Last week I wrote about finding restaurants for pre-prom dinners. My request for ideas sparked reader memories of yesteryear's premier prom spots, such as the Della Fontana (where Ichiban Sushi is now), and the Heidelberg in Farmington.
During the late '70s and early '80s, Log Haven and LaCaille became the "it" places, at least according to a Skyline High grad.
Restaurant suggestions I received:
Both Little America and Grand America. "The lobbies are so impressive to walk through. I still think that the dining room at Little America is the swankiest with the best value for the buck."
Panini (in the Wells Fargo building). "An elegant atmosphere, and they partition off a room for privacy. You can walk out on the deck overlooking the Gallivan Plaza. They offer a prom special that includes a salad, entree, dessert and drink."
Martine (on 100 South between State and Main). "The ambiance is nice, the set menu dinners include a wide choice of entrees, and girls who aren't hungry can order a tapa or two. Tables can be set for a large group. And the food is great!"
Biaggi's at The Gateway. "The atmosphere is elegant without being pretentious or off-putting for teenagers. They supply big baskets of different breads with oil, and the desserts are big, delicious and share-able. They'll have fun and feel like they've had a 'fancy' meal at the same time."
Bambara (in the Hotel Monaco). "It's really romantic for a dinner for two, and there's tons of good stuff on the menu."
The Roof (in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building) "A great view of the city. Since it's a buffet, everyone finds something they like. Even if the girls don't eat much, the guys eat enough to make up for it."
Log Haven in Millcreek Canyon "is romantic, and on request, they will do a fixed-price prom menu. Kids can request something they know they'll like, and know in advance how much it will cost them."
More ideas:
I mentioned asking beforehand about reservations, the menu, gratuity, parking, etc. If you avoid rush hours (between noon and 1 p.m. or around 6-7 p.m.), the staff will likely be more helpful with your questions.
If the restaurant doesn't take reservations, your chances of getting in are better if the restaurant is pretty large.
If you have reservations, be prompt. Factor in the time it will take to pick up your date, and all the photos and home videos everyone's parents will take.
A parent of a restaurant server encouraged teens to plan for tipping in their expenses. "Many people don't realize that Utah has a server wage of $2.13 per hour, and earnings must be supplemented with tips."
I also heard from a mom whose kids get together for dinner in her back yard. "It takes the pressure off of making reservations, worrying about how much to spend, and no tip is involved! In a small town, 'fine dining' choices are limited without traveling 40 miles in either direction."
The parents cook; older brother is the valet; younger brothers and sisters are the servers. The trees are hung with white Christmas lights, the tables are set with china and crystal, music plays in the background and the patio is for dancing if they desire.
Deseret Morning News restaurant critic Stacey Kratz disagreed with the notion that all girls won't eat much — although they may starve themselves a week or so before the prom. "First, it's usually a fancy-schmancy place and you want to get the most out of it; second, you're not paying; and third, you're starving because you've been getting your manicure and pedicure and your hair and makeup done all day! I had escargot for the first time on a prom night; it was part of a five-course meal and I ate ALL of it, baby!"
E-mail: vphillips@desnews.com