Judges for the Utah’s Best of State awards were clearly wowed by Summit and particularly Wasatch county giving a disproportionate number of awards to businesses in Heber and Midway in the categories of dining and hospitality.
At the award ceremony in Salt Lake City on Saturday, The Blue Boar Inn and Restaurant in Midway was honored numerous times. In fine dining, it was named best brunch, best chef, and best European dining. In hospitality, travel and tourism, the inn was named best bed & breakfast and best inn.
Inn keeper Sandy Niederhauser said these accolades are becoming an annual tradition. They’ve only not won best brunch once, she said.
“We’re very proud of it and our employees,” she said. “We’re there to cater to the guest and all the things they like. It’s all about service. Employees are trained to give that kind of service in the restaurant and the inn.”
The Zermatt was also recognized as the best convention and meeting facility. The resort’s Schneitter’s was declared best buffet, its Matty’s Bistro as having the best New York-style pizza, and its Backerei & Eis as having the best baked goods.
Breadstix Bakery and Café in Heber was named best baked goods in the casual dining category and in informal dining, the Dairy Keen was again awarded for best shakes.
In Summit County, Bangkok Thai on Main was recognized for having the best Asian/Pacific food in the fine dining category. Hi Mountain Drug was named best informal dining local burger.
The Utah Olympic Park was named best attraction/museum, as well as the best recreation/sports program. Serenity Spa by Westgate at The Canyons was best day spa.
Carl Roepke with the park said this was the first time the park has been recognized as a “Best of State” and said he believes the awards came because of the increasing popularity of its programs.
“It’s been one of the best museums in the state, but this is a big achievement, good recognition,” he said.