ON THE STREET MAY

Who is ready for Water Witch Bar 2.0? The trio behind the 900 south, James Beard-nominated location are expanding downtown. A remarkable location, the hidden and historic Cramer House, part of the recently opened Aster project. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the House was built in 1890 by Christopher Cramer, a Danish immigrant who ran a floral shop. There will be significant upgrades before they’re slinging their spirits. In the meantime, you can anticipate several other developments at The Aster, including a sushi restaurant. 

Comfortable and cosmopolitan, Cupla Coffee has opened on 200 South next to Homecoming Southern Kitchen–and it is gorgeous! We wandered over on opening day and were greeted like a long-time friend. Cozy furniture, a library wall, great coffee, and genuine, friendly service. What more can you ask for? Yes, we’ll tell you: the two gooey eggs, melty cheese, and smokey bacon on a croissant. 

Doha, Dubai, and Ibiza. Coming soon to Salt Lake, STK, the international celebrity-endorsed steakhouse was teased at the ribbon cutting of phase one of The West Quarter. A clarion call of what Salt Lake residents are thirsty for, The West Quarter opens with Van Ryder, the sexy amber-lit rooftop bar and is complemented by French-themed Adalaide (don’t miss the oysters). 

The “coming soon” sign for LemonShark Poké taunted us for months, then years. We almost gave up hope for the restaurant in The Judge Building, but happy to report the wait is over and reviews are in. The Downtown Ambassadors in the yellow jackets have named it one of their favorite lunch spots and a 4.8 rating on Google Reviews adds to the good publicity. If you’re at Gallivan Plaza, the path to poke is puny. In close proximity is Poke & Sushi Hut, Fresh Fin, and Uncle Shark!

Speaking of The Judge Building, we reported Robin’s Nest had flown the coop at their longtime roost. Thankfully, as the crow flies, they have cracked open in the DP Cheesesteak location on Broadway. People are raven about the new refuge. Don’t miss the turkey and smoked gouda.

Just barely percolating, someone is investing in the Ginger Street location at 324 South State. (Oh, how we miss those chicken tendies). Well-placed sources say it will be an elegant modern Japanese fusion restaurant. Intriguing–we will keep digging. 

Mayor Voss has opened on Edison Street. We’ve loved this airy, light-filled urban gem since Campos Coffee renovated it to rave reviews. Don’t miss the pork belly bao with cucumber and hoisin, hoisted on a soft heated bun.

Speaking of Edison Street and warm buns, HOT BUNS is expected to open in the next month. Ryan Lowder adds to his culinary empire with this walk-up hamburger concept. It is enticing since Copper Onion’s burger is widely regarded as the best in the state. 

Long time readers will surely note this writer’s interest in tiki. (Our previous installment broke the news of Neptune’s Palace coming to The Gateway in June). So, we are delighted to introduce you to Paradise Parlour, a tiki pop-up at Flanker. Renowned, globetrotting mixologist Francesco Lafranconi was commissioned to create the delicate Polynesian libations. These drinks are fun to imbibe, beautiful to look at, and incredibly sophisticated. Stuart at Gastronomic declares, “From the moment you walk through the door, it’s one of the most unique sensory experiences in Utah right now.” High praise!

ON THE STREET 

The other day Pago on Main had a ½ hour wait for lunch. Sad face, right? But in this case, we’re happy for them–having a busy lunch service downtown means people are returning to their offices–and that is great news for the urban core’s retail and F&B outlets.

As the kids say, “this is going to be Gucci…”
West Quarter is the massive development on the block of Royal Wood Office Plaza (btw, even when new, there was nothing royal about it). Construction is happening in phases, but eventually there will be residential, retail, restaurants, and in October, the first tower to open will be Le Méridien. Kitty-corner from Vivint Arena, this upscale, design-focused international hotel brand will bring 144 guestrooms and Adelaide Restaurant and Bar, a farm-to-table concept. Our eyes lit up like Christmas morning when–near the end of the press release–these two magical words appeared: rooftop bar. 

Our hearts just grew three sizes! Now you have our full attention. 

Rooftop bars are sexy, they cultivate cool vibes. Do you know how often conventioneers ask where they can find a rooftop bar?! Oh… wait, press release, what now? You buried the lede? Now there are not one, but two rooftop bars at West Quarter!!! Another lounge will be perched atop Element, a longer-stay hotel brand from Westin. 

Journey with us, drink in hand (Grey Goose up a little dirty, three blue-cheese stuffed olives) as we watch the sun dip below the Great Salt Lake from the outdoor garden on the 13th floor. Email us if you’d like to be invited, we’ve already set a Google calendar alert.

Speaking of ascending, Pulp on Gallivan Avenue has permanently closed. Wait, no, they are launching a new concept,  Ascent Kitchen. It isn’t all about us, but this is a two minute walk from our office, so we’re happy this lively little space with great service will return. We spy an expanded menu with very yummy-looking Orange Kitchen, Thai Peanut Chicken Salad, and more. 

Oh Village Baker, how we miss your Meatball Sandwich. The space in the handsome 111 Building will soon be the new home of ALPHA Coffee. Sounds macho. Can’t wait. 

Next door, City Creek Center has set a date for The Capital Grille of March 25th to open this emporium of steak! Owned by Darden Restaurants, we hope this opens the door for more of their platforms to our market, including Seasons 52, Eddie V’s, and Yard House. 

Eva’s Bakery has expanded  into McKay Diamond & Jewelry. (Don't worry McKay, moved .01 miles to Regent Street. Even better: Eva’s plans to keep and refurbish the iconic neon sign).The new space will serve the grab-and-go crowd with faster coffee service, and rumor has it that ice cream is on its way!  

Have you been to the Winter Market at The Gateway? From 10-2 every Saturday, this bustling community experience is a healthy, wholesome way to start your weekend. Aziza, owned by Menna Rashwan, is new to the market and her Egyptian desserts, including kunafa cups and baklava are insanely good… we almost don’t want to let this secret out of the bag. For real. 

We can be frank about this: we welcome the triumphant return of J.Dawgs to downtown! Get your buns moving to their new location in City Creek, facing Temple Square in the Kirton McConkie building. This is a real weiner! On these chili days, we relish their reemergence downtown. We’re going to ketchup with them soon and often!