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!

Epic Oven Baked Pork Rinds

October 20, 2019June 22, 2019 by Stuart Melling

These pork rinds from Epic differentiate from competing products in that they’re oven baked rather than deep fried. The pretty packaging promises 40% less fat as a result, but how …

Review: Cosori Air Fryer

October 20, 2019June 21, 2019 by Stuart Melling

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been on the fence about buying an air fryer for some time. I know I ummmed and ahhhed for months. Did I really want …

Review: Tonnino Tuna Fillets In Olive Oil

October 11, 2019June 21, 2019 by Stuart Melling

Tinned and jarred fish are having something of a gourmet renaissance right now. Certainly at least for the better quality products, these shelf stable products are no longer being looked …

Review: Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce

October 11, 2019June 19, 2019 by Stuart Melling

The back story of this particular hot sauce is certainly unique. At least amongst the huge collection I have on hand I’m not sure any others can claim to be …

Review: Whole Catch Shrimp Poppers

February 8, 2020June 1, 2019 by Stuart Melling

After reading Larry Olmsted’s Real Food Fake Food (affiliate link) book it’s rare I will purchase shrimp these days, fresh or frozen. Olmstead writes on how a modern day slave …

Review: Rosarita Enchilada Sauce

February 8, 2020June 1, 2019 by Stuart Melling

Let me preface this whole review by saying yes, if you know what you’re doing in the kitchen, there’s no doubt a home made enchilada sauce is superior. I’m judging …

Review: Chaparro’s Chicken Tamales

October 11, 2019June 1, 2019 by Stuart Melling

You can read my past thoughts on Chapparo’s range of frozen tamale products here and here. The quick headline is: this Utah based tamale maker, creates some fabulous products. Five …

Review: Kroger Chicken Verde

October 11, 2019June 1, 2019 by Stuart Melling

After having huge success with both the Beef Barbacoa and Pork Carnitas products from Kroger, I leapt at the chance to try this quick serve Chicken Verde. Like those other …

Walmart grocery delivery – is it any good?

October 11, 2019May 19, 2019 by Stuart Melling

Over the years I’ve come to rely on delivery services to an increasingly greater degree. The convenience and time saved by carefully curating a shopping list at home has been …

Review: Trident The Ultimate Fish Stick

March 25, 2021May 19, 2019 by Stuart Melling

For as long as I recall, I’ve been on the hunt for a genuinely great fish stick. I might have rose colored glasses, but I seem to recall the product …