Brian Zinsmann and Lane Montoya, former owners of Wimpy and Fritz in Ogden, which closed last year. photo by Valerie Phillips Here’s a memorial to some of the northern Utah restaurants that closed in the past year or so. I wrote about most of these restaurants when they were new, or got new owners or a new menu or some other newsy happenings. Some lasted over 60 years, some just six months. It’s not much fun to write about restaurants that closed. It usually means a disappointing end of someone’s hopes and hard work. In many cases, I don’t know the reasons for the closures, or what the chefs o ..read more

Red Fort cuisine includes (from top, clockwise) garlic naan bread, butter chicken, snacks of pakora chicken, samosas, and veggie balls, and jasmine rice. photo by Valerie Phillips Red Fort Cuisine of India will open in Ogden May 1 in the former El Matador Building at 2564 Ogden Avenue. El Matador closed in September 2022 after over 60 years in business. Last last year, owners Tony and Paula Hasratian sold the building to the Red Fort group, according to Ali Noori, a manager at the Layton Red Fort location. Noori’s father, Wahid Noori and partner Harpal Sing Toor own the Red Fort in Layton, whi ..read more

A charcuterie board starring Beehive Cheese at The Mercantile Market and Eatery on Ogden’s 25th Street. photo by Valerie Phillips   The Mercantile Market and Eatery, at 2501 Grant Avenue, is the latest addition to Historic 25th Street. It’s an interesting partnership of  three very different local brands: Kaffe Mercantile, Roosters Hospitality Group, and Beehive Cheese.  After interviewing the partners for a Standard-Examiner story, here’s what to expect. Built in 1940 as the Union bus station, the building later was the Greyhound Bus Station and a few other businesses before bo ..read more

Elcio Zanatta, founder of Aubergine Kitchen. photo by Valerie Phillips The goal of Aubergine Kitchen is “To offer food that our customers love, but in a healthy way,” said Elcio Zanatta, who owns the Utah-based chain with his wife Mirian Zanatta.  Started in Orem in 2014, there now are 10 locations, with three more on the way. Harvest Chicken Bowl at Aubergine Kitchen. photo by Valerie Phillips  While some places talk “clean ingredients,” and “healthy,” Aubergine takes it seriously. The popular Chicken Harvest Bowl is typical of the fare you’ll find. Roasted chicken is flanked by bro ..read more

Oscar Rodriguez, owner of Scrambled! in Layton. photo by Valerie Phillips Scrambled! is getting a second location, this time in Ogden. Owner Oscar Rodriguez says the Layton breakfast-and-lunch spot should be opening in Ogden this summer. “We just took over the old Sonic on Washington (Boulevard). We are super stoked to come to Weber County,” Rodriguez wrote in a message to me. He’s planning to make a formal announcement on the restaurant’s 4th anniversary, which is March 7. The now-closed Sonic building is located on 1241 Washington Blvd. Avocado Toast is one of the top-sellers at Scrambled! i ..read more

The Burger Bar in Roy, over 65 years old. photo by Valerie Phillips    If you’ve never tried an Alligator Burger, or one of the 20-plus exotic burgers that rotate monthly at the Burger Bar in Roy, maybe it’s time. For February, you can order a Camel Burger, a 1/3-pound patty made with red pepper hummus, curry sauce, onions, and cucumbers.    The Burger Bar has been a Roy landmark since 1956. Its “exotic meat of the month” is a lot more recent, said Joe Fowler, in the 4th generation of Fowler family to run the Burger Bar.  I recently interviewed him for a Standard-Exami ..read more

One of the projects for Burger Stop’s next craft night on Feb. 28. On the heels of its first successful Craft Night, Burger Stop in Layton is offering a monthly night of crafts and cuisine. The next night, Feb. 28, features St. Patrick’s Day and Easter projects provided by C & K Vinyl, ranging in price from $15-20. Burger Stop, at 323 E. Gentile Street in Layton, is known for its classic-car theme. Now, it might be known for classic cars AND crafts. An Easter project for Burger Stop’s craft night on Feb. 28. According to Karen Wright, one of Burger Stop’s owners, the craft price is separat ..read more

Sydney’s Restaurant has announced it’s re-opening in Preston, Idaho on Feb. 13. The restaurant shut down operations in its Mantua location just a few weeks ago. Here’s the Facebook announcement, which I assume came from Sydney’s owner, Denise Hardy: “Well howdy, Preston! The dust is settling, and Sydney’s is fixin’ to open its doors come February 13th. From high noon ’til 8:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, we’re bringing the spirit of the wild west to 101 N State Street, Preston, Idaho Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Savor the flavor of the frontier with steaks, country fried steak ..read more

Peppermint Bark Cookies from The Cookbook Baker in Kaysville. photo from The Cookbook Baker   There’s a new bakeshop in town, called The Cookbook Baker. Owner Laura Lee Miller works out of her Kaysville home kitchen and takes orders on Instagram at the.cookbook.baker, and on Facebook at The Cookbook Baker, where you can see drool-worthy photos of her cookies, bars and delectable bites. Monster cookies from The Cookbook Baker in Kaysville. Photo from The Cookbook Baker.   Miller has been baking all her life. Her grandmother was a chef at a café, and she learned the art of baking along ..read more

Winter Fest offerings at Roosters Hospitality Group now through Feb. 11. Roosters Hospitality Group is hosting its first-ever Winter Fest from now through Feb. 11. Curated pairings of craft beers with seasonal meals will be offered at all Roosters Hospitality Group locations, including Roosters 25th St, Ogden B-street (21+), Roosters Layton, Union Grill, and The Coop (21-+), from January 15 to February 11. The pairings include: 1. Winter Caesar Salad with Every Nook and Cranberry Sour: A refreshing salad featuring hearts of romaine, fried asiago gnocchi “croutons,” and roasted t ..read more