So, our first winter storm arrived, before all the leaves had fallen of our maple tree. With lots of leaves and heavy, wet snow, our tree carried a heavy burden.
Being of strong stock, it flexed its muscles and didn't break. I bundled up and knocked off as much snow as possible.
Then it was time from a great meal down in Salt Lake City at the
Wild Grape Bistro.
On their website they say, "You may know local restaurateur, Troy Greenhawt from Flemings Prime Steakhouse or Ruby River Steakhouse. Troy & Jessica Greenhawt have created the Wild Grape, New West Bistro, with a vision and a conscience.
Wild Grape is an award winning restaurant."
We met Troy and saw and heard his commitment to fresh and local. He's running a fine, local bistro, not a national chain.
Our wonderful waiter Eric, explained they describe their food as New West. It's fresh from local purveyors, support your local farmer, and cooked and served in hearty ways. Eric made the meal special with his knowledge and enthusiastic answers to our endless questions.
We began our meal with the "Local & Artisan Cheese Tasting, Fresh & Dried Fruit, Toasted Pecans, Warm Artisanal Bread". The choice if cheeses and fruit was perfect. There was only one cheese that wasn't from Utah. It was from Point Reyes area North of San Francisco, as special "fresh and local" area worth supporting.
Then a delicious hot squash soup. Very tasty. Perfect on a overcast, showery evening.
And "here's Johnny!" Actually, this is friendly line chef John. You can tell he enjoys his life and work.
Ah, now for the Ballard Pork Chop, Grilled Pear, Warm Fingerling Potatoes. A hefty, thick, cooked evenly, pork chop with a nice sauce, with the mixed squash and potatoes. It makes me hungry just looking at it again.
If like to pair you meal with a fine wine they have substantial wine list and will help you choose the best for your taste.
We haven't had chocolate mouse in a long time, but we enjoyed it twice in a month. First at Pastis in Cannes, France served in a short canning jar, and now here at home at the Wild Grape. I must say they were both decadent and the perfect way to end the night.
I can easily recommend the Wild Grape Bistro. It's small and popular so you might have to wait, but it's worth it. And it's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At certain times they have brunches and live jazz.
