Following are capsulized versions of recommended restaurants reviewed by Al Church, Deseret News Dining Out columnist:
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 St., 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 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 St., 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 Can-nella'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 N. 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 re-created Western jail. The decor is nicely weathered and the menu consistent. * * *
Cafe Rude, 961 S. State, 595-6660. Offbeat, 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 delil. 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 like 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 hand-made fry bread, are the specialties of this modest eatery. Customers should also notice the wonderful Native American art which 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. * * * *