the Utah Jazz. … read more
Rough Stuff: Rough Side of the TRAX IV Presented by...
The 14th annual Summer of Death has come and gone, and what a banger it was. Roughside of the TRAX IV Presented by Scion was one for the record books. Johnny Roughneck, creator of Roughneck Hardware out of San Francisco, was out in the streets to throw the Salt Lake version of the Roughneck BART Tour. Between mobbing the streets, public transportation and skating the spots, Summer of Death was sure to be on the #roughside. … read more
Food Review: Rye – Show Me The Shoyu
In less than a year of operation, Rye has quickly established itself as an integral part of Utah’s dining scene—especially among those hankering for a bit of post-concert bread-breaking.
Foodtrepreneur Festival – A Chance To Feed Your Entrepreneurial Spirit...
On April 23, Pierpont Place will host the Foodtrepreneur Festival. The first of its kind, this free event will highlight local food-and-beverage brands. There will be a panel where guests can pick the brains of some of the top foodtrepreneurs in Salt Lake City and later, hobnob with more than 30 local companies.
The Annex by Epic Brewing
The arrival of Chef Craig Gerome from San Francisco this year, however, has rocked this gastropub. The Annex is now more like a fancy restaurant with lots of great beer.
Raise Your Magick Steel: Visigoth Return With The Revenant King
Visigoth descend from a rich legacy of incredible heavy metal music in Utah, a long history of innovation and tradition woven together into a diverse tapestry of sound.
To the Housewarming Party: East Liberty Tap House
East Liberty Tap House sits at the sunset end of 9th East and 9th South. It started as rumors—initially conceived as a neighborhood bar, a symbol of Salt Lake’s progress. Here it is, not a full bar, but a tavern tucked inside a bright, tightly furnished, little restaurant.
Plated In Gold: The Strongest Man at Sundance
Beef (Robert “Meatball” Lorie) and Conan (Paul Chamberlain) are best friends who gracelessly and humorously carry out a Don Quixote and Sancho Panza–style journey in The Strongest Man, a 2015 Sundance film in the “NEXT” section. “I think I have a hard time not putting some comedy in there,” says Kenny Riches, the film’s writer and director.
NomNom Finder: Keeping Tabs On Utah’s Food Trucks
It was a situation in which I often found myself: hungry, in an unfamiliar part of town and not really wanting to hit up a fast food joint. Unbeknownst to me at the time, there was an app that could have made my food truck odyssey more efficient—NomNom Finder … read more
Princess Kennedy: Damn These Heels!
In addition to Pride, one great party I did this year was a big Pride weekend kick-off with the Utah Film Center and Damn These Heels!, their official LGBTQ and A (IDK what half of those mean) film festival. We brought out my ghoulfriend Peaches Christ, Drag Queen of the Macabre and filmmaker extraordinaire. Anyone who reads my rants knows that I am super invested in the Film Center. … read more
Wild About Sour Beers
Malted barley, hops, water and yeast—if there’s one thing that beer has going for it in the world of fermented beverages, it’s the great diversity of flavors that a brewer can coax out of these four main and important ingredients. For many beer drinkers, when the word “beer” comes to mind, tastes of light-toasted grain and grassy/floral bitterness pops into mind. This is what mainstream beer has been for so many people over the last 120 years, but there is a style of beer that goes back centuries, which owes its existence to necessity and ungovernable factors: the wild ale. … read more
Cult Leader: God’s Lonely Children Emerge From the Shadows
Discussing the moment the group was faced with an uncertain future for their past project, Gaza, Mason says, simply: “It can’t end like that.” So, from ashes, Cult Leader was born in Salt Lake City. Within less than a year, Mason, Hansen and Lucero faced the end of a successful band, the creation of a new one, and became part of the Deathwish Inc. record-label family: a redemptive myth in the music world, if ever there was one. … read more
Princess Kennedy: The Really Late Show with Princess Kennedy
I’ve decided it’s about time I get my own talk show. To the TV station powers that be: I’m witty, charming and pretty—and classically trained for acting on camera. Hit me up for a full list of credentials. Aside from predicting that I’d be a great television personality, I think I have the deep appreciation for our “pretty great state” (which, in my opinion, is a self-deprecating motto) that comes from my constant travel outside of it. … read more
Zest Kitchen & Bar: Where Flavor Comes to Dance
There are few places in Salt Lake City as unique as Zest Kitchen & Bar, an intimate bar serving spot-on, downright craveable food with lively flavor. Contributing to Salt Lake City’s reputation as an up-and-coming vegan hot spot, the menu boasts intriguing cocktails and sustainable vegetarian (mostly vegan) fare as well as live music, DJs and dancing on the weekend. … read more