Utah chocolatier makes list of nation’s best
News hot off today’s press – finalists of the highly acclimated Good Food Awards are just in – and the beehive received a duo of… Read More »Utah chocolatier makes list of nation’s best
Stuart Melling
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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Burger specials to buffets – menu updates around town
Now we’re back in the saddle for the year proper, let’s begin with a quick recap of what’s been happening on menus around town. Welcome… Read More »Burger specials to buffets – menu updates around town
Start your 2023 with this vibrantly refreshing Utah restaurant
My past two weeks have been richly punishing ones. Whereas Thanksgiving requires I assume the role of grown up, and all the assiduous turkey tasks… Read More »Start your 2023 with this vibrantly refreshing Utah restaurant
More than 160 new Utah restaurants – how many have you tried so far?
We’re gonna need a bigger boat. Maybe two. Clocking in at somewhere close to 20,000 words, and recapping the unveiling of more than 160 bars… Read More »More than 160 new Utah restaurants – how many have you tried so far?
Final Utah DABS meeting of 2022 proves an intriguing one
Well that was a head scratcher. Maybe someone was passing around the egg nog, but the final DABS meetup of 2022 left this curious onlooker… Read More »Final Utah DABS meeting of 2022 proves an intriguing one
Christmas and NYE 2022 dining in Utah
Here’s our last major dining event update of 2022, cheers! If you’re looking to dine out in the coming couple of weeks (or even take… Read More »Christmas and NYE 2022 dining in Utah
A first look at the all new Urban Hill in downtown SLC
Anyone who’s escaped downtown via 5th South has no doubt glanced left towards soaring construction. The $200 million dollar Post District has been rising for… Read More »A first look at the all new Urban Hill in downtown SLC
Two more popular Utah bakers call it a day
Relatively hot on the heels of downtown baker Les Madeleines deciding to close their doors – here are two more to add to a growing… Read More »Two more popular Utah bakers call it a day
Destination rooftop bar coming to Downtown SLC in 2023
I fielded more than a few questions regarding the interest and coverage of Mar | Muntanya – the Spanish-informed fine dining option nestled on the… Read More »Destination rooftop bar coming to Downtown SLC in 2023
Tiki flair comes to the heart of Sugar House with this new Utah bar
I arrive at Acme Bar Company just before the lights go up for service. The switch is flipped as several million (or so a brief… Read More »Tiki flair comes to the heart of Sugar House with this new Utah bar
Utah dining landscape quickly changing as closures continue to mount
It’s been a little over a year since I penned the sobering why your favorite might restaurant might be closing. In the intervening months, those… Read More »Utah dining landscape quickly changing as closures continue to mount
Utah restaurants on notice as liquor licenses dry up
November’s DABS meeting wrapped up this Tuesday morning, and confirmed what was writ large last month; full service restaurant liquor licenses are about to splutter… Read More »Utah restaurants on notice as liquor licenses dry up
Utah’s highest rated restaurant launches fundraiser to keep doors open
As one known for hyperbole, let me assure you that the headline above is anything but. One of Utah’s genuine best are up against the… Read More »Utah’s highest rated restaurant launches fundraiser to keep doors open
Downtown Salt Lake bar bringing the Christmas fun
As the leftover turkey rapidly disappears in the rear view mirror, it’s all Christmas sweaters and Die Hard debates barreling ahead. Tis’ the season don’t… Read More »Downtown Salt Lake bar bringing the Christmas fun
New restaurants continuing to open at pace in Utah
If you’re feeling a little drubbed after recent weeks, you’re alone. The preceding fortnight has been punch after smack after whack, and I’m sure there… Read More »New restaurants continuing to open at pace in Utah
Catch these Utah foodie events before the calendar wraps for 2022
The calendar what now, I hear you wail from the back? I hate to tell you, but we’re barely six weeks before kicking off the… Read More »Catch these Utah foodie events before the calendar wraps for 2022
Celebrated Utah baker to call it a day this December
Well, I swear this isn’t “the restaurant closure website” but it sure seems it of late. After the recent much storied closures of local favorites… Read More »Celebrated Utah baker to call it a day this December
Murray’s Restaurant Morelia closes after three decades in business
Reports swirling social media over the past twenty four hours seem to suggest that the long lived Restaurant Morelia (6098 State Street) in Murray have… Read More »Murray’s Restaurant Morelia closes after three decades in business
Winter farmer’s market returns to Salt Lake City this weekend
If you’re wistfully reminiscing over the Summer market season, go grab your shopping bags from the closet stat. Maybe a scarf too. This weekend sees… Read More »Winter farmer’s market returns to Salt Lake City this weekend
Chili Crisp 101 – what you need to know
If your social feeds resemble mine, you’ve no doubt seen the words chili crisp emblazoned everywhere. You’ve also no doubt been spookily trailed around the… Read More »Chili Crisp 101 – what you need to know