Perhaps you and yours have a favorite spot, where you return year after year. If not (and maybe even if so–you never know when your little secret will be exploited), it’s time to get your name on the reservations list for Valentine’s Day. Here are some of our favorite places to get those love-dovey wheels a-spinnin’ and appetites a-brewin’, in no particular order:
Fresco, 1513 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City, (801) 486-1300, www.frescoitaliancafe.com. This little place, and by little we mean tiny, is the most cute and quaint spot in Salt Lake City. We love the quiet conversations and candlelight. Call early; it fills up very quickly.
Lugano, 3364 E. 2300 South, Salt Lake City, (801) 412-9994, www.luganorestaurant.com. Big on ambiance and good service, this conveniently-located cottage serves authentic Italian. Share a plate of focaccia (with fresh basil-infused parmesan shreds) and polish it off with a tasty dessert.
Silver Fork Lodge, Big Cottonwood Canyon, (801) 533-9977, www.silverforklodge.com. Resting in a scenic canyon valley, the dining room features a top-rate menu and a cozy fireplace. Order the Canyon Pepper Steak and start and/or finish off with homemade cinnamon rolls.
Snake Creek Grill, 650 W. 100 South, Heber, (435) 654-2133, www.snakecreekgrill.com. Make a night of it and head to Wasatch County, where, behind an old-town facade, sits Salt Lake Magazine’s “Best American Regional Cuisine 2006.” Start off with Crisp Corn Cakes with Sweet Pepper Cream. The ribs are unbeatable, too.
Melting Pot, 340 S. Main St., Salt Lake City, (801) 521-6358, www.meltingpot.com. There’s nothing like an open flame to turn up the heat. Pop in for a teamwork dinner or simply opt for a do-it-yourself dessert.
Cafe Terigo, 424 Main St., Park City, (435) 645-9555, www.cafeterigo.com. Alpine location, delicious menu, quaint atmosphere. Do not leave without sharing sharing some bread pudding.
Cafe Trio, 680 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City, (801) 533-8746 and 6405 S. 3000 East, Cottonwood Heights, (801) 944-8756, www.triodining.com. Though it’s a little safe, it’s still a little special with a dessert menu that includes Toll House Pie. Yes, please.
Cinegrill, 344 S. 300 East, Salt Lake City, (801) 328-4900. This joint is special in a your-grandma’s-favorite-restaurant kind of way. Though we’re never quite sure what to order, we love how we feel like we’re in the 1940s upon entering the place, with its mirrored walls and checkered floor, and especially if someone’s tickling the ivory.
Market Street Broiler, 260 S. 1300 East, Salt Lake City, (801) 583-8808, www.gastronomyinc.com. Eye-pleasing architecture and a coastal menu are the hallmarks of this Salt Lake City classic. An oldie but a goodie, we keep going back. If it’s full, try one of the Market Street Grills.
Epic, 707 Fort Union, Midvale, (801) 748-1300, www.epiccasualdining.com. Tasty appetizers and upscale entrees with reasonable prices. Though not as private, we love the warm atmosphere, especially an actually-welcome guitar player swooning patrons with covers of ’80s and ’90s love songs fit for FM100. Try the lemon mascarpone cheesecake,
Michelangelo Ristorante, 2156 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, (801) 466-0961, www.michelangeloristorante.com. With a uniquely un-American collection of dishes, this little Italian gem has been a treat to Sugar House residents for years. It’s small too, so it’s best to call early.
Tuscany, 2832 E. 6200 South, Holladay, (801) 277-9919, www.tuscanyslc.com. Despite it size and popularity, Tuscany is full of appeal and charm––and includes a full-service valet; ideal for a cold night.
Tiburon, 8256 S. 700 East, Sandy, (801) 255-1200, www.tiburonslc.com. Try the lobster or crabcakes as an appetizer, then step it up with lamb tenderloin. For dessert, you can enjoy creme brulee. Yum.
The Boulevard, 2335 Murray Holladay Boulevard, Holladay, (801) 274-6999, www.boulevardslc.com. Quaint, romantic and packed with character, this Holladay star serves up Guava Lemon Scallops and Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin.
Other options include Sage’s Cafe for your vegetarian sweetheart, Log Haven for your inner escapist, Chef’s Table for the Utah County crew and Bambara for everyone. But before you put it in ink, ask the reservation-taker what the Valentine’s Day menu will look like. You don’t want to be disappointed when your significant other’s treasured lobster bisque isn’t on the three-item menu
Feel free to make additions in the comments below!
If you’re aching for new music and have an affinity with bands like Cold War Kids and/or Dr. Dog, definitely tune in to San Diego-based indie rockers Delta Spirit. Their soulful sound is evidenced on their album “Ode to Sunshine”—and who doesn’t love a bout of sun in the winter? Plus, you have two chances to check ‘em out on February 10 (an early show at Kilby Court), or later at Urban Lounge.
Whistler, violinist, guitarist, vocalist and glockenspielist(!) Andrew Bird will show off his various talents on-stage at Murray Theater on February 25. Bird is promoting his buzz-worthy release, “Noble Beast,” which is thee record to add to your collection. Each track is filled with catchy and breath-taking rhythms and melodies. You’ll be whistling and clapping along.
It’s that song from the iPhone commercials that won’t leave your head—the one that features all the cool apps available on the gadget. Time to get to know the band behind the catchy tune. It’s the Submarines, and the song is “You Me and the Bourgeoisie.” And the duo behind the bubblegum pop is John Dragonetti and Blake Hazard. Chances are if you dig the commercial, you’ll enjoy the rest of their songs. And the opening act, the Morning Benders, should make a nice complement.