This week Jason and I will celebrate our seventh anniversary. I know you are all wondering how I have put up with him for that long. Just kidding, Jason is actually a rather fabulous husband and it is my privilege to be married to him.
This year it was Jason’s turn to plan our anniversary merriment. Those of you who know Jason know planning really isn’t one of his fortes, quite the opposite. But this year he put a lot of effort into planning and these efforts paid off. He arranged a surprise weekend getaway to Salt Lake City for us. Perhaps you are thinking that Salt Lake City doesn’t sound like a terribly thrilling location for a getaway, but I’m afraid you are mistaken.
We stayed at the Grand America Hotel in downtown. This is of course the only five-diamond hotel in Salt Lake City and is definitely the most luxurious hotel I have been to in these parts. Jason had reserved an executive suite for us. This suite was 880 sq feet and included a sitting room and a balcony. We were on the 18th floor so the view from our balcony was quite impressive. Jas and I laughed a little when we realized that each night we stayed in this opulent suite it cost us roughly the same as our second mortgage payment. It definitely was a little pricey, but for a special occasion, such as this, it was worth it.
We spent the whole weekend in approximately a 10 block radius. We went shopping at the Gateway and dined there at Z’Tejas. We also sampled the Sunday Brunch at the Grand America, rated the #1 brunch buffet in Utah. It was yummy.
For our big night out, on Saturday night, we went to Bambara for dinner and to Ballet West’s performance of Nine Sinatra Songs. Yes, Jason loves me enough to go, without complaint, to the ballet. And yes, he does make the rest of you boys look bad.
I had never heard of Bambara before but apparently it is rated as one of the top ten restaurants in Salt Lake City. The food was delicious and unique so I can see why it is highly regarded. If you ever find yourself dining at Bambara I would recommend trying the fresh fried potato chips with blue cheese as an appetizer and the goat cheesecake as dessert. Yum! Bambara is located across the street from Capital Theater so it’s a perfect place to dine before you go get some culture. It was a fantastic evening. Excellent food, good company, and throngs of men prancing around in tights-what more could a girl ask for.
There you have it, we spent the whole weekend in downtown Salt Lake City and found exquisite accommodations, delicious food, cultural opportunities, and plenty of shopping. So don’t underestimate your local scene. There is more to it than you might think.
7 comments
Your many trips are an inspiration. Francoise is hard at work planning our Park City get away. I’m excited to bail on work for a few days. Maybe I should tell someone here that I’m going…. nah.
When you mention second mortgage payment do you mean you guys have a home equity loan (i.e. a second mortgage)? Maybe not, but whether or not you have a second loan look into refinancing- great time w/ the Fed’s interest rate cuts. We just refinanced our loan. We rolled our mortgage and home equity line into one mortgage and our payment now $400 less than our old payments. With the extra $400 each month we can afford gas again.
Wow:I’m so proud of Jason for putting together such a fabulous get-a-way for you both for your wedding anniversary.and number 7 to boot. I’m glad that it was all my raising to have him turn out so well. Ha Ha. He really did turn out well though and I’m so glad Rachel that he has you to be included in his long, exciting, playful, bikeriding, snowboarding and backpacking life.
Cam,
I’m glad ya’ll are going to go chill in Park City. If you need any recommendations for eating locations, stuff to do, or places to stay let me know. I would be happy to dish lots of info.
BTW a good, kid friendly, place to eat in Midway is the Mountain House Grill. It’s surprisingly good.
Actually, it’s funny that you mentioned refinancing. We too made use of the low interest rates. We just refinanced out mortgage last week. We got over a point lower. We have a second mortgage because we got that instead of having PMI. It’s a common thing to do now because you can claim the interest on your taxes.
Mom,
Yes, you did an excellent job raising Jason. He’s a great guy, even if he is a bit of a goof ball.
I’m very glad I have someone a little crazy, like me, to chill with!
Ah, but we won’t be needing any kid friendly locations- it’s just going to be me & Francoise. No kids. About freaking time. But if you know of any good restaurants by all means let me know! As for stuff to do… we can keep ourselves busy 😉
Nice move w/ the refinancing!
Cool.
Yes, I have all sorts of food suggestions; I am a major food geek after all.
Chez Betty in Park City is supposed to be really good. Though we weren’t actually able to eat there because they close too early (9:00). They are an American French Fusion restaurant so I’m not sure if Wee would like that or feel like she is getting jipped. The Snake Creek Grill in Heber is also supposed to be really good. They are located in the little fake Western town that the Heber Creeper goes through. If you want to eat there it is highly recommended to make a reservation because they are usually pretty booked. Also, the Sunday Brunch at the Homestead Resort in Midway is good. And the Mountain House Grill is a good casual place, with or without kids. BTW I’m glad you are going to have a little weekend getaway with just the two of you. I think all couples should do that, but sadly it seems like most don’t. I could give you even more restaurant suggestions but that is probably more than enough 🙂 I’m glad you can come up with your own “activities”.
I think Rachel’s bangs are lovely, lovely, lovely. Although I am glad that the hairdresser cut them a little straighter then the 4th grade hair do!