11/05/17
Mormon Funeral Potatoes are a must-try dish when you visit Utah, partly because that's about the only place you'll find them but also because they're so good! I describe these tasty savory treats as "hash brown jalapeno hushpuppies." The individual appetizer balls are made from shredded Idaho russet potatoes topped with cheddar cheese, bacon and scallions. They're rolled in a Cornflake crust and then dipped in hot oil to fry to perfection. The outside is a crunchy breading like a hushpuppy. The inside is a zesty (with a hint of spicy pepper) combo of hearty potato and gooey cheese, with a bite of bacon. Try a plain bite first to get the natural flavor, but don't miss out on the "Utah ranch" served with the Funeral Potatoes. It's a creamy, cool closer with just a slight zing to set off this appetizer. Garage on Beck is a roadhouse-style bar and restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating just about a mile from the Capitol area of Salt Lake City, not far off I-15. The only issue with the whole joint is the lack of parking, which gets tricky if you're there during a peak meal or watering time. There's much to sample on the menu (and I love the dish-out-of-regional-water Southern chicken and waffles) but I recommend you begin with Mormon Funeral Potatoes for a flavorful and fun starter!