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!

Gardein Plant-Based Chili review

May 9, 2022 by Stuart Melling

This plant-based chili from Gardein comes in two versions, one with beans and one without. Pictured below, and reviewed here, the No Bean version. The product relies on Gardein’s Be’f …

Pacific Crispy Battered Halibut – a quality buy

May 9, 2022 by Stuart Melling

This gluten-free product from Pacific comes in the freezer aisle. Inside the cardboard box, the frozen fish pieces come in a non resealable plastic bag – you will want to …

Jose Gourmet Mackerel – see what’s in the can

May 8, 2022 by Stuart Melling

Quick review: This is the second Jose Gourmet product I’ve unfurled. At some $12+ I have to confess it sat for quite some time in my cupboard; it’s not particularly …

Hungry Planet Pork Thai Meatballs reviewed

May 9, 2022May 8, 2022 by Stuart Melling

For lovers of plant-based eating, it’s always worth keeping an eye on the shelves at Sprout’s Market, they always have some great discounts across entire lines of interesting labels. Which …

Club Sandwich – don’t forget this classic

May 7, 2022 by Stuart Melling

Usually the haunt of hotel lobby restaurants and airport lounges – here’s a reminder to not forget the charm of this classic sandwich. The essentials then, at least for me: …

Alaskan spot prawn Caesar salad

May 7, 2022 by Stuart Melling

Spot prawns on a Caesar? Yes please. These particularly plump prawns came via Catch Sitka, a way to purchase impeccable Alaskan seafood online (check out my review and get a …

Sweet Earth Jumbo Vegan Hot Dogs

May 7, 2022May 7, 2022 by Stuart Melling

Quick review: I was caught off guard by these vegan dogs from Sweet Earth; a plant-based label that I have to confess has given me more misses than hits. Not …

Dr Praeger’s Sweet Potato Hash Browns

May 7, 2022 by Stuart Melling

Quick review: In the market for a healthier side dish to round out your dish? Enter stage right these small orange discs from Dr. Praeger’s. They do exactly what they …

Impossible Meatballs – another huge success

May 7, 2022 by Stuart Melling

At this time, Impossible Foods can do no wrong as far as I’m concerned; at least as is culinarily-related their products seem to be hit after hit, and yep, this …

Southside Fried Rice

April 15, 2022 by Stuart Melling

This recipe was the result of a content organized by Southside Market (affiliate link, I get a referral fee) – the oldest BBQ business in Texas. The assignment was simple, …