Following are capsulized versions of recommended restaurants reviewed by Al Church, Deseret News Dining Out columnist:
Carriage House, Triad Center, 330 W. South Temple, 328-1842. Despite this reasonably priced restaurant's incomplete surroundings, the engaging menu should meet most diner's needs. American cuisine with Continental touches, exemplified by sole in parchment, fettucine Florentine, as well as grilled meat and seafood round out the balanced bill of fare. ****Hi-Land Broiler, 3130 S. Highland Drive, 486-2233. Zesty and healthy grilled skinless chicken seasoned with Middle Eastern herbs and spices are this small eatery's specialty. Grilled fish, barbecue ribs and sauteed potatoes are also very good. ***
Brackman Brothers' Bagel Bakery, 859 E. 900 South, 322-4350. Salt Lakers no longer have to smuggle real (i.e., boiled then baked) bagels in from the far-flung enclaves of New York or Brooklyn. A dozen or so varieties are served in a relaxed setting, with such specialties as lox, sable and whitefish salad, as well as homemade soup.****
Tony Roma's, 985 E. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale. 566-RIBS. This is one chain that has the ingredients in place - service, lively atmosphere and standard fare prepared just right - to please most palates. The ribs are very, very good. Also, ignore the adage about half a loaf is better than none. Order a whole loaf of onion rings.***1/2
The 47 Samuri, 299 Trolley Square, 363-7294. Teppan yaki grill specialties are the focal point of this entertaining Japanese restaurant. Traditional dishes such as tempura, sukiyaki, sushi and teriyaki are also served; but watching the samurai chef's flashing swords and spatula is the most fun. ***
Barking Frog Cafe, 368 Main St., Park City. 649-6222. Inventive Southwest cuisine that is bold as well as comfortable. Soups, grilled seafood, red meat and poultry specials, creative sauces, outdoor tapas grill, all served in an informal, artsy setting. ****1/2
NBC Mandarin Cuisine Restaurant, 2020 E. 2300 South, 467-7205. Chinese food prepared with flavorful elegance. Specialties include Mandarin, Hunan and Szechwan dishes. Seafood, vegetables and soups receive special care from the kitchen. ****
Royal Taj Restaurant, 460 S. 200 West, Bountiful, 292-3408. Authentic, appealing and exotic cuisine of India and Pakistan is the focus of this unique restaurant. Tandoori (clay oven spit roasted specialties) and special breads are worth a visit alone. ****
Jerry's Original Vernal Mining Company, 855 W. Main, Vernal. 789-2020. Steaks, prime rib and seafood served with small town hospitality and informality. Generous portions and a big salad bar add to the experience. ***
Eastern Winds, 3740 Washington Blvd., Ogden, 627-2793. Mandarin and Cantonese specialties overflow from the menu, like the generous and piping hot portions on the plates. Lomein, or Cantonese pan-fried noodles, shrimp and vegetables receive special attention from the attentive kitchen. ***1/2
Trolley Square Crepes, Trolley Square, 322-3839. A nostalgic little eatery that keeps alive a bit of history coupled with a trendy menu of crepes and croissant sandwiches. Homemade desserts and soups are also very good. ***1/2
Maxi's, 255 S. West Temple, Red Lion Inn, 328-2000. Executive John Harris presents continental cuisine with creative and inventive touches in luxurious, comfortable surroundings. Presentations are visual treats and the service is top-notch without any pretense. ****1/2
Bob's Deli, 10 North Highway 89, North Salt Lake, 298-1771. Jumbo sandwiches on thick bread, freshly prepared salads, hot soups, terrific jerky, great pastrami, thick malts and milkshakes, a juke box loaded with nostalgia all add up to a place to stop and eat.****
L'Hermitage, 1615 Foothill Drive, 583-5339. Traditional country French cuisine is this small but nicely appointed restaurant's focus. Pate, escargot, coquille St. Jacques, veal, coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, duck l'orange, creme brulee, chocolate mousse, are some of the specialties. ***1/2
Fresco Italian Cafe, 1513 S. 1500 East, Sugar House, 586-1300. For those accustomed to pasta and spaghetti and meatball, the fare might seem pricey. But the inventiveness, quality craftsmanship and overall professionalism of this little restaurant contribute to its high rating.*****
Pierre Country Bakery, 3239 E. 3300 South, 486-0990. Sensational french bread, very good pastries and some rather ordinary and pricey specialties are served in this small eatery. But the bread, oh, the bread, is worth a visit. ***1/2
Cafe Anh Hong, 1465 S. State; 467-4228. Vietnamese and Chinese specialties are featured at this small, cleanly appointed restaurant. Huge bowls of noodles, with almost endless variations, are definitely worth a visit. ****
Chistin Ibhan Agus Gobnait, 878 S. 900 East, 364-3738. A bit of Dublin can be found in this quaint Irish bakery and sandwich shop. Homemade soup specials, soda bread and a myriad of muffins and other baked specials, such as Cornish pasties, raw apple cake and tea scones, are served. Tea every afternoon.****1/2
Ferrantelli Ristorante Italian, Trolley Square, 531-8228. This comfortably stylish eatery features moderately priced Italian cuisine that appeals to transplanted Easterners longing for the Italian restaurants left behind; should also please the hearty Western appetites as well.****