Some would call opening a new restaurant during a global pandemic a bold move, but the gamble is paying off for the Tupelo Park City team at their new Heber dining destination, Afterword By Tupelo. After five years spent serving Park City and winning much praise in the process, Tupelo’s team decided to pivot to this new concept—in part due to changes in dining from the COVID pandemic. Opened on July 1, Afterword is housed in a historic home on Heber’s Main Street with a spectacular outdoor patio that’s perfect for social distancing.

Moving to Heber

As Heber’s downtown booms, tupelo decided to migrate away from its longstanding, fine dining restaurant in Park City to open this farm-to-table experience near the farms where its locally sourced ingredients grow. Chef/owner Matthew Harris sources many ingredients from ranchers and farmers less than five miles away, and Tupelo Farm, the chef’s micro-farm, is down the road in Midway. With warm hospitality and hearty modern American cuisine, Afterword is the perfect place for a night out or Sunday brunch in downtown Heber.

With COVID pushing diners outdoors and reduced indoor capacities, the stunning patio has been a key driver in Afterword’s early success. A tall fence, hanging lights, live music, and mature trees make it the best patio I’ve visited this year. Also, the restaurant’s liquor license and outdoor bar mean it’s open only to guests 21 and up, making it a local favorite for a grown-up dining experience. Once the normal world returns, Afterword’s cozy indoor space inside the historic house will be a favorite for winter dinners.

Afterword’s Modern American Menu

What I first noticed about Afterword is that the menu is more affordable than tupelo Park City’s, making it a place you can visit often—-not just for fancy date nights. Expect modern takes on American cuisine and hearty starters like buttermilk biscuits paired with honey butter, smoked Idaho trout toast, and a fresh but filling burrata summer salad with heirloom tomatoes (while in season). I can say from my experience that the buttermilk biscuits are some of the best I’ve ever had and taste amazing while piping hot. Keep it local Heber Valley Farmstand Salad, which showcases Heber-grown radishes, tomatoes, turnips, and cucumbers.

Entrees are globally-inspired but feature local ingredients wherever possible. Favorites include the Bear Lake lamb, fresh Idaho trout, and Rocky Mountain elk. Tupelo’s wildly popular fried chicken supper for two remains on the menu at Afterword. I order trout nearly every time I see it on a menu, and Afterword’s did not disappoint. If you’re a vegetarian, inquire about meat-free entree options.

Don’t fall too in love with the menu though, as it changes with the season, and your favorite dish may drop off in fall or winter. (Looking at you beet crackers and baked cheese.) While it’s tough to save room for dessert, I’ll say that Tupelo Farm’s apple hand pies are worth the indulgence. Caramel and sweet cream ice cream with a pastry puff is all the accompaniment these fresh apples need.

Prefer indulging in liquid form? Don’t miss the craft cocktails mixed up at the outdoor bar under a canopy of trees. Gin is my favorite spirit, and I recommend These Thymes, a fusion of gin, amaro, blackberry thyme syrup, lemon, and orange bitters. Bourbon lovers will prefer the Old Fashioned, a tupelo classic that pairs spirits with black walnut and orange bitters.

While I haven’t dined at Afterword for brunch (yet), the menu looks divine and features dinner faves like buttermilk biscuits and fresh salads. For classic brunch enthusiasts, omelettes, buttermilk pancakes, and steak with eggs are all on the menu. Pair your breakfast with mimosas made with fresh orange juice or tupelo Bloody Mary’s.

COVID-19 Precautions and Protocols

Afterword was my first sit-down meal out since the pandemic began, and I felt completely safe throughout the experience. They’re opening safely and doing it right by using caution and implementing a mask policy during the pandemic. While most dining is currently outside, you are required to wear a mask whenever you leave your table. Hand sanitizer is also available and all staff members wear face masks.

To reduce contact, Afterword’s menu is touchless and accessible via scannable QR code. Paper menus are also available, but we love this as a waste-reducing step since their ever-changing menu requires frequent reprints. Tables are appropriately spaced outdoors and inside to promote a safe dining experience.

What about Park City?

Tupelo has loved serving Park City for the last five years, and the team says they’ll look for opportunities to return to the market in the future. For now, you’ll find Chef Harris cuisine at The St. Regis Deer Valley’s RIME Seafood & Steak. Plus, visiting Afterword is easy for Parkites, Heber Valley is only a 20-minute drive from Historic Main Street.

Story by Jenny Willden for The Scout Guide Park City