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

By Caroline King

Today’s Sweet: Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze
Recipe Adjusted From: Cooking Light

If you ask me, three of the very best flavors out there are banana, coconut and lime. If you think about it, if you add any one of those flavors to just about anything, it automatically improves the dish. So, combine all three? Yes, please. This is an adjusted “Cooking Light” recipe from a few years back. I added more banana and coconut, plus a little almond extract. It’s not fattening and it’s moist as can be. If there is a summer version of banana bread, this is it.

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, softenend
2 eggs
4 bananas
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup flaked sweetened coconut, plus 1/3 cup to sprinkle on top
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon lime juice

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt and stir with whisk. Beat sugar and butter in a large bowl at medium speed until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana, yogurt, vanilla and almond extract and beat until blended. Add flour mixture, beat at a low speed just until moist. Stir in 1/2 cup coconut.

Spoon batter into a gresed loaf pan. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup coconut. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Remove from pan.

Combine powdered sugar and juice, stirring with whisk and drizzle over warm bread.

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 Liz Stanley

The classifieds are looking good this week. Here’s a glance:

Let this little number slide into your living room. See it here.

Two hot little black chairs for $30, altogether. See them here.

Fancy a vintage-as-can-be buggy? See it here.

Three walnut MCM chairs ready for an update. See them here.

Anyone looking to create a stylish outdoor hangout? See it here.

Cute Pottery Barn bed (and dresser) for only $100. See them here.

Get organized with this sturdy hutch. See it here.

Dress up your walls with this punchy mirror. See it here.

Photography by Allison Cox

You married your home for its architectural elements. The lofty exposed beams, copper trim, extensive exterior stonework and old-timey masonry impossibly turned your ordinary Utah address into an exotic European villa—it was love at first sight, no doubt.

And with all those Old World elements comes a equally traditional interior, right? That’s where you’d be mistaken, dear decorators-in-the-making. At a new home in Stone Crossing in Provo, Principal Designer Jessica Bennett of Alice Lane shows how to punch up a classically rustic atmosphere with the help of poppy textiles, shiny finishes, colorful ceramics and an animal print or two.

At home number 14 at the Utah Valley Parade of Homes (located at 4283 N. Stone Crossing), you can see how to embellish with a Thomas Paul rug or Oly bedframe and still be true to your home’s traditional bones. Jessica juxtaposes old (think reclaimed ladders, magnifying glasses and camera reels) and new-but-timeless trends to create an interior that’s eclectic and interesting. The kind of place you want to call home, European villa or no.

{Alice’s House}

Alice Lane at the Utah Valley Parade of Homes
House No. 14, 4283 N. Stone Crossing, Provo
Now through June 13, noon – 9 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
www.utahparade.com
www.alicelanehome.com

Hometown Pride: Love Utah? We do. It’s near and dear to our hearts, which is just where we want it. That’s why Maya Brenner‘s dainty “Utah” necklace is a perfect fit. Check out the pretty little thing here.

Thirty Something: The Tower Theatre puts on its “Summer of 35″ with films on 35mm at midnight. The lineup includes “Harold and Maude,” “The Godfather,” “The Graduate,” “Rushmore,” and more. Get the full list here.

Art ‘n Stuff: We know where paintings, line drawings, music and relationship advice come together. Come and get it at “Pictures Worth Looking At” hosted by Utah Arts Alliance this Friday. You can enjoy works by Gheybin Comish, Patric Bates, Jess Smart Smiley and James Barlow. See more here, and get more info here.

Piece of Cake: Upscale Park City boutique hosts a trunk show with 30% off summer arrivals next Thursday at Silver Star Market and Cafe (1825 Three Kings Drive, Park City) from 4 – 8 p.m where you can sample food and have a drink or two. Watch for updates here.

Capitol Event: Movies become a stately affair at the Capitol building this summer with the Moonlight Movie series. Stop by the southwest lawn this Wednesday when “Kung Fu Panda” hits the screen. Also showing this summer are family faves like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and “Shrek the Third.” Free popcorn, too. Get the deets over here.

By Lacey Jane Pappas

It’s official. Summer is here. Before we’re treated to the Twilight Concert Series next month, check in with these great bands:

The Helio Sequence bring their ambient rock to the Urban Lounge on June 12. The duo combine electronic with indie rock to create a unique, even lush, sound. If you like Built to Spill or My Bloody Valentine, you’ll definitely like their sequence of sounds.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Shed Your Love”

Austin rocker Ben Kweller is out supporting his latest folk-rock album, “Changing Horses.” Even with the addition of a pedal steel guitar, the voice that is unmistakably Kweller’s shines on this twangy, loose-feeling album. See Ben get a little bit country at Avalon Theater on June 13.

Listen here. Suggested track: “On Her Own”

Or, if you’re up for a night with the girls, visit recent Anthropologie catalog cover girls Au Revoir Simone. Last month the trio released their second full-length album “Still Night, Still Night.” The album features their signature sound with layers of synthesizer and airy vocals. Unwind with this trio at Kilby Court on June 19.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Shadows”

Looking for something new? Tune in to Oregon native Laura Gibson, who is quickly becoming an indie sweetheart. Despite its mellow quality, her music is uplifting. Those needing a pick-me-up can see her at the Urban Lounge on June 26.

Listen here. Suggested track: “Hands in Pockets”

Also pencil in:

Reliant K / Thursday, June 4 at Murray Theater, $19 / Tickets here

A Camp / Monday, June 8 at Kilby Court, $12.75 / Tickets here

The Helio Sequence with Yarn Owl / Friday, June 12 at Urban Lounge, $12.75 / Tickets here

Joel McHale / Friday, June 12 at Abravanel Hall, $37 / Tickets here

Ben Kweller / Saturday, June 13 at Avalon Theater, $18.25 / Tickets here

The Lemonheads / Monday, June 15 at Liquid Joes, $13 / Tickets here

Dusty Rhodes and the River Band / Thursday, June 18 at Urban Lounge / Tickets here

Au Revoir Simone / Friday, June 19 at Kilby Court, $12.75 / Tickets here

Shawn Colvin / Saturday, June 20 at Thanksgiving Point, $25 / Tickets here

David Byrne / Sunday, June 21 at Red Butte Garden / sold out

White Rabbits / Thursday, June 25 at Urban Lounge, $10.75 / Tickets here

Laura Gibson / Friday, June 26 at Urban Lounge, $12.75 / Tickets here

Cursive / Wednesday, July 1 at In the Venue, $19 / Tickets here

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

Thanks to Allison Cox of Allison C. Photography for a fabulosa giveaway. Congratulations are in order for reader Monica who said, “A family photo by Allison would be beautiful.” You better your bottom dollar it would!

Monica, send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “Doorprize Winner” in the subject line and we’ll get more details to you.

The rest of us can get more eye candy over here.

With Jessica Baucom

You’ve looked at some sitting options, and now it’s onto the fun part: fabrics! The outdoor variety is much more available as of late as the creation of durable, UV-resistant fabrics has come into vogue. And you can reap the benefits.

If you’re a crafty gal, snatch up some fabrics and get to work. Here are some suggestions:

left to right:

Sunbrella “Coastal Brick,” style #4850-0000
Scalamandre, “Yin and Yang,” style #26747-001
Sunbrella, “Black/White Bar,” style #5704-0000
Lulu DK, “Goldeneye,” style #11059-5

On the other hand, if you and the sewing machine have a tamultuous relationship, options like these always come in handy:

left to right:

West Elm “Ikat” outdoor pillow
IKEA “Kajsa Rand” cushion cover
West Elm’s outdoor cushion collection

But back to the furniture. You can score a beauty like this on KSL Classifieds or Craigslist for a quick makeover. I suggest painting in a muted shade of blue like Benjamin Moore’s “Blue Nose.” Add some easy white cushions, and you’ve got yourself a vintage modern patio set for a steal.