Aimee Cook

Sandy, Utah

Features Writer at The Salt Lake Tribune

Award-winning lifestyle writer for @utahbusiness @parkcitymag @sltrib @cityweekly @gastronomicslc @afcitizen @dishingpc @parkrecord

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Articles

Knives Down, Dine Out

2 weeks ago | parkrecord.com | Aimee Cook

When it comes to knowing good food, chefs are the ultimate insiders. But where do these culinary masterminds go when they’re off the clock and out of their kitchens? Several local chefs shared their go-to restaurants and some favorite local products from around the state. Chef Zane might spend his days crafting decadent dishes at Stein Eriksen Lodge, but after hours, he’s all about a good balance of flavors.
Restaurant Bites

2 weeks ago | parkrecord.com | Aimee Cook |Heather King

Oakley Diner is buzzing with exciting updates this summer. The new management team is a group of familiar faces who have worked behind the scenes over the past few years and are now stepping into the spotlight. Jimmy Bell, after years of exceptional work as chef de cuisine, has been promoted to executive chef, and Jeff Stewart, the new general manager, is overseeing daily operations.
Food Finds - Park Record

2 weeks ago | parkrecord.com | Aimee Cook

T he Stock Exchange in Kamas is your one-stop shop for all types of proteins. This premium meat and seafood destination, owned by Guy and Melissa Peterson, is redefining what a local food source can be. “We were both born and raised in Utah, and we moved to the Kamas Valley in 2019,” Guy explains. “We realized there was a market for this type of business here.”At The Stock Exchange, you’ll find a curated selection of pasture-raised beef, pork, lamb, veal, and chicken sourced from farms across Utah.
Norwegian School of Nature Life makes nature the ultimate classroom

1 month ago | parkrecord.com | Aimee Cook

Among the mountainous landscapes of the Uinta, an innovative approach to education may reshape how children engage with the great outdoors. The Norwegian School of Nature Life, inspired by the Norwegian tradition of friluftsliv (translated as “free air life” or “simple life in nature”), offers a outdoor education experience that emphasizes personal and communal growth.
Artist Samantha da Silva's Work Invites Reflection

2 months ago | parkcitymag.com | Aimee Cook

Born in Santos, Brazil, Samantha da Silva has lived a life filled with moving boxes and address changes. At age 10, her family immigrated to Canada, setting off a chain of relocations that would see her move 40 times. She ultimately made Utah her home in 2018. “There has been a lot of movement in my life that influences my work quite a bit,” da Silva says. “A sense of home does not come from brick and mortar for me; it comes from the act of painting.
Enlighten Aesthetics introduces anti-aging treatment

2 months ago | parkrecord.com | Aimee Cook

Enlighten Aesthetics has unveiled its newest innovation, CellSound Technology, to combat the effects of aging. The treatment performed by owner Brandy Kessler, a registered nurse, provides a pain-free, non-invasive treatment that addresses the underlying causes of cellular aging in the skin and body. “I wanted to have a business that promotes health and vitality and prevents people from getting to the point of feeling old, tired and overweight,” Kessler said.
Volo School takes the classroom outdoors, and the kids help guide their lessons

2 months ago | parkrecord.com | Aimee Cook

Volo, an alternative school for children 7 to 12 years old, is redefining what it means to learn. The name itself, drawn from the Latin words “velle” (to will) and “volare” (to fly), evokes a vision-driven ethos that encourages every student to soar toward their full potential. This isn’t your typical classroom experience. At Volo, learning isn’t just structured around math problems and grammar lessons in a typical classroom — it’s built around the young learners themselves.
A Utah funeral home is the first in the state to offer "human composting" as a green alternative to traditional burials.

2 months ago | cityweekly.net | Aimee Cook

Starks Funeral Parlor in Millcreek has earned a reputation for its compassionate service and now, for pioneering a modern, eco-friendly approach to end-of-life care. Jason and Shayneh Starks, who opened the family-owned funeral home in 2005, offer their clients an innovative and environmentally conscious option—natural organic reduction (NOR), often called human composting. This process transforms the deceased into nutrient-rich soil over a period of 8 to 12 weeks.
Breakfast Bliss: Three Must-Try Eateries

2 months ago | parkrecord.com | Aimee Cook

You have surely heard that adage: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Our local breakfast scene has something for everyone, so put down that protein bar and check out these options. Whether you’re after classics and comfort, health-conscious bites, or an indulgent bakery item, The Hub, Luna’s Kitchen & Juicery, and The Bake Shop offer a little slice of breakfast nirvana.
Is the Formal Dining Room a Relic of the Past?

2 months ago | parkrecord.com | Aimee Cook

For centuries, the formal dining room was honored in homes, symbolizing elegance, refinement, and tradition. But those days might be behind us. As more homeowners lean into modern design trends, the once-essential formal dining room is quietly fading into history. The concept of the formal dining room dates to the grandeur of European aristocracy. Mansions and estates of the 18th and 19th centuries often featured elaborate dining halls where families and guests would gather for multi-course meals.