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Jan 09
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Comfort Food Favorite: J Wong’s Thai and Chinese Bistro

By Eat & Drink

Comfort, it turns out, is not relative, at least with food. No matter the cuisine or the culture that any given dish springs from, it will contain one neurological common denominator, buried in the primal place in our brains: Nostalgia

In search of Salt Lake’s best comfort food, we asked six restaurateurs and chefs what comfort food means to them. Read on for a fresh take from J Wong’s.

The People: Jordan Wong
The Restaurant: J. Wong’s Thai & Chinese Bistro

Photo by Adam Finkle

“Comfort food to me is the go-to food that you can eat all of the time and not get sick of it,” says Jordan Wong, owner of J. Wong’s Thai & Chinese Bistro. “For me, it’s simple dishes.” He knows every restaurant industry professional might not feel the same, but having been around restaurants his entire life, the more he appreciates the simple things. He believes that comfort food doesn’t have to be the most expensive or the most exotic or complex. “My mom had a restaurant before I was born, so I was born inside the business,” he explains. “I grew up around dishes like walnut shrimp or General Tso’s chicken. They may be simple, but I love them.” 

After running his own restaurant for 15 years, Wong says he’s noticed the same trend in his customers. “I feel like I have a bit more understanding about food in that sense than when we first opened,” he says. Before he opened J. wong’s, he talked it over with his mother and brothers, and he planned to have the best, most technical dish on every single table. But, after being open for a while, he found even VIP customers preferred the simple, more familiar dishes. The roots of which, he says, go back to when Chinese immigrants came to America en masse to build the railroads, developing what we think of as Chinese American cuisine. “They’re the things I ate growing up every day for the first part of my life,” says Wong. While Wong’s father grew up in China, his mother grew up in Thailand, so in addition to Chinese American classics like Lo Mein and General Tso, he also found comfort in Pad Thai and Thai curries. It’s a fusion of cultures and classic dishes that he and his family wanted to share at large with J. Wong’s menu. 

Of course, the menu still includes more complicated classics like the to-die-for Peking duck, but when Wong put together the items from his menu he found the most comforting, it’s no surprise that the focus was on the simple, homey dishes. He loves the Walnut Shrimp, a lightly breaded shrimp in a rich creamy sauce topped with honey-glazed walnuts, paired with traditional vegetable fried rice and spicy chicken dishes like Black Pepper or Thai Basil stir-fry. Add a side of dumplings and you’re set. It might not be the same for everyone, but when it comes to comfort, Wong’s advice is, “Try to find happiness in the simplest things and what you actually enjoy.”

If You Go…

J. Wong’s Thai & Chinese Bistro
163 W. 200 South, SLC, (801) 350-0888, , Monday-Friday open for lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday open for lunch noon-3. p.m, dinner 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday open 4 p.m.-9 p.m.

Jan 07
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Philanthropy: Make A Wish

By From Our Partners

Make-A-Wish Utah creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

“A wish is a tool; a mechanism to help children be more resilient as they battle their life-threatening medical condition,” says Daniel Dudley, Chief Development Officer. “Medical professionals frequently call on Make-A-Wish to be an important component of a child’s treatment plan.” 

Wishes can take many forms, from dream vacations to elaborate playhouses and everything in between. The one trait shared by any wish is that its impact lasts longer than just one day. A prime example is a wish recently granted for wish teen Julia, who chose the rarest wish type of all, a wish to give.   

Make A Wish Utah

“Julia went through a special education program in her school and found a lot of success through specific tools,” says Jenny Heffner, Wish Coordinator. “She wished to recreate that successful environment for schools that may not have the resources to provide it.” 

For her wish, Julia compiled 22 special education classroom kits made up of specific items that helped her feel comfortable in school. With the help of Make-A-Wish Utah, Julia was able to donate these kits to low-income classrooms around the state, to help teachers enrich the lives of their students. 

The Players

Julia’s kits included writing supplies, recordable buttons, noise canceling headphones and more. Long-standing partners of Make-A-Wish Utah, Skullcandy and 3M, were quick to donate applicable supplies for the kits, as well as funds to help grant other wishes. 

“Skullcandy’s give back program was honored that Julia wanted to include our Noise Canceling Hesh ANC product in her kits,” said Ben Williams, Program Manager at Skullcandy. “[Our team is] stoked knowing that our products can and are making a difference in peoples’ lives.”

“It has been a treat to work with Julia and the Make-A-Wish organization,” said Brooks Tingey, Global Marketing Director at 3M. “Julia is an inspiration to all!”

How to Get Involved

Wishes are an important and necessary component of a child’s healing process. More children are waiting for a wish than ever before and wishes only come true through the generosity of our community. 

Make-A-Wish Utah needs the engagement of individuals, local companies, and community organizations to provide the financial resources to create life-changing experiences for children with critical illnesses. Find out more at wish.org/utah, or contact Make-A-Wish Utah at info@utah.wish.org.

Make-A-Wish Utah
@makeawishutah

Jan 07
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Philanthropy: Dr. Daniel Ward

By From Our Partners

The face is a manifestation of each individual person’s identity, and at Ward M.D., their doctors treat patients with facial injuries and defects caused by anything from skin cancer and motor vehicle accidents to domestic violence and genetic conditions. They strive to help each patient reconnect their identity after these traumatic events, and with his highly trained staff, Dr. P. Daniel Ward is able to restore that dream for countless patients each year. 

“Our philosophy is that when it comes to the face, we are here to help,” Dr. Ward says. “As a facial plastic surgery practice and as a chain of Derm Spas, we are very concerned about facial appearance. We are even more concerned when there is a deformity that arises from cancer or trauma.”

Ward M.D.
Photo by Oliver Winegar

Over the years of treating these cases, Ward M.D.’s team has discovered that some families take on significant financial hardship in order to pay for these life-changing procedures. Not wanting people to choose between livelihood and identity, Dr. Ward began dreaming of ways to ease the financial burden. His efforts began with waiving fees associated with the Ward clinic, but the costs of laboratory testing, anesthesia, X-ray and radiology services were still overwhelming for many.

In the face of these hurdles, Dr. Ward established the Face Hope Foundation, designed to help families in need offset the costs of restorative plastic surgery treatments.

Most frequently, the program works with referrals from hospitals and clinics around the state, seeking help for patients with defects from cancer, facial paralysis or facial trauma who need the level of specialized care that Ward M.D. can offer.

“We do not want the ability to pay for the service to inhibit a patient from seeking the care they need,” Dr. Ward says. “This program gives us the ability to see any patient in need, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.”

Ward MD Facial Plastic Surgery
801-513-3223
@wardmd

Get Involved

“We are proud to have been able to donate over $550,000 in treatments last year alone,” says Dr. Ward. “In 2023, we would love to be able to expand our offerings to more patients.”

With skin cancer rates rising each year, more and more patients are in need of facial care as a result of skin cancer removal. Ward M.D. wants to be available to all potential patients in need, and donations allow them to get one step closer to that goal. Contact the Ward M.D. team at wardmd.com to find out how to contribute.

Jan 06
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Secret SLC: Princess Alice

By Community

Salt Lake is a city built on secrets. Its origin tale is wrapped up with the “Bible 2.0” Exodus of Brigham Young and his followers, the Latter-day Saints, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (officially) or the Mormons (colloquially and historically). The Mormons first arrived here in the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, after a long and insanely dangerous trek from Nauvoo, Ill. Technically it was Mexican territory, but the Mexican-American War was about to get underway and much bigger dogs than Brigham and his rag-tag band of Mormons were squaring off for a fight. Brigham wanted his followers to be left alone to practice the LDS faith and, yep it gets weird, to establish a short-lived autonomous nation called the Kingdom of Deseret (which got as far as developing its own language and currency, BTW). It is, as we say around here, a heck of a story.

In the late 1800s, federal troops, sent here to put the kibosh on this whole Kingdom thing, discovered rich veins of copper and silver and paved the way for the age of the silver barons and more outside influence. The east-west railroad brought an influx of laborers who would add diversity to the mix, and Utah’s admission to the United States, in 1896, brought even more changes. Still, Utah remained apart with a dominant religion, which often dictated politics and individual conscience. The point is that this delicious frontier mix of history made an atmosphere perfect for cultivating mushroom-like secrets.

HAIL PRINCESS ALICE

What: A sculpture bearing the likeness of Utah’s first elephant, Princess Alice Where: The elephant house at Utah’s Hogle Zoo, 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave.

In 1882, Salt Lake City completed work on its first major park, Liberty Park. The park was built in the grand tradition of New York’s Central Park and London’s Hyde Park, albeit on a much, much smaller scale. In that tradition, Salt Lake City’s grand park had to have among its attractions a zoo. Animals exotic and, more often, not-so-exotic filled the menagerie. But what zoo is complete, at least in the minds of Salt Lake City residents at the turn of the 20th century, without an elephant? In 1916, Salt Lake City school children gathered up nickels, dimes and pennies in a fundraising drive and purchased an Asian elephant from a traveling circus for what was then the enormous sum of $3,250. Her name was Princess Alice.

Princess Alice was a favorite, drawing visitors from around the region. But Alice didn’t take well to captivity. She became known for her daring escapes, rampaging around the surrounding Liberty Wells neighborhood, knocking down fences, and hiding from searchers for hours. The repeated escapes, although charming, alarmed neighbors and prompted the zoo to relocate to its current location at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in 1931. Local author and historian Linda Sillitoe memorialized Princess Alice’s exploits in her work of fiction The Thieves of Summer, which she set during her own childhood in Salt Lake City around the time Princess Alice and the zoo moved to Emigration Canyon.  

A sculpture in relief of Princess Alice’s visage was included in the elephant enclosure and remains there today. Even with the new digs, in 1947, she once again escaped, rampaging around the zoo grounds. In 1953, at the age of 69, Alice was euthanized after a prolonged illness.

THE LOST PRINCE UTAH — In 1918, she gave birth to a male elephant that zookeepers named Prince Utah, the first elephant ever born in Utah. He died a year later after his mother rolled over on him.

Secret Salt Lake City
Secret Salt Lake City is published by Reed Press.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Secret Salt Lake opens a window into the weird, the bizarre, and obscure secrets of Salt Lake, that are often hiding in plain sight. The guidebook, written by Salt Lake magazine editors Jeremy Pugh and Mary Brown Malouf is a collection of odd tales, urban myths, legends and historical strangeness here in the Beehive State. Get your copy from Reedy Press today and read more about the secrets and oddities of Utah.

Jan 06
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Preview: ‘Ain’t too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations’ at the Eccles

By Arts & Culture, Theater

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, opening Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 as part of the Broadway at the Eccles series, is a veritable explosion of music and story. Woven into a tableau of America’s mid-century musical history, it promises to be both an exhilarating (and tragic) journey.

Spanning an era from doo-wop to psychedelic funk and beyond, The Temptations’ powerhouse career included hits like “My Girl,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and of course, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” Along the journey from Detroit’s Motown to the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame, The Temptations picked up 42 Top 10 Hits with 14 of those songs reaching number one.

Nominated for 12 Tony Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, Ain’t Too Proud’s lush music and dramatic narrative seamlessly weaves the tale of five men who would be kings.

The odyssey, rife with drama, intrigue and betrayal, is a musical passage based on the surviving Temptation, Otis Williams’ autobiography  that examines the complex history of the band amid a rapidly shifting social and political landscape.

National Touring Company of Ain’t Too Proud. Credit: © 2021 Emilio Madrid

This feast of music and movement, created by Obie Award-winning playwright Domonique Morriseau, moves through the major stages of Williams’ memoir—the gathering of the legends and their rapid rise to stardom; the challenges of keeping the band together against adversaries from both within and outside the group; and the final tragic deaths of each member of the original Temptations—except for Williams, himself, of course.

Motown birthed The Temptations and its patriarch Barry Gordy gloried in their fame, even as he exercised authoritarian control over Motown’s stable of artists. Fearing that his cross-over audiences would take offense at what he characterized as “Black politics” he blocked their foray into the nascent anti-Vietnam War and civil rights movements and took the protest song “War” out of The Temptations’ playbook, passing it to Edwin Starr. Still, the Temptations, like other Motown luminaries, moved along the historic path of protest in an era of cultural resistance.  

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations is an electrifying memorial to the artists, who through commitment, struggle and singular success, breathed life into an era’s history. Or is that “Just My Imagination?”

The touring cast features Elijah Ahmad Lewis as David Ruffin; Marcus Paul James as Otis Williams; James T. Lane as Paul Williams; Jalen Harris as Eddie  Kendricks, Harrell Holmes as Melvin Franklin and Harris Mathews as Dennis Edwards. Running time is approximately two hours and 30 minutes including a 15-minute intermission.

See Linda Hunt’s full review of Ain’t Too Proud here and all of her theater coverage here.

Jan 03
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Editor’s Note: Embrace Winter in Utah

By Community

One of the Reasons I love living in Utah is the changing seasons. (Ever spent a Christmas in Hawaii? It’s nice but weird.) But honestly, out of the list, winter ranks last. It just takes more fortitude, I guess. So each year when it finally descends, I have to relearn how to love it. The best way I’ve found to do that is to get out in it. We live at the base of the Wasatch Range after all and access to its terrain tops the list of why we live here. (It isn’t the bad air, that’s for sure, see page 22.) So I have, over the years, collected a varied group of friends who I can count on to get me out the door—the Sunday ski bunch (Powder-day Saints), the Saturday hiking crew or the Salt Lake concert team. I enlist them to deliberately make me feel bad if all I want to do is hunker inside and grumble. Random mid-week shows at the State Room, midday hikes and ski days are the only way to survive folks. You gotta have a support network.

Winter in Utah
Executive Editor Jeremy Pugh. photo by Chris Pearson, Ski Utah.

And that’s why we wrote this issue’s feature “Winter in the Wasatch”, our guide to helping you find ways to give winter a big ol’ hug. 

But we can’t always be go-getters, so we also wanted to share another tip: eat your way through it. Our cover story (“Six Spots for Comfort Foods,”) takes a look at the delicious and comforting dishes on the menus at some of Utah’s best restaurants. 

And, while we cover a range of cuisines, all have common elements. In order to be comforting, a meal needs to be familiar, approachable and, above all, nostalgic. (Oh yeah, and warm. That probably should have been first.) Comfort, it turns out, is not relative, at least when it comes to food. What we loosely label comfort food is actually comforting because it triggers happy memories that warm more than our bellies.

So. Are you ready to embrace winter now?

Dec 29
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Satire: Learn to Ski!

By Adventures, Outdoors

WHY LEARN NOW? No idea. You’re the one who moved to Utah. You’re like, “Mom. No. I’m not going to turn Mormon. Yes. I know, skiing is dangerous. I’ll take a lesson. Hey, can you pay for the lessons?”

WHEN TO GO? Look out the window. Is there snow in the mountains? This is when people who know how to ski are skiing. We know—it’s cold.

Learn to Ski in Utah - Bearded man
Utahisrad83 (photo by Craig McKay/Pexels)

HOW MUCH? All 15 Utah resorts offer first-timer deals that include, tickets and lessons for first-timers. They want you to learn to ski, just like UtahisRad83 on Tinder.

WHAT ABOUT SNOWBOARDING? We have no idea. It looks like you fall on your face, like literally, on your face, a lot. Just learn to ski already. UtahisRad83 isn’t going to stay on the market forever.

WHERE TO GO? Tough question. Alta and Snowbird both have the reputation of “if you can learn here you can ski anywhere,” and that’s true. Plus, you can put an Alta sticker on your car. (Wait? Did you put an Alta sticker on your car already? You’re not supposed to do that until you know how to ski.) We like Brighton—it’s cheap(ish) and its ski school has been teaching generations of Salt Lakers for, ahem, generations. Solitude is cool too. They have some transferable ticket packs that won’t break the bank. Park City is huge, and Deer Valley is super plush. Snowbasin isn’t as far a drive as you think and Powder Mountain is the best-kept secret in Utah. But really? You do not know how to ski, so what do you know about anything? Just pick one! They all have great ski schools and deals for 32-year-olds who want to ski just enough to meet bearded Utah guys on Tinder.

WHAT TO EXPECT? Mostly the recurring loss of dignity that comes with trying to learn to ski after the age of 10. Prepare to fall in cold snow many times. Post that selfie before you start.

BUT FOR REAL. DON’T LISTEN TO US (OR UTAHISRAD83).To truly find out more about learning to ski or snowboard in Utah (or anywhere, cuz duh, you’ll know how), visit the experts at Ski Utah for a complete list of ski schools and deals at Utah’s 15 resorts. skiutah.com

Dec 28
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Two Roadtrips Through Maui

By Adventures, Travel

To say Maui packs a lot into a little more than 727 square miles is an understatement of irresponsible proportions. Because of its unique geography and infamous trade winds, Maui has multiple distinct microclimates to play in, which help define Maui’s diverse regions. The North Shore and West and Central Maui get a lot of love from tourists, but South Maui and the Upcountry stole our hearts. 

For the best view of the island, consider taking a road trip through Maui. We’ve compiled the best pitstops and excursions so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Roadtrip One: Upcountry on Kula Highway

Start—Paia
End—Ulupalakua

On the slopes of Haleakala, tour farms and ranches and peruse local art galleries and markets steeped in the history of Maui’s Paniolo (cowboy) culture. There will be plenty of fresh snacks along the way, finished with a flight of local wine. 

1. Paia Town

This historic town on Maui’s North Shore was once a booming plantation town during the height of Maui’s sugar cane industry. Today, Paia is a town of colorful storefronts, local art galleries and one-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants. On your way out of town, tour the Haliimaile Pineapple Farm and distillery and grab some Maui Gold pineapple to take home. 

Maui Roadtrip
Shopping Paia’s main street. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority MAUI

2. Makawao Town

Makawao is a thriving arts community that has kept its plantation roots intact. The combination of its paniolo heritage and its lively art scene makes for great pop-up markets to eclectic art galleries. The Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center hosts free exhibits and T. Komoda Store & Bakery has been serving cream puffs since 1916. 

3. Pukalani

Boasting spectacular views of two Maui coastlines, Pukalani has a laid-back, country feel. It is home to the Upcountry Farmers Market, which has a wide selection of local growers and producers. Visit one of Maui’s last true mom-and-pop establishments, the Pukalani Superette. 

4. Kula

Kula is in the heart of Maui’s Upcountry and in the middle of a culinary resurgence. Harvest your own veggies and have them made into a gourmet meal at Oo Farm, visit the one-man working protea and coffee farm, Shim Coffee Farm, play with the animals at Surfing Goat Dairy or tour the Kula Botanical Gardens.

5. Ulupalakua 

Blink and you’ll miss the small town of Keokea, but the old-time gas station, art gallery and country general store are worth a visit. Then continue down the road to the Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill (famous for their elk) and, finally, reward yourself with a flight of your new favorite wine at Maui Wine.

Roadtrip Two: Hana Highway

Start—Haiku
End—Kipahulu

Maui Roadtrip
Garden of Eden Arboretum on the Hana Highway. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority MAUI

Hike to waterfalls and through rain forests, sun on stunning black or red sand beaches and eat the best banana bread you’ve ever had. Do it on your own or hire a guide (or the middle option of downloading a guided tour app like GPSY). Spread it over two days or start early and try to do it all in one. Even though it’s only 50 miles or so, the one-lane bridges, tight turns and incredible views will slow you down. Be sure to stay on the main drag out of respect for the locals who don’t want to be a tourist attraction.

1. Haiku

You’re going to want coffee for this road trip, so start off with a cup of joe in Haiku at Jaws Country Store. From there, it’s not far to the Garden of Eden Arboretum or the Leilani Farm Sanctuary in Haiku to see the local flora and fauna up close.

2. Keanae Peninsula

While technically a slight detour from the famous Road to Hana, the ocean views from the Keanae Lookout will change your life, as will a loaf (or two) of fresh banana bread from Aunty Sandy’s Famous Banana Bread. In 1946, the entire community was almost wiped out by a hurricane and the only building left standing was the local church, which you can still see today.

3. Nahiku Marketplace

Another great place to stretch your legs (and take a potty break) is the Nahiku Marketplace—where you’ll find some outdoor dining. There’s coffee, smoothies and more tasty banana bread at the Nahiku Cafe and an open-air BBQ. Find locally made gifts at the Nahiku Gallery. Between the marketplace and Hana, you’ll find Coconut Glen’s, which people swear by, if you’re game for vegan coconut ice cream. 

4. Hana

Aerial view of the Road to Hana. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority MAUI

Get a parking reservation in advance to swim and sunbathe on the beautiful black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park. Or take a (slightly scary) little hike to find the more secluded red sand beach, Kaihalulu Beach. Explore the Hana Lava Tube or Wailua Falls and swimming hole. For souvenirs to commemorate the drive, try the Hasegawa General Store and Hana Ranch Store.

5. Kipahulu District (Haleakala National Park)

A final stretch of stunning rainforest and waterfalls will take you to the Kipahulu District entrance of Haleakala National Park and access the Pipiwai and Kuloa Point trails. The Kuloa Point Trail will take you on a short walk to the Hale Halawai, a reconstruction of a traditional Hawaiian meetinghouse, archeological sites and the Ohe’o Gulch. The Pools of ‘Ohe’o are a stunning series of tiered pools fed by a waterfall, sometimes called the “Seven Sacred Pools.”  

Go Big on The Big Island

The Big Island truly lives up to its name (which is actually Hawai’i, while the entire state’s name is Hawaii, which feels like a practical joke to confuse Haoles). Anyway, it’s big. So it’s best to divide your time between its two distinct sides: Hilo Side (wet) and Kona Side (dry). 

Hilo Side

Hilo Bay, at the center of Hilo Town, is a good place to start your exploration of the main “city” on the wet side. From the Bay, it’s an easy walk to Liliuokalani Gardens and a stroll through Hilo’s Farmer Market to pick up picnic supplies. Richardson’s Beach Park offers a gentle put-in for snorkeling. From Hilo, drive to Volcanoes National Park for a chance to see the constant volcanic activity bubbling below the surface. 

Maui Roadtrip
Pu’uhonua National Historical Park Carving. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority MAUI.

Kona Side

Visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (The Place of Refuge) a fascinating dose of early Hawaiian history established on the site of a sanctuary and sacred place of peace. 

Nearby is the snorkeling hot spot Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument. You can access the monument by kayak or book a charter with Captain Zodiac Raft Tours and enjoy snorkeling in the bay near the monument. The eastern side of the island is home to its best sandy beaches. The most popular sandy beach on the east side is Hapuna Beach, be sure to plan for some sand and surf time here. One of the most unique ocean experiences in Hawaii is the opportunity to dive or snorkel with the pod of Manta Rays that live off the coast. Book a charter at the Kona Marina (book early, they are insanely popular). Kona Village is the main city on the Kona side. Explore shops, restaurants and bars on its main street. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel has a beautiful ocean-view bar and an excellent happy hour. 

Dec 24
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Where to Eat in Utah For New Year’s Eve

By Eat & Drink

Ring in the New Year surrounded by good friends and even better food. To make your reservation hunt easier, we rounded up our favorite restaurants in Utah offering delectable coursed meals, pairings and bites on New Year’s Eve.

Salt Lake City

Cucina Wine Bar

Cucina Wine Bar is hosting a six-course paired wine dinner for New Year’s Eve. Reservations required, and space is limited. Call 801-322-3055 to reserve your spot.

Cost: $200 / pp

Finca

Enjoy a tapas menu from Finca for New Year’s Eve. Included are pinxtos, vegetable, seafood, and meat tapas, and desserts. Optional wine pairing. Reservations required. 

Cost: $75 for food, $42 for wine + tax and 20% gratuity 

Franck’s 

Franck’s is hosting a six-course New Year’s Eve dinner with seating from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations required. 

Menu:

  • Torn and toasted beef marrow brioche

  • Half sashimi Japanese yellowtail

  • Champagne preserved lemon and brie bisque

  • 36-day dry-aged Jurgielewicz duck

  • Hereford beef tenderloin roast

  • Passionfruit creme catalania

Cost: $175 per person, $90 for children 12 and under

La Caille 

La Caille is serving a fantastic five-course New Year’s Eve dinner featuring A-5 Wagyu steak. Reservations required. 

Menu:

  • Lobster Fondue – Fennel, Turnips, Sunchoke Puree

  • Duck Consomme – Acorn Squash, Pork Cheek Ravioli

  • Scallops – Bacon, Pumpkin, Kohlrabi, Black Truffles, Root Vegetable Beggars Purse

  • A-5 Wagyu Strip Loin – Pommes Frites, Bone Marrow Aioli, Sake

  • (Choice Of) Chocolate Hazelnut Mille-Feuille OR Champagne Guava Panna Cotta

Cost: Adults $175 pp | Children $85 / pp

Mar | Muntanya 

Ring in the new year at Mar | Muntanya featuring a unique a la carte curated tapas for the evening. Three dinner seatings are available at 5:00 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10:30 pm. Lively entertainment will include Flamenco dancer performances throughout the evening accompanied by live music and craft cocktails. Reservations required. 

Cost: $25 deposit per person 

Oquirrh

Chef Andrew Fuller of Oquirrh will be presenting a tasting menu for New Year’s Eve. Wine pairings will be offered for an additional fee. Corkage will not be offered for this event. Reservations required.

Cost: $125 / pp

Pago at 9th & 9th 

With a sophisticated tasting menu, Pago’s Prix Fixe 5-course dinner has multiple options for each course for any palate. Reservations required. 

Menu:

  • Amuse-Bouche: Caviar + warm Yukon gold potato, fingerling chips

  • Starters: (choice of one)

    • Grilled Fuji Apple Salad + delice de Bourgogne, endives, quince vinaigrette 

    • Lobster Bisque + poached Patagonia shrimp, herb oil, tarragon

    • Beet & Goat Cheese Terrine + toasted hazelnuts, frisee, tarragon 

    • Mushroom “Tartare” + skordalia, egg yolk jam, Parmesan crisp

  • Intermezzo: Blood Orange Granita + pomegranate, parsley

  • Mains: (choice of one)

    • Short Rib Ravioli + roasted mushrooms, beluga lentils, horseradish crème fraiche

    • “Perfect” Egg + smoked chicories, butternut squash, black truffle

    • Lamb Osso Bucco + winter vegetable stew, crispy parsnip, lamb jus

    • Roasted Half Chicken + pan seared Brussels sprouts, Cipollini onions

  • Dessert: (family-style for the table)

    • Sticky Date Cake + toffee, orange curd, toasted pecans

    • Dark Chocolate Bombe + miso caramel, pretzel, honey foam

    • Pineapple & Pearls + persimmon, limoncello sorbet

Cost: $110 (tasting menu) + $45 (wine pairings) + tax & 20% gratuity

Pago on Main

With a sophisticated tasting menu, Pago’s Prix Fixe 3-course dinner has a multiple options for each course for any palate.  Reservations required.

Menu:

  • Starters: (choose one)

    • HAMACHI & AHI + (GF) + winter citrus, red Fresno, radish, cilantro

    • BAHARAT GREENS CROQUETTES + (V) + Arabic 7 spice, coconut milk, local greens, persimmon jam

    • CRISPY PORK BELLY + corn puree, pomegranate gastrique

    • CARROT & GINGER BISQUE + (VG) + crème fraiche, puff pastry

    • KALE CAESAR + (VG) pickled fennel, baby kale, sunchoke chips, lemon, Parmesan 

  • Mains: (choose one)

    • SEARED SCALLOPS   saffron risotto, Spanish chorizo, roasted red peppers, oregano

    • FLANK STEAK + (GF) + confit potatoes, broccolini, chimichurri

    • AIRLINE CHICKEN BREAST + colcannon whipped potatoes, baby carrots, sauce velouté

    • SALMON + (GF) + black lentils, mirepoix, brown butter

    • BRAISED SHORT RIB+ (GF) + sweet potato mash, wild mushrooms, jus

    • PASTA PRIMAVERA + (VG) + winter vegetables, garlic, white wine, parmesan

  • Dessert: (choose one)

    • APPLE & PEAR CRISP + (VG) + walnuts, dark cherry, soft serve

    • CHOCOLATE CREMEUX + (VG) + whipped crème fraiche, chocolate chip cookie

Cost: $75 (tasting menu) + $35 (wine pairings) + tax & 20% gratuity

Provisions 

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve tasting menu at Provisions crafted by Chef Tyler Stokes, and Chef de Cuisine Landon Eastabrook. Reservations required.

Cost: $100 / pp + optional wine pairing as an add on   

Note: Provisions is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, please give 72 hours’ notice to be able to accommodate special dietary requests. Regular Dinner Menu Will NOT be available.

Stanza

Enjoy a 5 course prix fixe dinner menu created by Executive Chef Paul Cafaro of Stanza. Reservations required. 

Menu: 

  • Crab and corn arancini OR wedge salad OR seafood bisque

  • Whole roasted branzino OR prosciutto wrapped chicken Florentine

  • French 75 sorbet

  • Seared scallop or grilled rib eye cap

  • Italian cream cake OR tuxedo chocolate raspberry cheesecake

Cost: $110 / pp – tax and gratuity not included. Alcohol not included. Menu subject to change.

Veneto 

Staying true to tradition, fish always takes the spotlight on the Veneto’s New Year’s Eve menu. Make your reservations now and enjoy the grand New Years tradition of fish the way Italians do.

Park City

350 Main

Indulge in a 4-course dinner on New Year’s Eve at 350 Main. 

First seating begins at 5 p.m, and second seating begins at 7:30 p.m. Entertainment from DJ Blessed One will take place from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.  Reservations.

Cost: 

  • 5 pm seating: $150 / pp

  • 7:30 pm seating: $200 / pp

Deer Valley Resort

Ring in 2023 at Deer Valley Resort’s New Year’s Eve Party at Cast & Cut in the Snowpark Lodge. In partnership with DAOU Family Estates and Moet Hennessey, the NYE Dinner and Dancing Package consists of a 4-course dinner at Cast & Cut on the main level, followed by the NYE Party on the 2nd level of Snow Park including live entertainment, drink tickets, party favors, a champagne toast at midnight, and light culinary fare. Reservations required. 

Party Only Packages and VIP Stage Side Daou Lounge Packages are also available. The resort will also offer on-site child care by reservation and transportation services on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Cost: 

  • NYE dinner and dancing package: $500

  • Party only package: $350

  • VIP Stageside Dau Lounge Package: $425

Flanagan’s on Main

Enjoy a 3-course meal at Flanagan’s on Main to ring in the New Year! Reservations recommended. 

Menu: 

  • Lobster bisque or apple almond feta spinach salad

  • Filet mignon with mushroom sauce, cheesy mashed potatoes and asparagus

  • Chocolate lava cake

  • Midnight toast of prosecco to ring in 2023. 

Cost: $89 / for adults 

Pendry Park City

Kita at Pendry Park City

Say goodbye to 2022 in style with the choice of a three or four-course prix-fixe dinner. Menu highlights include kombu-jime hamachi, Chilean sea bass, and a delectable red wine chocolate tart.

Three Course Dinner: $175 / pp

Four Course Dinner: $225 / pp 

Aprés Pendry

Cozy up next to the fireplace and toast to the year ahead at Aprés Pendry, boasting a New Year’s Eve countdown and balloon drop, complete with live music, shareable comfort foods, and handcrafted cocktails that perfectly complement the slope-side setting. Menu highlights include starters of West Coast oysters and kombu-jime hamachi, along with entrees such as Chilean sea bass and house cured duck breast. No reservations required.

Riverhorse on Main

Celebrate the New Year with a multi-course dinner and special performance by the Dance Doctors at Riverhorse on Main. Cash bar and wine pairings are also available. 

Reservations begin at 7 p.m., the last seating will begin at 9 p.m., and the after-dinner party will be from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. 

To purchase tickets, email fernanda@riverhorseparkcity.com

Star Bar

Savor a New Year’s Eve buffet prepared by Big Dipper beginning at 8 p.m at the Star Bar Park City. DJ J-Style will provide the entertainment from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. Reservations required – call 435-513-7200 to reserve your spot. 

Buffet Menu:

  • Rolls and Butter

  • Vegan Tomato Soup

  • Dazed and Confused Salad – arugula, lentils, sweet potato, shaved red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, broccoli, avocado, asian pear, pecans, dried cherries, miso vinaigrette

  • Cheese and Charcuterie Board – pickles, dried fruit, honey, mustard, crackers

  • Grilled New York Strip – creamy horseradish, rosemary au jus

  • Roasted Salmon – dill cream, beurre blanc

  • Hot Sides: mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, creamed spinach, red wine sauteed mushrooms

Cost: $150 / pp – Does not including tax and gratuity, $75 for food, $75 drink minimum

Glitretind at Stein Eriksen 

Close out the year with a special, 5-course, prix-fixe dinner at Glitretind at Stein Eriksen including a band, dancing, and festive décor.  Reservations Required. 

Cost: 

  • First seating at 6:00 pm – $270 for adults, $55 for kids 5-12

  • Second seating at 8:30 pm – $275 for adults only. No kids menu.