Thought “Savannah Smiles” and “SLC Punk” were the only flicks putting our backyard on the silver screen? As much as we love that brown-eyed girl and Salt Lake’s punk rock underbelly, it’s time we introduce the latest indie comedy film to come from Utah stock.

“White on Rice” has already debuted in L.A. and San Francisco, and now makes its way to our neck of the woods. Directed and co-directed by Utahns David and Megan Boyle, and starring Hiroshi Watanabe (“Letters from Iwo Jima”) and James Kyson Lee (“Heroes”), this comedy-that-could has been touted as “an Asian American film that keeps its identity in its heart rather than on its sleeve,” by The San Francisco Chronicle.

See it. Not only to show support for your peeps, because we know you like to laugh. Get started here or here. “White on Rice” is playing at Cinemark 16 at Provo Towne Center and Century 16 on 3300 South in Salt Lake City this Friday through October 1, with Q&A screenings this weekend only.

So, as they say, get on it.

{Rice Above}

“White on Rice”
Playing in Utah Friday through October 1
Cinemark 16, Provo Towne Center and Century 16, 3300 South in Salt Lake City
Provo Q&A screenings:
Cinemark 16, Provo Towne Center
Friday, Sept. 25, 6:30 and 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 11:55 a.m. and 2:10 p.m.
Salt Lake City Q&A screenings:
Century 16, 3300 South
Saturday, Sept. 26, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m.
www.whiteonricethemovie.com

Writing and photography by Lacey Jane Pappas

Anybody else curious about the new market that opened across the street from Fashion Place Mall? We were too. So we did some investigating and were pleasantly surprised with the results. (Take note, Utah County dwellers. There’s one in Orem, too.)

Reminiscent of Trader Joe’s, Sunflower Market dishes out a variety of their own sauces, boxed and baked foods, chips and drinks. We also spotted a healthy variety of cheeses, an olive bar and store-made pasta salads and fresh salads that looked dee-lish. Smack-dab in the middle of the store is a huge assortment of organic fruits and veggies—all reasonably priced. Best, these beauties looked really fresh.

The vegetarian in me got excited to see the nice variety of vegan/vegetarian options. With Amy’s-brand everything (and so much more) the meat-omitting folks will be in a culinary paradise.

The “Serious Food, Silly Prices” bit rang partially true: Prices were higher than your average grocery store, but we spotted some specials on produce, drinks and cheeses that would be nice on both the budget and your creating of a balanced meal.

When I visited, the store was hosting a health fair and many a happy customer walked away with free samples, complimentary canvas totes and their faces painted. You might not be as lucky as to get a star brushed on your forehead, but you can always visit the website to get your hands on coupons and healthy recipes.

{Good Day, Sunshine}

Sunflower Farmers Market
6284 S. State Street
Murray, Utah
1375 S. State Street
Orem, Utah
Open Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
www.sfmarkets.com

Mango’s a Go: As we reported some time ago, the grandaddy of healthy, tart froyo Red Mango made its way to the Beehive State—and not just the Delta Center—just last weekend. It’s undeniably delicious. Check it out at 6950 S. Park Centre Drive in Cottonwood Heights. Our only complaint? They close at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. A tad early, in our opinion. Keep your eyes peeled for the opening of the Orem locale.

Good for What Ailey’s You: Get your tickets now. Alvin Ailey’s troupe is coming through Salt Lake City on April 1 and 2. It’s athleticism and grace at its best, we think. More info here.

In Mmmusic: Songsters you can tune into in the coming days include Zero 7′s Sia, college faves Built to Spill and lullaby-esque Joshua Radin. Get showtimes and locations via Lacey’s Music Guide.

Holy Mollie: Check out tunes by Salt Lake natives The Mollies. Part folk, part pop, The Mollies’ sound is undeniably sweet with female vocals and subtle, catchy melodies. Influences we can hear include Azure Ray, The Innocence Mission, and The Sundays. Listen in here, or watch the video for a track called “Float My Boat” right here. And then, you can purchase The Mollies’ new ep “My Sentiments Have Just Begun” here. (Via Frolic!)

Pencil In Persepolis: We hear good things about the animated film, Persepolis, now on at The Broadway. The mostly black-and-white film is an adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel, based on a gal growing up in Iran. It’s said to be both insightful and fun to watch. Get screening times here.

It’s open! Head to Trolley Square’s east entrance (just south of Banana Republic) to snatch up a few more of your favorite American Apparel everyday T-shirt. Or hoodie. Or tights. Or leotard, for that matter.

Store details here.

Two national chains making their way into Salt Lake City come November….

First, Steve & Barry’s opened at 5545 S. Van Winkle Expressway on Wednesday. We haven’t been yet, but can’t wait to gain our own opinion on the goods, bads and uglies of SJP’s Bitten line. To each her own, right? More info here. (Has anyone visited yet?)

Second, Urban Outfitters is rumored to open at the Gateway Mall next Thursday, November 15 at 10 a.m. Just in time for you to stock up on kitschy holiday decor and stocking stuffers, should you so desire.

Happy weekend, friends!

The Big Cheese: Word on the street has it that Cheesecake Factory is opening its doors to Salt Lake City dessert-lovers as soon as November 1. The Tuscan-inspired, slightly-out-of-place structure is going up at the southwest corner of Fashion Place Mall. Guess it’s about time the nation’s ninth-largest restaurant chain made its way here.

Sweet Nectar: Hip little Nectar boutique invites all YHO readers to hone their personal style by dropping in today between 2 and 6 p.m. or tomorrow between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. for free one-on-one consultations with image stylist Auretha Callison. You’re apt to get friendlier feedback than what Stacy and Clinton would serve up, bless their hearts.

Harvest Time: Nothing beats a homemade gift. Feast your eyes, stock up for the holidays and rub shoulders with some of your favorite bloggers at the Harvest Boutique, taking place in Draper tomorrow. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up for your chance to win the goodie bag.

Book Sale and Bake Sale: Tonight at Frosty Darling, things get yummy at the boutique’s Bake Sale. Cakes, cookies and cupcakes are on the menu to compliment the evening’s gallery stroll. And Friends of the City Library are hosting a big ol’ Book Sale starting Saturday at 7 a.m. Children’s books, teen books, travel books and movies will be up for grabs, and everything is priced at less than a dollar. (Not a bad investment, eh?) Hours vary so be sure to check the sale times here.

Sale! Sale! And Sale!: The money-saving opps are high this weekend. Hit up ONEiTY’s 3-4-2 Sale through Saturday. Or head to Shade Clothing and get 20 percent off everything through Sunday. And that’s not all. Model Citizen is holding a gallery stroll Early Bird Sale tonight from 6-8 p.m. where you’ll get 25 percent off your entire purchase. Suh-weet!

In Mmmusic: This week’s options include Pinback on Saturday, Augustana (with Dashboard Confessional) on Tuesday, and Caribou on Wednesday. Architecture in Helsinki is on the hotseat for next week. Get the details over here.

Odds & Ends: Ditch your date and get a taste for treats and nice tailoring and Kaleidoscope’s Odd Molly Fashion Event, taking place tonight. Lines making a cameo include Odd Molly, Deborah Sweeney, Preloved and Treesje. Since you don’t wanna miss out—especially on a 15 percent discount or lots of doorprizes—you can get the full story here.

American Goes Utah: Following the footsteps of other national brands, American Apparel will be the next to show its face (and underwear) in the Salt Lake market. Trolley Square, to be exact, just across from Banana Republic. Doors are set to open before the holiday season. More details here.

Strut Your Stuff: Pull on your Friday night best and head to the now-regular Salt Lake Fashion Stroll on 300 South. This time, the sartorial showdown is complete with two fashion shows and ensembles created with pieces from Frosty Darling, Model Citizen, Whimsy, Aequitas, Q Clothing and Fleur de Lis.

Porcupine Sighting: Next time you’re chowing down on fish tacos and/or buffalo wings at Cottonwood Heights’ Porcupine Grill, be sure to check out works by local nature photographer Adam Barker. (As if you needed to be told. Colors this vibrant don’t go unnoticed.) Or feast your eyes here.

In Mmusic: September’s a-winding down (hello, October!), but you’ve still got a chance to squeeze in live tunes before the month’s done. See faux bro-and-sis duo the White Stripes at the E Center on Saturday. Showtimes and tickets via Lacey’s Guide. {Update!} Apparently Meg is suffering from exhaustion and the Stripes’ entire tour has been canceled. So don’t head to the E Center unless you want to fall victim to a lesser band.

Falling For You: The leaves are changing, and fast. In a blink of an eye, it’ll all be over. Don’t miss out, and cruise your ride on any of these high-ranking stretches of highway: Highway 89 between Logan and Bear Lake, Guardsman Pass from Brighton to Park City (partially dirt road) or the Alpine Loop from American Fork to Provo.

Start Your Engines: Hit the streets with Jared Gold at Black Chandelier’s Road Rally, taking place tonight at four different retail locations, including Provo. You can get a free green tea snowcone at 8:15 p.m. at the Gateway, or get your photo taken with SLC Pomp at the Riverwoods. You decide. Get the scoop here.

Go Fish: Yesterday marked the beginning of the Eileen Fisher trunk show at the Children’s Hour (914 E. 900 South). Get a sneak peek and first dibs on high-class basics like jersey dresses and organic cotton camisoles. The show extends through Saturday.

Shark Attack: Dundun dundun dundun. Watch yourselves. Jaws is set to take the screen (and possibly some lives) as the Midnight Movie at the Tower Theatre tonight and tomorrow. Bring a friend. If you dare.

Pig Out: Ladies and gents, it’s official. Utah’s premier barbecue championship cookoff takes place Saturday at the Gallivan Center. Aside from the slow-cookin’ showdown, Rock’n'Ribs will feature several local bbq vendors and tunes from area rock bands. Five-dollar admission gets you all-day access from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Get the details here. And don’t forget your picnic blanket. And maybe your wet wipes.

Burger ABCs: There’s a new burger joint in town at 275 S. 200 West. Aside from Acme Burgers’ self-explanatory “classic,” you can opt for an “Ostrich Burger” or “Salmon Burger.” If it’s date night, we probably would try the “Breath Enhancer.” But don’t take our word for it. Check out the menu and get more info here.

Be a Wallflower: Back in the early days, we told you about a sophisticated home decor hot spot called Walls. Remember? They’re celebrating their one-year anniversary starting Monday, and didn’t leave you out. You’ll get 20-50 percent off all in-store items through Sept. 1, with a special selection of designer fabrics on sale August 31 and Sept. 1.

High Voltage: The weather is expected to be ideal, so take advantage and head to Red Butte Garden on Sunday night, when Son Volt takes center stage. You can get tickets right here.

Get the word on the Salt Lake area’s new up-and-comers, right here:

The World at Your Fingertips: World Market opened its all-imports doors to Sandy shoppers in June, meaning no more trips to Kimball Junction to get your hands on all the Torani syrups your Italian soda-loving heart desires. About a third of World Market stores, also known as “Cost Plus,” are dedicated to semi-exotic food stuffs like Scandinavian chocolate and French crackers. The remainder consists of Asian-inspired furniture and home accessories, cool art prints and stationery, all the baskets you can imagine and loads of out-of-the-ordinary kitchen goods. And other miscellaneous summertime items, too, like eye-catching butterfly kites and colorful ice buckets.

World Market
6960 S. Park Center Drive
Sandy
Monday through Saturday, 9a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
www.worldmarket.com

Artsy Smartsy: The Art Institute recently expanded into Utah, setting up shop just off I-15 in Draper. The Art Institute of Salt Lake City will bring another Interior Design program back to Utah, as well as bachelors degrees in Digital Media and Graphic Design, and associate degrees in the Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Fashion Merchandising and Fashion Design are soon to follow. We love to see Utahns on “So You Think You Can Dance” but a contestant on “Project Runway” would knock our socks off. Maybe we’ll have to settle for “Iron Chef” for now. Check out the Salt Lake site for further information. Classes are slated to begin August 16.

Art Institute of Salt Lake City
Temporary: 170 W. Election Road; permanent, 121 W. Election Road
Draper
(801) 601-4700
www.artinstitutes.edu/saltlakecity

Get Bitten: Curious about whether or not SJP’s 500-piece clothing line “Bitten” is worth all the brouhaha? Since ultra-affordable superstore Steve & Barry’s recently announced its expansion into Murray, you’ll get to see—even try-on—all the $20-and-under items as soon as August. Start your totally fab vs. utterly drab discussion right here. (We think some of it looks pretty fab.) You bookish-types can get the factoids here.

Steve and Barry’s
5600 S. Van Winkle Expressway
Murray
Opening this August
www.steveandbarrys.com

For tasting, shopping, viewing and general opinion-making, here are three things worth checking out in and around Salt Lake City this week:

Bite Outta Crime: Get a taste of controversy at Chadder’s, the Utah burger joint that’s currently getting the copycat smackdown from none other than California’s In-N-Out Burger. Call it what you will: “Protein Burger” or “Beef and Leaf, imitation or inspiration, but anything that’s grabbed the attention of America’s other favorite red-and-yellow burger chain sparks our curiosity—along with our tastebuds. On a side note: In-N-Out will finally be opening its doors to St. George burger-lovers as soon as 2008. But in the meantime….

Chadder’s
599 West Pacific Drive
American Fork
(801) 763-0770

Holly Hobby: Attenion Janes-of-all-trades: If you dabble in oil paints, beading bracelets, journal layouts, embroidering pillow-covers, creating tablespreads, cupcake-decorating, invitation-designing, interior decorating or even dollhouse-building, you might as well consider Hobby Lobby your new best friend. The hobby/craft megastore recently continued its westward expansion into the Salt Lake region. You’ll find everything you need to pull off just about anything. Check out the online inventory here, and don’t forget to check out the weekly specials (currently 40 percent off any item!).

Hobby Lobby
1080 N. Main Street
Layton
(801) 444-0210
Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

and

Hobby Lobby
11681 S. Parkway Drive
South Jordan
(801) 352-4295
Open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Rubell With a Cause: “Life After Death: New Leipzig Paintings from the Rubell Family Collection” brings to Salt Lake surrealist works by such acts as Tim Eitel, Martin Kobe, Neo Rauch, David Schnell, Matthias Weischer and more. Words like “strange,” “discordant,” “disaffected,” and “enigmatic” have been used to describe the Eastern German movement, so you get to kill two birds with one stone and improve your vocab as well as your art knowledge.

“Life After Death“
Salt Lake Art Center
20 S. West Temple
Salt Lake City
June 23 through September 29
Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

In anticipation of Wednesday’s grand opening, you can pack up your sleeping bag, flashlight and People magazine and set up shack outside the Draper IKEA starting tonight. Your roughin’-it efforts could secure your purchase of that must-have media stand you’ve been eyeing ever since the highly-circulated IKEA catalog hit your mailbox months ago.

If you’re serious about trying to get your toe inside the 300,000-square-foot store this weekend, here’s what else you might get your hands on:

• The first 100 people (grown-ups, only) to come through the door get a free Poang Chair.
• The first 100 kiddos through the door get a free soft toy, something like this lovable little guy.
• The first 2,500 visitors on Wednesday get a “secret prize envelope” (IKEA is handing out 1,500 gift cards ranging from $10 to $250)
• Ten people will win $1,000 IKEA gift cards—and $1,000 at IKEA takes you pretty far. (You can enter to win at the store Wednesday through Monday)
• If IKEA happens to be opening on your birthday (May 23) and you go to the store, take your ID with you. You’ll get a $10 gift card.

Get the scoop here.

{Two other things you’ve gotta check out:}

1. IKEA Hacker: a blog dedicated to sharing ideas about spiffing up your affordable IKEA furniture, and/or spiffin’ up your place with IKEA stuff. We’re nuts about this idea from IKEA Hacker via Curbly: get inspiration from the Iannone:Design consoles we featured in this post.

2. Bemz: We know your IKEA sofa is going to be brand-spankin’ new, but when you get bored with it, or when those cushions start to get a little ragged, you can turn to Bemz: a company making slipcovers (cute, might we add) for IKEA sofas. Genius! See the fabrics here, and the sofas Bemz is currently working with here.

The sad news? No more good music finds at Gateway’s Virgin Megastore, undoubtedly one of the best places to score a good deal on the latest from the hottest new songster.

But, let’s not dwell. It’s on to the fun stuff. The good news? Following the footsteps of Forever 21, the record store is being replaced by none other than Urban Outfitters … setting up shop just down Rio Grande Street from its sister shop, Anthropologie. Yes, you read that right: Urban. Suh-weet!

Virgin is fixin’ to move out on July 15 with Urban setting up shop in “early autumn.”

Urban says it markets its clothes, furniture and knickknacks to “well-educated, urban-minded young adults.” Our only question is, what took so long?!

Get the facts here. And get a little taste for what we’ll be in for right here.

Like we said, we love to spread good news. Brace yourself for today’s dose, it’s a good one: Today, at 10 a.m. the opportunity-knockin’ doors to Salt Lake’s very own Forever 21 store swing wide open. Finally! This means you can sleep soundly the next time you need to treat yourself to a I’ve-had-a-hard-day-and-totally-deserve-this blouse, as splurges aren’t part of the Forever 21 equation.

Aside from billowy tops, bold graphic prints, crochet details, romantic button-ups and and babydoll dresses—and a hard-to-beat selection of cute-as-a-bug outerwear—here’s what else you should know about this chic/cheap merchant:

1. Fashion-forward clothing (no kiddin’–you’ll spy-out pieces people will ask you if you got at Anthropologie) at a serious fraction of the cost. Most pieces range between $11.99(!) and $29.99.

2. Those uber-affordable prices, welcome as they may be, result in lower-quality clothing. Be careful when washing and wearing: shirts rip, pants fade and buttons come off quicker than you can say “sewing kit.”

3. Forever 21 carries a great selection of super-cheap accessories like this fun Drawstring Tote, this Ethnic Band and this Studded Pendant Necklace: cheap-and-trendy answers for too-drab outfits.

4. Though a little more grown up (and better designed) than some of its contemporaries like Wet Seal, Forever 21 clothing runs a little small as the target audience is probably a tad younger than curvier twenty-somethings like us.

5. Despite too-tempting price tags, Forever 21 pieces are best worn mixed in with nice pieces. Head-to-toe Forever21 is a dead giveaway. Instead, opt to pair a cute/casual top like this with with your favorite designer jeans. Keep people guessing.

The new two-story shop is located in the north end of the Gateway Mall, on the east side of Rio Grande Street, near the Apple store. We have a feeling this is the beginning of a beautiful and wallet-friendly friendship.

{Update:} Ali checked out Forever 21′s new digs this morning, and, just so you know, the store comes complete with surprisingly chic interior decorating—lucite candelabras and glass chandeliers, as well as pea-green fitting room doors with white trim, backdropped with koi wallpaper. Naturally, the two-story collection includes too many cute dresses and tops to decide on just one … or even three.

Start rolling up your furniture-assembling sleeves, modern- and utilitarian-design enthusiasts. The Draper Ikea store is set to open on Wednesday, May 23 at 9 a.m., complete with rumors of grand opening specials on the big day.

At the corner of I-15 and Bangerter Highway in Draper, the 310,000-square-foot blue and yellow box is still looking for employees. We’re half-tempted to apply, though this type of furniture isn’t necessarily the kind you need a discount on. First dibs, though, could make it worth it.

You’ve probably heard the same remarks: “It’s just a step-up from Payless,” or “I’ve never seen so many shoes in my life.” It was Jocelyn’s recent comment that really got us curious: “It’s a fabulous place in which I can spend hours trying on all kinds of shoes,” she wrote. Hours? Really?

So we got all sleuth-like and did some investigating of DSW (1132 E. Fort Union Blvd.) on our own—because, to be fair, Payless has been coming up with some pretty good stuff as of late and Jocelyn has pretty great shopping sense.

Here’s what we found on the website: “Typical DSW stores have over 30,000 pairs of shoes in more than 2,000 styles displayed on the selling floor. Our vast selection assures customers that they are highly likely to find styles they are seeking in the size they need. Our self service format allows customers to view, touch, and try on the product to their heart’s content. And, with weekly deliveries of new styles, there’s always something to discover.”

And we liked what we found in store, too: We saw red patent-leather skimmers from Steve Madden, pointy and patterned slides by Mia, as well as styles ranging from not-so-pricey to more-like-designer from Dollhouse, Hype, Nina, Mia, BCBG, Charles David, Enzo Angiolini, and Ann Klein, to name a few.

Be prepared to look—maybe even for a few hours—but one is likely to be rewarded for logging in hours at DSW.

We headed to the Park City Tanger Outlets on Wednesday, searching for last-minute Christmas presents for the boys in our lives. The Vans store was our initial destination—what guy couldn’t use a new pair of slip-ons?

We de-carred, shivering as we hurried toward the teen hangout. Despite our hustle, something beautiful caught our eyes: BCBG Max Azria. There were sighs, jaw-droppings, cheers of joy, and other physical manifestations of disbelief and utter happiness.

Only a week old, the BCBG Max Azria outlet is a Utah discount shopper’s dream come to Park City. The store includes the most comprehensive and stylish collection of evening wear (if you have a special affair to cameo on New Year’s Eve, we are jealous. The dresses here are red-carpet cute and priced fairly) and well-designed separates from the BCBG, Max Azria, BCBG Girls and To The Max lines—shoes and jewelry included.

Favorites include a tailored leather jacket that nods to the ‘80s with puffed sleeves, but feels so-right-now given its grayish/brown “clay” color, and an empire-waisted pinafore dress with tightly-pleated chiffon that stretches to the knees.

We will be frequenting, often … after we rebound from breaking the holiday budget.

FYI: BCBG didn’t replace Vans. It replaced the sunglasses store that sat next door. Vans has relocated to the newer addition (south of the original structure) and sits next to Harry & David.