Many years ago, Lesli Neilson was a food editor at Salt Lake Tribune and she edited my restaurant reviews. We had a lot of fun (the things we said were more amusing than the stuff that got printed) and have both gone on to other things. But, as foodies do, we have kept up. She is working with Harmons now and just posted this great short video of how to make an easy chocolate Valentine cake. I’m going to make it this weekend and thought you might like to, too. Thanks. Lesli!
-Mary Brown Malouf
Daffodils and asparagus—sure signs that winter is on its way out.
Some prefer thick spears, some prefer thin—we like both, and white asparagus, too. Because asparagus is one of the few vegetables that intensifies the taste called umami, it pairs well with proteins and makes a terrific base for a first course or luncheon dish. To help make asparagus part of your springtime celebrations, we offer four easy-to-make recipes guaranteed to help you herald the season in very good taste.
Crabby Asparagus
Dress asparagus with a lemon vinaigrette and arrange on plate. Mix 1 cup lump crabmeat with 1/2–3/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons chopped green onion and the grated zest of one lemon. Season with salt and white pepper. Top asparagus spears with crab salad and garnish with a lemon slice.
Bacon Asparagus
Make a vinaigrette combining one part rice wine vinegar with three parts canola oil. Dress the asparagus in the vinaigrette and arrange on the plate. Cross two slices of cooked bacon on top of asparagus spears on each plate and sprinkle with sliced toasted almonds. (For a supper dish, top with a poached or fried egg.)
Pink Asparagus
Fold 3–4 tablespoons of tomato paste into 1 cup of whipped cream. Season with a pinch of smoked paprika. Place a dollop of tomato cream on asparagus and scatter with a handful of halved grape tomatoes.
Asparagus Nicoise
Dress asparagus with vinaigrette and arrange on the plate. For each serving, slice small boiled red-skinned new potatoes and arrange around asparagus. Scatter with whole or sliced black olives, a tablespoon of chopped scallions and 1/2 of a hardboiled egg, chopped.
Photos by Adam Finkle
-Mary Brown Malouf
Burnett was in town for the Sundance premiere of a film he co-produced with Jack White (of the White Stripes) and Robert Redford (of Sundance, obviously).American Epic is a documentary the started with the discovery of a vintage American recording device and follows the device around the country while modern artists from Merle Haggard to Alabama Shakes record with it.
One of the bands in featured in the film is the massively popular Avett Brothers. And so, in a little bit of Sundance magic, the Avetts played the afterparty. And at 10:35, after Burnett called them “a great American band,” the party really started.
Opening with “Satan Pulls the Strings” the band hit the stage with their trademark energy and didn’t slow down, not even during a charming if not a little confusing kazoo medley. The Avetts don’t talk much during their shows, preferring to go from one song to the next at exhausting speed. And because of that, they were able to rip through 17 songs not counting the encore in about an hour and a half.
During the show the room seemed to be divided into to groups. The fans who were close to the stage knew every word and jumped and danced along, and then there were those who stayed in the back of the room and, apparently, paid a hefty $125 to chat with their friends. Ah, Sundance.
In the hour and a half they were onstage the band played lots of crowd favorites, including “Talk on Insolence,” “Murder in the City,” “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise,” and “Slight Figure of Speech.” They played a song from a new album, expected this fall, “Divorce, Separation Blues.” But the highlight of the night, for this reviewer was a rollicking take on George Jones’ “The Race Is On.”
That was my favorite until the encore, that is. The band came back onstage for one song, a long version of “Kick Drum Heart” complete with a jam-band musical interlude that included Seth Avett walking through the crowd as members of the audience held the cables attached to the guitar above their heads.
In the end, I can’t tell you if American Epic is a good movie. I didn’t go to the premiere. You can find out yourself when it airs on PBS later this year.
But I can tell you this: American Epic can throw one heck of an afterparty.
There aren’t a lot of bands like the Avett Brothers.
The North Carolina natives are one part rootsy indie, one part country and one part rollicking good time. Call it bluegrass with a cello. Or Rock with a banjo. Or both at the same time.
Whatever you call them, the band has proven over a slew of Salt Lake City tour dates that they’re the real deal. In fact, they’ve sold out every show they’ve played in Utah in recent memory.
Their scheduled stop in Zion this Thursday is different. This time the boys are playing Park City Live, a much smaller (and much more indoor, thankfully) venue than their usual Red Butte Garden gigs. The evening promises to be a stop unlike any other Utah show to date.
And, perhaps because of that, or perhaps because it’s in Park City during Sundance, their faithful fans are going to pay the price. $125-$250, to be exact.
The hefty price by Utah standards is because the show is part of a premier party for the Robert Redford, T-Bone Burnett and Jack White produced American Epic, a film that rediscovers an early American recording device and commissions modern-day artists (including the Avetts) to record with it.
The film’s premiere is sold-out, but it will be coming to your television this fall on PBS. Tickets for the after party (including the Avetts and, one might guess, other artists featured in the film) are still available, at the above mentioned steep price. But, as any music fan will tell you, some things are worth it.
This show may well be one of them.
Early on in “Jim: The James Foley Story”, Foley is speaking at Marquette University after having been captured by forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, jailed in Libya, and released 44 days later. He tells the audience he’s not a hero; he’s just a regular guy…
…but that’s bullshit.
For 120 absorbing minutes, “Jim: The James Foley Story” chronicles the life, death, and legacy of James Foley, the American journalist beheaded by ISIL in August of 2014.
Directed by childhood friend Brian Oakes, “Jim” is an intimate and moving account not to be missed. Thankfully, it was acquired by HBO, and airs February 6. Take two hours out of your life and watch it.
Oaks deftly intertwines revealing interviews with family, friends, fellow reporters and fellow captives; photos and videotape from holidays and from Jim’s own reporting; and artistic reenactments into a testimony to the character of James Foley. By the end, you’ll wish you’d known him in real life.
From his early days as a young man finding his place in the world, to one of his first “real jobs” as a teacher with Teach For America, to his life’s work as a freelance conflict journalist with GlobalPost and Agence France-Presse (among others), Oaks’ use of potent, first-hand knowledge of the man is undeniably affecting. Two hours doesn’t seem long enough for this courageous man, who was a trusted friend to his fellow journalists, and a source of support to his fellow captives until the bitter end.
It may make you question the United Sates’ involvement in areas such as Syria, or the policy to not negotiate with terrorists. It was such negotiation that secured the release of Foley’s fellow captives, citizens of other countries such as France and Italy. They testify to the horrors they endured, of the moments of relief while in captivity, and of Foley’s strength in the face of pure evil. The conditions these journalists risk their lives to report are brutal, unbelievable; but that is precisely why James felt a need to get those stories out to a world that knows more about the Kardashians than about the Assad regime.
And why Oaks felt a need to keep Jim’s story and legacy alive in a world that moves on to the next news cycle far too quickly.
A
—
120 minutes
Directed by: Brian Oakes
Let’s see what Day 3 brings. And don’t forget to Instagram your own #stuartselfie for a chance to win some great Sundance prizes.
Nick Jonas.
Molly Shannon
Adam Scott
Jesse Plemmons
Bradley Whitford
Sam Neil
Elijah Wood
Penn Jillette
gilbert gottfried
Adam Rifkin’s (maybe I should say Herbert Blount’s) Director’s Cut is a twisted horror-comedy.
Written and narrated by comedian and magician Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller), the film has a biting wit that is reminiscent of Jillette poking holes in popular topics and movements on his Showtime series Bullshit!
Jillette plays movie buff Herbert Blount, who is obsessed with actress Missi Pyle (playing herself). To get close to Pyle, Blount donates to a crowd funding campaign and earns a spot on the set of her film Knocked Off, a cop drama directed by Rifkin (also playing himself). After filming Pyle on and off set, Blount kidnaps her and steals Knocked Off footage to splice it all together and make his own amateur director’s cut, including scenes he forces Pyle to act in.
Blount also includes his own director’s commentary, which exposes the lazy writing, product placement, cliché plot points and insults to a viewer’s intelligence we’ve all seen in similar suspense shows.
Of course, he also obsesses over Pyle in the commentary, even fast forwarding through scenes she’s not in.
Rifkin’s movie in the movie, Knocked Off, stars Pyle as a hard-hitting FBI agent teaming up with local two cops to stop a serial killer, who is taking cues from famous killers of the past like Albert Fish and Charles Whitman. But it’s only Blount’s version we see in Director’s Cut. Who knows? Maybe there will be a special edition Blu-ray with both films.
Director’s Cut was a great way to kick off the 2016 Slamdance Film Festival.
It’s funny, innovative and pretty disturbing. Oh, and Teller’s in it, too.
Three Stars
Below you’ll find bios on the best darn Sundance team in town.
Movie Reviewer: Michael Mejia
Michael Mejia is the author of a novel, Forgetfulness (Fiction Collective 2). He teaches Creative Writing at the University of Utah.
Two Things I’m Looking Forward To at Sundance 2016: The return of former Sundance stars Todd Solondz (Wiener-Dog) and Whit Stillman (Love & Friendship), as well as new work from Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Cemetery of Splendor) and Werner Herzog (LO AND BEHOLD Reveries of the Connected World).
Josh Fox’s (Gasland) new documentary examining how communities around the world are responding to the effects of climate change, How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change.
One Thing I’m Going to Miss (On Purpose): Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper. I mean, what do we really expect Gloria to “reveal”? Maybe where the commercials will be inserted when this airs on CNN.
Movie Reviewer: Richard Bonaduce
President of the Utah Film Critics Association, Marvel Unlimited member, and Film Critic for The Standard Examiner and Salt Lake Magazine, Rich also hosts “Critical Mass” (a movie-review show), TALK 365 (a services-centered talk show), and is Video Coordinator for WGU, where also he’s enrolled in their MBA program. You can see him Friday mornings on “Good Day Utah” on KSTU-Fox13 for on-air film reviews.
Two Things I’m Looking Forward To at Sundance 2016: Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words. A sharply edited and energetic celebration of Zappa through his public persona, allowing us to witness his shifting relationship with audiences.
Being a film critic and a drummer, I love documentaries about musicians, especially the docs that get behind the creative process; and there’s no one more creative than Zappa!
Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown to Off The Wall. Director Spike Lee assembles a wealth of archival footage, interviews with contemporary talents and family members, and Michael’s own words and image to create this insightful chronicle of the star’s early rise to fame.
I’m sure you’re sensing a theme, but yes I’m excited for this one too, especially with Lee at the helm; I’m sure he’ll do the subject matter justice. There is a world of wonderful music from Jackson before he was a household name, and I think much of it dwarfs anything from “Thriller” onward.
But I’m not looking forward to: Navigating all this stuff in the wintertime. The winter is for snowboarding, not bar-hopping. Why the hell can’t we have SUN-dance in the summer? Why doesn’t that make more sense? Anyone?!
Movie Reviewer: Jaime Winston
Jaime Winston once wrote for Salt Lake magazine and edited SLmag.com full-time, and then he left to do similar work at Weber State University. But once he was out, we pulled him back in (after he pestered the editor for freelance work). Look for his stories in upcoming issues of the magazine and his film reviews on SLmag.com during the Sundance Film Festival. In his free time, he reads big stacks of comic books, hikes Utah’s trails and tracks down copies of silent horror films. If he’s not catching a film at the Rose Wagner during the fest, you may find him across the street at Gracie’s enjoying a burger and a pint of pale ale.
What to see:
The Bad Kids: Keith Fulton and Lou Pepe (the latter deserves a Sundance award for coolest director name) are bringing their documentary about a high school in a patch of the Mojave Desert to Sundance. What makes this high school unique? Educators at the school actually believe they can help at-risk kids, who are dealing with abuse, addiction and more, succeed with empathy, teaching life skills and just giving a damn.
The film follows the daily lives of three of these “bad” kids and their principal. Bring tissues to dry your eyes.
Slam! I bet you didn’t expect a Slamdance film in this blog. This horror film directed by Adam Rifkin (Detroit Rock City) and starring/written by Penn Jillette (Penn and Teller) is opening this year’s Slamdance Film Festival. It’s about a crazed movie buff who kidnaps his favorite actress and forces her to star in his own twisted film. I’m anticipating a bloody good mix of witty dialogue, mystery and scares—and hopefully Penn’s sleight of hand.
What to miss:
How to Let Go of the World (And Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change)
While acknowledging we may be unable to slow climate change, Oscar-nominated director Josh Fox’s Sundance film focuses on the survival spirit of cultures around the world (my understanding based on the trailer).Did Fox admit defeat in the climate change fight, given the fact he travelled to 12 countries on six continents to make the film and will be taking it on a world tour? Otherwise, he would have gone green and pitched it to Netflix.
And with that attitude, shouldn’t the film be titled “You’re All Doomed, And So Are These People?” I have a feeling his excellent “Gasland” films on fracking did more good than “How to Let Go” will. Maybe my assumptions are wrong, and I hope they are. Either way, audiences will think it must be important given the subject matter, and it will win a bunch of documentary awards and get standing ovations.
Celebrity Watcher: Stuart Graves
Stuart, an avid traveler, runner and music and movie afficianado, will be Salt Lake magazine’s celebrity correspondent. He’s traveled the world to run marathons and climb mountains, but, he says, Nepal and Australia are his favorite spots.
Two things I’m looking forward to: I’m looking forward to meeting a new round of film stars in 2016, and hopefully I’ll get to revisit with my pal from the last coule years, Molly Shannon. Also, I’m looking forward to the possibility of finally seeing my Sundance white whale, James Franco. If you need me, I’ll be practicing so that I don’t sound scary if and when I do meet him.
One thing I’m not looking forward to: The possibility of a celebrity shut out. I don’t want to walk away from this Sundance with only a half dozen souvenir water bottles to show for it.
Photographer: Natalie Simpson
Educated in the Fine Arts program at BYU, Natalie has 16 years experience in photography. She lives in Salt Lake with her two sons and the world’s best looking dog. She has been a breakfast cereal guru for 35 years and counting.
Videographer: Mike Hansen
Mike is a native of Northern Arizona and currently works at a lifestyle and fine art photographer. His business Brushfire Photography has taken him around the world to document weddings and events.
Sundance Culture Reporter: Christie Marcy
Christie Marcy is the associate editor at Salt Lake magazine and though she has lived in Salt Lake for eight years she has not once stepped foot into a Sundance related event. Until now.
For the next two weeks she’ll report on cultural happenings at the festival. What’s the worst that could happen?
Watch for updates from Christie Marcy on lounges through the weeked, on the blog and on instagram @whynotboth.
This list will be updated as more information is available.
-Barclaycard Arrival Presents 364 Main
364 Main St.
Friday, 1/22 to Sunday, 1/24,11 a.m-4 p.m.
Featuring
Dell Workshop: Adrian Grenier will be hosting daytime workshops with Dell, and exclusive film dinners at night, which Grenier will be personally curating with his celebrity friends.
The Points Guy, which helps travelers find the best deals, will be providing a convenient and combined work/play space with complimentary Wi-Fi and panel discussions for attendees
The first floor of 364 Main will also include the following:
– Campbell’s will be offering a make-it-yourself soup station
– V8 will have a Bloody Mary and fresh fruit cocktails bar
– Chuda Hydrating Healing Cream, launching on Feb 1, will be showcasing their new product!
-Chase Lounge
573 Main St
Open daily from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Schedule subject to change for special events
-Acura
201 Heber Ave. (at the corner of Main St.)
Friday, January 22–Friday, January 29 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 30 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
-Brookside Chocolate
Festival Co-op 608 Main St
Friday, January 22–Friday, January 29 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 30 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
-Luna Lounge
1821 Sidewinder Dr (adjacent to Festival HQ)
Friday, January 22–Friday, January 29 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 30 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Schedule subject to change for private events.
-Dropbox
Festival Co-op 608 Main St
Friday, January 22–Friday, January 29 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 30 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
-Filmmaker Lodge
Elks Building 550 Main St., 2nd Floor
Friday, January 22 – Saturday, January 30, 2016 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m
Sunday, January 31, 2016 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
-New Frontier
573 Main St. / Floor 2-3
Friday, January 22- Friday, January 29 1pm – 8pm
Saturday, January 30 11am – 3pm
-Salt Lake City Festival Café
Sicilia Pizza Kitchen
35 W. Broadway (300 South)
-Festival Base Camp presented by Canada Goose
475 Swede Alley, Park City
Friday, January 22–Friday, January 29, 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
-Sundance TV
268 Main St.
Open Daily 10am to 6pm: January 22nd through January 29th; Panels 1-2pm, Pre-Party 4-6pm
-The Living Room
528 Main St.
Open Friday, January 22–Thursday, January 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
-Uber Lounge
Corner of Heber Avenue & Swede Alley
Open daily from morning to night
Utah’s predominately teetotaling Legislature and governor are well aware of the dangers of alcohol abuse and the state liquor monopoly’s skyrocketing revenues—from $156 million in 2002 to $396 million in 2015. But what they don’t understand are the intangible aspects of wine, beer and spirits as a part of food culture, a passion and an art form.
Since the turn of the century Utah’s population has been bolstered by young professional transplants who see drinking a part of a “good life.” Consumption overall is going up and wine drinkers are becoming more discriminating—the national trend is towards higher-price, higher-quality wine. Utah’s one-style-suits-most wine and spirits selection doesn’t cater to a wide selection of interests and palates, which is why aficionados return from places like California and Washington—where stores may stock more intriguing or rare wines—with bottles stashed in their suitcases. Buying wine is just like buying anything else—tastes differ. Some fashion customers shop at Nordstrom, some shop at Walmart.
“One of the things that is sort of intuitive is that visitors come here for convention and leisure travel and they’re a different demographic than the majority of folks who live in the state,” Scott Beck, president of Visit Salt Lake, told The Salt Lake Tribune. “Outside of Utah, drinking is not a moral issue. It’s a social issue.”
“If we want the highest quality in hospitality, in food and beverage—they go hand in hand,” says restaurateur Joel LaSalle, “especially for visitors and people who are moving here who are foodies. Around the world, everyone knows that great wine means great dining.”
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