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No longer active here.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

Internationally acclaimed Mensho lands in Post District

1 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.
What’s new at this year’s downtown SLC farmers market

3 weeks ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

June 7th is the big day, as the expansive Summer farmers market returns to Pioneer Park for another seasonal run. (Saturdays, 8.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. through October 25th). As I’ve written about previously here, and here, the market provides a mind-boggling treasure trove of local products. Now in its 34th year, the market showcases a mix of vendors, all from within 250 miles of Salt Lake City.
Grab the calendar - these are the major Utah food and drink events for 2025

4 weeks ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

Well, it looks like Summer is here. No, I’m not looking at the weather app, indeed more so my beet-reddened legs, incinerated by an accidental snooze in the afternoon sun this weekend. Pass the aloe please and thank you. With that in mind, here’s a look ahead to a range of events with a strong food/drink component at their core this Summer and. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Cosmica is another jewel in the culinary crown of the Central 9th neighborhood

1 month ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

I first started tracking Cosmica (945 S 300 W) more than a year ago. The news that local restaurateur Ryan Lowder (Copper Onion, Copper Common) was to venture out again, had me more than a little intrigued. For those grey enough, Lowder’s opening of Copper Onion over a decade ago, was largely recognized as a gear shift in the SLC dining scene at the time.
Two new updates on Sugar House’s rapidly evolving Highland Drive

1 month ago | gastronomicslc.com | Stuart Melling

Another week, and another refresh of the central Sugar House food and drink scene. With the exhausting roadworks along Highland Drive quickly becoming a distant memory (ok, let’s just pretend folks) the central Sugar House thoroughfare continues to evolve. To remind you, Sugar House Station opened in March, with Hearth and Hill arriving quickly on their heels just a week or so later (hint: try the laksa).