The Eating Establishment in Park City, a popular locals’ spot for breakfast and brunch, has now joined the cadre of pretentious Main Street restaurants.
Bought by The Edison Alley Group and “Modern Family” star and Bar X and Beer Bar owner Ty Burrell last spring, the Double EE, as it was affectionately called, underwent a remodel, a significantly streamlined menu, and a fancy cocktail bar with a liquor license allowing for drinks starting at 10 a.m. (BTW, this is the only place in town with a license to sip before lunch. Woohoo, right?). And since all of these “improvements” don’t pay for themselves, what you get is a $45 breakfast for two.
The service itself is spotty. Our waiter barely spoke English so it took three trips to the kitchen to get the right order and ‘over-hard’ eggs that didn’t ooze everywhere. The potatoes were lukewarm and soggy, the coffee bitter and the rest just ok. But don’t worry, even though the portions are small, they’re still filling thanks to all of the extra grease and butter they swim in.
The Eating Establishment has whittled its generous breakfast menu and retooled the dinner one. The atrium space now has a floor-to-ceiling bar with the most boring wood face you’ll find in Park City. If you’re looking for that western atmosphere and a delicious cocktail, however, you’re better off spending the same money at High West Distillery. Note- High West doesn’t serve breakfast.
The EE continues to draw a busy breakfast scene and the faux mountain décor (it was actually real before the new owners got ahold of it) will please tourists walking Main Street in search of that “Old Town” vibe. But locals, once again, have been pushed out as this incarnation sets its sights on becoming Park City’s new destination for expert craft cocktails and coffee. “We want to be the place to get a drink on Main Street,” said an EE rep.
So with No Worries closed and the EE transfigured, where can a local (or someone who wants to eat like one) get a decent all-American breakfast without choking on the check?
Main Street Deli
Good Karma
Wasatch Bread and Bagel
Yep, only three right now. Will the owner of the Original Pancake House please step forward!?
Put on your walking boots because Comedienne Chelsea Handler is marching the sisters of Sundance (and everyone else who wants to join in) down Park City’s Main Street Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. But this women’s march is no joke.
The Women’s March On Main is part of a human rights demonstration set to take place in 50 states and 20 countries around the world. And what better Utah locale to stage it than the 3rd Annual Sundance Film Festival?
“Sundance has always been a platform for change: not only for filmmakers and filmmaking, but also for big ideas for the future,” Handler says. “We need to be louder and stronger than ever about what we believe in.”
Trouble Brews in Park City
This isn’t the first time that filmmakers have used Park City’s film fest as a way to podium liberal causes. Just to name a few, there have been Occupy Wall Street and Iraq war protests as well as animal-rights groups chanting from the sidewalks during Sundance.
The “Women’s March on Main” kicks off at 9 a.m. on the opening Saturday of the Fest. This happens to coincide with a similar march in Washington, D.C.; all the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration and what will be the busiest day of the Festival; a time when the majority of the celebs and media attend. Can you say chaos?
Organizers have created a Facebook page to ask supporters to come out and demonstrate their respect for freedom, human rights, diversity, safety and health in this country.
“We have an opportunity in the creative communities to spread hope, tolerance and inclusiveness in our art and with our voices,” says the page. The March starts at the Wasatch Brew Pub parking lot, 220 Main St. Park City, UT. 9 a.m. and culminates with a rally at the bottom (1 a.m.?). The WMM Facebook page says more than 1000 people plan to attend the March. Another 2000 are interested in going. Expect those numbers to climb exponentially in the next week.
It’s hilarious that folks choose to ski on snowblades beyond the 90s. When I taught teens at Deer Valley Resort we spent at least a day per week gliding all over the mountain and pissing off older guests.
Those little skis have been an effective training tool for balance and edging but there should come a time when you hop back on real skis.
When snowblades become your sticks of choice, go ahead and have fun, but please don’t call yourself an expert… unless you rock them like Mario Balzano.
Peruvian Lodge Bar Video Challenge
Local pro athlete Leo Ahrens directed this short for Alta’s annual Peruvian Lodge Bar video challenge. He took home the honors in 2015 and won it again in 2016 with this spoof of “blading”. The irony is that Mario is truly all about his blades. And really, only he can get away with it.
Styling winter feet used to be easy. If you asked any real skier (not bunnies who sit at the Montage sipping hot toddies) what they wore for kicks they’d answer ski boots and Sorels. Ah, the good old days. Now there are so many cute, cool choices you might wind up with the winter version of Imelda Marco’s shoe closet.
Those who live in resorts like Park City know what I’m talking about. It’s cold, icy and snowy a solid six months out of the year; and it’s boring looking down at the same winter feet every day (and night). If you even thought about getting fancy for dinner or Sundance good luck not slipping on your a** in front of international paparazzi- or at least your friend’s Snapchat. So you need a fancy winter shoe? There are such things, you know.
Athleisure fans rejoice! You now have some of the most fun and functional silhouettes for winter feet since the Ugg rage thankfully waned. Flirty, fleece-rimmed ankle boots pair with your favorite skinny jeans, calf-high zips compliment your new sweater dress or pencil skirt and, well, those Tecnica Moon Boots go with nothing and therefore go with everything.
If you are in need of inspiration check out these great fashion finds for winter feet:
The Oboz Madison Insulated Boots are everything you could want for winter. Rugged outsoles for traction and friction, a nubuck leather upper for shedding snow and rain, 200g of Thinsulate for winter warmth, a pile cuff for comfort, hidden side zipper for easy entry, an insulated footbed for extra warm feet and they are adorable. $165.
Tecnica MoonBoot W.E. Monaco Lows give you the style of those oh-so popular slipons but with the traction and dryness you need for navigating snow and slush. They may look bulky but they’re lightweight, flexible and uber warm. Plus, the Lunar faux fur has waterproofing to keep it from looking like you have a wet rat around your calf half-way through the season. $160.
Wolverine Sirrus Zip Oxford. This hard-to-find shoe is a must for any local. It’s the winter equivalent to wearing flipflops all summer. Suede leather waterproof upper, warm, fuzzy, faux-fur lining, removable full-cushion footbed, arch support and deep, deep lug soles. $89.
You see these Ahnu Sugarpines and instantly have to have them. Not only does it come in fun, unique colors you won’t find in any other mid-hiker, but they are super warm and waterproof. The Sugarpines have Ahnu’s neutral foot position for better balance and stride, a double-reinforced toe to keep out water and cold, and a padded tongue for extra cush. This may not be your snowshoe-shoe but it’ll be your fave go-to for casual winter dinners and dog-walks. $89
When you are into winter trail running, there’s the Altra Lone Peak 2.0 Polartec Neoshell. Zero drop, waterproof and roomy. The neoshell upper provides a weather-resistant barrier while the sandwiched StoneGuard midsole gives flexible protection as you traipse over rocks and ice chunks. The design is made to feel like an extension of your foot rather than you trying to make your foot fit the shoe. If you have a wide foot and struggle with a comfortable trail shoe you need to explore this brand. $65.
Timberland Authentic Winter Fold Downs. In case you haven’t kept up on the trends, fold downs are all the rage. Not only do you get a cute fuzzy shoe but a chukka too. The durable uppers are made with full-grain, waterproof leather and suede, and, unlike other winter fashion boots, these folddowns have a waterproof membrane and teddy fleece lining for extra oomph. EVA midsole and aggressive lugs provide all-day comfort even when the streets get slick. $98
Every outdoorswoman needs the Lowa Sparrow WS Climbing Shoe on hand. When you can’t ski for whatever reason the most fun “adventure” workout you can have is in the climbing gym. These beauties offer all-day comfort which is key if you’ve been in ski boots for five days straight. The women’s last keeps your heel in place but gives extra wiggle room in the toe box. It’s really more about having a shoe that doesn’t make you scream in pain without sacrificing performance; especially in the winter. BTW, these do awesomely on those intermediate (and beginner) sport routes. $140.
My parents called tonight. They’re coming to Sundance. I choked a bit. I’ve lived in Park City since 1990 and this is a first. “Are you sure?” I queried. “Sundance is a zoo. There’s no parking, all of the restaurants are booked, it’s even more expensive around here than normal, the tickets are probably sold out….” Was there a Beginners Guide To Sundance out there anywhere?
“Your father and I want to see snow and Europe’s too far,” said Mom. “Plus, I’ve always wanted to stay at the St. Regis.” My folks are in their 80s. Back in the day, our vacations revolved around skiing but they retired the sticks decades ago. Still, you can’t help but miss the mountains in winter when you’ve spent almost your whole life playing in them.
I considered this new information. Parents who don’t ski but love film, snow and mountains. Sundance might just be the perfect vacation. When they’ve visited Park City in the past they’ve been bored. This is a town for adventure junkies. Once you’ve done the outlet mall, gotten a massage and fed on the “fine dining” there’s not much else for retired skiers around here.
I started my research. It’s one thing to have a media pass to Sundance for 20 years but clearly another to join as a general attendee. How then do I advise my parents, your average tourists, to make the most out of their time at Sundance? Looks like I was going to have to devise my own Beginners Guide To Sundance.
The Beginners Guide To Sundance Starts With Lodging
You won’t have a place to stay if you don’t have a place to stay. In other words, book your lodging early and don’t be picky. Everything in Park City is overpriced and still gets gobbled up the closer you get to those last ten days in January. My parents aren’t into crashing in a 3 bedroom place with four other people so they got a room at the St Regis with timeshare points that could have bought them a month in Hawaii. You can get a place in Salt Lake City for much less but the highway commute in January can be a nightmare if it dumps. It would suck to be stuck in a whiteout on I-80 while your movie played. BTW, the benefit of having a condo over a hotel room is the ability to cook. You can save a fortune on not dining out.
The Beginners Guide To Sundance Transpo: Call Uber
Photo by Michael R. Perry
No, Mom, you do not need a car. Split a cab, call Uber, book a shuttle. You DO NOT want a rental car in Park City during Sundance. The City shuts down Main Street to traffic, there’s zero parking available unless you want to pay $50 for lots that are normally free, and the congestion is ridiculous.
I hitched a ride from Park Avenue to the top of Main (two miles tops) last year and it took over an hour. The brightside was I got to spend that time chatting with a fascinating, charmingly abrasive, post production supervisor from New York who worked on several of my favorite films.
Park City brings in extra buses to handle the transportation. The free system runs like clockwork and rivals any you would find in a large metropolis. They run late into the night so you don’t need to worry about being stranded and the cast of characters on those buses- from local ski bums to Netflix execs- are priceless.
The Beginners Guide To Sundance Ticketing
Get a Sundance Ticket package if you can afford one. My parents will see as many movies as they can but if you don’t plan ahead individual tickets (which go on sale Jan. 17 for non-locals) sell out fast and you wind up standing in a cold waitlist line hoping someone doesn’t show.
There is a new ewaitlist system that eliminates standing in line TWICE to MAYBE get in but you’ll still have to be at the theater at least 30 minutes prior to showtime. You’ll also need to be somewhere with a strong signal. The waitlist opens one hour prior to the screening and if you get a number higher than 50 your chances of actually getting in are slim to none. You can often buy tickets off scalpers standing in front of the theater. Patrons wind up with extra tickets because friends or clients couldn’t make it in time or they decided to go to a party instead. I’ve gotten many a free ticket this way.
The Festival packages are pricey for non locals ($650) but in addition to 10 tickets ($250 value), they include Festival credentials for two peeps.
You can only plant your butt in a dark theater for so long. The pass gets you into the rocking ASCAP music café, the Cinema Café, the Filmmakers Lodge, and several other “credential-only” venues that host VIP events like cocktail receptions and filmmaker panel discussions. You also get a ticket to the opening night party but it’s not a bonus if you dislike blaring dance music and drunk 20-somethings.
The Cast of Sing Street by Bart Ryker
The Beginners Guide To Sundance Dining
“We want to go to the restaurants and experience the scene,” my Mom added. So does everyone else, Mom. If you get to Park City without reservations you will be ordering Domino’s and Davanza’s. Start booking the minute you know you’re coming. Three nights in town equals three reservations.
Private parties book out most of the restaurants. Still, the best spots to celeb spot if you can get in are the Riverhorse Café, Chimayo, Zoom, Yuki Yama and Prime Steakhouse. I recommended St Regis’ J & G Grill to my folks for the first Saturday night of the Fest to avoid the mayhem of Main. You can also eat someplace off Main that doesn’t take reservations – like Sammy’s Bistro, El Chubasco, The Blind Dog and our newest yummy Ganesh Indian Restaurant. If you just want something to eat and you want out of town anyway, locals head to Kimball Junction where you have a ton of options from Five Guys to Ghidotti’s.
That’s it for this first leg of our journey. Stay tuned for my Mom’s next phone call!
