The Utah Jazz are highlighting their five players who will be participating in the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) World Cup by collaborating with local restaurants to offer unique player-oriented dishes that reflect their national teams. Jazz fans in Utah are invited to dine at participating restaurants throughout the tournament, which takes place August 25 through September 10, to taste the thoughtfully curated dishes and player-favorited options.
FIBA World Cup games will be played across five host cities in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan, as teams from around the globe compete for the Naismith Trophy and World Champion title. Participating Jazz players will represent five countries in the tournament – more than any other NBA team – with participation from Lauri Markkanen (Finland); Jordan Clarkson (Philippines); Walker Kessler (USA); Kelly Olynyk (Canada); and Simone Fontecchio (Italy).
“Nutrition is a crucial part of our players’ routines, and most of them are foodies off the court,” said Anthony Zamora, Utah Jazz Vice President of Nutrition, Culinary, & Hospitality. “We are excited to bring the excitement of FIBA to Utah in a fun, unique way that showcases our athletes and gives Jazz fans a taste of what their favorite players opt for when eating at some of the standout restaurants in our community,”
The local restaurants that have created unique player-oriented dishes for diners to enjoy throughout the FIBA World Cup include:
Harbor Seafood & Steak Co. – 2302 E Parleys Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109
- The Sheriff’s Crab-Stuffed Squash Blossom: A celebration of Walker Kessler joining Team USA. Tempura fried blossoms with canadian red crab, cream cheese, onions, serrano chiles, cilantro, sweet soy glaze & sesame seeds served over garden squash and sunburst tomato
Sol Agave – 749 W 100 N, American Fork, UT 84003
- Lohikeitto Salmon Soup: Paying homage to Lauri Markkanen’s home country of Finland. Wild Alaskan salmon served with carrots, leek, potatoes, in a creamy fish broth garnished with fresh chopped dill
- Pilipinas Pork Belly Taco: A traditional Filipino dish honoring Jordan Clarkson, served on a soft yellow corn tortilla, filled with crispy-edged tender pork belly, tomato-mint relish, with a drizzle of spicy habanero sauce
Urban Hill – 510 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT, 84101
- The Blues Lamb Arrosticini Skewers: Representing Simone Fontecchio and Team Italy (The Blues). Italian lamb skewers with house made Italian salsa verde and rosemary powder
Mint Sushi – 4640 S Holladay Village Plaza, Holladay, UT, 84117
- Road Warrior’s Jalapeno Hamachi: Celebrating one of Kelly Olynyk’s favorite foods and Team Canada (The Road Warriors). Yellowtail belly served with jalapeno slices, jalapeno vinaigrette, and ponzu sauce
Yum Yum Food Truck – location varies (live tracker here)
- Flame Thrower Adobo Combo: A celebration of Jordan Clarkson’s heritage and Team Philippines. Pan fried chicken with garlic and onions stewed until tender, served with a side of rice and fries
Stanza – 454 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111
- 5-Course Player Tasting Menu:
Caviar Cone: A tribute to Kelly Olynyk and Team Canada. Black sesame cone with creme fraiche, chives, and caviar
Pork & Vegetable Lumpia: A tribune to Jordan Clarkson and Team Philippines, with spicy sweet and sour dipping sauce
Arrosticini Skewers: A tribute to Simone Fontecchio and Team Italy, with turmeric
italian couscous
Norwegian Meatballs: A tribute to Lauri Markkanen and Team Finland, Venison meatballs with potato puree, sauteed peas, and fig agrodolce
Local Apple Pie: A tribute to Walker Kessler and Team USA, with homemade vanilla ice
cream