If you’re craving after-hours fun in downtown Salt Lake City, do you head for the patio at Gracie’s? Settle in for a movie at Brewvies Cinema Pub? Or check out the artsy Water Witch bar in the Central Ninth neighborhood?
Nominate your best-loved downtown nightspot — and your other Utah favorites — for The Salt Lake Tribune’s second annual Salt Awards, which recognize businesses and experiences that enhance life in Utah.
Readers can nominate and vote in 16 categories, from signature burgers to family adventures. Tribune staffers will select additional Editor’s Choice winners, judging competitors such as the best new restaurants.
Nominations are being accepted through Aug. 10 at tribsalt.com.
Voting will begin on the site on Aug. 12, kicked off by the inaugural Food Truck and Brewery Battle at The Gateway Plaza, 100 S. Rio Grande St., Salt Lake City.
From Brazil to the Mediterranean and Hawaii to Louisiana, flavors from around the globe and coast to coast will be showcased during the event, as 11 of Utah’s latest food trucks compete for your vote. They’ll be joined by Epic Brewing Co., Proper Brewing Co., Roha Brewing Project, Fisher Brewing Co. and Mountain West Hard Cider, which hope to win your vote for best brewery.
Admission is free, but bring your wallet to sample their wares.
“Our editors have their preferences, but we want to hear from you, too,” said Tribune Editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce. “Nominate your favorite flavors and sips, and help us launch the Salt Awards through this fun summer event.”
Live music will be provided by DJ Poetic, DJ Dizz, DJ Erockalypze, U92 All Stars, BBoy Federation and more. Best Friends also will host its Cat Days of Summer Adoption Event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 90 S. Rio Grande St.
The Salt Awards, from The Tribune and Utah Digital Services, will be presented Sept. 27 at The Gateway in Salt Lake City. Find last year’s winners here.
Food trucks in the battle
Pizza Cone Zone • A new twist on pizza with slices shaped into a cone and topped with cheese and meat combinations including the “barn burner” with chicken, gouda, applewood smoked bacon and barbecue sauce.
Ginger’s Truck • An all-vegan food truck — an extension of Ginger’s Garden Cafe in Springville — with Southwest flavors. Try the blue corn nachos with black beans, avocado and vegan queso. Salads, smoothie Popsicles and herbal lemonades round out the menu.
Touch of Polynesia • Island-inspired plates with marinated chicken or beef and steamed white rice. There’s also Hawaiian pulled pork and coconut otai, a tropical drink in mango, strawberry and other fruity flavors.
Komrades • Try a hoodoo, the newest cousin to gyros and al pastor served in naan bread. Filling options include steak, chicken and barbecued jackfruit (vegetarian).
Monsieur Crêpes • Enjoy a little taste of France with filled crêpes like the savory Versailles, made with prosciutto and brie, or the sweet, orange La Suzette with Grand Marnier and whipped cream.
Taste of Louisiana • Southern favorites include seafood gumbo, fried chicken and shrimp or chicken Poboys with collard greens, mac and cheese and other sides.
Crumbs Donuts • Deep-fried mini doughnuts with gourmet icings: chocolate, caramel, strawberries and cream, Fruity Pebbles cereal and more.
Made in Brazil • Specialties from this South American country include the prato feito plate with chicken and rice; coxinha, deep-fried croquettes; cheese bread and chocolate bridadeiros.
Bandera Brisket • A rotating menu of barbecue favorites including brisket, chicken, pulled pork, ribs and sausage with coleslaw, baked beans or creamed corn on the side.
Falafel Tree • Inspired by the Mediterranean, this truck offers crispy falafel — deep-fried chickpea patties — along with hummus, vegetarian dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) and garlic fries.
Soup-er Sandwich • A rotating menu of soups and sandwiches, from broccoli cheese and chile verde to Reubens, Cubans and turkey bacon avocado.
Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune A flavorful kabob from Komrades food truck, which offers popular European style street food, during a recent visit to the Soho Food Park in Holladay.