Hopheads Hunt
Are you a hophead? A lover of hops intended for brewing beers, that is. If so, the Summit Land Conservancy and Wasatch Brewery have your number. Throughout the summer, the Conservancy and Brewery will host a number of hikes called "Hops Hunters Hikes (WeSaveLand.org)." Volunteers will be out on Conservancy protected areas in search of wild hops, first introduced by German miners in the 1800s. The hops will be crafted by Wasatch Brewery into a special edition "open space beer" later this fall. Remaining dates for Hops Hunters Hikes are June 28 (McPolin Farmlands), July 12 (Virginia Mining Claims), July 26 (the Rail Trail) and Aug. 16 (Prospect Ridge). The hikes are "an opportunity for the Conservancy to educate the public about its mission to save land," according to outreach and development director Sheila Jackson.
Going to War
On Monday, June 29, a new TV show, which follows on the success of Cupcake Wars, debuts on the Food Network. It's called Cake Wars, and an upcoming competition—"Girl Scouts"—will feature four contestants competing to have their cake creation chosen to be the sweet centerpiece for a massive Girl Scouts of America celebration, not to mention for a $10,000 prize. One of the contestants will be Utah's own Laura Burt, owner and head baker of Honey B's Boutique & Baked Goods in Murray (4700 S. 900 East, Ivy Place, 801-888-9804, BayshoreCakes.com). Self-trained and without any formal culinary education, Laura began baking in childhood with her mother and grandmother. Burt's Honey B's Boutique and Baked Goods produces special-occasion cakes, cookies and candies, ranging from opulent wedding cakes to peanut-butter s'mores. Good luck on Cake Wars, Laura!
Italy @ Tuscany
On Friday, June 26, Tuscany (2832 E. 6200 South, 801-277-9919, TuscanySLC.com) will host a four-course Italian wine-pairing dinner on the restaurant's garden patio. Dishes like artisan antipasti, homemade gemelli pasta, grilled lamb belly, sausage and brined pork—plus strawberry shortcake—will be paired with select Italian wines. The cost is $35 for food plus $36 for wine.
Quote of the week: Of soup and love, the first is best. — Spanish proverb
