Following are capsulized versions of recommended restaurants reviewed by Al Church, Deseret News Dining Out columnist:
Firenze Market and Cafe, 358 S. West Temple, 532-1055. Upscale deli with creative and colorful Italian specialty items for lunch, dinner and in-between. Full array of coffees, imported confections and other culinary treats. * * * * 1/2
Windows on the Square, Third Floor, Mervyn's Crossroads Plaza, 521-8718. A wonderful view of Temple Square with pleasant and predictable cuisine; dashes of Mediterranean highlight the menu along with traditional American favorites. * * *
Ocean City, 1919 E. 4800 South. 278-6898. The crew from Gino's Private Club established a loyal following among aficianados of Chinese cuisine. Now they have gone public with a pleasantly predictable menu of Cantonese and Szechuan specialties amidst a colorful and professionally managed dining room. * * * 1/2
Cinegrill, 344 S. 300 East, 328-4900. Perhaps Salt Lake's most memorable restaurant, famous for aromatic salads, rich minestrone soups, Italian sausage and corned beef sandwiches, has reopened with a commitment to the quality, cuisine and quaintness of the original. * * * * 1/2
Miramar Restaurant, 342 W. 1300 South, 484-2877. Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. Shrimp in pepper sauce, seafood stew and mildly seasoned fish fillets especially good. * * * 1/2
House of Tibet, 145 E. 1300 South. 364-1376. Reflecting Tibet's unique geographic and cultural heritage, this small, cleanly appointed restaurant presents cuisine that is both fresh and understated. Similar to Chinese, specialties center around stir-fry preparations, dumplings, yogurt and vegetarian entrees.* * * *
Taste of Chicago, 8969 S. 1300 West, West Jordan. 561-5756. Chicago specialties including sausages, 100 percent beef hot dogs with the works and Italian beef and meatball sandwiches characterize this informal eatery. * * *
The Grapevine Restaurant, 129 N. 100 East, Logan. 752-1977. Chef Bill Oblock has found a home (actually a lovely house) in downtown Logan, where he serves an eclectic, appetizing array of regional and classical cuisine. Worth a trip to Logan to try one of the state's best restaurants. * * * * *
The Shallow Shaft, Alta. 742-2177. Gourmet cuisine that combines regional and Continental preparations and ingredients. Southwest sauces, wonderful desserts, use of fresh herbs are just some of the accents of this informal yet wonderful restaurant. * * * * *
Jalapenos Mexican and Seafood Restaurant, 3989 W. 1700 South. 467-5581. If you enjoy a wide variety of choices and large servings, this Mexican restaurant will meet your needs. Not overly spicy or inventive; but the basics are securely in place. * * *
Ariake Japanese Restaurant, 4835 S. Highland Drive (Cottonwood Mall). 278-7619. Wonderful appetizers balance the average entrees in a simply appointed interior. Hospitable service and predictable fare characterize this recent addition (opened June '93) to the growing list of area Oriental restaurants. * * *
Alta Peruvian Lodge, Alta. 742-3000. An extensive and inexpensive breakfast buffet ($6.95) on Sundays during the summer and early fall. Larger brunches offered throughout the summer for $13.95 on special occasions. Ambiance is relaxing and unhurried. * * * 1/2
Aerie, Cliff Lodge, Snowbird. 521-6040. Continental and eclectic menu with colorful touches that emphasize fresh herbs, seafood specials and inventive sauces. One of the areas more spectacular views finally has cuisine to match. * * * * 1/2
Denise's Home Plate, 45 N. Main St., Coalville. 336-2249. Small-town hospitality and price with big city flair. Homemade pies, New York steak, prime rib are especially good. * * * *
China Star, 240 S. 1300 East, 583-3800. A lighter, fresher approach to Chinese cuisine in an upscale setting that is noisy and colorful. Spring rolls, pot stickers and long beans in black bean or garlic sauce are just some of the specialties. * * * *
Bruno's Cafe, 320 E. 320 South, 266-5431. A small family-run eatery that features homemade Italian specialties, including a very good pizza and raviolis. Don't overlook the fried chicken! * * * 1/2
New Ho Ho Gourmet, 139 E. South Temple, Elks Building. 328-8369 or 8373. Another addition to a lineage of Chinese restaurants that altered Oriental dining in in the Salt Lake area 14 years ago. Lengthy menu of Cantonese, Mandarin and Szechuan specialities, from chow mein to spicy kung po shrimp. Predictable, but servings are generous and reasonably priced. * * *
Ruby River Steak House, 435 So. 700 East, 359-3355. Steakhouse with lots of Western trimmings, professionally and colorfully done. Can be uneven but effort is apparent in every aspect, from service to basic cuisine. * * *
Adolph's Restaurant, at the Park City Golf Course, 649-7177. A Park City constant in what can be an erratic restaurant market. For almost two decades, this restaurant features traditional European favorites with top-notch service. Veal dishes, Swiss fondues and tableside entrees and desserts are worth the trip. * * * 1/2
L'abeille, Marriott Hotel, 75 S. West Temple, 531-0800. Plush, pleasant surroundings, inventive appetizers, seafood and American specials with creative and Continental touches. * * *
Cafe Alicia, 544 W. 400 North, Bountiful. 292-7002. Mexican cuisine and mesquite broiled steaks and seafood are the featured entrees of this spacious and well-run restaurant. Generous servings and professional service add to the experience. * * * 1/2
Erik's, 10263, S. 1300 East, Sandy. 572-6123. First-timers should not be put off with the sterility of this inventive eatery's suburban strip mall setting. The eclectic and adventurous bill of fare features favorites with a range of touches from Cajun to continental. Fresh seafood, chicken cashew salad, pepper steak, raspberry chicken and delicious desserts are just some of the specialties. * * * 1/2
Juice Etc., 2041 S. 2100 East, 466-5992. Freshly made juices featuring all kinds of flavorful fruits and vegetables with a few special additives blended in, make for both a healthy and interesting experience. Sandwiches, salads and soups round out the modest bill of fare. Be sure to try the wheat grass! * * *
The Presidentail Buffet, Salt Lake Community College, 4600 S. Redwood Road, 967-4060. This Saturday-night-only treat features just about any traditional favorite from prime rib to chocolate chiffon cake. And there are plenty of selections in between: salad choices are especially good. (Not served during summer quarter.) * * *
La Caille at Quail Run, 9565 S. Wasatch Blvd., 942-1751. A renowned restaurant that serves up an all-encompassing atmosphere of setting, service and good but not memorable cuisine. It is worth a visit every few years to at least appreciate how legends are made and maintained. * * * 1/2
Rice King Restaurant, 755 E. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale. 568-9988. A small eatery that specializes in Szechuan and Cantonese dishes. Several appetizers and soups as well as original creations like the firecracker chicken are especially good. * * * *
Mountain City Restaurant, 4701 S. Holladay Blvd., 272-3332. A pleasant, elegantly appointed Chinese restaurant that serves equally pleasing Chinese specialties including Szechuan and seafood dishes. * * * 1/2
Salt Lake Pizza and Pasta, 1063 E. 2100 South. 484-1804. One of Sugar House's familiar gathering places (the Pine Cone) has been transformed into a comfortable eatery serving nicely crafted pasta and pizza specialties. * * * 1/2
Arirang, 2701 S. State Street, 467-7778. Korean cuisine with attentive service and traditional dishes that include pulgogi (grilled beef and onions with soy sauce and sesame oil) and other mild and spicy dishes. Noodle, rice and soup dishes as well as tempura preparations. * * * *
Chez Betty, 1637 Short Line Road, Park City. 649-8181. Inventive, colorful and creative cuisine that is both appetizing and affordable. Eclectic menu features regional and classical preparations and sauces, from veal to fresh seafood specials. * * * * *
Showboat Catfish Restaurant, 2917 E. 3300 South, 484-3810. While the one dimensional decor is early strip mall, the Cajun seasonings added to tender catfish and moist shirmp is right out of New Orleans. Hush puppies, cole slaw, catfish chowder and gumbo add to the flavor. * * * 1/2
China Pearl Restaurant, 888 S. State, 322-5000. Owners from New York City's Chinatown add new life to predictable fare with regularly featured dim sum and Cantonese specials such as string beans in black bean sauce, shrimp salad with walnuts and fresh steamed fish. * * * *
Wasatch Pizza Company, 800 E. 3300 South, 466-7777. Creative and appetizing touches including smoked salmon, capers, pesto, pinenuts, roasted garlic are just some of the palate-pleasing choices for a traditional favorite. Good salads, calzones and sandwiches round out the engaging bill of fare. * * * 1/2
Magleby's, 1675 N. 200 West, Provo. 374-6249. Colorful, eclectic decor and mainstream American favorites with just enough variations to satisfy just about all tastes. Signature breadsticks and several desserts are truly memorable. * * * 1/2
Tanqueria San Marcos, 909 S. State Street, 363-5347. Full-service menu along with authentic taqueria offerings; plentiful Mexican baked goods also available in this informal eatery. * * *
Red Butte Cafe, 1414 S. Foothill Drive, 581-9498. Southwestern cuisine and more are the specialties of this eclectic and inventive restaurant. A cousin of the Peery Pub and Cafe, the cafe reflects a tradition of quality and creativity that should please plenty of palates. * * * *
The Chicago Dog, 5200 S. State, Murray. 262-9220. A small eatery that features hefty servings of one of Chicago's and maybe America's favorite guilty pleasures (except without the guilt) - hot dogs. All beef, kosher-style Vienna hot dogs topped with lots of onions, relish, kraut, chili. Mini-burgers a la White Castle are also served. * * * 1/2
Bubba's Barbecue, 4291 S. 900 East, Holladay. An informal eatery with a focus on hickory-smoked meats and a spicy barbecue sauce that puts "some of the South in your Mouth," though you might recall other parts of the U.S. that feature good barbecue. * * * 1/2
Cafe Terigo, 424 Main Street, Park City. 645-9555. Inventive Mediterranean cuisine from pesto pizza to grilled seafood with pasta, lasagna and ginger coconut shrimp. Rich desserts, uncluttered atmosphere and good service round out this pleasant restaurant. * * * 1/2
Wasatch Broiler, 4927 S. State, Murray. 266-3311. A modest menu and interior can't disguise a cuisine that inspires reflection and a healthful approach to dining. Lemon seasoning and flame broiling enhance chicken, seafood and beef ribs. Herb potatoes and rice pilaf are also very good. * * * *