A Table for All: Feeding Utah's Culture
Watch this three-part series about how cultures, flavors and textures can mingle and co-exist in positive ways.
Recently, many of us have been asking: “What really matters?” We’ve come to realize that some of the things we’ve held dear simply don’t matter. Collectively, we have begun experiencing life in a whole new way, and some of those eye- and heart-opening discoveries have been painful. However, some of those rediscoveries have been relieving, breathtaking (in good ways), affirming and maybe, most importantly, unifying. Interestingly enough, one of the ways we can come together, heal and grow is something we all have a daily need for: food.
Fortunately, the Utah food community is tight knit. From gardeners to farmers, foodies to restaurateurs and the legion of paid and volunteer workers who help foster an environment where food is a catalyst for change.
“Inclusive” and “diversity” have become popular catchwords. Those who think Utahns wouldn’t have much to say about multicultural diversity would be incorrect. In fact, the state is home to approximately 60,000 refugees, populations formally supported by two resettlement agencies: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Catholic Community Services (CCS). These agencies ensure that refugees are welcomed at the airport, arrange for their housing, furniture and basic household supplies; offer orientation classes; and prepare a resettlement plan, with referrals to social services and employment.
Chef Haymar of Wann Jale restaurant in Salt Lake City specializes in cuisine from Myanmar and Thailand.
Kafé Mamai food truck serves a fusion of African and Caribbean cuisine from Chef Abudu in Salt Lake City.
Inside the SPICE Kitchen Incubator, a project of the International Rescue Committee.
"Food is royalty when it comes to breaking barriers, because diners don’t need to speak the same language to communicate how good food tastes or how to prepare it. "
If we’ve learned anything from America’s tumultuous times, it’s that we still have a lot to learn. There’s much more work to do in bridging gaps, and Utah’s food community can be counted among those working for change.
This state — a naturally beautiful nook — is the home of some soul-soothing loveliness in our glorious landscape — but we also support a surprisingly vibrant food culture, beautifully infused by immigrants and recent transplants.
Yes, a food culture that is mouth-watering, drop-a-utensil, look-to-the-sky as your heart makes your lips say, “MMMmmmph, that’s good!” With slightly squinted eyes and a head shake, you notice someone else nearby having a similar experience. You smile at one another and continue eating, silently but so connected. By food. Food, that is, made well by people who have a deep passion for what and how they create it. Food, grown with the utmost reverence for land and its abundant capabilities. Food that’s a celebration of culture, one’s roots and life itself. Food as the pop-up art in a book, ready to dazzle and wow diners.
In this video series, we’ll consider how food affords us all an opportunity to slow down, savor, teach or learn something, celebrate people, moments and life. Food is royalty when it comes to breaking barriers, because diners don’t need to speak the same language to communicate how good food tastes or how to prepare it.
Food shows everyone that cultures, flavors, textures can mingle and co-exist in positive ways. Food lures diners into taking risks with our palates, to literally put our money where our mouths are. Even when a food is less desirable than we’d hope, often it’s another food that bails us out of a moment of displeasure.
In so many ways, to so many people, food is a metaphor for life. As Utah continues to evolve, it may just be food that grows us most. Whether you come here to live, visit or are simply passing through, we welcome everyone to join a delicious and vibrant global conversation centered around food, a well-rooted conversation that elevates all of our lives far beyond the plate.
Watch Other Episodes
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A Restaurant That Welcomes Everybody With Its Middle Eastern Flavors
Building Salt Lake City’s Laziz Kitchen into a spot where good food has helped to create an inclusive community-gathering spot.
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How Ogden’s Tona Sushi Creates Artistic Diversity With Every Dish
One Ogden’s sushi chef’s innovative plates hint at his design background — while serving dishes that aim to be “magical.”
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The Land of Good and Plenty
For newcomers to Utah, the International Rescue Committee’s food entrepreneurial programs offer hope and opportunity.
Support Local
Supporting local communities during your travels can have a profound impact. Stock up with groceries locally, stop in an artisan shop or eat at a restaurant in addition to campfire meals.
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Curry, Fine Wine, Dining at 11,000'
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Eat Your Way Through Utah
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Farm to Table X
James Beard-nominated Table X creates modern American cuisine with ingredients from its onsite garden.
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Fervor on Foot: Tracking Salt Lake's Food and Spirits
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Good Roots: The Faces of Utah’s Food Culture
Meet some of the agricultural entrepreneurs that are elevating the tastes of Utahns and visitors through heritage and best practices, new and old.
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How-to Guide for Salt Lake City Conference Attendees: Food, Drink and Fun
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Jonesin’ for Grass-Fed Beef
Sixth-generation cattle ranchers continue legacy while producing uber flavorful beef.
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Keeping It Real
Urban farmers’ backyard harvests are beloved by chefs and market-goers.
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Meet the Women Leading Utah's Food and Beverage Renaissance
When it comes to food and beverage in Utah, there are key influencers who have been the proponents of change, growth, and the role of women in Utah’s food scene.
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Mighty Mineral
Real Salt comes from an ancient sea bed in Central Utah. Yes, really.
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Red Acres Is the Place for Me
Summer activities at Cedar City's Red Acre Farm offer a flavor of what this sustainable farm is all about — a weekly al fresco lunch, a monthly breakfast and gourmet farm-to-fork fundraising feasts in the fields.
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Slide Ridge Finds the Sweet Spot
Even in the Beehive State, ingenuity is required to raise honeybees and support a thriving honey business.
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Torrey Dining
Thanks to it’s location eight miles from Capitol Reef National Park, this remote enclave is a great place to stop for some coffee, ice cream or dinner on your way in or out of the park.
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Utah Food Trails - Honey, Fruit, Burgers & More
Discover Utah's food trails — gastronomic adventures highlighting the best of Utah's home-grown culinary goodness.
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Utah's Dairy Dynasty
The history of this ‘holey’ cheesemaking champion is anchored by Cache Valley’s rich family agriculture traditions.
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You Are Where You Eat: Salt Lake Latino’s Perfected Flavors
Here is a guide for a day — or weekend — packed with some of the Salt Lake City's best Latino cuisine, brought to you by the hands who have cared and perfected their flavors for centuries.
