Stuart Melling

Utah

Founder and Writer at Utah Now

No longer active here. Because, seriously. Find me on that other app... the one about that azure thing above your head...

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Articles

Multi-decade neighborhood bar returns to Sugar House

1 week ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

A name synonymous with Sugar House is now back in action, continuing the story for the more than three-decades-old bar at this site (1063 E 2100 S). New owner Jimmy Brown has dropped the Elbow element, with the newly rebranded business known simply known as Fiddler’s. Brown, a Sugar House resident and former CANarchy manager (according to Brown’s LinkedIn profile), has already made his imprint on the space. Updated new TV’s dot the room, while the bar area has been refreshed and opened up.
Locally fished trout shines at this downtown SLC newcomer

2 weeks ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

Me: “Can I also order the mussels, maybe something else?”Server: “Oh, actually I think you’ve ordered plenty already”Me: “Don’t worry, I’m a professional, I have a hollow leg, what about this other dish as well”Server: “No really, I think that might be enough”So approximately went the friendly back and forth between myself and my server at Rouser – the signature restaurant on the ground floor of the Asher Adams hotel.
Open Streets returns - here are my favorite dining spots in the heart of the action

2 weeks ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

Last weekend saw Open Streets return to downtown Salt Lake City – this time for a month-long stint. Running every Friday and Saturday (2.00 p.m. – 2.00 a.m.) in June, the event sees four blocks of Main Street pedestrianized North to South (though do note that some East-West traffic does still flow across Main). Four themed zones (family, arts, shopping, restaurants/bars) begin at South Temple, stretching down to 400 S.
Twenty-six bars and restaurants licensed at the May DABS meeting

2 weeks ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

Fifty-three full service licenses were available coming into the May 2025 DABS meeting.
Internationally acclaimed Mensho lands in Post District

1 month ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

If you’re one of those constantly refreshing social media types (or you happen to read this humble tome) you may have been one of the lucky few to catch the super-soft opening of Mensho (550 S. 300 W.) last week – one of my ones to watch from earlier in the year. The boutique ramen chain out of Japan have launched several international offshoots, with their San Fran outpost notably scooping star after Michelin star.
Four upcoming food and wine events not to miss in SLC

1 month ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

June 4th, 6.00 p.m.Chef Nick Zocco (pictured top) continues his series of collaboration dinners, this time around with Mar | Muntanya’s chef Tyson Peterson. The duo has crafted a seven-course extravaganza priced at $220 per person ($165 for food, $55 for pairings).
Soup dumplings, sausages, and sushi - whats new in the Utah food press

1 month ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

Looking for somewhere new to add to your dining rotation this month? Let me offer you some inspiration then, courtesy of our monthly review roundup – a rundown of what local food writers have been furiously tapping away about. First up, Greg Brinkman in the Salt Lake Magazine, who gets all hot soupy under the collar at Zhu Ting Ji (Taylorsville) – specifically over their xiao long bao. The restaurant has caused quite the stir since opening, attracting thronging crowds from almost week one.
A quartet of noted SLC chefs making their move

1 month ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

As the month ends, here’s a random grab bag of news that didn’t otherwise make in our articles this month. Some of the following items were provided directly by restaurants, and PR teams:After the sad loss of SLC Eatery last year, there’s been little news on what the future might hold for toques Paul Chamberlain and Logen Crew. Until now that is, with news that Crew is set for a return to Current Fish & Oyster.
Downtown SLC restaurant offering a unique charcoal-fuelled menu

1 month ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

This past week, I had the pleasure of stopping by Rouser, the destination dining option on the ground floor of the fancy new Asher Adams hotel. As luck would have it, the visit answered a long-running clarion call of mine. Given Utah’s intrinsic relationship with trout, my eyebrows always raise an extra degree when I see fish flown in from far away, sometimes 1000s of mile. Where’s the Utah trout chef?
More than fifty names hitting the Utah dining scene

1 month ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

Despite my constant claims that I’ll post these roundups more frequently, life has a terrible habit of laughing at even the simplest resolutions. You win life. So, here we are, one more sprawling recap of all the new restaurants, bars, bakeries, coffee shops, and more – all hitting the streets of Utah over the past three months. As ever, it’s an expansive bunch – a fabulous mix of global flavor, price points, and dining styles. Bon appétit.