Following on from the massively successful Summer and Winter popups – the cozy cocktail bar inside downtown SLC’s Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club has undergone another dazzling makeover. This time with a pair of RayBan Wayfarers firmly affixed. Tipsy Flamingo is the latest moniker for the chameleon-like speakeasy, reflecting the thematic overhaul; neon lights, disco elements, and lush greenery all signpost the 1980s vibe.
The cocktail menu is the star as ever and is reworked with canny nods from the era. Harvey wallbangers, cosmos, and fuzzy navels all feature – and each is given its own unique twist. Here’s a look at those drinks in question, plus a quick peek inside the (repurposed Pepsi vending machine) door:
A South Floridian vibe winds its way onto a reworked bar snacks menu too. Plantain chips with pork rinds, Cuban sliders, and what’s that – alligator nuggets? Thankfully – the flair bartending hijinks notorious from the decade – remain limited to the screens above the bar, which showcased the famous Cocktail movie when I stopped by.
As with past popups in the Parlor cocktail area (located at the back of the Flanker space) – attendance requires reservations in advance. The bar opens Wednesday (featuring live DJs) through Saturday with bookings available 5.00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m. Reservations can be made through OpenTable.
Salt Lake Brewing Co
Now in its third year (after debuting in 2021) Mr Melling’s nitro cream ale is back on tap at this downtown brewpub institution. Brewmaster Jason Stock tells me, “A longtime favorite nitro beer here at Squatter’s Pub! Our nitro cream ale is brewed with Maris Otter malt from England with a touch of honey malt and flaked oats for a smooth creamy mouthfeel. Very light in color and super sessionable. UK Golding hops are used in this brew for a more floral hop aroma and flavor.”
It goes without saying, it gets my seal of approval…
Small bites
Gerome’s Market – You might recall I got all hot under the collar last Fall when Craig Gerome’s titular sausage shop went online. With the busy farmer’s market season now beckoning, the former chef made charcutier has called temporary time for online sales. The company writes, “Our last delivery day will be Tuesday, April 30th. While deliveries will take a summer break, we will bring them back in the fall. Thank you for being a part of the Gerome’s Market journey!” After that, you can still snag his exceptional products at a variety of farmers markets in town through the Summer.
Fleming’s Steakhouse – The Gateway-located steak emporium are currently advertising a three-course surf & turf special on Sundays, priced at $80 per person. The business states, “Enjoy our most-loved steak, filet mignon, paired with our North Atlantic lobster tail or explore our new Alaskan golden king crab legs. Start with your choice of salad and finish with dessert.”
Goldener Hirsch – April 26th is National Pretzel Day and this Deer Valley spot is offering a Bavarian pretzel-making class. News from the PR team confirms that this, “culinary excursion will guide guests through the techniques to twist and turn pretzels into fluffy and perfectly cracked works of art. Following the hands-on cooking lesson, guests are welcome to indulge in their own pretzels, fresh from the oven, in the property’s beautiful Antler Lounge.” Price is $75 per person.
Jinya Ramen Bar – Available every Monday through the end of April, “Hanami Hour” – an all day long happy hour menu.
Kimi’s – After their recent move to Holladay, the restaurant has now confirmed Sunday dining hours.
STK – A dirty pearls cocktail will be offered through the month of April, “a green take on the classic dirty martini.” For every dirty pearls sold, $1 will be donated to the Billion Oyster Project, a cause dedicated to restoring oyster reefs in coastal communities.
Spencer’s – A brand new “Spring is in the rare” cocktail series has debuted, featuring 7 unique aperitifs – is available now through June 21st. This comes on the heels of another new menu item – prime rib Sundays featuring house-smoked prime rib with all the fixings.
Tsunami – Another happy hourr special now back on menus, the restaurant writing, “We heard you! Happy Hour is back! Available Tuesday – Friday, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm. Enjoy some of your favorites at happy hour prices including the Jenny and Philly rolls, organic edamame, crispy fried calamari, and more.
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Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC. I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.
I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV. Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. 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.
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