Authors: James Bennett
Gabor Brothers: Tempting Italian in Davis County
It takes a lot to get me out of Salt Lake City. I only end up in Davis County on the rare occasion that I miss my freeway exit. Recently, though, what started off as a late season trip to a pumpkin patch near Farmington ended up with me cruising Main Street in Layton around lunch time. What I found at Gabor Brothers was nothing short of mouth-watering, and has left me trying to find other reasons to end up in Layton for lunch. … read more
OFF!, NASA Space Universe, Thunderfist @ The Loading Dock 04.16
In 2010, when footage of OFF! first started showing up online, fans of old California hardcore music lost their minds. Was it really possible that Keith Morris was fronting a punk rock super-group that could cram 16 songs into less than 20 minutes? It was possible, and it was actually happening. This was welcome news to fans of hardcore young and old—mostly because it meant that Morris had a reason to tour again, and once he hit the road, there was a solid chance that he’d play your town. … read more
The Garage: Roadhouse Comfort Food
I was impressed by so many things at The Garage: The staff were prompt and courteous and the food and drinks will have you coming back. … read more
Johnniebeefs: The Taste of Summer
Johnniebeefs 6913 S. 1300 E. Cottonwood Heights, Utah 801.352.0372 Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday: Closed As long as I can remember, my summers have been punctuated by outdoor cookouts—and this has usually meant sausages and hotdogs. As such, I’ve got a soft spot for a well-prepared dog, even if it isn’t
Fresh Cuts Daily: Sushi Groove
Sushi Groove is a mellow place. Located across from the Visual Art Institute on Highland Drive, the small, laid-back space provides an intimate dining experience. When you’re greeted by the graffiti-style artwork on the wall, you know immediately that you’re not in a pretentious sushi shop. The dining room seems designed to set the guests’ mind at ease, and it is successful at doing exactly that. … read more
Finding My Pioneer Roots
I had wanted to be involved with the annual Beer Issue since its conception, but there was always one glaring problem: I don’t drink beer. As SLUG Magazine’s Highest Ranking Mormon ™, I was limited in what I could contribute. I had always been obsessed with the process of making beer (much like early Mormons were until that whole “Word of Wisdom” thing came along) and was intrigued by the culture of local home brewing. As I looked into it, I realized that, with an increase in home beer production, there was also an increase in the number of brewers that wanted to share the experience with their kids—albeit in a non-alcoholic way. Thus, I found my calling: I would brew my own root beer. … read more
Eva’s Bakery: French Authenticity in the Heart of Salt Lake
Over the past few years, one of my favorite Downtown restaurants has been Eva. The small-plates restaurant serves a diverse selection of foods in portions manageable enough so that you can order half a dozen things and still not break the bank. Imagine my excitement when I, as SLUG Magazine’s Resident French Master TM, became aware that Eva Chef/Owner Charlie Perry had plans to open a French-style bakery just a few blocks away, Eva’s Bakery. … read more
The Pie: Utah’s Pizza Institution
When I transferred from Arizona State up to the University of Utah in 2001, one of the first things I did was seek out good pizza. The shock of living in a new place left me in need of comfort, and pizza had always been my go-to comfort food. Everyone I asked had exactly the same answer: a basement restaurant that had long been the favorite of U of U students and staff—The Pie Pizzeria. … read more
The Lamb Of Main Street: Lamb’s Grill
There’s no question that Lamb’s Grill is a Utah institution. I’m proud to report that it is still going strong. One thing is certain: If they handle breakfast and lunch with the same charm and elegance that they do with dinner, people will still be writing about Lamb’s Grill 96 years from now.
Massive Nights: An Interview with Tad Kubler of the Hold...
This past March, The Hold Steady released their sixth studio album, a 10-track scorcher titled Teeth Dreams. Since then, they’ve embarked on a globe-spanning tour that will make a stop at our own Urban Lounge in mid-July. SLUG Magazine caught up with lead guitarist and founding member Tad Kubler to talk about the new record, recent lineup changes and to ask about what’s influencing them these days. … read more
Pipa: Asian Small Plates on the West Side
After living in the heart of Downtown for over a decade, recent circumstances allowed me to buy a house in the northwestern Salt Lake neighborhood of Rose Park. It’s an older neighborhood with deep roots, and with the arrival of the light rail along the North Temple corridor, rumors of a renaissance for the Rose Park and Fair Park neighborhoods have begun to stir, and a recent trip to the Rancho Market plaza on 900 West led me to the unassuming façade of Pipa. … read more
