Salt Lake Magazine

Kid-friendly: Park City Mountain Resort opens for summer fun

Jaime Winston — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:40:09 +0000

Park City Mountain Resort will soon kick off its summer season, and they definitely have kids in mind.

Take the kids to check out Utah's longest alpine coaster (toboggan-style cars that go over a 4,000-foot track down the mountain), one of the world's longest alpine slides (you're the driver in this 3,000-foot ride down the mountain), the ZipRider (an individual zip line ride that takes you down the mountain at 50 miles per hour) and the Flying Eagle Zip Line (a two-person zip line ride).

If your kid's a first-timer, watch this video of another first-timer.

Kids will also love the Legacy Launcher trampolines and the Adventure Zone, featuring the Spider Slide, Climbing Web, boulders and a climbing wall. For younger kids, the Little Miners Park merry-go-round, airplane ride and mini train will also be open. At some point, take a break from rides and treat the kids to a made-to-order burger and shake at Crescent Burger at the resort.

A summer activity pass for access to all rides all summer long (excluding the Flying Eagle Zip Line and ZipRider) goes for $105 for kids between 42 and 53 inches. PCMR officially starts its summer activities on May 24.

Click here for more info.

Matt's Cheesy Bits: This week–Camembert

Salt Lake magazine — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:27:12 +0000

For the French cheese connoisseur the search for the classic "stench" of a bloomy rind cheese (like Brie or Camembert) in America can be hopeless. This is because the traditional French versions are unpasteurized and under 60 days of age–which makes them illegal in the US.

Additionally, the legal pasteurized versions are not exactly well cared for in the supply chain on their way to the US retailers.They are always either insipid and boring or aging has gone too far and proteolysis (protein breakdown) causes the cheese to taste chemical due to the ammonia trapped in the rind and cheese paste. There is ripe and then there is poorly ripened. Yuck.

Some would say you must go to France to truly experience a proper Brie style. I have spent time in France eating cheese and would agree. However, hard truths are sometimes shattered at Caputo's. When I tasted our new fermier (French for farmstead, indicating all animals, feed and cheesemaking all happens on one farm) Camembert, I did a little dance while thinking to myself, "OMG. This is the one. This is what I have been waiting for. No need to wonder what I am going to write about this week."

After one squeeze of this perfectly tender Camemebert, friend and food expert Vanessa Chang aptly called it "boob-licious." The rind is supple, but not too thick with and even the paper, plastic and wood wrapper could not hide the funky aroma. Yep! This is that smell the French brag about. Garlic, raw broccoli and Brussels sprouts with sprays of sea water in the background.

Upon tasting, it does not disappoint. Quite simply, this is as good as cheese gets. It will not taste like this next week. Hopefully, in two more weeks the next round will taste like this again, but who knows? It is only $9.99 for a 250g (8.8oz) attractively packaged wheel. Pick one of these up to impress your Francophile friends or to scare the crap out of your more squeamish guests that you don't care to see back again.

Get your Tastemakers VIP tickets

Salt Lake magazine — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:28:23 +0000

Salt Lake magazine's Tastemakers, a two-day progressive food and wine tasting event, is coming back to Salt Lake City on May 30 and 31. And the best way to experience it is with a VIP ticket.

In addition to sampling food from many of Utah's best restaurants, you will be able to enter the VIP area where you'll have exclusive access to food from Rico Brand/Frida Bistro, Roots Cafe, Aristo's and Saffron Valley.

The VIPs will also have easy seating with a tent with tables and lounge chairs and can take the quick line to the beer and wine garden.

VIP tickets are $75 and good for both nights. Click here to get yours.

Real Questions for 'Righteous Mormon Housewives'

Glen Warchol — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:55:41 +0000

Turns out, there are as many shades of Mormon beliefs as there are variations on green Jell-O.

Miguel Santana's “The Righteous and Very Real Housewives of Utah County” falls into that awkward category of a play best appreciated by devout Mormons, but is exactly the kind of play the faithful are taught to avoid.

This is not a cheeky “Book of Mormon” musical satire or even a “Saturday's Voyeur” parody. Santana is writing with heart about the Utah heartland as righteous LDS women grapple with the challenge of diversity in their faith—everything from interracial marriage to, of course, gay marriage. One of the most poignant characters is Nicki, a liberal Mormon who is trying to square her faith with her progressive political beliefs.

In short, it asks a lot of awkward questions.

In the play, that follows the sexual and spiritual reawakening of Emma, the matriarch of the Pratt family, as she faces an uphill battle against cancer. It's amazing how well Santana, who is a non-Mormon Latino writer from Texas, captures the cultural and verbal idiosycracies of insular Payson Mormons confronted with change. Santana, in fact, is part of the culture shift his play deals with. He is married (in Washington, D.C.) to a Mormon man who grew up in Payson--a community that Santana has visited and loved for the last 15 years.

The play's issues of interracial and gay marriage and sexual awareness might seem quaint to those unfamiliar with the spiritual terrain of Mormonism. And parts of “Housewives of Utah County” veer into a sort of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Sacred Garments” sentimentality.

But for Mormons, whether of the active or “cultural” variety, the play offers insight into the questions their worldwide church increasingly faces—if not answers.

Note: The play celebrated its opening at a Mormon Cocktail Hour that featured a not-so-traditional Happy Valley Punch–it was the proper pink color and served in a crystal bowl just like you've seen at every Mormon wedding. But this was a white wine-based spring sangria served with a scoop of carrot sorbet created by Sean Neves, bar manager at Wild Grape Bistro. The punch will be available on Wild Grape's bar menu for the run of the play.

This deluxe variation on green Jell-O salad–topped with shredded carrots and a carrot buttercream macaroon–was created by the pastry chef at Finca. It was delicious. You've probably forgotten how tasty green Jell-O is, but you can remind yourself with this version.

Chef Phelix Garnder of Pago even whipped up some Funeral Potato Croquettes.

“The Righteous and Very Real Housewives of Utah County” runs through May 26, at the Post Theater at Fort Douglas, 245 S Fort Douglas Blvd. Ticket information: 801-948-0631.

Save $5 on The Color Run

Salt Lake magazine — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:51:06 +0000

There are a lot of 5Ks in Utah, but a lot of them are sort of . . . bland.

Liven up your run with some color. The Color Run, a 5K in which participants are covered in colors at each kilometer, is coming to SLC on Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. The race starts and finishes at Washington Square.

The Color Run is a race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality and giving back to the community. It is less about how fast you can run and more about having fun. The two rules for the festival are to wear white at the starting line and to finish with colored powder all over you. Participants can choose to run the race solo or to form a color team.

There will be a gigantic color festival at the finish line with more colored powder to keep the fun going and to make sure you are completed doused. The Color Run focuses on giving back to communities by choosing a local charity for each city that is visited. SLC's charity will soon be announced.

Salt Lake magazine readers get $5 off online registration by entering the code COLORSLM. This code expires Aug. 8. Click here to sign up and take advantage of the deal.

Utah Big Races and Dirty Contests

Salt Lake magazine — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:44:17 +0000

The United Health Foundation's America's health rankings report put Utah at number seven in the country last year. For the last two decades, Utah has been in the top 10 on the report, of which behavior and community are two measurements.

Here are some of the upcoming Utah races for solitary runners and mud-loving cohorts who are giving fitness in Utah a good name. We didn't list any runs that just include a 5K—this one's for those who need a run that's a little bit further. Click the links for full details on each race.

May 18, Huff to Bluff

This weekend San Juan County hosts a marathon and half marathon from Blanding to Bluff. Volunteer firefighters will be on-hand to spray down runners, and great prizes (including a hot air balloon ride) are up for grabs.

May 18, Ogden Marathon

Saturday is the big day for Ogden's events, which include full and half marathons, relay, corporate cup, 5K, Kids K and wheelchair division races. Runners' packet pick up is Friday May 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fun & Fitness Expo.

June 1, Thelma and Louise Half Marathon

Moab is the setting for this second annual race. This year's course is emphatically "Flat, Flat, Flat," and runs along the Colorado river. Pick up packets are available at the Race Expo on May 31 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

June 8, The Dirty Dash

The Utah Spring and Corporate Cup is 5.5 miles of muddy, slippery obstacles for those who incorporate fun with fitness. The Piglet Plunge for kids ages 2 to 12 will include the Slop n' Slide, the Hog Wash and the Pig Sty.

June 29, Utah Spartan Beast

This event, hosted in Midway, Utah, is an adrenaline-filled, military-training style obstacle course. Good climbing skills come in handy over the 10 to 12 mile trek to the finish. Spartan Race festival grounds provide music, slip and slide courses, and feats of strength challenges.

Sept 26–28, Utah Marathon and Fittest State Festival

A two-day festival located at The Salt Palace in SLC begins Thursday, Sept 26 at 4 p.m., and features hundreds of exhibitors sharing the latest in health and fitness products, as well as info sessions on how to achieve a more active lifestyle. On Saturday, Sept. 28, this second annual premier running event includes five races: a full 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half marathon, The Crazy Legs 5K run/walk, a 25-mile non-competitive bike tour and a Kids K. Concluding the race is finish line festival "Fit Stock" at the Gallivan Center.

Sandals and Snapshots: Pick of the Week

Jessica Adams — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:31:58 +0000

We've officially entered the season for sandals, and it's also a good time for taking advantage of everything nature has to offer. This week, slip on a pair of strappy flats and set out on an adventure with your camera in tow. Tote it along in a multifunctional camera bag that also doubles as a crossbody bag for occasions with fewer photo ops. Whether the outing takes you to the park, the lake or the hills, being snapshot-ready can help you to see things from a whole new perspective.

Dolce Vita Drayper Sandals, Hip & Humble | Rebecca Minkoff Collin Camera Bag, Purse Dreams

Creating a kitchen garden

Salt Lake magazine — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:02:45 +0000

I discovered a new word for my gardener’s vocabulary. This French word is potagere and means a small kitchen garden with herbs or vegetables. I became familiar with creating a kitchen garden years ago and recently read Designing the New Kitchen Garden by Jennifer Bartley. I just finished refreshing the herb boxes that I made last year and enjoyed all winter. I love my “internal” landscape and the amazing smell of fresh mint and basil that fills my kitchen.

From this book, I learned helpful tips. One was not to use outdoor soil for indoor planting because it may contain insect eggs. I also read that wooden planter boxes made of untreated redwood will keep my herbs organic by nature of the wood and that the redwood will last for many years.

Hope these tips are helpful in creating your kitchen garden.

Maxine Turner is the president of Cuisine Unlimited and contributes monthly blogs about food, catering, trends and more to saltlakemagazine.com.

Even more summer camps

Salt Lake magazine — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:45:00 +0000

Summer is a time for kids to find a place and time to follow their bliss, and Utah's summer camps are the place to do it.

Read our feature story on summer camps, Geek Out, in our May/June 2013 issue. Here are the ones we wanted to include, but just couldn't fit in the print edition (scroll all the way down for special needs camps):

Photo Provided by Deer Valley Resort

MUSIC

Find Your Wild Side

Kids ages 7-18 can take part in this unique chance to learn Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian drumming, dance, song and culture. Kids get to bring home a T-shirt and homemade percussion instrument. A performance is held on the final day of the camp for friends and family members. June 17-21: Ages 7-12, June 24-28: Ages 13-18, SLC Arts Hub, 663 West 100 South, $60 per student scholarships are available, sambafogo.com

With the band

Just because school’s out doesn’t mean band class has to be. In “Da” Band with Al Badham, kids will learn new skills and even be in a 4th of July parade and concert. June 10–July 4, must have at least one year of jr. high-level concert band experience, $85. Imagination Place, 1155 E. 3300 South, SLC, 801-463-9067, imaginationplace.com

Find Rhythm

In partnership with the Utah Arts Alliance, Rhythms of Life Summer Camp gives kids a chance to participate in workshops, including drama, African and hip hop dance, drumming, painting, photography, frisbee, gardening, puppetry, sculpture, soccer, circus arts and more. June 10-14 through July 29-August 2, ages 8-12 $165 per week/ $1150 for all 8 weeks. 801-649-4420 Scholarships are available, drumbus.com

An early start

Jump start your kid’s musical education with a beginner’s exploration of music theory using the piano, along with fun rhythm and tonal activities, at Imagination Place’s Musical Bridge. June 17–Aug. 15, ages 4.5–7, $130. Imagination Place, 1155 E. 3300 South, SLC, 801-463-9067, imaginationplace.com

ART

Artwork up North

Cache Valley Center for the Arts is worth a trip north for its amazing productions. It’s also worth checking out for this year’s art camps, focusing on Polynesian, Latin American and African cultures. June 10–Aug. 8, ages 5–11, $90. Cache Valley Center for the Arts, 43 S. Main Street, Logan, 435-753-6518, centerforthearts.us

FANTASY/IMAGINATION

Potter Meets Holmes

With camps for Harry Potter, Angry Birds and Sherlock Holmes fans, Thanksgiving Point has offerings for just about anything your kid is into. June 3–Aug. 19, registration open until full, ages 4–18, single day $20–$175, multi-day $75–$175. Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, 801-768-2300, thanksgivingpoint.org

Mythical Creatures and Fantastic Fantasy

Explore ancient artifacts and search for mythical and magical creatures. Children in grades 4–6 will explore forests, animals, potions, mythical creatures and write in invisible ink to keep their secrets hidden at one of this summer's Salt Lake County 4-H camps. Copperview Recreation Center, 8446 Harrison St in Midvale. July 15-19, $75 per child 385-468-4830, saltlakecounty4-h.org

SCIENCE/EDUCATION

Get slimy, gooey and gross

Kids can explore slimy, gooey and gross science while conducting experiments and getting your hands dirty at this Salt Lake County 4-H camp. Grades 1–3, Entheos Academy, 4710 W 6200 S, Kearns. July 15-19, $75 per child 801-417-5444, saltlakecounty4-h.org

CSI Spy

Learn how detectives use science to uncover crimes by solving the mystery of "The Murder of Professor Half Track" at one of this summer's Salt Lake County 4-H camps. Use clues and attend Super Spy School to learn how to be a expert spy. Grades 4–6, Murray Park, 296 E Vine St, Murray, 801-284-4200, Aug. 12–16, saltlakecounty4-h.org

Mayan Robo-Dig

Kids are called to help a team of scientist who have just discovered a Mayan pyramid at this Salt Lake County 4-H camp. The junior robotics experts help unlock the secrets of the pyramid and learn how to use robotic sensors and advanced programing, using the Lego Mindstrom. Previous robot experience required. Ages 12–15, $75, Aug. 14–16, Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center, 12830 S 1830 W in Riverton, saltlakecounty4-h.org

Go, Dog. Go!

Okay, this one’s not technically a camp, but going every month makes it feel like one. Kids who struggle with reading can practice by reading to service dogs at Anderson-Foothill Library. First Saturday of every month, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Anderson-Foothill Library, 1135 S. 2100 East, SLC, 801-594-8611, slcpl.lib.ut.us (call ahead to sign up)

Peek of Park City

The Peek Program has everything to keep a kid's mind active all summer, from science and history to sports and Dr. Seuss—field trips and swimming included. June 17–Aug. 16, ages 3–8, $35–$65 per day. 10 Pinebrook Road, Park City, 435-649-9188, thepeekprogram.com

Cook up Science

This Salt Lake County 4-H camp teaches kids grades 3-4th about basic biology, chemistry and physics using common items from the kitchen. Kids will get to make rock candy, goo and learn how to extract iron from their morning cereal. Copperview Recreation Center, 8446 Harrison St in Midvale. July 8-12, $75 per child 385-468-4830, saltlakecounty4-h.org

Mini-Edisons

Kids solve big problems at Camp Invention, like how to reassemble a crashed spacecraft with everyday objects. The camp focuses on science, technology, engineering and math. June 10–14 or June 17–21, grades 1–6, $220. Schools in Sandy, Draper, Woods Cross, Cedar Hills, Park City, Layton, Provo and Price, campinvention.org

Rollercoaster, baby

You might not learn much at an amusement park beyond gut-level physics, but designing those rides is another story. At Bricks 4 Kidz, campers will use math and science skills to engineer LEGO rides that roll, spin and rock. June 27, July 11, 18, Aug. 1, 8, 15, ages 5–8, $96 per day ($15 for each additional day). Holladay Lions Recreation Center, 1661 Murray Holladay Rd., Holladay, 801-898-3000, bricks4kidz.com

Wet and Wild Science

Salt Lake County 4-H keeps the kids active this summer while exploring a local watershed and learning about life beneath the surface of streams and lakes in your community. They will collect and study underwater insects and learn about water quality. Copperview Recreation Center, 8446 Harrison St in Midvale. June 24-27, $75 per child 385-468-4830, saltlakecounty4-h.org

Forces of Nature

Kids in grades 3–5 learn about earthquakes, floods, fire and the extreme weather we see on earth, along with basic science principles while participating in hands-on activities like building bridges and making weather instruments, thanks to Salt Lake County 4-H. Copperview Recreation Center, 8446 Harrison St in Midvale. June 10-14, $75 per child 385-468-4830, saltlakecounty4-h.org

A BIT OF EVERYTHING

Camp at the J

Kids in grades one through six of all religions can take advantage of the Jewish Community Center’s rock wall, swimming pool and more, while older kids can take a week-long nature trip. June 10–Aug. 16, registration open until full, age 2–8th grade, $250–$420, Jewish Community Center, 2 N. Medical Drive, SLC, 801-581-0098 ext. 135, slcjcc.org

Join the Club

Is your kid a super sleuth, eager to crack a great mystery? Or maybe she’s ready to learn some sleight of hand to become a famous magician. Club U has camps for these and more. June 5–Aug. 16, registration open until the Friday before each camp, ages 5–14, $199 per week. University of Utah, SLC, 801-581-6984, continue.utah.edu

Hit the Road

Field trip after field trip—Wasatch Kids Camps take kids to Utah's iconic destinations, from Thanksgiving Point’s Museum to Franklin Covey Stadium. June 10–Aug. 23, registration open until full, ages 5–13, $190. Various locations around SLC, 801-263-2267, wasatchkidscamps.com

OUTDOORS

Not just for skiing

Based out of the Snow Park Lodge, Deer Valley’s Summer Adventure Camp offers unique activities like kiteboarding, where kids are pulled across a lake by a giant kite, all while surrounded by Park City’s mountains. June 10–Aug. 16, ages 2 months–12 years, $65 (daily), $300 (weekly), $2,500 (seasonal), Snow Park Lodge, 2250 Deer Valley Drive, Park City, 435-645-6648, academy.deervalley.com

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

Nobody's left out. With a strong belief summer camps should be accessible to all kids, these local camps are looking out for kids with disabilities and special needs.

Dietary needs met

Camp UTADA offers all the traditional stuff, like sports and campfires, while watching diets and supervising care, set in beautiful Camp Red Cliffe above Pineview Reservoir. Day and week-long camps, June 15–Aug. 16, grades 1–11, $240 (price may vary), no camper is turned away due to financial concerns. Camp Red Cliff, outside Huntsville, 801-566-6913, click here for more info.

Bring bro and sis

Camp Hobé is for kids with cancer and their siblings, who are often overlooked during treatment. Set out west at Camp Wapiti, kids enjoy archery, hikes, biking and swimming. June 10–21, ages 4–19, $15–$35, fee waivers available. Camp Wapiti, near Tooele, 801-631-2742, camphobekids.org

Hold your horses

National Ability Center has plenty of great camps for kids with disabilities, but we’re partial to Camp Giddy Up, where campers ride trails with the horses and build on skills each year. June 10–Aug. 16, ages 8–18, $120–$190 (2–3 days), $290–$550 (5 days), discount for registering before May 17. National Ability Center, 1000 Ability Way, Park City, 435-649-3991 x609, discovernac.org

Cooking, canoeing and braille

The Utah School for the Blind and the Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired teamed up to give blind kids outdoor, sports and braille reading camps this summer. June 9–Aug. 10, ages 8–16 (summer work program available for ages 16 and older), $40–$125 (fee waivers available). Most camps held at Utah School for the Deaf and Blind Ogden campus, 742 Harrison Blvd., 801-209-8492, ufbvi.org

Getting social

Along with social coaching and treatment, Camp Takoda gives kids with ADHD a chance to swim, go on field trips and grow their self-esteems while making new friends. June 11–Aug. 2. Camp Takoda is in SLC. Call 801-467-8553 or visit uafc.org for info on ages, prices, registration deadlines and more.

Camp for all abilities

Camp Kostopulos strives to include all kids of all abilities who could benefit from a summer riding horses, fishing, swimming and taking on the ropes course. They also offer a travel camp, which takes kids to destinations across the Intermountain West. June 1–Aug. 2, ages 7 and up, $405, scholarships available for low-income families, families registered with Division of Services for People with Disabilites may have respite funds available, register by mid-May. Camp Kostopulos, 4180 Emigration Canyon Road, SLC, 801-582-0700, campk.org

Doubling up

Two camps with all the traditional camp activities for kids with disabilities: Camp Valor for kids with hemophilia and Camp Hawkins for kids with heart disease. Siblings are welcome to both. Camp Valor: July 29–Aug. 2, ages 5–17, $65, hemophiliautah.org. Camp Hawkins: June 24–27, ages 4–17, $20–$65, camphawkins.org

Dan Nailen's Lounge Act: Worldly weekend ahead

Dan Nailen — Thu, 16 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

LIVING TRADITIONS FESTIVAL, SALT LAKE CITY & COUNTY BUILDING, Friday, May 17-Sunday, May 19, Free

Simply put, the annual Living Traditions Festival thrown by the Salt Lake Arts Council is one of my favorite civic events in Utah's capitol city. Bringing together virtually all of the various ethnic communities that make up Salt Lake City, the festival is a celebration of the highest order. You can educate yourself on different folk arts from around the world, eat your way through a global feast and witness an array of live performances that match any of the dance performances or concerts we get to enjoy the rest of the year. And it's all free! This year's headliners include the Mariachi Divas on Friday, French-Canadian roots musicians De Temps Antan and Celtic folkie Maura O'Connell on Saturday, and what I consider the highlight of the whole weekend--the Relatives on Sunday night. The Relatives (pictured) are a gospel-funk group that originally formed in the '70s, only to disband. Now they're back, and include members of Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears among their members. Their high-energy show Sunday afternoon should make for a perfect capper on a great weekend.