With a new baby in tow, we aren’t doing much traveling this summer but we did get our fix with a few short stay-cations. Last week we drove just a few minutes and checked into pure extravagance, the Grand America hotel. This being one of our first nights away from home with a new baby, it was also nice to know we were only a short drive away if we forgot anything. Our minds at ease, we fully relaxed, feeling as if we were miles away in some exotic destination.

The Grand America makes you feel like you are somewhere dreamy, somewhere new and distant, somewhere not-Salt Lake. Just look around, all of the details from the flourished iron railings on each patio, to the fountains, gold frames, and extravagant chandeliers, all of these are definitely giving a boost to what you think of when you imagine Utah travel.

The first thing we did after arriving was change into our swimsuits to sit by the pool.  Sipping on cocktails, and getting updated in the latest issues of our favorite magazines, we enjoyed being poolside for at least a few hours.

A bonus for us was that we could stay in a suite with a kitchen, so we could make a couple meals inside and enjoy the peacefulness of being alone. For dinner that evening, we made an easy vacation meal, Apricot and Almond Couscous Salad, you can find the recipe on the Vintage Mixer blog.

Also, the accommodations came with everything we needed for a baby, so we could leave all of the baby gadget we just acquired at home (crib, baby bath, rocker, and they even provide a stroller!).

A trip to the grand, would not be complete without one of La Bonne Vie, the hotel bakery, French macarons. And you should have a few… our favorites were the pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla. Oh and we had some white chocolate pistachio dipped strawberries too. It was, in fact, a vacation, even just for a day!

Food-wise, the real extravagance came from the Garden Cafe for lunch the next day.  We devoured a beautiful Peach Salad topped with granola, yogurt, and honey (a brilliant lunch-take on the fruit and granola we all enjoy for breakfast!). We also grazed the buffet, finding it hard to choose with all of the well prepared dishes. Some favorites were the trout, mediterranean pasta saladd, and of course the bread pudding with caramel sauce.

We found Grand America to be the perfect getaway close to home. Spoiled and full, we returned home in a matter of minutes!

More goodies at La Bonne Vie

I recently got to try out Roots Cafe in the Millcreek neighborhood of Salt Lake and let me just tell you, this little jewel is well worth the short drive from downtown!  Roots serves up fresh, local cuisine, in a eclectic little cafe. They really get creative with their menu and strive to please both the meat eaters and non meat eaters in one welcoming sitting.

My first visit was for lunch, but I must tell you that I really can’t wait to try their breakfast… with Polenta Eggs Benni, and German-Style Pancakes, the menu had me wishing we had come in earlier in the day (breakfast is served every day here).  Lunch, however, turned out to also be tasty.  I tried the Grilled Cheese of the Day, which happened to be an African peanut and veggie grilled cheese.  All sandwiches come with root vegetable chips or a quinoa salad. I chose the chips, which were kale chips when we visited. They were seasoned perfectly with a light crisp bite.  The sandwich could have been a bit spicier, but I am more of a spice fan than most of my Utah friends (this must come from my Texas roots).

My date, my dear friend Dana, ordered the Classy Walnut Chicken Salad, which boasts of free range chicken, cranberry sauce and brie cheese. This sandwich was classic yet a bit more indulgent than the normal chicken salad sandwich because of the addition of the brie.

We sat and talked in the cafe for a while and even though they were nearing closing time they didn’t push us to leave. We had too much to catch up on, as close girl friends often do, so we sat and ate slowly, getting all of the scoop on each others lives.

As we went to check out, my eyes diverted to these little mounds of coconut goodness in the pastry case. The cashier must have seen me wide eyed because he said we must not leave without trying one of the coconut pistachio macaroons.  So, we didn’t.  We both left with a macaroon in hand, which didn’t make it far on the drive home.  If Roots Cafe were a little closer I would have already returned to pick up a few more of those little treats!

With flamingos outside and everything from fresh pressed juice, to juicy blue bacon burgers inside, this quirky little cafe has already won over a variety of folks in their neighborhood and beyond, including me.  Now, I just need a return trip for breakfast!

Roots Cafe
3474 South 2300 East Milker
Breakfast 7am-11am weekdays, 7am-3pm weekends
Lunch 11am-3pm daily

Healthy, delicious foods, plus luxurious, all-natural spa treatments… count me in!  You don’t have to be 8 months pregnant (like me) to fully appreciate a feel-good meal along with a good massage.  This is something we all should incorporate more often in our routine. Cafe Supernatural serves up light and fresh vegan foods like wraps, veggie bowls, salads and smoothies while just around the corner Prana Spa is providing revitalizing massages and other natural spa services.

During my seventh month of pregnancy Josh and I took a month of yoga classes at Prana Yoga keeping us centered and at peace while we anxiously awaited our baby’s arrival. As we enjoyed our yoga classes, we discovered that Prana offers more than great yoga.  Their spa services are some of the best in the city and the cafe attached provides spa-like foods, great for before or after yoga or a massage.

I don’t often get massages and perhaps could even count the number of massages I’ve gotten in my lifetime on one hand, but after getting a massage at Prana I may be hooked.  Maybe it is the fact that I was over 30 weeks pregnant at the time or that I had an amazing masseuse, but I had to peel myself off the massage table afterwards it was that soothing.

To me a good massage should be in a comfortable spot, simple with light soothing music in a quiet room with calming lotions and aromas.  Prana’s spa is simple but everything is done just perfectly, their masseuses are polished professionals, skilled and passionate about what they do, the space is peaceful and subdued, and the products they use are high-quality natural products. Their products are organic, all-natural massage products that combine sustainable ingredients with the aromatic healing powers of essential oils. They also have a variety of massage offerings (Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, and special therapies such as Reflexology, Structural Integration, Lymphatic Drainage, Chakra Balancing, Thai Yoga massage, Pregnancy Massage, and Crainosacral treatments) sure to fit the needs of most anyone.

After peeling myself off the massage table, I sluggishly walked around to Cafe Supernatural where I enjoyed a wrap and smoothie.  After a nourishing meal and a great massage,  I left feeling completely restored and refreshed.  The only problem I have now is wanting to make an appointment for another day in the spa soon!

You don’t have to go to the spa to enjoy Cafe Supernatural’s spa foods.  Cafe Supernatural is open to the public seven days a week offering mostly local and organically grown foods.  Celebrate Meatless Monday and you get a 20% discount on all of your food.  They also offer wine, which is pretty awesome to enjoy while sitting at their cafe tables outside!

I felt as if I found a little jewel hidden behind Trolley Square.  Prana Spa and Cafe Supernatural provide a little oasis for locals, serving up restoration and vitality.

GIVEAWWAY… Today Prana Spa is offering up a a FREE pedicure to one of our readers.  Simply comment with your favorite way to relax or be restored to be entered to win! Winner will be announced on Friday.  Congratulations Michelle Millburn, you are the big winner today!!

Prana Spa

Cafe Supernatural

600 South 700 East

Claiming the award of Salt Lake City’s Best Italian Food Restaurant called me in for a second visit to Sea Salt.  My first dining experience at Sea Salt was when they first opened and although I did enjoy it, I found it to be a bit pricey so I hadn’t been back since.  On this visit, we went for lunch and still paid a pretty penny but enjoyed our meal none the less.

From the looks of these photos you’ll notice two things, 1) I dined with all women so we may have ordered lighter than the average crowd and 2) Sea Salt serves up lots of fresh produce!   Several of us ordered salads, veggies, and soups all loaded with crisp fresh vegetables served in traditional Italian style.

All entrees were enjoyed but the gnocci truly stood out. They have three different gnocchi options on their lunch menu: Gnocchi ai Cinque Formaggi – (5 cheese gnocchi) gorgonzola dolce, fontina, robiola bosina, rocchetta alta langa, and grana padano, garnished with rosemary; Gnocchi alla Bolognese con Funghi – (gnocchi with wild mushrooms) salsa bolognese, wild mushrooms, and grana padano;  Gnudi al Burro e Salvia – a larger gnocchi made with Tuscan ricotta and spinach, topped with a sage brown butter.   Throughout the table we had at least one of each of these and everyone who ordered the gnocchi agreed that it was amazing!

For lunch at Sea Salt you’ll also find, antipastas, pizzas, soups, salads, and pasta.  The great thing about their pizzas is that they’re pretty customizable with over 25 toppings that you can add on, from anchovies to house fennel sausage.  As for the salads, we tried the Vegetable Crudo with raw beet, carrot, fennel, celery, arugula, sea salt, preserved lemon and extra virgin olive oil; a simple salad but like much of the best Italian food, the simplest is often the best. If you’re more of a panini fan, I highly recommend the Grilled Chicken Breast, Artichoke Heart and Aged Provolone Panini served with kalamata olives, oven dried tomato pesto and arugula.

Expect top quality ingredient and freshness as well as friendly service and a bright and open environment.  We came in expecting a lot after they were given such an honorable award by Salt Lake Magazine.  If you dine at Sea Salt for lunch expect to pay dinner prices.  You’ll be very satisfied at the end of your meal.

Sea Salt
1709 East 1300 South
Lunch – Monday – Friday 11:30-2pm
Dinner – Monday – Thursday 5-9pm, Friday – Saturday 5-9:30pm

There’s a new burger joint that popped up in Sugarhouse.  Habit Burger has been staple for burger lovers around California since 1969, and now found it’s way to Utah!  This new-to-Utah chain specializes in simple burgers with fresh, quality ingredients served at affordable prices, which often causes people to keep returning, hence the name. I got the full inside – scoop when I went there recently, here are some tips for dining at Habit Burger

• You may customize your order with any of the ingredients that are on the menu.  Say… if you like albacore tuna but would rather have it on a salad instead of a bun, or if you’d like mushrooms and swiss on your chicken sandwich, just make the request and it’s done to your liking!
• You may also ask for a whole wheat bun if that’s your preference.
• They are starting to serve gluten free options so stay tuned!
• They do have veggie burgers, which I’ve tried and highly recommend
• If you’re a burger lover, try the Santa Barbara style burger  it’s not on the menu but they’ll know what you’re talking about… its a double burger with avocado served on sourdough bread.
• They have their own specialty fry sauce, made just for this location in Utah, and oh it is good!!
• They make their own ranch.
• If your indecisive, you can order half fries half onion rings, instead of a full order of each.

Go have a burger, or better yet, have a burger with avocado and a side of sweet potato fries!!

For those of you who loved Diva’s Cupcakes and Coffee, they’re back with a slight change in name and vision. Now referred to as Diva’s Cafe and Spirits, this loved Salt Lake neighborhood cafe is serving up breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner with a fresh and healthy flare and lots of great options for anyone with dietary restrictions.

A few things remain the same at Diva’s, the beautiful outdoor patio, with umbrellas and lanterns overhead, comfy chairs and a shaded area, perfect for warm afternoon dining. Their green house still remains as well, a indoor natural oasis, which is perfect for making you feel like you’re dining alfresco even in mid-winter. Diva’s also continues to serve coffee and pastries, the pastries now coming from City Cakes with a variety of vegan and gluten free treats available.

As Diva’s focus was primarily on coffee and pastries in the past, the new owners main focus is simply the food. Plus I must mentioned that they opened their doors this time with a liquor license and are now selling wine and beer. One of their high priorities is to buy locally whenever possible.  Their coffee boasts of Salt Lake flavor from Millcreek Roasters. They’re also proud of their healthy options and selection of vegan, gluten free and vegetarian menu items. From a hummus and veggie wrap to an arugula beet salad, he said their vegetarian customers have been pleased.  In addition to salads and wraps they offer a special vegan soup daily, which was a creamy spaghetti squash soup on the day I dined in for lunch.  I wished I had ordered a bowl it was so good!

I tried their hummus wrap which is made daily with the hummus of the day, which happened to be a beet hummus, hence the bright red color in my photo.  The wrap was light and flavorful, and perfect with a cup of soup.

My friend Haley, ordered their grilled cheese on gluten free bread and a cup of soup. The grilled cheese looked especially gooey and delicious!

Another thing – the new owners are especially proud of is their weekend brunch. A few weekends ago they had a line out the door of folks waiting to try this special brunch offering.  Their brunch consists of a full buffet with a selection of Eggs Benedict, Pancakes, French Toast, and Omelets as well as fruit and salads. And as in every other meal at Diva’s, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are many during brunch time.

I’m thankful Diva’s is back and they seem to be doing even better than ever! I’ll be returning soon for a warm bowl of soup and a refreshing meal in the green house!

  Diva’s Cafe & Spirits
1560 East 3300 South
8:00am – 10:00pm

There’s a new taco restaurant in Salt Lake!!  You’re hearing it first from me, but I predict that many will be frequenting the convenient Taqueria 27 post ski day this winter.  The new taqueria is located on Foothill Drive and serves up inventive tacos with daily specials and great cocktails as well. Oh and did I mention they have gluten free and vegan options at Taqueria 27 too?!

As a native Texan, I’m always on the look out for good Mexican food in Salt Lake.  We’ve had a lot of ho-hum Mexican here but nothing that really brings us back to our Tex-Mex roots.  Although, Taqueria isn’t really Tex-Mex, what they are is really impressive, serving is brilliantly creative tacos in a simple fashion, and with great personality of the chef.

The chef, Todd Gardiner, doesn’t boast local ingredients (thought he does use much produce from his own home garden) but instead he boasts of tasty food for the whole family to enjoy. His background is also something to boast about. Only after we probed, he told us of his cooking lineage: from the New Yorker, to the Aerie at Snowbird, to Z ‘Tejas, and most recently Log Haven. For his own endeavor with Taqueria 27, he chose a style that he knew he could be creative with. And just an example of his innovative spirit, beef cheeck tacos are a weekly special, duck confit tacos are a regular  menu item and wild mushroom tacos are a unique favorite for meat eaters and vegetarians alike.

Although tacos are the house specialty at Taqueria 27, they have many other creative items on their menu.  With 6 varieties of guacamole, everyone is sure to find a favorite and to end your meal you must try their chocolate Tres Leches Cake, a spin on the traditional Mexican dessert. The flavors of each component of the meal stand out, with even the corn tortillas being made fresh in-house. Another great thing they have going for them is that there are lots of options for anyone with food restrictions: gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, and kid-friendly!  And if you’re into tequila, the selection is vast!

Skier and non-skiers, young and old, vegan or gluten free, kids or no kids… I really believe many folks in Salt Lake are going to enjoy the offerings at Taqueria 27!

Taqueria 27
1615 South Foothill Dr
Monday through Saturday 11AM-9PM

I’m always on the quest for fun lunch spots in Salt Lake.  Recently, some ladies and I met up at The Metropolitan for lunch.  They have a grilled goat cheese sandwich served with fresh pressed tomato soup that is definitely worth trying!

You can read about the food and company we enjoyed  at Taste of Salt Lake.  There are also lots of photos  of the lunch items we enjoyed.  I will be occasionally writing for this blog and will keep you up to date on those posts here on The Vintage Mixer.

For a full review of dinner at The Metropolitan check out this post.

On a recent lunch rendezvous at Frida Bistro I discovered a new dish that I’m excited to share with you. Have you heard of a Sopecito? No? Allow me to enlighten you.

Sopecito, pronounced soap-eh-cito, are small blue corn rounds, like-toastadas, with a black bean puree and topped with a variety of flavors. I realize I am probably botching the description of this sophisticated Mexican dish but I hope you get the idea. At Frida Bistro for lunch you can select from several options to top your sopecita: carne asada, pork basted in citrus glaze, portabello chorizo, achiote marinated grilled wild salmon, honey–chipotle marinated gulf shrimp, or organic chicken breast marinated in lime. My friend and I both ordered sopecitos, so we tried the portabello chorizo, and the honey chipotle shrimp. After tasting both we agreed that the honey chipotle shrimp was the better of the two with a bit more kick to your taste buds.

For lunch they always start you out right with a couple of these little spiced, cheese-filled bites. And every bite after these is just as good as the first.

And I can’t forget to mention dessert. Frida is teaming up with a local favorite of mine, My Dough Girl, to deliver a decadent mole cookie with a molten chile d’arbol ganache center, topped with slow roasted cinnamon toasted pepitas. Doesn’t that sound amazing?!

Frida Bistro serves upscale Latin American Cuisine just west and south of downtown, a perfect spot for lunch, an after work cocktail and small plate, or an evening splurge.

More about Frida Bistro:
My full review
Saturday Brunch
Margarita Mondays
Partnership with Vida Tequila