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: Tofurky Original Sausage Italian

January 12, 2020August 21, 2018 by Stuart Melling

These Tofurky sausages were actually my initial gateway to a world of vegan and vegetarian eating. I’d long seem them at shelves in various stores and had been perennially intrigued. …

Review: MorningStar Farms Veggie Breakfast Sausage Links

December 31, 2021August 21, 2018 by Stuart Melling

There isn’t much of the MorningStar Farms product range I’m not a fan of. Rarely will I try something from the brand that I outright dislike; that’s probably to be …

Review: Odom’s Tennessee Pride Sausage And Buttermilk Biscuits

June 10, 2020August 19, 2018 by Stuart Melling

Reading the packet in the store seems also too good to be true; 45 seconds from box to microwave to belly. For those bleary eyed mornings where only a hit …

Review: Gardein The Ultimate Beefless Burger

July 22, 2020August 13, 2018 by Stuart Melling

Ever in search of the best veggie burger – another competitor steps up to the mark to test its mettle. And it starts off with a not inconsiderable claim – …

Review: Gardein The Ultimate Beefless Sliders

July 22, 2020August 10, 2018 by Stuart Melling

For those of a vegan/veggie persuasion who might look longingly at the convenience of White Castle sliders – this product from Gardein promises the same in-home experience. From freezer to …

Review: Trader Joe’s Gyro Slices

April 24, 2022August 7, 2018 by Stuart Melling

I’m somewhat lucky that my home city has a vibrant Greek community. This means we have an endless supply of Greek restaurants offering decadent and luscious gyro meat. From gyro …

Recipe: Vegan Chile Verde

April 24, 2021July 31, 2018 by Stuart Melling

This is one of the most versatile recipes I have in my arsenal. I cook it all year long and use it to bring a distinct taste to a wide …

Review: Hak’s One Pot Cooking Sauce Caribbean Jerk

July 30, 2018 by Stuart Melling

I can’t think of an International cuisine I don’t enjoy. I love to explore different culture’s culinary treats and the myriad flavors and ingredients along the way. One of my …

Review: Sweet Earth Moroccan Empanada

May 5, 2019July 30, 2018 by Stuart Melling

I’m always on the hunt for freezer friendly products that I can whip out a moments notice for a tasty lunch or dinner. Hungry, need to run out the door …

Review: MorningStar Farms Original Sausage Patties

September 9, 2021July 26, 2018 by Stuart Melling

I’m sure I’m not alone in admitting that one of my guilty pleasures in life is a breakfast sandwich with a juicy sausage patty. Whether it’s from a fast food …