The annual conference for the National Association of College and University Food Services is coming up July 8-11 in Salt Lake City. NACUFS attendees are always busy attending sessions, walking the exhibits and networking with colleagues, but it pays to make time to venture out and sample local specialties at the city’s restaurants and cafes.
Utah is the state credited as the birthplace of the now uber-popular dirty sodas, and Salt Lake City boasts several of the original concepts. For those who haven’t yet experienced a dirty soda, the beverage is basically a fountain soda with the addition of cream, flavored syrups, candies, fruit and/or other mix-ins and is highly customizable. Swig is credited with being the first, with locations throughout the city, but Sodalicious, Fiiz and Quench It also have a significant presence. Since dirty sodas are alcohol-free, they are top sellers with Utah’s large Mormon population.
Salt Lake City is also known for Pastrami Burgers, a build featuring a beef patty topped with pastrami and fry sauce. Fry sauce, a blend of ketchup and mayonnaise (aka Russian dressing!) is also a local favorite. Quick-service restaurant Crown Burgers is reputed to be the go-to place to try the Pastrami Burger; there are a number of locations in the area.
Mexican food fans may want to head to the Red Iguana, a restaurant specializing in moles along with other authentic dishes. The extensive selection includes many recipes by the Cardenas family from when they opened the restaurant in the 1960’s, and the place has been named “the best Mexican restaurant in Utah” for many years in a row. It now boasts three locations.
The Copper Onion is known as Salt Lake’s “American Brasserie” and the menu is filled with inventive appetizers to start, including many shareables such as their famous Ricotta Dumplings and daily changing charcuterie boards. House-made pastas are also a signature, followed by an entrée list with duck confit, rainbow trout, cast-iron chicken and house meatloaf. There’s an extensive wine and cocktail list and an outdoor patio.
Craving Vietnamese food? Café Trang is a favorite among locals with reasonably priced food and lots of vegetarian options. The large menu has more familiar dishes, such as lettuce wraps, spring rolls and pho, as well as more exotic items, including Chiang-Mai Larb Salad and Trang’s Chicken Lemongrass & Red Pepper.
If the schedule permits a break for brunch or lunch, Oasis Café serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a choice of indoor or outdoor seating on a flower-laden patio and covered breezeway. It’s located just blocks from the convention center but tucked away a bit from the street for a relaxing environment. Scratch-made dishes and craft beers are specialties.
