Seven Questions with Nick Como, Director of Marketing and Communication for the Downtown Alliance. Can a diehard Yankee fan learn a thing or two from a Red Sox fan? Find out in our latest staff profile.
What is your first or fondest memory of downtown?
I moved to Utah in 2004 to be a ski bum, so downtown was pretty far off my radar. The first time I can recall coming downtown was for a ski-related event at the Salt Palace. I was with some friends who took me to the Gateway and then Hong Kong Tea House for dinner afterward. Having grown up in New York City, I missed authentic restaurants, so I was blown away by the dim sum and other items on the menu that reminded me of Chinatown. Living in the suburbs near the Cottonwood Canyons I was limited to chains, so I mostly ate at home thinking Utah was bland. After that night I began picking up City Weekly and reading Ted Sheffler's food reviews and starting a list of restaurants I wanted to try based on his column. Imagine this - Ted, a Red Sox fan, is who I have to thank for making this New Yorker comfortable in Utah. So, thanks Ted! City Weekly also turned me onto live music and culture I did not expect to find in SLC. When I left the ski industry six years ago I knew I wanted to work downtown - luckily it turned out I also get to help promote and shape our community.
What is your favorite thing about downtown?
The variety of options. I mentioned food, but we also have so many bars that there are options dedicated to wine, or beer and whiskey bars. Bands I love making it a point to play our city - that was not the case when I moved here. I can legit ski powder in the morning and be eating fresh seafood for a lunch meeting at Current by noon. In fact, that is exactly on my agenda next week.
How will downtown SLC look and feel differently five years from now?
More of everything. More people, bars, restaurants, buildings, art, events, festivals and jobs. This is an exciting time to a part of a growing city. Luckily, SLC is going through its awkward growth spurt right now, so we have the opportunity to not make the same mistakes other cities made as pre-pubescents. We can build the grown-up city of our dreams together.
If you could change one thing about Salt Lake City, what would it be and why?
Real beer on tap. Do I really need to explain why?
Friend or family is coming to town, asking for entertainment recommendations. What three places do you send them to?
Beerhive. Takashi. Bagel Project. Obviously not in that order, but then I can say "See, I told you so."
What's your favorite day of the year downtown?
The first warm day of spring when everyone is back out on Main Street walking to lunch, sitting on patios and soaking up the sun.
When you are not working or playing downtown, what do you do for fun or entertainment?
Ski by winter, bike by summer, and travel far and wide as much as I can.