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BEST BREAKFAST Readers’ ChoiceBlue Plate Diner
Not far from SugarHouse Park, this scruffy little diner is the real deal. Its wait staff is anything but cloying and the atmosphere, while retro, is decidedly amped. They recommend the all-you-can-eat cornmeal pancakes or huevos rancheros with a black bean crust and poached eggs covered in melted cheese and salsa. For vegans, the tofu scramble will appease not only your conscience but also your appetite.2041 S. 2100 East, 463-1151
2. Eggs in the City
3. The Bagelry
BEST CARNECERIA
Acapulco Market
That means “Mexican butcher shop,” gabacho, and it’s just the thing for anybody who sadly yearns for a more carnivore-friendly time—it’s a meat-lover’s paradise. Acapulco doesn’t just sell meat; it sells meat-related products and even things that don’t look all that meaty. (But meat could be in there somewhere!) The inexpensive and delicious pork tamales alone, kept in a pot near the cash register, are worth a special trip.1430 Indiana Ave., 359-8944
BEST SUSHI Readers’ Choice
Takashi
We already knew Takashi serves this town’s most delectable sushi. Unlike a hipster hiding his favorite band from mainstream audiences, however, we’re thrilled the public is equally hooked on shining slivers of sashimi, Spanish mackerel and torched sablefish nigiri, brilliant rolls including the T&T, Buddha and Alta (with chunks of heavenly, real crab) and ceviche cocktail served in a martini glass with avocado. Besides the obvious culinary delights, the often-packed downtown eatery keeps people coming back with friendly, professional servers and pristine digs that somehow evoke both warmth and ultra-coolness. Once you’ve accepted Takashi as your personal sushi savior, saddle up to the bar and let the chef’s imagination run wild. You won’t be disappointed.18 W. Market St., 519-9595
2. Happy Sumo
3. Tsunami
BEST INTERNATIONAL BAGELS
Rich’s Bagels
Rich’s Bagels are so popular that they ship worldwide. The signature bagel, the light and airy Asiago cheese, is delectable with a variety of toppings ranging from honey and butter to light veggie cream cheese, gouda, turkey, capers and sprouts. With a new chicken pistachio salad and a bagel of the day that ranges from blueberry, cinnamon-sugar to poppy seed and an “everything” bagel, this is a bagel-lover’s paradise. The banana bread, homemade cookies, and hot breakfast egg sandwiches round out the taste-tempting menu.6191 Highland Drive, Holladay, 277-3137; 8691 Highland Drive, Sandy, 947-0890
BEST ARGENTINE PIZZA
The Argentine Corner
Argentina’s international culinary reputation rests on the quality of its meat. But spend time in Buenos Aires and street-corner pizzerias soon catch your eye. In Clearfield, Argentine expatriot Jose Luis Palacios is a master pizza maker. The secret he says is in the 3/4-inch dough. His wife has watched him, he says, and under her hands, it still doesn’t come out the same. “The hand of the pizza maker is exclusive,” he says in Spanish. He offers 10 different pizzas. Gringos go for the Napolitano, which has garlic, black olives, tomatoes and mozzarella. But, if you fancy something different, try la de espinacha, with tomato sauce, spinach, white sauce and parmesan.442 N. Main, Clearfield, 801-773-9909
BEST APPETIZERS Readers’ Choice
The Bayou
The Bayou is known and loved for its wide-ranging beer selection. It only stands to reason that the private club’s appetizers would be equal in stature. Great exotic beers demand killer munchies, such as the Bayou’s alligator cheesecake and Cajun-spiced Buffalo wings. Other tempting starter fare includes chicken quesadilla, chipotle hummus, fried ravioli, artichoke-cheese dip and the ever-popular sweet potato fries served with a garlic-chipotle fry sauce. True comfort food with a Cajun twist—just the way we like it in Utah.645 S. State, 961-8400, UtahBayou.com
2. Caffé Molise
3. Panache
BEST FRIED SNOW
La Taqueria Lolita
Next door to strip club Trails, Lolita is the best kind of hole-in-the-wall. The salsa’s picante, the chimichanga lightly fried, the salad fresh, the tacos crispy. But, while many other hole-in-the-wall establishments abandon dessert as unworthy of attention, Lolita proves the sweet is as important as the salty. Lolita’s traditional nieve frita—fried snow—features ice cream rolled in sultanas and sugary rice cereal, sitting on a base of fried dough with liquid chocolate drizzled over the top. Whether it’s Trails’ influence or just the cook’s enthusiasm for sinful treats, this is one dessert not to be missed.909 S. 300 West, 364-4123
BEST RIO BRILLO
Braza Grill
Braza Grill’s greatest coup is not the high quality of its grilled tenderloin or the pork and pineapple that waiters bring to the table on sword sticks. Nor is it the abundant salad bar. Rather, its greatest asset is what its clientele provide—the constant, at times raucous, rumble of Portuguese and Spanish. The voices swoon and ripple like the distilled essence of samba and bossa nova. Braza Grill’s pleasure lies in the intimacy it affords—and the illusion that you’re dining just off the Copacabana rather than exhaust-plugged State Street.5927 S. State, Murray, 506-7788
BEST CALZONES Readers’ Choice
The Pie
Actually, the menu calls it a “Zappi,” but whatever—in most folks’ eyes, it’s still a pizza folded in on itself. Thankfully, The Pie doesn’t consider the calzone in such simple terms, loading its meat, cheese or vegetarian Zappis with the tastiest of ingredients you’ll be snacking for days (if you can finish a Zappi in a single sitting, hats and belts off to you).1320 E. 200 South, 582-0193, ThePie.com
2. Este Pizza
3. Big Apple Pizza
