Here are capsulized versions of recommended restaurants reviewed by Al Church, Deseret News Dining Out columnist:
Chop Suey Luey's, 1328 E. 200 South, 581-1155. While mostly take out with a small dining area, lovers of Chinese cuisine should not be put off by either the size or punster's name. The food is fresh, flavorful and skillfully prepared. Free delivery. * * * 1/2Dionysus, 369 S. 400 East, 355-6688. Simple and fresh Greek specialties are served in ample portions with moderate prices. Roasted marinated pork, dolmanthes, mousaka are just some of the specialties of this informal restaurant. * * * 1/2
Chowmeinia, 4835 Highland Drive, (Cottonwood Mall), 278-1881. Flair and style are reflected in the decor of this cousin to Charley Chow's. A bounty of dim sum (Chinese brunch treats) is the heartbeat of this inventive restaurant's menu. * * * 1/2
Mekong Cafe, 7725 S. State, Midvale. 566-5747. Thai food with just enough of the zip and color to please aficionados and introduce novices to this unique cuisine. * * * 1/2
Hotrod Hundley's Restaurant, 6121 S. Highland Drive, 277-7776. A sport celebrity restaurant that serves 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-side 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 and chicken, fried catfish, Southern fried chicken. Trimmin's 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, 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 serves both Chinese and Vietnamese specialties. The Vietnamese hot egg rolls are especially good, as are the favorite noodle dishes. * * * 1/2
The Mushroom Co., 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 restaurant 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 are 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. * * *