The best Utah gifts according to Salt Lakers

The Peaks

There’s a new art installation outside the Salt Lake City airport, and we’re not talking about the Hoberman Arch (this time). The Peaks by Gordon Huether took only about a month to complete. There will be an official dedication at the beginning of November. What do you think of the piece? [X]

Pantsing

The Utah State Legislature is drafting a bill that would criminalize “pantsing” or pulling down a person’s pants. Members of the Criminal Code Evaluation Task Force voted to file it under the indecent exposure statute. It would be charged as a class A or class B misdemeanor, depending on level of exposure, and could result in jail time. [FOX 13]

Renting vs. Buying

It’s every renter’s dream to own a home one day, or so we thought. But renters and homeowners are now staring down a tough reality: it just doesn’t pencil out anymore. And at least in Utah, it might be time for a new dream. Host Ali Vallarta asks Deseret News reporter Katie McKellar why renting is better than buying in Utah’s housing market. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Nobody knows the best of our city quite like Hey Salt Lake readers. Today’s “Chatter” is full of recs for takeout and Utah gifts/souvenirs. And why you really must visit Matcha Cafe Kyoto.

🎁 On Utah Gifts

“I have started giving Amano Artisan Chocolate, crafted in Orem and available at Harmons. For a fun group activity, buy three to four bars and have a chocolate tasting party (much like wine tasting) using the chocolate flavor wheel as a guide. We usually get a variety of unflavored bars and try to identify the tasting notes (hints are provided on the back label) but all the bars are fantastic.” — Andrea M.

“Go to Cahoots on 9th and 9th. They have a nice selection of SL,UT gifts and a good selection of Utah drinkware.” — Angie C.

“I like going to Everything Utah. Yeah there's honey, of course lol, and salt, but still a great store to get stuff for your relatives out of town. I also like taking my daughter, who lives in Pocatello, ID, to Spoox: A Spooky Boutique or Synchronicities. There's another good place to go, it's called Natur, it's one of my favorites.” — Sunshine C.

🥡 On the Best Takeout

“SOMI Vietnamese Bistro in Sugarhouse! Best General Tso’s, sesame chicken, side of fried rice and lo mein. Also, their spring rolls are 10/10!” — Sara S.

“Always Tandoor Indian Grill in Millcreek!” — Philip J.

🍵 On Matcha Cafe Kyoto

“I've been to Matcha Cafe Kyoto three times. I can't get enough. The coconut mango hard serve is amazing as is the honey ginger. But I'll keep going back for the ube soft serve. Plus "B" (of Little Saigon fame) adds a really fun energy to the place.” — Scott P.

BOOtanical  👻 Now-Oct. 30 | 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. & 6-9 p.m.

Head to the Red Butte Garden day or night for BOOtanical. Brew up potions, learn botanical-inspired spells, and search for magic jack-o-lanterns. [$7-$18, University]

Punk Rock Halloween  🧟‍♀️ Friday | 8 p.m.

Prepare to punk rock at Metro Music Hall. [$10, Downtown SLC]

My Little Belleville Shop Opening  🎊 Saturday | 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Artist Michelle Christensen of My Little Belleville is opening a storefront in Trolley Square. There will be drinks, snacks, clothing tattoos (bring clothing items to be painted on!), and aura photos. [Free entry, Central City]

It’s Officially Cheaper To Rent Than Buy. What Now?

We never thought we’d see the day when it’s more cost-effective to rent than buy a house, but here we are. Deseret News reporter Katie McKellar joins host Ali Vallarta to explain how renting pencils out better than buying in Utah’s current housing market, and Ali asks what that means for the American dream.