Diners can get a peak at Pago, one of Salt Lake City's new farm-to-table restaurants, next week.

Owner Scott Evans is holding open house events for the public on May 20 and 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the restaurant 878 S. 900 East.

Guests can see the environmentally-friendly remodel, sample small bites from the proposed menu and tell staff what they like or don't like before the scheduled opening on May 27 (That's if it gets its liquor license approved that day).

"It gives us a chance to introduce ourselves before we open," said Evans, who has spent the last decade working in Utah restaurants.

Labels: dining, Salt Lake City

Here are two signs that steak and potatoes still rule the Utah dining scene.

1. Donovan's Steak & Chop House, a upscale chain with operations in San Diego, La Jolla and Phoenix, is moving into the former Ruth's Chris restaurant on 100 West and Pierpont Ave. in Salt Lake City. No official opening date, but it must be soon. The sign is up and the owners were recently granted a full-service liquor license and private club license from the DABC.

2.Market Street, which for decades has been one of Utah's favorite seafood locations, recently expanded its menu to include steak. Offerings include:
a 14-ounce bone-in filet Mignon for $44.99;
a 14-ounce Prime New York strip $39.99
24-ounce T-bone for $39.99;
New York strip pepper steak, $29.99
8-ounce filet mignon for $29.99.

The steaks get rubbed with a Montreal seasoning before grilling and are brushed with compound butter just before serving. Unlike other high-end steak places, where sides are extra, each Market Street steak comes with a choice of soup or salad and either potatoes, French fries or rice.

The offer is good at all Market Street and Grill and Oyster Bar locations. Seasoned steaks also are available in the meat case to grill at home.

Labels: dining, Salt Lake City

While comedy fans are excited about the grand opening of the Wiseguys Comedy Cafe at Trolley Square, foodies will be happy to learn that part of the venue includes a restaurant.

Poundcake’s Eats is located in the former Hard Rock Cafe space, at 505 S. 600 East, on the north side of Trolley Square. It serves “New American” food and has a full-service bar. Poundcake’s full menu is available in the comedy club, too.

Poundcakes’s is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Labels: dining, Salt Lake City

This sad news is posted on the Big City Soup website

"CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
CHECK THE WEB SITE FOR UPDATES ON POSSIBLE
OPENINGS AND SOUP AVAILABILITY"

What will we do without Thai Chicken Noodle?

Labels: dining, Salt Lake City

Bambara celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and guests can expect updates to this favorite downtown restaurant, located inside the Hotel Monaco.

Labels: dining, Salt Lake City

Lamb's Grill Cafe is celebrating its 90th anniversary today. (Read about it and watch a video here.)

When I interviewed owner John Speros about the milestone, he said the number one seller at this venerable Salt Lake City restaurant is the salmon fillet. The braised lamb shank is a close second.

Both are delicious. But my favorite Lamb's offering is still the healthy, healthy lentil soup (always available on Thursdays ) with Greek bread.

Of course, I always counteract the good-for-your aspect with an order of rice pudding.

In honor of Lamb's birthday celebration, please post a note on the blog and let me know your favorite menu item.

Labels: dining, Lamb's, Salt Lake City