DoorDash For Dogs

Ruff Haven Crisis Shelter teamed up with the food delivery service DoorDash to provide families with pet food once a week, free of charge for anyone within a 10-mile radius. They hope this program will make pet ownership more accessible and discourage shelter returns. [ABC 4]

A Pause On Open Streets

The popular Open Streets program, which converted Main St. to a pedestrian promenade over summer weekends, will not be returning this summer. The COVID-19 emergency orders that made the event possible have now expired. City officials are working on ways to make Open Streets permanent and at least bringing it back in the fall. [FOX 13]

How Worried Should We Be About Bears?

It’s spring, which means local hibernators are WAKING UP. And so should we. On today’s episode of City Cast Salt Lake, host Ali Vallarta chats with the hosts of Tooth and Claw podcast, Jeff and Wes Larson to mythbust Utah black bear encounters. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Have you heard of a seed library? They were designed to encourage the growth of local plant varieties.

How It Works

Head to your local library to peruse their selection of seeds. They operate on an honor system so only take what you need. You can also request seeds online or in-person. There are seven locations of the city library that offer a seed library: Main, Marmalade, Day-Riverside, Sprague, Glendale, Chapman, and Anderson-Foothill. Gardeners are encouraged to also donate seeds when possible.

Hot tip: If you live outside of Salt Lake City, you can Google “seed library near me” to find your nearest resource.

Why It’s Important

If you’ve seen the prices of eggs lately, you know how fragile our industrial food systems can be. It’s important for us to have systems like the seed library that prioritize local ecosystems and move us towards food sovereignty.

What Is Food Sovereignty?

Food sovereignty is the right of communities to control their own food systems including production, distribution, and consumption. It's all about making sure everyone has access to healthy food, prioritizing the needs of people and the environment over profits.

Gardening Workshops

On the last Saturday of the month through October, the City Library will host a series of gardening workshops to help you cultivate your thriving garden. Topics include: mycology, water-use, herb care, fermentation, canning, and more.

Click the link below for more info 👇

I took a cheese tasting class at Caputo’s Market and you should, too. The lovely Adri Pachelli, Senior Manager & Director of Education at Caputo’s, led the class and was chockfull of the most interesting cheese facts. I picked her brain on some useful tips from designing the perfect charcuterie board to storing that leftover camembert.

Cheese can be overwhelming when you’re first getting into it. What’s your advice on getting started?

“Don't be afraid to ask for a sample before buying! It's so disappointing to buy something you end up not enjoying, so trying in the store can be a fun activity, but will also ensure you bring something home that will be delicious.

Let the person helping you know what you have historically liked or what you're doing with the cheese. The more context and preferences you provide, the more your monger will be able to guide you along the path of deliciousness.

I'd recommend keeping notes on cheeses that you both love and … don't love. Buy a cute notebook or start a list of notes on your phone so you have somewhere to reference back to when you're making new purchases.”

What’s the best way to store cheese?

“This one is tricky! Each style of cheese has its own set of needs and preferences based on the exterior molds and rind type, so each has its own preferred method for storage. The easiest answer here is to buy smaller portions more frequently. If you're buying once a week, it's easy to simply keep each cheese wrapped rather tightly in plastic, and there will be little to no impact on the taste or health of the cheese. For more particular details, my personal hero and mentor, Matt Caputo, wrote this amazing blog about storage for unique styles of cheese.”

I have a dinner party tonight. Help! How do I build the perfect cheese board?

“Keep it simple, and don't overthink it! Tell your monger if there's any type of theme for your gathering, like a specific region or country or if there's something special you'll be drinking. Then ask for three uniquely textured cheeses and, if possible, to also include a variety of milk types. Your monger can make specific pairing recommendations, but I always like to include an olive, pickled veg, salami, honey or jam, nuts, and a baguette or cracker to serve on my board alongside the cheeses for a diverse array of items that will pair well with each other.”

Candlelit Yoga Tuesday | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Take a deep breath and relax at this cozy beginner’s yoga class at Marmalade Library. Mats provided. [Free, Salt Lake City]

May the 4th Be With You Thursday | 4 p.m.- 1 a.m.

This Thursday is Star Wars Day! Quarters Sugar House is celebrating with festive drinks and movies. Plus, get a free order of tots if you wear “Star Wars” gear. 21+ only. [Free entry, Salt Lake City]

Acoustic Music Strolls Thursday | 6-8 p.m.

Listen to live acoustic music at Jordan Park. There will also be canoes for you to take a ride on the river. All ages welcome. [Free, Salt Lake City]

Yes, Utah Has Bears. How Worried Should You Be?

Spring has arrived in Salt Lake City, so it’s time to say “good morning” to our black bear neighbors. Oh, you didn’t know we have bears in Utah? Join the club. Wes and Jeff Larson of the Tooth and Claw podcast join host Ali Vallarta to share their tips for handling an encounter with a black bear and their personal stories about their research run-ins.

Food for thought: “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” who’s the real villain?

— Terina Ria