Ten days and counting.
That's how long Utahns have to wait for the March 8 scheduled opening of Larry H. Miller's new Mayan restaurant in Sandy.Come to think of it, calling the Mayan a restaurant is like calling Disney World an amusement park. The Mayan is much more than a place to get something to eat. It's going to join Temple Square, Trolley Square, Park City and the state's national parks as a "must do" when visiting Utah.
Which is only to be expected from Utah's businessman for all seasons -- and all businesses, for that matter.
Car dealer? Been there. Jazz owner? Done that. Restaurateur? Now there's something he can sink his teeth into.
Everyone has a dream in life; Larry Miller just has more of them.
The Mayan, named for the ancient civilization of Mexico and Central America, may be the most elaborate themed restaurant in America, which is saying something because there are a lot of them out there. Think Indiana Jones meets The Discovery Channel and you'll have an inkling of the concept.
Never been to Acapulco? Not to worry. Miller is bringing Acapulco to you, complete with cliff divers. As part of their duties, certain members of the Mayan staff will ascend to the top of a startlingly realistic cliff, complete with rushing waterfall, then plunge some three stories into an emerald green pool 16 feet deep.
The next time you see them is when they bring you your order of honey lime
chicken, garlic shrimp or mahi mahi salsa verde. Miller's employees are nothing if not versatile.
Getting hungry yet? You may be too busy watching the show to eat. Along with the cliff divers you'll get acquainted with the Goddess Tecal and her thunder-voiced pal Copac. You'll get friendly with talking toucans, wise old iguanas and sassy macaws -- a dozen animatronic critters in all.
You'll marvel that someone went to the trouble to move an ancient rain forest to Utah, complete with giant banyan trees that you'll swear have been growing in the Jordan Commons complex since the dawn of the Pleistocene epoch.
Speaking of Jordan Commons, the Mayan will be the crown jewel in Miller's $125 million development on the 22-acre site of the old Jordan High School at 9400 South State. Already open is the 16-screen movie complex, which includes a large format SuperScreen (similar to IMAX) theater.
To the east is Jordan Commons' new 10-story, 245,000 square-foot office building that is due to welcome its first tenants in April.
But the centerpiece of it all will be the 800-seat (including 200 seats on an outside deck) Mayan.
At this writing, workmen were still scrambling to complete the ambitious project by Wednesday when the staff will begin testing both the food service and what Miller calls "The Show" before a series of invited guests.
"We're going to tell the invitees that we'll be practicing on them before we open to the public March 8," said Miller.
Launching a new business is always a high-anxiety enterprise, but getting the Mayan up and running is like opening a Broadway show at the same time. It may take time to get it exactly right, but rest assured that perfectionist Miller will be on the scene to make sure it doesn't take too long.
As will Jordan Commons general manager Dale Harvey, executive chef Peter Osuchowski -- "A Polish Australian cooking in a Mexican restaurant" -- as Miller describes him -- and Rich Rosa, restaurant manager.
Dining at the Mayan is going to be a three-dimensional experience. After winding your way through a stone-walled labyrinth intended to simulate the feel of entering an ancient Mayan temple, your assigned table may be on any of four levels surrounding a huge atrium that affords everyone a view of the cliffs and waterfall around which The Show will be centered. The ambience is not unlike the giant tree house in the film "Swiss Family Robinson."
Credit Western Architectural Services, based in Draper, Bountiful-based Sahara Construction, and RDC Inc., a Los Angeles company that specializes in creating "themed" facilities, which is why much of their work has been in Las Vegas. the theming capital of the known universe. New York, Egypt, Venice . . . they've all moved to Nevada.
There will also be a store on the Mayan premises. Taking a page from Hollywood's merchandising gurus, Miller assumes you will want to buy plush toy versions of Toucan Mon and Pierre, your feathered hosts, and Harry and Marvin, two iguanas who will do a shtick similar to the Budweiser lizards.
The cuisine at the Mayan is basically standard Mexican food with a few "signature" dishes for those who prefer something a little more upscale from tacos and burritos. But Miller emphasizes that the restaurant will be a family affair, not haute cuisine, with only one item on the menu priced over $10. Most will opt for the all-you-can-eat Mexican platter. A kids menu will feature such things as chicken fingers and PB&J sandwiches for $3.95, including a beverage and ice cream. Salads will run from $2.95 to $7.28.
There will also be an arcade and a puppet theater for the kids.