Down Town Farmers Market - Thursdays

In addition to its usual Saturday market, the Farmers Market is also open Thursday evenings now through October at Pioneer Park. The Thursday Market is a food only affair, forgoing the usual arts and crafts. The crowds are far less than Saturday and I was able to park, grab a weeks worth of veggies and be back to the car in less than 15 minutes. So if you tend to avoid the Saturday market because of the crowds, but would still like to get local, fresh produce, you might want to give the Thursday market a try.

When: Saturdays: June 13 - October 17
Time: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

When: Tuesdays: August 4 - October 13
Time: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where: Historic Pioneer Park (300 South & 300 West)

Shogun patio now open!

Shogun
321 S. Main St.
Salt Lake City, UT
801.364.7142

Whenever friends fly into town on the late flight, they invariably ask for late night sushi. And by that they mean "happy hour" at Shogun.
Happy hour is each Thurs., Fri., and Sat. 11 PM-1 AM. and features 1/2 price sushi. During this time there is no wait staff and you need to muscle your way to the bar and pre-pay for your order and pick it up when your number is called. This can be somewhat hectic and confusing as they often run out of order slips and pencils and it is a free for all.
However ,with that said, here is the way to do it. Shogun has just opened up a patio in an old alley out back.
Enter the restaurant and go through the door to the left before you reach the crowds. There you will find the patio hostess who will be happy to take your order and bring it to you when it is ready. This is a great plus, as standing around in the crowd waiting for your order to be called gets old very fast. And better yet, the majority of the crowd has yet to discover the patio. Hodgepodge d together and adorned with paper lanterns and graffiti-ed walls the patio is tacky in the best kind of way!
So the next time you are playing airport shuttle, show your friends a good time by taking them to the best little back ally in the city for some late night sushi.
Who said Salt Lake wasn't classy?

Tour of Utah

For all of you couch potato cycling fans, the Tour of Utah is your chance to get out and see a great stage race right here in Salt Lake City. While "Le Tour" it is not, it still boasts some great teams and a handful of riders that have recently competed in the Tour de France including local rider David Zabriskie. Billed as America's toughest stage race due to the extreme climbs and descents, this years tour is sure to be a great one.

After today's Stage 1, the race continues through Sunday at various locations around the Wasatch Front. Be sure to visit the official website below for more information and race day info, including the best locations from which to watch the race.

Iron & Wine

The Summer Twilight Concert Series at the Gallivan Center presents Iron and Wine this Thursday, August 20 at 7:00 PM.
Cost: FREE $

Expect this show to be quite crowded and arrive early if you hope to have any chance of getting a place on the grass. (this problem should soon be resolved as the Gallivan Center will undergo a face lift next year that will increase the lawn size and concert capacity. Check it out!)

Pizzeria 712

Pizzeria 712
320 S. State St. #185

Orem, Ut 84058

801.623.6712

Pizzeria 712 is one of those rare food finds that makes me truly hopeful of our local restaurant scene.
Despite the drive to Orem, 712 is not a restaurant to be overlooked. Located within the unfinished confines of a massive retail/commercial development, 712's warm and inviting contemporary interior is a welcome surprise. The soft lighting, great music and cozy atmosphere, add to the welcome and hip feel of this unique eatery.

712 offers a small menu which makes decision making quite simple. You have a choice of a few appetizers, salads, paninis during lunch, and pizza. However, what Pizzeria 712 lacks in options, is more than made up in quality.

I have had each salad offered and have found them to be some of the best salads I have ever enjoyed in a restaurant. The combinations of ingredients are inspired and wonderful. For example, the mixed green salad with roasted squash, pecans and blue cheese is surprisingly sophisticated and delicate. I recommend ordering each of the salads and sharing them with your party.

The pizzas are selected from an offering of six specialty pizzas. Nowhere to be seen are the standards of Canadian Bacon and pineapple or pepperoni. In fact, I doubt pepperoni is even available. Instead, try a caramelized onion, rosemary,fontina and potato pizza. Also not to be missed, the earthy and rustic goat cheese, leek and mushroom pizza. Regardless of your choice, you are in for a new experience.



Pizzeria 712 is fairly priced with appetizers running around 7 dollars, salads 6.50 and pizzas 11. The service has been good, however on weekends the staff seems to have little trouble dealing with the large crowds and waiting list. Arrive early or late (they are open till 11) to avoid this. 712 also uses, whenever possible, sustainably farmed produce, meats and cheeses.

While not your average fare, the gastronomical exploration offered at 712 makes for an exciting diversion for the tired palate. Even if it does happen to be in Orem.