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: MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik Patties

August 29, 2021July 23, 2018 by Stuart Melling

Update June 2019 The product was slightly modified since our original review. These buffalo chick patties are now vegan friendly (see new packaging and old below). We think the reformulation …

Review: Mae Ploy Green Curry Paste

March 15, 2020July 18, 2018 by Stuart Melling

This has to be one of my favorite products on a regular grocery store shelf. I’ve no doubt your favorite Thai restaurant can make a fresher, better paste blend in …

Recipe: Quick and easy Thai green curry

October 11, 2019July 18, 2018 by Stuart Melling

Given the rich, bold and vibrant flavors you’ll find in this dish, you’ll be convinced you need to labor for hours in the kitchen. And if you want, you certainly …

Review: Upton’s Naturals Chorizo Seitan

July 17, 2018 by Stuart Melling

Upton’s Naturals Chorizo Seitan offers a fun twist for those who love this meat free substitute. The seitan is flavored with guajillio, cider vinegar garlic, oregano, and cumin – but …

Review: The Beyond Sausage – Original

February 23, 2020July 8, 2018 by Stuart Melling

My first experience of the Beyond Meat Beyond Sausage was the Hot Italian variation. I was quite a fan of the taste and texture (not the price, see below) but …

Review: McCormick Hot Taco Seasoning

April 24, 2021July 8, 2018 by Stuart Melling

Despite the fact I am a huge spice and herb obsessive (seriously you should see my overflowing spice cupboard) there are times I just want to reach for something simple …

Review: Field Roast Frankfurters

October 20, 2019July 7, 2018 by Stuart Melling

Another variety of sausage from the meat free experts at Field Roast – one of my favorite vegan brands. Unlike other Field Roast sausages that come four to a pack, …

Review: Kroger Beef Barbacoa

September 21, 2019July 7, 2018 by Stuart Melling

After being so impressed with Kroger’s Pork Carnitas I was eager to follow up quickly with other items from the same range. This Beef Barbacoa promises the same as the …

Review: 365 Meatless Burgers

July 22, 2020July 5, 2018 by Stuart Melling

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this veggie burger. When I spy any in store branded product, my highest hopes are for saving a little cash, but also …

Review: Field Roast Mexican Chipotle Sausages

October 14, 2018July 3, 2018 by Stuart Melling

As I try more and more Field Roast products, I’m finding I am becoming a bigger and bigger fan of the brand. The Washington based plant based food company ticks …