Eating Out: Utah

Before visions of me and some hot Mormons go flashing through your mind, consider this: I went to Salt Lake City for a work conference and while there I sought out some of the finest dining they had to offer. No Morton’s or Smith & Wolly’s for me. Why go to a great steakhouse that I can hit up in my own backyard? I wanted unique. I wanted the pulse of Utah to tantalize my tastebuds.

My first stop was Ruth’s Diner. This is Utah. Nestled in Emigration Canyon and built in an old trolley car, Ruth’s is serving up some of the finest food at prices your wallet will especially enjoy. The best advice I can give is go for breakfast! Nothing compares to the Mile High Biscuits and it’s a taste that you will savor throughout your stay – unless you run into those aforementioned Mormons...

Next on the menu was Naked Fish. When I did my research, part of which involved looking out my hotel window, the Naked Fish was staring at me, inviting me in to hang out and enjoy. The Naked Fish is new to the booming sushi scene in Salt Lake and it’s a great new edition. The fish was fresh, the presentation was on point, and the value was amazing. I would highly recommend the tempura rolls and if they have a special bearing my name, go for it! It’s got a nice mix of heat and provides excellent flavor.

Lastly, and certainly not least was Moochie’s Meatballs. Already heralded by Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives for the cave dwellers) as a must visit, this place is legit. My meal began with a macaroni salad and meatball and simply put, the macaroni salad does enough to shine on its own. Rich, creamy, multiple ronis to add a nice texture as well. Who’d think a meatball should go on top? I am now a believer and you will be too. From there, I moved on to the cheesesteaks and I will say this now – if they stayed in Philly, this would be the SPOT, hands down. There’s no comparison anywhere and I have had all the best that Philly has to offer. This revelation served to simultaneously anger me about the posers in New York City that claim to have the best cheesesteaks outside of Philly…those places wouldn’t even last a few weeks in the City of Brotherly Love.