Park City & Deer Valley

Reforming Utah's Alcohol Rules

Name: Kevin Van Tassell

Age: 58 years old

Office seeking: state Senate, District 26

Lives: just outside of Vernal

Occupation: branch manager in the Vernal branch of Zions Bank

Political experience: incumbent state senator, seeking second term

Party: Republican

Kevin Van Tassell sees one of his successes during his first term in the state Senate as being something that many Parkites appreciate: reforming Utah's alcohol rules, a set of notoriously strict regulations that the tourism and restaurant industries say make Utah a less desirable destination.

Van Tassell said the Legislature was able to "modernize" the alcohol rules during his first term.

That, he said, has been popular among his Park City-area constituency.

"For Park City, that's probably one of the biggest things," Van Tassell said.

He also said state alcohol regulators could perhaps make additional liquor licenses available. He said it is appropriate to increase the number of the licenses.

Park City restaurants and nightclubs have pushed legislators to loosen the laws with moderate success. They worry that the ski crowds might choose to go to other places like Colorado if there is a perception that it is too much of a hassle to drink in Utah.

In another acknowledgement of the Park City-area's role in his legislative agenda, Van Tassell said he wants to double the amount of funding the state puts into tourism advertising. Park City's tourism-heavy economy is seen as one of the major beneficiaries of state funding for the advertising.

Van Tassell, meanwhile, is interested in additional safety measures along Interstate 80 in Summit County. He identified the eastbound lanes close to Jeremy Ranch as a place that he would support upgrades.

"We need to get some additional barriers up," Van Tassell said.

Other platform planks of his include ensuring that the state is a business-friendly place. That will grow the Utah economy, he said. Van Tassell, though, said he would study more regulations of the lodging industry if it is found they are needed. He did not provide specifics, however.

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

2010 Park City Cocktail Contest Winner:

Sky Blue Acai (a sigh ee) Sour

The 5th Annual Cocktail Contest, which was held at Wahso on April 8, was an amazing night full of libations and master mixologists, all of which helped raise more than $1,800 to benefit the Peoples Health Clinic. Bartenders mixed and mashed, concocted drinks and entertained the crowd while judges enjoyed uncovering the best concoction that would capture the spirit of Park City for 2010.

Hosted by former US Ski Team member Sean Smith, each of the competing bartenders prepared his or her specialty cocktail for a panel of local Utah judges, including Shannon Bahrke, bronze medal moguls winner at the Vancouver Olympics. A bracket system, much like the "March Madness" basketball system, was incorporated this year as part of the judging process. Patrons were easily able to see how their favorite bartender or drink progressed throughout the night.

At the end, it was a tough race between the final two competitors: Bonnie Ulmer from Deer Valleys Royal Street Café (2009 & 2007 winner) and Eddie Schneckloth of Sky Blue. Bonnies Lemon Ginger Cooler certainly satisfied the taste buds, but it was Eddies Sky Blue Acai Sour that won over the judges.

2010 Park City Cocktail Contest Winner: Sky Blue Acai (a sigh ee) Sour

• 1.5 ounces Absolute Berri Acai Vodka
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• Splash of blue Curacao for color
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Mix and serve over ice in a tumbler
  

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

KIMBALL JUNCTION'S ON A ROLL

This isn't your father's bolwing alley. "Actually, it is n't an alley at all," says Jupiter Bowl marketing director Susan Spivey. "Really, Jupiter Bowl is a 22,000-sf upscale family entertainment center with bowling as the main attraction." Sixteen lanes of bowling including four private VIP lanes to be exact. Beyon the pins, Jupiter Bowl also features an arcade, billiards area and Wii Lounge, plus a full service bar and restaurant.

Located in Kimball Junction's Newpark Town Center, Jupiter Bowl opened its doors to an eager public this winter. The entire space projects a distinctly mid-century, futuristic mod vibe that feels like you're stepping into an episode of "The Jetsons." While the bowling, arcade and Wii consoles will undoubtedly be popular with kids, the Black Diamond Bar and The LIft Grill & Lounge (helmed by Chef Jason Brumm, previously with Butcher's Chop House) are already becomin a favorite Kimball Junction nightlife destination for grown-ups. And with hours that extend until 2:00 am on the weekends, there's plenty of party for all.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS:

• 12 public bowling lanes with runway lighting, automatic scoring and cush seating areas

• Four VIP lanes for private parties

• Cocktails served lane-side for all bowlers

• 24 high-definition TVs throughout the space

• 68-foot, immersive high-def video wall

• Three billiard tables, fully-stocked arcade and two Wii consoles

• The Lift Grill & Lounge menu boasts American and Continental classics

• Black Diamond Bar with Vegs-inspired nightclub ambience and signatured cocktails

For hours and more information:  www.jupiterbowl.com or 435.658.BOWL

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

*Courtesy of the Prudential Utah Real Estate Newsletter - Mid Winter 2010

PAINTING PARK CITY RED

Great skiing, tough liquor laws for years Utah has been fighting this seemingly irreconcilable dichotomy. But, in the last year, legislators have begun to loosen the rules (sayonara, sidecars!). In addition to the opening of the state's first legal disillery since the 1800s, it's now easier than ever to get a drink anywhere in Park City. So, raise a glass to Uah's new liquor laws:

• No more memberships! The confusing and restrictive private club system has been eliminated, so entry to bars is free of charge andopen to all patrons over 21 years of age.

• Bottoms up! The amount of a single shot has increased for one to 1.5 ounces.

• Enjoy a cocktail and wine! Restaurants can now allow patrons to have two drinks in front of them at once, and restaurant bartenders can serve cocktails directly over the bar counter, instead of walking around.

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

*Courtesy of the Prudential Utah Real Estate Newsletter - Mid Winter 2010

DISTILLING  THE WEST TO ITS ESSENCE

After nearly five years of planning, historic renovation and hard work, the long-awaited High West Distillery & Saloon is finally open for business. Situated at the base of the Town Lift on Park Avenue, Utah's first legal distillery since 1870 also hold the distinct title of being the only ski-in gastro distillery in the world. Whiskey fans have a reason to celebrate. So does anyone who's looking for an extraordinary dining experience.

"Our vision was for High West Distillery & Saloon to hearken back to the days when saloons were a fundamental part of the fabric of a Western town and were quite often the fanciest place in town and the only place to get a good meal," explained David Perkins, who founded the High West with his wife Jane.

Renowned executive chef, James Dumas of Sai Sommet and Goldener Hirsch fame, is at the top of his game, creating an ever-changing and innovative menu of nouveau Western fare to be savored in the distillery's bar, as well as the parlors and cozy nooks of the restaurant, all tucked into the historic house that adjoins the distillery. A children's menu is also available.

First and foremost, High West is a boutique distillery crafting small batch spirits. High West currently offers three unique whiskies sourced from the East Coast (while its own whiskey ages), including the signature blend Rendezvous Rye, which won Doubl Gold at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as the 16-Year Old Rye and the premium 21-Year Old Rye. Additionally, High West produces two vodkas made from High West's own oat distillate. Perkins spent years learning the secrets of making "really good whiskey" from distillers in Kentucky and Scotland, before moving to Park City in 2004 to launch his own high-end distillery.

Perkins lobbied the state liquor commission and eventually received a special dispensations to sell bottles of its spirits on-site in the gifts shop. High West's whiskeys and vodkas can also be found at Utah State Liquor Stores.

For hours of operation and more info about High West Distillery & Saloon, visit www.highwest.com.

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

Courtesy of the Prudential Utah Real Estate Newsletter - Mid Winter 2010