Saturday, April 28, 2012

Seder 2012


Passover Seder 2012.
This time, the children shinethey are spectacular. I am so blessed and grateful!
Half a dozen boxes of Shmurah Matzah ordered through the Chabad Lubavitch of Utah.
I am in love with this black white stencil print.
Current song obsession: Landslide, Smashing Pumpkins verson.
xoxo

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Vinto in Park City


The Hunger Games became the talk of the town overnight, and M and G seemed to be the last 5th graders on earth who have not seen the movie. (I saw it with hubby opening weekend and thought it was way too bloody for little kids.) I promised the girls that I would take them only if they were still devoted after having read the first book. As expected, they got hooked, then obsessed. 
I did everything I thought a thoughtful mother should do before taking them to a movie like this. I quizzed the girls on the plot, dissected Katniss's character, drilled them on the Districts and the Capitol, mockingjays, reality TV, Roman Empire times, gladiator fighting, violence in film, etc., etc. M and G were ready. What a milestone this was for me as a mom! The girls LOVED The Hunger Games.
After a movie like that, we were starving and couldn't wait to talk about it! Had to check out Vinto. Everyone in town has been FB checking into, tagging and talking about this new Vinto that just opened in Park City on Main Street. Cool atmosphere, decent family fare, kid-friendly menu and ridiculously cheap eats for Park City. Even though they are all about their wood fired pizzas, I actually prefer Vinto's appetizers, salads and pasta over their pizzas.
Cappuccino, $3.50.  Good morning, wake up!
Prosciutto Mozzarella Crostini, $7.  Razor thin freshly sliced prosciutto, salted mozzarella and toasty crouton. Fantastic starter.
Bambini Pasta, $3.50.  One for each girl, please. Al dente and decent. $3.50 for a kiddie serving is unheard of in Park City!
Margherita Pizza, $8.50.  Their trademark oval-shaped wood-fired pizzas come out on black boards.  Great presentation, but the flavors did not blow me away.
Arrostinta Pizza, $9.  Our server recommended this one. This combination of bell peppers, tomatoes and veggies was not my favorite.
It was nice to get an unsolicited plate of peppers, cheese and oregano. Adding crushed peppers helped the pizza somewhat.
Roasted Tomato and Sage, $8.  This was very good once I threw in crushed red pepper flakes and extra parmesan. Noodles were al dente and the roasted tomato was garlicky and delicious. I am a sucker for simple pasta. Believe me, it tasted much better than it photographs...?
Caesar, $6.50.  Great salad. Chilled romaine leaves, crunchy croutons, intense garlicky eggy Caesar dressing.
 I LOVE anchovies. Amazing bites.
Cavit Lunetta Prosecco, $7.  Bubbly, refreshing, fruity, clean...delicious.
Fresh Squeezed Limonata and Limeade, $3.50.  Yummy with perfect flavors.
Locals, be sure to ask for a frequent diner card. After 10 entrees or visits (can't remember which), you get a free pizza!
Dolce Special, $6.  Chocolate chip ice-cream sandwiches, yes!
Gelato Sorbet Sampler, $6.  Love the variety, ice cold deliciousness.
Complimentary cookies were a lovely touch.
The inside is pretty cool. Bright, modern, cool round booths, huge globe fixtures, fat horizontal stripe painted walls and I am obsessed with those beautiful aluminum Emeco Stark chairs.
We hit City Park immediately after. It was a glorious day!
Girlfriends rule!
xoxo
Vinto on Urbanspoon

Mustang


We love Mustang on Main Street, even if the food is way heavy and the portions ridiculous. It's the perfect place to come when you're feeling gluttonous and you want to pig out on fantastic food in a fun (and loud) atmosphere. We came, carrying bottles of wine, to celebrate some birthdays Mustang style with Michelle and Larry and to practice the art of over-eating.
Asian Chicken Potstickers, $9.95.  This appetizer was never intended for one person, so order one for the table. You will get four oversized panseared triangles stuffed with chicken breast, scallion, veggies and drizzled in an insanely delicious house spicy ginger-garlic sauce.
Thyme-Garlic Marinated New York Steak, $39.95.  14 oz of meat cooked rare, red wine sauce, garlic-herb butter, asparagus and loaded baked potato. Huge, heavy, insanely delicious! This might be the best baked potato in town, if you're into thick potato skins.
Wild Caught Alaskan Halibut, $36.50.  This is considered one of their "lighter" entrees. Again, the piece of fish is huge, with a lemon-soy dressing, stir-fry of baby bok choy, roasted almonds, celery ribbons and white onions. Fish was cooked to perfect temperature, Asian greens done just right. Just... so... much...of... it...
Rack of Lamb.  Big rack, juicy, succulent, medium rare. Sauce looking pretty heavy and fatty too.
Utah Red Trout, $32.50.  Filet of trout was drowned in lemon butter sauce, capers, roma tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and served with sauteed asparagus and chive mashed potatoes, enough for a family of six. Anything with toasted pine nuts is worth ordering.
Steak Carpaccio, $12.95.  I love the combination of bitter arugula with fat strips of salty Reggiano Parmesan. Sagra extra virgin oil marinates the raw filet mignon perfectly. I did ask for extra salt and pepper.
Southwestern Duck Chile Relleno, $11.95.  This was fried, crispy, wet, cheesy and gooey. If you are into rich and terribly fattening foods, you will love this. Pasilla chile was stuffed with Muscovy duck (which I never did find underneath the mounds of cheese), Jack cheese, red Ranchero sauce and Parmesan cream reduction.
Happy Birthday to YOOOOUUU!! Two wishes!! Beautiful times with wonderful friends...
 xoxo
Mustang on Urbanspoon