Tomato Edition 2026

North Creek Grill, Escalante

3680 W Highway 12, Escalante, Utah 84726

This NEEDS to be on everyone’s radar. My dear friends Chef Brendan Kawakami and Sam Starr have opened their own restaurant in Escalante, Utah called North Creek Grill (@northcreekgrill ). They “believe in letting the land speak for itself, sourcing the finest ingredients from local Utah farms and purveyors”.  Chef Brendan Kawakami’s philosophy towards seasonality and substance in his cooking in non-negotiable. They are now ONLY serving pasture-raised meats (which is often two to three times more expensive). They are supporting ranchers that value the animals and diners who value sustainable/ mindful consumption. North Creek Grill has brought about a new breath of exquisite food, deeply passionate service, and a view of the desert stars while dining in a sanctuary for the International Dark Sky community. The patio is stunning and their interior dining walls are decorated with local art, which all can be purchased with 100% of proceeds going to the artists. Chef Brendan & Sam are life-long devotees to the southern Utah desert. Their website with further information and a menu can be found here. DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DINE HERE IF YOU ARE IN ESCALANTE. IN FACT- DRIVE TO ESCALANTE TO DINE THERE. I have been twice now and can tell you that this restaurant is something very special.  North Creek Grill: https://www.northcreekescalante.com

The Recommend Bookstore

3474 S 2300 E

Studio 37 of The Historic Baldwin Radio Factory

The Recommend opened in February. It’s located under Roots Café in Millcreek in the Historic Baldwin Radio Factory Building. It is a charming and humble space owned and operated by two incredible women: Cat Widener (@honeysucklehandmadejewelry ) and Kim Hall (@alpineeaerthworks). Both are local artists who happen to be best friends and are both wildly passionate readers. The Recommend is a used bookstore with hand-written recommendations in a large majority of their books. The idea is that anyone can donate, anyone can write a recommendation (and receive a discount if you do), and everyone will find a book who takes a moment to book babble with Cat or Kim! One can also find local ceramics, beaded jewelry, hand-sewn leather journals, local artisan goods, and art.  They have decided to do a community activation every “Third Thursday” 5-8pm. For August there is a special treat as Alpine Earthwork’s very own Kim Hall will be releasing her “100 Cups” project. Over the past few years, she has been exploring different ceramic techniques. She has made 100 unique cups. They will be on display for the first time ever! The Recommend Bookstore is open otherwise 10am-2pm Thursday- Saturday.  Cat and Kim are amazing artists and give endlessly to their local art community in Salt Lake City.  Go jab about books, buy some art, mingle on Third Thursday. You won’t be disappointed!

The Recommend : https://www.therecommendbooks.com

Honeysuckle Handmade Studio: https://www.honeysucklehandmadestudio.com

Alpine Earthworks: https://www.alpineearthworks.com

Central 9th Market

161 West 900 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

No problem if you didn’t have time to hit your local Farmer’s Market this week: Central 9^th Market https://central9th.com has fresh produce and locally made foods. I recently stopped by and bought fresh rhubarb, carrots, greens, and farm eggs. (The eggs are from Roots Charter High School in West Valley City. Roots is a Charter High School with a farm… in the city. Students learn while working the land.  https://www.rootshigh.org ). While you’re in Central 9th, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and order a wood-fired pizza or a sandwich on daily fresh-made focaccia (yes, they do sell out daily. And yes, it’s 100% worth the line). My personal preference is the tuna fish sando (they put a couple potato chips in there for extra crunch and salt)! However once tomato season starts- their BLT is TO DIE FOR.  If you know- you know. If you don’t- you need to go.

In closing, send me tomato recommendations: vendors, varietals, you name it! Rburks@wincre.com. And never hesitate to reach out with anything Real Estate. Next Newsletter will be some time this fall.