Soak in summer while dining al fresco in Park City

As summer kicks into full swing, what better way to enjoy the cheerful weather than by spending as much time outdoors as possible? One of our favorite warm-weather activities is taking advantage of al fresco dining opportunities in and around Park City.

The term “al fresco” comes from the Italian language and is loosely translated to mean “in fresh air.” For us, that means simply eating outside, but when set against the amazing backdrop of Park City summer, the experience is elevated beyond your basic picnic. Think stunning views, beautiful tablescapes, comfortable seating, live music and a generally more party-like atmosphere.

Thanks to the Park City Area Restaurant Association (PCARA), the party kicks off this Saturday, June 4, with the first annual Berrett Lane Block Party at Prospector Square, followed by the return later this month of Savor the Summit, known as Utah’s largest dinner party! Also on the schedule this summer is a series of special events by Allora Catering including multiple community markets, a “special guest” dining series and an Italian dinner series, while Deer Valley Grocery Café offers eight weekends of specially curated culinary experiences at its “Summer Dinners on the Deck.”

BERRETT LANE BLOCK PARTY

The brainchild of longtime local and beloved musician Rich Wyman, the first annual Berrett Lane Block Partywill light up Prospector Square this Saturday, June 4, from 5-9 p.m.

The FREE event, which will be situated along the pedestrian walkway stretching from Kearns Boulevard to the intersection of Sidewinder Drive and Prospector Avenue, will feature live music by Rich Wyman and Lisa Needham, Dana Williams and Chip Jenkins, as well as barbecue and taco offerings available for purchase from Riverhorse Hospitality Group’s Salt Box Eatery and Catering, and pizza and drink options by Este Pizzeria. Additionally, the block party will offer several family-friendly favorites including activities such as cornhole and Jenga, and treats including popcorn and cotton candy.

Mark your calendar! The Berrett Lane Block Party isn’t the only event planned for Prospector Square this summer. The Prospector Square Property Owners Neighbor Appreciation Block Party is set for Saturday, July 16, from noon to 6 p.m., and will feature live music, food trucks, restaurant booths, a bike valet and more. For more details about the block party and more, visit parkcityrestaurants.com.

SAVOR THE SUMMIT

Park City’s Savor the Summit returns to historic Main Street for the largest dinner party in the state on Saturday, June 25 (6 p.m.). Multiple restaurants are set to serve their specialties “al fresco” – right down the middle of Main Street to more than 2,500 patrons.

This massive outdoor dinner party will offer a unique, open-air celebration of food, drink and live music. But the fun doesn’t end when dessert is served. The PCARA invites locals and visitors to extend their Main Street visit and make the most of the summer weekend, which also includes the Latino Arts Festival, Friday Night Gallery Stroll and Park Silly Sunday Market.

Latino Arts Festival, June 20–26: The sixth annual Latino Arts Festival will celebrate Latin American traditions and heritage at multiple locations throughout Park City. The six-day event highlights the beauty and creativity of Hispanic and Latino culture through food, film, fine art, craft, live music and folkloric dance.

Friday Night Gallery Stroll, June 24, 6–9 p.m.: Art galleries open their doors for guests to leisurely indulge in an evening of art, music and great company while enjoying the magic of Park City’s Historic Main Street and more.

Park Silly Sunday Market, June 26, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.: In its 16th season this summer, Park Silly is an ecofriendly, open-air artist and farmers market, street festival and community forum on Historic Main Street. Latino Arts Festival experiences will also be held at the June 26th market.

Savor the Summit seats are filling quickly, and some restaurants have already sold out (visit parkcityrestaurants.com for details)! Guests who have yet to finalize their Savor the Summit plans and are interested in attending should make reservations directly with the participating PCARA member of their choice, including:

710 Bodega
Buona Vita
Café Terigo
Cuisine Unlimited Catering
Firewood on Main
Flanagan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (SOLD OUT)
Fletcher’s Park City (SOLD OUT)
Purple Sage (SOLD OUT)
Riverhorse on Main
Salt Box Eatery & Catering
Shabu (SOLD OUT)
The Eating Establishment
Wasatch Brew Pub

ALLORA SUMMER EVENTS

Allora Kitchen (6440 N. Business Park Loop Road in Silver Summit) is hosting a series of community summer markets and dinner series that you won’t want to miss! For questions or to reserve your seat, email: Julie.Allora@gmail.com.

Community Markets, Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Enjoy an open-air market offering fresh, handmade artisanal pastas, several San Marzano tomato sauces, pesto sauces, Italian herb-infused sea salts, 15-month barrel-aged vinegars, dressings and jams. Other vendors will offer unique jewelry, authentic Mexican. salsas, imported fresh Mexican Veracruz coffee and handmade Mexican apparel, assorted breads and desserts, and authentic German pretzels. Enjoy fresh brewed coffee, iced coffee and Mexican hot chocolate while you shop. DATES: June 25, July 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 10, Sept. 24.

Summer Special Guest Dining Series: Reserve your seat at one or all three special dinners under the tent. Each event features a six-course meal with optional wine pairing, $175 inclusive. Reception starts at 6:30 p.m., with dinner beginning promptly at 7 p.m. Save the dates:

Friday, July 15, with special guest and winemaker, Wynne Peterson-Nedry of
R/Ribbon Ridge Winery, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley, Ore.
- Friday, Aug. 19, with special guest and winemaker, Mac Watson from
  MaCauley Winery, Napa Valley, Calif.
- Friday, Sept. 16, with chefs Gregory Neville and Julie Paine plus Allora’s
  Willamette Valley wines.

Italian Dinner Series: Perfect for groups of 8-12, enjoy pre-set, regionally inspired, six-course Italian menus. Allow Allora to pair the wine or bring your own; $175 with Allora wine pairing, $135 cuisine only. Save the dates:

Friday, July 22: “An evening in the Langhe,” showcasing agnolotti del plin,
tajarin, vitello tonnato, and other traditional Piemontese fare.
Friday, Aug. 5: “An evening in the Veneto,” featuring the exquisite cuisine
surrounding Venice and its lagoons, like risotto all’onda and bigoli all’anatra.
Friday, Sept. 9: “An evening in Tuscany,” highlighting authentic dishes
from Tuscany’s hill towns, such as wild boar ragout and bistecca alla fiorentina.

SUMMER DINNERS ON THE DECK (Deer Valley Grocery Café)

Take in the sparkling views of the Deer Valley ponds from the picturesque deck at Deer Valley Grocery Café. A series of specially curated culinary experiences will be served al fresco every Friday and Saturday night from 6 to 9 p.m., starting Friday, July 8, through Aug. 27. Reservations are not required, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices vary, check specific menu for pricing; for questions, call 435-615-2400 or visit the Deer Valley website.