By Salt Lake Digs contributer Eric Ethington

In Utah This Week

February 8, 2010

It seems only locals know of the hidden treasure known as "1 5th & 1 5th," this one-block street of shops features restaurants, the King's English Book Store, Starbucks Coffee and more. But now it seems that the popular street is gaining one of the biggest draws yet, the newest Tony Caputo's Market & Deli.

The popular market on 314 W and 300 S is announcing their new location on 15th & 1 5th, next to the Einstein's Bagelry and across the street from Mazza restaurant, and both businesses and shoppers are very excited. Tim Wildmon is a local resident who walks down from his house on 17th east almost daily for a cup of coffee at Starbucks, "I'm really excited about this, I love Caputo's and it'll be great if I don't have to drive all the way downtown anymore to go."

Matt Caputo, son of Tony, says the new location is going to focus heavily on cheese, chocolate, charcuterie, EVOO, vinegars, and honey with a little of this and that from their other categories. He also says they'll have a small sandwich menu with the intent of getting a wine and beer license down the line.

The 15th & 15th area is unique; it's hidden away off the beaten path and few people other than local residents find it. Clark Nibley is 74 and lives at the base of Immigration Canyon, he's been coming to the area for 7 years and says he hates going anywhere else. "Everything just seems so corporate these days, it's nice coming to a quiet area where you can get some good food and just sit and relax for a while," he says. "I'd go to Tony's if they came, they've got some really nice stuff."

King's English Book Store is one of the oldest establishments on the block, celebrating their 34th year this September. Things have changed quite a bit since then according to the General Manager, Anne Holman. "There have been a lot of stores come and go, but the group we've got now are great. We're like a family, all the business owners know
each other and they're great neighbors." Matt Caputo came in to the book store when looking at the property and asked them advice on what to expect. "I just told them it's a very clean and safe place to do business. Everyone knows everyone, and most of us know 70% of our customers by name. People stop in on their way to and from work, school, daycare or any other time and will just plop down in your store to spend some time. It's a really great way to do business."

Although major corporations have done their damage, the 1 5th & 1 5th area boasts an incredibly loyal clientele, and with the addition of Tony Caputo's Market & Deli this local hotspot is sure to continue doing well with Utahns through the next decade.

By Kathy Stephenson

The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah Tastemakers: The people who put Utah's food culture on the map in 2008

12/27/2008

Utah Tastemakers Utah's food and dining culture continued to grow and mature in 2008. But who are the people who have made it happen?

The Tribune asked a dozen food lovers -- from business owners and producers to chefs and educators -- to help us compile a list of those who have had the most impact on Utah's food scene this year. The final list included nearly 50 names. But five people -- or organizations -- were mentioned again and again for having the broadest influence on what the state grew, purchased or consumed over the past 12 months. So, as the year comes to a close, raise a glass for the work and passion of The Tribune's five "Utah Tastemakers."

Caputo's Market and Deli: Tony Caputo, son Matt and the rest of the staff at this Salt Lake City gem were dubbed the "Indiana Joneses of artisanal foodstuffs" for traveling the world and sharing their finds and passions with customers. Besides offering one of Utah's largest gourmet chocolate selections and housing "the finest salami maker" in the world (see accompanying story), the newly remodeled space also boasts a high-tech "cheese cave" for storing and aging cheeses. Approachable and knowledgeable, the market offers a variety of different tasting classes and supports numerous community events. Things should get even better in early 2009, when Caputo's plans to start serving casual-style Italian dinners.

By Amy Spencer

In Utah This Week

04/05/10

Building upon their reputation for superb sandwiches, Caputo's has expanded their hours and transformed the deli into an upscale restaurant to serve their Italian specialties for dinner.

The short-lived Tipica that previously occupied the space may have been too much for the casual diner who simply wanted the finest cheeses and meats between artisan breads. Either way, this restaurant has done a tremendous job giving diners an option to have their lunchtime favorite or classic Italian pastas served on white linens. Read: Classy.

On our visit, the restaurant was hopping with Jazz fans making a food stop before the game.

Not giving into the temptation of a sandwich, I chose the mushroom ravioli ($11.95), a large dish of savory raviolis swimming in a bowl of zesty marinara. My husband also raved over the boat of lasagna that he ordered. Chewy bread and fresh salad served before the entrees was plenty for dinner. We both boxed up half of our orders. In other words, the price might seem high, but you get quality and quantity at Caputo's by Night.

By Kathy Stephenson

The Salt Lake Tribune

11/04/2008

At first glance, the glass and steel room in the back corner of Tony Caputo's Market & Deli might be mistaken for a glorified cooler. Take a step closer. Then ask a few questions of the store's resident cheese heads, Matt Caputo and Troy Petersen. Soon you discover that the 13-by-9-foot "cheese cave" is a high-tech system that creates the perfect conditions for properly storing and aging certain kinds of cheeses.

Utahns won't find another cheese cave elsewhere in the state, and there are only four other retail shops in the United States that have them,