Eat Pt. 3 

BEST TEA FOR TWO
tttProtea Cottage
ttFormer high school teacher Shandre Dovale opened up her bastion of civilized tea-sipping Valentine’s Day last year. “Tea doesn’t talk back,” she quips. But the lost art of conversation, not to mention pouring cups of tea, is what West Jordan-based Protea’s about. Its celebration of the old-fashioned English ritual of the afternoon tea is as authentic as the artery-clogging clotted cream and scones she serves with one of her 70 odd loose-leaf teas. Dovale’s afternoon tea service, a meal in itself, is a big seller, along with Mommy-and-me teas. Women and their daughters escape for an hour to a world where the only question is “One lump or two?”Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 South, 938-1980

nn

BEST BRIGHAM CITY COFFEE
tttThe Hole
ttNo, make that perhaps the only coffee in Brigham City. Still, humble monopoly doesn’t mean quality is scrimped'and certainly not when it comes to price. In fact, with espresso shots for a mere 50 cents and a large latte for little more than $2, thrifty but thirsty coffee enthusiasts will certainly hope for the day when this little Brigham City institution starts multiplying like Starbucks. That, of course, will never happen. In the meantime, we can saunter toward the counter for another refill.1064 S. Main, Brigham City, 435-723-0466

nn

BEST SOUTHERN VALLEY RESTAURANT Readers’ Choice
tttTiburon
ttThere hasn’t really been any competition in this category for years'yet somehow Tiburon’s status as the cream of the south valley restaurant crop hasn’t caused Ken and Valerie Rose to rest on their laurels. They continue to serve up some of Utah’s best fine dining, irrespective of location, in a setting that’s classy without feeling intimidating. If you haven’t savored one of the Roses’ succulent creations on the lovely seasonally available patio'well, you’re spending too much time dining downtown.8260 S. 700 East, Sandy, 255-1200
t2. Salsa Leedos
t3. Royal India

nn

BEST RESTAURANT NAME
tttBest Chicken & Ribs Greek Food
ttIf you’re the best and you know it, clap your hands: Clap! Clap! The only thing unlovable about Best Chicken & Ribs Greek Food is that it’s been getting busier and busier at lunchtime. Somehow, the word is getting out that the “The Best” is more than just a name. The Chicken Souvlaki sandwich ($4.49) with hot fries or salad, is, well, The Best. Dolmades, falafel, chicken and ribs. It’s the best. It’s in the name. Put it in your belly.111 E. 2700 South, 466-8311

BEST AFFORDABLE SUNDANCE MEAL
tttBack Door Deli
ttMaybe you’re not on Main Street in Park City, but in any tourist town, if you go slightly off the beaten path you can find good food and dropped prices. Located on a side street just off of Main near the transportation hub, Back Door sells a wide variety of sandwiches beginning around $6.50'add $1 for brie cheese and 25 cents for an extra pickle'a relative bargain and a great quick escape from the throngs.136 Heber Ave., Park City, 435-647-9200

BEST PARK CITY PASTRY
tttWindy Ridge Café & Bakery
ttThe best part of this bakery, opened to the public in January, is the behind-the-scenes view it gives customers. The huge expanse of the bakery kitchen stretches out behind the walk-in counter giving views of bakers in impossibly white aprons creating a seemingly endless array of goodies. Visiting for the first time gives the sweet-toothed an idea of what it must have been like for Charlie Bucket to walk into the chocolate factory. Windy Ridge is the bakery for some of Park City’s best restaurants, including Grappa, with which it shares an owner. Customers can take home favorites from the restaurants, including an apple pie with 6 inches of apple slices and breakfast items such as croissants and granola.1756 Iron Horse Drive, Park City, 435-647-2906

BEST ROMANTIC Readers’ Choice
tttLog Haven
tt“The elk steak is delicious,” she said tenderly. He could look at nothing, however, but her face; her beautiful, flawless face. That, and his potato-crusted Alaskan halibut. A fire crackled under the mantelpiece, but it was he who was consumed'consumed with desire. “Darling,” he said, “Cheryl, my love'I have something I want to ask you. Will you … will you share your dessert with me?” “Oh, yes, John, yes!” rang out her passionate reply. And, for one perfect moment, there was silence.6451 E. Mill Creek Canyon Road, 272-8255, Log-Haven.com
t2. Caffé Molise
t3. The Melting Pot

nn

BEST DINING DUET
tttFiddler’s Elbow and Salt Lake Pizza & Pasta
ttThis Sugar House combo is the perfect place to dine for the group who wants a little of everything. Somebody want a little carbo loading? Drop them off at the 2100 South entrance to Salt Lake Pizza & Pasta for a custom-built pizza or a plate of chicken Contadina fettuccine. Someone else in the mood for a custom-built burger or a plate of cranberry-and-leek salmon? Then it’s the attached Fiddler’s Elbow, just to the north of 2100 South in the same building. Same ownership, two dining spots. What could be better? Not to mention if someone wants a salad and a beer, they can have that at either location.1063 E. 2100 South, 463-9393 (Fiddler’s), 484-1804 (SLP&P), fiddlerselbowslc.com

nn

BEST RETRO CREPES
tttGreenhouse Effect
ttEven before walking through the doors of Greenhouse Effect, you’re flung backwards in time to the fabulous ’60s. The deliciously steaming coffee or tea served in a quaint atmosphere of rickety tables and comfy chairs, surrounded by stunning artwork and interesting doo-dads, makes this a place to savor. What brings customers back time and again is the out-of-this-world crepes, served in many tempting varieties from vegetable, egg or the best: strawberries and whipped cream. This is perfect for a lazy weekend get-together with good friends, getting buzzed on caffeine, sugar and great conversation.3231 S. 900 East, 483-0885

nn

BEST MARGHERITA
tttSettebello Pizzeria
ttThe folks in Naples, Italy, are picky about their Margherita pizza. That’s why authentic Margherita pizzas are only made using “00” Italian flour, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, a sprinkling of Parmigiano-Reggiano, and fresh basil. And that’s precisely how pizzaiolo (pizza maker) Matteo Schiavone does it at Settebello, which is also why his Settebello pizzas are VPN-approved. They’re certified as authentic Italian pies by the venerable Vera Pizza Napolitano, a consortium formed to insure that qualified pizzerias cook their pizzas as Napolitanos have done for two centuries. Don’t even think about asking for pineapple.260 S. 200 West, 322-3556

nn

BEST DELICIOUS RUTS
tttMoochie’s Meatball & More
ttMentioning to most that Moochie’s has the best Philly cheesesteak on either side of the Mississippi (we’re just lucky to have them in Salt Lake City) is like reminding a Mormon that Jesus is the good guy and Satan is the one who opens swimming pools on Sunday. It’s just that obvious. Moochie’s is that good. But, get out of your delicious rut. Moochie’s excels at far more than just Philly cheesesteaks. Try the Philly-style cheese-ham, the meatball sandwich or the eggplant parmigiana, and you’ll soon find yourself swimming through one delicious rut after another.232 E. 800 South, 596-1350, MoochiesMeatballs.com

nn

BEST LATE-NIGHT Readers’ Choice
tttBeto’s Mexican Food
ttWho hasn’t hit a Beto’s drive-thru window at 2 a.m. after a night of clubbing? Sit down, Ted Scheffler. For being so fast, cheap and nocturnal, the chain’s surprisingly varied menu (including vegetarian items for those people) remains consistently tasty and filling, even when sober and in broad daylight'it’s true, try it sometime.Multiple locations
t2. Molca Salsa
t3. Dee’s Family Restaurant

nn

BEST HANGOVER BREAKFAST
tttScandia Kaffee House
ttPractically legendary for its marzipan cakes and other sweets and baked goods, Scandia Kaffee House is also a fine, nongreasy alternative for nursing a wicked case of the day-afters. Sipping a cup of Joe amid Nordic wares and kitsch is oddly comforting; add some eggs, bacon and deliciously fluffy crepes (another Scandia specialty) and all is right with the world again. Worry about all those drunken text messages you sent last night later.1693 S. 900 East, 467-0051

nn

BEST PATIO
tttSun & Moon Café
ttThe view from the patio isn’t much: a hillside in Emigration Canyon. But the terraced wooden deck behind the old restaurant remains one of the most pleasant places in the valley to spend a summer evening. The beer selection is excellent and the live music'blues and bluegrass'keeps you coming into fall when the canyon can be downright chilly. The food is good, too. Once a place for burgers'damned fine burgers'in the restaurant’s previous incarnation as Crompton’s Roadside Attraction, Sun and Moon has gone a little fancy with wine tastings and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner menus designed by owner Carl Wayant, the former chef of Solitude’s Yurt.5195 Emigration Canyon, 583-8331, TheSunAndMoonCafé.com

nn

BEST BREWPUB Readers’ Choice
tttSquatters
ttDon’t just ask our readers'though we’re delighted to hear from them. Ask the judges for the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, who have honored Squatters’ brews over the years too many times to count. With a variety of wonderful beer options like Chasing Tail Ale and Polygamy Porter'in addition to the tasty pub food'it’s no wonder that the formula has proven successful enough open a new location in Park City. And in case all that wasn’t enough reason to visit, it’s also one of the state’s most environmentally conscious businesses.147 W. 300 South, 363-2739, Squatters.com
t2. Red Rock Brewing Co.
t3. Desert Edge Pub

nn

BEST PLACE TO RUB FAMOUS ELBOWS
tttCisero’s
ttAcross the street, there is a velvet rope and a line of gawkers craning their necks to get a glimpse of Britney’s ass. Meanwhile, you, Brad and Angelina are having a quiet Italian meal or listening to blues at the nightclub, enjoying the lower profile of Cisero’s and discussing if, really, you didn’t buy into Park City a tad too late.306 Main, Park City, 435-649-6800, Ciseros.com

nn

BEST VIETNAMESE Readers’ Choice
tttCafé Trang
ttCount Salt Lake City blessed that we have Vietnamese restaurant of this quality and choice of locations. Count Salt Lake City doubly blessed that we have a Vietnamese restaurant with such an extensive menu of offerings and the option of brown rice to boot. Caramel pork, mango fish, and the ever-popular spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce are standard for longtime customers, but it’s likely not even they have covered the full terrain of Trang’s menu. Not that they, and we, won’t keep trying.Multiple locations, CaféTrangUtah.com
t2. Mi La Cai
t3. East West Connection

nn

BEST STARTERS
tttJean Louis
ttAt Chef Jean Louis Montecot’s namesake Park City restaurant, the appetizer options are so inviting, you might just decide to make a meal of nothing but starters. We could imagine, for example, kicking things off with steamy escargots served in the Burgundian style with toasted country bread before moving onto a dish of fresh tuna tartare with English cucumber and roasted peppers. Next, smoked wild salmon with Peruvian potatoes or maybe Muscovy duck rillette with cornichons and pearl onions would be in order. Don’t get too busy with the Swiss Raclette or cheese fondue, though, because you’re absolutely going to want to save room for an appetizer order of seared foie gras drizzled with a fig and balsamic vinegar reduction. And that’s just for starters!136 Heber Ave., Park City, 435-200-0260

nn

BEST TORTILLA SOUP
tttPistol Pete’s
ttAt many other Mexican eateries, the tortilla soup is thin, runny and bland. This is not the case at Pistol Pete’s, an Arizona style Mexican walk up and order joint whose tortilla soup has a base of thick tomato broth, guacamole, tortilla strips, rice and cheese. It’s served with a side of tortilla chips complemented by the free salsa bar. This dish is sure to keep your stomach full with its dense content and your wallet thick with its low price.2477 Fort Union Blvd., 944-1833

BEST NEW ETHNIC RESTAURANT Readers’ Choice
tttSawadee
ttWhether you’re a curry girl or a Pad Thai kind of guy, the Thai explosion has been one of Salt Lake City’s best dining developments in recent years. Sawadee may be the new kid on the block, but we’re glad it moved in'and so close to the Avenues. Adventurous diners will appreciate authentic Thai seafood dishes the likes of which have not often been seen in these parts and, for those who already know what they want'curries, natch'Sawadee offers a rainbow of them.754 E. South Temple, 328-8424, Sawadee1.com
t2. Mazza
t3. Chanon Thai

BEST WESTERN VALLEY RESTAURANT Readers’ Choice
tttQ4U
ttWhat can get SLC downtowners to leave their comfortable confines and head southwest to Q4U’s new location? How about a chance to experience the finger-licking delights of T’s succulent barbecue or the side dishes that taste like a Southern grandma just put ’em out on the table? Bring a big appetite, a couple of toothpicks and a willingness to get messy. Oh, and maybe the classified ads'when you’re done, you just might consider moving a little bit closer.3951 W. 5400 South, West Valley City, 955-8858, Q4U.com
t2. Texas Roadhouse
t3. Red Iguana

BEST HOT CHICKEN
tttWasatch Broiler & Grill
ttWhether skewered on a kebab, atop a salad or on a pizza, the chicken dominates in flavor and succulence in every one of Wasatch’s dishes. Wasatch focuses on healthy dining and does not skimp on the chicken. The pieces are stripped of their skin and marinated for 24 hours in a blend of vegetable juices and seasonings. The chicken is then flame grilled, never fried, over a specially built broiler and grill. Better yet, each dish is cooked fresh to order and served hot.4927 S. State, 266-3311, WasatchBroilerAndGrill.com

nn

BEST TRUCK STOP
tttFlying J Travel Plaza
ttSometimes a late-night hankering for hash browns'or for a surreal adventure with your freaky friends'calls for a visit to the local travel plaza. The smell of diesel fuel permeates everything and the truckers will eye you with suspicion if you laughingly order a java mocha half-calf back-flip latte. Stick with coffee; you’ll be OK. The wait staff aren’t all named Flo, but they might call you “hon” if you leave a decent tip. Otherwise, be prepared to kiss some grits.850 W. 2100 South, 972-3711

nn

BEST GREEK Readers’ Choice
tttAristo’s
ttLocated a stone’s throw from the University of Utah, this upscale Greek bistro boasts a sunny patio, a full bar with an extensive Greek wine list and kick-ass appetizers (“mezedakia”). Perhaps it’s the smelts or Greek classics like moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki and gyros that readers love, or the pine-tasting retsina wine to wash it all down with. Or maybe it’s triangles of succulent baklava or cups of rice pudding made by the owner’s mom. What sets Aristo’s apart from the others'in addition to white linen tablecloths'are skylights that, on a sunny day, can fool you into thinking the Mediterranean is lapping outside the front door.224 S. 1300 East, 581-0888, AristosGreekRestaurant.com
t2. Greek Souvlaki
t3. Yanni’s

nn

BEST OGDEN MEXICAN RESTAURANT
tttEl Matador Restaurante/Cantina
ttAfter more than 40 years of business in Ogden, you could easily say that the folks here were blessed with great Mexican food long before most Salt Lakers knew a burrito from a baked potato. Started by the Hasratian family, El Matador is still family run, and the shredded cheese melted into warm salsa still keeps Ogdenites coming back for more.2564 Ogden Ave., Ogden, 801-393-3151

nn

BEST CHURRASCARIA
tttRodizio Grill
ttThis is a carnivore’s dream. Just order the “Full Rodizio,” sit back, loosen your belt buckle, and prepare to feast on a nonstop barrage of grilled meats, poultry, seafood, veggies and fruit. But pace yourself. The guys in the gaucho outfits will keep coming to your table with skewers of grilled stuff until you say “uncle!” Highlights of this Brazilian-style churrascaria include lombo (marinated pork loin), picanha (top sirloin), coracão (bacon-wrapped turkey breast, grilled chicken hearts) and luscious abacaxi'glazed, grilled pineapple slices. Muito bem!600 S. 700 East, Trolley Square, 220-0500, RodizioGrill.com

nn

BEST NEW RESTAURANT Readers’ Choice
tttCorbin’s Grille
ttAs the most recent addition to Layton’s growing “restaurant row,” next to Rooster’s and MacCool’s, Corbin’s Grille is further proof that culinary quality is finding its way into Davis County. Juicy USDA prime steaks are seared in Corbin’s exhibition kitchen on a grill stoked with white-almond wood, while customers enjoy big-city-style service in Corbin’s eye-catching dining room and spacious outdoor patio. While steaks are the main attraction here, don’t overlook the grilled salmon filet and seafood risotto with grilled asparagus. And if that’s not enticing enough, Corbin’s Grille also sports Layton’s best wine list.748 Heritage Park Blvd., Layton, 801-825-2502, CorbinsGrille.com
t2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
t3. Settebello

nn

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
tttJasmine
ttSo, you’re in the mood for some miso, and she’s in the mood for hot & sour soup. Or, she wants a spider roll and you want a lettuce roll. Maybe you both want some sashimi but you’d rather have something easier to take home, like a box of General Tso’s chicken. Well, there’s no point in fighting or flipping coins when you can settle into a table at Jasmine and experience the best of Japanese and Chinese cuisine at the same time. This Cottonwood-area dining spot has a deservedly fine reputation for meeting lunch and dinner expectations'the entire menu is one good offering after another. Start with the hot & sour soup, some of the best around, and you’ll know what we mean. Or maybe it was the miso …4810 S. Highland Dr., 278-6688

nn

BEST SPLURGE Readers’ Choice
tttThe Metropolitan
ttIt you want top-crust fine dining, this is the place in Salt Lake City. This classy restaurant serves what they call New American cuisine. This means a top-notch culinary team serves regional food and changes its menu seasonally. Chefs use classic cooking techniques and make everything in-house, from stocks to sauces. Besides the food, the architecture is striking'cement and glass surround you as you eat. Open since 1995, Metropolitan is definitely the cream of the crop, even the phone number bespeaks haute cuisine: FOI-GRAS.173 W. 300 South, 364-3472
t2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
t3. The Melting Pot

BEST PIZZA Readers’ Choice
The Pie Pizzeria
nCheesy and meaty Pie pizzas are in a league unto themselves, with their hand-tossed, thin and deep-dish crusts. The graffiti-filled walls at the university location are a testament to the throngs of students drawn to the rich and zingy sauce as well as the liberally applied vegetable and meat toppings. When consumed with a pitcher of beer, Pie pizzas become a rocket fuel of sorts, propelling diners into a state of Pie-fection. 1320 E. 200 South, 582-0193; 300 S. 1300 East, 582-5700; 7186 S. Union Park, 233-1999; ThePie.com
2. Este Pizza
3. Rusted Sun

nn