Greetings from Salt Lake City!
It’s absolutely gorgeous here even though there is so much less snow than normal! This is another whirlwind business trip which takes me to Salt Lake City and Las Vegas in there days time period all before enjoying the red eye back to New York City tomorrow night!
Yesterday, I was on an early morning flight out here during which time I enjoyed my normal airport breakfast, Starbuck’s Perfect Oatmeal and an iced unsweetened green tea, before working and reading during the flight.
We spent all day touring local stores and getting to know the market so by the time we stopped for lunch it was 2:30 EST! I was starving but luckily our lunch spot had plenty of healthy options. After enjoying a few bites of the table appetizers (fried calamari and fried brie) I ordered a filling and healthy lunch that I knew would leave me satiated and give me the energy I needed to last until dinner.
This salad included mixed greens, tomatoes, strawberries, red onions, apples, and grilled chicken. It was delicious!
Salt Lake City has amazed me thus far in regards to their food and the spectacular views! Last night’s dinner may have been the best Italian I’ve ever enjoyed outside of New York City! Our local hosts took us to Cucina Toscana, an authentic tratoria in the middle of Salt Lake City’s downtown art’s district.
Run by an eccentric Italian man, Valter Nassi, the food, service, and atmosphere was absolutely perfect for a fun group business dinner.
The restaurant was warm and inviting, instead of the stuffiness you can sometimes find at a restaurant that has held a Zagat food rating of 26 or higher for 10 years!
The menu was four huge pages of Italian delicacies including homemade lasagna, a special pork dish that half our table tried, and more seafood than I’ve seen on a menu in ages!
Our table ordered multiple appetizers to share including the beef Carpaccio, grilled seafood, duck pate, and tomatoes with mozzarella.
I ordered their seafood dish which included salmon, shrimp, calamari, and clams in a red sauce over sautéed spinach. This was some of the most delicious red sauce I’ve ever enjoyed; perfectly seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs! If you are ever in Salt Lake City, you have to try this local institution!
This was the perfect way to enjoy Salt Lake City with my team before braving the 17 degree temperatures this morning for a hilly run through downtown!
Have a wonderful day! We’re off to visit more stores before heading to Las Vegas this evening for dinner at Scarpetta and a stay in the Cosmopolitan hotel! I have heard great things so I’ll be sure to be back with a full review!
Looks beautiful! A couple of my close childhood girlfriends went to school near Salt Lake and ended up staying- I’ve been meaning to make my way out there but haven’t found the time… I’m def forwarding them this post and seeing if they’ve been to Cucina Toscana!
You must get out to Salt Lake City soon as it is absolutely beautiful! The air is so fresh, the people are very friendly, and the scenery is wonderful. I hope they take you to Cucina Toscana. 🙂
I love unsweetened greet tea from Starbucks! My fiance swears it tastes like pond water. What do boys know anyways?! Great pics!
I try to only drink coffee in the morning during the work week and have started enjoying an afternoon green tea or passion tea. Even during the winter, having them iced is my favorite way!
Ooooo. I love Cucina Toscana! My dad takes my mom and I there to celebrate our birthdays (they are in the same month). I love the old tire building the restaurant is in and your right, the atmosphere is great. My husband lived in Italy for 2 years and loves to speak with the owner in Italian while the rest of us just sit and smile like Americans!
I’m so thrilled that you’ve experienced Cucina Toscana! It was delicious and such a fun atmosphere. Now I just have to find somewhere like that in New York City for Salt Lake’s prices!
Ahhh…I just moved from Salt Lake to the Phoenix area and seeing these pictures makes me miss it!! I LOVED living in downtown Salt Lake, and there really is so much to do and see. There’s lots of fun, authentic restaurants downtown that I really really miss.
Salt Lake City was so gorgeous Erin! I wish I could have stayed there for a long weekend of skiing fun! Do you like Phoenix?