Following are capsulized versions of recommended restaurants reviewed by Al Church, Deseret News Dining Out columnist:
Log Haven, Millcreek Canyon, 272-8255. A historical restaurant that until this affectionate and attentive restoration had fallen on hard times. But an inventive and adventuresome menu is the catalyst for a culinary convergence of sophistication and sentiment. (And the place looks better than ever!) * * * *
The Chicago Deli, 7025 S. Highland Drive, 942-2500. Extensive menu of kosher and other deli favorites that includes imported (at least from the East Coast) pastrami, corned beef, cheesecake and smoked fish. Homemade soups, rye bread, bagels and dessert items bring it all home in this lively and informal eatery. * * *
Johnny Rockets, Trolley Square, 363-7587. Billed as the home of the original hamburger, this glitzy version of the roadside diner also features a minimal menu of American favorites, with music from the '50s and '60s, authentic malts and shakes and Mom's eugenically correct apple pie. International chain tha knows its market and product. * * *
Mariposa Restaurant, 4515 S. 900 East, 262-1880. Smothered chile verde burritos are the trademark of this cleanly appointed Mexican restaurant; but don't overlook the homemade tamales, soft shell tacos, and menudo. Heaping, hot portions reasonably priced. * * * 1/2
Rocky Mountain Grille, 2305 Highland Drive, 484-2771. Surprisingly complex and inventive Sante Fe-style dishes in a simple and unpretentious cafe setting. Reasonable prices for specialties like rum marinated pork tenderloin with jalapeno and cilantro syrup. * * * *
The Seafood Grille, 1140 E. Brickyard Road, (near Ultimate Electronics), 466-4363. Korean style barbecue that combines all-you-can-eat buffet with individualized cooking grills at each table; Oriental dishes cover the Pacific rim from egg rolls to kim chee. Seafood is the center of attraction on weekends. * * *
Baba Afghan Restaurant, 55 E. 400 South, 596-0786. Reflecting a cuisine influenced by Persian and Pakistani neighbors and characterized by appetizing uses of yogurt, cilantro, mint, lamb, pumpkin and eggplant. Afghan cooking served in this spacious restaurant is both engaging and exotic. * * * 1/2
East-West Connection, 1400 S. Foothill Blvd., 581-1128. Aromatic seasonings, fragrant spices and subtle sauces make this slightly upscale Vietnamese restaurant a pleasant addition to the growing number of Oriental restaurants around town. Special clay pot dishes definitely worth a try. * * * *
Bombay House, 1615 S. Foothill Blvd., Lamplighter Square, 581-0222. Diners tempted by the allure of the exotic spices that launched explorers in their search for the new trade routes need only to visit this charming and appetizing restaurant around the corner in either Salt Lake or Provo. Curries and other India specialties highlight the extensive menu. * * * *
The Roundhouse at Solitude Ski Resort, Big Cottonwood Canyon. 536-5710 or 536-5760. Casual elegance, a time-honored dining tradition in Brighton, is carried on with a masterful menu of both creative and familiar fare. Game, beef and seafood entrees anchor four-course meals that match the beautiful setting. Dinner served on weekends during summer and fall season only. * * * * *
Cafe Anh Hong, 1465 S. State, 486-1912. Cantonese specialties prepared by chefs from New York's Chinatown, with a lengthy list of dim sum delights as one of the main attractions. Small, informal and leisurely paced. * * * *
Grappa Italian Restaurant and Cafe, 151 Main, Park City, 654-0636. An upscale restaurant with attention to detail in decor, service and presentation. An innovative, adventurous Northern Italian bill of fare is also engaging, a la carte, and pricey. * * * 1/2
ABC Mandarin Chinese Cuisine, 5290 S. 1900 West, Roy. 776-6361. Heaping portions, a lengthy menu and musical entertainment by the owner blend to make a festive experience. Specialties include tangerine beef, hot and sour soup and Szechuan dishes. * * * 1/2
St. Petersburg Cafe, Triad Center, 55 N. 300 West, Suite 75. 596-7746. Salt Lake's only Russian eatery. Specialties, including blinis, borscht, pilmeny, stuffed cabbage and pirozhki, along with other American dishes, are featured in this open and pleasantly cosmopolitan cafe. * * * *
Kabul West Afghan Cuisine, 8623 S. Highland Drive, Sandy, 942-8844. Utah's first Afghan restaurant, serving wonderful lamb kababs and other specialties of this unique and complex part of the world. Appetizers, desserts and vegetarian side dishes are also distinctly flavorful, sure to please local palates as well as those of gastronomic globe-trotters. * * * *
The Stuft Noodle, Ivy Place, 4700 S. 900 East, 268-4440. No fad or fuss American and Italian specialties with hearty servings and seasonings at a reasonable price. Pasta dishes and the minestrone soup are especially good; burgers and sandwiches also served. * * *
Cancun Cafe, 885 E. 3900 South, 269-1177. Modest Mexican eatery that attends to the more subtle aspects of a cuisine that is too often drowned in sauces, melted cheese and bloated franchise fanfare. * * *
Red Rock Brewing Co., 254 S. 200 West, 521-7446. Another local microbrewry sprouts its homebrewed ales and trendy pub fare. It features appetizing items from onion rings to pizza fired in wood ovens: sandwiches, salads and dinner entrees round out the engaging menu. * * *
The Red Apple, 30 E. 100 South, 532-1853. A downtown lunch regular for more than two decades. Standard sandwich, soup and salad fare that is consistent, freshly prepared and served with a folksiness and confidence that comes with maturity. * * *
Little World Chinese Restaurant, 1356 S. State, 467-5213. A microscopic morsel of San Francisco's Chinatown is served up in this small eatery in both cuisine and clientele. Steamed whole ducks and chicken, barbecued pork, black bean sauce and house specialties add to the cultural flavor. * * * *
Pho Anh Dao Vietnamese Noodle House, 825 S. State, 539-8155. Steaming bowls of noodles in a lightly flavored broth topped with fresh bean sprouts, spicy basil and slices of hot peppers have been called "Nature's perfect food" by fans of this recently opened addition to the growing number of Asian restaurants around the valley that specialize in Vietnamese cuisine. * * * 1/2
Wingers, 540 W. 500 South, West Bountiful. 295-4884. Slick, polished atmosphere and slightly prefabricated cuisine characterize this updated version of a roadside diner. Buffalo wings are the trademark with very good ribs and other comparable favorites. * * *
La Provence, 4882 S. Highland Drive, 277-0330. This small, informal French bakery and cafe features several of the specialties of Provence, including vegetable soup en pistou, sausage rolls and pasta dishes. Run by the family that first brought the heroic croissant to Salt Lake a decade or two ago, no one should leave without an armful of breads and pastry specialties. * * * *
Seoul of Korea Restaurant, 1020 E. 2100 South. 486-0788. Hardly anything is left off the extensive menu, from cow tails to sea cucumbers. Newcomers will find the combination dinners of barbecued meats and small assorted appetizers and salads both interesting and flavorful. Other traditional Oriental items as well. * * * *
Olympian Restaurant, 2181 S. 700 East, 487-1407. Greek specialties share the bill with traditional American favorites, hearty breakfast platters; attentive service and cleanly appointed interior. * * *
Camaleon Mexican Restaurant, 826 S. Main, 595-1999. Clean, spacious interior seasoned with salsa music sets the stage for traditional Mexican favorites. Salsas, chile verde, barbecued meats and seafood specialties highlight the menu. * * * 1/2
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 aficionados of Chinese cuisine. Now they have gone public with a pleasantly predictable menu of Cantonese and Szechuan specialties amid 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 again 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 on 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 as well as 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 then this Mexican restaurant will meet your needs. Not overly spicy nor 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. Ambience 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, 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
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 has featured 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
(rev. 3/12/93)
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 Presidential 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, 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. * * * * *
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 Co., 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
Taqueria San Marcos, 909 S. State, 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. * * * *
Cisero's Italian Ristorante, 306 Main, Park City. 649-6800. Locals and visitors alike flock to this well-run restaurant for weekly specials (Monday night is spaghetti night), traditional Italian dishes, and seafood specialties. * * * 1/2
Inti Restaurant, 2124 S. State. 466-4350. The area's only Peruvian restaurant, with other dishes from South America. Wonderful soups, seafood and beef stir-fry dishes with mild to spicy seasonings, and other intriguing entrees, as well as traditional desserts. * * * 1/2
Jade Garden Restaurant, 37 W. 10600 South, Sandy. 571-0808 or 0897. Just when one assumes that many of the area's Chinese restaurants are serving similar to identical menus, along comes another that breaks the stereotype with inventive dishes like stewed chicken with pineapple and mainstay dishes like fried rice and barbecued pork with colorful touches. * * * *
La Pinata, 2 Main, (7720 S. 700 West) Midvale. 568-1590. An unassuming Mexican eatery that specializes in mild green salsa and sauces, wonderful homemade tamales, black bean chili, and other moderately seasoned specialties. * * *
Joe Morley's Smoked Beef Barbecue, 669 E. Center, Midvale. 255-8928. Cherrywood-smoked meats including some of the best beef brisket around town are served along with barbecue sauces, cole slaw, steamed onions and all the fixin's. Wonderful clam chowder, a great homemade mud pie along with huge fountain drinks round out the menu. * * * 1/2
Helen's Restaurant and Garden Cafe, 6055 S. 900 East. 265-0205. This charming cottage restaurant features both the simple peasant and sophisticated cosmopolitan fare of Czechoslovakia. From noodles with mild mushrooms to chicken with paprika and cream along with roladen and sauerbraten, Helen's reflects a welcome addition of a time-honored cuisine. * * * *
Lakeside Cottage, 3761 S. Charleston Road, Highway 113, Charleston. 654-3456. Homestyle cooking and hospitality in a pastoral setting. The Yankee pot roast, "honey stung" fried chicken and key lime pie with chocolate fudge are worth the trip. * * * *
Heide's, 925 E. 12400 South, Draper. 572-6927. A charming little German restaurant in a quaint small town, unspoiled by suburban sprawl. A full range of continental dishes, with specialties like roladen, schnitzel and homemade German chocolate cake are more in keeping with the atmosphere. * * * 1/2
McGuires, 531 N. Bluff, St. George. 628-4066. This cozy eatery serves Italian and seafood specialties, along with steak, amidst decor accentuated with golf clubs in a place once occupied by a French restaurant. It's as eclectic as southern Utah's growing dining choices. * * *
Basila's Greek Cafe, 2 W. St. George Blvd., St. George. 673-7671. From the flaming cheese appetizer to the wonderfully seasoned egg lemon rosemary soup, this small colorful restaurant serves delectable Greek specialties. Nice touches are apparent everywhere, including the decor and attentive service. * * * *
Cuisine Unlimited, 4041 S. 700 East, 268-2332. A little bit of New York with a hefty portion of creativity and careful attention to the essentials. From rich chopped liver to specialty salads and sandwiches, this modest eatery (and considerably larger catering operation) is a brilliant light on what is often an uninspired dining out scene. * * * * 1/2
Cafe Pacific, 999 S. Main (Holiday Inn Downtown), 364-5253. One of Salt Lake's more creative and pleasing eateries returns after a few-year hiatus in California. Seafood and continental specialties with an Oriental touch. * * * *
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. * * * 1/2
Dionysus, 369 S. 400 East, 355-6688. Greek cuisines simple and fresh 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
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. * * * 1/2
Hotrod 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