Sundancing

Every year, we, as in my family, venture to Mormon country on Martin Luther King weekend to do some warm Winter skiing and check out the latest films at Sundance. Last year, after a few phone calls we finally acquired a much anticipated reservation at Robert Redford's restaurant Zoom, only to discover how absolutely terrible the food was. His restaurant is the ultimate tourist trap. Seriously, beware!

This year I did some actual research and finally tried two great spots. Unless you are part of Hollywood's elite and very well connected, getting a reservation on the first Saturday night of the festival, or any evening time during the first weekend, which is always Martin Luther weekend, is absolutely impossible and sometimes hopeless. Finding a restaurant of quality and of open reservations are EXTREMELY few and far between. 

This year, with some research and preparation, there was success at last. 

Grappa

Located on Main Street

The only dinner option was the Pre Fixe. A product of Sundance week and milking Hollywood and film diners for all their worth. This of course is not noted on their website or mentioned upon seating. It is only once the menu is opened, a scarcity of dollar signs, does one realize the menu may, just so happen to be a pre fixe. 

Regardless of this fast one, I was SHOCKED by how good the food was. Remember, last year we ate in three or four restaurants (maybe more) and each was less exciting than the next, to say the very least. I have memories of oily and flavorless food. Uch. 

This explains why we were so surprised to find something on an acceptably good level, maybe, even one notch up from that! It was a quality meal with well cooked snapper, and a light Caesar salad. The food was in no way spectacular but overall I would recommend Grappa for a Park City visitor hoping for tasty food and a cozy and upscale Italian atmosphere. Skip the dessert, we tried three of the five and they all stunk.

Bread for the Table, Flat Bread with Artichokes & Olives, Warmed Olives 

Caesar Salad

Spumoni Ice Cream Dessert, Cheesecake & Tirimasu
The dessert looks a lot better than it tasted.

Glitretind at The Stein Erikson Lodge on Deer Valley Mountain

This restaurant is the answer to lunch's fine dining during a full day of skiing. This is no lodge cafeteria. It is an actual restaurant with both in and outdoor seating on the Deer Valley mountain. Ski up to the lodge, drop the skis (no boards on Deer Valley), take of the head gear and helmet and one is seated for an absolutely spectacular lunch with a beautiful view of the Deer Valley mountains. Glitretind offers either a buffet option (think, upscale carpeted dinning room buffet) or the option to order from the menu. Both options are recommended. For $30 a head it's an all you can eat buffet of food, fruit and dessert. Think gourmet buffet. It's the furthest from trashy, fried food and more like a catered wedding buffet with both pasta and carving stations along with cheese plates, fish, salads and veggies. If you're a dessert person then definitely go with the  buffet option which offers a full spread of pies, cakes, bread pudding, candy, cookies and cupcakes. I sampled it ALL, including the mini creme brûlées and ate my dessert before my meal so that I wouldn't have to worry about "saving space for dessert." The actual menu, if one chooses not to go with the buffet option, has a fabulous selection of sandwiches, salads and entrees that are just as good as ordering from the buffet. 

The thin and crunchy french fries and the sunny and luxurious outdoor seating were probably my highlights (along with the all you can eat dessert). Although the seared sushi grade tuna sandwich was extremely good although it was surprising that the only bread option was white.

French Fries & Seared Sushi Grade Tuna Sandwich

Unbelievable, no?
Mid-mountain lunch + Sun + French Fries, what could be better?

Let's just say, this sure beats the chilli and sandwiches in the lodge and food stops on the mountain! 

If you're in Park City and skiing, do not neglect this option. I'd ski Deer Valley any day just for this. Not that skiing Deer Valley would ever be some sort of chore or anything ;). 

Glitretind serves brunch and dinner as well. 

Some Tips: 

*During Sundance, or any off peak time, lunch time reservations are not necessary. 

*Also, the restaurant is NOT located on the Deer Valley ski map. 

But ask anyone employed by Deer Valley on the mountain and they'll know exactly where to direct you.

For more info:

http://www.steinlodge.com/dining/glitretind

J & G Grill at The St. Regis in Deer Valley

(Jean George Restaurant)

My parents ate here and said it was absolutely divine.

I cannot attest to the recommendation but would trust their taste (and Jean George's) any day.