Stuart Melling

Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC - Utah's biggest and oldest online food magazine; I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV shows. I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have covered the Utah dining scene for the better part of fifteen years. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. I started Shop Smart to catalogue my adventures in the grocery store and kitchen. Follow along on Instagram too!

Simple Truth Meatless Breakfast Patties

August 28, 2021 by Stuart Melling

These plant-based breakfast sausage are from Kroger, and can be found in the freezer section of the store. Kroger have quite a few competing in house brands on their shelves, …

Lingcod in Hatch green chili sauce

August 28, 2021 by Stuart Melling

A quick and simple weeknight dinner, with some leftover fish. The fish in question here, lingcod, a firm and meaty white fish that I picked up from the Sitka Salmon …

Tyson Anytizers Chicken Fries review

August 28, 2021 by Stuart Melling

This product from Tyson is surely their take on the classic side dish offered by Burger King. Given they both share the same I assume that Chicken Fries isn’t a …

Kroger Cook In Bag Peppercorn Pork Tenderloin

August 28, 2021 by Stuart Melling

Just a quick one, mainly to show this product in pictures. This is one of several varieties of marinated pork tenderloins sold by Kroger. I particular like the ease of …

Crispy tofu in Thai chilli garlic sauce

August 21, 2021 by Stuart Melling

Pan fried crispy tofu is one of my favorite meat free dinner goto options. Here’s the simple low down on making excellent crispy tofu. Even tofu haters should love this …

Great Value Breaded Okra

August 21, 2021 by Stuart Melling

I’ll keep this one short. There’s not much to report here except to say this is one to skip. While Walmart’s Great Value label can be a great hiding place …

Applegate Naturals Chicken Nuggets

August 21, 2021 by Stuart Melling

If you’re worried about what lurks inside your chicken nugget, Applegate Naturals is the brand for you. The brand is all about smart-sourcing from farms that responsible ranch and raise …

Kroger Hardwood Smoked Pulled Pork

October 26, 2021August 21, 2021 by Stuart Melling

Of the many missions I have tasked myself with (who has the best French fry, what about best plant based burger), the most recent goal I’m working toward has me …

Saffron Road Madras Curry and Chicken Meatballs

August 21, 2021 by Stuart Melling

Anytime I see a frozen Indian product that *isn’t* chicken tikka masala – I’m sold. I mean I love the dish, but cmon, can we have a little more excitement …

Nathan’s Thick Sliced Battered Onion Rings

August 21, 2021 by Stuart Melling

Nathan's Famous Thick Sliced Battered Onion Rings

Best known for their hot dogs and the now infamous yearly contest – Nathan’s also produce these onion rings – a perfect side dish. Two dozen or so onion rings …