In Utah, they sell shot glasses that advise folks to “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry. For Tomorrow, you might be in Utah!”
This month marks my one year anniversary of becoming a Utah resident. There are plenty of negative things about the state, which I’ve spent a good number of hours divulging. You are all now well aware (if you weren’t before) that Utah’s food (especially that which passes for Greek cuisine), drivers, “culture”, and nightlife leave much to be desired.
But, there are some great things too.
Red Iguana is the best Mexican food this side of the border. And, despite the dearth of bustling young professionals and diversity, I have grown quite fond of Salt Lake City. The authentic Italian offerings of Caputo’s are like a glass of cool water in the desert. Broadway Centre Theatres, with their independent films (and real German chocolate at the concessions) – it takes me home. There are beautiful views to be seen from all over Utah, but one of my favorites is at the Red Butte arboretum. You can hike or walk for hours through this scenic area. Lest I forget Utah’s most classy venue – Park City. The skiing is of Alpine quality. Tiny row house stores line Main Street and are canvassed with photographs and paintings that truly illuminate their spaces.
And last Friday, I truly found solace.
The Drinking Liberally group of Salt Lake City meets at Piper Down to end the week with politics and booze. Three ex-Mormons (the only Utahns), several East Coasters, a Californian, and a handful of Utah transplants were in attendance. Mostly Democrats and a few libertarians, they were everything our neighbors are not – animated, cultured, and generally welcoming. Their self-deprecating humor coupled with thoughtful opinions on current events to make for what amounted to a typical night out back in D.C. After wining and dining, we took in Al Franken’s “God Spoke”. It was, undeniably, one of the smartest, funniest, films I’ve ever seen (more on that in another post).
I returned home that night, for the first time in awhile, believing that, just maybe, I could survive another year here. A year ago you would have heard me arguing in Ann Coulter fashion how liberals are the prime creators of wreckage in our society. How wrong I was.
whereIstand Tags
Happy anniversary! Great post…