Here are capsulized versions of recommended restaurants reviewed over the past few months by Al Church, Deseret News Dining Out columnist:
Mekong Cafe, 7725 S. State, Midvale. 566-5747. Thai food with just enough of the zip and color to please aficianados and introduce novices to this unique cuisine. * * * 1/2Hotrod Hundley's Restaurant, 6121 S. Highland Drive, 277-7776. A sport celebrity restaurant that delivers up plenty of sporty atmosphere and all-American cuisine, including hamburgers, sandwiches, hot entrees and appetizers named after some of America's popular basketball, baseball and golf heroes. * * * 1/2
Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant, 2160 S. 700 East, 487-8036. Literally translated as "my little house," this colorful eatery serves up generous portions of Mexican specialties. Distinctive sauces are the highlights of each dish. * * *
Marco Polo, 4835 S. Highland Drive (west entrance to Cottonwood Mall), 272-8899. Named after the famous Venetian adventurer who inspired other explorers to travel to the Far East, this Italian restaurant offers a multitude of veal, chicken, seafood and pasta dishes with a variety of sauces from marinara to herb wine. The expert kitchen staff first established its reputation at the first Two Guys from Italy outlet in Sugar House years ago. * * * *
The Southern Plantation, 1465 S. State, 467-7737. This small carry-out place serves up large portions of tempting soul food, barbecued ribs, chicken, fried cat fish and Southern fried chicken. Trimmings include black-eyed peas, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad and fresh greens. And don't forget the sweet potato pie. * * * 1/2
Mediterranean Market and Deli, 3942 S. State Street, 266-2011. Freshly made Italian sausages, homemade pesto, imported cheese and cold cuts are combined into wonderful sandwiches or can be purchased separately, along with a plethora of imported goodies. * * * 1/2
East Sea Restaurant, 120 N. 900 West, 596-8963. Rose Park's first noteworthy Oriental restaurant that serves both Chinese and Vietnamese specialties. The Vietnamese hot egg rolls are especially good as are the favorite noodle dishes. * * * 1/2
The Mushroom Company, 1995 E. 3300 South. 487-9645. An eclectic and informal restaurant that offers vegetarian, Italian, Mexican and traditional American favorites such as omelettes and hot open-face sandwiches. Nice dessert list, too. * * *
La Calandria, 36 W. Center St., Midvale. 566-4464. This unassuming eatery features the kind of Mexican specialties that should rekindle any Mexican food lover's taste buds as well as a sense of the "authentic." * * *
Litza's, two locations, 716 E. 400 South, 359-5352; 2878 W. 4700 South, West Valley City, 965-1010. Since 1965, Litza's has offered pizza lovers fresh, consistent and reasonably priced pizzas. Crisp salads, spaghetti, lasagna and calzones round out the modest but nicely prepared bill of fare. * * *
Mileti's Italian Restaurant, 412 S. Main, Park City. 649-8211. Italian pasta, mesquite grilled meats and fresh salads underscored by the customary casualness of a resort town. Specialties include homemade breadsticks, herb butter, pesto sauces and nightly seafood dishes. * * * *
Bangkok Thai, 1400 S. Foothill Drive. 583-7840. This twin of Bua Thai in North Salt Lake replicates the colorful and often zesty cuisine of Thailand, though diners can control the degree of spiciness. Appetizer specials, soups, stir fry, noodles and seafood dishes are among the special dishes seasoned with curries, lemon grass, basil, garlic and other special Thai spices. * * * *
Guadalahonky's, 136 E. 12000 South, Draper. 571-3838. A Mexican restaurant with a slightly irreverent name that serves traditional South-of-the-Border fare with a nice flair. The tamales, chicken fajitas, chimichangas and fresh tomato salsa were especially good. * * * 1/2
Uncle Sid's Restaurant, 2340 S. State Street, 485-5444. Informal and affordable breakfast (served all day), sandwiches and hot homestyle entrees like chicken fried steak, spaghetti, poached salmon, as well as homemade pies, are the mainstay of this comfortable eatery. Try the weekly prime rib special with Yorkshire pudding for an added treat. * * *
Sampan Chinese Restaurant, Plaza 721 (Northwest corner of 700 East and 2100 South), 467-FOOD. A restaurant where modest size, uncluttered decor and colorful cuisine are in appetizing harmony. In addition to traditional Cantonese and Szechuan specialties, try some of the chef's suggestions, such as the strawberry chicken. The hot and sour soup is the best we've had. * * * *
Sushi of Asakusa, 321 S. Main, 364-7142. Simply the best sushi bar in the state which features a myriad of raw, smoked and steamed seafood. Several all-vegetable selections can be ordered as well. The regular menu has some wonderful choices, in addition to the traditional Japanese specialties, such as Korean barbecue, ishikari nabe (seafood chowder), and sashimi combinations. * * * * *
Viet-Hoa Cafe, 8475 S. State Street, Sandy. 255-4794. The colorful and flavorful cuisines of Vietnam and China are the specials of this nicely appointed restaurant. Fresh fish specials, grilled meats and rice noodles are dishes worth considering from the lengthy menu. * * *
Da Lolo's Restaurant Francais, 2060 E. 3300 South; 467-9616. Traditional French dishes with specialty cream sauces for beef and seafood items. And authentic rotisserie, attentive service and comfortable atmosphere add to its pleasant bistro feel. * * * 1/2
Ristorante della Fontana, 336 S. 400 East, 328-4243. One of Salt Lake's most consistent restaurants. Six-course meals feature a wonderful minestrone soup, palate pleasing salads and fresh fruit, and some pleasant though ordinary Italian entrees. Wonderful atmosphere in a turn-of-the-century church. * * * 1/2
Cannella's, 204 E. 500 South. 364-3843. Long a favorite spot for lunch, this little Italian eatery is now open for dinners on Thursday and Friday nights. Generous portions, reasonable prices and warm hospitality have earned Cannella's a well-deserved reputation. * * *
The Carriage Court Restaurant, 71 W. South Temple, 531-1000. In harmony with the comfortable modesty of the beautifully restored Inn at Temple Square, this elegant restaurant offers reasonably priced gourmet specialties. Seafood with tempting sauces are especially good. * * * *
La Dolce Vita, 61 North 100 East, Provo. 373-8482. Literally "the sweet life," this little Italian eatery takes its name from an old Fellini film. But the inexpensive homemade pasta and dessert specialties quickly erase any cinema noir aftertaste. Residents of happy valley and occasional visitors should appreciate this very good restaurant. * * * 1/2
Old Salt City Jail, 460 S. 1000 East, 355-2422. Predictable steak house fare served amidst a recreated Western jail. The decor is nicely weathered and the menu consistent. * * *
Cafe Rude, 961 S. State, 595-6660. Off beat, occasionally spicy, eclectic dishes are the specials of this small eatery. Creative pasta, vegetarian, seafood and chicken dishes are spiced with a blend of Mediterranean, Southwestern, Cajun or Oriental seasonings. * * * *
La Puente, 3434 S. State, 466-1194. A lively Mexican eatery that serves up hearty servings of Mexican food and hospitality. Combination platters, smothered burritos and smothered soft shell tacos are especially good. * * * .
Siegfried's Deli, 69 W. 300 South, 355-3891. A cafeteria-style lunch counter offers downtown diners a chance to sample some of the 70 different kinds of sausages and smoked meats available in this festive deli. Homemade sausages such as weisswurst, bratwurst and liverwurst are especially good. * * * 1/2
El Farol, 7223 S. State, 255-3742; 1769 E. Murray/Holladay Road, 272-4737. Uncomplicated, moderately priced, freshly prepared Mexican specialties are the main ingredients of this unpretentious restaurant. For years, El Farol (the lantern) has beckoned diners with consistent quality. * * * 1/2
Hellenic House Restaurant, 2750 S. 300 West, 487-3045. An informal eatery that features lots of American food, but the earthy Greek specialties are worth the visit, especially the avgolemono soup, gyro and roasted meats. * * * 1/2
Tokyo Boys, 515 S. 700 East, Trolley Corners, 364-7148. Authentic Japanese cuisine, including some dishes not often served in local Japanese restaurants. The atmosphere is breezy and the sushi and sashimi fresh. * * * *
Star of India, 177 E. 200 South, 363-7555. Indian cuisine, with an emphasis on Northern Indian dishes, including specialties prepared in the tandoor. Meats, seafood and breads are especially good; chicken, vegetable and lamb curries are also featured. * * * *
Philippine Gardens, 145 E. 1300 South, 364-1376. Utah's only Philippine restaurant offers customers a clean, cozy interior and a colorful Oriental cuisine with a touch of Spanish influence. The leche flan and pinoy shishkebob are especially good. * * * *
Gandhi's, 1615 Foothill Blvd., 581-0222. A modest restaurant that features the cuisine of India. Moderately priced vegetarian and meat dishes served with curry and fresh bread are the specialties. * * *
Golden Phoenix Chinese Restaurant, 1084 S. State, 539-1122. This recent addition to the South State area of Salt Lake that is fast becoming the home to some of the area's best Oriental food specializes in Mandarin and Szechuan dishes. Seafood dishes, especially specialties such as lobster in black bean sauce, are especially good. * * * 1/2
Dine' Cafe, 4616 S. 4000 West, West Valley City. 969-8641. Navajo tacos and the trademark Navajo burrito, made with fresh handmade fry bread, are the specialties of this modest eatery. Customers should also notice the wonderful Native American art that decorates the interior. * * * *
The Bluebird Cafe, 19 N. Main, Logan. 752-3155. One of Utah's historic restaurants is once again thriving under new ownership. Traditional American favorites, as well as freshly made fountain treats and homemade candies, are specials of the house. * * * *
Hampton's Ford Stage Stop and Inn, 3585 Bigler Road, Collinston. 458-3301 or 257-3889. This beautifully restored two-story stone restaurant once was one of the major stage stops along the crossroads of the West. The local scenery as well as warm hospitality and hardy homemade cuisine should please just about everyone's hunger for good food and the old West. * * * 1/2
Alta Lodge, Sunday Brunch, summer only, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta. 322-4631. An exhaustive international buffet of cold and hot dishes that dazzle the palate. The experience is made even more enjoyable by the beautiful canyon setting and the relaxed pace nurtured by the staff. * * * * 1/2
Impressions Restaurant, University Park Hotel, 480 Wakera Way (approx. 600 South and Foothill Blvd.) 581-1000. A hotel restaurant that breaks the stereotype of ordinary hotel dining. A lengthy menu features cuisine from the ordinary to the cosmopolitan, with attention to details and creativity. Fresh seafood specials and herb accented sauces are especially noteworthy. * * * *
The Mint Restaurant, One North Main Street (7800 S. 600 West), Midvale. 255-5533. Once a bank, this comfortable restaurant features traditional American cuisine, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, with attention to the basics. Crumpets, quiches, "banker's burger" and full service dinners are some of the specialties. Try dining in the vault for a prosperous experience. * * * *