Salt Lake Chow Hounds

Fratelli Ristorante

2009-04-01T23:30:00.004-06:00

9236 Village Shop Drive

Sandy, UT

84094

801.495-4550

http://www.fratelliutah.com/

I know… I know. It’s taken forever to get this review out, but unfortunately, this will be the first time we give an eatery a less then satisfactory rating. Don’t get The Hounds wrongs, there were one or two high notes that Fratelli hit, but for the most part, we walked out of that joint with our tails between our legs…

What We Loved:

Sicilian Citrus Arugula Salad: By far this was the high point of the night. It was the perfect start for any meal. Tender arugula mixed with crunchy fennel and topped with a dressing to die for. This along with a bowl of soup would make the PERFECT lunch.
Yep… that’s all we loved.

What We Liked:

The Salmon: Although the Pine nut crust was a little funky to be paired with the salmon, the fish was cooked well and had an excellent freshness.

The Clams and Mussels: Cooked well in a flavorful broth, but a few of us got a little too mush of the sea in some of our bites….if you know what I mean.

The Bruschetta: Again, good but not mind blowing. If you’re a Bruschetta snob… we might look elsewhere.

The Lasagna: It was tasty. Served along with a large/bordering on giant meatball, it had a comforting flavor. A good red sauce and well cooked noodles. Not the best representation of a classic we’ve had, but better than some of the other let downs of the night.

The Deserts: well… let’s put it this way… Usually we love all deserts, but the Panna Cotta and Tiramisu felt like half assed versions of Italian classics. Both deserts should make your eyes roll back in your head while a stream of drool escapes your lips…but again….we found ourselves wanting.

The Service: We had a very friendly and sweet server, but we were sorely disappointed when we caught our server lying to us about what she had tried on the wine list and what she had not. Now don’t get your undies in a bunch, we don’t expect a server to know every wine or dish on the menu, but we DO expect that if you don’t know…you’ll find out. Don’t tell us you’ve never had something….then after we order it say… “Oh yeah… that’s one of my favorite wines…”

What We Didn’t Like:

The Risotto: It was like eating baby food, green mushy baby food.

The Gnocchi: Again mushy. It was like eating balls of instant mashed potatoes. The sauce they were served in was not bad, but when texture sucks… sauce cannot save. Yes everyone, you can use that quote later.

We all agreed that the two dishes that made it on the ‘What We Didn’t Like List” really should only be on menus if they are done right. Mush passing for Risotto and Gnocchi has no business being on a menu.

I know this review may sound a little on the harsh side, but we had such high hopes for Fratelli. We had heard such great things about it and were so disappointed with almost everything. Our thesis for the restaurant is this…. Fratelli does Italian food how those of use who have never had TRUE Italian food think it should be done. We were looking for simple clean flavors with well executed pastas. So should you go? We’re leaving that one up to you. We love the idea of celebrating our local business owners, but this is one place we probably won’t be trekking to the South Valley for in the near future.

Fratelli at a glance:

Food : Meh...

Service : Again...Meh

Price: Not bad, but when it boils down to quality, it wasn't worth it.

Bathroom: Very nice and exceptionally clean.

Coming Next : FRATELLI

2009-03-09T23:29:00.002-06:00

Yes... it's true. We're braving the litter free street of Sandy again and taking our show on the road. We've heard alot about these digs, so lets hope they deliver.

Meditrina : Small Plates and Wine Bar

2009-02-24T12:53:00.004-07:00

1394 S. West Temple

Salt Lake City, UT 84115

801.485.2055

www.meditrinaslc.com

Hours:

Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2p.m.

Dinner: Monday-Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 5:30 to 10:30

It was a warm February afternoon, the sun was shining, the birds were singing and I was enjoying a beautiful brunch at our last great find The Wild Grape. I was joined by two of the greatest girls ever.. Jewel and Carrie. As we enjoyed our lovely fair, talk turned to how the hounds had found The Wild Grape and how our next stop would be Meditrina. This is how the conversation unraveled.

Melanie: "Yeah, next week we're going to Meditrina, it's a tapas bar so I'm pretty excited to see how it will be."
...Silence....
Carrie: (looking down, slight giggle under her breath an a slight blush) "Well, I DEFINITELY will no be going there."
....Again Silence....
Melanie: "It's supposed to be good..."
Carrie: "How do they even allow that in Utah?"
Melanie: (wide smile) "No not TOPLESS.... TAPAS"

Jolly laughter and blushing ensued....

WHAT WE LOVED:

The Concept: For those of us that just can't make their mind up, tapas is the way to go.

The Brucetta : Grilled bread, orange marmalade, walnuts and goat cheese. Not exactly 4 things that you would throw in the blender to make a shake, but a tasty start to any meal.

The Potatoes : I’ve heard it said that you can’t screw up potatoes, but there is definitely a difference between amazing taters and the sub par junk served at many diners and dives... the spuds at Meditrina are on the amazing side of the scale. Perfectly grilled and topped with a spicy tomato aioli, we were begging for more.

The Polenta Cakes : Who doesn't love Polenta?? If you don't I suggest you get off your keister immediately and head down to Meditrina.

Clams and Mussels in Tomato Broth : Lets be honest, we all get a little leery of seafood this far away from the ocean, but these guys did it right.

Drunken Oreos : Whoever the sadomasochist that concocted this hedonistic desert is, they deserve a freakin medal!!! We’ve never once eaten an Oreo and thought “hmmm... maybe I should soak this in red wine, put some vanilla ice cream on it, and then drizzle it with a port reduction”... but now, every time we look at an Oreo, we will long for this foodgasm called Drunken Oreos.

The Coffee : We're suckers for good coffee served in a tall cup. Good game Meditrina, good game. (insert ass smack here)

The Bathrooms : Clean and quirky. What every bathroom should be.

The Owners: 2 ambitious ladies who believe in making food and wine taste good. How could you not love them??

WHAT WE LIKED:

Pear Crème Brulee : Tasty but far from the best Crème Brulee the hounds have scarfed. We've gotten a bit bratty in the the Brulee department.

Bread Pudding : We might have even liked this more had it not been called bread pudding... there was nothing “puddingy” about it (yes we did make that word up, thank you!). Again, tasty, but just not stellar and far from what we were expecting when we thought we were getting bread pudding.

Curry Lime Prawns : Prawns were cooked well and very fresh, but the curry lime sauce had zero kick to it... even Japanese curry which is the most mild of curries we’ve had gives you a little slap on the tongue. This dish bordered on disappointing but the pure fact that the prawns stood their own ground saved it.

Tofu and Chicken Satays : Cooking is all about balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements and this take on the classic Satay executed with high marks... the only thing stopping it from being on the “What we loved” list was the texture of the tofu. Mushy is rarely a positive word to describe food, and especially so when that substance happens to be tofu.

Grilled Artichoke : We forgot how much fun it is to nosh on this spiny leafed little friend. The grill brings a very smart smoky essence to the rich flesh tucked inside. If it would have cooked a few minutes less, perfection would have been sitting on our plate. It was so soft, it was difficult to strip the soft yummy stuff off the leaves without getting strips of the tough part as well. The spicy tomato aioli and drawn butter were fine accoutrements to the dish.

The Wine : I want to keep this simple and to the point... which if you’ve read any of our previous reviews, you know that is next to impossible for me. The selection by the glass was definitely the standout on Meditrina’s list. There is diversity in region and varietal, plus, all of it is very affordable. Now... I would be much more forgiving in this review if “Wine Bar” was not part of the name of the restaurant. When I hear Wine Bar, I want to be impressed by the wine service and excited by the selection. I was satiated by neither of the two. I also want to see love for the grape by serving it in it’s proper vessel... a heavy, poorly made, one size fits all glass does not imbue passion for vino. Now that I’ve said my peace... would I go back? Hell yes. I will just go back with a different expectation and with a focus on the food. - Andrew Carruthers

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE AS MUCH

The Location : I know... I know... we're border snobs. But props to them for supporting the growth of downtown Salt Lake and believing in a new neighborhood.

MEDITRINA AT A GLANCE
Price: Not Cheap, but worth a good night out and a fun experience with friends.
Food: Very satisfyng enough hign points we will be back.
Service: Friendly and comfortable
Bathrooms: Thumbs Up

So should you go?? Absolutley. Go, buy, support and ENJOY!

COMING NEXT : Meditrina

2009-02-17T00:54:00.001-07:00

Did somebody say tapas? I hope so.

The Wild Grape : New West Bistro

2009-01-21T10:27:00.014-07:00

481 E South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101Phone: (801)746-5565
Hours
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm

Brunch: Sat-Sun 9am-3pm

Dinner: Mon-Sun 5pm-10pm

Late: Mon-Sat 9:30pm-Midnight

It wasn't too long ago, that while driving down ye ole South Temple, a single tear escaped from my eye as I realized that the Avenues Bakery was no more. Luckily, the space was scooped up and The Wild Grape was born. As you can imagine, in my eyes, they had some pretty big shoes to fill but happily we were not let down.

What We Loved:

The Location: Downtown is not dead yet. (Although the huge amounts of construction and unsightly cranes are trying to kill it)

The Concept: The Wild Grape is a fully organic, local supporting establishment. (chowhounds step up on soap box) People of Salt Lake City! Lend me your ears! We have GOT to support local businesses. The only way to have more amazing eats and treats is to buy local and live local. I know we all love a good romp at the Olive Garden now and again, but come on. Live dangerously and try something new on the local front.

The Staff: Thanks Jason. Our dedicated and fun server. Look for him behind the bar, or at your table, but just look for him. He knows his stuff in a totally non-smarty pants kind of way. (meaning he won't make you feel dumb while he's pumping you full of fun food and wine facts.) The entire staff at this joint will make you feel at home. We got welcomes and hellos from a hostess, our server, the sous chef and the owner. You can tell they are really trying to do service right.

The Mouth Amuser: It just doesn’t sound as sexy in English does it. A quick way to the heart of a foodie is to serve a killer Amuse Bouche (wikipedia if your not familiar). Duck prosciutto and apple perched on a bit of profiterol (fancy for fried dough... who doesn’t love fried dough!) with a little cherry reduction to balance it all out. One bite to get you excited for what's to come... and trust us, one bite is all you could handle.

The Food: Ok... down to the nitty gritty. The food is delicious. You can taste the freshness and care that is put into each dish. We tried to sample a variety of things so here is a mild rundown

#1 Venison: Seared to the perfect balance of tenderness without looking like a crime scene and paired with a killer Cabernet reduction sauce that complimented the dish without taking over. The butternut squash gnocchi, dare I say it, almost (and that’s a big almost) out shined sweet little Bambi.

#2 The Risotto : We are of the belief, that if you put risotto on your menu, it better be pretty good. Luckily, The Wild Grape does not disappoint.

#3 The Scallops : What... I'm sorry I couldn't hear you over my taste buds singing with joy. Scallops in Utah is kind of like saying icicles in Phoenix, but they figured out how to get them here and how to get them cooked PERFECTLY! Throw in some roasted fingerling potatoes and you got yourself a meal.

The Desserts : Chocolate and Hazelnut Dome of Goodness and Pineapple Meringue Tart of Happy Taste Buds. We renamed them appropriately to really give you an idea of how stellar they were. Mmmmhmm.

The Adult Beverage Selection : I went in with high expectations on this front. When you name a restaurant The Wild Grape, you better have some damn good fermented ones on your menu. And they did! The wine list was created with a great clientele in mind... a clientele that loves wine but doesn’t have a degree in Oenology. There is a price point for almost anyone regardless if your looking for by the glass or by the gallon. High praise on the wide variety to be found by the glass and the fact that the server seemed to have an understanding of the entire menu... not just a few favorites. Stemware was par... a nice Cabernet glass with a cut rim. Only downside, everything was served in that glass. Our first bottle was a fairly delicate and sweet white which can turn rather sugary when served in such a caverness piece of crystal.The first bottle was the Zenato Pinot Grigio... as Pinot Grigio goes, it’s good enough. It wouldn’t honestly have been my first choice, but the ladies loved it. The server gets a high five for giving us multiple choices followed by tastes of the different choices... unfortunately for me, I got over ruled (I wanted the Matua Sauvignon Blanc). For the second bottle, we gave our server the ultimate challenge... Surprise us! Even the most experienced Sommeliers would sweat this challenge and yet our humble server accepted with aplomb... impressive! Especially since we had scallops, risotto, and venison coming and we wanted red for our main course (ouch). What did our talented attendant choose? Seghesio Sangiovese... top-notch pairing. It missed the target with only the scallops. The venison with it’s sweet cabernet reduction brightened right up with a taste of the ripe cherry from the Sangiovese and there was a enough of a nuttiness in the glass to support the richness of the risotto. Another high five goes out for not choosing the highest price wine on the menu just because the door was open to bump up the total on the ticket.My only grievance with the Wild Grape’s list is that it was a bit California heavy, but I think that it might be part of their support of buying “local” so I will go with the flow... hehe, with the flow! that one was unintended.(as Andrew Says.)

What We Only Liked:

Butternut Squash Soup w/ Brandy and Cinnamon Crème Fraiche: Just as decadent as it sounds and maybe a bit to a fault. The first couple slurps are pure heaven, but the sweetness just gets to be too much. Either lay back on the sugars or add a touch of something to ground the dish. Even just a bit of crostini to nibble on as you drink it down would help. Try it for sure... just split it between your table so each person only gets a few gulps.

Crab Cakes :Good, not great. They were a bit on the dry side for the minimal quantity of sauce drizzled onto the plate. Good flavors, just needed some moisture.

Pan Seared Calamari: Cooking tentacles is a tough job for many chefs (yes, the pun was intended). Not this time. The light snap followed by pure softness was the ideal texture for these little guys... that alone kept us going back for more. The turn off was a slight “oceanesque” flavor that lingered after you swallowed. Initially we were thinking they must have been tossed with a light fish stock, but when we asked the chef, no fish stock was used. Lets just say that it was the only dish that wasn’t completely obliterated within moments of reaching our table.

Atmosphere/Décor: Lets make this clear and concise, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the atmosphere and décor. BUT... it just could have been more inspiring. Very cozy with a nice balance of upscale and casual elements and it does work very well with the organic focus from the food. It wouldn’t take much, but it needs some type of crowning element that says “the food and service here are going to blow your mind”.

What We Didn't Like As Much

Bathrooms: It feels like you are stepping into a completely different restaurant! We’re pretty sure the décor is leftover from the last restaurant and it just doesn’t flow. Yep, it’s nit picky, but that’s how we roll. They are clean and tidy though... whew!

THE WILD GRAPE AT A GLANCE:

Food: Most Impressive. Try a variety on the menu they do a lot of things well

Service: Excellent.

Price: Average for a "nicer" eatery. Splurge on Wine. You won't be let down

Bathrooms: Clean, but just don't quite fit.

(Who Dined? Andrew, Michelle and Melanie)

We're Back! Coming Next : The Wild Grape.

2009-01-16T10:40:00.003-07:00

That's right... you heard it here first. We're officially making a Chowhounds comeback. Kind of like Rocky, but with out all the punches to the face. So look out SLC, we're houndin you once again. We're REALLY excited about our next adventure at the Wild Grape. Stay tuned in and up and let the ride begin!!

Coming Next: Tin Angel Cafe...The Sequal

2008-04-27T20:45:00.002-06:00

Alright folks, I know you were all waiting to see what we thought of Pizzeria 712, but we had to put that on hold for the tip being because...we are losing a member. Our cofounder and most amazing partner in crime is taking it to the road an moving on North.

In honor of this, we thought we would take it back to where it all began and visit our friends at the Tin Angel Cafe.

Wasabi Sushi Bar

2008-03-30T15:32:00.000-06:00

675 E 2100 S State

Salt Lake City, UT 84106
(801) 467-1875

Food is supposed to be fun right? And what is more fun than watching your food spin round and round on a moving conveyor belt? hmmm....hmmm? We were out to answer this question ourselves as we made our way into Wasabi, Salt Lake's first revolving sushi bar.

What We Loved:

The Concept: This is nothing new. The revolving sushi bar is a staple in Japan and it was only a matter of time before the idea made its way into SLC.

The Atmosphere: Wasabi is casual dining at its best. You can dine alone and still keep yourself occupied with the big screen TV's going full blast. The joint is small yet spacey and there is plenty of room to situate your self at the bar.

The Squid and Seaweed Salads: Some of the best we've had. Yum yum gimme sum.

The Simplicity: This is simple sushi. Don't go into this establishment thinking that you are getting any of the Americanized favorites of deep fried goodies that we've come to love at those other sushi joints. This is true sushi, that's all. Simple rolls, basic nigiri, and few unusual favorites. You can order specials off the menu, but the bar is reserved for the simple.

The Fancy Japanese Soda: If you can figure out how to open the damn bottle, it a refreshing treat.

The Giant Container of Pickled Ginger: Ok....only one of us was SUPER stoked about that, but it is awesome.

The Potstickers: Order them from the kitchen and you won't be let down.

The Price: With the plates ranging from $1.99 to $5.99, we were beginning to worry when we saw the stack pile up in front of us, but when we got the check, it was a measly 25 bones per person. Be careful though, you can rack up a pretty hefty pile of plates pretty quickly.

What We Didn't Love As Much:

The Unavailability: We tried to order a few other things off the menu and each time were told that they didn't have those things. We're hoping this is a new opening SNAFU and they will figure it out in the end.

The Variety: Like we said, its simple sushi, but after a few plates, you begin to get a little bored with the menu

So should you go? Absolutely. It's a fun, quirky place and the concept is unbeatable. Don't expect the upscale feel as some of the Salt Lake sushi big wigs, but go and have a good time with your friends. Sit around a revolving turn belt of food and help yourself to whatever your little heart desires and come peeps...SUPPORT THE LOCALS!

Wasabi at a glance:
Food: Good, not mind blowing but better than most.
Service: Good, its mostly self serve, but the staff is all smiles.
Price: Reasonable, just don't go overboard on plate pulling.
Bathrooms: Lets say this....better than Shogun, but mot as nice as Takashi.....make up your own mind.

(Who Dined? Kara, Melanie, Andrew and Michelle.)

COMING NEXT: WASABI Sushi Bar

2008-03-26T21:08:00.000-06:00

House of Kabob

2008-03-18T17:15:00.000-06:00

268 S. Main Street
801-521-4442
Hours: Monday-Thursday:11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday:11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Saturday: noon-11 p.m.

Well, well, well.....It seems as though all is not lost for ye ole downtown SLC, there is one happy little eatery that is with standing the demolition and holding strong in the city that God built. House of Kabob is one of those places that none of us knew what to expect and because of that, we weren't expecting much. However, this joint made us some happy campers.

What We Loved:

Our Server: James, oh James. If you want an experience, go when this gentleman is working, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. He has a quirky yet professional style that makes you comfortable right of the bat. He shows a great passion for his job and is super enthusiastic about the menu and the food. We loved him so much, we went back two days later.

The Location: DOWNTOWN! Don't die downtown! We love you downtown!

The Appetizers: Well....we tried almost every one and they were all great. Hummus, Dolmeh, Spanikopita, Pita, and Baba Ganooj. All were delicious and the perfect way to start the meal.

The Food: Holy Mediterranean/Persian food storm batman. Scoping other reviews made me wonder if we were all talking about the same place, but we loved the food. GYRO PLATE, wonderful. It give Aristo's a run for their money. LAMB KABOB, tender and flavorful. Two tough deals when it comes to lamb. FALAFEL, we were craving us some falafel after the recent Mazza debacle and we weren't let down. SHRIMP KABOB, yum-tastic. Throw into the mix some delicious lemon rice, chicken curry soup and veggie soup and you've got yourself a party.

The Beverage Selection: Now we don't recommend the Kabob as the 'drink fancy wine' type restaurant, but if you've got the hankering for some spirits or beverages of the brewed kind then you are at the right place. With the Hookah Lounge right upstairs, you have access to the whole kit n' kaboodle.

The Price: After gorging ourselves on plate after plate, we expected a bit of shell shock after the bill came, but we were pleasantly surprised. The most expensive thing we could find on the menu was a hollarin' 16 bones. Not too shabby HOK. (thats House of Kabob for the non-abbreviators in the room.)

What We Didn't Love So Much:

The Parking: You know...You know...Downtown and cars...like oil and vinegar....oh wait that's salad dressing. Like oil and water, they just don't mix.

The Hookah Bar Upstairs: Now, this didn't really bother us until about 9:30. This was when open mic night got the roll on and we have all experienced open mic night before...... That's all I'm sayin. Also, if you're sensitive to hookah smoke at all, you may sense a whiff of the stuff when you first walk in.

The House of Kabob was on. Its a great place to pick up a meal on you way to the downtown outing of your choice. And if the all the other pros aren't enough for you, just remember it's a place where you can get meat on a stick. Yum.

House of Kabob at a glance:
Food: Uh-huh, so good.
Service: Excellent, ask for James
Price: Fair and friendly to the wallet
Bathrooms: Well...they're not our favorite, but they'll do.

(Who dined? Melanie, Kara, Andrew and Michelle.)

Coming Next! HOUSE OF KABOB

2008-03-14T20:58:00.000-06:00

Going back to the heart of downtown with meat on a stick.

Tiburon

2008-03-14T20:17:00.000-06:00

8256 S 700 E
Sandy, UT 84070-0508
Phone: (801) 255-1200

Hours: Sun-Thu 5am-9pm

Fri-Sat 5am-10pm

If you thought nothing good could come out of Sandy except for a grossly large soccer arena...well... you're probably right, but there is one thing that is giving "the 34th safest city" in America something to jive about. Ladies and gents.....enjoy yourself some Tiburon.

What We Loved:

The Service: Thanks boys. We're giving them first billing on this one. They worked their little butts off to give an extra special evening. They had the perfect mix of casual comfort and high end service.They were attentive enough to make you feel loved, but not so "up-scale" that you felt like you needed your tux and gown to get their attention. "Apollo" and Jake...we're waiting for that calender.

The Atmosphere: You gentlemen thinking of a good place to pop the question.. Tiburon would work. We also scoped a great patio that we hear is amazing during the summer. Food by candlelight....how suave.

The Wine: Turning the time over to the one and only Andrew
Vino review...Three cheers for the wine list at this fancy little ristorante... and I don’t mean “hip-hip-hooray” cheers. I mean, toasting to the fact that they have a great list filled with the usual suspects and rarities alike. Even the “by the glass” selection was diverse and extensive. Pricing was surprisingly humble in relation to the food prices which taunts you to have “just one more bottle”! Our Server (we’ll call him Apollo), seemed pretty solid with his knowledge of the wine list and only disappointed me when he went for a pretty obvious white to start out dinner... Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay (2006). Now, don’t get me wrong, I like to stick my head in a big oak barrel as much as the next guy and if I’m going to do it, there better be Chardonnay in there! I just thought, if you get an interesting table... suggest some interesting wine. BUT, Apollo skated his way back into stardom with the red... A Catena 2005 Malbec. Malbec is a cool grape because it was originally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux. Not till it was brought to Argentina (which the Catena family had a hand in) did it become a significant stand alone varietal. Mendoza is a killer region to buy from because prices are low and quality is high. All in all, solid performance for Tiburon in the wine department. Not quite a standing ovation, but definitely in high standing on my list.

The Food: We were in food coma for three days..... JAKE'S MUSSELS : Divine, AHI TUNA: Perfect, HALIBUT: Well done, but perfect with the sauce it was covered with, LAMB LOIN: Better than the best steak you've ever had, ELK: Yes....it was soooo good. Not at all gamey. We sampled just about every entree they had on the menu, minus the chicken and everything we had was delicious. Well Done. P.S. Need a to-go? No problem. The food holds up even with the 20 minute commute.

The Deserts: For crying out loud, they made cinnamon and sugar ice cream. Is that better than anything you've ever heard or what? They know how to do creme brulee right and the for sure have that whole cheesecake thing down. Finish off the whole sweets bundle with some chocolate mousse. If your counting your calories, now is when you should turn off the ticker....

The Bathrooms: Feel like home. HTA.

What We Didn't Love So Much:

The Location: I know we're border snobs. If this was West Side Story, we would have already pulled our knives and started our Broadway review.

The Crab Cakes: This was the one thing on the menu we found lack lustre, but they still weren't bad. Average compared to great just looks dull.

The Price: OUCH! The meal and experience was well worth it, but folks, if you're watching your budget this might not be the place to be. Again though...it's worth it.

The Lighting: I know we pumped up the atmosphere earlier, but at times it was a little dark.

So if you're in the mood to be wined and dined, do the the conservative majority and discount store extravaganza in our neighborhood to the south keep you away. Tiburon is definitely worth the trek down into the "happier valley".

Tiburon at a glance:
Food: Yum
Service: Even more yum:
Price: Pretty Penny...
Bathrooms: Perfecto!

(Who Dined? Andrew, Kara, Melanie, Laura and guest Brenden with some take home action for Michelle)

COMING NEXT: TIBURON

2008-03-09T14:47:00.001-06:00

Watch out Sandy...Here we come.

Mazza : The Take Out

2008-03-09T14:14:00.001-06:00

1515 South 1500 East

Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Ph: 801.484.9259

Fx: 801.484.4277
Mon - Sat, 11:00am - 10:00pm

912 East 900 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Ph: 801.521.4572

Fx: 801.532.4122
Mon - Sat, 11:00am - 3:00pm

Mon - Sat, 5:00pm - 10:00pm

Let's be honest folks, there are nights that the comfort of our own home is MUCH, MUCH better than the on-goings of a busy restaurant so we decided to take home from one of the SLC good eats, Mazza.

Lets have a bit of history leading up to this evening before we get into the meat, shall we? We've all seen the ads for Salt Lake City Waiter. We wanted to give this service a try, it sounds like such a great idea. Well, this plan fell to the wayside when our original choice for eats, Himalayan Kitchen was suffering from a recent fire and the wait for food from SLC waiter was a whopping 2 hours! There must be that many people wanting to stay home on a Monday night.

After the discouraging situation we were faced with, an old stand-by was needed....hence Mazza.

*DISCLAIMER : Usually we love Mazza.... We hope this was just an off night for them.

What we loved:

The Take Out Waiting Area: Yes it's a little bit of a maze to get yourself to the comfy space, but once you're there, you feel like a king.

The Service: Fast and friendly. Good job Mazza.

The Appetizers: MUJADDARA-Brown lentils and long grain rice, super yummy. When lentil are done right, they're amazing. VEGETARIAN GRAPE LEAVES - Rice filled leaves of goodness. SPINACH FATAYER - Spinach filled dough rubbed with olive oil and baked up fluffy style. It'll make you kinda weak....in a good way.

What we didn't love so much:

The Food: Sorry Mazza....We usually love you but you missed the target this time. The falafel sandwich was dry, the beef was over-cooked and everything was just kinda.....lame. On top of all that, The requested sauce was wrong. It just wasn't their night.

So here's the deal. We're going to assume that maybe Mazza isn't the best take out joint, but dine in and enjoy. We know they have it in them.

And a little side note to Michelle, she makes the best deserts.

(Who dined? Andrew, Michelle, Laura, and Melanie.)

Believe It Or Not

2008-03-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

We recently received a comment from a blog reader challenging our statement the Settebello was the best pizza join in Utah. This reader claimed that in fact, Pizzeria 712 in Orem was actually the best pizza in Utah. So, being the hounds that we are, we decided to do a little research on the subject and sent out an honorary member to snoop around for us. Thanks Sarah. Here are her thoughts:

I'm experiencing a great deal of PTSD about the shock I experienced last night, and what I'm about to write on a site devoted to one of my favorite restaurants, Settebello. Okay, here goes. Pizzeria 712 is as good as, if not better than, Settebello.

I live in Orem, so the Chow Hounds challenged me last night to look into this horrendously offensive claim that a restaurant in Orem could possibly be better than Settebello. I've lived in Orem for 2 years, and have become extremely disenchanted by the food choices here. Any time I want to eat out and actually appreciate my food in my own city, I'm forced to travel to the furthest reaches of the city to Sundance Foundry Grill or Tree Room. So, when I heard about a pizzeria in Orem, I expected something along the lines of Brick Oven or the Pizza Factory. Pizzeria 712 in fact has spectacular pizza. However, because I also love Settebello, I will reconcile the two by stating that the focus on flavors is very different. Settebello focuses on truly authentic Italian flavors and pizza. Pizzeria 712 is similar in terms of soft, thin-crust pizzas, however the Sundance influence is very apparent, it is decidedly more American than Italian. (In a way, that obvious influence for me was somewhat disappointing.)

Although I love the Sundance restaurants, I'm Jonesing for a little variety in Orem. But, I'll forgive them because now they're closer to my house and focus on pizza. We had a delicious salad, and a spectacular pepperoni-style pizza with a sweet soppressetta sausage. I'll leave the appetizers and desserts to the chow hounds. I simply couldn't stuff myself with more delicious food. Now, here's the real shocker - hold onto your pants - they have wine! The list is short, and limit themselves to one of each of the 5 main varieties (i.e., a pinot noir, a chianti, a merlot, etc.). For us wine drinkers in Happy Valley, we've pretty much accepted that to get a glass you either have to stock up at home or go to a chain (ugh!). It's refreshing to find it at a less expensive restaurant that isn't a chain. The atmosphere is fabulous and very a-typical of Utah County, and (something I don't mean to offend families with children, but I at least appreciate after eating at Chili's after Texas Roadhouse after Chili's) isn't specifically designed to accommodate children and large families.Okay, I'm going to stop here.

I realize I might be overly gracious to this restaurant due to the fact that I ventured there with very very very low expectations. But, I will say that for those of you that find yourself beyond the End of the Earth (i.e., the Point of the Mountain), this is the best restaurant I've been to aside from the Sundance restaurants on this side of the prison. Certainly worthy of a Chow Hounds review.

Well there you have it. It sounds like we might have to make a pilgrimage to Happy Valley and see what all the fuss is about..... Stay Tuned.

350 MAIN

2008-02-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

350 Main Street,Park City, UT
435.649.3140
Open Nightly from 5:30 p.m.
Reservations Recommended

http://www.350main.com/

Whaaaaaa? You went to Park City? I thought this was Salt Lake Chowhounds.... Ok, we know, but when you hear awesome things about a place you have to go right? And isn't our sleepy town neighbor just the place to venture out too? We would say so and if we're going to be venturing out, why not to a restaurant with a great reputation.

What we loved:

The Environment: There is a reason why 350 is so popular, it does have a very cozy feel. Its nice to walk into a warming arena when you've been hiking up ye ole Main Street. The basement can feel a little enclosing, but some people would just think it was cozy. The decor is a mixed of Tuscan wine cellar mixed with winter cabin and just a dash of upscale eatery.

The Appetizers: Lentil Cakes and Ahi and Hamachi Tower are both divine. (for pics of these, scope the website)

The Variety: It was hard to nail down a specific theme on the menu. Imagine a asiameircan/sprench.....yeah. Something like that.

The Calories listed on the menu: Oh yeah its true...however we're not sure if this is a good or a bad thing. Is guilt a good side dish with dinner? They seem very health conscious. Thumbs up in our book.

The Food: When it all boils down isn't this what it's about? As we mentioned, there is something for everyone to try. Scallops...yum. Cooked perfectly. No one likes a had scallop. Sea bass...sesame crusted and delicious. Jasmine Rice Cakes.....Oh yeah. The mango salsa will make you soooo happy. Ono-Ono...Very tasty. We have to be a little picky though... one preparation of the Ono was a tad overcooked....sorry. However, everything we tasted on the the menu was light yet still extremely flavorful. You felt like you had a hearty meal without having to poke another hole in your belt....know what I mean. Every thing made for "happy hounds all around."

The Deserts: Chocolate is the best part of the day. Want some hot chocolate cake wrapped in phillo dough and surrounded by some awesome vanilla ice cream? DONE! Want a cup of the most amazing mocha pudding/creme topped with some fresh berries and rolled wafer cookies? Done and DONE! Deserts...represent.

And what about the wine....Here's Andrew's take on his experience.

Let me start by saying that expectations ran high walking into this experience based on the fact that Joshua Cowart is the Sommelier... Josh has had some of the best mentors in the industry and loves wine with the same passion that I love my Harley (which, lets just say is border line unnerving!)Anyhoo... The wine list is as perfect as it gets. Plenty of unique wines and familiar favorites with a price point to make most diners very happy. Even the “by the glass” list had some great selections. I know you’re just dying to know what we had so let me cut the suspense! We started with a 2006 Dr. Loosen Riesling which kills it every time! Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (The region of Germany that Dr. Loosen calls home) is quickly becoming the rock star of the Riesling world, but the great thing is... it’s still an affordable glass of good grapes! On to the purple stuff... A 2001 Medrano-Irazu Reserva Rioja. Sometimes it feels like you need a Rosetta Stone to decipher certain wine labels, so let me help you with this one... Medrano-Irazu is the producer, Reserva is the level of quality (3 basic levels for Rioja... Crianza, Reserva, Grand Reserva – Grand is highest quality), Rioja is the region and it tells you that you are drinking predominantly Tempranillo grapes. I would say that this was the least universally loved wine that we have had on our adventures, but it was because it was so interesting and unique. Earthy with olive undertones instead of the fruit explosion that a lot of Cali reds tend to be... this is what makes it not fit everyone's taste buds. Those of you who are Tempranillo fans... buy a freakin case! IT’S A GOOD (said with a bad Spanish accent).Now, I’ll make this quick... which by now you’ve noticed is not my forte. The server’s knowledge of the wine list was my only complaint. She had a few favorites that she recommended, but when I wasn’t enthused by her fav’s, she did not know the list well enough to make solid alternate suggestions. Not what I expected from one of Josh’s servers. To her absolute defense and redemption... she had fun and, dammit, that is what wine is about (sorry snooty wine demons... I know you like to be serious and pretentious as you sip the night away).

What we didn't love as much:

The Parking: Park City Main Street...Nuff said.

The Poached Apple Desert: Yeah sorry.... It's not your grammy's apple pie. That's for sure.

The Service: Ok, we know, we know we're asking a lot....but when you are in a restaurant that is known for its impeccable service, you expect they very best. Our water glasses sat empty quite a few times and the wine service was lacking. Our server was lighthearted and friendly, but we felt that there was just wasn't a sense of professionalism and hustle that you come to expect from upscale restaurants.

Remember, Park City is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the good ole SLC and where else can you see every variety of furry boots and over sized parkas? All in all, 350 Main is a hit. The food is great, the menu is unique and that is what its all about.

350 Main at a glance:

Food: Very Good, Fresh and Delicious.

Service: Good, but could and should be amazing.

Bathrooms: SO good. Clean and sanitary.

The Price: Big Bucks, but worth it.

(Who dined? Kara, Melanie, Andrew, Michelle and our guest Tyra.)

RELEASE THE HOUNDS! 350 Main

2008-02-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

We're going on a field trip. Coming next: 35o Main in Park City.

SETTEBELLO

2008-02-18T23:44:00.000-07:00

260 West 200 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Phone:801.322.3556 Fax:801.322.3556

Hours:

Mon - Thurs 10am - 10pm,

Fri - Sat 10am - 11pm

http://www.settebello.net/

Who doesn't love pizza? It the all time classic goodness. And where better to get it than a place that does it real style. For more info on their history, we recommend giving their website a gander.

What we love:

The Location: Oh Downtown. It's nice to see buildings that are still standing, escpecially ones that house such delectiable delights.

The Service: Fast and Friendly. Also, They aren't afraid to make recommendations, but also won't overwhelm you by ordering for you.

The Atmosphere: It is not a formal dining arena, but the room is light and airy. Even with a lot of people you don't feel over crowded or jammed into a little space.

The Menu: Simplistic. No one likes to read the Declaration of Independance before they find what it is that they want to order.

The Food: Holy Lord...the food. This is by far one of the best pizza places in all of Salt Lake and we would venture to say the West. (Yes all you East Coasters we're leaving you out of this.) Everything that goes into these discs of doughs happiness is fresh and authentic. Want classic, go for the MARGHERITA. She's a classic lady with sauce, basil and cheese. Feelin crazy? CALZONE is the answer. A twist you say? No red sauce? BIANCA is your woman. Every order is made fresh with an amazing crisp, chewy dough that will rock your world. The cheese is amazing. It's refreshing to have a slice that isn't dripping with oil and and leaving strings of ruberized white gluten all over your face. For their full menu, hit up their website

The Deserts: Gelato and Sorbetto. I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you over my taste buds giggling with glee. Pistacio, Hazelnut, Strawberry and Chocolate Chip Gelato and Raspberry Sorbetto.....Oh my. And whats better than that? The flavors are always changing! We reccommend getting a scoop of each. Just do it.....

The Vino: Andrew and Michelle, we believe this is your forte.....
Yum is the first word that comes to mind. here is a great example of tradition over modern techno wine-snobology. For once, I will totally excuse the fact that our wine was served in tumblers! You get the idea that this is a very true representation of what it’s like to go to a pizza joint in Naples and to be served it’s native wines from the Campania region. Our server was honest with her recommendations which is always refreshing... first, she admitted that she has never liked white wine when I asked which was her favorite. So, she brought us the most popular... a 2005 Falanghina (a white grape varietal native to the Campania region... similar weight to Chardonnay but a bit more floral) from Feudi di san Gregorio winery, which ended up being very tasty and fit our appetizers well. It fell short when our actual pizzas came so we moved on to some red, which our waitress had a bit more experience with. She brought us a Nero D’Avola from the Morgante estate (a red grape specific to Sicily)... the 2005 vintage did not rate well with Wine Spectator, but I have to say, I will be going to the Wine Store to pick up a few bottles as my “keep around the house for company” wine. It was a super smooth dinner wine that paired perfectly with the spice and depth of all the different pizzas on the table (even though it was the only red on the list not specific to the Campania region). All in all, great wine experience and good value... both bottles were $30 and well worth the price. I do have to say, I’m glad I had friends to drink with... the “by the glass” price was 8-10 dollars which is a bit spendy when the bottle is only $30.

What we didn't love as much:

The Parking: Yeah, yeah, yeah you've heard it before. We hate parking downtown. Just be prepared.

The Appetizers: They were a little lack lustre in comparison to the yum of the pizza.

The Presentation Factor: If you're looking for fancy pants presentation, this isn't the place. But hey, when the pizza is this good, it could come out on a garbage can lid and it would still be divine.

So all in all, we loved Settebello. Go for dinner, go for lunch, but just go! You will not regret it. In fact, some of us....not saying who, might have a minor addiction to the joint.

Settebello at a glance:
Food: Once again....Holy Lord. So yum,
Service: Quirky, fun, friendly.
Price: Very afordable. Actually pennies from heaven.
Bathrooms: Very nice.

(Who dined? Kara, Melanie, Laura, Andrew and Michelle)

Coming Next! Settebello

2008-02-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

ACME Burger

2008-02-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

275 S 200 W
Salt Lake City, UT
(801) 257-5700
M-Th, 11 am-10:30 pm; F-S, 11 am-11:30 pm, Su, 11 am-9 pm

Ok now...I'm sure we were all wondering just what was in store when this big blue building popped up and all of a sudden you see the word ACME all over the joint, but hey, SLC needs a little quirky...right?

What we love:

The Location: Acme is virtually in the downtown mecca. Its perfect walking distance from the Gateway and many other downtown fancies. Want more beer? Red Rock and Squatters are on the same block. Want theatre? Rose Wagner and Capitol Theatre are a hop, skip and a jump.

The Decor: Its a little bit diner and a little bit upscale. Its the perfect mix of t-shirt and jeans tossed together with your fancy pants.

The big screen tv broadcasting the goings on in the kitchen: Wait...I'm not sure if we love this... It might be just a little weird.

The Service: Thanks Stephanie, you did a great job. All the food and beverage came out fast and fresh. Little tip for the future though... Sometimes you shouldn't lay out too many personal details on your diners. We felt a little uncomfortable.

The Food: Yes...isn't that what its all about? The food is actually really good. The lamb burger gets a big thumbs up, as well as the fries. Did anyone else know that ostrich is a red meat? We didn't, but as a burger, we're not quite sure. Its a unique but powerful flavor. Pretty tastybut very interesting. Two words for ya...Bread Pudding. Look into it. It will change your life.

The Beer Menu: Thanks to Red Rock, tasty brews all around.

The Bathrooms: So new and clean. And the fun part you ask? There is a blackboard wall and chalk in the bathroom. You can totally leave your mark. Sweet bro.

Things we didn't love as much:

The Mahi Burger: Pardon, but has anyone seen its flavor? Its sad when the bread is better than the meat. Know what I mean?

The Parking: We hate pay lots. They're dumb. Street park if you can.

Oh Acme. All in all not a bad joint. If you want to chomp on a restaraunt burger, this is definatley the place for you.

ACME at a glance:
Service: Good, but beware of chatty servers.....
Food: Yummy, but be wary when ordering. Stick to classics, beer and deserts.
Cheddar: Not outrageously spendy, but its not Wendy's. Be prepared to fork it out.
Bathrooms: Some of our favorite. They're just fun.

(Who dined? Xia, Melanie and Kara.)

Coming Next: Acme Burger

2008-01-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

Want to join us for dinner? Find out when and where we're dining. Email at saltlakechowhounds@gmail.com

The Paris Bistro

2008-01-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

PHONE:801-486-5585 ADDRESS:1500 South (Emerson) 1500 East SLC, Utah 84105

Hours: Monday thru Sunday @ 5:00 p.m.

Oh the Paris.. Oui. Surprisingly in a group of six hip Salt Lake Cityers, not a one of us had been to the Paris Bistro. So needless to say it was time. Here is what we have to say about our trip to Pairs...

What we love:

Andrew and Michelle if you will...

Unique staff: It felt as if we were surrounded by a group of characters, all the good kind.

Great staff: Almost stealthy where you wouldn't notice them swoop in to fill your water or wine glass

Mozzarella appetizer: Divine, some of the best cheese ever.

Elegant but welcoming environment: Everyone was having a great time

Desert selection: Yum

Kick ass Dijon mustard at the table: We liked to dip the bread in it

And you can't be in Paris without Wine.

Wine: The selection of Wine by the Bottle is exceptional... a bottle at almost any price range from any region. (Be ready to pay the usual 3X markup... meaning a $25 bottle at the wine store will be $75... but this goes for almost everywhere). The selection by the glass was very limited and left me wanting more variety... in fact, a lot more variety. Our server was definitely impressive in his knowledge of the wine list and not only presented the wines flawlessly, but even pronounced everything properly (which is a bit of a pet-peave of mine). Kit (our server) selected a 1er Cru White Burgundy (premiere status for French Chardonnay) that paired well with nearly everything on our table... my only complaint with our $78 bottle was that it was served in mediocre wine glasses with a heavy rolled rim... and yes I am kind of a snob when it comes to stemware!I would highly recommend Paris for the wine savvy and novice alike. Just bring a few friends so that you can choose from the “by the bottle” list.

What else we loved:

The Service: very attentive and friendly. Everyone had a great personality. Kit was awesome.

The Curry Lentil Soup: Holy Lord. That's good eatin.

The Food: Laura's take on the food: "Give the linguine a try. It a seafood melting pot if you will. definitely for the seafood fanatic. Everything was superbly fresh. For those sensitive to the 'fishyness' of seafood dishes, this is the place for you" All in all, all our dishes were great. Gnocchi, Risotto, ahi, and Michelle's big plate of meat. That's right, a big plate of meat and it was divine.

The Atmosphere: Warm and inviting, like a blanket.

The Deserts: Thoses french and their sweet treats. Pear tart, Sorbet, Chocolate Lave Yummyness and delicious desert wines.

The French Press Coffee: A wonderful touch and surprise.

The Bathrooms: Fancy and clean.

What could have been better:

The Parking: Another one of those areas that have a lot of eateries in a condensed neighborhood, but its not too difficult to find parking.

The Thermostat: We understand its winter, but there is a limit to the heat one can take.

*Andrew's Steamed Mahi initially came out over cooked (but this turned into things we loved... staff was very accommodating and brought out a cup of the amazing curried lentil soup while it was being remade)

The Paris at a glance:

Service: Excellent

Food: Tres Magnifique

Price: A pretty penny, but worth every one of them.

Bathroom: So clean you could take a nap in there.

The NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

2008-01-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

When we started this thing, we had no idea that other people would want to jump on board...and boy are we glad they did. Here are the folks that we will be sampling the the review styings of.

ANDREW and MICHELLE:

Boy, these two are the best! Here is a few tidbits about them.

Andrew:

Born in a vineyard in the Burgundy region of France in the late 1900s, Andrew was a Master Sommelier by the age of 11. He finally migrated here to Salt Lake City in 1998 to prove to the world that there is great wine to be drank in Zion! Ok, for real, Andrew just simply has an affinity for liquids of fermented origin... especially those that start their lives as big juicy grapes! He believes solely in the concept of “drink what you love” (even if it comes in a box) and to always enjoy great food and beverage in the company of close friends. We hope you enjoy his unpretentious reviews of the alcoholic beverage selections at the restaurants we visit based on selection, knowledge, and value.

Michelle:

Imagine walking through the Pearly Gates of Heaven and seeing this... William Shatner, Spock, and Harry Potter welcoming you instead of Saint Peter, thousands of rolls of beautiful fabrics rather than fluffy clouds, and Bourbon flowing from every stream and waterfall. You have just entered Michelle’s version of Heaven... need we say more? Michelle is one of our “guest judges” as we gallivant about the White City and sample the food and beverage it has to offer and we know you will love her as much as we do!

These two zaney kids are guarteed to bring a little bit of spice to the group.

Stay tuned for words on our other partners in crime, Laura and Xia.

Look Who's Coming to Dinner!

2008-01-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Friends of the Blog, lend me your ears! Look forward to some friends joining us on our search for the food in SLC!

Indochine

2008-01-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Indochine Vietnamese Bistro is at 230 S. 1300 East, Salt Lake City; 801-582-0896. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.

Ok folks, is it just us or has there been a sudden influx of Asia inspired restaurants popping up across this great state? So whats the dealy-o? well, we've come to understand that SLC loves their Asian inspired cuisine and here is our latest take on one of the new guys.

What we love:

The Location: Just a hop skip and a jump away from the U and nestled right in between Market Street and Aristo's, you can't ask for a more buzzing area to be in. If you're one of the cool kids, this dining alley is definitely where its at.

The Atmosphere: With a quirky mix of Chinese take out diner and classy upscale restaurant, you can feel at home if you are just coming from class, the gym, or beginning your week-end outing. Think casual comfortable with a twist.

The Food: Isn't this really all about the food? Yum. Yes Indochine has all your favorites. If you are used to La Cai Noodle house, then you will enjoy the delights of Indochine. Their menu has all the Vietnamese classics as well as your run of the mill favorites. (You know, pad Thai...crab and cream cheese won tons) If you want to warm your belly, give the steaming hot big bowls of soup a try. Word of caution, they have some signature flavors in the soup department. If you have a sensitive tummy, be wary of anything that says spicy.

The Alcohol Menu: Friends of this blob know that you can not go wrong with a good drink menu and luckily, they fit the bill. Liquor and beer and wine...oh my.

The Staff: Friendly and fast, can you beat that?

The Price: Did someone say affordable? It is indeed. You can get out of there without breaking the bank. Keep your eye out for their lunch specials.

The Patio: Actually, we're not sure we love it yet, given its the middle of tundra season, but we're sure we will. God bless the summer.

What could be better:

The Parking: We all know the area and know that its fault is the lack of parking, but buck up, put on your walking shoes and trot a couple of blocks.

The Take Home Situation: Granted, we are not at a 5 star dining arena, but there are certain things that you would like your server to do for you i.e. load up your to go boxes for you. Especially when those to go items are steaming hot bowls of soup.

Indochine...The Re-cap: Come on folks, give them a chance. The food is good and the space is pleasant. We as members of this great city cannot let this location live up to its "cursed" reputation.

Indochine at a glance:

Service: Fast, friendly and fun. Its all good.

Food: Yum...yum....yum.

Cash Flow: Easy peasy on the wallet. You could even take someone you didn't really like here and not feel like you were wasting your money.

Bathrooms: Clean and new. We likey a lot.