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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!  

Trader Joe’s Kibbeh review

July 4, 2021April 27, 2021 by Stuart Melling
Trader Joe's Kibbeh

Kibbeh are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine – essentially formed balls of meat, veggies and spice. You’ll find these in the freezer section of Trader Joe’s, amidst other International …

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Categories Frozen, Grocery Tags Trader Joe's 1 Comment

Spicy fish and chips

March 27, 2021 by Stuart Melling
Spicy fish and chips

Looking to turn up the heat on this Brit classic? Try this one for size. In this spicy take on the traditional dish I cooked some Lingcod with Tajinn and …

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Categories 30 Minute Meals, Dinner Ideas, Mash Up Tags Ore-Ida, Sitka Salmon Shares, Wild Coyote Leave a comment

Oven baked frittata

March 25, 2021 by Stuart Melling
Oven baked fritatta

We love this one for the sheer flexibility it affords. Whatever you have leftover in the fridge, you can probably make it work in a frittata. Here’s the basics: Start …

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Categories Dinner Ideas, Healthy, Meat Free Leave a comment

Kroger Private Selection Angus Beef Burgers review

April 24, 2022March 17, 2021 by Stuart Melling
Kroger Private Selection Angus Beef Burgers

This one oozes fancy pants vibes. Behold the gold and black packaging, the Kroger Private Selection labeling, and oh, what’s that – Angus Beef! This one must be something special …

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Categories Frozen, Grocery Tags Kroger 4 Comments

Niman Ranch Applewood Smoked Pulled Pork review

March 16, 2021 by Stuart Melling
Niman Ranch Applewood Smoked Pulled Pork

Niman Ranch is typically a solid name when it comes to selecting meat products – after all – their ‘commitment to quality’ is front and center across packaging and website …

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Categories Grocery, Refrigerated, Smart Buy Tags Niman Ranch Leave a comment

Boca Original Spicy Chick’N Veggie Patties review

March 15, 2021 by Stuart Melling
Boca Original Spicy Chick’N Veggie Patties

Boca are one of the original names in the meat free world; and you imagine a brand with a much bigger challenge on their hands now – given the recent …

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Categories Frozen, Grocery, Uncategorized, Vegan, Vegetarian Tags Boca Leave a comment

Simple Truth Italian Seasoned Chicken Meatballs review

March 15, 2021 by Stuart Melling
Simple Truth Italian Seasoned Chicken Meatballs

Another one from Kroger’s extensive Simple Truth line of products that seeks to offer a ‘cleaner’ variety of products with less additives and junk. The meatballs come eight to a …

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Categories Grocery, Refrigerated Tags Kroger, Simple Truth 4 Comments

Unite Protein Bar

March 14, 2021 by Stuart Melling
Unite Protein Bar three bars

Stuart MellingHi, 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 …

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Categories Grocery, Snack Tags Unite Leave a comment

Rajbhog Foods Matter Paneer

March 14, 2021 by Stuart Melling
Rajbhog Foods Matter Paneer

Stuart MellingHi, 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 …

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Categories Frozen, Grocery, Vegetarian Tags Indian Food, Rajbhog Foods Leave a comment

Kroger Breaded Onion Rings review

March 15, 2021March 14, 2021 by Stuart Melling
Kroger Breaded Onion Rings

Want to take your burger to the next level? Onion rings my friend. Onion rings, a runny egg and some home made BBQ sauce if you’re feeling particularly gourmet. Taste …

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Categories Frozen, Grocery Tags Kroger Leave a comment
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  1. Joe on Review: Kroger Pork CarnitasMarch 10, 2024

    I'll never buy again! The package contained fully 12 (out of 16) ounces of pure pork fat. Totally unacceptable. Major…

  2. K B on Review: Van de Kamp’s Crispy Fish FilletsFebruary 28, 2024

    I complained to them and they sent me a measly $4 coupon to buy them again.’they won’t be in my…

  3. Melissa on Kroger Private Selection Angus Beef Burgers reviewFebruary 27, 2024

    I like them if you add water to the hamburger. When it's cooking it won't be so much grace

  4. Pamela D. on Tai Pei Chicken Egg Rolls reviewJanuary 18, 2024

    I had some for dinner last night . The first bite was so spicy, I had trouble getting back into…

  5. Robert Whitney on Simple Truth Natural Beef Burgers reviewJanuary 6, 2024

    YES!!! I both them a little bit ago and made them but they taste like they have permanent freezer burn…

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Recent Comments

  • Joe on Review: Kroger Pork Carnitas
  • K B on Review: Van de Kamp’s Crispy Fish Fillets
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  • Robert Whitney on Simple Truth Natural Beef Burgers review
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