Diners and Dinners off the Beaten Path
By Corinne Humphrey
SILVER FORK LODGE has been a favorite stopping point since its opening in 1943. Located eleven miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and open 365 days a year, its authentic ski lodge style, large stone fireplace and hearty traditional breakfasts are an attractive lure for skiers headed to Solitude or Brighton Ski Resorts. For breakfast, try the signature sourdough pancakes—made with a 50-year-old sourdough starter—or one of several Eggs Benedict variations. In the summer or fall, relax on the back deck overlooking Honeycomb Canyon. For lunch, try their unique grilled trout salad or choose from more than a dozen hot and cold sandwiches and burgers. The dinner menu features a broad selection of starters and entrees: Ginger Sesame Asparagus; Elmo’s Meat Loaf; Shrimp & Grits; and Beef Brisket slow smoked for over 14 hours and smothered with homemade barbeque sauce are just some of the favorites. Silver Fork Lodge is the winner of numerous awards including City Weekly’s “Best Wine Dinners,” Salt Lake Magazine’s “Best Breakfast,” and “Best Traditional Soup” in the annual Art & Soup competition. Whether visiting Silver Fork Lodge for lunch or dinner, save room for their house made blackberry cobbler a la mode.
Originally a hunting ground for the Ute tribe, the Sundance area was later settled by the Stewart family and used initially for their sheep herding operation before opening the Timphaven ski area in the 1950s. Robert Redford bought the area in 1969, and Sundance Resort became a beacon of environmental conservation and artistic experimentation. Surrounded by stunning scenery, the resort is a great road trip destination and offers a variety of dining options, from the romantic atmosphere and fine cuisine of the award-winning TREE ROOM (Best of State 2009-2012), to the simplicity of the FOUNDRY GRILL with its expansive views of Mt. Timpanogos, and the casual gourmet fare and live music in the OWL BAR. Or, stop by the deli and grab sandwiches and snacks for a hike up to Stewart’s Falls or one of the many other trails.
The next time you’re commuting back from Salt Lake City, take the scenic route through Emigration Canyon and stop off at THE SUN AND MOON CAFÉ. Chef/Owner Carl Weyant, in keeping with the rustic ambience, has created a tasty, casual menu with almost a dozen sandwiches and several salads offered for lunch or dinner, plus a traditional weekend breakfast menu. Burger lovers can still find thick, juicy ones here, including a terrific garlic burger with fries. There are plenty of other options like Weyant’s grilled vegetable sandwich with summer squashes, roasted red peppers and eggplant on focaccia spread with a toasted walnut pesto. Enjoy the shaded deck in the summer and join The Sun and Moon Café for beer tasting events and frequent Dinner Blues shows featuring renowned blues artists from around the country.
ROAD ISLAND DINER in Oakley’s Weber Canyon has had a long and illustrious past, beginning in 1939 when it rolled off the factory floor as diner #1107. It began serving patrons on the East Coast, and in May of 2007, it was transported across the country to Oakley for a complete restoration and its inclusion on the National Registry of Historic Places. Petey Cameron, owner of Road Island Diner, offers “Burger Mondays,” a full breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and some of the best burgers and BBQ around. Fabulous desserts include coconut crème, banana crème, apple and mixed berry pies, and ice cream lovers will enjoy Banana Splits, Rootbeer Floats, Orange Dream Floats and other treats from the soda fountain. Road Island Diner is open seven days a week in summer for lunch and dinner.
Silver Fork Lodge | silverforklodge.com
Road Island Diner | roadislanddiner.com
The Sun and Moon Café | thesunandmooncafe.com
Sundance Resort | sundanceresort.com
