We are delighted that Ali Sabbah from Mazza is one of the year's James Beard nominees in the Mountain States category
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At Maize Tacos, their al pastor, surf and turf, and chicken tinga are all delicious. But their homestyle tortillas take it to the next level.
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New to Downtown SLC, The Local Market & Bar is a 7,500 square foot culinary collective and bar with 7 eateries and great drinks!
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What on earth is cold-pressed juice anyway? It means nothing other than force from a hydraulic press squeezing fruit and vegetables was used to produce the juice. No additional heat, pasteurization or any other process that could rob the juice of precious nutrients—or prevent large scale food spoilage, for that matter—to be found. The not-so distant cousin of the cold-pressed juice, of course, is the superfood-rich smoothie or shake. These concoctions share unadulterated ingredients, which can likewise be consumed without the use of teeth.
Now, for all the brute force magic within cold-pressed juices and blended shakes, they contain more concentrated sugars and lack the fiber found in the solid foods from which they came. They also tend to be more expensive than their base ingredients, begging the question: is the literal juice worth the metaphorical squeeze? I can’t manage an answer for everyone, but I can confidently say such drinks have provided occasional salvation in the wake of life decisions both enriching and self-destructive. Should find yourself exhausted or otherwise indisposed, Park City has the juices and shakes to find redemption.
The One With All The Vibes
High Vibes Juicery
High Vibes Juicery (formerly known as Guest Haus), has the top-to-bottom atmosphere to accompany an extravagant juice or smoothie. Located inside a former greenhouse in Prospector, the interior is bathed in natural light. Staff can even coach you through a cleanse if you’re keen to give that a go. Owner Jennifer Sutton recommends the Gut Instinct Juice, made with dandelion greens, celery, apple, kale, cucumber, ginger and turkey tail mushroom extract, to help with those heavy après-related digestive issues. They’ve also opened a second, convenient location in The Market at Park City.
1800 Prospector Ave., 435-604-0831, guesthauspc.com // 1500 Snow Creek Dr.
The One For Grab-And-Go
Land Juicery
Maybe you’re not in the mood to discuss a cleanse, or even take off your sunglasses inside for that matter. Land Juicery is for you. You can order a six-dollar wellness shot, like the “whole-body-healing” Tumeric Wellness Shot or grab one of their ready-to-go cold-pressed juices like the Detox Charcoal Lemonade and mumble your way through tap to pay. Bonus points for sharing a space with Pink Elephant Coffee, which is the best in town.
509 Main St., landjuicery.com
The One To Pair With Crossfit
Protein Foundry
If the other drinks are focused on wellness and recovery, the ones at Protein Foundry are more about building something. “Their Protein Shakeouts” are designed to fuel an active lifestyle. As such, expect to find some keto-friendly options, plenty of nut milk and some accompaniments like whey protein and hemp. The Acai Kicker ticks all the boxes you need to stay energized while discussing proper dead-lift technique.
1784 Uintah Ct., 435-575-1100, theproteinfoundry.com
Photos Gabriella Santos Photography / courtesy high vibes juicery
Founded when suppliers delivered wares in wagons and folks routinely paid bills with sacks of flour or heads of cattle, few Utah businesses can boast 100 years or more of survival. Those tenacious enough to have remained in the hands of family are not just endangered species, they’re practically extinct. We asked a handful of local, family-owned businesses to share their secret sauce for surviving over a century of depressions, pandemics, wars, construction, big box stores and—lest we forget—online shopping. You’ll likely recognize the names. Now you’ll appreciate what it’s taken to stand the test of time.
Right place, right time. That’s how Thomas Young helped build Las Vegas…that, and elbow grease. The artist and owner of a Utah hand-lettering sign company developed a fascination for neon, but, unlike his painted signs, the new medium required electricity. In the early 1930s, his train stopped in the tiny town of Las Vegas where a new hydroelectric dam called Hoover was in the works, and Young saw possibility.
Portrait, adam finkle
photo courtesy YESCO
A year later, just as the little train-stop town of 5,000 people legalized gambling, he renamed Thomas Young Signs to Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) and Thomas snagged his first big break in Vegas: a neon sign for the brand new Boulder Club. Not long after, the Las Vegas Club wanted YESCO to create something bigger, taller and brighter than their neighbor. Soon the Golden Nugget came knocking, and Young’s neon signs spread up Fremont Street, testing the laws of physics, each sign more spectacular than the one before. Thus, the “Glitter Gulch” was born. The rest is history—a history written in the dazzling lights and neon icons that transformed a dusty Nevada town into an international destination.
“We’re the name behind the lights,” says third-generation Sr. VP Jeff Young. YESCO’s fingerprints touch everything from the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ landmark sign to Vegas Vic (the waving Fremont Street Cowboy) to the 80-foot Hard Rock guitar to the newest generation of massive LED displays that wrap the lengths of hotels like The Aria, The Wynn and The MGM.
The company’s reach is felt at home as well, from the iconic spinning Snelgrove’s ice cream cone to the weather-forecasting Walker Center sign (blue means clear skies, flashing red means snowstorms), to the state-of-the-art Utah Jazz Jumbotron. Everywhere you look, Salt Lake City is aglow with the company’s glittering feats of engineering.
“Sometimes when I look at some of the large-scale projects we do,” Jeff reflects, “I wonder, ‘what would my grandfather think of this?” The 103-year-old company now employs thousands of people in over 100 cities, its scope recently on display when Jeff starred in an episode of Undercover Boss on CBS.
The TV show followed the clean-cut businessman, disguised with spikey, purple hair, road-tripping across the U.S. to try his hand at assorted rank-and-file positions within his own company, from marquee sign assistant, (hunting his way through the alphabet to find letters for a sign) to an electrician’s assistant (tight roping his way along an LED billboard hundreds of feet in the sky).
“There were moments I wondered if I’d made a bad decision,” Jeff says of agreeing to participate in the show. “It’s reality TV after all—not known for having your best interest in mind.” Usually, an episode features a boss bumping up against at least one employee who unwittingly airs their grievances about the company—and sometimes even the leadership. Ultimately, Jeff says his level of confidence in YESCO and the happiness of his employees compelled him to take the plunge…notwithstanding his bundles of anxiety as to how it would all turn out when the show aired on television.
“At one point during filming,” Jeff says with a laugh, “I thought, what would happen if I walk out of the hotel tonight, get in a taxi and just run away?”
In the end, though, Jeff says he was overwhelmed, “in a good way,” when the episode aired. The century-old company’s staying power is rooted in family and the mentality of safeguarding YESCO for the next generation and their employees rather than just cashing out and moving on.
“We’re a company with heart, we really care about people, and that came through in the show,” he says. “Not only are we a family-run company, but we also have lots of families within our ranks, too.”
The third annual Fort Desolation Fest is back June 8-10, 2023 offering attendees three days to explore the Capitol Reef National Park area and three nights to enjoy a great lineup of music in the red rocks of Cougar Ridge Resort in Torrey, Utah.
This is a small festival with world-class performers. The event is limited in capacity, so festivalgoers may enjoy the music in a more intimate setting.
This year’s lineup is an eclectic mix of American roots music including:
- Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
- Shakey Graves
- The White Buffalo
- Morgan Wade
- Houndmouth
- Jamestown Revival
- Madison Cunningham
- The Brothers Comatose
- Parker Millsap
- Pixie & The Partygrass Boys.
This is why we suffer through winter (except those of you who are ski enthusiasts). In the summer we get to enjoy evenings like this, watching the sun set over the red rocks while Jamestown Revival fills the night air with their beautiful harmonies. Of course rocking out to Houndmouth is pretty amazing too or dancing to the newgrass sound of The Brothers Comatose and local favorite Pixie and The Party Grass Boys.
I missed seeing Morgan Wade when she sold out The Commonwealth Room recently and both Parker Millsap and The White Buffalo have been on my “must see” radar for awhile now. I’m just discovering Madison Cunningham. Of course, Shakey Graves and Ben Harper have permeated my playlists for years. I love the festival’s balance of rock, folk, country, bluegrass, blues, and funk.
The on-site campground is just a short walk from the stage, but camping spots sell out fast. So don’t wait too long to book your spot (or tickets). For indoorsy folk like me there’s also plenty of lodging in and around Torrey. But then you might miss the most anticipated moment of the festival, the surprise appearance by one of the festival performers on the after hour stage. Who will it be this year?
Here’s a Spotify Playlist to get you ready to rock.
What: Fort Desolation Fest
Where: Cougar Ridge Resort in Torrey, UT
When: June 8-10, 2023
Tickets and info: https://fortdesolation.com/fest
Festival season is right around the corner! Check out the lineup for 2023 Twilight Concert Series here.
Spring has officially sprung! Despite dogged snowstorms interrupting our first glimpse of sunshine, the promise of warmer weather has many Utahns feeling a renewed sense of friskiness. So why not bring that same energy into your sipping routine? To properly usher in the season, many Utah breweries and cideries are dropping fresh batches of lively sips. Between fruit-forward sours and decadent nitros, there’s no shortage of tipple that celebrates spring.
Epic Brewing Company—Peach Cream Ale
The floral flavors of a fresh peach are an unmistakable mark of warm weather. This spring, Epic Brewery is releasing a delightful ale brewed with real peaches.
825 S State Street, SLC
@epicbrewingslc
Scion Cider–Inaugural Cider Release
Utah’s only cider-focused bar has been turning heads since opening in 2021, and has teased the release of its own cider for some time. That moment has finally arrived. From the minds of Head Cidermaker Rio Connely and co-owner/orchardists, Jordan Riley comes three small-batch ciders: Vice Verde, St. Olafricot and Wicked Strong. Vice Verde is a dry, tart and bubbly sipper made from Granny Smith Apples, while the Wicked Strong offers robust yet fresh apple flavor brewed with Fuji apples and Kveik yeast. The St. Olafricot is equally crushable, made from Fuji, Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples as well as apricot puree. Taste all three at their central 9th location, we recommend visiting on a Thursday when they host cider education courses. (Don’t forget to grab a bite from Central 9th before you settle in.)
916 S. Jefferson St., SLC
@scionciderbar
Grid City Beer Works—Double Dark Chocolate Cherry Truffle Nitro Brown Ale
Grid City’s latest limited release is a mouthful, both literally and figuratively. A special iteration of their famed brown ale, the nitro oatmeal stout is infused with organic cacao nibs, tart cherry juice concentrate and date syrup. The bodacious brew is served with a heart-shaped truffle on the side. Beer garnishes?! It doesn’t get any better.
333 W. 2100 South, SLC
@gridcitybeer
Hopkins Brewery—Dublin Slammer Stout
St. Patrick’s Day might be over, but Irish drinking traditions are forever. Inspired by the quintessential shot of Irish stout, whiskey and cream liqueur, the Dublin Slammer Stout is a delightful taste of Ireland. While you’re there, don’t forget to try a pint of their double dry-hopped Blond Ale. Brewed with a blend of Citra and cascade hops, the aromatic beer is kindling for the senses.
1048 E. 2100 South, SLC
@hopkinsbrewingco
Kiitos Brewing—Firkin Wednesdays
Each Wednesday, Kiitos Brewing taps a new firkin-cask brew with unique infusions. Previous batches have included a purple Sahti (Finish farmhouse ale) with glitter, coconut bonbon, watermelon, and black forest cherry cake. What the firk are you waiting for?
608 W. 700 South, SLC
@kiitosbrewing
Proper Brewing—Unicorn Fight Dungeon
If the eccentric name and colorful label don’t entice you (unicorns fighting in space? I’m in), the flavor of this refreshing lager will. A fruity mix of cranberry and lime, this light brew is practically begging to be enjoyed on a spring hike.
857 S. Main St., SLC
@properbrewingco
RoHa Brewing—Dimple Pucker Blood Orange Sour
RoHa brewing has a rotating list of seasonal offerings, as well as small-batch firkins that are tapped throughout the week. This blood orange sour is an ideal partner for manifesting a blooming spring.
30 E. Kensington Ave, SLC
@rohabrewing
What the Firk?
A Firkin is a specific size of cask equal to one quart of a barrel, or 72 pints. Originating in the Netherlands, the British would use firkins to transport beer to the mainland without refrigeration. Beer from a firkin is unfiltered, unpasteurized and poured without carbon dioxide pressure, making the beer less bubbly and smoother. While they don’t resemble the frothy pours we’re used to out of a tap, craft brewers are using firkins to bring out nuanced and delicate flavors.
You can sip and learn all about firkins at the Spring Firkin Festival hosted by RoHa Brewing on April 1st. Participating breweries include Chappell Brewing, Desert Edge, Epic Brewing, Salt Flats, Squatters, Strap Tank and Wasatch Brewery.
Demystify the omelet and make a spring veggie creation with a texture that will delight both meat and non-meat eaters.
This Spring vegetable Omelet is loaded with delicious and nutrient-dense veggies. However, you will have to decide if you are a one-fold or two-fold kind of person. No, we are not talking about poker, Texas Hold ‘Em or a new way of putting clothes away. When it is time to plate the omelet, you can do the one-fold, a more Americanized technique or the Julia Child-approved two-fold, French style, also referred to as the “rolled” omelet. Whichever way you decide to plate, this dish is perfect for your spring table.
Loaded Spring Vegetable Omelet
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk or cream*
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 asparagus stalks, trimmed, chopped
2 tablespoons white onion, diced
2 tablespoons bell pepper, any color, diced
¼ cup white mushrooms, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup baby spinach, chopped
¼ cup shredded cheddar (optional)
Salt and Pepper, to taste
1. Whisk eggs with milk or cream, dried basil, salt and pepper until completely mixed together. *Almond or soy milk can be substituted
2. In a large frying pan over medium heat, add oil. Saute asparagus, onion, bell pepper and mushrooms for about 5 minutes. Add spinach; cook for another minute. Remove vegetables from the pan into a small bowl; add salt and pepper. Cover with tinfoil to keep warm.
3. In the same frying pan (wipe out any residue) over medium-low heat, add butter to fully coat the pan. Pour egg mixture into the pan; tilt the pan to fully coat. Cook; allow the bottom of eggs to slightly set, 2-3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle cheese over the eggs, if using. Add vegetable mixture to the middle of the omelet. Cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes until the omelet is fully set.
5. Fold the omelet in half or into thirds. (Pro-tip for 2-fold method: Slide half of the omelet out of the pan and halfway onto a plate, then fold the remaining half over). Add desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Suggested Toppings:
Salsa or Pico de Gallo Chopped tomatoes Sour cream Green onions or chives Avocado slices Microgreens Fresh basil Hot sauce
Cook’s notes:
Meat lovers, add cooked bacon, sausage, steak or ham. For a spicier version, add 1 tablespoon of diced jalapenos or serranos to the asparagus, onion, pepper and mushroom mixture when sautéing.
Frittata Option:
If you are daunted by the omelet-making process, a frittata might be a good alternative. Here is how to tweak the recipe above and make a frittata:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Saute all of the veggies in olive oil in a frying pan. Let cool. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1/3 cup milk or cream, 1 cup shredded cheese (any melting cheese, such as cheddar) salt and pepper. Stir in cooled sautéed veggies. Pour mixture into a greased, large pie pan or baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown on top. Cut into individual servings. Add desired toppings. Enjoy!
Meet Jennifer Burns
Jennifer has hosted more than 3,000 TV cooking segments and works directly with brands developing recipes with their products and quality content for them to use in both broadcast and non-broadcast outlets. She has a published cookbook called Cooking Delight, which combines food, music and art and is a contributing food writer for Salt Lake magazine, The Salt Lake Tribune and others. Besides cooking and frequenting restaurants, she takes full advantage of the outdoor mecca that Utah offers. Follow her food adventures
@jbcookinghost on Instagram
@jbcookinghost on TikTok.
In 2018, the murder of a student-athlete at the University of Utah dominated the news, locally and nationally. As more of the circumstances surrounding her death came to light—her unheeded pleas for help, police misconduct, the final phone call with her parents—the more Lauren McCluskey’s death gripped our attention. The question that dominated minds and headlines: how could this happen? Now a new, upcoming documentary could provide some more answers. The ESPN investigative documentary, LISTEN, will examine the events that led to Lauren McCluskey’s death, the institutional failures and her parents’ quest for answers.
Lauren McCluskey’s murder by Melvin Rowland continues to influence policy and discussions about campus safety (After her death, her parents established the Lauren McCluskey Foundation in part to support campus safety.) because, as documented in LISTEN, “the people and the institutions responsible for protecting her failed at every turn,” according to an ESPN press release.
RELATED STORIES: LAUREN MCCLUSKEY: THE TRAGIC AND UNNECESSARY TALE, FIVE CASES OF UTAH CRIME THAT SHOCKED THE BEEHIVE STATE
The ESPN documentary will take a look at the allegations of University of Utah Police misconduct, ensuing state legislation, the lawsuit against the University of Utah that resulted in a $13.5 million settlement for the McCluskey family, and continual institutional issues.
The documentary is set to run 90 minutes and includes new reporting by ESPN journalists T.J. Quinn and Nicole Noren, revelations and interviews, as well as “never-before-seen surveillance video, police and dispatch recordings, previously unreleased video and audio interviews from the homicide investigation and phone recordings.” Quinn and Noren are also expected to give insight into their ongoing battles to obtain records from the University of Utah. ESPN is billing LISTEN as “part true crime and part accountability journalism.”
In addition to interviews with Lauren’s parents, Jill and Matt McCluskey, the documentary features numerous people connected to the case speaking publicly about it for the first time, including:
- Sean Reyes—Utah Attorney General
- Miguel Deras—former campus police officer
- Paul Amann–Former Utah Asst. Attorney General, who prosecuted Rowland for two sex crimes
- Megan Thomson—Rowland’s parole agent
- A woman who dated Rowland
Other interviews in the documentary include:
- Two of Lauren McCluskey’s closest friends
- Courtney Tanner–Salt Lake Tribune lead reporter on the story
- Todd Reed–former KTVX/ABC4 (Salt Lake City) news director
- Diamond Jackson–Lauren McCluskey’s university housing adviser
LISTEN debuts Tuesday, March 28, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and ESPN+ on Hulu. A special two-hour episode of 20/20 “Running Out of Time,” based on ESPN’s Investigation and anchored by David Muir., airs Friday, March 31, at 9 p.m ET on ABC. In addition to the documentary, ESPN says Lauren McCluskey’s story will be explored in an Outside the Lines segment in a future noon ET edition of SportsCenter and in a future episode of the ESPN Daily Podcast.
When visiting Arizona, most people think of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, or the Hoover Dam. However, the tiny town of Flagstaff sits right smack dab in the middle of all three of these big attractions, and just happens to be a short seven hour drive from Salt Lake. Home to the famous Route 66, haunted tours, and the observatory that discovered Pluto, the city is known for its nighttime skies and what’s known as the seven wonders of Arizona.
The Stars
When first arriving in Flagstaff don’t be alarmed by the limited street lighting in the town at night. Flagstaff is the world’s first International Dark Sky Destination, and has strict regulations in order to limit the amount of light pollution produced. Because of this, the nighttime sky is as light as it would be if you were on a deserted island, so don’t forget to look up!
The Lowell Observatory, founded in 1894, sits on a peak looking over the city of Flagstaff. When visiting this National Historic Landmark, be sure to utilize its state-of-the-art telescopes to take guided journeys through the cosmos, learn the history behind the town of Flagstaff, and see the famous Lawrence Lowell telescope that discovered Pluto. The observatory is open during the day, but I recommend going at night to get the full experience of Flagstaff’s stars that shine just as bright as the moon.
Historic Downtown & Route 66
Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America or the Mother Road, is the historic highway that provided the first direct route across the country. The route is a symbol of American freedom that served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for people seeking a better life in the West. Route 66 is the heart of Flagstaff, and is located in the historic downtown district. While Route 66 is not technically a “Main Street,” it does play a similar role in the city’s transportation and cultural landscape. This area is filled with shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and haunted tours that harken back to the heyday of the Mother Road. An experience that you can not miss!
Not only is Flagstaff known for its location on Route 66, it is also considered one of the most haunted cities in America. One of the most famous haunted locations in Flagstaff is the Hotel Monte Vista, which has a long history of paranormal activity. The hotel was built in 1926 and has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Clark Gable, John Wayne, and Bing Crosby. However, it is also said to be home to several ghosts, including a phantom bellboy who knocks on doors and disappears, a woman who fell to her death from a roof, and a bank robber who was killed in a shootout and is said to still roam the halls. If this haunted location is too spooky for you, there are multiple other locations you can visit, including the Riordan Mansion State Park, The Weatherford Hotel, The Orpheum Theater, and The Pioneer Museum. Check out the haunted tours that Flagstaff offers here!
Where To Eat & Drink
If you’re looking for a bougie spot for date night, Flagstaff has no shortage of upscale culinary experiences. When you’re finished cruising down Route 66, it’s time to explore Flagstaff’s many foodie destinations. Atria, is a fine dining restaurant located in historic downtown, offers farm-fresh American cuisine and a variation of seafood platters. Don’t forget to try out their cocktails, especially their most popular one called “Far from East,” Japanese gin, strawberry infused campari, and vermouth. If their cocktails don’t catch your eye, their wine and dessert definitely will!
Diablo Burger, burgers, fries, and wine! If you’re looking for the perfect burger, this is where you’ll find it. With multiple different burgers to choose from including a vegetarian option loaded with jalapenos, green chiles, beets, raw onions, grilled onions, ancho grilled onions, sliced sweet pickles, and roasted garlic, you won’t be disappointed. Diablo Burgers is a family-friendly restaurant that also includes a kids menu.
Located on Route 66, Mother Road Brewing Company, is all about unique, in-house drafts! This brewery has pale ales, American lagers, and golden ales, with my favorite being the “Daily Driver,” a juicy pale ale. If you’re a beer lover you have definitely tried one of their brews, so go and check out their home location here in Flagstaff.
Brix, a fine dining restaurant and wine bar, is perfect for a healthier option when eating out. With multiple different cocktails and beers to try, their wine is what really draws tourists in. Their annual Mother’s Day brunch is definitely the perfect place to go and celebrate with your loved ones!
Pizzicletta offers traditional neapolitan pizza. With red pizza sauce options as well as white, eating here will make you feel like you’re in Italy. Not too expensive and perfect if you’re just looking for some fresh gelato!
The Seven (Outdoorsy) Wonders
If you’re looking for some adventure, Flagstaff is also known for its seven must-see outdoor wonders. Choose from Coconino National Forest, Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater National Monument, and the San Francisco Peaks. All of these places offer rich outdoor hikes, mountain biking, scenic drives, and of course the most breathtaking views.
If you’re interested in hiking, the Coconino National Forest has numerous trails, ranging from easy to difficult, with views of the canyons and forests. The most popular trail is the Humphreys Peak Trail, it’s a more strenuous trail, but leads to the highest point in Arizona. Check out all their hiking or backpacking trails here!
If hiking just isn’t your thing, Oak Creek Canyon’s Scenic Drive will be perfect for you! This 14-mile drive between Flagstaff and Sedona offers stunning views of the red rock canyons, the creek, and the forest. There are also several pull outs along the drive for a picnic with a view or a photoshoot moment.
This one’s for the mountain biking lovers! The San Francisco Peaks have several mountain biking trails, including the Schultz Creek Trail and the Arizona Trail. These trails are moderate to challenging and offer views of the alpine forests and the mountains. For more trails check out their website linked here!
Where To Stay
Although Flagstaff has multiple campsites and Airbnb’s to choose from, the city also has upscale lodging available. The High Country Motor Lodge Hotel offers a great location, beautiful views, is pet friendly, and is budget-friendly to boot. The Little America Hotel, the same hotel franchise home to Salt Lake, is a bit more expensive but is located right next to Arizona’s ski resort Snowbowl. The Hotel Monte Vista is right in the middle of historic downtown, relatively cheap, and has quite the historic and haunted background. Whatever type of lodging, activities, or eatery you’re looking for Flagstaff has it all!
