NBA fans and locals riding UTA TRAX downtown during NBA All-Star Weekend will enjoy singers, musicians, comedians, magicians and friendly hosts on downtown trains. 

Downtown Alliance has joined with Salt Lake City and Utah Transit Authority to program live entertainment inside TRAX trains during the NBA All-Star Weekend, February 17-19. TRAX passengers will find the hosts and performers on trains downtown from 6-10 pm, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are also entertaining public events programmed at Gallivan Center, The Salt Palace, and The Gateway during All-Star weekend.  Train hosts with each performer will answer tourist’s questions and direct visitors to nearby destinations, restaurants, and activities. This mass-fun event will coincide with UTA’s zero fare week, February 12-21.

“We are thrilled to provide zero fare for the ten days surrounding the NBA All-Star events and the fun and exciting activities planned for parts of our transit system” UTA Board Chair Carlton Christensen said, “This is part of our efforts to support the community, boost Utah’s economy, and join with our partners in welcoming thousands of visitors to the region and to Utah. ”Downtown Alliance collaborator Bahaa Chmait, director of JOYMOB Events, has assembled a cadre of characters to charm passengers. “We design experiences that leave people feeling happier and more connected to those around them.  We believe in creating community and belonging. That can happen in a boardroom, in a park, or even on a train. We’re thrilled to be part of the All-Star weekend fun,” he said.

“JOYMOB Events is one of many local surprises and delights we have planned for locals and visitors during All-Star weekend,” said Downtown Alliance executive director Dee Brewer. “Bahaa and his crew add magic to the fabric of Salt Lake with flash mobs, dance parties, and a  love letter project that has been written about in The Washington Post.” Brewer added, “we are also grateful to UTA for their willingness to experiment with us in welcoming the world to Salt Lake City.”

Read more about Bahaa and JOYMOB Events at www.joymobevents.com

A celebration of local art, music, and food, CENTRAL will reimagine Gallivan Plaza with a curated three-day experience over All-Star Weekend. Free, and welcoming to all ages, CENTRAL will run 1-10 pm, February 17, 18, and 19. CENTRAL is underwritten by Salt Lake City, Downtown Alliance, The Blocks, and Visit Salt Lake.

Norbert Bueno and his creative team at Bandah designed an immersive installation featuring 25 musicians and upcycled shipping containers with a museum-quality exhibit of local artists. “Our creative team referenced Utah landscapes, music, cultures, downtown’s urban environment and, of course, basketball in creating this experience.” said Bueno. Bueno’s previous collaborations with the Downtown Alliance include pop-up musical performances, roller disco on Main Street, and Groove at Gallivan. “I believe this will be a one-of-a-kind experience that will delight residents and visitors alike,” he said.

Vishwa Srinivasan of Alleyways Amplified is producing a generative A.I. film with local company Outtakes that tells stories about Salt Lake, to be projected on the Gallivan stage. And, Bahaa Chmait, director JOYMOB Events will sprinkle intriguing surprises, sure to produce wow-moments. Adorning the Gallivan grounds will be larger-than-life sculptures from artist Emily Nicolosi, and a sculpture produced just for this event by Isaac Gonzalez, and Norbert Bueno. 

Some of Utah’s favorite food trucks and carts will serve their specialties during the three day celebration.

“We believe CENTRAL will be among the Salt Lake City  surprises and delights that  locals and visitors discover downtown during All-Star Weekend,” said Downtown Alliance executive director Dee Brewer. 

Check this page for musician line-up, coming soon.

Did you know more people will watch Sundance premieres in Salt Lake than in Park City this year? Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center and Broadway Centre Cinemas will host dozens of screenings and for the first time, Megaplex at The Gateway joins as an official venue. But where to eat, drink, and party like Park City? We’ve got that covered too, including two official Sundance Lounges as well as swanky bars and restaurants where maybe you’ll get a glimpse of a Streep, Stiller, or Scorsese:

BROADWAY CENTRE CINEMAS
Showing more than 30 films, Broadway will be buzzing. Thankfully, parking will be easy at the multi-story garage just east of the theater. Have some time? Make reservations at Copper Onion–a Salt Lake stalwart that is still consistently delightful. Or, try something new at Franklin Ave like the Mafaldine–a duck ragu with poached egg, grana padano, and gremolata. Both restaurants are decadent, both offer items you’ll crave long after leaving, and both will require a reservation. 

Are you racing from one preview to the next? Try Roctaco on Edison Street. The menu  features unique tacos from around the globe and the flavors are out of this world. The interior is as creative as the ingredients–like the Meow Wolf of the taco world. Don’t fear if the line goes out the door–it moves quickly. 

The new outpost of local’s favorite, Laziz Kitchen is another option for a fast casual bite. On Edison and 200 South, Lebanese food is served in a modern, airy cafe–don’t miss the muhammara and halloumi! And, be sure to discover the tiny speakeasy in the back, appropriately named, Back Door.

After the show, check out the official Sundance Lounge at Copper Common. Grab a cocktail and enjoy live entertainment that starts at 8 and 10 pm every night. A roster of local’s favorites include Michelle Moonshine, Sara Degraw, and Nate Spenser. 

Need a late night nosh and not afraid to mingle with SLC’s late night denizens? Kitty-corner from Broadway is Pie Hole with cheap (and good) pizza-by-the-slice, canned beer, and oodles of personality.  

ROSE WAGNER

The Rose is one of our favorite performing arts spaces in the heart of downtown. Here, you’re in the middle of steak city. Spencer’s For Steaks and Chops inside the Hilton is your classic carnivores castle with voluptuous red booths and mahogany lined walls. Nearby is Ruth’s Chris, but the closest to the theater is locally-owned Christopher’s Prime. Enjoy the filet mignon and amp it up with the bourbon peppercorn sauce. 

Have less time and excited for that bio pic on Michael J. Fox or the doc on Stephen Curry? Head right across the street to the local institution known as Squatter’s; sit at the miles-long bar for friendly and quick service. In January, you can’t go wrong with a Full Suspension Pale Ale and bowl of Buffalo Chili topped with cheddar cheese. 

The Rose is in a great location for after-show cocktails and conversation–especially at Post Office Place on Market Street. They specialize in Japanese Whiskys, but have a full bar. Soak up the martinis with a katsu (fried chicken) slider!

MEGAPLEX AT THE GATEWAY

Ready to Sundance in style? Vibrating and reclining electric loungers await festival goers at the newest host venue. Not sure Redford would have ever imagined this 42 years ago! Luxuriate at the brand new Italian Graffiti, seconds from the theater. An ode to Rome, a bacchanal to Bologna, Italian Graffiti is the best the country has to offer in a lavishly modern setting. 

Not in the mood for a meal fit for the Gods? Try Maxwell’s Little Bar, a half block east of The Gateway. It is another new Italian restaurant that lives up to its name–a postage stamp space whipping out moon-sized pizzas and meatballs the diameter of your fist–if your fist is the size of John Goodman.

While at The Gateway, don’t miss the second Sundance Lounge, directly beneath the theater at HallPass. No Sundance credentials are required for the daily acts at 7 pm and 9 pm. Plus, the elevated food hall offers a half dozen eateries and a bar–don’t miss the lobster roll at Colossal Lobster or the bao bun at Graffiti Bao!

Not everyone celebrates New Year's Eve the same way. So, we've got the definitive guide for ringing in 2023 in Downtown--your way. 

LAST HURRAH
Yours Truly, the Downtown Alliance and The Blocks join The Gateway to ring in the New Year in grand fashion! Dress warm and enjoy free, live music from several stages, buskers, popup bars and Utah’s biggest New Year’s firework show. 8-midnight.

THE DEPOT
A rowdy band of self-described ski bums and hippies brought together by a love of snow have been spreading the gospel of whiskey and chickens in the shadows of the Wasatch Mountains. Pixie & The Partygrass Boys headline The Depot with opener Stillhouse Junkies. Doors open at 7pm.

THE LEONARDO
Say goodbye to 2022 at The Leonardo! The Now or Never New Year’s Party promises that you’ll dance the night away and enjoy music and activities with a champagne toast at midnight.

ECCLES THEATER
Why, you might ask, would comedian Bill Engvall, who has toured with the likes of Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy and been telling jokes for more than 40 years, perform his VERY last show at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City? Well, the Texas native quietly made Park City his home two decades ago after falling in love with Utah and he wanted to officially retire in his adopted home. Tickets going fast!

CLARK PLANETARIUM
Family Friendly Fun ensues at Clark Planetarium at The Gateway 12-4pm. A STEAM challenge includes a ‘make your own disco ball,’ and a ‘light up the night with LED fireworks.’ This event will take your kids to the stars and back!

MARRIOTT CITY CREEK
Thirteen years later, The NYE Masquerade Ball at the City Creek Marriott is bigger than ever. Find or make a mask, slip into some cocktail attire, and get ready for great food, DJs, and dancing!

GALLIVAN CENTER
Want something a little more quiet? Wander into the Gallivan Center for ice skating and participate in GLOW, a free interactive sculpture garden. Ice skating is just $12.

ON THE STREET--NOVEMBER

Every few weeks, when we publish an On The Street column, we think, ”Well, that is it. Won’t need to do that for a while.” Yet here we are with a slew of new, exciting F+B concepts in the downtown pipeline.

But first, a moment of silence for the blue cheese and house-made potato chips at Hotel Monaco. Twenty-three years ago you came into our lives and delighted us every time we visited Bambara.  Alas, Chef Patrick LeBeau has reinvigorated the menu with some great fall flavors like scallops ala plancia, quinoa, pomegranate, and mint yogurt. We’ll see you soon Chef!

HOT BUNS! Let’s try to keep this professional, Ok?  Ryan Lowder opens HOT BUNS! on Edison Street–steamed bao buns sold from a walk-up window. Remember Plum Alley–Ryan’s inventive Asian eatery–named one of the top new restaurants by Bon Appétit? We hope that some of our favs from that menu return, certainly the steamy pork bun and illegally rich juicy pork bellies are shoe-in’s… right Ryan? The sign is up, but look for an early spring opening.

Washington State-based Ascend Hospitality knows their way around steak and sushi, so we’ve got our chopsticks and steak knives ready for a VIP reception for Aqua Terra at City Creek Center. They will continue to pay homage to the Pacific Northwest with the freshest fish and aged steaks.

At The Gateway, Chef Marrone’s highly-anticipated Italian Graffitti had a very successful opening on Friday. The space is gorgeous, modern and Chef has publicly stated he wants to be the best Italian restaurant in Utah. Word is they’re already scouting locations in Vegas. 

Lehi-based Wags Cap Foods, owner of 30 restaurants across the country, has HUGE expansion plans for The Gateway’s shuttered Medici space. Electric Fish will be a new sushi/nightclub restaurant, we’re imagining something akin to Vegas’ TAO or Sushisamba. The presser promises a high-end experiential concept unlike anything else in Utah with private poker rooms, card trading, even a candy shop and cryptocurrency ATM. 

With two locations on the west side of the valley, The Break Sports Grill plans to open in the Hyatt House, across from Vivint and the new West Quarter. From chicken tenders to poke bowls, this will be a great place for a group that can’t decide how to please everyone. 

The Local, the food hall on 400 South at 300 East plans to open early January. We’ve been looking forward to this space for over a year and are eagerly anticipating Chef Akhtar Nawab’s culinary collection of offerings over 7,500 sq ft on the ground floor of the Avia.

We like to break ‘scoops’ and fans-of-the-column know our eternal longing for ice cream, so we were surprised when Rockwell Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. stealthily opened on Regent Street. Now, as a regular, we can direct you to Salted Caramel, S’Mores, and Snicker Doodle as our favs.

The Bagel Project’s Bagel and Greens didn’t last long enough in the US Bank Building on 200 South and Main Street. It's a beautiful, sun-filled space, so we are glad that another local favorite is about to move it. Señor Pollo, a small fast food chain that specializes in Sinoloan-style chicken–imagine, drink in hand, being on a beach in Mexico and the smell of juicy marinated chicken being laid on a charcoal grill… It is coming soon to downtown Salt Lake.

If you’ve made it this far, here is a teaser to whet your thirst… imagine an authentic tiki lounge with interactive animatronic cartoon figurines. The concept, coming downtown, makes our imagination ping pong between Walt Disney and Hunter S. Thompson. More to come!

During the last two and a half years, the metamorphic effect of administrators and white collar workers changing into sweats and pajamas wearers had a devastating impact on downtown restaurants–especially their lunch business. However, as the community of 20,000 commuters begin to flow back downtown, restaurants are boldly betting on the decadent business lunch. 

We’re reminded that it is illegal to not take lunch in France–a languorous 90-minute lunch, in fact! So, whether you’re Ladies who Lunch, or looking for a Two Martini Lunch, here are our favorite downtown places to eat–no, enjoy–lunch with a fork and knife.

The newest restaurant goes first: Franklin Ave on Edison Street has wonderful sandwiches, but we said decadent, so flip the menu page and get the duck ragu or the black cod with miso-soy dashi broth–it might be the best fish we’ve ever eaten, period. 

A year ago, Scott Evans opened the cosmopolitan Pago on Main that gambled on lunch and hit the jackpot.  In the open kitchen, chefs meticulously tweeze the strawberry and beet salad and fire the burners for the flavorful crab cakes–you’ll feel pretty, pretty urban.

It was Ryan Lowder’s announcement that Copper Onion would resume lunch service just last week that was the impetus for this article. We simply cannot get enough of those ricotta dumplings, but the star on the menu–humbly–is the Rainbow Trout. The perfectly pan-seared skin envelops a delicate, flaky fish with a dollop of greek yogurt over curried lentils.  

Ivy & Varley courageously opened during a bleak time for downtown. Luckily, they never hit a road bump–in fact, late at night they get bumpin’. (Did we just age ourselves?) We’re not sure how much longer the patio will be open for lunch, but it is a delightful space to spend a Friday afternoon over a bowl of cheesy grits and shrimp–and maybe two martinis. 

Have an expense account? Bring clients along and feel like Caesar at Spencer’s inside the Hilton or The Capital Grill at City Creek Center. The dark wood, the cushy seats, the bespoke service, the Wagyu beef. Secrets spill easily in haunts like these. 

Consistently rated one of the best restaurants in Salt Lake–maybe Utah–is Takashi. Yes, Takashi is open for lunch, and we selfishly fear broadcasting this since getting a table at night means quite a wait. Don’t judge us for eyeing the Tanka, basically a spicy California roll, or devouring the grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce… you won’t find them made better anywhere else.

And, when talking about fine dining downtown, in-particular, an over-the-top lunch, let’s not forget The Oyster Bar. Step into a sophisticated seaside clubhouse 700 miles from the ocean and snack on Seafood Louie before tucking into the famous clam chowder served with hot sourdough. 

We just realized there is a lot of seafood on this list–way to go Salt Lake! One more: Current Fish and Oyster. We love this light-filled room at lunch, and if a $30 seafood cobb doesn’t say decadent, what does? Maybe the Fish Stew? With prawns, mussels, Thai basil peanuts, and bonito flakes in a serrano pistou coconut lemongrass broth… Oomph.

Let me remind everyone that our opinions are our own. Admittedly, this isn’t a comprehensive list, but the clock is getting close to noon, so feel free to add your favorites. We’re going to seize the day with a lunch filled with joie de vivre.

“Our city has lost a friend. For more than twenty years, Valter Nassi has been a pillar of Downtown Salt Lake City and helped create the culinary scene that exists today. When visiting Valter’s Osteria, guests are transported to another world, a place where you feel loved and cared for, a place that feels like home," said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber and Downtown Alliance.

“People from all over the globe know Utah because they know Valter. They know his name, his exuberance, and his love of life. These qualities are greatly needed at this time. His legacy will be remembered for years to come, and his life serves as a model for all to follow.”

In 2018, Nassi was awarded the New American Dream Award by the Salt Lake Chamber, which honored “new pioneers” and the positive impact of immigrants and how they have helped shape Utah’s history since the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley as refugees in 1847. 

In 2013, Nassi was recognized with a Downtown Achievement Award by the Downtown Alliance for his role in elevating the culinary scene and helping to create a more dynamic and diverse community that is the regional center for culture, commerce and entertainment.

Valter Nassi died Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

Banner Design & Production Companies

Alpha Graphics
www.alphagraphics.com
117 West 900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801-364-8451

Presto Print
www.prestoprint.espwebsite.com
3855 South 500 West, Unit J
South Salt Lake, Utah 84115
801-355-6131

Renaissance Signs
www.renaissance-signs.com
423 West 800 South, Suite A111
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801-518-9763

SLC Print
www.slcprint.com
725 South 300 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801-755-5759

Vision Graphics
www.visiondoesit.com
2525 South 900 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84119
801-973-8929

Zion Printing
www.zionprinting.com
450 South 300 W
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801-532-3070

Zip Graphic
www.zipgraphic.com
515 West Pickett Circle, Suite 200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
801-887-8000

Downtown Salt Lake CityBanner Advertising Policies and Guidelines

Downtown Alliance is dedicated to building a dynamic and diverse community that is the regional center for culture, commerce and entertainment. Downtown Alliance manages the rental, installation, and content of the banners displayed on the light poles along the streets of the Salt Lake City Central Business Improvement District.

Eligible Participants

Local non-profit organizations, city and county governments or the State of Utah will have priorities and first picks. Organizations, subject matter and banner content must be approved by Downtown Alliance at least 60 days before the anticipated promotional schedule. Exceptions may be made to the policy concerning eligible participants and subject matter by Downtown Alliance for events and activities of major civic importance.

Available Space

Banner posts located on both sides of West Temple from South Temple to 200 South and State Street from South Temple to 400 South are designated for eight foot banners. All other banner poles in the central business district hold six foot banners. The maximum number of locations is limited by the space available. Space can be reserved up to one year in advance.

Cost

The cost to install, remove and maintain the banners is $25.00 per banner per month with a minimum of one month rental. Early removal fee is $10.00 per banner if run time is less than a full month.

Cost of designing, producing, and repairing the banners is the responsibility of the event/organization.

Payment

Payment is due upon approval of reservation. Any date extensions made following initial reservation will be invoiced separately. 

Pick-up/Delivery

Participants are asked to have banners printed and ready for pickup at least one week before the display schedule. 

A fee of $150 for up to 100 banners will be invoiced for pick-up and delivery within the Salt Lake Valley. Anything beyond 100 banners will be an additional fee. Pick-up/delivery outside the Salt Lake Valley will not be picked up by Eric Crowther and be the responsibility of the organization/participant. 

In consideration of other reservations, we will not guarantee that banners will be hung on time if they are not printed and ready for pick-up on time. Contact Eric Crowther at 801-349-0660 for scheduling.

Storage Fee

Storage arrangements can be made on a case by case basis. If storage is needed, a rental fee of $5 per banner/per month will be invoiced.  

Sponsorship/Underwriter Acknowledgements & Standards

Promotional banners may carry a sponsor’s logo and positioning statement. The sponsor logo and positioning statement is limited to the bottom 20 percent of the banner. Sponsor information that exceeds 6 inches across the bottom of the banner will be refused.

Banner Standards

Materials for banners include vinyl, photo/mechanical/digital printing, or screen-print. Banners must be constructed of a material that can withstand the forces of nature for the period of time they are to be displayed. Torn or damaged banners will not be hung. Downtown Alliance strongly encourages scalloped banners to withstand strong winds or to prevent loss or damage. 

Banners on State Street and West Temple are to have an overall length of 96 inches and width of 22.5 inches. There is to be a 3 inch sleeve at the top of the banner to slide over the bracket. The bottom is to have a 1.5 inch hem while the sides are to have a minimum hem of .5 inches. The graphic area is not to exceed 21 inches by 87.5 inches. There must be three grommets on the inside hem of each banner for proper attachment to the poles, they should be ½” away from the edge of the banner; for placement refer to the Downtown Alliance website for banner specifications. The inside diameter of the grommets should be 3/8” (#2) or 7/16” (#3).

Banners for placement in all other locations are to have an overall length of 72 inches and width of 22.5 inches. There is to be a 3 inch sleeve at the top of the banner to slide over the bracket. The bottom is to have a 1.5 inch hem while the sides are to have a minimum hem of .5 inches. The graphic area is not to exceed 21 inches by 66 inches. There must be three grommets on the inside hem of each banner for proper attachment to the poles; for placement refer to the Downtown Alliance website. The inside diameter of the grommets should be 3/8” (#2) or 7/16” (#3).

A list of banner production companies is available upon request. Downtown Alliance does not endorse any particular service provider.

Maintenance and Liability

Downtown Alliance or its subcontractors are not responsible for damage to the banners while they are being installed, displayed or retrieved, and stored. Damaged or dirty banners will not be displayed. The cleaning of banners is the responsibility of the leasing organization. The installation contractor will repair banners if needed while they are installed. All costs for banner repairs are the responsibility of the lessee. The installation contractor will hold banners for pick-up for one week following the final date of the display contract. After that time a storage charge of $5.00 per banner per month will be imposed. Nonpayment for the storage fee will result in disposal of the banners.