Last weekend we made the 11-hour drive from Sacramento to Salt Lake City, Utah to visit some good friends and discover what good food we could eat along the way. On the way there, I dubbed the long trek across I-80 "the ugliest road trip imaginable", but there were some pretty/surreal sights:
We also passed some sort of bizarre weather phenomenon that looked like a mini tornado, but I was too busy trying not to get sucked into it to take a picture. We got to explore downtown Salt Lake, where I admired many of the historical, grand buildings like my favorite, the beautifully serene Salt Lake City Temple. This is the geographical center of the city, with all surrounding roads being built around it (1 block south is called 100 South). This system helps you find your way around an otherwise unknown city.
And of course we stopped for lunch at Caputo's Deli, an Italian-style spot where lots of guys congregate together for sub sandwiches and perhaps discussions of "The Godfather". We enjoyed the sandwiches,
the chocolate selection at the candy counter,
peering into the cheese cave,
and sampling olive oils and balsamic vinegars. My favorite was sweet, thick, and wonderful... and $50 a bottle. That's the real stuff!
Later, we took a gondola ride up in Park City for great views:
And real Belgian waffles at the top!
We ate at Mazza, a popular Mediterranean restaurant:
And Bombay House, one of the best Indian restaurants I have found anywhere and an old favorite of mine. Try the chicken tikka masala and the Peshawari coconut naan!
As for road food, I did quite a bit of research before we left to avoid fast food as much as possible. In Reno, we followed in the footsteps of Guy Fieri and ate at the Gold N Silver Inn. I recommend the Tri Tip Sandwich (for hearty appetites only!):
And in Winnemucca, we had a great Pulled Pork sandwich on a garlicky bun at the Flying Pig BBQ. The beans were hearty and the fries are made with local Winnemucca potatoes!
Now we're back, home sweet home, and reflecting on all the fun we had.
We also passed some sort of bizarre weather phenomenon that looked like a mini tornado, but I was too busy trying not to get sucked into it to take a picture. We got to explore downtown Salt Lake, where I admired many of the historical, grand buildings like my favorite, the beautifully serene Salt Lake City Temple. This is the geographical center of the city, with all surrounding roads being built around it (1 block south is called 100 South). This system helps you find your way around an otherwise unknown city. 
And of course we stopped for lunch at Caputo's Deli, an Italian-style spot where lots of guys congregate together for sub sandwiches and perhaps discussions of "The Godfather". We enjoyed the sandwiches, 
the chocolate selection at the candy counter, 
peering into the cheese cave, 
and sampling olive oils and balsamic vinegars. My favorite was sweet, thick, and wonderful... and $50 a bottle. That's the real stuff! 
Later, we took a gondola ride up in Park City for great views: 
And real Belgian waffles at the top! 
We ate at Mazza, a popular Mediterranean restaurant: 
And Bombay House, one of the best Indian restaurants I have found anywhere and an old favorite of mine. Try the chicken tikka masala and the Peshawari coconut naan! 
As for road food, I did quite a bit of research before we left to avoid fast food as much as possible. In Reno, we followed in the footsteps of Guy Fieri and ate at the Gold N Silver Inn. I recommend the Tri Tip Sandwich (for hearty appetites only!): 
And in Winnemucca, we had a great Pulled Pork sandwich on a garlicky bun at the Flying Pig BBQ. The beans were hearty and the fries are made with local Winnemucca potatoes! 
Now we're back, home sweet home, and reflecting on all the fun we had.
This looks like a fabulous way to spend the weekend.
ReplyDeleteHope you had fun.
I should be a hand model! Look at that elegantly displayed Kafta! Also what was the name of that restraunt in Winnemmucca? The Pig?
ReplyDeleteGreat pics! It was so fun having you both visit!
@Allison: Let's put your hand in a hermitcally sealed glass. Then Paul will step on it and you'll shout, "You freakin' idiot!" Thanks for playing hostess!
ReplyDeleteI hope the tri-tip lived up to the hype! I've heard from locals that the drive from Reno to Las Vegas is even more desolate than to SLC. Not sure if I'm going to drive that anytime soon...
ReplyDeleteOkay, that stretch of 80 is not nearly so awful as the stretch from Utah to Iowa. And there is no place in the lower 48 that can beat the Sierras for beauty.
ReplyDelete@Laramie: Yeah, the mountains were pretty. It's Nevada that was ugly, but helped by a coating of snow.
ReplyDelete