There's a good chance you haven't heard of one of Salt Lake's highest-caliber restaurants.

• Yes, but: That's part of the fun.

State of play: Hide & Seek emerged on SLC's fine dining scene about two years ago with little fanfare — apropos for a speakeasy.

• They've done minimal press, there's no sign, and a host admits guests via a secret door.

The intrigue: The speakeasy gimmick is so elaborate that it almost risks underselling just how outstanding the culinary experience is. But don't worry, the theatrics aren't there to make up for middling food.

• After an anniversary date there, my husband and I agreed it was easily a top-five meal during our combined 40 years in Salt Lake City.

What's inside: One incredibly creative mouthful after another, from the stuffed and breaded squash blossoms on red wine pearls ($15) to the pistachio-crusted lamb rack ($63).

• Chef Justen Moser frequently sends out complimentary small plates to sample, like lobster beignets on lollipop sticks or pork belly slices with apple-pomegranate foam.

Between the lines: As the prices on the menu illustrate, this is a special-occasion meal for most of us — and it's worth making dinner the main event of your night. I lingered for three hours of courses.

• Cocktails are $20 and up, but small plates are fairly affordable. If you can't swing a full meal, drinks and a snack will impress a date.

How it works: Hide & Seek is behind Bonnie & Clydes, near the bookshelf. A host lets you in — and it's a 21+ bar, so bring ID.

• The space is small, and reservations are recommended — though there was some walk-in capacity at the bar on a Friday.

Pro tip: If you sit at the bar, you get to hang out with Jay the bartender, who is an artist in his own right. Some of our best flavors of the night came from him.

What's next: That new dining room will admit kids, Jay told us, so start saving up now.

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The Michelin guide has been sending its anonymous inspectors to eat their way through the American Southwest for its newest guide, which means Utah restaurants are now eligible for their first stars.

Why it matters: Michelin Stars are up there with a James Beard Award for ratcheting up an restaurant's reputation.

Reality check: They're extremely hard to secure, with only 270 starred restaurants in the nation.

• Yes, but: Just a mention in the guide is a peacock-turducken-level feather in one's cap.

Driving the news: Chefs will learn their Michelin fates at a Las Vegas ceremony later this month.

What we're watching: We suspect a few Salt Lake chefs have been putting their best spoons forward in hopes of gaining an inspector's notice.

• We think Hide & Seek could be a contender, along with Monte, Urban Hill, Aker, Takashi, Junah, Bar Nohm, Mensho and Felt Bar & Eatery.

Zoom out: Out of town, we hope the reviewers made it to Glitretind in Park City, Yuta in Wanship, Sundance's Tree Room and Hell's Backbone Grill & Farm in Boulder.

📬 Tell us: Which restaurants do you think are likeliest to make the guide?

• Hit reply to this email to name your picks!

Salt Lake City has launched a program to reimburse small business owners for the cost of repairing recent property damage caused by vandalism or other crimes.

The big picture: Some business owners in Salt Lake City have reported incidents of vandalism and security challenges over the years.

Case in point: The popular coffee shop Sunroom Coffee, in the Marmalade District, suffered extensive vandalism last Christmas after a man broke in and smashed its glass front doors and destroyed furniture.

• The severity of the destruction prompted the business to temporarily close.

State of play: The federally funded Business Stabilization Program aims to help businesses in areas with higher rates of property crime pay for "expenses like broken windows, damaged doors, locks, lights, and other kinds of [external] property damage," according to the city.

Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis until Feb. 1, 2027 — or until funding runs out.

How it works

🏀 The Utah Jazz is slated to kick off the 2026-27 season Oct. 21, with their first game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. (KSL Sports)

🏗️ The city's planning commission approved plans for mixed-use development in Sugar House, but denied the developer's request to add 25 feet to the project's height. (KSL)

• The building is planned to include 139 residential units, 52 hotel rooms, commercial space and parking.

🚁 As the state's wildfire season persists, the Utah National Guard is helping firefighters put out blazes with military helicopters, per the U.S. Department of Defense. (Utah News Dispatch)

The Salt Lake City Council approved the city's 9.16% property tax hike this week, meaning property owners will see an uptick in their bills this fall.

The big picture: Despite community concerns about inflation, Salt Lake City leaders say the increase is necessary to offset the rising cost of basic services.

By the numbers: Homes valued at $700,000 are estimated to see an annual increase of about $100, or about $8 a month.

• Commercial properties valued at the same price will see $182 annual jump.
• Overall, the hike is expected to generate $13.5 million for the city. It would go toward hiring more firefighters, maintaining public lands, funding capital improvement projects and more.

What's next: The increase will be reflected on property tax bills in November.

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One day, you're getting skunked out of your meteors.

The next, Herbie Hancock is playing "A Love Supreme" under a rainbow.

The bottom line: Keep on watching, Salt Lake City.