Red Iguana article in the NY Times

[Lonnie]

Just here to add Lugano's to Dicky's list...

[Dickeymotto]

Actually, I said nowhere in SLC has truly GREAT food. There are countless places that are ok to halfway decent, I can enjoy eating at these places and not feel like I've wasted my money, but so far nowhere has been memorable. I go to the places people say are great and in reality they are just sort of ok.

I hate to take things here, but I grew up in a little place called Ahhhssspen and have worked and dined at five star restaurants (I don't mean 5 stars on yahoo.com). I've served people that have TV shows on food network. Rent is extremely high in Aspen so it is very hard to stay in business unless your food kicks serious ass. Maybe I am just spoiled. Funny thing is even the fairly cheap local deli in Aspen is far better than anything in SLC, but the biggest difference is if you are willing to spend the money you can get truly world class food. In SLC if you are willing to spend the money you get a fancy as place with such a romantic setting with a pond and an extravagant driveway and still eat food that tastes like it came from Sysco.

I'll be happy to admit I'm wrong if someone can point me in the right direction though.




Honestly, its also not just Assspen being so great. If I think of the top meals of my life they are a few in aspen, one run down old looking roadhouse type building in Idaho that kept all steak sauce in the back and would only let people use it after they at least tasted their steak without it, and a couple random places in spain that made killer traditional spanish food like paella.

I'm sure I sound condescending, but I think the bigger problem is most American's just don't really know great food and are happy to settle for run of the mill fare and tell themselves its wonderful.

Again though, I am eager to admit I am wrong, a not uncommon consequence to me running my big mouth is being proven wrong, and I am hopeful that will happen. I'll make a point to get to Red Iguana before too long.

So are you referring to 5 stars on the Mobil rating then? The AAA Diamond system is very similar to the Mobil system (both are highly established professional rating systems). The difference is the AAA system is more readily available to look up places. Guess what I found: not a single 5 Diamond restaurant in Aspen. In fact, there were only two 4 Diamond restaurants (4 diamond is no slouch for sure), which is two less then Salt Lake has (there were also 5 more 4 Diamond in Park City, a whopping 20 minutes away). So whats the name of these "5 star" restaurants you speak of? Name some names and show me some official ratings, otherwise I call bullshit.

Explanation of ratings:
One Diamond
1 Diamond - Basic good food, often self service

Two Diamond
2 Diamond - Relaxed family fare, noticeable enhancements to food and service

Three Diamond
3 Diamond - Entry level fine dining, highly trained staff

Four Diamond
4 Diamond - Fine dining, distinctive experience

Five Diamond
5 Diamond - World class dining, highly imaginative and unique

FWIW many of the places I listed are 3 diamond. I haven't eaten at any 4's yet. A caveat to this system is that casual places that have killer food (like Red Iquana or Pat's) rank rather low.

Not trying to be a dick and shit on your experience, but saying there is no good food in SLC and then turning around and praising Aspen when the scenes seem really similar (a few 4's, lots of 3's) is just incorrect. I'm not trying to say we are NY or Chicago or San Fran, but the dining scene here is pretty fucking good considering the demographics and the iron fisted liquor laws.

EDIT: Found the Forbes (formerly Mobil) travel guide. Aspen: 1 4-star, 7 3-star; SLC: 0 4-star, 7 3-star; PC: 2 4-star, 3 3-star

So on that scale, you have one on SLC, but overall pretty similar. Still no 5 stars. If you count Park City (which again is a mere 20 minutes away, perfectly reasonable when going out to a nice restaurant), then we have more then Aspen.

[crackboy]

We have ZERO good Mexican food in Boston and it is pretty depressing.

likewise in Pittsburgh that I am aware of. there is a street vendor in the strip that is pretty good but i want more

[Lonnie]

I'll trade Aspen's fine dining for BCC/LCC pow anyday.

And then figure in that I can restock/consume about 2,000 calories with a plate of Chilaquiles and a brew at the Iguana, yup it's done deal...

[Dickeymotto]

I'll trade Aspen's fine dining for BCC/LCC pow anyday.

And then figure in that I can restock/consume about 2,000 calories with a plate of Chilaquiles and a brew at the Iguana, yup it's done deal...

Haven't had RI's chilaquiles, but them up at Sonora Grill in Ogden. Fucking awesome post ski munchies.

[Skidog]

OK I've never been to Red, but Ive been to all the Blues, they were ok, nothing all that much better than many hole in the wall mexican joints in colorado or texas Ive been to. Is Red really all that much better? People talk about all of them as if they are something amazing, meh.

I havent found ANYWHERE in SLC that has really great food, at any price. I havent been to La Caille but I've heard you're pretty much paying for the atmosphere there. Theres lots of pretty ok food around, but none that I will actually miss once I leave.

Compared to Denver, Santa Fe, Aspen, and yes even Bozeman, MT, the food in SLC is pretty mediocre.

I so miss La Parillija in Bozeman, and Johnny's in Aspen.

The blues dont compare not even close...

FYI...ever been to Tiburon? Francks? Luganos? If not go...then reassess above statement. While i agree for the most part, there are quite a few gems in the valley.

[Skidog]

Actually, I said nowhere in SLC has truly GREAT food. There are countless places that are ok to halfway decent, I can enjoy eating at these places and not feel like I've wasted my money, but so far nowhere has been memorable. I go to the places people say are great and in reality they are just sort of ok.

I hate to take things here, but I grew up in a little place called Ahhhssspen and have worked and dined at five star restaurants (I don't mean 5 stars on yahoo.com). I've served people that have TV shows on food network. Rent is extremely high in Aspen so it is very hard to stay in business unless your food kicks serious ass. Maybe I am just spoiled. Funny thing is even the fairly cheap local deli in Aspen is far better than anything in SLC, but the biggest difference is if you are willing to spend the money you can get truly world class food. In SLC if you are willing to spend the money you get a fancy as place with such a romantic setting with a pond and an extravagant driveway and still eat food that tastes like it came from Sysco.

I'll be happy to admit I'm wrong if someone can point me in the right direction though.




Honestly, its also not just Assspen being so great. If I think of the top meals of my life they are a few in aspen, one run down old looking roadhouse type building in Idaho that kept all steak sauce in the back and would only let people use it after they at least tasted their steak without it, and a couple random places in spain that made killer traditional spanish food like paella.

I'm sure I sound condescending, but I think the bigger problem is most American's just don't really know great food and are happy to settle for run of the mill fare and tell themselves its wonderful.

Again though, I am eager to admit I am wrong, a not uncommon consequence to me running my big mouth is being proven wrong, and I am hopeful that will happen. I'll make a point to get to Red Iguana before too long.

dude i grew up in Northern NJ and about 45 min west of NYC...take the food in aspen and shove it up yer ass...It doesnt hold a candle to the eateries in many locales in NNJ or manhattan. Not even close. I meantioned a few good eateries in the SLC valley and if you really are truly a 5 star eater you'll find they are plenty good. Yeah the valley is dotted by chains cause thats what fucking touristas like..safe easy food when on vacation. If you're in the "know" you'll find many great eateries in the SLC Valley. And you want a good deli?? Tony Caputos....as good as any italian grocer in NNJ/Manhattan..

[butterscotch]

Best Mexican food in the world is in Tuscan AZ, Cafe Poca Cosa....unbelievable to even the most gnar-dog mexican food lovers/critique.

QFT. Cafe Poca Cosa is unbelievably good.

x3 for bathing in the mole from the Red Iguana.

In Bozeman, La Tinga > La Parilla.

[TitanneeNC]

First stop after getting off the plane in SLC is the Red Iguana, every year. Love the place always make sure to try the sampler mole plate before ordering.

[leroy jenkins]

So, the consensus seems to be that all the truly great food in SLC is N of 2000 S? I may just have to venture north.

I will look into the places mentioned and look forward to hopefully admitting I was wrong.

Based on what I have heard though, with Market St making the list, I am not going to be surprised to find a lot of places that while enjoyable are not very memorable.

Thanks for the suggestions though.

[bagtagley]

Cucina Toscana is superb.

[Dantheman]

So, the consensus seems to be that all the truly great food in SLC is N of 2000 S? I may just have to venture north.

How have you possibly lived here this long and not figured this out?

[Danno]

Mekong Thai in Midvale on State was awesome when I went 3 or 4 years ago.

[Skidog]

So, the consensus seems to be that all the truly great food in SLC is N of 2000 S? I may just have to venture north.

I will look into the places mentioned and look forward to hopefully admitting I was wrong.

Based on what I have heard though, with Market St making the list, I am not going to be surprised to find a lot of places that while enjoyable are not very memorable.

Thanks for the suggestions though.

Note i DID NOT mention Market st...i think its overpriced crap honestly.. i dont see the attraction with that spot. Try the DoDo in sugarhouse too...

[Skidog]

Mekong Thai in Midvale on State was awesome when I went 3 or 4 years ago.

oh shit..i dont know how this escaped my list...fucking awesome..trust me unless you like it HOT HOT HOT..do NOT order Authentic...

Also...its fucking dingy looking but the best chinese food in this fucking valley is at "little world" on state street..i think its just past 1700 on state...soo damned good.

[The AD]

eateries...eateries...eateries

I don't ever want to see the word "eateries" used this many times in a post here ever again.

[iceman]

In UT the servers always ask "How is everything tasting?" It's not tasting anything, it's dead. Aaaanywaaayyys...

[Skidog]

I don't ever want to see the word "eateries" used this many times in a post here ever again.

Lol...duly noted.

[Tippster]

SRSLY - "eateries" are in Malls, restaurants are places to get good food.

[Dickeymotto]

Note i DID NOT mention Market st...i think its overpriced crap honestly.. i dont see the attraction with that spot. Try the DoDo in sugarhouse too...

We went once, had a good experience. I don't think its the best place in SLC, but I liked it just fine. Maybe next time will change my mind. Its just one place I mentioned.

[leroy jenkins]

How have you possibly lived here this long and not figured this out?

Well this is only my second summer here, I'm busy as shit in the winters, and I don't have that much money to blow eating out all the time, especially when all of the places I've eaten are nothing special.

Mostly though its because when I causally mention my dissatisfaction with SLC food to people I know, no one has ever told me oh you just gotta go north, instead people recommend places like Lone Star as being awesome when in truth they are only ok.

Maybe I just need snobbier friends, although I've gotten that response from a lot of people. I DEFINITELY need more cash to throw around.

We went once, had a good experience. I don't think its the best place in SLC, but I liked it just fine. Maybe next time will change my mind. Its just one place I mentioned.

When I went the service was awesome, and the atmosphere was pretty good, it seemed like a fancy looking place that would impress a date, hey look I took you somewhere fancy! White tablecloths! Servers wearing ties, even the women! FANCY! Look at the prices on the menu, you so better go down on me tonight after I pay for this!!

The food however was boring as shit and completely forgettable. I think most of the people that go there don't really care about the food and just like the experience of dining at a fancy place. Honestly the only places on your list I've been were there and Lone Star, but the fact you included those has me prematurely judging your whole list because they are perfect examples of the good but completely forgettable food that is everywhere in SLC. Again, I never said there was no good food in slc, I'd say just sort of good food is all over the place, but I havent found anywhere memorable.

[skiski]

So, the consensus seems to be that all the truly great food in SLC is N of 2000 S? I may just have to venture north.

I've never eaten south of 2000 south except for a couple of trips to lone star on my way home from skiing. Here are some more recommendations, mostly around downtown.

Eva' - downtown. Great small plates, very reasonable prices.
Em's - capitol hill. Awesome casual fine dining, great atmosphere.
Settebello - downtown. Sterile atmosphere, but the best authentic italian pizza in the west.
Bombay house - indian food. Not downtown. Foothill next to I-215/I-80. (shit, maybe that's south of 2000 south, but barely).
Mazza - middle eastern food, 9th and 9th.
Paris Bistro - French - 15th and 15th.
pago - fancy pansy like aspen, 9th and 9th.

Try those. Don't ever eat south of 2000 south again. Good god, I don't understand why people live down there. It totally fucks up your impression of SLC. Live near downtown, drive 10 extra minutes to ski and have a much better life.

Oh yeah, Blue Iguana is like every other americanized mex place in the uS. The Red is truly somethnig special.

[Dickeymotto]

Well this is only my second summer here, I'm busy as shit in the winters, and I don't have that much money to blow eating out all the time, especially when all of the places I've eaten are nothing special.

Mostly though its because when I causally mention my dissatisfaction with SLC food to people I know, no one has ever told me oh you just gotta go north, instead people recommend places like Lone Star as being awesome when in truth they are only ok.

Maybe I just need snobbier friends, although I've gotten that response from a lot of people. I DEFINITELY need more cash to throw around.




When I went the service was awesome, and the atmosphere was pretty good, it seemed like a fancy looking place that would impress a date, hey look I took you somewhere fancy! White tablecloths! Servers wearing ties, even the women! FANCY! Look at the prices on the menu, you so better go down on me tonight after I pay for this!!

The food however was boring as shit and completely forgettable. I think most of the people that go there don't really care about the food and just like the experience of dining at a fancy place. Honestly the only places on your list I've been were there and Lone Star, but the fact you included those has me prematurely judging your whole list because they are perfect examples of the good but completely forgettable food that is everywhere in SLC. Again, I never said there was no good food in slc, I'd say just sort of good food is all over the place, but I havent found anywhere memorable.

The reason I liked it is that decent seafood is hard to come by around here and even if you do find it somewhere, its usually just one dish or a special the place is running. My attraction to Market Street was that they actually focus heavily on seafood and do a pretty good job of it. Did it blow my socks off? Only a few places on that list did that and Market Street wasn't one of them. However, if I'm having a fish craving and don't want to eat the same dish every time I am, I'll go back there. Its kind of that way with Squatters. Honestly I think they have the weakest food on my list, but they make a decent burger and some good beer to wash it down with. I've only had one other thing on the menu there (pizza) and it was disappointing.

[bagtagley]

If you want fish, try one of the handful of great sushi places in SLC, or hit up Aquarius and cook it yourself, or Rubio's for some fish tacos or maybe a fish sandwich at McDonald's.

All are preferable to Market Street.

[Woodsy]

If you want fish, try one of the handful of great sushi places in SLC, or hit up Aquarius and cook it yourself, or Rubio's for some fish tacos or maybe a fish sandwich at McDonald's.

All are preferable to Market Street.

this is true
especially the joy of Takashi,
BUT Mkt st and gastronomy were responsible for fresh fish being flown into UT years and years ago allowing a lot of these laces to flourish (including the place on Main where takashi worked for years before opening his own place)
2 other points back to the main thread,
Leroy "I named myself after a mildly amusing meme that was funny once 8 years ago, unless it was BobMc screaming it at tourists at Solitude" you rant for no reason, there is good food in UT, just look for it
and Red Iguana, does, and always has rocked.
the crowds are the only suck, and this article wont help but perhaps the new overflow place will relieve that.
Ramon RIP