Life Elevated
From its signature gin to its premium spirits, the accolades keep pouring in for Park City’s Alpine Distilling.
By Alex Springer
S AP
BOX
Americans Don’t Get Trump
Americans think President Donald Trump pulled the plug on a bipartisan affordable housing bill because he wants to use that bill as leverage to get Congress to pass his voter suppression legislation. Certainly, that was a part of his reasoning, but only a small part.
The bigger part is that Trump wants to make clear that Congress no longer enacts legislation independently of his wishes. He said, “I know housing better than anybody, maybe anywhere.”
That is why Trump killed the bipartisan
Congressional border bill even before he took office. He wanted to send a message, even then, that Congress is subservient to the majesty of Donald J. Trump. Only the President knows what is best for the country, like what immigration and deportation policy should be!
KIMBALL SHINKOSKEY Woods Cross
“Ballerina Farms, Apocalypse Now!”
June 25 Opinion
I live in Midway. It’s all the stores, not just hers. It’s like Swiss Days every single weekend, and Dainty Pear gets more visitors than the Ballerina.
DANA GRAHAM Via Facebook
I live in Midway. It is not a [traffic] apocalypse.
DANIELLE SNIDER HAROLDSEN Via Facebook
What’s a “tradwife”? Asking for the kids …
PATRICK SAUCIER Via Facebook
It’s not that bad. I’ve been a few times.
LINDA SMALIGO Via Facebook
I remember Swiss Days from the ‘80s, when everything had to be hand made— not jewelry ordered from China. Swiss Days is a nightmare now. Heber Valley does not have enough infrastructure to support all this traffic from rich people who want the country life while ruining this beautiful area with their dream.
JANET NORDGRAN CONDE Via Facebook
City Weekly founder John Saltas receives AAN Lifetime Achievement Award Congratulations John Saltas! Four decades in the making, and well deserved!
MATEO COLETTI Via Facebook
Wow! People outside of Utah realize you’re amazing too! Congratulations.
TERRI LEDDING Via Facebook
That is just excellent John. The work that you and your staff have done to give the Salt Lake (and beyond) progressive psyche a place to connect is unparalleled. Congratulations.
SAM MILLWARD Via Facebook
Kudos, John! You’ve been our fearless leader through thick and thin. Dedicated to truth, accuracy, consistency and … the readers! Always concerned about the needs of the staff. So pleased you’re getting big props from AAN.
JERRE WROBLE Via Facebook
One hundred percent deserved and thanks for your relentless courage and dedication to the truth.
SASHARED26 Via Instagram
Care to sound off on a feature in our pages or about a local concern? Write to comments@ cityweekly.net or post your thoughts on our social media. We want to hear from you!
THE WATER COOLER
What is something you’re feeling really passionate about right now
Paula Saltas
In search of the best espresso ice cream. My head says go to the gym, but my heart says eat ice cream cuz I could be dead tomorrow.
Zach Abend
The entire land of enchantment.
Gavin Dahl
Knowing my neighbors, no matter how busy my life is or how little I’m home.
Katharine Biele
I am at the convention of the League of Women Voters. We just approved a position calling for immigrant rights— treatment with respect and dignity.
Bryan Bale
Pi (the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter) has been one of my favorite numbers since I went to college and got my first scientific calculator. I had it memorized to 10 digits. Recently, however, another number has moved up near the top of my list: 8,647. I’ve also had Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution on my mind for some reason.
Benjamin Wood
The proper function and role of cities. For most of the last 100 years we’ve done literally everything wrong.
PRIVATE EYE
BY JOHN SALTAS
Fourth of Whatever
I’ve lived through many Fourth of July celebrations— enough that if I keep going, I’ll one day hit the “four score and seven years” marker with which Abraham Lincoln opened his Gettysburg Address. Some years are memorable, some are not.
Some I can reference as if the celebration were yesterday. Some, like that of just two years ago, I struggle to recall. Some I want to forget.
My first Fourth memory is of the fireworks display in the lower Bingham Canyon section of Frogtown. Near the lower portal of the 5840 tunnel that was used to transit waste from the open-pit copper mine over a mile away, Bingham pyrotechnics set off what to this little kid seemed like the end of the world inside that narrow canyon. I remember them being bright and very loud, and very scary to a 1950s child with fresh memories of watching Invaders from Mars
That memory causes severe nostalgia for the many reunions of Bingham Canyon residents on the Fourth of July at Copperton Park. I’d tell you about them now, but what’s the use of crying?
Instead, I’d rather recall watching the explosions at West Jordan Park, when it was still on the edge of farm country. We’d find a very knobby piece of grass and throw our blankets down—ciggies and beers, boys and girls, rockers and rollers; bellbottoms, tie-dye and wannabe rodeo cowboys.
I now live near Murray Park, with the firework shows watchable from my home. They’re good and noisy and flashy, but equally known for scaring the shit out of the high population of area pets, plus being downright ag-
gressive toward the nearby neighbors of mine who— thanks to them serving in foreign wars in order for us to freely set off said fireworks—basically flee the area, lest those fireworks ignite another uncomfortable round of PTSD.
I was lucky enough in 1981 to watch the fireworks celebration in Chicago. Set off over Lake Michigan, with the nearest dry grass 347 miles away, it was quite the show. Thousands and thousands of us sat in awe, with many tuned into the synchronized broadcast of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture over some local AM radio gizmo. Amazing, simply amazing.
And yes, let me go on record as saying the Chicago shows are a tad more spectacular than anything I’ve ever seen in these parts, including those at old Derks Field and Liberty Park. Hard to believe, but true.
Among my favorite Fourths were those spent in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, when the whole lot of us—Jeff Tibolla, Henry Trujillo, Jan Kendrick, Danny Dalton, Billy Sato, Henry Sato, Junior Montoya, Mike Velarde, Robert Vigil and all the rest of us ne’er-do-wells—would head north for a hot springs bath, a swim in the fantastic pool and non-stop underage drinking.
It was another era, for sure, one in which you were barely old enough to drive, yet the parentals waved goodbye knowing full well the danger, but still said “have fun, see you when you get back. Don’t do anything stupid.”
Yeah right, mom. Start with the winding route that predated I-15, it’s 1:00 a.m. and the driver is slurring the words to the latest Doobie Brothers or Santana hit. His wingman was always passed out, but we still went forth into the night, only to behold the hillside above Lava that seemed to catch fire each year during the fireworks show. Simpler times.
I spent a special Fourth on the island of Naxos in the Aegean Sea in 2005. It was just another day on the calendar in Greece, but for me and the Brit who was sitting next to me sipping ouzo at the seaside, it was a special experience. Added to our common tie of one side celebrat-
ing independence and the other acknowledging the defeat of empirical tyranny was that we were both pretending to be unaware that our countries were then engaged in war in Afghanistan.
A few days later we would drink again, this time more reserved because, back in his native London on July 7, terrorists had exploded homemade bombs inside the subway, killing 52 of his fellow Brits. He was morose and quiet, his ouzo cloudy in a glass of ice and water.
All things considered, a Fourth of July without fireworks and apple pies, but with a clear reminder that evil lurks in the minds of man, an occasion which created a special nuance of what it means to be grateful without being prodded into it. Nor measured.
But, ahh, 1976. Now that was a memorable Fourth. It was the year 200 of our fragile experiment in democracy, this crazy attempt at giving all citizens a chance to vote, to become educated, to earn, to engage and to otherwise set their course and express individual freedoms while traversing the highway of shared expectations, values and commitment.
In that year we had two Olympic games. At Innsbruck, Austria, during the Winter Games, Franz Klammer won the world over with his legendary downhill ski run while, at the same time, 19-year-old Dorothy Hamill captured America’s heart as gold medalist in ice skating. Later at the Summer Games in Montreal, Canada, Sugar Ray Leonard jabbed his fierce fists to gold in boxing while Caitlyn (née Bruce) Jenner won heroic gold in decathlon.
Little did we know that, 50 years hence, we might be on the cusp of losing it all. Jenner’s life changed, with her transformation becoming a metaphor for America itself. We’ve all changed, some to scorn, some to unworthy praise, some to less freedom, not more, and some to gilded insecurity.
The Fourth is but a few days away. It doesn’t feel right, though. It feels cheap, stolen. No fireworks, indeed. CW
Send comments to john@cityweekly.net
HITS & MISSES
BY KATHARINE BIELE
MISS: Smoke and Mirrors
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It is never enough that people can’t breathe, people get sick, people lose their homes or—worst yet—people die. Conservative lawmakers are convinced that the wildfires decimating the west are just weather; wait a while and all will change. To underscore that conviction, Gov. Spencer Cox has “temporarily” issued a fireworks ban until after July 4, even while he praised fire crews for “several miraculous stops and saves.” Did we mention that three federal firefighters have recently died during the infernos? You might think the fireworks ban is a common-sense move, but not Kai Schwemmer, the young right-wing political influencer tasked with Utah County’s voter engagement. To Schwemmer, the governor’s actions are “the kind of thing a cartoonish parody of a Democrat governor would do,” he said on X. Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment aren’t playing it safe. They know who to blame—“the people who for 30 years voted for politicians that ignored the climate crisis.”
HIT: Town Squares
As long as we’re talking about X-Twitter, you may as well reconnect. The site can be a massive source of comic relief, so you shouldn’t just leave it to the wacko far-right. Utah’s Sen. Mike Lee is still spouting his doomsday nonsense about how America will be gone without “faith in God” and how God isn’t gender nonbinary. Oh, and he thinks Joe McCarthy was right. Lara Trump wanted to know the one thing people think Trump will be remembered for—and the comments were priceless. Of course, all the Republicans are demanding Congress pass the SAVE Act, which does anything but save voting rights. Lee Greenwood released a new version of “God Bless the USA.” And, of course, Rep. Burgess Owens is so happy that Trump has passed some kind of “Federal School Choice”— vouchers—because it’s apparently OK if some students get left out of quality education. Many of our Utah legislators post daily, too. And if you read closely, so many non-GOP folks are filled with communist ideology and sympathy for Soviet politicians.
MISS: Women’s Work
Four years ago on June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court made right-to-lifers very happy and devastated perhaps a majority of women around the country. The 50-year-old decision in Roe v. Wade bit the dust as Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization raised its self-righteous head. So, in celebrating the win, the Utah Eagle Forum sent out an email encouraging members to take vengeance on one state Supreme Court justice—a woman, of course— who is up for retention in November. Being great lawyers, of course, the Eagle Forum is sure the justices didn’t understand the constitution when they allowed a state injunction to stay in place. The case, still pending, would just hold off the Legislature’s abortion trigger law. But these days, when you don’t like a court’s ruling, you must believe it was wrong. CW
Breaking Bread
Utahns will join people across all 50 states and Puerto Rico for America’s Potluck on July 5, 2026, a single-day gathering built around shared meals to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Organizers say the event taps into one of the country’s oldest habits—coming together around food—and turns it into a coast-tocoast moment of connection.
Utah is helping lead the national effort through America250 Utah, a commission appointed by Gov. Spencer Cox. The commission is working alongside states, territories and more than 70 national partners to coordinate gatherings across the country.
Closer to home, communities throughout Utah are already mapping out where they will meet. Plans range from large gatherings in parks and town squares to smaller get-togethers in backyards and along neighborhood streets. Local leaders have embraced the day as a chance to strengthen ties among residents. And some cities, like Millcreek, have waived the permit fees associated with closing a street to vehicle traffic.
“This is about creating a shared moment across the country, starting in our own neighborhoods,” said Nicole Handy, executive director of America250 Utah.
Participating takes little planning. Utahns can host their own potluck, join a nearby event or visit AmericasPotluck.org for help. The site includes an interactive map, planning tools, conversation starters and decorations to get people going. Television personality Jennifer Burns recently hosted a preview event to inspire attendees to get involved and spread the word. Local grocer Lee’s Marketplace, with executive chef John Spencer at the helm, put out a spread of ideas to prompt the question, “What will you bring?”
“When it comes to gathering together, food makes a big difference,” said Jonathan Badger, president and CEO of Lee’s Marketplace. “It can break down barriers and help us to see people in a different way and strengthen our relationships.”
America250 Utah says the commemoration is meant to honor a turning point in American history while also reflecting Utah’s own heritage. The commission oversees six statewide initiatives connected to the anniversary and aimed at educating, engaging and uniting communities.
“I think in this moment in our country, there is nothing more important than all of us putting down all the hard things we are carrying, coming together, sharing a beautiful meal and talking to someone who may have a different story than you do or a neighbor you haven’t met,” said Abby Cox, Utah’s first lady. “We should take a breath and remember that we are all Americans, no matter what you believe politically or otherwise. It is about sharing our humanity together.”
More information is available at America250.utah.gov and details about the July 5 gatherings can be found at AmericasPotluck.org. CW
| @kathybiele
BY AIMEE L. COOK
City Weekly’s Best Of Utah
It’s already cool to gather with like-minded people who enjoy the same music you do, but it’s even more fun when it’s hosted on a small porch. Helped along by the Utah Arts Alliance, quality local acts come to play and hang out with a small, intimate group of folks ready to chill. There are often potlucks and snacks, too, so it’s really not something you can go wrong with.
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERTS
HEART & SOUL MUSIC STROLL
KRCL'S DAY IN THE PARK
MILLCREEK SUMMER JAM CONCERT SERIES
MOUNTAIN WEST CIDER'S THE GARTEN SHOWS
STAY TUNED FOR THE 2026 BEST OF UTAH BALLOT THIS AUGUST!
Each week, City Weekly will publish, email to our Best of Utah list and post on our socials an expanded version of our beloved Best of Utah issue. With over 400 categories to choose from, we selected our favorites to post from now til the Best of Utah issue in November. Remember, always support local!
Syfy … In Space!
The Syfy channel doesn’t go to space much anymore, but it has a rich streaming history beyond the solar system.
BY BILL FROST comments@cityweekly.net
Idon’t think it’s too much to ask of a scifi cable channel to feature a few spacebased TV series—even if it’s spelled Syfy (hated the rebrand in 2009, still hate it now). The former Sci-Fi Channel only has one—one!—original show these days, but at least it’s set amongst the stars. Here are a few of the best previous space-set Syfy series to stream from years past to fill that endless black void.
The Ark (2023–present; Syfy): The Ark has proven more resilient than the galaxy-traversing colony ship it’s named after (Season 3 premieres July 29). The crew of Ark One was in deep freeze when their spacecraft took on damage, killing everyone except a manageable core cast before they could find a new, livable planet. The writing and acting can be as drab as the show’s grey-on-grey-on-grey set design, but The Ark is Syfy’s only space drama these days. Which means I’ll keep watching and waiting for showrunner Dean Devlin to inject some Geostorm crazy into the proceedings.
Vagrant Queen (2020; Pluto TV, Tubi): Vagrant Queen, based on the Vault Comics series, had the inverse problem of The Ark: It was too wild, woolly and colorful for the just-locked-down audiences of Pandemic 2020. Outlaw space scavenger Elida (Adri-
yan Rae) would rather forget that she’s descended from royalty, but she can’t pass up the chance to rescue her long-lost mother from the bastards who’ve captured her kingdom. Vagrant Queen has all the subtlety of the Guardians of the Galaxy dosed at a rave, making for a frenetic 10-episode ride.
The Expanse (2015–2022; Prime Video):
The Expanse was apparently too sci-fi for the Syfy channel, which canceled it after three seasons, leading Prime Video to pick it up for three more. Even after humanity has colonized the entire solar system (a.k.a. the Expanse), class struggles and cold war tensions still prevail—the civil, utopian future of Star Trek, this ain’t. The Expanse has been likened to “Game of Thrones in space,” and the dense plotting and gorgeous visuals back it up, but it’s also kinda like The Wire: Your sci-fi nerd friends have probably already hounded you to watch it.
Dark Matter (2015–2017; The CW): When a sextet of ridiculously good-looking rogues awakens on a spaceship with no memory of who or where they are, they have to figure out why everyone in the galaxy is out to kill them—fast. Soon, they learn they each have their own A-Team skills (fighter, hacker, thinker, and so on) and that they’ll have to work together to survive. At least it’s easier to follow than Apple TV’s same-titled Dark Matter, and this three-season Canadian production is dumb-serious fun in line with the old syndicated adventures of TV past.
Killjoys (2015–2019; Prime Video): Killjoys, another Canuck series that launched alongside Dark Matter in 2015, follows a trio of bounty hunters (led by Hannah John-Kamen, before she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost) who work in a four-planet-and-moon system called
The Quad. There’s an easy Firefly vibe to Killjoys, from the rustbucket spacecraft to the fast and funny dialogue, but there’s also plenty of fight-or-flight action and shoot-’em-ups driving its five-season run. If only Syfy could scrape together the money to make a Killjoys Meet the Vagrant Queen movie.
Caprica (2010; Peacock, Paramount+): Faced with the impossible task of following up Battlestar Galactica, Ronald D. Moore and Remi Aubuchon came up with Caprica, a prequel series set 58 years before BSG. In the Caprica planet-bound technocracy that’s gone all-in on virtual reality and robotics (feel free to yell at the screen as they assemble the first Cylons), an industry mogul’s teen daughter (Alessandra Torresani) is murdered, but her digital clone lives on in a hedonistic virtual underworld. The technological morality lessons are laid on a bit thick, but Caprica still feels ahead of its time.
Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009; Peacock, Paramount+): Now that the Battlestar Galactica saga has recently begun stream-
A&E
ing on Paramount+—which has double the subscriber base of its other home, Peacock—maybe it’ll catch on with the Yellowstone crowd. After all, BSG has fraught familial dynamics, working-class grunts who live to fight and blow off steam, and an unpredictable blonde bombshell who’d just as soon kill you as negotiate (humanoid Cylon Six as a precursor to Beth Dutton). Believe all the hype about Battlestar Galactica: It still holds up today.
Stargate Universe (2009–2011; Peacock, Pluto TV): After the relatively lightweight Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis series, Syfy went dark and serious with Stargate Universe. The timing suggests SGU was a pre-Caprica attempt at another Battlestar Galactica, and the potential was there—for just two seasons. Instead of carefree jumping to hospitable worlds via a Stargate, this crew (which includes Robert Carlyle and Ming-Na Wen) finds themselves adrift in deep space with dwindling food and water supplies—yikes. Stargate Universe may be bleak, but it has better Lost In Space game than The Ark. CW
theESSENTIALS ENTERTAINMENT PICKS, JULY 2-8,
Independence Day events
Hell’s Kitchen @ Eccles Theatre
July 4th festivities at the Gateway
If you’re in the mood to celebrate America 250—not Freedom 250, let’s be clear— there are plenty of places to do it. From one end of the Salt Lake Valley to the other, and beyond, here’s a roundup of many of the big Independence Day gatherings.
The Gateway (400 W. 200 South) again serves as the venue for one of the main 4th of July parties in SLC proper. On Saturday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., head to the Olympic Plaza at the north end of the mall for an evening of food, games, live music from Lane Changers, DJ beats from DJ Bangarang, buskers and a fireworks show to close out the evening. The event is free and open to the public. Coolers, outside food and drink and other restrictions are in place; visit atthegateway.com for additional information.
At This Is the Place Heritage Park (2601 E. Sunnyside Ave.), “Liberty Day” features a flag ceremony and special presentation by the Sons of the American Revolution. Guests can enjoy the traditional watermelon-eating contest and a “candy cannon” firing. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with all activities included in regular admission. Visit thisistheplace.org for additional details.
One of the biggest annual celebrations in Utah takes place at Sandy City Hall (172 W. 1000 South, Sandy), as July 4th begins with a flag-raising and 5K run, followed by a full day of entertainment beginning at 10 a.m. including inflatables, games, mini-golf, BMX bike performers and vendor booths. Following the afternoon parade, live entertainment (including Summit Big Band, Liberal Media and HASHA) takes the main stage, leading up to the B98.7 “sky concert” fireworks display at dusk. Visit sandy.utah.gov for additional information.
Of course, if you want a great big production, America’s Freedom Festival in Provo never fails to pull out all the stops. The Grand Parade on the morning of Saturday, July 4, begins at 9 a.m. beginning at University Avenue and Center Street, which is also the location of the Freedom Festival taking place Thursday, July 2, through Saturday, July 4, full of food and craft vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. Then there’s the Stadium of Fire at LaVell Edwards Stadium (1700 N. Canyon Rd., Provo), beginning at 8 p.m. and featuring headliner entertainment from country music superstar Brad Paisley, vocal trio GENTRI, Nitro Circus and more, all building up to the pyrotechnic/drone/laser show to close the evening. Visit freedomfestival.org for full schedule of events, Stadium of Fire tickets and more information.
A wide range of additional events come to many other venues and cities. If you want to kick things off early, Jordan Park (1060 S. 900 West) hosts a drone show and live music from Raccoon Rodeo and the Fox Brothers Band on Friday, July 3, 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. North Salt Lake also hosts activities and fireworks on Friday, July 3, at Eaglewood Golf Course (1110 E. Eaglewood Dr.), 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Many other municipalities—including South Salt Lake, Murray, Layton and more—will also be hosting their own festivities. Visit the website for your city to see what might be near you, and celebrate the day responsibly. (Scott Renshaw)
Plenty of popular music artists have dabbled in musical theater to greater and lesser degrees, from Elton John to Sara Bareilles. Not many, however, have turned to their own life stories as inspirations for the show—which is what multi-Grammy Award-winner Alicia Keys did with Hell’s Kitchen, her 2024 semi-autobiographical work about growing up in Manhattan with her mother and friends. The “jukebox musical” features plenty of Keys’ well-known hits, including “Girl on Fire,” “Fallin,” “If I Ain’t Got You,” “No One” and “Empire State of Mind.”
Reflecting on the end of the Broadway run this year and the beginning of its national tour, Keys commented on CBS Mornings, “As a girl who’s grown up literally … on these streets, it’s so phenomenal to have created this piece. After two years, it feels like it’s totally the launching pad for what’s coming next. And this touring company that is going all over the country … is so brilliant and bright.” Of the response to the show, Keys added, “It means so much to be able to breathe life into a piece of art, and see it to fruition. It’s not an easy thing, and for people to be so connected to it, and see themselves in this story—it’s based on my story, but it’s your story.”
Broadway at the Eccles presents the touring production of Hell’s Kitchen at the Eccles Theater (131 S. Main) July 7 – 12, with eight performances. Tickets start at $87; visit saltlakecountyarts.org for tickets and full performance schedule. (SR)
SCREENINGS
July 2026 Special Screenings
Jaws, Cookie Queens, Serenity, The Sandlot, Last Action Hero and more.
BY SCOTT RENSHAW scottr@cityweekly.net @scottrenshaw
SLFS Summer Showdowns continue:
The fun has already begun with Salt Lake Film Society’s annual seasonal repertory series, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to join in. Your ticket is your vote for the most popular classic offering, with weekend pairings including The Last Unicorn and Phenomena (aka Creepers) July 3-4; The Mask and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure July 10-11; The Shape of Water and Bram Stoker’s Dracula July 17-18; Hackers and Tank Girl July 24-25; and Isle of Dogs and Jojo Rabbit July 31-Aug. 1. All screenings are at Broadway Centre Cinemas (111 E. 300 South). slfs.org
Jaws @ Woodbine: There’s a very small intersection of the Venn diagram circles “best American movies of all time” and “most influential American movies of all time,” but it’s hard to argue that Steven Spielberg’s Jaws doesn’t belong there. The 1975 film was a sensation upon its release, practically inventing the idea of the “summer blockbuster,” but it was also a remarkably effective combination of horror and adventure, turning the young Spielberg into a brand-name phenomenon. You can experience this classic at a free outdoor screening at The Alley behind Woodbine Food Hall (545 W. 700 South) on Friday, July 3, with seating opening at 8
p.m.); food and drink vendors will be open until 10 p.m. utahfilmcenter.org
Citizen Kane 85th anniversary: For most of the past century, Orson Welles’ 1941 drama Citizen Kane has been the top of every list of the greatest movies ever made. But like the “classics” in your high-school English class, such designations can make an older movie feel like homework. If you’ve never seen it before—or never before on a big screen—here’s a rare opportunity with this Fathom Events anniversary screening, which includes an introduction by film historian Leonard Maltin. Screenings take place July 5-6 at various Megaplex Theatres locations. For showtimes and tickets, visit megaplex.com.
Cookie Queens @ Utah Film Center: You might think that a documentary focusing on the selling of Girl Scout cookies would be adorable—and you’d be right. But Alysa Nahmias’ feature, which was one of the best documentaries of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, is more complicated than that, looking at the pressure on both kids and parents to hit goals and learn how to be strivers in a huge business. Also, the
four primary subjects are fascinating, and it’s simply a great piece of filmmaking. Join the Utah Film Center (375 W. 400 North) for a free screening of Cookie Queens on Wednesday, July 8 at 7 p.m., with special guests as part of a post-film Q&A comoderated by yours truly, City Weekly film critic Scott Renshaw. utahfilmcenter.org
Can’t Stop the Serenity @ Brewvies: For 20 years, the national organization Can’t Stop the Serenity has combined a love for the Firefly science-fiction franchise with charitable support for Equality Now, devoted to the rights of women and girls worldwide. Utah Browncoats oversees the local event designated for that purpose, which includes a charity auction and a screening of the 2005 feature Serenity. And with a new animated series set in the Firefly universe currently in production, it’s a great opportunity to catch up. Attendees can find the event on Saturday, July 18 at 4:30 p.m. at Brewvies (168 W. 700 South). Tickets are $12.50 at utahbrowncoats.com
Haymaker Film Festival Summer Series: Last Action Hero: October 2025 marked the launch of the Haymaker Film Festival,
a local outfit dedicated to the fine art of action filmmaking, stunt work and other super-cool cinema. They’ve extended their mission throughout the year, including this special screening of the muchmaligned-at-the-time but charmingly self-aware 1993 Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle Last Action Hero. The free screening takes place Wednesday, July 22 at 8 p.m. at SLC Pub (69 E. Gallivan Ave.). For more information, visit haymakerff.com.
The Sandlot @ America First Field: Sandy City’s summer “Free Movies in the Park” series goes big for an “America 250”-themed offering of a local favorite. Shot in locations around Utah, the 1993 nostalgic comedy The Sandlot follows a group of young boys experiencing adventures, first crushes and more over the course of an eventful summer surrounding their local neighborhood baseball field. You can catch the free-admission screening on Wednesday, July 22 at America First Field (9256 S. State Street, Sandy), with family-friendly activities and food offerings beginning at 7 p.m., and the movie starting at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.). sandy.utah.gov/534/Movies-in-the-Park
LIFE ELEVATED
From its signature gin to its premium spirits, the accolades keep pouring in for Park City’s Alpine Distilling.
BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net
On a balmy morning this past spring, I was nervous while driving up Parley’s Canyon to visit Park City’s Alpine Distilling. See, I’ve never really been a gin guy and here I was on my way to tour one of the finest gin distilleries in the country.
This was something that I kept close to my chest while I toured the much-lauded local operation with Alpine co-founder Sara Sergent who—along with her husband Rob—has turned this homegrown distillery into an internationally recognized institution. As CEO and Botanical Master Distiller at Alpine, Sara oversees gin production while Rob, a Kentucky Colonel, oversees whiskey production.
If there was one place that could turn a staunch “not a gin guy” like myself into a fan, this was it.
Alpine Distilling’s signature Elevated Gin has been recognized as a top-tier spirit by USA Today and the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. And Sergent was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category for this year’s James Beard Awards.
On top of these impressive accolades, Elevated Gin was awarded the prestigious London Gin of the Year Award in 2021. Sergent also became the first American to be inducted into
London
The UK-based organization has a legacy that stretches back to the 1600s.
“I’m the 540th member,” Sergent said. “That used to be how you could get into the city of London—there were whiskey guilds and gin guilds. You had to be a leader in your industry to get into the city.”
Every year, the Gin Guild holds its Ginposium, an industry conference that brings the world’s best and brightest distillers together. Sergent was a featured speaker at this year’s event, held in June.
Alpine Distilling’s 10,000-square-foot warehouse and distillery also operates as a storefront for all of its signature spirits. Though her title as the most decorated botanical distiller in the country is impressive, Sergent’s bright personality and love of the distilling game lets you know that she’s just a cool-as-hell Park City local who loves what she does.
Alpine’s Park City facility is a modular wonderland of the alchemical art and science that is distilling. All of the stills at Alpine are custom-built, which is one of the main contributors to the company’s sustainability efforts.
Thanks to the engineering background of Sergent’s two grandfathers—her paternal grandfather worked on NASA’s lunar module and her maternal grandfather worked for General Motors—she and Rob had the resources and technical knowledge to develop stills that are extremely efficient. For example, the gin still—or “Olivia,” as it’s known around these parts—operates using vapor extraction, which is uncommon in the gin trade.
“It does allow us to be quite unique in pulling the best flavors that we can,” Sara observed.
“The botanicals are never overspent, so we get exactly all the beautiful components, flavor profiles and aroma profiles that we want.”
Getting The Vapors
It’s true that the custom-built machinery helps create Alpine Distilling’s award-winning spirits. But they also allow the company to operate with a sustainability-first perspective.
In 2024, Alpine Distilling earned the Green Business Innovation Award from Utah Business Magazine and Rocky Mountain Power. The distillery gives its spent grains to Wasatch Resource Recovery so they can be turned into renewable energy resources and biological fertilizers. And its botanicals are sourced from local farms, which supports local agricultural communities.
Alpine Distilling currently partners with Recycle Utah’s Green Business Program and the Utah Sustainable Business Coalition to continue setting a high bar for itself when it comes to conservation and sustainability. The end goal of the distillery is to create something pure, transparent and enjoyable for its customers.
“If you’re going to drink, why not have something that doesn’t have any additives or weirdness?” Sergent said. “We use the best grain for our whiskeys and we really lean into the wood barrels as a botanical. We want to be the best bad decision you will make.”
While customers can purchase bottles of their favorite spirit at the distillery itself, taking a trip to Park City’s Historic Main Street for a visit to the Alpine Distilling Social Aid & Pleasure Club is perhaps the best place to enjoy what Alpine has to offer.
the
Gin Guild as a Warden Rectifier.
The distillery’s line of spirits were recently selected for a collaboration with Wolfgang Puck restaurants.
Alpine’s Elevated Gin, distilled in Park City, won the London Gin of the Year award in 2021.
COURTESY PHOTO
It’s a cozy lounge where patrons can dodge the weekend bustle for a tasty cocktail, but it also serves as an extension for Alpine Distilling’s events and showcases.
“We’re not a get-drunk-at 2-a.m. company,” Sergent remarked. “We’re all about having a drink and then getting up at 6 a.m. to take care of horses or go for a run.”
This is one of the only local lounges that I know of where one can get a slice of pie with their cocktail. As a novitiate to pairing pie and spirits, I have been forever changed by the whiskey flight and pecan pie.
The pie menu rotates depending on when you go, but luckily your servers will be happy to recommend the right cocktail or spirit to go with your little slice of heaven.
First Utah, Then the World
In the 10 short years since Sara and Rob founded Alpine Distilling, the brand has made some considerable leaps and bounds. When your gin is served at the Queen’s Jubilee in London, you know you’re going places. Most recently, Alpine Distilling presented its portfolio of gin and whiskey to representatives of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants in Las Vegas. Thanks to Sergent’s sterling reputation, a selection of Alpine’s spirits will be available at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Caramá.
“To collaborate with a hospitality group that values flavor, education and guest experience at such a high level is truly exciting,” Sergent said in a press release announcing the Wolfgang Puck collaboration, “and reflects the type of culinary partnerships we’re passionate about building.”
“We use the best grain for our whiskeys and we really lean into the wood barrels as a botanical. We want to be the best bad decision you will make.”
Alpine Distilling’s brand has also expanded commercially to include a partnership with Whole Foods Market. Select locations in Nevada, Wyoming and Illinois are now offering Alpine’s Elevated Gin and its Spicy Lafayette Bourbon. The latter is a version of the distillery’s popular bourbon-and-apricot recipe that packs a spicy, Thai chili pepper punch.
While the Elevated Gin is often the belle of the ball, the Lafayette Bourbon is no slouch— it’s won several SIP Consumer Choice Awards and has been internationally recognized for its unique, stone-fruit steeped flavors.
The team at Alpine Distilling takes gin appreciation and education seriously, and this year it kicked off its first official Gin Week back in April. Attendees of this five-day event are treated to a wide variety of tasting experiences and a rare opportunity to get first crack at Alpine’s limited seasonal releases.
Other events are happening throughout the year, and checking out the Alpine Distilling Social Aid & Pleasure Club’s event calendar is the best way to stay in the know.
Outside of Gin Week, distillery nerds can check out Alpine Distilling’s recently released digital app called Forager. It’s free and packed with all kinds of information regarding specific ingredients, which provides a helpful resource for those who want to learn more about botanicals and the flavors they impart.
“We want to meet people where they are in their spirits journey,” Sergent explained.
The Forager app lets users build a personal flavor profile to help them pick out which Alpine spirits to sample or to create their own unique beverage.
“I do custom gin making at the lounge where you can make your own gin,” Sergent
said. “You get to pull the botanicals that you want and then we make that gin onsite.”
As a relatively new initiate to the world of spirits, I can vouch for the app’s usefulness as an educational tool.
Not only does it have an expansive library of botanicals—complete with Sergent’s unique perspective on each one—it also includes a recipe book of classic cocktails that one can make at home. It’s definitely been a handy resource in my own meager attempts at amateur mixology.
Gin Guys
As my tour of the distillery concluded, I realized a few things. First, it’s possible for someone like Sergent, who is at the top of their field, to be extremely down-to-earth and generous. Second, it’s possible for a Utah distillery to create a product that has achieved international renown.
Sergent and her team have worked hard for it and the effort has not only put Alpine Distilling on the map, but Utah as well.
And third—it’s possible for someone who didn’t consider themselves to be a “gin guy” to change their mind. It helps when you get your gin from an award-winning establishment like Alpine Distilling, of course.
Before I made my way back down the canyon, I purchased a bottle and said my farewells. When I got home, I used the Forager app to try my hand at its classic gin and tonic recipe—it was excellent.
Even after I had left the distillery, Alpine’s consideration for its product and its customers was on full display. I realized that—especially in Utah—it’s good to be a gin guy. CW
Sara Sergent co-founded Alpine Distilling with her husband, Rob.
-Sara Sergent
Alpine Distilling relies on custom-built equipment like “Olivia,” a gin still that operates using vapor extraction.
Good Days in Utah City
Brooklyn comes to Utah County as Fini Pizza and Fini Cafe open their doors.
BY AIMEE L. COOK comments@cityweekly.net
There’s something new happening in Utah County and it comes with both the scent of fresh pizza and a sense of goodwill.
Fini Pizza and Fini Café, co-founded by Sean Feeney [pronounced Fini], are the first restaurants to open in Utah City, a 700-acre, mixed-use development in Vineyard that aims to be the area’s lively, walkable urban center. For those following the neighborhood’s progress, it finally feels real. And what better way to start than with pizza?
“I grew up in New Jersey and my parents invested heavily in experiences,” Feeney explained. “A lot of those experiences were traveling, restaurants and eating dinners as a family every night, which has stayed with me.”
After college, Feeney moved to New York and found that he had a talent for connecting with people, especially in restaurant settings.
“For 13 years, working in finance, I would go out, five to six nights a week and meet people and build relationships,” Feeney recalled.
Feeney married his wife, Maria, in 2008. Not long after, he became friends with a chef who lived in their apartment building, which deepened his passion for connection through food. This partner-
DINE
ship encouraged him to take a chance and in 2016, he opened his first restaurant, Lilia, in Williamsburg. By 2019, Feeney left finance to focus fully on the restaurant world. Today, he owns 10 restaurants, including five Fini Pizza locations, with four in New York.
The Utah City restaurant is Fini’s first location outside the Empire State.
A Brooklyn original, now calling Utah home, Fini is not just another pizza shop. It started in Brooklyn and became known for its modern take on the classic neighborhood pizzeria. The restaurant serves New York style pizzas in a lively, welcoming space and cares about the communities within which it operates. You can order pizza by the slice or as a whole pie. (Be sure to try the white pizza with lemon and a drizzle of hot honey-chili!)
“When we started Fini in 2022, I did it because of all the great things I had experienced growing up with pizzerias,” Feeney explained. “I wanted to be the best version of what I loved about them. One of the things I loved was that they sponsored youth sports teams.”
Fini is known for supporting local communities. The brand has built its reputation by enriching neighborhoods and it plans to bring that same energy to Utah City. “Pizzerias are amazing hubs for communities. I am obsessed with pizza, but I am also obsessed with what it does for a community,” Feeney said. “It really brings it together, whether you try to or not, a pizzeria just does it.”
Fini’s stated mission is in “delivering good days together.” Feeney believes in shared experiences and strives to create an environment where every visit helps make someone’s day a little brighter.
Thus, Fini’s “Good Day” communityfirst touches include 25% off discounts for teachers and first responders and free pies for young readers—children who
read at least three books in a month earn a free pizza.
The restaurant also runs a Clean Streets program. In every neighborhood where Fini operates, the team and a private trash company maintain trash cans. Utah City now has 15 of these cans. In addition to pizza, the restaurant offers Fini Hoops (finihoops.com). This initiative kicked off Father’s Day weekend, offering courts, culture and connection to Utah City. Basketball camps will run during the summer for kids ages 8-13.
“Fini Hoops was started in Brooklyn, where we would have high school tournaments throughout the summer. We have done it for four summers,” Feeney explained. “We now have our own court for Fini Hoops in Utah City; we can do so many great things on it. Anyone can play, any time of day, but on certain days we have camps and tournaments and adult summer leagues.”
Fini Café, a small spot next to the pizzeria, serves fresh bagels, pastries, drinks, salads, sandwiches and Italian ice. Feeney also plans to introduce Family Dinners, where groups can share pasta and other family-style meals.
“I started coming to Utah for AAU Basketball championships at a very young age,” Feeney said. “The first time was in 1992. Utah became a place we really enjoyed. When a friend, who was a partner in the Utah City development and was from Utah, told me about the project in 2022, I came out with my family in 2023 to look at the property and consider creative ways we could add to it. It really has become something I could never dream up. We are actually building a community from the ground up.”
2 Row Brewing
73 West 7200 South, Midvale
2RowBrewing.com
On Tap: Total JamnationFruited sour
Avenues Proper
376 8th Ave
avenuesproper.com
On Tap: Drop Top - English summer ale (with Salt Flats)
Bewilder Brewing
445 S. 400 West
BewilderBrewing.com
On Tap: Pink Boots - Pink Pony Pilz
Bohemian Brewery
94 E. Fort Union Blvd, Midvale
BohemianBrewery.com
NEW Releases: Kölsch, Dusseldorfer “Alt” Bier
Bonneville Brewery
1641 N. Main, Tooele
BonnevilleBrewery.com
On Tap: Peaches and Cream Ale
Chappell Brewing
2285 S Main Street
chappell.beer
On Tap: Pie Hole - Strawberry Rhubarb Tart Ale
Desert Edge Brewery
273 Trolley Square
DesertEdgeBrewery.com
On Tap: Edge’s Special Bitter ESB
Epic Brewing Co.
825 S. State Street
EpicBrewing.com
On Tap: Rotation of 8 draft beers!
Etta Place Cidery
700 W Main St, Torrey EttaPlaceCider.com
On Tap: Orange Creamsicle Session Mead
Fisher Brewing Co.
320 W. 800 South FisherBeer.com
On Tap: Rotation up to 17 beers!
Grid City Beer Works
333 W. 2100 South, South Salt Lake
GridCityBeerWorks.com
In a Can: Extra Pale Ale
Heber Valley Brewing
501 N. Main Street, Heber City hebervalleybrewing.com
Freshly Canned: Sunset Peak Pilsner 5.8% ABV
Helper Beer
159 N Main Street, Helper helperbeer.com
Hopkins Brewing Co. 1048 E. 2100 South
HopkinsBrewingCompany.com
On Tap: Sicilian Lemon Shandy
Kiitos Brewing
608 W. 700 South KiitosBrewing.com
On Draft: Bliss IPA (Extremely Small Batch)
Kiitos Brewing Sugar House 1533 S. 1100 East KiitosBrewing.com
On Draft: Bliss IPA (Extremely Small Batch)
Level Crossing Brewing Co. 2496 S. West Temple LevelCrossingBrewing.com
On Tap: Nitro Sinday Pale Ale
Level Crossing Brewing Co., POST District
550 South 300 West, #100 LevelCrossingBrewing.com
On Tap: Helles Munich Pale Lager
Moab Brewing 686 S. Main, Moab TheMoabBrewery.com
On Tap: “Big Drop” West Coast Pilsner
Mountain West Cider
425 N. 400 West MountainWestCider.com
On Tap: Mango Karma (Mango chai hard cider)
Offset Bier Co 1755 Bonanza Dr Unit C, Park City offsetbier.com/ On Tap: DOPO IPA
Ogden Beer Company 358 Park Blvd, Ogden OgdenBeerCompany.com
On Tap: 11 rotating taps as well as high point cans and guest beers
Park City Brewing 1764 Uinta Way C1, Park City ParkCityBrewing.com
On Tap: Meet Me @ The Provo IPA
Prodigy Brewing 25 W Center St., Logan Prodigy-brewing.com
On Tap: 302 Czech Pilsner
Proper Brewing/Proper Burger 857 & 865 S. Main Street properbrewingco.com
On Tap: Concerning HopsWest Coast IPA
Proper Brewing Moab 1393 US-191, Moab properbrewingco.com On Tap: Concerning HopsWest Coast IPA
A list of what local craft breweries and cider houses have on tap this week
Red Rock Brewing
254 S. 200 West
RedRockBrewing.com
On Tap: Gypsy Scratch
Red Rock Fashion Place 6227 S. State Street
Redrockbrewing.com
On Tap: Grand Bavaria
Red Rock Kimball Junction 1640 Redstone Center
Redrockbrewing.com
On Tap: Bamberg Rauch Bier
RoHa Brewing Project 30 Kensington Ave RoHaBrewing.com
On Tap: Bramble Brown
Roosters Brewing
Multiple Locations RoostersBrewingCo.com
On Tap: Hibiscus Sour
SaltFire Brewing 2199 S. West Temple SaltFireBrewing.com
On Tap/Canned: Monachus Adriatic Pilsner 5%
Salt Flats Brewing 2020 Industrial Circle SaltFlatsBeer.com
On Tap: OPEN ROAD SERIES #3 - Barrel Aged Grand Cru
Scion Cider Bar 916 S. Jefferson Street Scionciderbar.com On Tap: Rosé Ruckus 7.2% ABV
Second Summit Cider 4010 So. Main, Millcreek secondsummitcider.com On Tap: Blackberry Lime
Shades Brewing 1388 S. 300 West ShadesBrewing.beer New Batch: Raspberry Pistachio Sour Ale
Shades On State
366 S. State Street Shadesonstate.com
On Tap: Six Wheat Under Hefeweizen
Silver Reef 4391 S. Enterprise Drive, St. George SGBev.com
Squatters Brew Pub
Sugar House 2110 S. Highland Drive squatterspubs.com
On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Big U Pilsner
Squatters Brew Pub West Valley 3555 Constitution Blvd, West Valley City squatterspubs.com
On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Acapulco Gold Mexican Lager
Squatters Pub Brewery / Salt Lake Brewing Co. 147 W. Broadway, squatterspubs.com
On Tap: Salt Lake Brewing Co. Emigration Amber Ale
Strap Tank Brewery, Lehi 3661 Outlet Pkwy, Lehi StrapTankBrewery.com
On Tap: “Virgil the Guide” (Italian Pilsner); “Smiles und Sunshine” (German Leichtes Weizen)
Strap Tank Brewery, Springville 596 S 1750 W, Springville StrapTankBrewery.com
On Tap: “Orange Hopsicle” Hazy Pale; “Trouble” American Sour with Mango and Passionfruit
TF Brewing 936 S. 300 West
TFBrewing.com
On Tap: Twelve taps and high point cans available.
Talisman Brewing Co. 1258 Gibson Ave, Ogden TalismanBrewingCo.com
On Tap: Berry Keller (Kellerbier); Save the Fkn Bees (Smoked Honey Kolsch)
Thieves Guild Cidery 117 W. 900 South thievesguildcidery.com
NEW: Seaside CitadelPineapple and passion fruit cider with sea salt | 6.5%
Uinta Brewing 1722 S. Fremont Drive UintaBrewing.com
On Tap: Was Angeles Craft Beer
UTOG
2331 Grant Ave, Ogden UTOGBrewing.com
On Tap: Bar Down IPA
Vernal Brewing
55 S. 500 East, Vernal VernalBrewing.com
Zion Brewery
95 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale ZionBrewery.com
BEER NERD
Two Beers, Two Speeds
From clean, snappy lager precision to full-throttle Double IPA power.
BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer
SaltFire - Domovina Monachus: This new Adriatic Pilsner pours with an unmistakable Eastern European soul. From the moment you see the label (complete with a classic Yugo automobile) you get the sense that this beer is rooted in nostalgia, culture and pride.
But this lager is more than clever branding. It’s a collaboration with a passionate group of homebrewers working toward a dream: bringing a Balkanthemed brewery to Utah.
Their mission feels authentic and heartfelt. “Every pour is a reminder that no matter how far you travel, your homeland travels with you,” an official description for the beer states. That sentiment comes through clearly in this beer. There’s a deep sense of identity packed into every sip.
The aroma immediately sets the tone with a wonderfully rustic character. Toasty malt rises first, bringing warm, grain-forward notes that feel comforting and familiar. It’s rich without being heavy. Beneath that lies a fresh-cut grass character that adds brightness and gives the nose a crisp, earthy edge.
On the palate, this pilsner leans drier than the aroma suggests, which works beautifully. The grainy backbone remains front and center, delivering a classic, old-world lager feel. That toasty malt character provides structure, while grassy and herbal hop notes cut through with just enough bite to keep everything balanced and refreshing.
At 5.4% ABV, it lands in a sweet spot—flavorful enough to satisfy, but restrained enough to remain highly drinkable. This isn’t a flashy modern pilsner chasing extremes.
Instead, it embraces tradition, subtlety and balance.
Verdict: There’s something deeply honest about this beer. It feels like heritage in a glass—simple, purposeful and full of character. If this Adriatic Pilsner is any indication of what’s ahead, Domovina Brewing may be something worth watching very closely.
Epic - Rad Dad 2.0: Brewed for Father’s Day, Rad Dad DIPA returns with a fresh twist—and this version absolutely rips. Built around ADHA 1631, a new experimental hop from Roy Farms, this Double IPA feels like a glimpse into the future of hop-forward brewing.
If this is what ADHA 1631 can do, brewers are going to be lining up to get their hands on it.
Right from the pour, the aroma is explosive. Bright fruit leaps from the glass with layers of mixed berries and vibrant citrus. It’s juicy, expressive and inviting. There’s an almost candy-like sweetness to the nose, but it stays fresh and lively rather than veering sugary.
The first sip is where things really get interesting. Massive fruit punch flavors crash onto the palate, bursting with juicy sweetness and vibrant berry character. Then comes an unexpected but delightful note: velvet cake. There’s a smooth, creamy richness here that adds depth and makes the beer feel plush without becoming heavy.
As the beer opens up, nostalgia kicks in. Bright orange candy notes emerge— specifically evoking those orange suckers you’d get from the bank or barber shop as a kid.
It’s such a specific flavor memory and, somehow, this beer nails it. Sweet citrus, soft, candy-like orange and layers of fruit all stack beautifully together.
Despite all that flavor intensity, balance remains impressive. The sweetness never overwhelms, and just enough hop structure keeps things moving toward a clean finish.
At 10% ABV, the most shocking thing may be how incredibly well the alcohol is hidden. There’s warmth, but almost no boozy edge. Dangerous? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.
Verdict: This is easily one of the tastiest DIPAs around—and ADHA 1631 may have just earned superstar status. You’ll find both of these beers at their respective breweries in 16-ounce cans. Buy some to-go or enjoy in their pubs. As always, cheers! CW
Protect Your Loved Ones
COMING JUNE2026
the BACK BURNER
BY AIMEE L. COOK
Pull Up a Seat: Chef’s Counter at Hearth and Hill
There’s dinner—and then there’s a front-row seat to the show. At Hearth and Hill in Sugar House (hearth-hill.com), the Chef’s Counter delivers both.
Instead of tucking into a corner table, settle in right where the action is. Feel the flames flicker. See knives move with purpose and plates come together inches from your seat. The Chef’s Counter invites a handful of guests each evening to dine counter-side, watching every searing, plating, and finishing unfold in real time.
Leading the experience is Executive Chef Jeff Moore, whose four-course, curated menu changes with the seasons. Each dish celebrates what’s fresh and local, turning a simple evening out into a journey through Utah’s best ingredients. You won’t just taste the food, you’ll hear the sizzle, smell the herbs and watch his team work their craft with skill. There is not much talking going on in the kitchen; it is a well-organized system.
“The Chef’s Counter brings together two of the things I enjoy most about cooking: creativity and connection,” says Moore. “It gives me the freedom to craft one-of-a-kind dishes while engaging directly with guests throughout the experience. I love sharing the inspiration and stories behind each plate and seeing guests’ reactions in real time. That interaction creates a more personal dining experience and makes every service unique—not just for our guests, but for me as a chef as well.”
There’s no wall between customers and the kitchen. Chef Jeff comes around, explains each course, and you can ask questions and even learn a few tricks. It’s an intimate, interactive experience that feels more like dining in a friend’s home—if your friend happened to be a wildly talented chef. “When I create the weekly menu, I draw inspiration from what’s in season, ingredients that are at their peak, and, honestly, the dishes I’m excited to eat myself,” Moore added. “It’s a creative outlet that allows me to experiment with new ideas, test potential future menu items, and showcase fresh flavors in unique and unexpected ways. It’s always exciting to share a dish I genuinely love with our guests.”
Recent menus have included a cucumber granita, wild Mexican shrimp, pork coppa and finished with a strawberry rhubarb tart. The menu rotates weekly or bi-weekly, depending on ingredient availability. Cost is $59 per person, with a wine-pairing option ranging from $13 to $16 per course.
Album Reviews: Alicia Stockman and Always Her
Alicia Stockman is Homebound in her sophomore venture while Always Her rocks out with their debut album.
BY EMILEE ATKINSON eatkinson@cityweekly.net @emileelovesvinyl
Alicia Stockman, Homebound: “I’ve come to believe that home isn’t a place you return to. It’s something you carry with you, even when you’re miles away from where you started,” said singer/ songwriter Alicia Stockman of her new album. In this sophomore release, Stockman believes that she has fully found her writer’s voice.
Homebound is a 10-track adventure that feels like coming home—at the risk of sounding too cliché. Stockman’s Americana/folk sound lends itself well to the storytelling that goes into an album of this intent. The opening track, “Dust to Settle,” is a perfect start to the journey with the lyrics: “Driving hard for seven days / A few more miles on the interstate / To Truth or Consequences / Horizon playing tricks on me.”
The imagery somehow simultaneously makes it feel like you’re in the car driving down the highway with Stockman, or that you’re her best friend on the phone with her as she tells you about the journey. Stockman’s sweet voice helps one to sink into the songs, which, accompanied by great acoustic guitar tracks and some occasional electric guitar slides, really comes to life.
Each song on the album tells an overarching story about “home” and what that means. But each track also contains its own mini story, inspired by bits of life that stick out. “League Night,” for instance, is inspired by spending evenings hearing that satisfying sound of pins being knocked down by a bowling ball, specifically at Heber City’s Holiday Lanes.
“I put jalapeño poppers and ranch in the lyrics,” Stockman said on Instagram. “This record is about home, and the notion that home is big enough to hold every version of who we’ve been.”
She continued: “Holiday Lanes is one of those places that’s a cornerstone of the community. It’s a place to gather, to play, and to talk some shit. It’s charming, it’s a staple, it’s a work in progress.”
This album is a passion project, and that shines through in every aspect. As a one-woman show, Stockman raised about $20,000, recorded the album in Nashville and released it independently. It’s amazing to see how artists can operate this way in 2026.
“I love this record so much and I’m so glad the rest of the world finally gets to engage with it,” she said. “Ten little songs with stories to tell, on their way to your ears. My only hope for this record is that it finds its listeners, and those listeners find themselves in the songs.”
Homebound is streaming everywhere you listen to music or at bio.site/aliciastockmanmusic
Always Her, self-titled debut album: Alt-rockers Always Her have been making a name for themselves over the last couple of years with their addictive rock ‘n’ roll vibe. Their debut track “Silhouette (The Halloween Song)” released in 2024 and, while not totally aligned with the season, it’s still a great track to jam to year-round. Since then, Always Her has released several singles and a few EPs, but they were all leading up to their self-titled debut.
“For the last year and a half, there have been talks about a debut album,” the band
MUSIC
said on Instagram. “We’ve put in so much of our own blood, sweat, and tears working on getting these songs ready for you. Throughout the process, we’ve encountered a number of hiccups and delays, but we let the refining fire mold these songs into what they were meant to become.”
The album opens with “Timeless,” a track previously released as a single last year, and it is a perfect love song: “She’s a timeless work of art / She’s the main attraction / In the museum of my heart / An exhibit of pure perfection.”
It starts slow, making one think it will be a ballad. But it picks up, turning into a lighthearted and upbeat indie jam.
This collection of songs is full of emotion and vulnerability, which is highlighted even in just the track’s names. Songs like “Obsessed,” “Incomplete,” “Happy” and “Back and Forth” offer an array of
feelings for folks to relate to on the listening journey. While the lyricism and thoughts are relayed beautifully, the music composition itself is also well thought out.
At times there are soft strums of a guitar, other times there are excited vocals or dynamic bass tracks. Always Her offers great versatility, but satisfying consistency at the same time.
“We are so proud of this track list,” the band noted. “We’ve put everything we are into this album, and we could not be more excited to share this piece of our lives with you, pieces that many of you have shared with us on and off the stage.”
If you’re looking for an album that you can dance in the living room with, laugh with or cry with, this self-titled debut from Always Her is it.
Listen now wherever you get your music or at linktr.ee/alwaysherofficial.
TUESDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
MUSIC PICK S
BUNT @ Ogden Amphitheater 7/2
The Ogden Twilight Concert Series has had a great start this summer! This all-ages series will have artists from several genres, but for those who are fans of the late house producer Avicii or of Swedish House Mafia, you will like BUNT’s style. Born and raised in Germany, BUNT (Levi Wijk) has grown so much in the last few years due to his catchy style of music that blends vibrant festival house music with organic, folk-inspired elements like banjos and harmonicas. Wijk’s breakout song “Clouds” features singer Nate Traveller and is the perfect example. Also check out “TRIPPIN” with singer Mapei, and the remix and re-imagining of The Temper Trap’s “Sweet Disposition” called “What If You Fly.” His moving tribute to Avicii in the 2020 EP Crocodile Tears is also worth checking out. As Wijk’s sound has matured, it could be described best as “stutter house” (or glitch house) which is a steady groove with repetitive, chopped-up vocals. The repeating loops create tension, followed by a release that is very satisfying to the ears. It is great music to listen to outside in the summer air, so Ogden Twilight really is the perfect place for it. If you’re coming from Salt Lake City, take the FrontRunner to Ogden and see BUNT at the Ogden Amphitheater on Thursday, July 2. Doors open at 5 p.m. General admission costs $23.71. VIP tickets are also available. To purchase tickets go to 24tix.com. (Arica Roberts)
Tuesday, July 14
MUSIC PICK S
Girl From The Interstate @ Kilby Court 7/2
Salt Lake City local Alexis Clark began her solo project Girl From The Interstate in 2023 following her claim to fame as a girl traveling across the U.S. who was recognized at a Nebraska gas station. More recently, she has released her debut record Winter Lady, which dropped in December 2025.
Each track celebrates Clark’s time on the road and shares a piece of her journey within each lyric and chime. Her sound is reminiscent of the early shoegaze bands like Blonde Redhead and the nu-gaze, alternative sound of bands like Wednesday and Alvvays. The five-track record is incredibly thoughtful and lets the listener into each thought and query that Girl From The Interstate may have felt while she was traveling—and still may be discovering. Such can be relatable to listeners, as they may be seeking their purpose at the very same time.
And now that she’s in town, she’s playing renowned venue Kilby Court to celebrate with the crowd of fans she’s already gathered. You can support local music and grab your tickets now for Girl From The Interstate’s 7:00 p.m. show at Kilby Court on Thursday, July 2, with support from Bella Woods and Maren Gayle. Tickets are $10 ahead of the show and $12 at the door. Find yours now at 24tix.com. (Laney Hansen)
MUSIC PICK S
Chris Travis @ The Complex 7/2
The Memphis hip-hop scene has always had an underground vibe due to its historical low-budget approach. Since the ‘80s, simple synths within a distorted lo-fi landscape accompanied by dark and graphic lyrics had made Memphis rap what it is today. One such rapper, Chris Travis, is a pioneer of the modern underground rap and cloud rap scenes, rising to fame through viral SoundCloud hits like “Crunch Time” in 2013. It’s a song that exudes the confidence crucial to rap music but also does it in a way that emphasizes the hustle Travis has put into his success. The lyrics, “I ain’t ‘bout to rush shit / I ain’t even in my prime,” was a true statement, since now—13 years later—Travis is still on tour and as strong as ever. His ability to blend calm, melodic flows with aggressive trap bars has shaped the modern rap scene and others along have copied this distinctive sound. And impressively, he’s found a way to stay independent, founding his own label Water Boyz Entertainment. From his albums Water World and G80 released last year, Travis still has a lot to say, so listen up. Water Boyz Presents Chris Travis for the PREFIX Tour at The Grand section of The Complex. This is an all-ages event. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $44.68. To purchase tickets go to thecomplexslc.com. (Arica Roberts)
Josh Groban @ Maverik Center 7/3
After graduating from the prestigious Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, singer Josh Groban stepped into the spotlight when he served as a stand-in for Andrea Bocelli at a Grammy Awards rehearsal. He began college at Carnegie Mellon, but four months in he was offered a record deal. His self-titled debut album was released in 2001; an immediate smash, it charted in nine countries and earned him a 4X Platinum record in the U.S. His next ten albums all went Gold or better. Throughout his career, Groban has received many award nominations in music, television and theatre. A frequent fixture on TV, Groban
made his Broadway debut in 2016, starring in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. His most recent album release is 2026’s Cinematic, a tribute to film music featuring Groban’s readings of beloved songs from the soundtracks of Breakfast at Tiffany’s , Casablanca, The Godfather, The Lion King, Stand By Me and more. With support from opening act Jennifer Hudson, Josh Groban comes to the Canyon View Credit Union Stage at Maverik Center on Friday, July 3 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices start at $79.90 from ticketmaster.com. (Bill Kopp)
Wynton Marsalis Septet @ Red Butte Outdoor Concert Series 7/8 If any musician living and breathing the air of this planet deserves to be called “iconic” it is Wynton Marsalis. He is a pristine horn player; encyclopedic custodian of jazz, blues, and the American Songbook; gentleman of the first order with a sly sense of humor; open-minded and eloquent. He is an ambassador of improv, who can meet the audience at every level. “Sometimes you want to control everything that goes on. That’s not what our music is. We are playing together,” Marsalis told BBC. “It is very difficult to learn how to play and to play well, because it requires you to be in balance with somebody else. That is a hard thing to want to be.” By any but the meanest standards, Marsalis’ Sepet are musicians of surpassing talent, whose empathy and mutual understanding makes each composition sound fresh and exciting. His is real music, played by real musicians, and we are lucky that he has the drive and ambition to keep it alive. And look, a piece on the scale of, say, All Rise (circa 1999) is of a scope and ambition unheralded in the history of jazz, and while clearly intended to be part of a tradition also seeks to extend and develop it at the same time. The precision of his chops is undeniable. Catch this artist at the Red Butte Outdoor Concert Series on Wednesday, July 8. Doors at 6:30 p.m.; show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the all ages show are $89.75 and can be found at etix.com. (Mark Dago)
Wynton Marsalis
free will ASTROLOGY
BY ROB BREZSNY
ARIES
(March 21-April 19)
Archaeologists studying ancient wells have discovered that some weren’t finished in a single effort. Communities might dig to the current water table, use the well for years, then probe further down when water levels dropped or needs increased. This is a useful metaphor for you, Aries. As of yet, you don’t have the ability or tools to reach the deepest layers you aspire to reach. My counsel is to go as far as you can now and gather what you find there. Later, when you’re ready, you will build on what has come before.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
The doom‑and‑gloom wing of astrology is exhausting. The superstition that Mercury retrograde causes scrambled messages and dire mix‑ups is dull and misguided. The planet’s apparent backward motion, which is happening right now, shows up about three times every year like clockwork. It’s perfectly normal! In my view, Mercury retro grade isn’t threatening unless you obsess on the idea that it is—in which case, yes, your payment might go astray, and a friend may misunderstand you. But if cultivating relaxed clarity is more fun and productive for you than coping with fearful tension, treat the time between now and July 23 as a rich opportunity to refine, deepen and upgrade how you communicate.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20)
You Gemini readers have decreed that I must halt all mus ings about maddening, riddle drenched ambiguity. You’ve delivered the message to me that you’re tired of wrestling with enigmas wrapped in paradoxes. Straightforward, plainspoken factualness is what you want. Well, OK. (Please remember that I don’t make this stuff up; I simply channel cosmic omens.) Maybe I’ll start obeying your orders next time. But first, I will advise you: 1. Unexpected gifts are coming from people and situations in transition; 2. Tough but friendly interventions will nudge you toward healthy course corrections; 3. Mysterious assistance is on its way.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22)
There are phases when the cosmic energies urge you to put others first—even tend to their pain before you tend to your own. This isn’t one of those times. Right now, sacrificing yourself for the sake of others would obstruct the flow of righteous grace into your life. So what is the most soul‑hon oring path available? Here’s what I think: Summon your inventive brilliance and use it to imagine generous ways to care for yourself. Shower yourself with gifts, treats and blessings that delight you. Take the care you so deftly pour into other people and lavish it wholeheartedly on yourself.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
Most fields of human endeavor work like this: A few people are truly brilliant, a handful are actively harmful, and the majority fall somewhere between “not great” and “pretty good.” That’s true whether you’re talking about engineers, doctors, poets or astrologers. So it’s inadvisable to assume a physician is wise about your well being just because they’ve logged 15 years on the job, or to trust your life direction to the first astrologer whose promotion catches your eye. In the coming weeks, dear Leo, discernment like this matters even more than usual. Let your natural hopefulness be balanced by sharp, thoughtful judgment. Don’t just challenge obvious authority. Put every so c alled fact, spin, assumption and official line under your own clear eyed review.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Architects designing spaces for collective use try to bal ance two needs: to see expansively and also have safe places to retreat. Too much exposure creates anxiety; too much enclosure brings claustrophobia. The ideal is to provide both shelter and spaciousness. Let’s use this as a metaphor during the coming months. You’ll be wise to cre ate an equilibrium between engagement and privacy, vast ness and protection. Make it easy for yourself to observe the larger scene and also withdraw when needed.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Self proclaimed “skeptics” love to sneer at astrologers, as if pondering what lies ahead were a violation of scientific purity. And yet economists, sports analysts, trend watchers and political commentators churn out shaky predictions every day. Honestly, those professionals of probability often create more confusion than those of us who read the heavens. Take weather forecasters, for instance: From Europe to Japan, their models routinely miss sudden floods and twisters and trigger more than a few false alarms. But do the debunkers brand them as charlatans? Of course not. Forgive the outburst, but I’m building to a key foresight: Every forecast, projection or vision that crosses your path over the next month will miss the mark—except for this one. So free yourself of their meddling.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Ethnobotanists describe how certain Indigenous tradi tions work with “teacher plants.” These are flora that offer not only physical benefits but spiritual instruction. They include psychoactive substances, but also ordinary plants approached with extraordinary attention. In the spirit of reinventing your education, Scorpio, I invite you to expand your understanding of who and what your teachers are. What ordinary elements of your daily life might offer wisdom if you engage them with deep respect? What situ ations at the edges of your awareness could bring lessons that enrich your perspectives? Now is an excellent time to seek new apprenticeships.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Western science and Western religions may disagree about how the universe began, but both place its birth in the distant past. Tantra and other spiritual paths, by contrast, propose that the universe is born afresh in every instant through the sacred, erotic interplay of God and Goddess. When humans approach love making as an experimental sacrament, these traditions suggest, we can tune in to the union of those primordial forces and, in a sense, take part in the continual creation of existence. So, are you ready for a bit of world making erotic play? The current astrological indicators say yes, you are.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
A common obstacle to healthy intimacy is the belief that a beloved ally should automatically know what you need, without you saying a word. I used to suffer from this myself and worked hard to dissolve it. I no longer unconsciously assume that my companions are so attuned to me that they can always intuit my desires. But I know this bad idea feels romantic to many people, even though it can sabotage even the most promising bond. In the weeks ahead, Capricorn, I invite you to starve this fantasy. Your intimate world is ripe for a fresh infusion of lucid, straightforward honesty.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Your next few weeks will be sponsored by CoffeeBeer, the paradoxical elixir that pumps up your energy and decom presses your defenses. You will be an exemplary role model for this innovative product because you will epitomize what occurs when a sensitive soul gets excited and mellows out at the same time. I also expect you will soon be exploring intriguing opportunities that become available to you because of your supercharged calm. Fortunately, you don’t need to drink actual coffee and beer together to make this happen. The cosmic forces will be conspiring to help you.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
Finish this sentence, Pisces: “The one thing that really keeps me from being myself is _______.” Is it someone’s opinion, an old story about who you are, a fear of loss, a habit of over pleasing, a secret shame, or a belief that you’re “too much” or “not enough”? Whatever first pops into your mind is probably closest to the truth. Here’s your next step: Loosen the grip of this stressor by even just 20 percent. I bet your real self will feel relaxed enough to bloom more fully.
BI Engineer (Health Catalyst Inc; South Jordan, UT): Ensure opportunities for clients to drive down cost, improve quality & improve patient exp. Min req’s: Mast or equiv in IT, Math, Statistics or business-related field + 3 yrs. exp in tech or tech related field + add’l skills. 5%-10% travel req’d. Telecommuting permitted. Send resume to Summer Ellis at summer.ellis@healthcatalyst.com. Reference: 00077330. An EOE.
BI Engineer (Health Catalyst Inc; South Jordan, UT): Ensure opportunities for clients to drive down cost, improve quality & improve patient exp. Min req’s: Mast or equiv in IT, Math, Statistics or business-related field + 3 yrs. exp in tech or tech related field + add’l skills. 5%-10% travel req’d. Telecommuting permitted. Send resume to Summer Ellis at summer.ellis@healthcatalyst.com. Reference: 00077330. An EOE.
BOTOX Jeuveau and Xeomin $8 a unit
801-272-3900
urban LIVING
Sign It!
The U.S. Congress has passed the 21st Century Road to Housing Act in both chambers, with Republicans and Democrats voting together in bipartisan support. This is a potential win for home buyers, builders, contractors, etc. But sadly, President Trump is holding the legislation hostage and won’t sign the bill.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
1. One on the floor?
6. Woolly mom
9. Overpriced
13. “In ___” (Nirvana album)
14. Situated over
15. Mughal Empire’s capital, once
16. Wand-waving result
17. Prawn breath freshener?
19. Clone of a corn salsa bit?
21. Rapper ___ Yachty
22. Lee who cameoed in Marvel movies
23. Claire of “The Crown”
24. Went over, as a time limit
This legislation is the largest federal housing package we’ve seen in decades and there are 50 provisions in the bill that could really help our economy. Highlights include: streamlining regulatory red tape; updating manufactured housing standards to boost starter home supplies; limiting institutional investors from buying up single-family homes; expanding rental and housing assistance programs; increasing FHA/VA loan limits; streamlining rural housing regulations; reforming appraisal guidelines; creating a $1 billion grant fund for local governments and tribes to increase housing supply; and offering pilot grants to convert vacant commercial or industrial buildings into mixed-use housing.
Why won’t Trump sign the bill? He says he won’t until the SAVE Act is passed. What’s that? The SAVE Act requires people to provide valid proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and to show photo ID at the polls. This bill passed the House but stalled in the Senate. It has repeatedly fallen short of the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster.
The president has 10 days to sign or veto the housing bill before it goes into law by default. But if Congress is adjourned when that 10-day period ends, the bill is killed in what is known as a “pocket veto.” Both chambers are scheduled to be in recess for 10 days beginning July 3, and some legal experts question whether a pocket veto can take place during a recess or only when Congress is formally adjourned at the end of a session—which would only happen at the end of the year.
Trump posted on social media last week that the housing bill is of “minor importance” compared to the SAVE Act.
“That is what Americans, both Dumocrats [sic], Republicans, and everyone else, care about,” he wrote. “Get the bad Republicans to approve it or, better yet, Terminate the Filibuster and approve it, AND EVERYTHING ELSE REPUBLICANS HAVE EVER DREAMED OF.
The Dumocrats will do it in hour one, 100%. Republicans will feel very stupid if they don’t do it first. I’ll be watching with tears in my eyes!!!”
The housing shortage isn’t unique to Utah. It’s a major issue throughout our country and the housing bill would make it easier for folks to get home and improvement loans (but not crazy loans that helped fuel the Great Recession in 2008) and provide incentives for builders by loosening some regulations. The Salt Lake Tribune reported recently that Utah is 40,000 homes short of meeting current demand, with a projected gap of 153,000 homes by 2030. For low-income renters, there are only 28 affordable units per 100 low-income households. CW
26. Take in
27. Limit
30. The whole thing
31. Flowery keepsake
32. Pick up and go
33. Beefsteak photo as a desktop backdrop?
38. Tied
39. Grab hold of
40. Part of REM
41. “Law & Order” pros
42. Roll layer
43. Fatigued
47. TV chef Fieri
48. Satisfy
49. “Ben-___” (Best Picture at the 1960 Oscars)
50. Where Grover and The Count can check out books?
53. Southern Hemisphere species marketed as Chilean sea bass
55. “Well, golly!”
56. Theater sign
57. “La Bamba” actor Morales
58. “Freaks and ___” (NBC one-season wonder)
59. “Holy ___!”
60. “The Phoenician Scheme” director Anderson
61. Upper house of France’s Parliament
DOWN
1. Microblogging site
2. Firenze’s locale
3. Titles on state records
4. “All By Myself” singer Carmen
5. Winter ice melter
6. Hawke of “The Lowdown”
7. Tattered
8. Blunder of all blunders
9. Grumpy companion
10. Rapper Azalea
11. “Minions: The Rise of ___”
12. Smithfield product
14. Words after “have” or “take”
18. Beside the point
20. Army group?
25. Prepare for action
26. Wriggling critter
27. Capital served by one end of the ÿresund Bridge
28. Mass ___ (MIT’s addr.)
29. As directed by
31. Experiment site
32. Cutting-in question
33. Poet Hughes
34. Eggs, in science
35. Not many
36. Passage
37. Irish fuel sources
42. Door word
43. “Slumdog Millionaire” setting
44. Outdoor gear retailer
45. “I’ve found it!”
46. Least rainy
Last week’s answers
Complete the grid so that each row, column, diagonal and 3x3 square contain all of the numbers 1 to 9. No math is involved. The grid has numbers, but nothing has to add up
47. California art museum, with “the”
48. Flat-topped hills
50. Homeland
51. ___ en place (professional kitchen setup)
52. 1950s South Korean president Syngman
53. President pro ___
54. Palindromic brand of kitchenware
NEWS of the WEIRD
A Gender Reveal for the Birds
An expecting couple in Queen Creek, Arizona, contracted Sacred Dove Release for their gen der reveal party, requesting that the birds be dyed—yes, dyed—to announce their baby’s gen der, NBC 12 News reported on June 18. It was a first for owner Monica Flores, who typically provides doves for weddings and funerals. “I thought it was a beautiful idea,” Flores said. After the bright blue (it’s a boy!) doves were released, they caught the attention of local residents along the nearby Salt River, who alerted Crystal White of Crystal’s Critter Haven, a local wildlife rehab facility. “They don’t blend in well with our natural setting,” White said. “They are like beacons for predators.” She was able to collect the birds, but couldn’t thoroughly wash off the dye. Flores said she “would never” endanger her birds and that she’d used nontoxic food coloring. But White maintains that dyeing birds is never a good idea: “They have very sensi tive respiratory systems, and so them inhaling anything or ingesting anything could possibly cause harm,” White said. The birds are otherwise healthy and they all made it back home. After receiving negative feedback on social media, Flores said she would not dye birds again.
Twins Squared
Fraternal twin brothers Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye of Nigeria love being twins. Like, really love it—so much so, that they’ve always wanted to marry another set of twins. According to People, their dream came true when they married identi cal twin sisters on June 20. Twins are common among the Yoruba people in southwest Nigeria and are considered a blessing. Regardless of gen der, the firstborn twin is typically named Taiwo, and the second, Kehinde. And that’s how Taiwo Oguntoye married Taiwo Adediran, and Kehinde Oguntoye married Kehinde Adediran. The twins met at the University of Ibadan and while they all became friends, the sisters were not interested in dating at the time. About 10 years later, the broth ers reached out again and this time, things turned romantic. They were married in a joint ceremony in Ibadan and are already hoping to grow their respective families—two at a time, of course. “With God’s grace, we pray for twins ...” Taiwo Oguntoye said. “That is our heart’s desire.”
Ssssssuspicious
A man from the Zhejiang province in east China has been sentenced to prison after authorities reviewed electricity consumption in the area, leading them to discover over 300 pythons in his apartment. Pythons thrive in specific environ mental conditions, so investigators deduced that a breeder would need to use significant energy to maintain them. On June 23, People reported that the man, known only as Guo, lived alone and posted his snakes for sale on social media. Investigators also found two other people who were part of the operation, and dozens of addi tional pythons at a separate location. All told, 436 pythons valued at more than 30 million yuan, or about $4.2 million, were involved. The snakes have since been turned over to a local zoo.
Anything for Love
Lisa Catalano’s quest for love has finally paid off. The California woman went viral last year for putting up billboards along U.S. Highway 101 with her photo and a link to a website where potential suitors could submit dating applications. Eight months and almost $7,000 later, Catalano is off the market, People reported on June 24. She foot ed the bill for advertising—including billboards, taxi ads and the website—along with wardrobe, makeup, video shoots and related equipment. She received about 4,000 dating applications between September 2025 and May 2026. After all of that, she ended up meeting her new beau through a dating app back in January. An update on her website reads: “Applications closed! Lisa’s in love and has a boyfriend.” She describes him as a “kind, intelligent, attractive San Francisco Bay Area man who meets all of her very reasonable non negotiables.”
Uh, Yum?
■ The owner of Wakatori, a Japanese restaurant, revealed his secret to the eatery’s award winning fried chicken: 66 year old frying oil, Oddity Central reported on June 19. Following pushback on social media and warnings from food safety experts, third g eneration owner Yoshihiro Tsuchiya explained that the oil is cleaned and filtered every night before being added to a new batch of oil the next day, resulting in oil that contains traces of the original oil, but isn’t comprised solely of it. Other restaurants have followed a similar procedure for soups and broths.
■ Elsewhere in Japan, chefs have developed an unusual way of preparing tuna: mold aging. Oddity Central reported on June 17 that to mold age tuna, Japanese chefs store tuna under specific conditions to encourage the development of Koji mold, which results in a thick, white, fluffy “fur” around the fish. After curing for four weeks—and sometimes up to eight weeks—the mold is care fully removed, and the bluefin tuna is served raw as sashimi or sushi.
Stand
Up for What You Believe In
An Indian ascetic monk, who belongs to a sect known as Khareshwari, or Standing Babas, is five years into a 12 year vow to not sit or lie down. Instead, Daulat Giri Ji Maharaj relies on a literal support system of ropes, swings and harnesses to help him stay upright, a ritual viewed as pen ance and a way to be close to the goddess Shiva. Maharaj’s legs are swollen and blackened from standing for so long, and he is tended to by a team of volunteers. Experts say that standing for so long can result in life threatening injuries. “When standing still for a long time, the veins in the legs must fight gravity to send blood to the heart, but the lack of pumping action in the calf muscles causes blood to pool in the lower extremities,” one medical expert said.
El Sendero Real LLC (dba Taxes on State, America Servicios Profesionales) seeks a Senior Tax Specialist in Pleasant Grove, UT: Examine, analyze & interpret acct. records; prep. clients’ fin. statements; provide advice & perform audits; use Drake Tax Software for tax projections; supervise acct., cash flow & budgets. Mon–Fri, 40 hrs/wk. Req. Bach. deg. or foreign equiv. management, accounting, or finance and 5 years of experience in tax management, accounting, finance OR Master’s deg. in tax management, accounting, or finance. Email resumes to: Laura Pereyra, laura@taxesonstate.com.
Credit Risk Manager (CRMMB) in Draper, UT. Expand access to credit & launch new products to customer base. Telecommuting permitted from anywhere in the US where employer operates. Reqs BS fllwd by 5 yrs progressive rltd exp. Mail resumes to Varo Bank N.A., Attn: HR/RGiles, 555 Montgomery St., Ste. 1100, San Francisco, CA 94111. Must ref job title & code CRM-MB.
