I put on a fancy vintage dress and my favorite cowboy boots last night to attended the local food version of the Grammy’s. Salt Lake Magazine’s Dining Awards is the soiree of the season, with all of the most well known characters in the restaurant scene around town. We drank cocktails and listened to the Daniel Day Trio. It was exciting just to be sitting among such talented and inventive chefs and restaurant owners.
Through the evening, we brushed shoulders with Viet Pham, dressed fabulously in a suit coat and bow tie, and we chatted with Salt Lake Magazine’s own Mary Brown Malouf. Clumsy as I am, I accidentally kicked over a wine glass that was on the ground and it was graciously picked up by Pago’s owner Scott Evans, I blushed and went on my way, thankful for the kind gesture.
One of the best parts was getting a taste of personalities as the chefs and restaurant owners gave their award speechs. Some were shy, but most were amiable and entertaining. Some of my favorites were the owners from Naked Fish and Aristo’s, who got a few good laughs.
As the awards were presented I was surprised by how many restaurants I have yet to try. Now I have a whole new list of award winning restaurants to sample, from lunch at Left Fork Grill to pastries at La Bonne Vie in the Grand America!
I won’t keep you waiting any longer… here is a taste of the 2012 Salt Lake Magazine Dining Awards:
Best Lunch: Left Fork Grille
Best Bakery: La Bonnie Vie
Best Quick Eats: Guzzi’s
Best Japanese: Naked Fish
Best Indian: Saffron Valley
Best Mexican: Frida Bistro
Best Italian: Fresco
Best Mediterranean: Aristo’s
Best Discovery: The Garage
Best Pastry Chef: Amber Billingsley at Vinto
Best Chef: Viet Pham and Bowman Brown from Forage
Best Restaurant: Fresco
For a full list of the awards please visit Salt Lake Magazine.
Whatever that dessert is in the pictures, I want a bite! It sounds like it was a fun evening, I have a lot of restaurants I need to visit. Let me know if you need someone to visit La Bonne Vie with!
I'm ashamed to say I haven't been to a single one of these restaurants. I guess this list is a good place to start then.
We were just at Fresco for a belated Valentine's date Sunday evening! What a fabulous place…
So fun that you were able to attend. I've only eaten at four of the winning restaurants. I hope to try them all.
yes, let's visit Bonne Vie together soon!
I was also surprised at how many restaurants on the list that I hadn't visited! But I guess it's exciting because now there's more to explore!
I can't wait to hear more about your experience there!
Thanks for sharing, Becky! Some of my favorites are on here and some I am dyinggg to try!
What a fun and delicious event! Fresco is one of my very favorite restaurants and I am so happy to see it on the list.Man, I've got a lot of places to try out!And welcome back. I loved your Haiti post.
Lets pick one that you're dying to try and go there together!
Thanks Becky, its good to be back.
Thanks for sharing! Sounds like a wonderful event. Freida bistro and forage is up there are two places I am waiting to try. However, I have to disagree with the best Indian. Maybe I am biased, but Saffron Valley is just OK
The owner is wonderful, though!
I have yet to try Saffron Valley but I LOVE Ali Baba. If you haven't been there yet, you must!
Oh how exciting! The desert looks sooo… delicious!Have a wonderful weekend!Hug´s,Verena
Yes! Upon your recommendation we did try Ali baba (I think you posted about it a while ago)! It was wonderful. Actually it had a very home-cooked taste to it. We also like Himalayan Kitchen in SLC. You should definitely try SV and tell us what you think!
I'm so glad you enjoyed Ali Baba! They are so nice there and you're right… the food is fresh! I will try SV and let you know what I think.
I was invited to come but already had plans that night. I wish I would have gone so I could have seen you!! We very rarely eat out, but this is making me want to get out and try some restaurants!
I would have loved to see you there! The only other blogger I saw was Holly from Phemomenon. We have a long list of restaurants to try as well. With so many new ones popping up it is never ending but I guess that's what's good about living in a bigger city.