Libretti and Libations & Utah Opera's The Merry Widow

:: UTAH OPERA :: BODEGA :: THE REST :: BTG ::

*photo via Utah Opera

Saturday Devon and I had the opportunity to attend the premier of Utah Opera's The Merry Widow at Capitol Theatre. It was our first opera experience and we had such a fun time!

**You have until tomorrow, 1/20, at noon to enter my ticket giveaway to see The Merry Widow for yourself!**

Before the opera we had planned to hit the remaining three downtown spots serving craft cocktails for Salt Lake Magazine's and Utah Opera's Libretti and Libations partnership - Bodega [The Rest,] BTG Wine Bar, & Pallet Bistro. [See Finca's L&L cocktail, the Sloe Waltz here.] Unfortunately, Devon left his wallet and ID behind and had to run home. In the meantime, I grabbed a cocktail at Bodega while waiting for a spot to open up at The Rest downstairs. If you haven't visited The Rest, it is such a special spot. I highly advise making a reservation 3 days to a week in advance, especially if hoping to visit on a weekend.

Bodega's BUFFALA NEGRA :: Bourbon, Rye, Balsamic, Basil, Ginger Beer. Really, really good.

It turned out to be serendipitous that Devon had to go back for his wallet - I hadn't expected The Rest to be completely booked, even at 5pm, and while I waited I grabbed a fantastic cocktail at Bodega. I don't think The Rest would've been able to accommodate the two of us in time, but alone I was able to slip into a corner spot and sip their Libretti and Libations special - The Rue Royale [Linie Aquavit, Old Tom Gin, B&B, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Honey syrup] I'm not the biggest Aquavit fan, and it was a tad sweet for my tastes, but if you're into Old Tom Gin or anise-y flavors at all you've got to give this one a try. I was trying to flag cocktail to try for future visits, but I would have highlighted their entire menu - it's an experience not to be missed / please take me with you.

The Rest's' RUE ROYALE :: Linie Aquavit, Old Tom Gin, B&B, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Honey syrup

The Rest's' RUE ROYALE :: Linie Aquavit, Old Tom Gin, B&B, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Honey syrup

Once finished, I ran back to meet up with Devon and we had just enough time to find parking and grab a quick drink (and another) and split a plate of gnocchi at BTG. BTG opened while I was pregnant and I still somehow hadn't made it over there. With dining options from next door's Salt Lake Italian staple and their sister restaurant, Caffé Molise, if you're a fan of pasta, southern Italian fare, or wine at all, BTG [hint: BTG = by the glass] is worth the visit. We ordered a pair of their L&L special - the Good Fortune [Elijah Craig 12 Year Bourbon, Grand Marnier, Frangelico, Fresh Orange Juice, Black Walnut Bitters.] As a whiskey lover through and through and with the vibes of a fancied up Old Fashioned, I enjoyed this one.

BTG's Good Fortune :: Elijah Craig 12 Year Bourbon, Grand Marnier, Frangelico, Fresh Orange Juice, Black Walnut Bitters

[Side note: I so wish I had taken note of our server's name. We were so short on time, scrambling to make it to the opera in time after the forgotten wallet detour, and our server was nothing short of incredible.]

BTG's / Caffe Molise's Tomato Gnocchi

BTG's Good Fortune :: Elijah Craig 12 Year Bourbon, Grand Marnier, Frangelico, Fresh Orange Juice, Black Walnut Bitters

Unfortunately, we didn't have time to check out Pallet's offering by Bijan Ghiai, winner of the Utah Chapter's US Bartender's Guild's 2015 competition - A Widow's Welcome [Cognac, Creme de Cassis, Pernod, Lemon, Hot Water.]

*Photo courtesy of Pallet Bistro :: A Widow's Welcome :: Cognac, Creme de Casses, Pernod, Lemon, Hot Water

The opera itself was incredible. I was fully prepared to not have a clue of what was going on - despite their website clearly listing The Merry Widow as spoken and sung in english. Between the subtitles being projected above the stage and the libretto [text of the opera's spoken word] available to be read at the Libretti and Libations locations, it was perfectly easy to follow and laugh along. I hadn't expected the opera to be full of such humor... or snacks! I highly recommend arriving early to attend the pre-show lecture series and have time to get situated. We had to get home to our babyguy-turned-toddler-dude, but the Q&A session offered afterwards with Christopher McBeth, Utah Opera's Artistic Director, sounded like such an interesting opportunity.

It was so fun to get our of our usual movie or dinner date routine. It was fun to get dressed up, but the opera is not the stuffy, pretentious affair some might imagine. Seeing the enthusiasm and joy radiate from the artists on stage and imaging all the work it takes to present such production was an inspiring way to spend a Saturday night downtown.


**Don't forget to enter to win tickets to The Merry Widow here on slcFLAKE by commenting on which opera this season you're most looking forward to *here* or by entering in the Libretti and Libations Photo Contest by hashtagging your L&L cocktails with #UtahOperaSips! Good luck!**



*Tickets for the event were provided by Utah Opera, all opinions are my own ♥

GIVEAWAY :: Win Tickets to Utah Opera's THE MERRY WIDOW

**GIVEAWAY** 

Win a pair of tickets to see Utah Opera's production of The Merry Widow (1/22 evening or 1/24 matinee - winner choice!) by visiting Utah Opera's Website and commenting below with your email on which of the three productions you're most looking forward to this season!

**bonus entries**

1- subscribe to slcFLAKE.blogspot.com and leave a comment letting me know.

2- Follow both @caroline.slcflake and @utahopera on Instagram and leave a comment below

3- Follow both @utahopera and @slcflake on Twitter and leave a comment below.
4- Visit @caroline.slcflake on Instagram and share this post with your followers and leave a comment below!


That's four ways to enter AND don't forget about Utah Opera & Salt Lake Magazine's Libretti and Libations ongoing photo contest on Instagram and Twitter - #UtahOperaSips


Good luck! A winnter will be selected at random on Wednesday 1/20. I'll be at tonight's premier and I'm so excited to experience the opera for the first time!

Lipstick Making with Craft Lake City and Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare

:: LIPSTICK MAKING WITH CRAFT LAKE CITY :: 

Craft Lake City is an amazing organization at the heart of Salt Lake City's thriving handmade and DIY community. Going on its 7th year, CLC's 2016 DIY Festival will span 3 days this summer [EEP!] running from August 12-14 - it's my very favorite event of the summer, if not of the year! In the meantime, they host a series of workshops featuring several events each month - keep an eye out for upcoming events on the Craft Lake City Website, Facebook, or Instagram to view more info and see upcoming workships.

Pigment measuring!

Yesterday, Craft Lake City hosted a Lipstick Making Workshop with Natalie Parkin of Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare. If you haven't checked out the student spa menu at Skinworks yet I highly suggest you do so soon. I haven't had a service done in years, but it's such a great value [a 60 minute facial for $30 and/or 60 minute body scrub for $25? Yes, please.]

Natalie Parkins, CLC Advisory Board Member and owner of Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare, working some lipstick mold magic.

I had seen a few photos on Instagram of custom-made lipstick, but had never experienced it firsthand. This was such a fun class and surprisingly easy considering how hard it can be to choose a shade while out shopping. There was a bit information on different lipstick base formulas [our options were matte, crème, and butter] some basic color theory, and a demonstration before being set free to play with pigments. It was 2 hours and $30 well spent - and we each got to walk away with two custom shades and a little bonus pot of leftovers. This workshop sold out fast and was such a good time that I'm crossing my fingers it's offered again soon!

:: Pigments + silkening potion! ::

:: Mixing Pigments :: 

:: Add the base :: 

:: Pour into the mold :: 

:: Magic! ::

:: So fancy, so fresh, so diy-rad! ::

So much fun! Sometimes the people you're closest to can be the hardest to shop for. I purchased tickets to this event as a Christmas gift and I loved getting the chance to spend time with one of my favorite ladybabes while creating something unique. Keep you ears out for upcoming classes - a little bird told me to keep an eye on Craft Lake City's social media this week for an exciting new class series you could toast to!

FINCA // Libretti & Libations

:: FINCA ::

:: SLOE WALTZ ::

Last week I got together with a girlfriend to catch up over a late lunch and drinks at Finca. With so many amazing spots around Salt Lake it can be hard to make a decision. You know FOMO - fear of missing out? It's like that, but instead of being bummed by your cousin's friend's sister's vacation photos on Facebook it's being crushed that you can't squeeze more meals in a day. That said, there's not a thing to be disappointed about when you step foot into Finca. It's a damn sexy space from the muted floral wallpaper peeking out of the side rooms to the deep, dark, peacock walls and the cozy lounge area - colors, texture, and lighting, it's all spot on whether you visit for brunch, midday, or an evening date.

Pick a seat by the window and spend two hours letting the light wash over you with some salty, savory papas y aioli, a bocadillo [the gambas and bikini are both extraordinary,] some good conversation [or a good cookbook!] and at least a cocktail or two. You won't regret it.


Finca is one of 6 Salt Lake and Park City restaurants participating in the Utah Opera's and Salt Lake Magazine's Libretti and Libations. Running through January 24 Bodega, Finca, Pallet Bistro, BTG Wine Bar, OP Rockwell, and Handle are serving craft cocktails inspired by Utah Opera's The Merry Widdow. Visit and post a photo of your Libretti and Libations cocktail to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #UtahOperaSips by January 20 to be entered into a contest for a pair of tickets to see The Merry Widow at Capitol Theater on January 22.

SLOE WALTZ :: described by creator Natalie Hamilton as "light, happy, and teasing," it's one of the best cocktails I've had in some time. 

BOCADILLO :: GAMBAS :: fried rock shrimp, avocado spread, smoked tomato jam, greens w/ PAPAS Y AIOLI - local potatoes, paprika, house-made garlic aioli

Spruce Gin & Tonic :: It's a near-travesty to visit Finca and not order one of their gin and tonics with house-made tonic syrup.

Broadway District Mega Date

Green Ant :: Ken Sander's Rare Books :: Copper Common :: Johnny's on Second :: Bar X :: Copper Onion

Last Saturday Devon and I took a rare date night and crammed 6 stops into one evening - it was not a bad call.

The Broadway District: How to live it up when you've spent the last year and a half rationing date nights like WWII-era sugar. 

Learn the difference between a credenza, buffet, and a sideboard and set your buns on some mighty fine midcentury delights at the Green Ant before smelling all that old book goodness around the corner at Ken Sander's Rare Books.

If your heart and your belly long for Plum Alley's much beloved steam buns, give Copper Common a visit and split an order with someone you love,,. Or order two and a plate of chicken croquettes just for yourself and be the envy of every patron in the vicinity.

While you're there, you can't not order a Fernetflix and Chill. Based on name alone it's a must order. A healthy dollop of cacao whipped cream topping an ice-filled glass of buttered coffee syrup, egg, Carpano Antica Vermouth, and of course, its namesake, Fernet Branca - It's perfect for stealing sips of as you sip something a bit more robust like The Lorax - CC's wintry riff on a Manhattan with Zirbenz Pine Liquor and Black Walnut Bitters. [Insert Christmas Tree emoji.]

After a few rounds [all losses] of pool at Johnny's, order a drink at Bar X just as bitter as you feel - An Old Pal is like a slightly more tame wintertime Negroni, perfect for healing that post-loss rage.

And to top off your date of all dates, get lucky and score a table at Ryan Lowder and co.'s Copper Onion where you can enjoy eaves dropping on a slew of interesting-to-uncomfortable dates and share your bone marrow with the gentlemen to your right. Add a few shishito peppers and house pickles to the mix and you've got an unstoppable force of salty, smokey, briny, richness. Let's not talk about the pasta. It's Just. Too. Good.

Here's to superfluously jam-packed dates; a 45 minute coffee date can be just as fun, but may we all try to squeeze six downtown destinations into one evening at least once a year.[Or once a week if you're feeling young, wild, and carefree like that.]

Copper Common :: Pork Belly Steam Buns

Copper Common:: Festive AF

Copper Common :: The Lorax

Copper Common :: Fernetflix and Chill

Bar X :: SLC

Bar X :: SLC

Copper Onion :: House Pickles

Copper Onion :: Bone Marrow

Copper Onion :: Pasta Carbonara

Copper Onion :: Beef Stroganoff 

Spiced Molasses Cake [with whipped cream, candied orange peels, citrus glaze]

I had my doubts about this one. The pervasive scent of dark molasses as the batter dripped into the bundt pan, the full tablespoon of ginger - plus dry mustard, plus fresh-ground black pepper? This was either going to be amazing or a waste of my time, flour, and sugar. Fortunately, it was the former.

This richly aromatic spiced cake is a new favorite. The cake itself is dense and decadent without being cloying or heavy and the whipped cream cuts through the bite of ginger while the candied orange peels and citrus glaze keeps the cake bright and fresh. Without the citrus the cake is good, but only a touch away from deep, dark, singing "Pictures of You" 87 times a day territory. We need a little brightness in our lives, in our cake, and especially in the middle of our winters. If you aren't up to candying your own citrus peels, a sprinkle of chopped candied ginger and pour of ginger simple syrup over the cake would be nice too. And feel free to play with the spices, as is the mustard and pepper didn't shine through on their own, but complimented the molasses and espresso - next time I make it I plan to double them just to see what happens.

Spiced Molasses Cake w/ whipped cream, candied orange peel, and citrus glaze
slightly adapted from Renee Erickson's A Boat, A Whale & A Walrus

Ingredients

Cake:
2 1/2 cups [~230 grams] all-purpose flour, sifted, plus extra for pan
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon ginger
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 tablespoons butter, plus extra for pan, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup unsulphured molasses
4 shots espresso or 2/3 cup strong-brewed coffee, plus whole milk to equal 1 cup

Candied Orange Peel:
2 organic oranges - Erickson recommended Sevilles for their sour bite, I used 2 small blood oranges and 1 cara cara
1 cup sugar

Whipped Cream:
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Preheat over to 325°F Thoroughly butter a bundt pan, making sure to cover all crevices. Dust well with flour and tap pan to be rid of excess flour.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, mustard, and black pepper.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed until light, about 1 minute.

In a liquid measuring cup, combine the espresso, milk, molasses, and eggs.

Add the molasses mixture to the butter/sugar mixture and mix on low until blended, taking care to scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula. [The mixture may have a few lumps or a curdled appearance.] Add the flour mixture and mix on low until nearly combined & only a few streaks of flour remain. Finish mixing until just incorporating by folding with a rubber spatula by hand.

Pour the batter into prepared bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes [50 was perfect for mine.] Cake should have a puffed appearance and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with very few moist crumbs clinging to it. While cake is baking, prepare candied orange peel.

Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet or a sheet of aluminum foil with the edges turned up to prevent glaze from running.

Candied orange peels & citrus glaze:
Halve and juice the oranges over a strainer set over a liquid measuring cup. Add water to make 1 cup of liquid. Cut pith [the bitter white part of the orange] away from the peel taking care to leave just the bright orange peel behind and slice peel into 1/4" strips. [I need practice with this and found it easier to cut the pith away after slicing the peel into strips, but this took longer. Do whatever method you find easiest to leave as little pith behind as possible.] Add peel strips to a 2qt saucepan, cover with water, boil for 5 minutes, and drain the water. Return orange peels to saucepan and add the water/orange juice mixture and sugar. Bring to a low-boil and cook until peels are shiny and nearly translucent. Remove candied peels to a sheet of parchment paper to dry, reserving syrup for glazing the cake.

Once cake has cooled for 10 minutes begin brushing all over with the citrus glaze, allowing glaze to soak in for a few moments before brushing on another coat. Continue until all glaze has been used. [If glaze has become too thick, returning to heat for a few minutes should loosen the consistency.]

Whipped cream:
Whip the cream with powdered sugar to your desired consistency just before serving. [My husband and I take a few days to go through a cake this size, so I whip half the cream the day I bake it and then do a fresh batch later in the week.]

It's good after dinner. It's good with coffee. It's good. ♥

Beehive Distillery Sundance Party

Last Thursday I was invited to go to Beehive Distilling's Sundance Party in Park City. Despite living in Utah for 14 years, I'd never visited Park City during the film festival. It was much, much more low key than I had imagined - party due to it being held mid-week during the tail end of the festival, partly due to my come early, leave early agenda thanks to #momlife ;)

Jenn was my hot date that evening. We don't get nearly so many marathon chatting & binge-watching Grey's sessions these days. It was great getting some bestie time to catch up during the drive up and down the canyon and in the quiet moments before other guests arrived and the band started... [who am I kidding, I'm almost positive we had left and I very well could have been back home and in bed by the time the band started. PARTYHARD.]

A handful of babes from cocktail club were there as well - I don't know that my liver, wallet, or waistline would appreciate more frequent cocktail club meetings, but once a month isn't nearly often enough to spend time with these ladies. "Mommy wars" and women tearing women down are talked about with such frequency that I think it's time we shine the spotlight on how motherhood/womanhood can be such an incredible time for women to support each other. Each new friendship I've made in recent years has opened the door more new relationships. My tribe has grown tenfold in the months since and prior to becoming a mother and I'm so grateful for this community.

I'd like to thank new friend, Amanda, for the invitation & drinks last Thursday. On top of being a mom & Heartbeat Nosh Cocktail Club member, she's a PR representative for Beehive Distillery. If you get the chance to try Beehive's gin you absolutely should. It's great finding local products to support, but it's even better when that product is the best you've had. Their Jack Rabbit Gin is amazing, but if you come across a bottle of their limited edition Barrel Reserve [it sells out... fast] you've got to pick up a bottle... and maybe one for me too, please. It's aged in charred French oak barrels and has a subtly sweet, smokey richness on top of their pop of juniper and blend of botanicals. If you're one of those monsters who thinks they hate gin & it might as well be nail polish remover, I dare you to give it a try. I like to think of Barrel Reserve as gin for a whiskey lover. [And if gin & whiskey are your befri/stends like me, all the better!♥]



*You can learn more about my friend Chelsea's Cocktail Club here at her blog, Heartbeat Nosh, on Facebook, or on Twitter and Instagram as @noshmaven
*Find out more about Beehive Distillery at their website, Facebook, or on Instagram as @beehivedistilling