Following are capsulized versions of recommended restaurants reviewed by Al Church, Deseret News Dining Out columnist:
Archibald's Restaurant, 7800 S. 1095 West, West Jordan, 566-6940. Located in a renovated grain mill, this ambitious restaurant offers diners a taste of down-home cookin' along with trendy dishes of the Southwest. The restaurant is the cornerstone of Gardner Historic Village, shops and homes from pioneer times. ***1/2Sun Bun Cafe, 878 S. 900 East, 328-1313. This cafe derives its name from a specially baked homemade bun bathed in the golden glow of grated cheese on top. Quality sandwiches, soups and other baked goods are offered in this small, soothing eatery. ****
Panda Chinese Restaurant, 1701 S. State (485-3226) and 1645 W. 7800 South, West Jordan (255-0707). Mongolian barbecue is the specialty of the house. Customers select their own meat, fresh vegetable ingredients and seasonings, which are then stir-fried over a large grill. An appetizing twist to Chinese cuisine. ***
Zaccheo's Italian Restaurant, 280 E. 800 South, 322-0815. After 15 yeras serving favorite Italian specialties, including deep-dish pizza and a lengthy list of pasta dishes, Zaccheo's popularity remains as secure as ever. ***
Sagano Restaurant, 541 W. 500 South, Bountiful. 298-0808. A twin sister to the Kyoto, a Japanese restaurant that changed the way most of us eat Japanese cuisine. Wonderful teriyaki, tempura and sukiyaki, served with quality yet without kimonos and teppan yaki grills. ****
Brazilian Brothers Restaurant, 144 S. Main, 328-9342. A small luncheon eatery that specializes in the cuisine of one of the world's largest countries. Don't let the size deceive you - the Brazilian specials are wonderfully festive and may foretell future trends for the next decade. American-style submarine sandwiches also served. ****
Moguls, 380 S. State, 359-6600. Spa cuisine for the apres ski set, i.e. pastas, salads, French bread pizzas and sandwiches, served for avid skiers or observers of Utah's snow scene, are this lively restaurant's specialty. Homemade soups are especially good. ***
Kitty Pappas Steak House, 2300 S. Highway 91, Bountiful. Simple steak house pleasures with little fanfare but lots of attention to the basics. Sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken fried steak, as well as homemade desserts round out the moderately priced bill of fare. ***
Talk of the Town Restaurant, 723 E. 7200 South, Union Point Plaza, Midvale. 565-0111. Nicely prepared and presented fare with Continental touches, such as pesto, Hollandaise and Bordelaise sauce, fresh pasta specialties, are the engaging qualities of this suburban restaurant. Prices are moderate. ***1/2
Porter's Place, 24 W. Main St., Lehi. 768-8348. Western steak house fixin's, including antiques, buffalo meat, Sarsaparilla and other non-alcoholic fountain drinks, are key attractions. Add a bit of history, with the highlight on the eatery's namesake, Porter Rockwell, and customers are bound to get a fill of Utah cuisine and folklore.***
Thai House Restaurant, 1499 S. State. 486-8043. Colorful, exotic and wonderfully spiced Thai food is the specialty of this modest eatery. Seasonings such as red and green peppers, rich curries, basil, lemon grass, garlic and ginger are combined skillfully to create delicious dishes. ****1/2
Baci Trattoria, 134 W. Pierpont Ave., 328-1500. More a shrine to art and architecture than Italian cuisine (Fresco is still the best), Baci's presents good, occasionally uneven, pasta and dinner specials with lively and colorful style. ****
Lupo's Italian Restaurant, 249 E. 3300 South; 466-0371. Familiar Italian cuisine served in a friendly atmosphere. Lupo's features homemade sausage, large portions and moderate prices. ***1/2
Seaman James Bartley, 1118 E. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale, 566-3983, presents seafood with a straightforward approach. The only curves found in the flotsam and jetsam are those hanging about in the nautical interior. Fresh special, a creamy clam chowder and homemade sourdough bread are worth a try. ***
The Depot, 660 S. Main Street, Park City. 649-2102. A breezy pub that overlooks Park City's historic and current goings-on. The menu is Alpine-Austrian in flavor, featuring inexpensive lunch specials such as wienerschnitzel, sausages and Hungarian goulash. The weekend dinner menu is more upscale and continental. ***1/2
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. Ninth 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, 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. 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 ae also served; but watching the samuri chef's flashing swords and spatula is the most fun. ***
Barking Frog Cafe, 368 Main Street, 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
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 panfried 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