The Secrets of La Caille

As a lifelong Utahn, the name La Caille meant luxury. It meant elegance. And maybe to some, it meant extravagance. But honestly because of these preconceived notions I had never ventured to the grounds of the now 50+ year old restaurant. But after receiving the invitation to come and visit the estate, I realized that those ill-informed notions were both correct and incorrect. Located at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, La Caille is one of the best manicured locations in the state where you might spot a peacock running around or a swan going for a swim. Yes, it’s modeled to appear as a French countryside estate. Yes, it is an extravagance. But there’s an unexpected warmth to the place. You can easily imagine how many marriage proposals and anniversaries have been celebrated here. There’s a relaxed inviting spirit that beckons future memories to fruition.

La Caille has been an institution of fine dining for decades, but what I didn’t realize is the varied experiences they are capable of. Besides the world class restaurant and gorgeous landscaping, there’s a myriad of different amenities like event planning, overnight stays on the property and a vineyard on the grounds that produces small batches of wine that are only available at La Caille.

With the new bar, Les Secrets, the La Caille team has expanded their offerings to include a more informal experience, but still every bit as indulgent. A glass of Enchante wine, made from grapes grown on the property vineyard, is a balance of dry and sweet with delicate floral flavors, and fruit notes were a delight. The Raspberry Lemon Soleil is a delectably smooth and oh-so-dangerous concoction of Tequila and Amaretto with just enough sharpness from the raspberry and lemon to keep you on your toes. The hors d’oeuvres menu is deceivingly simple, but make no mistake — there is unexpected depth here. The Oxtail Hummus is creamy and decadent, but the oxtail becomes the star of the show with its explosion of savory flavor. The Chutney Bruschetta was fresh, light and delicious while also finding a way to be both sweet and tart and unique from any other bruschetta I’ve had. Les Secrets is a great way to dip a toe into the world of La Caille.

Weekly events like wine tastings and “wine and paint nights” are another way to try out La Caille’s hospitality. Having gotten to enjoy a wine and paint night personally, I was again pleasantly surprised by how relaxed the atmosphere was and how loose the experience was. My wife and I painted, drank and laughed our way through the night, enjoying the instruction but also never feeling overwhelmed by it.

Ultimately, La Caille is an escape from the mundane. I can’t point to any practicality about the place, but if you’re looking for a whimsical adventure — where you have food and drinks that are a bit lavish, but best enjoyed in a serene setting, and especially with someone to appreciate it with — then this may be the escape for you.

Something I’ve learned, especially in my recent years, is not to assume that if something is expensive that it isn’t necessarily not worth it. That’s where the experiences La Caille offers are special — unlike anything else in Utah.

The secrets of La Caille are yours to discover. To book your dinner reservation or for any additional questions, visit their website www.lacaille.com or follow them on Instagram @lacailleutah. While you’re there, enjoy your time (and even a drink or two) at the new Les Secrets bar for “elegant indulgence.”

Read more about local spots waiting to be discovered:
Au Naturel: Templin Family Wines
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