




In Utah’s high elevation and sunny climate, your skin works overtime. A yearly skin exam can help catch issues early and keep your skin healthy for your outdoor adventures.
Schedule your skin cancer screening exam today—because healthy skin is beautiful skin.
Protecting your skin starts with a quick, easy exam. SCHEDULE TODAY.
Hello Friends,
Welcome to our Food & Drink Issue—the one that may leave you hungry before you even get to the last page!
This month, we're dishing up three stories about restaurants that put their heart (and plenty of flavor) into every plate. First up is Tona Sushi Bar, a longtime local favorite, beautifully written by one of our own—local teen writer London Joyce, who's proving that talent comes in all ages. Then there's Hanks Bistro and Brew, the new kid on the block serving up American classics with a fresh twist. Old favorite meets new favorite—you really can't go wrong with either. Rounding out the trio is Angel's Village Cafe in Kanab. It's vegan, it's delicious, it's open for lunch, and it comes with one of the most breathtaking red rock views in Utah. (Honestly, the view alone is worth the drive.)
But we didn't stop with food. This issue also highlights some of our local business heroes. Renovate Ease can take your kitchen from "meh" to "wow." K Med Insurance is here to help families find coverage that won't break the bank. Dr. Maughan of Wasatch Dermatology reminds us that skin checks save lives—important advice as we head out into fall sunshine. And, of course, we tip our hats to an Ogden legend, Mr. Dirk Farr of Farr's Jewelry, whose sparkle in the community extends far beyond diamonds, watches, and cameras!
And because the issue would not be complete without a bit of cuteness—say hello to the adorable fur baby posing with me. This sweetheart, or one like her, is up for adoption through Weber Animal Services.
So grab a snack, dive in, and let this issue be your reminder to enjoy good food, support local businesses, and soak up the best parts of our community.
Here's to a flavorful fall!
With warmth (and a side of sushi),
KATRINA HAMMOND, PUBLISHER @OGDENCITYLIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Katrina Hammond | katrina.hammond@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Courtney Johnson | courtney.johnson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christine Craven, London Joyce, Michelle Sathe
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Ogden Clinic has been meeting the healthcare needs of Utah families for over 75 years. As an independent and physician-owned group, we’ve grown from a single clinic in Ogden to 30 locations with 230+ providers—all dedicated to providing compassionate care and innovative advances to our communities.
Today, we proudly serve Davis, Box Elder, Cache, and Weber Counties with over 30 medical specialties such as cancer care, dermatology, orthopedics, and women’s health. With our experienced team of providers and state-of-the-art facilities, you can trust that you’re in good hands when you visit us for your healthcare needs.
To learn more visit: ogdenclinic.com
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Dominate the trail and command attention on the street. The AEV JL370 Wrangler blends handcrafted American engineering with extreme off-road capability and refined road manners. Built for those who demand more strength, more style, more freedom.
Each JL370 is built in Michigan with premium components, exclusive AEV upgrades, and a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty. No compromises. No shortcuts. Just the ultimate expression of your adventurous spirit.
Rockwood Optometry, located in North Ogden, brings comprehensive eye care to families in one welcoming, local practice. Led by Dr. Andy Rockwood, their skilled team handles everything from routine exams and contact fittings to macular degeneration and diabetic eye care—so you can see better today and tomorrow.
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Lon Hudman has built his insurance business on one simple principle—put people first. With years of experience, he helps families and businesses protect what matters most through personalized coverage and trusted guidance. Known for his approachable style and expertise, Lon takes pride in simplifying insurance and creating peace of mind for his clients. His commitment to service, community, and lasting relationships sets his agency apart as a true partner in protecting his customers in the Ogden area.
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ARTICLE BY JULIE MAUGHAN, MD
When most people think of skin cancer, they picture a strange-looking mole— dark, jagged, maybe raised. But in dermatology, some of the most dangerous skin cancers don’t look scary at all.
I’m Dr. Julie Maughan , a board-certified dermatologist at Wasatch Dermatology in Ogden. My journey into dermatology started long before medical school—I grew up watching my father care for patients in his own dermatology practice. I spent many holiday breaks and summer vacations shadowing him, learning not just the science of skin health but the deep impact early detection can have on someone’s life. I officially began my dermatology training in 2003, and to this day, that early exposure continues to shape how I approach patient care: with thoroughness, empathy, and a keen eye for the things that often go
unnoticed. In our clinic, we routinely see patients who come in for something they almost ignored—a tiny pink bump, a dry patch that won’t go away, a scab that keeps reopening. They’re often surprised to hear it’s skin cancer.
Skin cancer is common in Utah. In fact, our state has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the country. But part of the problem is that many skin cancers don’t look like what people expect—and that delay in recognition can cost valuable time.
We frequently hear the same types of stories from new patients:
• “I thought it was just a pimple that wouldn’t go away.”
• “It looked like dry skin, but lotion didn’t help.”
• “It bled when I scratched it with a towel, but I didn’t think much of it.”
• “It looked like a scar, but I never injured the area.”
• “It was just a tiny new brown spot—I thought it was an age spot.”
Sometimes, these small clues are actually early signs of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma . Many patients are shocked to learn that some melanomas are f lesh-colored, pink, or even pale white —nothing like the dark moles you see in awareness posters.
And unfortunately, some of the most concerning skin cancers start as barely noticeable lesions
One of the biggest misconceptions about skin cancer is that it only appears on sun-damaged skin. While ultraviolet exposure is a major risk factor, melanoma can appear anywhere on the body—including areas that rarely (or never) see the sun.
We’ve diagnosed melanoma on:
• The scalp
• Behind the ears
• The soles of the feet
• Under the nails
• And even between the toes
It’s also worth noting that many patients cannot effectively examine their own backs, scalps, or behind their ears. That’s where a professional skin exam makes all the difference.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working in dermatology is hearing how a skin cancer was spotted by someone in a patient’s trusted circle. We often get referrals from:
• Primary care providers and other physicians
• Hairdressers who notice changes on the scalp or behind the ears
• Massage therapists who may see areas on the back or shoulders
• Friends and family members who notice a new or changing spot
If you’re in one of those professions, know this: you might be the first person to notice something potentially life-saving. And if you’ve been on the receiving end of one of those observations, it’s a great reason to come in for a professional skin check.
The earlier we catch skin cancer, the simpler the treatment—and the better the outcome. In the case of melanoma, early detection can be the difference between a quick outpatient procedure and a much more serious health battle.
A full-body skin cancer screening exam is quick, painless, and can be life-saving . At Wasatch Dermatology, we make the process easy. You’ll be seen in a welcoming, respectful environment. If anything suspicious is found, we can typically biopsy it the same day.
Whether you're coming in for the first time, following up on a changing spot, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help.
DON’T WAIT FOR A PROBLEM
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers—when caught early. You don’t have to wait until something looks “bad” to get checked. In fact, the most dangerous spots are often the ones that don’t look dangerous at all
So if you’ve never had a professional skin exam—or it’s been more than a year—now is the perfect time.
We offer appointments with short wait times and provide care that combines medical expertise with personalized attention.
SCHEDULE YOUR SKIN CANCER CHECK TODAY.
Because a skin cancer screening could save your life.
It's that time of year again: enrollment season! Figuring out health insurance can be a confusing and frustrating process. Everyone needs it, but not everyone knows their options. Kjirstin Mich’l started K Med Insurance after years of self-employment and having to figure out her and her husband’s insurance. She said she always wished someone could help her, but the advantage of her necessary research is that she learned enough to help others. Once her three kids were all old enough and her busy parent-schedule calmed down, Kjirstin found herself called to health insurance.
“I love what I do. People laugh and say, ‘Insurance? Really? You love it?’ Yes I do. I love helping people find a plan that will help them live a better and healthier life, maybe save some money in the process,” says Kjirstin.
Kjirstin continues to describe a time when she knew working as an insurance agent was for her. She was one day approached by a woman who was faced with headache after headache of medical and financial issues, and Kjirstin decided to take her on as a client. This formerly exhausted and desperate client was able to save thousands of dollars with Kjirstin’s help. “She made me a
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY JOHNSON
handmade Christmas ornament that I cherish and will always have on my tree as a reminder of the difference I can make in people’s lives,” Kjirstin reflects. “It’s very rewarding when I work with someone—just doing what I do—and to have them well up in tears of gratitude on how I helped them.”
Working as a health insurance broker is not just a job for Kjirstin; it’s personal. Kjirstin's services are also completely free for her clients. She looks at what kind of insurance a person currently has and does a review for them; if the client is already in a good spot, she won't change the policy just to get a sale.
So if you are considering new insurance, now is the time to give Kjirstin a call!
Farr's Jewelry & Cameras: providing excellent service and relevant style since 1956
Telling the story of Farr’s Jewelry is akin to writing a history book of the last 69 years, and that would only be one part of a larger story. The Farr family has been an “Ogden family” for generations, dating as far back as 1851 when Lorin Farr became the first mayor of Ogden. Both the historic and current pulse that the Farr family has kept on the community for decades is more than just a business, but a member of society that one can only find from a mom-andpop, multi-generational business owner.
Farr’s Jewelry is a jeweler, a camera shop, a history icon, a home to incredibly proud employees, and a storefront to a family that could be your neighbor. Known for its old-school charm and personal touch, Farr’s also stays in step with the times, curating current, relevant styles that many shoppers might not expect. It’s a face-toface, genuinely local experience you simply can’t find online.
Farr’s Jewelry began in 1956 by Vern Farr as a discount retailer in downtown Ogden. The store mainly sold everyday appliances at a great price, with jewelry always as its
core. Business took off quickly, and before long, Farr’s had three stores—one in Ogden, Idaho Falls, and Salt Lake City. Today, Dirk Farr runs the business in Ogden, while his dad, Vern, enjoys his retirement flying his personal plane to and from Idaho and Utah. At 97 years old!
Today, Farr’s Jewelry remains a deeply involved fixture in the Ogden community, often supporting local causes like St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, EnableUtah, Shop with a Cop, and the Ogden School Foundation.
“We’re constantly a part of different things—in a quiet manner,” says Toni, a Farr’s Jewelry administrator, while attempting to summarize the number of times she has been in awe over her employer during the last 10 years.
With any long-term, successful business, there is a constant need to evolve as the consumer's wants change. A common misconception that gets swept up in the history of Farr’s Jewelry is that they carry older styles—not at all true! The shop has a consistent presence in various jewelry
Mike Ash, Assistant Manager and Head of Camera Department
"So many pieces have a neat story, a neat history… From generation to generation."
-Dirk Farr “
shows to follow current brands and styles. So you can find that Noam Carver or Caro74 piece that you’ve had your eye on for months. If you buy at Farr’s Jewelry, you will be guaranteed a professional and quality experience with an expert.
“People will look at jewelry online, but they still want to buy it from somebody they know and trust and who have been around. Or they want to touch it and feel it,” Dirk Farr says. “When they’re here, we can show them the difference in the diamonds, whether they want a lab-grown or a natural, the difference in grading, why there’s an advantage to buying one over another, or show them how heavy the shank is compared to another…”
Shoppers will find quality customer service with all of Farr’s employees, which Dirk proudly attributes to the
success of the business to. Most of the store’s employees have been with the company anywhere between 10-30 years, and are passionate about what they do.
“I hire people who are smarter than me,” Dirk jokes, then adds, “We’ve always had quality, qualified, and very loyal employees who understand how important the customer is.”
A number of reasons might draw you into Farr’s Jewelry. You might be looking for that special occasion gift idea, an engagement ring, something stylish and trendy, a custom piece, a great price for a quality item, or maybe you’re looking for a camera and a camera expert to follow. No matter your needs, stop in to Farr’s Jewelry to get to know Dirk and his team for a memorable shopping experience.
Hank’s
Located off Highway 158 in Eden, Hank’s Bistro & Brew has quickly become a popular gathering place for the Ogden Valley dining scene. Opened by the Vasquez family the day after Thanksgiving in 2024, this fast-casual restaurant was recently voted “Best American Style Restaurant” in The Standard Examiner’s Best of Northern Utah Awards . Hank’s varied menu offers something for everyone. Whether it’s mouth-watering meat dishes like cheesesteak sandwiches or burgers made with their
proprietary beef blend, hand-crafted pizzas, or fresh vegetarian options, Hank’s has a dish to satisfy every appetite. As a former employee and regular diner at Hank’s, my personal favorite is any of the cilantro lime rice bowls topped with sautéed vegetables and paired with a protein – large grilled shrimp, lean juicy steak, or southwest-seasoned chicken. Inspired by a family trip to Italy, the Vasquez family’s homemade hand-tossed pizza crust is just the right texture, falling somewhere between crispy and chewy.
Hot Honey Pepperoni and Hank’s Marghie pizzas are perennial customer favorites, and their monthly specialty pizza is always delicious. For those who are vegetarian, have food allergies, or wish to complement an entrée, there is a wellstocked self-service salad bar.
Hank’s recently added a Sunday brunch menu and offers a combination of traditional breakfast items such as eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce, Market Street potatoes, French toast, pancakes, and homemade scones with honey butter, as well as selected items from their lunch and dinner menu. Brunch hours are from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Draft, domestic, craft beer, and wine by the glass or bottle are available. Self-serve iced tea and soda, energy drinks, coffee, and cocoa round out the beverage offerings. The dessert menu hits all the right notes of sweet with a rotating selection of
Farr’s ice cream flavors and cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. For chocolate lovers, housebaked Lava Cake and Pazookie are deeply satisfying, especially when topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate and caramel sauces.
In addition to high-quality ingredients and hearty food portions, Hank’s serves heartfelt hospitality coupled with excellent customer service. The positive energy of owners Howard and Angie, sons Jake and Josh, daughter Brittany, and son-in-law Sopie spills into the dining room. Greeting everyone with a smile, visitors and regular customers alike soon become family friends.
With less than a year in operation, Hank’s has become the “go to” restaurant ― a perfect place for the community to gather for great food and friendly conversation in Ogden Valley. And, if you are lucky, you might meet Hank, the family’s yellow Labrador.
Pictured here are the raspberry/strawberry and the cucumber Granita desserts. This dessert is not what you would expect. It is remarkably refreshing and melts i
BITES THAT MAKE PEOPLE LINE UP AROUND THE BLOCK
Tony, owner and chef of Tona Sushi on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, found his love for cooking from his mother, who was always experimenting with recipes. At 15, he knew he wanted his own restaurant. After eight years at Windy's Sukiyaki, his passion for sushi grew into a dream.
Known for combining flavors and textures that excite the palate, Tony believes, "Consistency is key--with both food and service." At Tona, the fish is always the star, with sauces and garnishes as the finishing touch. Vibrant colors of fish, greens, and sauces make your eyes--and your appetite--say "YES!"
Tony's respect for his staff is part of his recipe for success. Turnover is rare, with some employees staying more than 20
years. "You can't build consistency without people who care ," he says.
Appetizers: Garlic Edamame, Green Glob (Tony's original creation), Tuna Pineapple, Stuffed Shishitos, Oyster Shooters.
Entrees: Crudo Spoons, Jack Roll, Tuna Cilantro, Poke, Grinch, Jala-Berry, Sweet Pea.
Dessert : Granita in seasonal flavors like shiso mint & lemon, raspberry/strawberry, and cucumber.
Tona only uses the freshest ingredients, growing some herbs in-house. Their sauces, like Wasabi Cheese and Fish Bone Broth,
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are homemade with no waste. Beverages such as Chili Rose Wine and Cucumber Sake are unique to Tona. Tony and his wife, Tina, opened Tona in 2004. The name combines both of their names, and the bright green and yellow logo reflects Tony's favorite colors. Since then, Tona has won over 60 awards, including multiple Best of State and Reader's Choice honors. Tony credits his team: "They put out the effort to earn all these awards."
If you're not a fish fan, Tony's creations might change your mind. Get to Tona early--lines start forming around 4:30 pm, especially on weekends!
about the author:
London Joyce is a 9th grader and a Cheer Captain at Snowcrest Junior High. She is a very passionate dancer, cheerleader, and tumbler who loves playing piano and guitar. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing games, surfing, skiing, and watching movies. She is a straight-A student and is aiming high for her future!
Angel Village Cafe serves delicious vegan meals at an affordable price
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE SATHE
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s Angel Village Cafe in Kanab, Utah has been dishing up delicious plant-based meals to thousands of staff, volunteers, and visitors for more than 40 years.
Angel Village Cafe was unofficially founded in 1984, when plant-based foods were not so popular or understood. At that time, in a rural ranching town like Kanab, meatless cuisine was often met with suspicion.
Best Friends co-founder Cyrus Mejia had just become a vegan, so he was skilled in turning out tasty, meat-free dishes. As a result, he was asked to start making lunch for the Sanctuary so that employees were guaranteed a healthy, hearty meal to stay nourished while working hard. Within a short time, Angel Village Cafe was in operation to provide nourishment for anyone who visited.
Angel Village Cafe became not just a place to eat, but a communal space for those wanting to create a better future. As Cyrus likes to say, "There are three important reasons for eating a totally plant-based diet. It’s good for the animals. It’s good for the earth. It’s good for your health.”
One of Cyrus’ goals was to cook as many different meals as possible, and he got an unexpected ally when the owner of a local grocery store pulled him aside. Customers had been asking the owner about plant-based products after being told by their doctors that they need to cut down on eating meat. Since the store was already ordering tofu and tempeh in bulk for the Sanctuary, Cyrus was happy to return the favor and started teaching vegan cooking classes.
Soon, a regular group of local folks were learning about vegan cooking, which in turn inspired Cyrus to create new recipes to serve at the Sanctuary.
Today, the Sanctuary selects menus from a repertoire of hundreds of recipes. Some of the most popular dishes include savory Chimichurri Enchiladas, jackfruit BBQ, decadent Moussaka, and comforting dishes like Veggie Pot Pie and Lasagna. Tastes of the
“ There are three important reasons for eating a totally plant-based diet. It’s good for the animals. It’s good for the earth. It’s good for your health.”
world can be found in dishes like Thai Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Asian Lettuce Wraps, and Ratatouille. The cafe also offers crowd pleasers like Taco Tuesday and Build Your Own Veggie Burgers, served with all the usual accoutrements, including nondairy cheese and condiments.
Soups are a specialty at Angel Village Cafe, with such favorites as Corn Chowder or Minestrone, often served with classic, crusty French bread or rustic wheat rolls baked on the premises. Scratch-made cookies, brownies, cobblers, and pastries are a sweet way to end a delicious meal, along with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Providing an all-you-can-eat buffet for just $5, the cafe keeps prices low to thank volunteers, support the Sanctuary, and show how tasty plant-based meals can be—inspiring guests to try vegan cooking at home.
Angel Village Cafe has earned glowing reviews — 4.7 stars on Yelp, 4.5 on TripAdvisor, and a perfect 5 on Happy Cow — for its flavorful food, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere. The cafe also supplies Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile in Kanab and has won Utah’s Best of State awards for Health Foods (2024) and Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant (2025).
Next time you find yourself in Kanab, Utah, make sure to stop by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s Angel Village Cafe for delicious, award-winning food at a great price.
Creating dream spaces through trust, craftsmanship, communication, and client care.
Thomas Wight, Owner of Renovate Ease, always dreamed of running his own company. During COVID, when he was laid off, a simple text from his uncle—"Let's start a business"—set everything in motion. That was the beginning of Renovate Ease.
The company first started with epoxy floorings, then moved into flipping residential homes. From there, Thomas and his team found their passion in remodeling. Today, Renovate Ease specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations—two of the most critical and personal spaces in a home.
For Thomas, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing the joy on a client's face when their vision comes to life. Every project begins with listening. When Renovate Ease provides a bid, Thomas and his team ask detailed questions to understand the clients' needs fully. In kitchens, especially, many families dream of opening up enclosed spaces—creating better lighting, improved flow for gatherings, and a welcoming environment for family life. Thomas personally enjoys warm and cozy designs and loves helping clients create a similar sense of comfort in their homes.
He also understands that renovations can sometimes feel intrusive. Having workers in a home is not always easy. That's why communication is a cornerstone of Renovate Ease's approach.
Clients receive clear breakdowns of project timelines, including the crews that will be on-site and what to expect at each step. This open communication helps homeowners feel informed, comfortable, and at ease throughout the entire process.
Patience is another essential part of renovation. Almost always, surprises appear once the walls are opened. But Thomas and his team view these challenges as part of the journey, and work hard to find solutions and keep projects moving forward.
At Renovate Ease, the greatest reward isn't just the finished remodel—it's the moment clients see their dream become a reality. For Thomas Wight, that's what makes the hard work worthwhile and why he is passionate about building with ease.
OCTOBER 6TH
Last day for SnowWiesn Oktoberfest at Snowbasin
Snowbasin | 12:00 PM
You don’t need to travel all the way to Germany to enjoy Oktoberfest-- you can just go to Snowbasin! For just a $10 entrance fee, you can enjoy craft beer, bratwurst, the mountain market, and, of course, have a reason to put on your lederhosen!
OCTOBER 12TH
Dia de los Muertos in Ogden
Ogden Amphitheater | 12:00 PM
Celebrate Latino culture at Ogden’s Dia de los Muertos event! Enjoy the day through visual arts, live music performances, food trucks, and more!
OCTOBER 28TH
Phantom of the OperaSilent Film Edition
Peery’s Egyptian Theater | 7:00 PM
Are you a film buff with an appreciation for history? Check out what’s playing at Peery’s Egyptian Theater! Built in 1924, the theater is a perfect spot to avoid the chilly weather and cozy up to enjoy some throwback films.