A Seat at the Josper Counter: History, Fire, and Flavor at Rouser

Tucked into the stunning new Asher Adams Hotel inside Salt Lake City’s historic Union Pacific Depot, Rouser is more than just a restaurant — it’s an immersive experience. I had the chance to attend their Josper Counter Experience, and it was easily one of the most engaging, flavorful, and unexpectedly educational meals I’ve had in the city!

A Setting with Stories to Tell

Located at 2 S 400 W in the heart of downtown Salt Lake, Rouser sits inside the newly opened Asher Adams Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, which beautifully preserves the grandeur of the original train depot. From the arched ceilings to the stonework, every detail nods to the building’s legacy — and Chef Emilio brings that history straight to the plate.

The Josper Counter Experience

The highlight of Rouser? Without a doubt, the Josper Counter — an intimate 8-seat chef’s counter where you’re not just eating, you’re part of the action. Chef Emilio guided me through a 4-course open-fire tasting menu featuring dishes cooked exclusively on the world-renowned Josper oven, a Spanish-made, charcoal-driven grill that infuses bold, smoky flavor into every bite.

But what truly set this experience apart was the storytelling. Chef Emilio didn’t just talk ingredients — he talked architecture, local heritage, and the cultural inspirations behind each dish. I learned how elements of the old train station were thoughtfully integrated into the space, and how dishes on the menu reflect the travelers, cultures, and time periods that once passed through this iconic spot. Chef Emilio, originally from NYC and now a culinary force in SLC, led the evening with warmth and wisdom. As he cooked, he shared stories of the building’s history — from its early days as a train depot to its current rebirth as the Asher Adams Hotel. The restaurant’s name, “Rouser,” is a vintage job title — one used for train station workers responsible for waking sleeping passengers. That legacy is infused in both the space and the menu, awakening the senses in every way.

At the heart of the experience is the Josper oven, a Spanish invention dating back to 1969, started by two brothers passionate about creating an energy-efficient, flavor-forward way to cook with fire. These ovens use 100% sustainable marabú charcoal, which emits just 3% smoke compared to the typical 50%, making it both eco-conscious and ideal for a refined dining environment.

Rouser’s Josper setup requires no gas or electricity. Instead, they rely on wax fire starters to ignite the charcoal — a nod to old-school techniques with modern precision.

The Menu

The meal itself was beautifully paced and full of surprises. From thoughtfully curated starters to a main course of ramen made with fresh, local ingredients, every bite was elevated by the warmth of the grill and the personal touch of the chef. Beverage pairings were available (and highly recommended), and the staff made sure every guest felt welcome and engaged.

CHARCOAL TORCHED HAMACHI

Yuzu oil, pickled mushroom, avocado, charred cucumber aguachile, puffed rice

Beverage || Kiku-Maisamune Taru Sake, Junmai, Japan

KARAAGE FRIED CHICKEN

Charcoal steeped buttermilk marinated, japanese pickles, nuoc cham

Beverage || Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne, Champagne, France

JOSPER RAMEN

Porcelet pork belly, burnt onion broth, shiitake mushroom charred leeks, soft egg, chili crunch, baby bok choy

Beverage || Domaines Schlumberger Saering Grand Cru Riesling ’21, Alsace, France

MATCHA POTS DE CRÈME

Grilled strawberries, charred cream, black sesame

Beverage || Rose & Bergamot Agricole Daiquiri

Why You Should Go

There are only two seatings per night, three nights a week, making this one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Salt Lake City. If you’re looking for a date night, a foodie splurge, or simply want to geek out on history and flavor — Rouser is a must.

Closing Thoughts

Between the glow of the Josper oven, the rich history of the building, and Chef Emilio’s deep passion for storytelling through food, Rouser’s Josper Counter offers something rare: a meal you’ll remember not just for the flavor, but for the meaning behind it.

The experience felt as intimate as it was elevated — only two seatings, three nights a week, with a $100 tasting menu and optional $50 beverage pairing that was completely worth it.