Food & Drink

Heat Things Up with Some of Park City's Spiciest Foods

Warm up this winter season with these fiery and fire-cooked local eats from Park City restaurants.

By Vanessa Conabee December 15, 2021 Published in the Winter/Spring 2022 issue of Park City Magazine

The Fried Chicken Sando at Park City’s new Pretty Bird features a boneless chicken thigh with slaw, pickles, and sauce on a buttered bun. 

Image: Bonjwing Lee

Part of the joy of adventuring outdoors in the winter—be it a day at the resort or snowshoeing in the neighboring hills—is the reward afterward of warming up with pleasurable, seasonal favorites. Each winter, our talented food community draws upon the agents of heat and spice, showcasing locally sourced meats, cheeses, and produce in offerings that both warm and wow the body and the senses. From plates of raclette melted fireside to hot-rock seared wagyu, we’ve sourced local restaurants for not-to-miss offerings that kick things up a notch.

Firewood

Feast on a fiery presentation of locally sourced meats and produce served straight from the hearth at this family-owned business in the heart of Main Street. Firewood’s thoughtful menu rotates nightly to take advantage of fresh offerings, preparing each and every dish over open flames. Start with the savory lamb empanadas, and don’t miss the oven-fried chicken. 306 Main St, 435-252-9900, firewoodonmain.com

Shabu

Gather your friends around the hot rock for seared marinated wagyu with dipping sauces and ponzu butter before heating up with cozy bowls of Shabu Shabu—traditional hotpot broth and veggies paired with tofu, chicken, beef, or seafood. 442 Main St, 435-645-7523, shabuparkcity.com

 

The new Wild Ember BBQ in the Snow Park Residences at St. Regis Deer Valley serves up barbecued meats, hearty sides, and specialty sauces.   

Wild Ember BBQ

Newly opened Wild Ember BBQ, located in the Snow Park Residences at the St. Regis Deer Valley, specializes in sustainably sourced prime cuts, smoked chicken, elk sausage, and Berkshire pork, plus a slew of sides including Brussels sprout apple slaw and pimiento cheddar mac and cheese, and specialty sauces such as cherry ancho, whiskey peach, and gojuchang ginger garlic. 2290 Deer Valley Drive E, 435-940-5700, srdvdining.com

Fireside Dining at Deer Valley Resort

For the ultimate winter dining experience, reserve a spot at Deer Valley Resort’s Fireside Dining—this four-course meal features raclette, potatoes rosti, and leg of lamb served by the stone fireplaces at Deer Valley’s Empire Lodge. Set the mood before dinner with a horse-drawn sleigh ride or a predinner snowshoe trek. Make sure to leave room for bananas Foster flambé or a white chocolate, caramel, or milk chocolate Grand Marnier fondue. 9200 Marsac Ave, 435-649-1000, deervalley.com

Fondue at Goldener Hirsch

The ski season isn’t complete without a visit to the recently renovated, luxe Goldener Hirsch, known for its exquisite offerings of both contemporary cuisine and alpine favorites of schnitzel, spaetzle, and strudel. Step from the slopes of Deer Valley Resort into the comfortable Tyrolean setting for legendary cheese fondue with all the accoutrements paired with a glass of Glühwein or Riesling. 7570 Royal Street E, 435-649-7770, goldenerhirschinn.com

 

Smother any “big burrito” from El Chubasco with their famous verde or rojo salsa, melted cheese, and crema.

El Chubasco

With a crowd-pleasing station of freshly prepared salsas (choices range from mild cilantro cream to fiery molcajete, habanero, and chipotle), El Chubasco’s festive, friendly atmosphere has kept this spot a family favorite. Smothered burritos, house-made pozole, and sizzling diablo shrimp will take the chill off those bones. 1890 Bonanza Dr, 435-645-9114, elchubascoparkcity.com

Pretty Bird Chicken

For finger-licking chicken with a major kick, check out newly opened fast-casual Pretty Bird Chicken in Prospector. Two-time Iron Chef winner Viet Pham delivers Nashville-style hot chicken sandos and tenders with a host of pleasing sides—homemade cider slaw, Mexican Street Corn Salad, crinkle cut fries—and a selection of specialty sauces ranging from white BBQ to salted honey. Four spice levels ensure that both sensitive and well-tempered taste buds are happy, as does the great selection of wine and beer. For a splurge, order the “Dom P + Pretty B”—one bottle of Dom Perignon and your choice of two chicken combos. 1775 Prospector Ave, prettybirdchicken.com

Handle

Handle’s elegant offerings of small, artful plates include an exquisite Hamachi crudo of red pepper, pineapple, and cilantro oil that is both spicy and bright. Mushroom Bolognese with truffled mascarpone, shellfish curry, and a New York strip with bean salad and kimchi offer creature comforts from the cold. 136 Heber Ave, 435-602-1155, handleparkcity.com

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