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!

Review: Heinz BBQ Sampler Pack

February 8, 2020May 19, 2019 by Stuart Melling

When it comes to miniature food stuffs, I’m like a moth to the flame. Same goes for any type of variety pack. Put those two things together and I’m powerless. …

Review: Three Bridges Chicken Penne Alfredo

October 11, 2019May 19, 2019 by Stuart Melling

Disclosure: we received this product complementary, courtesy of Three Bridges. Check out our first review of the Three Bridges Simple Dishes, for an overview of the brand and product in …

Review: Alexia Crispy Onion Rings

April 8, 2020May 12, 2019 by Stuart Melling

The aim of this product is displayed front and center on the packaging – crispy. Using panko breadcrumbs, this Alexia heat and serve product aims to deliver your plate a …

Review: Ore-Ida Golden Crinkles French Fried Potatoes

January 12, 2020May 12, 2019 by Stuart Melling

Unlike their boxed counterparts here, that strive for an ultra crisp finish, these fries have no mad science at work. These are simple crinkle cut fries that can be cooked …

Review: Sam’s Choice Wild Caught Alaskan Halibut

July 14, 2021May 12, 2019 by Stuart Melling

Ive mentioned before that Walmart’s frozen fish line is worthy of more inspection than you might casually think. Sure there are some duds (avoid the salmon) but there’s more than …

Review: MorningStar Farms Veggie Lovers Vegan Burgers

July 22, 2020May 5, 2019 by Stuart Melling

Confession time. It wasn’t until I was finished with the unboxing, the cooking, the burger prep and into the second or third bite before I realized I had the wrong …

Review: Sweet Earth Hickory And Sage Benevolent Bacon

May 5, 2019 by Stuart Melling

The day scientists finally replicate bacon in a meat free version, a facismile that’s truly indistinguishable from the real deal – that’s the day the planet becomes vegan overnight In …

Review: Three Bridges Rigatoni Meatballs And Mushroom Cream Sauce

June 1, 2019May 3, 2019 by Stuart Melling

Disclosure: we received this product complementary, courtesy of Three Bridges. The premise of the Three Bridges brand is simple: quick heat and serve meals using real ingredients with the minimum …

Review: Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester Grater

October 20, 2019April 28, 2019 by Stuart Melling

Before I purchased my first microplane grater, I laughed at the very notion; I had a regular old grater for lemons and could chop plenty fine for items like garlic …

Review: Benny’s Bagel Dogs Polish Sausage

April 28, 2019 by Stuart Melling

The first, “oooh what’s that”, was uttered by myself as I grabbed this random item from the freezer cabinet while browsing at a local grocery store. The second came from …