Eat Drink SLC 2016

I often write about dining events in groups, but when a very special one comes along, it deserves to take center stage. Eat Drink SLC is one of those events. Indeed the inaugural event last summer was easily one of my favorite food focused events of 2015. And I’m annoyingly picky about these things.

For a debut event I’ll hold my hands up, I didn’t expect the level of execution and excellence and was thoroughly blown away – the whole event took me completely by surprise. So much so, I’m on pins for this years sophomore event. I’d implore you to stop reading now and buy tickets. But of course, I am sure you want a little more information first…

As the name suggests, Eat Drink SLC has two main draws: food from some of SLC’s finest restaurants with libations galore to match. At the time of writing the following food partners are confirmed to attend: Provisions, Pago, Stoneground, Manoli’s, Copper Onion, Frida Bistro, Avenues Bistro, Cucina, Avenues Proper, Cannella’s and 3 Cups.

Expect that list to keep growing over the coming weeks and expect a who’s who of the Salt Lake culinary scene to be in attendance. Offerings range from small canapes, to more substantial plates, with some restaurants presenting multiple choices. Here are some food shots from the 2015 event:

Eat Drink SLC: Tara Juhl, Craig Gerome creating cuisine for The Annex

Eat Drink SLC: The Annex dish

Eat Drink SLC: Liam Connelly, Avenues Proper

Eat Drink SLC: Avenues Proper fried chicken sandwich

Eat Drink SLC: Forage

Eat Drink SLC: Logen Crew and Current Fish and Oyster

Eat Drink SLC: Provision’s pork belly

Eat Drink SLC: Frida Bistro tacos

Eat Drink SLC: Finca

Eat Drink SLC: Red Rock

Eat Drink SLC: Salmon dish

Eat Drink SLC: 3 Cups dessert by amber Billingsley

And that’s just a fraction of what was on offer in 2015. I didn’t get close to sampling every last dish – which may or may not have been related to me going back for seconds from some restaurants. And of course, saving room for the odd drink or three.

The drink side of the show is just as stellar. Around the grounds of the event, you’ll find restaurants paired with a drinks partner. Grab a bite on one side and then a drink handily right next door. Wineries, distillers and brewers are all in attendance meaning there’s something for everyone and then some.

Eat Drink SLC: Mo Segrave-Daly of Copper Common

Eat Drink SLC: Scott Gardner and Medley Brothers

Eat Drink SLC: Naked Fish bourbon cocktail

Eat Drink SLC: Red Rock Brewing

Eat Drink SLC: Rutherford wines

And then of course there’s the location. Held on the verdant grounds of Tracy Aviary, the setting couldn’t be much more perfect; even on a balmy summer evening, the lush setting helped knock a few degrees off the temperature.

The expansive grounds provided an almost garden party like vibe; and despite a maximum capacity of 500 guests, the whole evening felt intimate and relaxed – even if there was the odd friendly resident interloper…

Eat Drink SLC: outside

Eat Drink SLC: tracy aviary grounds

Eat Drink SLC: tracy aviary grounds

Eat Drink SLC: tracy aviary grounds

Eat Drink SLC: tracy aviary grounds

Eat Drink SLC: tracy aviary grounds

Eat Drink SLC: wildlife

All proceeds from the event benefit three local non-profits that enhance the SLC community. In 2016, the beneficiaries are Tracy Aviary, SB Dance, and Race Swami.

Eat Drink SLC 2016 takes place on Thursday, July 7th at Tracy Aviary (6-9 p.m.). Tickets are $85 in advance and $95 the day of the event – which includes all food and drink. In 2015, Eat Drink SLC sold out 3 days in advance – I anticipate the 2016 event will sell out much quicker, don’t dawdle.

Tickets can be purchased online now. I’ll see you all there.

Disclosure: In 2015 I was invited to the event for free as a media partner. Regardless, I’d be there in a heart beat and so should you.

Stuart Melling

Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you!  I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC; I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune.  I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV shows.

I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have covered the Utah dining scene for the better part of fifteen years.   I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand.   What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.  Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.