By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

With the temperatures dipping below freezing in our neck of the woods, we Utahns are seeking places of shelter from long, chilly days of holiday shopping, working and general busy-ness. If said shelters can hook us up with fresh food, hot drinks, and downright charming atmosphere, we won’t complain either.

One place we don’t mind chilling (or thawing) out for lunch is Toaster’s Deli in Salt Lake City. With a cheery yellow reading nook stocked with plenty of magazines and giant windows that flood the restaurant with light, Toaster’s is a perfect place to relax and recharge. The menu includes a selection of breakfast items, coffee, tea and cocoa, as well as fresh sandwiches made with quality ingredients, and filling salads loaded with delicious toppings.

We felt obliged to try the most popular sandwich on the menu: the turkey avocado. It’s an instant classic served on grilled bread and made special by the addition of sweet balsamic vinegar. The soup of the day during our stop was a delicious chicken enchilada topped with crispy tortilla strips, and alone made our drive from Utah County worth it. Our salad of choice was the “Frenchy”: a savory mix of crisp romaine lettuce tossed in feta dressing, topped with tomato, cucumber, avocado, red pepper, onion and Swiss and provolone cheeses.

If you find yourself in need of physical and emotional refreshment during what will inevitably be another long winter—or simply during this rushed holiday season—head to Toaster’s for a pick-me-up. Whether it’s for caffeine or sustenance, it’ll be served up with style.

{Nice ‘n Toaster’s}

151 W. 200 South
and
30 E. 300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
www.toastersdeli.com

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

From the masterminds that brought us Pizzeria 712 comes Provo’s newest fine-dining experience: Communal. Featuring simple food served in a rustic-modern style, Communal reminds you of eating a comforting meal at your grandma’s house … if your grandma is a classically-trained chef with an uncanny eye for elegant, modern decor.

Our meal began with a sampler of cured meat from Caputos accompanied with house-made olive and walnut bread, eggplant “caviar” (our favorite), onion caramelized in reduced balsamic vinegar and pickled onions. Everything tasted lovely on its own, but we had fun combining the different flavors on the plate.

We know we need to eat more vegetables, and the Jacob’s Cove heirloom tomato salad brought us one joyous step closer to our five-a-day. Almost brazen in its simplicity, the salad is made of tomatoes, cucumbers and very thinly sliced onion dressed with olive oil, salt and pepper, and just a  splash of red wine vinegar that makes these tomatoes shine.

For the main event, try the pot roast: delivered to your table in an adorable little cast iron pot, still sizzling from the oven and covered in a rich sauce that’s full of intense beef flavor. Another stellar option is the sous-vide chicken, which, once you’ve had it, may ruin you for every other chicken preparation. It’s slow poached in a vacuum bag to trap the flavor and maximize tenderness, (sounds wrong but tastes so right) and finished in a skillet for added crisp.

Sides come a la carte and we recommend the potato leek gratin. Cracking through the shell of parmesan cheese to a creamy dish of perfect potatoes is an experience that alone would have made the trip for us.  These are the potatoes you wish your grandma made. And trust us, for dessert you want the butterscotch pot de creme—easily one of the best custards we’ve ever had. The texture is velvety and the flavor buttery and beyond indulgent.

Next time you’re feeling the need for a fine dining excursion—and maybe a little homesick for your imaginary grandma’s Sunday dinner—head to Communal for a chic dose of comfort.

{Live Communal}

Communal
100 N. University Avenue
Provo, Utah
(801) 373-8000
Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, 5 – 10 p.m. and lunch Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
www.communalrestaurant.blogspot.com

By Courtney Buell

Sampled: Waffles for dinner and dessert

Where: Red Rooster Waffle Company (7742 Campus View Drive, West Jordan)

High & Low: Waffles are universally adored and acknowledged as a breakfast item, but typically go ignored for other meals of the day—at least in this part of the country. At Red Rooster Waffle Company, it’s clear that this oversight is a travesty. We took a swing on the savory side with classic, Southern fried chicken and waffles with orange honey butter and syrup: a uniquely delicious combination that will charm sweet tooths and salt lovers, alike. Other savory options include waffles benedict and open-faced turkey sandwiches built atop (you guessed it) waffles. For dessert, try the peach melba waffle with maple butter, peaches and raspberry sauce. With maybe too much on the menu, Red Rooster does full-on breakfast, too. Though waffles are the main attraction, the oven-baked omelets with yummy chili and cornbread are too good to be ignored.

How Much: Plates run around $7 – $10

By Ali Anderson Smith

The temperatures dropped quickly, didn’t they? The forecast is looking a little warmer (and brighter) for the weekend, and you might make the most of it with lunch at 100 South’s Cafe Molise. Now an attractive location for small weddings and anniversary parties, this quaint eatery has a patio to be reckoned with: water feature, sailboat-like awnings, tiled mosaics and all. Perfect for weekend dining-outs, if you ask me.

City oasis aside, Cafe Molise has a menu to be taken seriously, too. Though it’s stocked with pastas you can’t properly pronounce, the dishes themselves are more than palatable. Think gnocchi with fresh tomato cream sauce, basil and pine nuts, for example, or orechiette served with spicy Italian sausage, wild mushrooms, onions and tomatoes.

At Caffe Molise, the flavors speak for themselves, and the ingredients seem too as well. We can’t leave an Italian cafe without a bite of polenta, and their Polenta con Salsiccia was spot-on with its sausage, peppers and provolone, though we would have liked a little more marinara. The paninis make for hearty meals too—order yours with more spicy sausage or go vegetarian with the balsamic-flavored mozarella variety.

OK. So I lied. What I really can’t leave without sampling is dessert. Tiramisu, if you really wanna know. And if there’s one thing you should take more seriously than weekend lunch, it’s weekend dessert. Cafe Molise’s is one worth waiting for. Saturday is just a couple days away.

{Mo’ Molisse}

Caffe Molisse
55 W. 100 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 364-8833
www.caffemolise.com

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

For the longest time, I thought Thai food meant meat and veggies cooked with curry, curry and more curry, along with a generous helping of coconut milk. Thai curries are good, but if your knowledge of Thai cuisine starts with green and ends with red, like mine, you’re only getting started. Admittedly, I needed to vamp up my Thai know-how (I knew there had to be more than the same old creamy sweet curries). I’m pleased to announce I was right on. And so was Salt Lake City’s Tasty Thai.

Almost everything at this reasonably-priced eatery can be made-to-order with your choice of protein. Stop in for lunch, and you’ll get even lower prices (about $7 per plate) in exchange for smaller portions and a slightly truncated menu—though it’s likely you’ll still come home stuffed.

Lunches are served with a small-but-satisfying garden salad. I took mine with the house vinaigrette: light and tangy with good, spicy kick. For a slight departure from the traditional Pad Thai, go for Pad See Ew, a savory combination of wide rice noodles, broccoli, egg, rich dark soy sauce and your choice of meat or tofu. If you like heat, try Pad Phed. Ours was made with chicken, red curry paste, fresh peppers, bamboo shoots and fresh basil—a mouth-watering variation from the red coconut curry you usually order.

If you’re feeling even more “brave,” you might like the Yum Neur salad, served with more tender flank steak than lettuce and its spicy lime dressing keeps it cool with just a touch of sweetness. If you’re a stir fry kind-of-gal, go for the Pad Him Ma Parn. It’s a lighter mix of meat, cashews, veggies and garlic sauce.

Sure, this culinary excursion may have only scraped the surface of the wondrous culinary traditions of Thailand. But education has to begin somewhere. And if it’s coming in the form of savory and tangy dishes (plus coconut milk, from time to time), Tasty Thai makes a good classroom.

{Thai It On}

Tasty Thai
1302 S. 500 East
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 467-4070

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Everyone ought to have a go-to place when they want good Chinese food—preferably one without its own line of panda bear-stamped takeout packaging. Our most recent food find, complete with pretty wood furnishings and real flatware is Salt Lake’s Hong Kong Tea House.

Like us, you should consider starting off with hot and sour soup or pan-fried pot stickers. The soup is intensely flavorful (keeping up with its name) and super affordable at less than two dollars a cup. Pot stickers come stuffed with warmly spiced meat and veggies, seared in a skillet to give them a pleasant crunch.

The chow mein comes with a combination of different meats like pork, beef, and shrimp, tossed with green onions and bean sprouts which made for a great combination—and came highly recommended. Like it should, the dish brings together crunchy and savory with nicely-cooked meat (a big step up from your average takeout) and delicious noodles. The pepper chicken was another hit with sauteed meat and vegetables in a bold black pepper sauce.

If you’re up for dim sum and then some, give the Tea House a try, where the small plates are said to be the best this side of San Francisco. In the meantime, next time you find yourself craving Chinese flavors, skip the soggy, mass-produced box of fried mystery food and treat yourself to the fresh and authentic Hong Kong Tea House. One taste, and you’ll kick your panda habit to the curb.

{Tea Time}

Hong Kong Tea House
565 W. 200 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 531-7010

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Rarely do you come across the words “approachable” and “gourmet” in the same sentence, but after dining at Salt Lake’s Eva, we’re happy to see that these words are finally getting acquainted. This chic-meets-homey Mediterranean eatery nestled in the heart of the city serves up high quality, simple fare at truly affordable prices.

Every dish at Eva falls into one of three categories: pizza ($7.95), pasta ($9.95), and small plates ($3 – $9). There are many classic variations on basics, like three cheese pizza and pasta carbonara, and even more interesting options for more adventurous eaters. (Rabbit pappardelle pasta, anyone? Any takers for pizza with octopus?) And with realistic price tags, even exotic combinations come off as playful rather than intimidating.

You might want to start out with the Brussel sprouts plate: sliced sprouts sauteed with cider vinegar and toasted hazelnuts. This combination gives off just the right amount of tang to justly offset the dish’s otherwise toasty flavor. The parmesan, garlic and rosemary fries also proved delicious.

Order a white pizza, and it will come expertly fired with a crispy/chewy crust, topped with chicken, artichokes and mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Even the baked Greek macaroni with sweet peppers and feta is complete with flakey, phyllo pastry on top. You’ll be back now and later. But don’t take our words for it.

{For Like Eva}

Eva
317 S. Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 359-8447
www.evaslc.com

By Ali Anderson Smith

Sampled: Grilled chicken salad and hummus, take-out style, near the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Where: Dasks Greek Grill (6522 S. Big Cottonwood Canyon Road, Holladay)

High & Low: The only thing better than the perfectly-concocted hummus and pita combo at this small eatery might be the three slices of  grilled chicken sitting atop their grilled chicken salad. The hummus is finger-lickin’ good; the pita is soft and filling—and there’s enough for a party of three. Pair it with a salad, and you’ve got yourself a hearty, balanced lunch on the go. Though the lettuce could be a tad crisper, it’s made up for with ripe (not pink) tomatoes, fresh Feta, tasty olives and tangy dressing. With dishes this good, you might want to stop by before and after your hike.

How much: Grilled Chicken Salad, $7.25 for small; hummus, $5.29

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Sampled: Kafteri and pork souvlaki on one of the city’s most charming outdoor patios.

Where: Aristo’s Greek Restaurant (244 S. 1300 East, Salt Lake City)

High & Low: After hitting up Aristo’s for an afternoon meal al fresco, we’re happy to report a small discovery—other than the aforementioned patio. As much as we love a hummus appetizer, you shouldn’t be afraid to steer away from this Mediterranean staple. Meet our new favorite: Kafteri. This blend of roasted red peppers, olive oil, cayenne and feta, combined to create a punchy, savory dip, is best eaten when heaped on an accompanying pita … or your spoon. Try it with spiced pork kebabs (souvlaki) and a fresh greek salad loaded with tomatoes and kalamata olives for a perfect summer meal.

How much: Kafteri and Greek salad, $6.95 each; pork souvlaki, $9.95

By Ali Anderson Smith

Sampled: Breakfast (or lunch) from the old world on the go-go-go. Handmade and hand-rolled with cheese and egg, bacon, ham—even vegetarian options with or without jalapeno—baked inside, these kolaches should have every McSandwich out there shaking in its biscuits.

Where: Johnny Kolaches (900 S. 248 West, Salt Lake City)

High & Low: If you take your breakfast with Texan personality (which I do), Johnny Kolache should be on your short list. And at the top of it. Johnny whips up the perfect Czech pastry, popular in the likes of Oklahoma and Texas, and dresses it up with the inclusion of fruits, sausages and cheeses that will have you coming back for more. So sample the “Sugar Pie” cinnamon rolls while you’re at it. Next time, you can bet your bottom dollar we’ll be stopping in for a “Kolandwich” … if we can talk ourselves out of another delicious kolache. The BBQ pulled pork variety might be calling my name. Don’t wait too long—early birds catch the worm. Shop closes for the day when the kolaches are gone.

How Much: Breakfast kolaches, $1.69; lunch kolaches, $1.89; cinnamon rolls, $2.49

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Waffles and french fries. Though not always paired together, these are staples in restaurants and kitchens from coast to coast. We buy them, we eat them, and we Americans can probably make them just as well as the next guy, right? That’s what I thought too, until I happened upon Bruges Waffles and Frites in Salt Lake City. Bruges offers a little taste of Belgium right here in Beehive State and one thing I learned from my visit is that Belgians take waffles and fries very seriously.

At Bruges, you basically have one decision to make: Waffle or fries. Or both. We began our culinary excursion across the Atlantic with traditional frites (fries) in a paper cone with your choice of sauce. If a vegetable is ever going to obtain transcendental status, these potatoes might be on their way. Double fried for an extra crispy outside that audibly gives way to soft, pearly innards and simply-seasoned, these fries are perfect. Our favorite complimentary sauces were the “Greens” sauce with chive and green onion and the “Andalouse”—basil with some kick.

Bruges also serves up a dish of frites smothered in Flemish beef stew, slow-braised in ale. The result is a hearty and satisfying combination of crispy potatoes and spoon-tender meat, mingled with herbs and seasoned to perfection.

This culinary gem is named after a town in Belgium that is considered the “waffle capitol of the world,” where waffles are sold by street vendors and eaten at lunch, dinner and any time between. The waffles are made with a yeast dough that’s dotted with chunks of pearl sugar. These melt and caramelize to give the waffle a crispy exterior and a soft middle that’s more substantial than the average Eggo. We loved our served “plain,” but you can have yours dusted with cinnamon, dipped in chocolate or topped with creme fraiche, fruit or ice cream.

Whatever you choose, your tastebuds will thank you.

{International House of Waffles}

Bruges Waffles and Frites
336 W. Broadway
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 363-4444
www.brugeswaffles.com

By Lindy Johnson

The lovely folks who brought you Dew have just opened Rooster Dumpling + Noodle Bar, the latest unique eatery in Provo’s increasingly hip downtown. Its menu is creative, well-edited and reflects seasonal, locally-grown produce. Given its affordability (dishes run $7 – $12), it might not surprise you to learn that the menu is inspired by Asian street food. What will surprise you is the sophistication of offerings, which are matched by the modern, upscale decor: Owners/chefs Andy and Simy Gartz have taken humble dumplings and noodles and refined them into innovative dishes with fresh, vivid flavors that even the most discerning foodie will rave about.

Ready for the best dumplings you’ve ever had? Good. You’ve got options. Between the four dumpling varieties (pork, shrimp, beef or vegetarian; $9 per dozen), four dipping sauces and four accompanying sides (e.g. spicy kimchee, shredded beet and apple, marinated cucumbers and Asian slaw), there are a lot of flavor combinations.

The noodle and rice dishes ($11 – $12) also provide a wide range of flavors and textures. Rooster’s Lime-Sesame Vermicelli—served with mint, Thai basil, sauteed red peppers and fennel—is light and refreshing. The Chicken Curry Noodle Soup, on the other hand, is rich and complex; the chicken is grilled with lemongrass and balanced by pickled greens and a fantastic coconut curry broth with a hint of chili oil for just the right amount of heat. You can cool your palette with any number of refreshing Boba drinks. (Smooth peach and slushy kumquat are my favorites.)

Asian-inspired restaurants can rarely boast about their desserts, but Rooster DNB is an exception. The Molten Lava Cake with hazelnut whipped cream is a dream come true, and the Chinese donuts, filled with red bean paste and coated with sessame seeds, are served with homemade vanilla ice cream and are alone worth the trip.

Rooster definitely has something to be cocky about.

{Shake a Tail Feather}

Rooster DNB
163 N. University Avenue
Provo, Utah
(801) 333-8888
www.roosterdnb.com

Writing and photography by Courtney Buell

Sampled: Basil-crusted halibut, banana strudel and a little something called a “Pomegron.”

Where: Spark Restaurant Lounge (86 N. University Avenue, Provo)

High & High: Pretty much everyone in Utah County that isn’t living under a rock has heard of Spark Restaurant Lounge. What they might have missed are the drool-worthy menu additions made just in time for summer. Our favorite new mocktail is the “Pomegron:” a mix of pomegranate juice, lime, tarragon and soda—a sweet and refreshing drink with a tart kick. Basil-crusted halibut comes with fresh tomatoes, peas and the most amazing parmesan gnocchi you’ve ever had. Promise. Finish off with the banana strudel: a hunk of ripe banana with chocolate, all rolled in phyllo dough and served with mango ice cream. If you weren’t already tempted to hit this place up, we could also tell you about the filet mignon, kiwi martinis and creamy vanilla panna cotta. But we don’t need to, do we?

{The dealio} For an even sweeter experience, check out this deal: Order two entrees between June 8 and June 11, and give your server this voucher and you’ll be rewarded with a $25 gift certificate to use on a return visit. Hurry up, up, up! The offer is only good through Thursday. Reservations recommended at (801) 701-6780.

{Mini Doorprize} Have a hankering to eat out? If the above gift card offer wasn’t enough, you can leave just one comment on this post before midnight tonight (June 8) and you could win a $25 gift card from Spark, on the house!

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Sampled: Standard Italian fare on the streets of Provo

Where: La Dolce Vita (61 N. 100 East, Provo)

High & Low: Utah County residents ready to branch out from the Olive Garden for their Italian fix should hit up this eatery. La Dolce Vita’s caprese hits all the right notes with fresh mozzarella and balsamic vinegar, and the margerita pizza makes up for its lack of authenticity with a crisp and flavorful crust—not to mention a reasonable price. The spaghetti and meatballs come with pasta al dente and zesty sauce for a classic and satisfying combination. It’s nothing fancy, but it sure is tasty.

How Much: Prices vary; about $5 – $10

By Ali Anderson Smith

Sampled: Chocolate-chocolate delights from Dunford Donuts, sold by the half-dozen

Where: Your local 7-11, Costco, Dan’s Foods stores, and Dunford Bakers (8556 S. 2940 West, West Jordan)

High & Low: Move over Hostess (and every other chocolate-on-chocolate convenient-store confection), there’s an old donut in this town and Dunford’s Double Fudge Chocolate Cake is one for the ages. The sugary coating on this anything-but-dry cake melts in your mouth without sticking to it. Dunford’s locally-made donut is substantial, sweet and totally delicious—and available as near as your neighborhood 7-11. Also sold by the dozen at Costco, these donuts seem to be best enjoyed in the half-dozen variety, where the potential for crumbling and melting is decreased substantially. Now, who’s hungry?

How Much: Usually around $3 – $4

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Blue Lemon Cafe isn’t the first restaurant built around the idea that fresh, wholesome food can come at affordable prices, but it’s definitely one of the coolest. Add up the sleek minimalist decor, freshness of ingredients (literally no freezer in the kitchen), and an innovative variety of both vegetarian and meat-centric dishes, and you’ve got a one-stop shop for all your health-conscious culinary curiosities.

The veggie lasagna is packed with grilled onions, mushrooms and artichokes and topped with alfredo. The “fiery fish tacos fajita-style” are grilled up with salmon, shrimp, peppers and onions with a side of cabbage slaw, plus a sweet ‘n spicy honey chipotle sauce for dipping—though the quality of the tasty meat rendered it hardly necessary.

Entrees can be upgraded with yummy sides like crispy sweet potato fries with southwest fry sauce, hummus with pita wedges or couscous salad. Your standard soda steps aside for natural options from Blue Sky Sodas (try the cherry vanilla). Even if you’re eating healthy, there’s always room for dessert. Don’t miss out on the beautiful pastries placed strategically near the register.

Next door at Blue Lemon Bistro, there’s an entire menu of hot and cold coffee and tea options, as well as sandwiches and delicious-sounding creme freezes—making it a perfect spot for lunch. And if you still want more from Blue Lemon, look into its demonstration kitchen where local chefs make appearances several times per month. We think there’s even a class on chocolate coming up soon….

{Get the Blues}

Blue Lemon Cafe
11073 N. Alpine Highway
Highland, Utah
(801) 756-7993
www.bluelemonutah.com

It’s right around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you’re running late … and on empty. Skip the ham and deviled eggs and let someone else do the cooking. Enjoy anything from classic to gourmet at any of these favorite brunch spots in and around Salt Lake City. (Below menus not updated since 2008 so double-check dining options before booking; other favorites include the Goldener Hirsch, Little America, and Vienna Bistro.)

Bambara, 202 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City; (801) 363-5454. Fruits, pastries, carving station and made-to-order omelettes at this boutique hotel restaurant. Brunch served from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; $30 adults; reservations necessary. More at www.bambara-slc.com.

Blue Boar Inn, 1235 Warm Springs Road, Midway; (435) 654-1400. Make it a destination brunch and enjoy European fare in a Europe-inspired chateau nestled in picturesque Midway valley. Brunch served from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; $40 adults; reservations necessary. More at www.theblueboarinn.com.

Finn’s, 1624 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City; (801) 467-4000. Casual dining with all the regular favorites on the menu like Norwegian Waffles and Basil Tofu Scramble. Brunch served from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m; prices vary; reservations recommended beginning on Saturday. More at www.finnscafe.net. Read YHO review here.

Grand America, 555 S. Main Street, Salt Lake City; (801) 258-6707. Easter brunch in the Imperial Ballroom features fifteen hot items, fifteen cold items and a kid’s station. Brunch served every half hour from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; $52 adults ($68.42 including service fees); by reservation only. More at www.grandamerica.com.

La Caille, 9565 Wasatch Blvd., Sandy; (801) 942-1751. Legendary Sunday brunch locale serves up its standard European cuisine for Easter Sunday. Brunch served from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; entrees range from $19-$42; reservations necessary. More at www.lacaille.com.

Market Street Grill, 48 W. Market Street, Salt Lake City; (801) 322-4668. The grill is offering all of its regular tasty brunch options this sunday, delicious hot chocolate included. Brunch served from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; prices vary; reservations necessary. More at www.gastronomyinc.com.

Ruth’s Diner, 2100 Emigration Canyon, Salt Lake City; (801) 582-5807. This no-frills favorite diner offers all its favorites for the holiday plus two special menu items yet to be determined. Brunch served from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; prices vary; reservations unavailable. More at www.ruthsdiner.com.

Stein Eriksen’s Glitretind Restaurant, 7700 Stein Way, Park City; (435) 645-6455. Get up and away and try your holiday feast with Giltretind’s elaborate menu. Brunch served from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; $65 adults; reservations necessary. More at www.steinlodge.com.

Sundance Resort’s Foundry Grill, North Fork Provo Canyon, Sundance; (801) 224-4200. Treat you and yours to brunch in the mountains. Brunch served from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; $48 adults; by reservation only. More at www.sundanceresort.com.

Tuscany, 2832 E. 6200 South, Holladay; (801) 277-9919. Cozy Holladay restaurant serves a four-course dinner on Easter Sunday. Dinner served from noon – 6 p.m.; $39.95 adults; by reservation only. More at www.tuscany.oofservices.com.

Any others up your sleeve(s)? Share them below!

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Who doesn’t love a good teppanyaki meal? There’s something wonderful about the simplicity of grilled meat and veggies served with loads of rice and a cornucopia of dipping sauces. Typically, it’s not the most affordable option, and maybe it’s not the best choice for first dates … there’s the whole table-full-of-strangers thing, not to mention the added pressure of catching shrimp in your mouth. (But what’s a little grease stain in the face of delicious food?)

So, what if we told you there was another option? A teppankaki outfit that allows you to sit where you want, afford just about anything on the menu, and eat without fear of unwanted grease stains and soaring shellfish? Friends, Lehi’s Hibachi House is answering the call. You’ll easily overlook the simple ambiance and styrofoam plates at this order-at-the-register restaurant. With no knife-throwing showmen nor waiters, you get the same food you would at the likes of Benihana, but at half the price.

Small plates and appetizers include satisfying miso or green onion soups, and at a dollar a pint(!), they’re pretty much irresistable. Tempura veggies and salad also weigh in at under five dollars each. And depending on the filling, sushi rolls come in between three and six dollars per roll. We recommend the green sushi roll with avocado and cucumber, and the Philly roll (salmon, avocado and cream cheese).

If teppanyaki is on your wishlist, you can indulge in a grilled steak and shrimp with veggies and lo mein for less than ten dollars, or a simple grilled chicken plate with veggies and fried rice for seven dollars. Hibachi’s grilled entrees are seasoned subtly to showcase one of the meal’s highlights: dipping sauces. Alongside standards like soy and sriracha hot sauce, you’ll see teriyaki, ginger and mustard concoctions.

Chinese classics like orange chicken and beef and broccoli also make the menu, but we were more interested in the Japanese options. Still, it’s good to know that the picky eater in your party can play it safe with a sweet-and-sour number, if necessary.

Hibachi House
1438 Main Street Suite 102
Lehi, Utah
(801) 341-5008

By Courtney Buell
Photography by Cody Buell

Sampled: Slow-cooked meats and Southern-inspired sides

Where: Lon’s Cookin’ Shack (410 N. University Avenue, Provo)

High and Low: Set up like a fast food joint complete with a drive-thru window, customers at Lon’s can order a variety of slow-cooked meats including pork, beef, ribs (our favorite), chicken and turkey. “Regular plates” served in a pie tin come with two sides like fried cauliflower, pickles, coleslaw, potato salad, fries or hush puppies. Particularly remarkable is Lon’s version of baked beans with eight different legumes, bacon and a zingy spice blend unlike any we’ve tried. There’s also a massive sampler plate for the indecisive eater. We shared a sampler for two and didn’t come close to finishing. Though not the most memorable, BBQ fans should check it out … and come hungry.

How much: $8 – $16 for a regular plate; $7 for a sandwich meal