A Recipe for Success at the Farmers’ Market

BY JENNIFER BURNS

Do you ever walk around a farmer’s market and admire all of the hard work that went into growing and harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables? For example, consider the effort that goes into zucchini: Planting the seeds in nutrient-rich soil, watering, waiting for the flowering process, tending to the plants, protecting them from pests and wild animals and (finally!) harvesting after more than 50 days. And then you think, “What can I make from this beautiful harvest?” (Other than letting those beautiful zucchini wilt on your countertop, that is.) Yes, it can be a little intimidating. So here’s some help. Everything for this Loaded Vegetable Pesto Pasta with Steak can be found at your local Farmer’s Market. When you pick out your ingredients be sure to say “hello” and thank these passionate farmers.

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 small zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices lengthwise

2 small yellow squash, cut into 1/4-inch slices lengthwise

1 small white or yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices

2 medium bell peppers, any color, cored, seeds removed, quartered

2 corn on the cob, husk and silks removed

1/2 lb. asparagus, trimmed

1 lb. flat iron or sirloin steaks

12 oz. penne pasta

1/2 cup parmesan or asiago cheese, grated

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes

Salt and Pepper, to taste

PESTO

1 large cilantro or basil bunch (about 4 loose cups)

2 garlic cloves

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded

1/4 cup pine nuts, almonds, walnuts or pecans, toasted

1/3 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.

2. Brush oil onto the first six ingredients (through asparagus) on all sides. Season with salt and pepper. Grill veggies (except asparagus) for 6-8 minutes or until slightly softened, turning once. (Note: Rotate corn, when kernels deepen in color- usually 2-3 minutes.) Add asparagus to grill for 2-3 minutes. Place vegetables on a platter. Once cool enough to handle, chop vegetables and remove corn kernels from the cob.

3. Season steaks with salt and pepper. On a greased grill over mediumhigh heat, cook steaks to the desired doneness. Let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Thinly slice. Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain. Set aside.

4. For the pesto: In a food processor or blender, add the cilantro or basil (reserve some for garnish), garlic, parmesan cheese, nuts, oil, salt and pepper. Blend to desired consistency. (Note: Add additional oil for a smoother version.)

5. In a stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add cooked pesto, the cut-up veggies and corn kernels. (Note: Store any remaining pesto in a sealed container and refrigerate.) Mix well. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and tomatoes. For each serving, place the desired amount of the pesto pasta and veggie mixture on plates, and top with sliced steak. Garnish with basil or cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.

Jennifer has hosted more than 3,000 TV cooking segments and works directly with brands developing recipes with their products and quality content for them to use in both broadcast and non-broadcast outlets. She has a published cookbook called Cooking Delight, which combines food, music and art and is a contributing food writer for Salt Lake magazine. Find her @jbcookinghost on Instagram/TikTok.

Yuki Yama Sushi

586 Main St., Park City, 435-649-6293. yukiyamasushi.com. Located in the heart of Old Town Park City, Yuki Yama offers both traditional japanese dishes and more modern plates. It’s all guided by the steady hands of Executive Chef Kirk Terashima.

Reef’s –7720 Royal St. East, Park City, 435658-0323. reefsrestaurant.com. Lamb chops are tender, falafel is crunchy, and the prices fall between fast food and fine dining. It’s a den of home cooking, if your home is east of the Mediterranean. Open seasonally.

Baja Cantina –1355 Lowell Ave., Park City, 435-649-2252. bajaparkcity.com. The T.J. Taxi is a flour tortilla stuffed with chicken, sour cream, tomatoes, onions, cheddar-jack cheese and guacamole.

Billy Blanco’s – 8208 Gorgoza Pines Rd., Park City, 435-575-0846. billyblancos.com. Motor City Mexican. The subtitle is “burger and taco garage,” but garage is the notable word. This is a theme restaurant with lots of cars and motorcycles on display, oil cans to hold the flatware, and a 50-seat bar made out of toolboxes. If you’ve ever dreamed of eating in a garage, you’ll be thrilled.

Chimayo

368 Main St., Park City, 435-6496222. chimayorestaurant.com. Bill White’s prettiest place, this restaurant is reminiscent of Santa Fe, but the food is pure Park City. Margaritas are good, and the avocado-shrimp appetizer combines guacamole and ceviche flavors in a genius dish.

El Chubasco –1890 Bonanza Dr., Park City, 435-645-9114. elchubascoparkcity.com. Regulars storm this restaurant for south-of-the-border eats. Burritos fly through the kitchen like chiles too hot to handle—proving consistency matters.

Tarahumara –1300 Snow Creek Dr., Ste. P, Park City, 435-645-6005. tarahumararestaurant. com. Some of the best Mexican food in the state can be found in this Park City cafe. Don’t be fooled by the bland exterior; inside you’ll find a fullfledged cantina and an adjoining family restaurant with a soulful salsa bar.

Freshie’s Lobster Co.–1915 Prospector Ave., Park City, 435-631-9861. freshieslobsterco.com. After years as everyone’s favorite summer food stop at Park Silly Market, Freshie’s has settled into a permanent location selling their shore-to-door lobster rolls all year round.

DIN I NG

2023

AWARD

Rime Seafood & Raw Bar – 9850 Summit View Dr., Park City. rimerawbar.com. Such a hit on the slopes that Chef Matt Harris took the concept inside and Rime is an anchor restaurant inside the St. Regis, Open Thurs-Sun.

Shabu – 442 Main St., Park City, 435-6457253. shabuparkcity.com. Cool new digs, friendly service and fun food make Shabu one of PC’s most popular spots. Make reservations. A stylish bar with prize-winning mixologists adds to the freestyle feel.

Kuchu Shabu House – 3270 N. Sundial Ct., Park City, 435-649-0088. kuchushabu. com. The second shabu-style eatery in PC is less grand than the first but offers max flavor from quality ingredients.

Steak

Butcher’s Chop House & Bar –751 Lower Main St., Park City, 435-647-0040. butcherschophouse.com. The draws are prime rib, New York strip and pork chops—and the ladies’ night specials in the popular bar downstairs.

Grub Steak – 2093 Sidewinder Dr., Prospector Square, Park City, 435-649-8060. grubsteakparkcity.com. Live country music, fresh salmon, lamb and chicken, and a mammoth salad bar. Order bread pudding whether you think you want it or not. You will.

Edge Steakhouse – 3000 Canyon Resort Dr., Park City, 435-655-2260. westgateresorts.com. This beautifully fills the beef bill at the huge resort, and the tasting menus take you through salad, steak and dessert for $45 to $60, depending on options.

The Huntington Room at Earl’s Lodge – 3925 E. Snowbasin Rd., Huntsville, 888-437-5488. snowbasin.com. Ski-day sustenance and fireside dinner for the après-ski set. In summer, dine at the top of the mountain.

Hearth on 25 –195 Historic 25th St. Ste. 6 (2nd Floor), Ogden, 801-399-0088. hearth25. com. The charming upstairs dining room is a great setting for some of the best and most imaginative food in Ogden. Handmade hearth bread, espresso-rubbed yak, killer stroganoff— too many options to mention here—this is really a destination restaurant.

Pig & a Jelly Jar – 227 25th St., Ogden, 801-605-8400. pigandajellyjar.com. The same great made-from-scratch Southern comfort food as the original, now in Ogden. A popular brunch spot open seven days a week.

Prairie Schooner – 445 Park Blvd., Ogden, 801-392-2712. prairieschoonerrestaurant.com. Tables are covered wagons around a diorama featuring coyotes, cougars and cowboys—corny, but fun. The menu is standard, but kids love it.

Table 25 –195 25th St., Ste. 4, Ogden, 385244-1825. table25ogden.com. A bright, contemporary space in Downtown Ogden has a patio right on Historic 25th Street. The elevated yet approachable menu includes Spanish mussels and frites, ahi tuna and a classic cheeseburger.

Union Grill – 315 24th St., Ogden, 801621-2830. uniongrillogden.com. The cross-over cooking offers sandwiches, seafood and pastas with American, Greek, Italian or Mexican spices.

WB’s Eatery– 455 25th Street, Ogden, 385-244-1471. wbseatery.com. Part restaurant, part bar, part coffeehouse, WB’s Eatery is located inside The Monarch, a hip maker and market space for artists. A hybrid space as well, the eatery sells CBD oil, as well as serving up cocktails, bites and boards of meat and cheese.

The Beehive Pub & Grill – 255 S. Main St., Logan, 435-753-2600. thebeehivegrill. com. An indirect offshoot of Moab Brewery, the Grill focuses as much on house-brewed root beer as alcoholic suds, but the generally hefty food suits either.

Caffe Ibis – 52 Federal Ave., Logan, 435753-4777. caffeibis.com. Exchange news, enjoy sandwiches and salads and linger over a cuppa conscientiously grown coffee.

Maddox Ranch House –1900 S. Highway 89, Perry, 435-723-8545 maddoxfinefood.com. Angus beef steaks, bison chicken-fried steak and burgers have made this an institution for more than 50 years. Eat in, drive up or take home.

Mandarin – 348 E. 900 North, Bountiful, 801-298-2406. mandarinutah.com. The rooms are filled with red and gold dragons. Chefs recruited from San Francisco crank out a huge menu. Desserts are noteworthy. Call ahead.

Slackwater Pizza – 209 24th St., Ogden, 801-399-0637. slackwaterpizzeria.com The pies here are as good as any food in Ogden. Selection ranges from traditional to Thai (try it), and there’s a good selection of wine and beer.

Rovali’s Ristorante –174 E. 25th St., Ogden, 801-394-1070. rovalis.com. This friendly family-owned place on Ogden’s main drag serves hearty Italian fare and housemade pastry, plus a creative bar menu and live music.

Ramen Haus – 2550 Washington Blvd., Ogden, 801-393-0000. ramenhausogden.com

Sergei Oveson’s experience with ramen master Tosh and Shani Oveson’s at Naked Fish shows all over their restaurant in Ogden. Simple but stylish sums the space and terrific is the only word for the ramen. Do not leave without ordering the honey toast even if you think you don’t want dessert.

DIN I NG AWARD

2023

Tona Sushi – 210 25th St., Ogden, 801-622-8662. tonarestaurant. com. The charming old space on Ogden’s main drag houses a meticulously top-notch sushi restaurant. Owner Tony Chen grows herbs and sprouts in the basement and the plates he presents show an artist’s touch. Ask about the secret menu.

Sonora Grill – 2310 Kiesel Ave., Ogden, 801-393-1999. thesonoragrill.com. A big, beautiful Mexican restaurant, the kind you see in Texas or New Mexico, Sonora serves great chips and salsa, a famous margarita, several kinds of ceviche and all the dishes you love as well as vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Thai Curry Kitchen – 582 25th St., Ogden, 385-333-7100. thaicurrykitchen.com Chic and sleek counter service offering bright from-scratch curries and salads plus locally made kombucha.

Communal –102 N. University Ave., Provo, 801-373-8000. communalrestaurant.com. Food is focused on the familiar with chef’s flair—like braised pork shoulder crusted in panko. Attention to detail makes this one of Utah’s best.

The Tree Room

8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance Resort, Sundance, 866-6278313. sundanceresort.com. Sundance Resort’s flagship is known for its seasonal, straightforward menu and memorable decor, including Robert Redford’s kachina collection. Try the wild game— spice-rubbed quail and buffalo tenderloin.

Casual Chom Burger

45 W. 300 North, Provo, 385-241-7499. chomburger.com. Colton Soelberg’s (Communal, etc.) low-key high-end burger place has an eye towards infusing high-quality ingredients into America’s favorite sandwich. Inexpensive, innovative and delicious burgers and shakes, as we have come to expect from Soelberg who has a knack for elevating comfort food.

The Foundry Grill – 8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance Resort, Sundance, 866932-2295. sundanceresort.com. The café in Sundance Resort serves comfort food with western style—sandwiches, spit-roasted chickens and steaks. Sunday brunch is a mammoth buffet.

Station 22 – 22 W. Center St., Provo, 801607-1803. station22cafe.com. Ever-hipper Provo is home to some cutting-edge food now that the cutting edge has a folksy, musical saw kind of style. Station 22 is a perfect example of the Utah roots trend—a charming, funky interior, a great soundtrack and a menu with a slight Southern twang. Try the fried chicken sandwich with red cabbage on ciabatta.

Bombay House – 463 N. University Ave., Provo, 801-373-6677; 7726 Campus View Dr., West Jordan, 801-282-0777; 2731 E. Parley’s Way, SLC, 801-581-0222. bombayhouse.com. Salt Lake’s biryani mainstay has several sister restaurants worthy to call family.

Màstra Italian Bakery and Bistro – 476 N. 900 West, Ste. D, American Fork, 385-221-9786. mastraorders.com. Màstra is owned by a born-and-raised Italian who serves up authentic, but not snobbish, Italian food. The carbonara is the crowd favorite.

Pizzeria 712

320 S. State St., Ste. 185, Orem, 801-623-6712. pizzeria712.com. The pizza menu reaches heights of quality that fancier restaurants only fantasize about. Not only are the blister-crusted pizzas the epitome of their genre, but braised short ribs, local mushrooms and arugula on ciabatta are equally stellar.

Ginger’s Garden Cafe –188. S. Main St., Springville, 801-489-1863. gingersgardencafe.com. Tucked inside Dr. Christopher’s Herb Shop, Ginger’s serves truly garden-fresh, brightflavored, mostly vegetarian dishes.

Hell’s Backbone Grill – 20 N. Highway 12, Boulder, 435-335-7464 hellsbackbonegrill.com. Owners Blake Spalding and Jen Castle set the bar for local, organic food in Utah. Now the cafe has gained national fame. They garden, forage, raise chickens and bees, and offer breakfasts, dinners and even picnic lunches.

Sunglow Family Restaurant – 91 E. Main St., Bicknell, 435-425-3821. This pit stop is famous for its pinto bean and pickle pies. Yes, we said pickle.

Mediterranean

Il Posto Rosso at the Radcliffe Moab

477 S. Main St., Moab, 435-355-1085. radcliffemoab.com/dining. Il Posto Rosso has a modern, Mediterranean-inspired menu with protein and other ingredients sourced from a variety of local farms, gardens and ranches.

Moab Brewery– 686 Main St., Moab, 435-259-6333. themoabbrewery.com. A beloved watering hole for river-runners, slick-rock bikers, red-rock hikers and everyone who needs a bite and a beer, which is nearly everyone in Moab. All beer is brewed on site.

Anasazi Steakhouse –1234 W. Sunset Blvd., St. George, 435-674-0095. anasazisteakhouse.com. Diners cook their own steaks and seafood on volcanic rocks at this stylish and artsy spot that also serves up fondue and cocktails.

King’s Landing –1515 Zion Park Blvd., Ste. 50-A, Springdale, 435-772-7422. klbzion. com. In the Driftwood Inn, some of the finest food and the finest view in Utah. The kitchen is ambitious—seasonal, vegan, gluten-free are all covered. Mushroom tart involves mushrooms, caramelized onions, butternut squash and grapes with burrata and basil, but the flavors meld into harmony.

Rib & Chop House – 21677 S. Convention Center Dr., St. George, 435-674-1900. ribandchophouse.com/st-george-utah. Rib & Chop House is home to premium steaks, fresh seafood and baby back ribs (the local favorite). The perfect nonchalant atmosphere for quality food.

Painted Pony– 2 W. St. George Blvd., Ste. 22, St. George, 435-634-1700. painted-pony. com. The kitchen blends culinary trends with standards like sage-smoked quail on mushroom risotto. Even “surf and turf” has a twist—tenderloin tataki with chile-dusted scallops.

Oscar’s Café – 948 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, 435-772-3232. oscarscafe.com. Blueberry pancakes, fresh eggs, crisp potatoes and thick bacon. We love breakfast, though Oscar’s serves equally satisfying meals at other times of day.

Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen – 233 W. Center St., Kanab, 435689-1959. peekabookitchen.com. Complementing Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, this casual eatery serves vegetarian cuisine—artisanal pizza, local beer, craft cocktails and a rocking patio.

Red Rock Grill at Zion Lodge –Zion National Park, 435-772-7700. zionlodge. com. Try eating here on the terrace. Enjoy melting-pot American dishes like smoked trout salad with prickly pear vinaigrette. And you can’t beat the red rock ambience.

Whiptail Grill – 445 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, 435-772-0283. whiptailgrillzion.com

Spotted Dog Café

428 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, 435-772-0700. flanigans.com/ dining. Relax, have some vino and enjoy your achiote-braised lamb shank with mint mashed potatoes on top of rosemary spaghetti squash.

Vermillion 45 – 210 S. 100 East, Kanab, 435-644-3300. vermillion45.com. Who would expect a fine restaurant with a French chef in Kanab? But here it is, and it’s excellent.

Wood•Ash•Rye – 25 W. St. George Blvd., St George, 435-522-5020. theadvenirehotel. com/wood-ash-rye-restaurant. Located in historic downtown St. George, Wood•Ash•Rye seeks out regionally sourced ingredients to curate oneof-a-kind recipes that rotate with every season.

Bear Paw Café –75 N. Main St., St. George, 435-900-8790. bearpawcafe.com. St. George’s favorite breakfast and lunch cafe for more than 25 years! Bear Paw Cafe is the perfect place to get breakfast at anytime of the day. Don’t forget to try the guest favorites, including belgian waffles, hand-crafted pancakes, worldclass french toast and fresh crepes.

George’s Corner Restaurant & Pub – 2 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, 435216-7311. georgescornerrestaurant.com. This comfy nieghborhood hangout spot serves burgers and pub grub, along with regional beers.

Mom’s Café –10 E. Main St., Salina, 435529-3921. famousmomscafe.business.site

Mom’s has fed travelers on blue plate standards since 1928. This is the place to try a Utah “scone” with “honey butter.”

Morty’s Café –702 E. St. George Blvd., St. George, 435-359-4439. mortyscafe.com/ stgeorge . From burgers to coffee, Morty’s Cafe has just about every type of quick and fresh classic food. Straightforward and relaxed, don’t forget to try their homemade special Morty sauce.

Tucked into an erstwhile gas station, the kitchen is little, but the flavors are big—a goat cheesestuffed chile relleno crusted in Panko and the chocolate-chile creme brulee.

Xetava Gardens Café – 815 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins, 435-656-0165. xetava.com

Blue corn pancakes for breakfast and lunch are good bets. But to truly experience Xetava, dine under the stars in eco-conscious Kayenta.

Pica Rica Americana BBQ 25 N. Main St., St. George, 435-200-4420. picaricabbq. com. In the heart of St. George, Pica Rica’s menu marries the themes of Texas barbecue with the flavor of Mexico City. You’ll find all of the classics, from spare ribs to smoked brisket, along side moles, fresh salsas and street corn.

Tifiny’s Creperie – 567 S. Valley View Dr., St. George, 435-879-3363. tifinyscreperie. com. Enjoy the cozy dining room and the comforting, casual French cuisine, featuring classic sweet and savory crêpes.

Angelica’s Mexican Grill –101 E. St. George Blvd., St. George, 435-628-4399. angelicasmexicangrill.com. A bright Mexican eatery serving up traditional street food in a cozy space.

Café Sabor

290 E. St. George Blvd, St. George, 435-218-7775. cafesabor.com. Sabor boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere with an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs work their magic. The menu includes a fusion of traditional Mexican dishes with a Southwestern twist.

The Bit and Spur

1212 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, 435-772-3498. bitandspur.com. The menu stars Southwestern cuisine—ribs, beef and chicken—as well as chili verde. A longtime Zion favorite, there’s almost always a wait here, but it’s almost always a pleasant one with a view and a brew in hand.

Cappeletti’s Restaurant

36 E. Tabernacle St., St. George, 435-986-4119. cappelettisrestaurantstgeorge.com. A family owned Italian resturant. With fresh homemade salami, handmade mozzarella, beef empanadas, seafood linguini and more, Cappeletti’s has been serving St. George for more than a decade.

Chef Alredo’s Saint George

1110 S. Bluff St., St. George, 435-656-5000. chefalfredos.com. Authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of southeren Utah. With incredible food and outstanding servuce, Chef Alfredo’s is a must for a date night or special occasion.

The Pizza Factory– 2 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, 435-628-1234. stgeorgepizzafactory.com. The original St. George Pizza Factory, founded in 1979, is one of the city’s main attractions. It was born of a desire to create the perfect pizza parlor, where friends and family could come together over a slice or a whole pie.

Sakura Japanese Steakhouse

& Sushi – 81 N. 1100 East, St. George, 435275-2888. sakuraut.com. The Hibachi side of the restaurant gives both dinner and a show in one, but if you’re shy about open flames, Sakura also offers tasty sushi rolls.

Southeast Asian

Banana Blossom Thai

Cuisine – 430 E. St. George Blvd., St. George, 435-879-3298. bananablossomstgeorge.com. A homey Thai restaurant that has a menu full of the classics and also offers tasty takeaway.

Forget about navigating the state’s labyrinth of liquor laws—the more than 20 bars and pubs listed here prioritize putting a drink in your hand, although most of them serve good food, too. Restricted to 21 and over. (Be prepared to show your I.D., whatever your age. This is Utah, after all.)

All bars listed in the Salt Lake Bar Fly have been vetted and chosen based on quality of beverage, food, atmosphere and service.

This selective guide has no relationship to any advertising in the magazine.

Review visits are anonymous, and all expenses are paid by Salt Lake magazine.