RESTAURANTS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD: A BRIEF TIMELINE

By Amanda Rock


Photography: Downtown Alliance and VisitUtah.com

Working a farm and running a grocery store, my great-grandpa provided for his family by feeding other immigrants who worked at the smelter. My grandparents opened Raphael’s Italian Restaurant on that same property, sharing flavors of their home country. Their restaurant was across the street from their house in Murray, where I now live. The good restaurants are returning. The vegan bakery in my neighborhood hosted an Ethiopian pop-up last week. I scooped up veggies, peas and lentils with spongy injera and felt incredibly lucky. Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese fare are within walking distance, offering herbivorous options and distinct spices. These restaurants are winning business from chains and fast food restaurants. For dessert, I ate vegan lemon raspberry cake, savoring each sweet, tart bite.


Amanda Rock is a freelance vegan food writer. She’s been published in Utah Stories, SLUG, Salt Lake City Weekly and Devour Utah. She lives in an old house in Murray with her husband, a cat and many books.