Hops on the Hill pairs craft beer with delectable food and spectacular mountain views. The weekly menu also features live music, casual conversation, and a break from the Salt Lake valley heat.

Hops on the Hill takes place each Tuesday from July 17 to Aug. 28, 2018.

Now in its sixth year, Hops on the Hill aims to show the “casual side” of Deer Valley’s five-star Stein Eriksen Lodge, says Zane Holmquist, the property’s corporate chef and vice president of food and beverage.

“So many think of Stein’s as an expensive, high-end, I’ve got to dress up (type place),” Chef Zane says as he dishes up his peach-glazed pork sliders on the event’s opening night. “It’s so beautiful here. I wanted to (showcase) the casual side. Come in your shorts, t-shirts. Bike in, bring the dogs and kids.”

Each Tuesday during the seven-week series (July 17-Aug. 28), a unique $20 food and $20 beer pairing is offered. Two craft breweries are invited each week and they typically each bring up to four beers for sampling.

Once Chef Zane receives the week’s beer list, he and his team go to work choosing local foods to pair with the beer selections.

“Local beers, local food on this beautiful deck looking west,” Chef Zane says. “It’s pretty awesome.”

Even more, a portion of proceeds benefit the local Youth Sports Alliance, according to the event website.

Hops Forward

Chef Zane isn’t a stranger to Utah’s beer scene. He worked at Squatters in its infancy in the early 1990s and helped to open the Fuggles property. He’s spent 18 years at Stein Eriksen and characterizes its beer list as one of the best in Park City.

Hops on the Hill participating breweries this season include: RoHa Brewing Project, Squatters Craft Beers, Park City Brewery, Shades Brewing, Epic Brewing, Bohemian Brewery, 2 Row Brewing, Red Rock Brewing, Proper Brewing Co., Wasatch Brewery, Bonneville Brewery, and Mountain West Hard Cider.

This year Chef Zane’s invited two out-of-state breweries to be part of Hops on the Hill. Wyoming’s Melvin Brewing is slated to pour Aug. 7 and Napa Valley’s Mad Fritz Beer will help close out the series on Aug. 28. Mad Fritz, Chef Zane says, is the exclusive brewery for famed The French Laundry.

Live music is also an important component of Hops on the Hill. On a nearby lawn you can listen to a different band each week. You’re welcome to bring a blanket and enjoy a free concert (food and beverage available for purchase à la carte).

On opening night, Mister Sister Trio harmonized flawlessly and serenaded the crowd with its lively blend of classic and contemporary tunes.

“Casual food, casual fun,” Chef Zane says. “It’s not expensive, just an easy night to enjoy summer at Stein Eriksen.”

Opening Night: RoHa & Squatters

The season-opener featured RoHa Brewing Project, one of Utah’s newest craft breweries, and Squatters Craft Beers, one of the state’s oldest.

“The chefs do a wonderful job pairing the food with the beers that we offer and supporting the local breweries,” says Rob Phillips, a founder of RoHa. “We feel lucky to be a part of the first one. ”

At Hops on the Hill, RoHa poured its Maltese Cross Red Ale, a collaboration with Salt Lake Firefighters Local 81, as well as its Three Deep American Ale, and its award-winning Kensington Grand Saison.

At the next table over, Squatters poured its Chasing Tail Orange, a twist on its popular Chasing Tail Golden Ale. A portion of proceeds from Chasing Tail Orange benefits Best Friends Animal Society, says Squatters marketing manager Amy Tangaro, whose adopted pitbull-boxer is the can’s cover dog.

Across the way, Squatters’ newer Tropical Hop Rising Double IPA, in which the tropical notes are derived from hops, flowed.

“We never miss a chance to pair our beers with Chef Zane’s food,” says Erika Palmer, Squatters’ national brand manager. “He and his staff are absolutely amazing. And you can’t beat this beautiful view of the mountains.”

The Stein Eriksen Lodge, which is currently undergoing a $14 million expansion, provides a picture-perfect backdrop for enjoying a pleasant summer evening of beer, bites, and tunes.

Hops on the Hill: If You Go

Hops on the Hill 2018 features $20 food and $20 beer tastings on the deck (reservations recommended). BONUS: Bring a blanket and find a seat on the nearby lawn to enjoy free live music. Each week features a different band.

• WHERE: Stein Eriksen Lodge, 7700 Stein Way, Park City, UT 84060
• DATES: Tuesdays, July 24, July 31,  Aug. 7, Aug. 14, Aug. 21, Aug. 28. Different breweries, bands, and food pairings each week (view full schedule)
• TIME: 6-7:30 p.m. (food and beer tastings); 6-9 p.m. (free concert on the lawn with food and beverage available for purchase)
• RESERVATIONS: (435) 645-6455