Salt Lake magazine recognizes Park City restaurants

The 9th Annual Dining Awards held Feb. 21, 2006 recognized 30 local restaurants and chefs for their quality and commitment to fine dining in the state.

Award-winners are selected by an independent panel of local food and wine critics through an extensive voting process, reflecting the best of the state’s culinary scene.

Park City-area restaurants who were given awards included the Blue Boar Inn for “Best Brunch,” Shabu for “Best Restaurant,” Snake Creek Grill for “Best Restaurant (Wasatch Back/Summit County) and Best American Regional,” Kris Anderson from Deer Valley for the “Golden Spoon Award for Hospitality,” and Bill White for the “Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Wells Fargo reports rise in cost of living

The overall cost of living along the Wasatch Front rose 0.5 percent in January, continuing the increase seen in December, according to the Wells Fargo Wasatch Front area Cost of Living Report.

Transportation expenses along the Wasatch Front this January rose 4.1 percent.

Grocery expenses along the Wasatch Front dropped 0.9 percent in January following four months of increase. Compared with the same period a year ago, local food-at-home costs have risen 2.6 percent during the past six months. Grocery bills nationwide during the same month increased 0.9 percent.

Wasatch Front health care costs rose 0.03 percent due to higher nonprescription medicine prices, according to Wells Fargo. Nationally, medical care costs went up 0.3 percent for the month, the report said.

After one month of increase, Wasatch Front clothing costs fell 2.2 percent in January the result of lower price tags for men’s wear. January clothing prices across the nation also dropped 2.2 percent.

Housing, food away from home, utilities, education and communication, recreation and other goods and services were unchanged in January, Wells Fargo reports.

Tax calculator illustrates impact of Huntsman’s tax reform

Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. released an updated version of the tax reform calculator, which illustrates the total impact to individual taxpayers of his tax reform package. Both the flat income tax reform package and the removal of the sales tax on unprepared food at the register are included in the updated calculator.

The calculator shows the vast majority of taxpayers in the state will see healthy tax decreases as a result of Huntsman’s package, according to a recent press release.

The calculator is consistent with legislation currently moving through the Utah Legislature. It incorporates income tax reforms proposed in SB242 and HB354 and it includes the proposed removal of the sales tax on food.

The calculator can be accessed from the governor’s office Web site at http://www.utah.gov/governor.