Park City & Deer Valley

This Winter Brings Diverse New Culinary Options for Every Palate

Already a foodie haven, offering everything from foie gras to French fries to pho, this season sees an explosion in the Park City dining scene with several new restaurants opening in a range of price points and styles.

Apex, the Montage Deer Valley    $$$$

While this new luxury hotel at the top of Deer Valley's Empire Canyon offers a handful of dining options, Apex is certainly its signature restaurant. Capitalizing on the farm-to-table trend, Apex sets the scene for a memorable on-mountain experience with a warm atmosphere and expansive views of aspen groves. Casual by day and refined by night, Apex focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients in dishes like Duck Confit Tortellini with Wild Mushrooms and Braised Short Ribs with Horseradish Whipped Potatoes.  www.montagedeervalley.com

The Blind Dog Grill    $$$

While technically not a new offering, this perennial local's favorite recently opened after a lengthy hiatus into a new psace in the old Anderson's Lumber building on Kearns Blvd. The atmosphere in the new location is casual enough for last minute dinner decisions, but upscale enough to feel like a special night out. The menu remains largely unchanged, offering an extensive list of fresh sushi options, plus classic American comfort food, with a focus on seafood. The DK Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and Peny's Signature Dreamloaf never go out of style.    www.blinddoggrill.com

Silver Restaurant & Lounge    $$$$

Silver offers progressive American cuisine and a huge wine list in a dramatic setting on Main Street. Silver's three levels include lounge spaces (with a live DJ and a glass-walled terrace,) as well as a main dining room. Locals may know executive chef Todd Mark Miller from his stints at Salt Lake's Metropolitan, Fresco and Café Trio, but most recently he helmed the kitchen at New York's STK. Having opened in February, you can expect and chic, adult vibe and dishes like Braised Octopus Escabeche with Fennel and Roasted Lemon, plus New York Minute Steak with Chanterelle Mushrooms and Red Wine/Thyme Emulsion.    www.silverrestaurant.com

A Wok Away    $$

Opend in late January on Bonanza Drive, A Wok Away is the latest offering from veteran restaurateur Soo Chyung of Uki-Arashi. I response to what he viewed as a gaping hole in Park City's culinary scene, Chyung created a traditional Chinese take-out joint fused with a noodle bar for tasty, easy food away from the Main Street hussle. A native Chinese chef and fresh ingredients ensure creative menu items that are recognizable, but infused with authentic flavors. The counter seats 40.    www.awokaway.com

Sammy's Bistro    $$

A short walk away from A Wok Away, Park City native son Sam Harris has recently opened his own casual eatery that offers a convivial atmoshphere that works for families and post slope fuel-ups. With a diverse menu and efficient, friendly service learned from his years working in the local restaurant industry, Sammy's Bistro offers comfort food like his signature BBQ shrimp skewers made popular at his Park Silly Market food booth.

Yamato Steakhouse & Sushi    $$$ 

Quickly filling the void in Blind Dog's old space is the new Yamato, sister restaurant to Old Town's Oishi Sushi. Bringing fresh life to the space is chef Toshio Sekikawa, who combines Japanese steakhouse dishes like Yakitori Lamb Racks and Chilled Wagyu Beed Shabu-Shabu with imaginative sushi offerings like the Xanax roll: salmon, cucumber, and lemon topped with scallops, int leaves and wasabit vinaigrette.    www.yamatosteakhouse.com

For More Information on Park City and Deer Valley Contact:
Michael LaPay, Associate Broker
Prudential Utah Real Estate
Mobile: 435-640-5700
Toll Free: 888-410-7653

mlapay@pureparkcityrealestate.com

City Hall will Allow up to 12 of them in 2011 Applications due by Mid-March

The number of dining decks on Main Street could quadruple this summer from the three that were built in 2010, a scenario that some involved say is unlikely even as they acknowledge there could be more decks this year than there were last year.

City Hall, which regulates the decks, recently started accepting applications from restaurateurs who want to build one in 2011. The applications are due by March 14 and are available on the municipal website.

Francisco Astorga, the City Hall planner handling the applications for the dining decks, said up to 12 will be allowed in 2011. City Hall in 2010 approved four of the dining decks. Three of them opened in 2010. The 12 that will be allowed this year include the four that were approved in 2010, meaning there are eight slots available for newcomers in 2011.

The Planning Department had not received an application by late Monday afternoon. Astorga said he did not expect more than eight applications to be filed. The application fee is $180. Restaurants must also pay City Hall $675 for each parking spot a dining deck occupies, a sum based on a portion of what the municipal government would collect in paid-parking fees on the spots.

Astorga said there is chatter about restaurants that might file an application to put in a deck. He declined to elaborate.

"We hear a lot of rumors, but I can't confirm," he said.

Bistro 412, Cisero's and Zona Rosa built decks in 2010. Red Banjo Pizza Parlour received approval to build one but opted not to put it in last year.

City Hall will consider the applications based on criteria like the location of a proposed deck and its proximity to another one. The Planning Department has the ability to approve a permit for a deck, but the Park City Council must approve lease agreements for the decks to be put on the street. This year's season for the decks is scheduled from May 1 until Oct. 30.

The decks debuted with fanfare last summer and altered the streetscape of Main Street. They were taken down as winter approached. The restaurateurs who operated decks in 2010 were pleased, with one of them saying the outdoor seating was consistently packed.

Restaurants and Main Street leaders see the decks as an attraction that makes the street more competitive with other shopping, dining and entertainment options in Park City and surrounding Summit County.

Alison Butz, the executive director of the Historic Park City Alliance, a group that promotes Main Street, said information about dining decks and applications have been sent to each restaurant in the Main Street area -- more than 40, according to Butz.

She estimated perhaps four restaurants that did not operate decks in 2010 will submit applications. Butz declined to discuss which restaurants she is hearing might seek approvals to build the decks this year. She said it is unlikely there will be more applications than the eight slots available.

"It's going to be great. It really adds atmosphere to see people dining," Butz said.

Shabu, a restaurant on the 400 block of Main Street, plans to submit an application to build a deck, said Kevin Valaika, the Shabu owner and the chair of the Park City Area Restaurant Association.

Valaika said he hopes the maximum number of decks is built in 2011, saying they offer Main Street a marketing tool for the summer.

"Humans like to eat outside. Outdoor dining is a major attraction to Main Street," he said.

by Jay Hamburger OF THE RECORD STAFF : The Park Record

For More Information on Park City and Deer Valley Contact:
Michael Lapay
Prudential Utah Real Estate
Mobile: 435-640-5700
Toll Free: 888-410-7653

mlapay@pureparkcityrealestate.com

Reservations for Sundance Suggests Economic Recovery is Underway

The holiday week was outstanding for Main Street restaurants, and Sundance reservations are looking strong as well.

Although many Americans say they have not yet felt an economic recovery, people in Park City were willing to spend a little more for dinner last month, restaurateurs agreed.

Michaela Kerr at Prime Steak House said their business during the holidays was double what it was the same time last year.

"We were busy every night. Tourists were in a good mood and happy to be here," she said.

Nearly every purveyor asked reported that customers seemed to be positive.

Jean Louis Montecot, owner of Jean Louis Restaurant, said he was so busy some nights people had to wait an hour. What surprised him, however, was how amiable they were.

"People were more relaxed," he explained. "They weren't so stressed people had a good attitude."

Additionally, they were willing to spend more money than last year on both food and drinks.

"For me, it was a pleasant surprise," he added.

Jesse Schettler at No Name Saloon and Butcher's Chop House said he experienced a higher volume at both restaurants than the last two years.

What's even better, he said, is that summer and fall business were likewise up from 2009.

"Business was phenomenal over the holidays," he said.

Even the first week of January has been outperforming the same time last year, he added.

Bill Hufferd, owner of The Mustang, said the size of the average check was also up. Overall, he said business improved significantly over last year and exceeded his expectations.

"People were more willing to spend money," he said.

Steve McComb, owner of Cisero's, Bistro 412 and Baja Cantina at Park City Mountain Resort, agreed.

"Last year they would have a glass of wine; this year a bottle," he said.

The funny thing is, he still saw a lot of price-conscious customers. For example, people would bring in their own wine and want to know the corkage fee. Yet even these clients spent more than the averages for last year, he added.

His biggest complaint, which is telling, was people reserving tables at multiple restaurants. That is a tactic frequently employed during the Sundance Film Festival to ensure a variety of choices on a night when it is tough to find an open table. The fact that people felt the need to do that shows how busy the holidays were.

"It's a sign we're going to have a good winter, and the snow certainly helps," he said. "Business is better at all my restaurants we're definitely on the road to recovery, I hope."

Jerry Gilomen, owner of Riverhorse on Main, described the holiday week as "absolutely amazing."

"It was one of best holiday turnouts we'd ever had. Our New Year's Eve sold out by Thanksgiving," he said.

Every day has exceeded projections, he said.

"I feel much more optimistic this winter than I have the last two years," he added.

All indicators point to increased business during the Sundance Film Festival as well. What makes those 10 days tricky, however, is the loss of interest half way through the week, Schettler explained.

The first weekend of the festival is always busy, and the second weekend is always less so, he added.

Kerr said Prime's reservation list is shorter for those days as well, even though it is booked the first weekend.

"Ever since Obama's inauguration, we haven't had a Sundance to match previous years," Schettler explained.

Even people who normally would stay the full 10 days were believed to have left early in 2008 to attend inauguration festivities. Despite a positive winter, Schettler said he isn't sure the weak second half of the festival will improve.

Still, Gilomen said he's sold out for seven of the 10 days. Montecot said call volume has been high and he's booked several parties of over a dozen people.

What pleases Gilomen the most is how many corporate parties have booked. Corporate spending is a large portion of profits for businesses catering to luxury travelers.

"Many Americans were not affected by the recession. They felt guilty because they knew other people who were, so they changed their spending habits. Now they're saying, 'We can go skiing again and go out to nice restaurants,'" he said.

Not counting Sundance, Riverhorse has booked 40 corporate events for the winter, he said.

"It means businesses are beginning to spend money again; it's a really important part of the economy," he added.

McComb said he's holding his breath until the festival is over and numbers are tallied, but he also said corporations are taking more of an interest in this year's festival.

Last year his business was down 40 percent during the 10 days. Call volume already suggests 2011 should outshine the previous two festivals, he added.

by Andrew Kirk OF THE RECORD STAFF : The Park Record

For More Information on Park City and Deer Valley Contact:
Michael Lapay
Prudential Utah Real Estate
Mobile: 435-640-5700
Toll Free: 888-410-7653

mlapay@pureparkcityrealestate.com

New Location on Kearns Blvd is More Intimate

The Blind Dog is coming back and can soon be found in The Yard.

The restaurant closed and left its former location on Sidewinder Dr. last spring. Now it is reopening December 16th, 2010 at 1251 Kearns Boulevard.

At The Yard, Blind Dog will be able to seat 260 including at a sushi bar, a regular bar and a large private room.

Perhaps most exciting to landlord Mark J. Fischer is the fact that the restaurant will be the caterer for the banquet halls in the remainder of the building.

"It will be the largest meeting space not associated with a hotel in Summit County," said Blind Dog co-owner Penn Kinsey.

Fischer has long made The Yard accessible for various functions including hosting a farmer's market and The People's Health Clinic. Soon after the restaurant renovation is complete the remodel of the meeting halls will be finished in time for the Sundance Film Festival.

Kinsey said she anticipates the space to be popular for weddings, bar mitzvahs and other large events. The kitchen can handle dinner service for up to 1,000 people, she said.

The location couldn't be better for her restaurant, Kinsey added. With storefront exposure on Kearns Blvd. and access to enough parking for up to 400 people, Blind Dog has never been easier to get to, she said.

Fans of the restaurant will still find many of their favorite features in the new location including a wall for pooch pics and a locals' cookie jar.

But Kinsey said the goal was to do more than move over old fixtures and kitchen appliances.

"I don't want people to think it will be completely different, but they can't expect the same thing. We've updated. It's been teaching old dogs new tricks," she said.

One change is an even greater emphasis on fresh seafood. It has always been on the menu, and sushi is an important component of the restaurant's brand, but diners will see even more selections beginning December 16th, 2010.

Kinsey's family has always been an influence on the brand beginning with the name coming from one of her pets. She and her husband, Derrick, met on the sport fishing tournament circuit so boats, fishing and seafood are an important part of their life.

With a chance to redesign the restaurant, the new Blind Dog will have a bit more of a nautical theme especially the bar, she said. Their own fish mounts will be among those adorning the walls. Also, East Coast oysters in various forms will be on the menu every night.

"We'll be hitting our southern and Eastern Shore roots," she explained.

The new restaurant is more efficient and easier to manage, she added, and diners will likely find it more intimate and easier to navigate.

She invites diners to come see the new location and her 15-foot Christmas tree loaded with dog biscuits for the grand reopening December 16th, 2010.

Blind Dog

1251 Kearns Blvd.

(435) 655-0800

Blinddoggrill.com

by Andrew Kirk OF THE RECORD STAFF : The Park Record

For More Information on Park City and Deer Valley Contact:
Michael Lapay
Prudential Utah Real Estate
Mobile: 435-640-5700
Toll Free: 888-410-7653

mlapay@pureparkcityrealestate.com

High Star Growing in Kamas

Have a Meal at Any Number of Local Restaurants and, there's a Good Chance the Carrots, Potatoes, Onions

& Maybe Even Salad Were Grown in Summit County

by Andrew Kirk OF THE RECORD STAFF : The Park Record

One such place, named High Star Farm, is in Kamas. Since last April, the organic farm managed by Carol Allen has suppied fresh produce to High West Distillery, St Regis Deer Crest, Goldener Hirsch, the Blue Boar in, Wahso, the Silver King café and Talisker restaurants.

Allen has been growing organic food in the Park City area for about a decade, and there's a growing trend of people wanting local, organic produce. Since the summer growing season is only about two months long, greenhouses, tunnels and other structures must be used to provide the right environment.

Since planting in March, Allen said she's been able to harvest lettuce, herbs, carrots, onions, potatoes, peppers, radishes, summer squash, turnips and many varieties of tomatoes and many other sorts of produce.

Not sure of what would turn out or what would be in demand, Allen said she and her grower Morgan Decker planted a little of everything including flowers. Plants more resistant to changes in temperature were grown traditionally on a two-acre plot adjacent to Kamas Commons across SR 248 from the Food Town.

So many restaurants want to provide local produce, demand was high, Allen said. As she plants for the winter season this month, she's being more selective about what she will sell.

High Star Farm is a small business so Allen is careful not to grow too fast. I'd rather under-promise and over-perform," she said. "It's a start-up business."

Word-of-mouth advertising has been good, she added. Chef's come visit and then tell others.

The restaurans purchase about 90 percents of what she grows. Everything else is sold from a stand on SR 248 on Thursdays from 11:00am to 4:00pm or occassionally at the Wednesday Farmer's Market if there's enough left over, Allen said.

The farm is named High Star because it is owned by the developers of High Star Ranch on the north side of Kamas. The ranch is designed to provide a rural lifestyle to residents and owners. After meeting the developers, Allen was asked to create an organic farm at the ranch to supply fresh produce to the members and the eateries to be built on the property.

Since there are no residents at the ranch yet, Allen was invited to begin operations at Kamas Commons and then eventually move it to the ranch.

For More Information on Park City and Deer Valley Contact:
Michael Lapay
Prudential Utah Real Estate
Mobile: 435-640-5700
Toll Free: 888-410-7653

mlapay@pureparkcityrealestate.com