Locavore Love
If the word "local" makes you loco, here's the best in local fare. Compiled by Jerre Wroble
jerre@cityweekly.net
It started with the word “local.”
City Weekly celebrates the best in local food and drink in its annual Best of Utah editions. But around 1995, a new category emerged: “Best Locally Brewed Beer.” Despite having won more generic categories previously (e.g., Best Cold Beer, Best Beer Selections), Squatters won that category, and continued to win for many years thereafter.
Same with coffee. The Salt Lake Roasting Company had been winning categories such as “Best Coffee” and “Best Aroma” in the early ‘90s. But 1999, it won for “Best Locally Brewed Coffee.” These products were made in Utah, for Utahns, helping launch a love of artisan culinary fare in Utah.
The list below, culled from previous Best of Utah editions, is a beginner’s guide to Utah’s locavore scene. Some early Best of Utah winners continue to garner awards today, proving that a focus on “local” can grow a loyal, even fanatical, following. For a comprehensive guide to Utah products, visit UtahsOwn.Utah.gov.
1995
Best Locally Brewed Beer
Squatters Pubs & Beers
147 W. Broadway, Salt Lake City, 801-363-2739; 1900 Park Ave., Park City, 435-649-9868, Squatters.com
1999
Best Locally Brewed Coffee
Salt Lake Roasting Co.
320 E. 400 South, Salt Lake City, 801-363-7572, Roasting.com
2000
Best Produce
Liberty Heights Fresh
1290 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-583-7374, LibertyHeightsFresh.com
2001
Best Cheeses
Tony Caputo's Market & Deli
314 W. Broadway, Salt Lake City, 801-531-8669; 1516 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City, 801-486-6615, CaputosDeli.com
2004
Best Lamb
Morgan Valley Lamb
MorganValleyLamb.com
2005
Best Organic Cowboys
Taylor Made Beef, Emery
435-286-2221, TaylorMadeBeef.com
2007
Best Old-Fashioned Trade
Volker's Bakery, Kamas
435-783-6710
2008
Best Spicy Seeds
Zotes Sunflower Seeds
5255 W. 11000 North, Suite 225, 801-498-4845, Highland, Zotes.com
2009
Best of Both Worlds (Coffee/Cheese)
Beehive Cheese Co.'s Barely Buzzed, Uintah
801-476-0900, BeehiveCheese.com
Best Finish to a Great Meal
Dolcetti Gelato
1751 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City, 801-485-3254, DolcettiGelato.com
Best Salami
Creminelli Fine Meats
310 Wright Brothers Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-428-1820, Creminelli.com
Best Goat Cheese
Drake Family Farm
1856 W. Drake Lane, West Jordan, 801-255-6455, DrakeFamilyFarms
Best Whiskey
Rendezvous Rye
703 Park Ave., Park City, 801-972-2566, HighWestDistillery.com
Best Chevre
Shepherd's Dairy, Erda
435-882-5000, ShepherdsCheese.com
Best Blackberry Jam
Tagge's Willard Bay, Brigham City
801-755-8031, TaggesFamousFruit.com
2010
Best AC/DC-Inspired Jam
Butcher's Bunches Handcrafted Preserves, Logan
855-252-6646, ButchersBunches.com
Best Old-World Meat Pies
Morrison Meat Pies
3403 S. 1400 West, West Valley City, 801-977-0181, MorrisonMeatPies.com
2011
Best Chocolate Splurge
Amano Artisan Chocolate
496 S. 1325 West, Orem, 801-655-1996, AmanoChocolate.com
Best Cold Cases
Epic Brewery
825 S. State, Salt Lake City, 801-906-0123, EpicBrewing.com
Best Cold Shots
Underground Herbal Spirits
UndergroundHerbalSpirit.com
