2019 Fabby Awards

Our community’s Readers’ Choice awards for the best people, places and things in Utah. Ballotting was open throughout September. Many long-time winners, some surprises, but all fabulous. And here are the results:

RESTAURANTS

Most Fabulous Inexpensive Restaurant

Straw Market

The corner of Fourth Ave and E Street in Salt Lake City’s Avenues district has had a tremendous and varied vibe to it for the past few decades. Hatch Family Chocolates got their big start there in 2003 and ended up on a TLC show. Dolcetti Gelato grew so fast and big in the spot, they had to move to a larger place on 9th & 9th. Straw Market, though, is a keeper for the neighborhood — a convenience store with a great, and cheap, deli, and friendly staff. The uber- LGBT Avenues neighborhood loves them.

Most Fabulous After-Hours

Dee’s Family Restaurant

The LGBT community has been showing up in the wee hours after the bars at Dee’s Family Restaurant for over 40 years. Good food, a relaxed atmosphere, friendly servers, and a now-retro vibe make it a fun space to go and be yourself.

Most Fabulous for Breakfast

Pig & A Jelly Jar

Amy Wanderley-Britt’s Pig & A Jelly Jar has exploded in the past several years, now with three locations — Harvey Milk Boulevard, Ogden’s Historic 25th Street, and Holladay. Pig serves “a fresh, from scratch menu with a unique twist on southern comfort food.” Open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and Thursdays through Sundays for dinner. Try the beer cocktails for brunch — a lagered mary, beer sunrise, or a beer-tini. Too strange for you? They have wine and champagne as well.

Most Fabulous Contemporary Restaurant

Current Fish & Oyster

This East Broadway hot spot is where all the hippest oysters from both coasts and around the world want to be. Enjoy the stunning contemporary styling and decor, but don’t let it distract you from the equally stunning interpretations of classic American seafood dishes (or land food dishes, if that’s more your thing). Hint: Too busy? Go to Under Current and order off the menu there.

Most Fabulous Mexican

Red Iguana

Who is going to stand in line for a Mexican restaurant? Hundreds of people — tourists, locals, foodies, all ages, sex, genders, orientations, and political stripes; every day wait for lunch or dinner at the two Red Iguana locations (which happen to anchor the reviving NoTe neighborhood).

Most Fabulous Greek Cuisine

The Other Place

This place is about comfort. Enjoyable food in a cozy space with a enjoyable staff. Huge portions of delicious food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner are what people come back for time and time again. If you are looking for a late dinner on a Thursday night, stop and say hi to the men of the Salt Lake Men’s Choir, who dine there after rehearsal.

Most Fabulous Coffee House

Coffee Garden

Over 25 years of brewing! It’s national coming out day every day at the Coffee Garden. With a cup of CG coffee in you, you can face anything. Two locations: 9th and 9th, where you can dress like a student and glower at the Republicans getting QSaltLake magazines, and downtown at 245 S. Main, where you get to stand next to the Masters of the Universe from Goldman Sachs or the ever-exciting Dan Rascone from KUTV.

Most Fabulous Wine Selection

BTG

BTG (aka By The Glass) moved last year into the historic Eagle Building on 4th South and West Temple. They serve over 75 bottles of wine by the glass. Wow! Though probably not to just one person, right? If that were the case, Michael Aaron would be on a stool at least four days a week. The staff is quite knowledgeable of their wines and can offer small bites and desserts to round out your night.

Most Fabulous Burger Joint

Lucky 13

Quarter-pounder burgers are for amateurs. The burgers at Lucky 13 start with 7-oz of chopped chuck, grilled to perfection. Choose from a variety of signature burgers, each carefully accessorized with both traditional (bacon, of course!) and non-traditional toppings (peanut butter on a hamburger? Don’t get your tongue stuck until you’ve tried it!)

Most Fabulous Sandwiches

Even Stevens

Even Stevens started with a dream to change the world. That is a big dream, and in many ways, they have succeeded at that. While they are retooling their original “buy one, give one” concept, our readers still love their focus on craft, product, and humans.

Most Fabulous Pizza

The Pie

Well, The Pie takes home yet another Fabby award for its outstanding pizzas swimming in cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest and a crowd-pleaser to college students and the youngat-heart.

Most Fabulous Bakery

Gourmandise

If you appreciate pastries, you’ll appreciate Gourmandise, whose very name means “indulging in good eating.” The mouth-watering sweet and savory creations are as much fun to look at as they are to eat. Don’t drool on the glass. But delectable cakes, desserts, and breads aren’t the only reason to stop there. They are a full-fledged European-style cafe and restaurant as well with menus and food that challenge the best area restaurants.

Most Fabulous Sunday Brunch

Ruth’s Diner

Located in Emigration Canyon, Ruth’s Diner has been drawing in the masses for years. It typically requires wait time for a table, particularly for brunch, but it’s well worth the wait. It’s likely been a constant Fabby winner/ nominee because of the fabulous patio and tasty mimosas.

Most Fabulous Barbecue

R&R BBQ

R&R Barbecue is a funky counter-serve shack dishing BBQ meats, burgers, sides, and beers. Buy by the plate or by the pound for a larger crowd. Or when you just need to dive into your dinner. No judgment.

Most Fabulous Seafood

Market Street Grill

In the back wall of the walk-in cooler in the kitchen of Market Street Grill is a portal, which leads to a wharf on an undisclosed island where fishermen dock with their daily catches. Or at least we assume how the seafood is so fresh in a restaurant 700 miles from the nearest ocean.

Most Fabulous Soups

Soup Kitchen

Don’t let this restaurant’s traditional soup selections fool you, instead, let them fill you! Their cream of tomato and clam chowder are especially hearty and faaabulous — not to mention just the kind of warming, generous meal.

Most Fabulous Food Truck

Cupbop

Korean barbecue in a paper cup from a truck. Shhh! Just eat. Follow their Facebook page for where they will be each day. And now — actual restaurant locations around the valley from Provo to Layton.

Most Fabulous Brew Pub

Squatters

Great beer, great food, great brunch (with $2 mimosas or bloody marys)… Squatters has it all! Choose from a full menu of craft brews to complement your meal, and take home a growler of your favorite! Reserve upstairs for your life events that everyone will rave about for years to come.

Most Fabulous Asian, Most Fabulous Sushi

Takashi

Takashi seems always to win both of these categories. Our readers love the atmosphere and food. And now that they opened up Post Office Place next door where you can get one of many cocktails as you wait to be seated. Tamara and Takashi Gibo love our community, and we love them back.

Most Fabulous Vegetarian/Vegan

Zest/Vertical Diner

Zest is an open-aired, stylish Vegan restaurant, and handcrafted cocktail bar has all the elements of a Fabby winner. Gluten-free, organic greens, avocado toast, and a chocolate smoothie with a splash of bourbon, anyone’s heart would be a-flutter. We, of course, are partial to the signature cocktails, including the beet sangria, high zest whiskey sour, and spicy jalapeño margarita.

Most Fabulous New Restaurant

Ginger Street

The secret is out. Ginger Street is a casual “Southeast Asian Hawker Style Street Food Restaurant” created by restaurateur Michael McHenry and chef Tyler Stokes. Featuring a fresh and locally sourced, inventive menu in a hip and clean atmosphere — they use the highest quality ingredients that encompass the Holy Trinity of flavor — sweet, sour, and salty — that creates balance. Dine in or use the “wok-up window” at 324 S. State St.

BARS

Most Fabulous All-Gay All-Day Every Day Bar

Sun-Trapp

Line-dancing, dart tournaments, drag shows, monthly fundraiser brunches, two to three bar areas and mostly a 10 a.m. opening daily makes Sun-Trapp an iconic go-to for friendly service and a mix of misfits worth the time and friendly banter.

Most Fabulous Bar That Gives Back to the Community

Club Try-Angles

Owners Gene Gieber and Jesse Downonhisknees (spelling is hard for me). Anyhoo, I’ve known them for like six years since I was 18. Best donators to many causes, saviors of peeps in pain, never think twice about what needs to happen to make our lives better, prideful as all hell, and they have honestly protected me and so very many others, and will pull out all the punches to protect the community whether they want to or not; it’s second nature to them. They are the gay mafia of HMB.

Most Fabulous Friday Night

Club Try-Angles

Well, TGIF. Three Fridays a month, Angles hosts wildly popular theme nights. Bear Night on the first Friday, which is a hugely, extremely friendly night. The next Friday night is Leather & Gear & Pups night, so expect the ASCPA, Alaskan bear hunters and peeps who love puppy mills. And on the last Friday is the monthly Fluff party, full of lions and tigers and bears and dragons and puppies and unicorns.

Most Fabulous Saturday Night

Sun-Trapp

And the winner is Sun-Trapp, which could be because of the awesome spinning of fabulous tunes, flip-flopping cowboy hats, boots, belt buckles, and or actually really meeting dozens of free-spirited, kind-hearted dudes. Congrats, Sun-Trapp.

Most Fabulous Monthly Bar Event

Fluff Party at Club Try-Angles

This night has grown from a few dozen during a Furry convention into a monthly fluff-aganza. Some of the friendliest animals you’ll ever meet. RUNNER-UP: BLACKBOOTS, for four years, 2015-18, blackBOOTS was awarded the QSaltLake Fabby Award for Best Social Group. They strive to unite the men’s Leather/BDSM/ Kink community through creating safe places to meet, network, learn and share experiences with other men. The curious are welcome, as well experienced kinksters.

Most Fabulous for an Afternoon Crowd

Sun-Trapp

Afternoon drinking is a chill affair, so where better to do it than Sun-Trapp, where the bartenders and patrons alike greet you with a smile and a friendly hello?

Most Fabulous Irish Pub (and to find Lesbians)

Piper Down Pub

Live music, trivia night, karaoke, buck-fitty mimosa brunch with a free bloody mary bar (!) and random kilts (which were fashioned for a piper down) make the pub a Fabby winner. But, as many gays like bag pipes, the lesbians like the bottomless cherries while thirsty. And don’t forget Mo. She brings all the girls to the ... pub.

Most Fabulous Bar for the Buck

Club Try-Angles

If they could only offer a “bang for your buck,” they’d never get us out the door. Check around. This bar’s prices are lower and the beer colder than any other in town.

Most Fabulous College Bar

Cheers to You

By far we think Cheers to You loves the LGBTQ community. And yes, maybe because they make a crap load of dough from our patronage during the hourslong Pride Parade, but they also let you get ‘bar coyote ugly’! Next year, maybe two Fabbys if they they get a mechanical bull.

Most Fabulous Nightclub

Area 51

That’s pretty far from New Mexico, but Utah Suburbans get fabulous gas mileage. But do the math: with 7 areas, 3 dance floors, 3 bars, it ‘s gotta be 1 good time

Most Fabulous Sports Bar

Legends Sports Pub

They have more TV screens than the Oval Office, but with much more important information: Sports that crush so-called politics.

Most Fabulous Dive Bar

Wasted Space

Wasted Space Bar, located on State Street is a bubbler, whose door-less stalls (just guessing) and frustrated corporate crowd, make it an after-work destination. Wasted Space regularly features DJs and live music of every genre on a small stage, as well as karaoke on Mondays.

Most Fabulous Lounge

The Red Door

We here at QSaltLake congratulate Red Door on this award but we believe it all has to do with the signature martinis because after only one, we tend to cross the street with a plethora of LGBTQA+ (etc) flags chanting “impeachment” because we see the the word ‘Capitol’ blazoned in bulbs…then we realize, it’s actually the Capitol of Broadway, so we start panhandling at intermission, smoke breaks and flash dancing. LOL.

Most Fabulous Beer Bar

Beer Bar

The iconic named Beer Bar, (which no homo can think of a more unique bar name) obviously takes home this Fabby award. That’s just too much beer and shenanigans on one block… or in one refrigerator. See you all (in) there!

Most Fabulous Bar for Wine

BTG

BTG stands for Best to Gargle in a spittoon. But this is Utah for heaven’s sake. But Utah is progressing and wine makes your eyesight better and your tongue wiggle more. Honestly, BTG is an A+ establishment and worth the time and enjoyment. The new space is, bar none, the best in town. And check out the bathroom floor. For the tile. Get your mind out of the gutter.

Most Fabulous Cocktails

Red Door

Wildly-popular Red Door is also loved by Salt Lake’s LGBT community for providing a welcoming environment in the heart of downtown near all the arts. Best place to be for the Utah Pride Parade. And it’s right across the street from Capitol Theatre… easy throwback before the intermission bell rings. Just be safe.

Most Fabulous for Karaoke

Tavernacle

If you like to sing or like to listen to others sing, or like to drink to make others’ singing tolerable, head to Tavernacle on Sunday or Tuesday night.

SHOPPING

Most Fabulous Local Bookstore

King’s English Book Shop

Tucked away in the charming 15th & 15th shopping district is a Fabby little store with a warren of shelves and rooms stacked with books on any and every subject: romance novels, philosophical tracts, histories, cookbooks. If you can’t find it here, you don’t need it. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they love books at least as much as you do.

Most Fabulous Gently Used Clothing, Most Fabulous Place to Clothes Shop on a Budget

Iconoclad

Love fashion? Hate spending money? Check out iconoCLAD, where you can get fashion-forward “previously rocked” clothes at a fraction of retail and locally created art and accessories.

Most Fabulous Local Clothing Most Fabulous Underwear Most Fabulous Shoe Store

Spark

Shop sustainably and locally at this gay-owned boutique. From underwear to cuff links, Spark has everything you need to dress to impress! Club-wear and boardroom chic, there’s nothing quite as fabulous in Salt Lake as this fashion-forward and queer-friendly shop.

Most Fabulous Drag Attire MOST FABULOUS Costumes

Pib’s Exchange

Swarming with all kinds of wigs, knee-high sparkled boots, naughty nurse costumes, gawdy jewelry, and even sometimes you will find a 20-dollar bill in a pair of used pants. Bam!

Most Fabulous Antiques

Main Street Emporium

The best selection of gently used and new items in one shop — in Bountiful! Local products and artists, socially aware items, and something for every taste. Taking a leap of faith, husbands Chris and Brian decided to jump in with both feet and created Main Street Emporium in March of this year. Wanting to be more than a consignment or thrift shop, they created a beautiful store that is consignment and so much more.

Most Fabulous Place for Furniture

Urban Flea Market

Since 2011 the Urban Flea Market has been a fabulous addition to downtown. And Q readers love the furniture!

Most Fabulous Florist

The Art Floral

Q readers agree that The Art Floral is the premier source for the best flowers in Salt Lake City — Custom designs, beautiful tropical arrangements, amazing customer care and of course, the most beautiful selection of fresh flowers Salt Lake City has to offer! If you don’t see exactly what you are looking for here, they’ll be happy to create a oneof-a-kind bouquet just for you.

Most Fabulous Jeweler

9th & 9th Jewelers

9th & 9th Jewelers offers free overnight digital CAD renderings, price quotes, and any changes you want to your design within 24 hours. Now that deserves a Fabby!

Most Fabulous Gift Store

Lotus

Lotus is your premier metaphysical shop for purchasing gemstones, rocks, crystals, feng shui items, angels, fairies, oracle tarot decks, crystal books, jewelry, local art, unique gift items and many other treasures that make you feel good. They have special guests daily doing psychic readings and offer mini workshops on subjects such as meditation, law of attraction, Reiki, Chakra, astrology, and more to fuel your spiritual growth.

Most Fabulous Adult Toy Store

Cahoots

Cahoots has been in the game for 30 years mostly on East Harvey Milk Boulevard, and they never go stale. They keep up the trends and stay topical. Especially thrilling is the “sommelier” of lube and condoms. He seems to have used and has an opinion on the products he recommends.

Most Fabulous Nursery/ Garden Center

Millcreek Gardens

Millcreek Gardens is your yearround source for plants, garden supplies and wisdom. We carry Utah’s best roses, trees, shrubs and perennials, along with a fantastic selection of herbs, vegetables and seasonal color.

SERVICES

Most Fabulous Barber

Kylee Howell at Friar Tuck’s Barbershop

It’s no surprise that Kylee Howell leads Friar Tuck’s Barbershop to a Fabby because Kylee is very fabby. The shop gives back to the community through service and fundraising for VOA and other LGBT nonprofits. If Fabby needs a punctuation mark, search Youtube with the words, Kylee and Dove. You’ll find a real exclamation point.

Most Fabulous Landscape Designer

Dean Anesi at Urban Garden Company

Q readers give a big green thumbs up to Dean Anesi’s fabulous landscaping skills.

Most Fabulous Caterer

Lux Catering

Kelly and John Lake founded Le Croissant Catering in their kitchen and turned it into the most LGBT supporting and fanciest caterers in SLC. They transitioned to LUX in 2017 to emphasize they are the complete package for events — planning, design, flowers, as well as food. Kelly will even sing at a funeral if asked.

Most Fabulous Hair Stylist

Matthew Landis

As one of the “Capitol 13”, Matthew Landis doth protests bad hair, wethinks!

Most Fabulous Counselor

Meghan Fry

She’s so darn fabulous at “frying” your fears and insecurities. She is passionate about working with Utah’s LGBTQ community, and it shows.

Most Fabulous Real Estate Agent

Juan Magana

From a satisfied customer: Juan has been an exceptional agent for us! He took on the task of selling our current home, open houses and all, as well as sold us our new home. He took the time to listen to our wants and needs and gave us great recommendations on what we should do to our old home to sell it for top dollar! On multiple occasions he took the extra time to explain things to us and ensure that we were comfortable in making our decisions. I would highly recommend Juan to anyone that is looking to sell or buy a new home. Fabby.

Most Fabulous Tattoos

Matt Miskol at Yellow Rose

For a 3rd consecutive year, Matt Miskol takes home a Fabby for his outstanding body art.

Most Fabulous Place to Get Pierced

Koi

Pierce my fin says Ellen but save my Dory, KOI?

Most Fabulous Veterinarian

Animal Care Center

Because the doctors and staff at Animal Care Center love your pets almost as much as you do, our community entrusts them with their fur babies. Salt Lake and Bountiful.

Most Fabulous Pet Groomer

Paw by Paw

Makes us wonder what they do with the rest of the pet, haha! Anyhoo, your dog will bark with enthusiasm at this local boutique, self-wash and grooming facility. Your furry friend will find a clean, convenient and beautiful self-wash shower designed to make bathing your dog easy and fun. Discover incredible treats like dog ice cream and dog cake mixes. We also stock fresh baked “iced” gourmet biscuits all formulated for your dog’s health and enjoyment. We want to be your onestop shop for your pet’s daily diet needs with top-of-the-line, grain free, premium food.

Most Fabulous Kennel/ Pet Boarding

Utah Dog Park

One of the great community supporters gets a Fabby for excellent facilities and great staff. Two locations (Woods Cross and North Temple) offer daycare and overnight kenneling with a dog wash and a pet shuttle.

Most Fabulous Car Dealership

JD Byrider

From honest detailed inspections to upstanding reconditioning process to low down payments, and much more, our Q readers find JD Byrider absolutely fabulous.

Most Fabulous Insurance Agent

Jon Jepsen

Jon Jepsen is one of those guys who gives back to the community, which probably is why he is chosen each year as the Fabby insurance agent by Q readers.

Most Fabulous Attorney

Chris Wharton

Did any of us think he didn’t have a shot in hell? Pfft!

Most Fabulous Mortgage Broker

Sonnet Mouritsen

As a Guild Mortgage loan officer, Sonnet is commited: helping clients understand their options for real estate financing and assisting them to make solid home loan decisions that meet their needs.

Most Fabulous DENTIST

Josef Benzon, dds at Alpenglow Dental

If you are going to have someone’s hands in your mouth and have to stare at them for an hour or so, they better be Josef Benzon from Alpenglow Dental. And he bounces between Salt Lake on 21st South to Bountiful.

Most Fabulous Photographer

David Daniels

We might as well name this award after him. David (or Dav.d) is at many, many gay functions with a camera glued to his eye. He likes to shoot events and weddings of all kinds and portrait work in exciting settings.

Most Fabulous Wedding DJ

DJ Pauly

DJ Pauly works with clients to provide an atmosphere that’s fun, elegant and comfortable for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. They don’t tell cheesy jokes or make people wear silly hats and do the YMCA. Their motto is “One Day, One Party, One Dream-Come-True.”

Most Fabulous Financial Planner

Tracey Dean Financial

Tracey Dean wants to make people’s lives better by getting all their finances sorted out. She also gives back to the community, spending countless hours as chair of the Utah LGBTQ+ Chanber of Commerce.

Most Fabulous Financial Institution

America First Credit Union

America First Credit Union offers savings & checking accounts, mortgages, auto loans, online banking, Visa products, financial tools, business services and more.

Most Fabulous Church

First Baptist

Everyone is welcome here. Probably the most Christian church in the valley, in the way they treat everyone. What would Jesus do? Go to First Baptist.

Most Fabulous Travel Agency

HE TRAVEL

HE Travel offers exclusive gay travel tours and vacations for single gay men, gay couples, lesbians and friends. Swiss Alps?

Most Fabulous Wedding Planner

Angela Cordova, Diverse Diva

Bright, bubbly, fun and creative; that’s Angela Cordova aka Diverse Diva. She puts together a Fabby wedding remembered as the best party most people will go to in their whole life.

Most Fabulous Wedding Officiant

Christopher Scuderi

The Rev C S has performed a record 1000 marriage and commitment ceremonies. Not just weddings, Christopher does services covering every major life event or rite of passage.

OGDEN

Most Fabulous Restaurant in Ogden

Roosters

Two words: naughty fries. Roosters has won many Fabby Awards over the years. After all, its original location is in a 119-year-old building with exposed brick, cool lighting and with good food, beer, and wine. The brew-pub’s clientele is as diverse as you would expect on Ogden’s Historic 25th Street. Hop a Frontrunner to the foot of 25th Street and walk up, or stop by in Layton north of the Layton Hills Mall.

Most Fabulous Ogden Bar

Funk N’ Dive

Ogden’s only 5-Star Dive Bar was originally built as a Prohibition Speak Easy in the basement of the Ogden Courthouse. They have cheap drinks and amazing cocktails. A galley kitchen is amazing with new twists on classic bar food and a great Vegan menu. Weekly events include karaoke and Texas Hold’em – don’t tell BlackBOOTS. LOL.

ARTS

Most Fabulous Dance Company

Ballet West

Nationally renowned talent and staging for well-proportioned, nearly nude female and male dancers. They do daring and traditional ballet and are very famous for cracking nuts. Always Fabby.

Most Fabulous Theater Company

Salt Lake Acting Company

For over 45 years, Salt Lake Acting Company has produced seasons of provocative and thoughtful theater for an open-minded and adventurous audience. Perhaps best known for its annual production of Saturday’s Voyeur, SLAC is dedicated to supporting the community through theater.

Most Fabulous Local Theater Production

Saturday’s Voyeur

This annual lampoon of local life, religion, politics, and culture has become a fixture in Salt Lake City theater. Sometimes poignant, often raucous, and always hilarious, Saturday’s Voyeur provides a welcome opportunity for Utah liberals to laugh at the frequent absurdity of life here.

Most Fabulous Local Musician/Band

SheCock and the Rock Princess

QSaltLake readers has honored SheCock and the Rock Princess with our prestigious Fabby Award. The “trashy” drag punk rock trio hits you upside the head with cross dressing antics and transsexual sass that blurs the lines of gender and genre. Fabulous for she/he/him/her/ they/no preference.

Most Fabulous Art Gallery/Museum

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Located at the University of Utah the UMFA is the most fabulous destination for global visual arts. From ancient objects to the latest contemporary works, the UMFA galleries showcase the breadth and depth of human history and creativity … it’s awestrucking! The Museum’s collection of nearly 20,000 original works of art is the most dynamic in the region. Plus, they’ll let you touch the pieces and play ‘keep away’ with the artifacts, Fabulous! Okay, that’s not true, but they do have a lovely gift shop in which you can put your greasy palms on for a price.

Most Fabulous Local Visual Artist

Trent Call

Born and raised in Salt Lake City and a University of Utah alumnus, Call is currently working on many diverse projects within the city. His work incorporates graffiti, comics, popular culture, and academic painting. He is a well-deserved multiple Fabby winner.

Most Fabulous Local Actor

Robert Scott Smith

This young man’s resume is absolutely fabulous, here’s a snippet of his successes: Saturday’s Voyeur, Good People, Charm (World Premiere), Swimming In The Shallows, Six Years, Big Love, Batboy: The Musical, and Gross Indecency (Salt Lake Acting Company); Crucible (Pioneer Theatre Company); Shhh! Burlesque, and Santaland Diaries (Tooth and Nail Theatre); Our Town (The Grand Theatre); Mockingbird (Pygmalion); and Bash (Plan-B). Smith also collaborated with the Salt Lake Men’s Choir in Lost In The Woods, a theatrical concert at the Masonic Temple.

PARK CITY

Most Fabulous Restaurant in Park City

High West

While appropriately garnered with the prestigious Fabby for Most Fabulous Park City Restaurant, High West thankfully has two additional locations in SLC — one being at the airport. We should all air travel more (with emotional support Peacocks).

Most Fabulous Park City Bar

Oh Shuck’s

Thank you Q readers; yes, the have some great beer selections but their food menu is like reading A Suitable Boy, in which every suit from Mr. Mac’s made ( or taste) like lifeless silkworms.

GROUPS

Most Fabulous Social Group (TIE)

blackBOOTS

blackBOOTS is a group for Utah men with leather, kink, BDSM, or fetish interests. They host social events, workshops, classes and an award-winning bar leather gear night CODE on the third Friday of each month at the Sun Trapp.

United Utah Furry Fandom

U2F2 prides itself on being one of the most active and open furry communities in the United States, opening its paws to some of the most imaginative, passionate and creatively driven members. They hold weekly game nights, fitness activities, art jams, adventure excursions, hiking activities, and a monthly bar night at Club Try-Angles on the fourth Friday of the month.

Most Fabulous Sports Group

Stonewall Sports

A newcomer to Salt Lake City, Stonewall Sports is currently offering kickball and volleyball with plans to expand to more sports. They are an LGBTQ+ and ally not-for-profit sports league looking to develop a well-connected and diverse community through organized competition and social or fundraising events.

Most Fabulous Health/HIV Group

Utah AIDS Foundation

Over 35 years of offering testing, advocacy, prevention, support and education around HIV and Aids issues. It’s been a place of comfort for thousands and a training ground for many health and social justice warriors. Some of us got our first condom from UAF and for many our first STI test. Fabby well deserved.

Most Fabulous Political Group (TIE)

Equality Utah

Equality Utah is a powerhouse in Utah politics. Taken seriously in all levels of government and putting on Utah’s biggest annual political event, the Allies Gala, EU has built a great structure on the fine foundation laid by brave LGBT leaders and donors 18 years ago.

Utah Stonewall Democrats

Utah Stonewall Democrats was called a “political powerhouse” by Rod Decker (KUTV News) clear back when it was founded in 1990. They’ve only grown since.

Most Fabulous Group to Donate To

Utah Pride Center

Fabulousness = Donating, and the Utah Pride Center is the epicenter. UPC’s many outreach and educational programs, and uplifting social events make it a Fabby award-winner once again.

Most Fabulous Annual LGBT Event

Utah Pride Festival

A hundred thousand revelers can’t be wrong. Utah Pride continues to grow and get more fabulous while being more focused on local talent and people. The annual fundraiser for the UPC has gotten meaner, leaner and better along the way.

PEOPLE

Most Fabulous Television News Reporter Most Fabulous Blogger/Tweeter

Ben Winslow

Ben Winslow is a multi-platform journalist, experimenting with new technologies and ways of sharing news across multiple platforms. We love that his profile on fox13now.com credits QSaltLake in part for his popularity. He has covered some of Utah’s biggest over a nearly 20-year career. We watch 13 just to see what socks he’s wearing that day.

Most Fabulous Television News Anchor/Personality

Shauna Lake

Shauna regains her Fabby award as the best anchor on air in the state. She seems to be your best friend telling you the news who just happens to be on your television.

Most Fabulous Politician for the LGBT Community

Jim Dabakis

Jim Dabakis is a brand name for LGBT and left-of-center political action. If something is going on, he’s there to support (or oppose if necessary), comment, found, finance, and speechify. It seems being Utah State Senator from the Second District and political type was his full-time job, but he’s an entrepreneur and heavily involved in the visual arts biz for decades. If he reprises his oneman show, run — don’t walk — to get tickets.

Most Fabulous QSaltLake Columnist

Christopher Katis

An out-and-proud gay dad brings his family’s life, and the lives of other LGBT families, front and center. He gives us an amusing and sometimes touching peek into what it’s like to be a gay dad, along with his husband, in Utah.

Most Fabulous Bartender at a Gay Bar

Riley Richter at Sun-Trapp

Not only can Riley make a mean cocktail, but he also volunteers for the Human Rights Campaign, How fabulous is that? Oh, you can also find him at Murphy’s on his not-too-often downtime.

Most Fabulous DJ at a Gay Bar

DJ Naomi at Sun-Trapp

Local DJ Harry Cross Jr. said of DJ Naomi in a QSaltLake interview a few years back, “I learned so much from some great talent, and being the lighting director got me interested in being a DJ and helped me learn some of the skills needed. (DJ) Naomi Watts was one of the biggest influences on me, and she is such an awesome DJ.”

Most Fabulous Leader of an LGBT Group

Tracey Dean of Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

Tracey Dean has made the Utah LGBTQ Chamber rock and roll. Her tireless efforts to align with other diversity chambers, create compelling business events and bring business owners together are very Fabby worthy.