BEST CUT MEAT
ntttttStan’s Market
nttttHere’s the little market that could. In a world of grocery chains where less reputable butchers sell outdated cuts of meat by “doctoring” them with blood and preservatives to make them look fresh, Stan’s meats stand outside the herd. The meat is prepared fresh daily … and they’ll even cut your meat to order and wrap it while you watch. They also have fabulous freezer deals to feed the family. Freezer Deal No. 1 includes 10 pounds each of chuck steak, ground beef, short ribs, chicken and roasts, all for $99.99. While you’re there, enjoy shopping in an old-fashioned family market, jam-packed with everything you need.4195 W. 5415 South, Kearns, 969-7293
BEST TAYLORSVILLE EYE-OPENER
ntttttBlack Water Coffee
nttttLocated in front of a car wash, Black Water opened in October 2006. But don’t think the coffee kiosk chose the name because it wanted to utilize spent car-wash water. Think the Doobie Brothers’ “Old black water, keep on rollin’.” The commuter-friendly coffee stand is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Along with lattés and mochas, bagels and muffins, the Black Water Coffee special is particularly potent: Millcreek coffee with two shots of espresso.3685 W. 5400 South
BEST INDO-PAK VITTLES
ntttttWith a MovieQaderi Sweetz n Spicez
nttttThis sweet little shop is full of spices and “Indo-Pak” groceries (Indo-Pak refers to a fusion of Indian and Pakistani food … proving that the two countries’ cuisines get along better than their governments). Here, you can buy seasonal veggies and fruits, such as fresh mangos in the summer. In addition, there’s halal (“Muslim kosher”) meat as well as video/DVD rentals and household sundries. Right next door is the Qaderi Chaat House restaurant serving reasonably priced halal combo dishes. A little taste of a faraway world in a West Valley strip mall. How sweetz is that?3546 S. Redwood Road, 956-2970
BEST HIDDEN-AWAY DONUTS
ntttttMy Sugar’s Donut Shopp
nttttIt can be tricky to find this little donut shop, nestled in a warehouse-district strip mall near the 2100 South freeway. And it’s only open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. But often, it’s overrun by customers and frequently, it sells out by noon. One bite into the big, fluffy, sweetly glazed donuts, made onsite by a baker who clocks in each night at midnight, and you can see why. They’re really good! If you can find the shop, you deserve to eat a baker’s dozen. The fritters are to die for, too.2126 S. 3200 West, 972-8359
BEST PHO Readers’ Choice
ntttttMi La Cai
nttttIf you’re vegan or vegetarian, stop reading: The following recommendation is not for you. While nonmeat-eaters might find variations on the traditional Vietnamese dish, Pho, the noodle soup is excels in its traditional, beefy form. Mi La Cai stays true to original intent with four hearty options including rare cooked, rare and well cooked, and the mysterious beef-ball combo. One sip of the piping-hot comfort food and you’ll forget Campbell’s chicken noodle ever cured what ailed you. Plus, the digs are pretty snazzy so you’ll feel classy while you slurp.961 S. State, 322-3590
nttt2. Pho Hoa
nttt3. Café Trang
BEST PRICE PRIME RIB
ntttttSilver Steakhouse
nttttCraving a slab of prime rib the size of your head? Here’s the place in Price that lets you chow down in either the quiet dining room or the rowdy sports bar next door. Another favorite is the steak salad that includes a generous portion of steak cooked to order and on a bed of greens with caramelized onions and a bleu-cheese vinaigrette. Licking your chops yet?40 W. Main, 435-637-4393
BEST NAMING RIGHTS WE CAN LIVE WITH
ntttttMikado’s Connect Roll
nttttConnect business magazine sang unending praise for Mikado restaurant’s “J-Roll” in a December 2004 editorial. Mikado’s people were so touched, they decided to name the roll after the mag. Why so much love for the deep-fried, crab-filled roll? Says Publisher Arkin Hill, “It’s a favorite of both serious sushi fans as well as those not into more authentic sushi rolls.” In the same vein, one wonders why Larry Miller couldn’t have named a burrito after EnergySolutions at his Mayan restaurant in Sandy instead of branding his once-venerable sports arena after a nuclear-waste facility.Connect-Utah.com
BEST WAY TO GO FROM XOXO TO XXX
ntttttXocolate
nttttIf you want to go from first-base XOXO kisses to rounding third and heading home, then give chocolate from Xocolate (pronounced shoh-koh-LOT). Giving flowers is like giving your dad a tie for Father’s Day, except ties don’t die like flowers do. So, when you give Xocolate you are telling your lover 1. You’re delicious, 2. You’re fresher than fresh, and 3. You’re beautiful; you don’t need to lose weight'like these Xocolates, you’re perfect. Who doesn’t want to hear that?863 E. 700 South, 487-2802, Xocolate.com
BEST ANYTIME BREAKFAST PLATE
ntttttBig Ed’s “Gawdawful”
nttttIf you ever had a craving for a good, old-fashioned home-style breakfast but weren’t sure what to get, you can make things simple by ordering up a “gawdawful” at Big Ed’s and pretty much get them all piled onto one plate of greasy, heaven-sent deliciousness. The plate is stacked with hash browns, eggs, chili, cheese, onions and sour cream. Wash it down with one of the cold microbrews on tap, and you’ve got yourself a breakfast of champions.210 S. University, 582-9045
BEST GYROS
ntttttGreek Souvlaki
nttttHere’s where you’ll find your big, fat Greek gyro. The generous portions of rotisserie lamb, tomato, onions and red (tomato) or white (cucumber yogurt) sauces folded into a fluffy pita are in a league of their own. Nostalgic out-of-towners have been known to have Greek Souvlaki’s gyros shipped to them. Lucky you, you can order yours and wolf it down any ol’ time you like.404 E. 300 South, 322-2062; 1446 S. State, 487-3481; 2192 W. 3500 South, West Valley, 973-4976.
nttt2. Mad Greek
nttt3. Yanni’s
BEST PORRIDGE
ntttttThe Three Bears Creamery Cottage
nttttThe name itself renders unnecessary the need for “this bowl is just right” gags'but it is. If you’ve ever wanted to fancy yourself part of a fairy tale, start with a breakfast of hearty oatmeal made thick and bubbly with cream'no instant, water-based stuff here. Add a little brown sugar and milk, and you’ll soon find yourself so satisfied you’ll need to lie down for a nap on a bed that’s … oh, you know.210 S. 100 East, Kanab, 435-644-3300, ThreeBearsCreameryCottage.com
BEST SUSHI-MAKER’S MARKET
ntttttAquarius Fish Co.
nttttWe love the amazing creations of local sushi chefs'but eventually, the dining-out money dries up. When you’re a little short on cash but still jonesin’ for yellowtail, make it yourself with the fresher-than-fresh fish at Aquarius. Posted information shows exactly what came in that very day, from rock shrimp to halibut. Grab a package of nori (roasted seaweed) and some wasabi, and you’ll be on your way to satisfying your craving without taking out a second mortgage.314 W. Broadway, 533-5653, AquariusFish.com
BEST MAMA’S COOKING
ntttttGood Thymes Bistro
nttttOh, to have Ilese Jaffa cooking in your kitchen! At Good Thymes Bistro in Kimball Junction, Jaffa turns out the kind of comfort food you’d normally have to visit aging relatives to get: stick-to-the-ribs home-style cooking of the first order. The only problem at Good Thymes is narrowing down the choices from an extensive menu of dishes like slow-roasted beef brisket, “Mom’s Really Good Meatloaf,” crispy pan-fried trout, homemade potato chips, Philly cheesesteak, shrimp and grits … you get the idea. So bring the whole family and try a little bit of everything, especially the made-from-scratch chicken pot pie, and be sure to finish up with the old-fashioned banana cream pie or New Orleans bread pudding.6300 N. Sage Wood Dr., Park City, 435-615-7090, GoodThymes.net
BEST FRENCH FRIES Readers’ Choice
ntttttCrown Burger
nttttCould it be that being served up alongside the state’s best burger (see “Best Burgers”) makes Crown Burger’s sliced spuds that much more appealing? Or is it that ideal combination of crispy crunch, buttery interior and a salty touch that’s satisfying without scalding your tongue? Maybe a little bit of both'because, as tasty as these fries are as a side dish, they’re just as satisfying all by their lonesome.Multiple locations.
nttt2. The Bayou
nttt3. The Training Table
BEST GOAT MEAT TACO
ntttttTaqueria Piedras Negras
nttttSo you’ve sampled rattlesnake sausage at your local Brazilian buffet'but how adventurous are you really? Take a chance on an authentic birria taco at this Salt Lake City stalwart, in addition to more gringo-friendly options. Here’s someplace where they’ll really get your goat.1465 S. State, 484-9921
BEST SANDWICH OF THE STARS
ntttttLeger’s Sandwiches
nttttThis homegrown Park City sandwich shop has become the unofficial fast food of the Sundance Film Festival. During the festival, you can find Leger’s sandwiches all over the city'if, that is, you have the correct credentials to get into the beautiful-people tents. The rest of us can enjoy Leger’s humongous sandwiches throughout the year at two Park City locations.1612 Ute Blvd., Park City, 435-940-0229; 1400 Snow Creek Dr., Park City, 435-649-5678
BEST JEWISH CHEESECAKE
ntttttSchmidt’s Pastry Cottage
nttttThere are those, but not many, who say they can’t tell the difference between regular cheesecake and Jewish cheesecake. But these are people content to chew on graham crackers. For the rest, there’s Schmidt’s Pastry Cottage’s delectable version that’s such an affair by itself that they require a pan deposit. At $69 dollars, plus a little extra if you like toppings, it ain’t cheap. But it will satisfy even the most demanding dessert cravings of 80 people, all of whom will be able to tell the difference between this and the Gentile version well before they’ve cleaned their plates.5664 S. Redwood Road, 967-9766; 2050 E. 6200 South, 274-7150; 609 E. 2100 South, 487-3500
BEST OGDEN SUDS & SANDWICH
ntttttRooster’s Brewing Co. & Restaurant
nttttA Bee’s Knees Honey Wheat is great on its own, as is a Heavenly Cream Ale, a Diamond Ale or a Two-Bit Amber'throw in a Rooster’s club, blackened chicken or Tuscan steak sandwich and you’ve got one of the tastiest lunches on Historic 25th Street. The artful décor and cool lines also make Rooster’s a pleasure to look at, but it’s really all about the brews and the bites.253 25th Street, Ogden, 801-627-6171; 748 W. Heritage Park Blvd., Layton, 801-774-9337; RoostersBrewingCo.com
BEST SANDWICHES Readers’ Choice
ntttttTony Caputo’s Market & Deli
nttttWith outside seating and a large bright interior, this Italian deli across the street from Pioneer Park is a boisterous place to have lunch any day of the week. To get a sandwich, just line up along the counter and give them your order. The staff will recommend the Caputo or the messier meatball sandwich. The Caputo, named after the deli’s owner, is a combination of meats and cheeses: prosciutto, mortadella and salami with a slice of provolone. Drizzled with balsamic vinegar and topped with lettuce and tomatoes, it’s southern Italy on a roll.314 W. 300 South, 531-TONY, CaputosDeli.com
nttt2. Moochie’s Meatballs & More
nttt3. Gandolfo’s
BEST CURRY Readers’ Choice
ntttttCurry in a Hurry
nttttSome people like the standard burger or pizza during lunch break. Some people are standard dullards all through life, too. There’s nothing at all dull about this establishment’s tandoori wrap, chicken curry or fresh curried vegetable sides. It’s all eminently affordable, thoroughly delicious and refreshingly no-fuss. And if that isn’t enough to interest you out of your habitual lunch break, you might be interested to know that the turmeric in curry also helps keep the mind sharp. The bonuses just keep coming.210 S. Main, 323-7030; 2020 S. State, 467-4137
nttt2. Bombay House
nttt3. Taste of Punjab
BEST WTF? SANDWICH
ntttttCopper Creek Pub & Grub’s “Full Monte Cristo”
nttttLocated at the bottom of the Town Lift (which lets skiers too tired to continue “downloading” directly to Park City’s Main Street), Copper Creek offers several sandwiches that allow the weary to immediately replace any calories they expended on the hill. The Full Monte Cristo is the most outrageous, created with turkey, ham and cheese, battered and fried, then dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam. Slightly less overwhelming but still implausible is the “Chubby Melt” burger, which uses grilled cheese sandwiches instead of buns. A jalapeño-infused version also is available.825 Main Street, Park City, 435-615-9900; 3451 S. 5600 West, West Valley City, 417-0051; CopperCreekPubAndGrub.com
BEST BURRITO Readers’ Choice
ntttttCafé Rio
nttttGet one of this Utah chain’s massive grilled steaks or the sweet pork burritos stuffed with beans, rice and all the fixings and wash it down with a soda, if you like. For the cheaper among you, a pure bean-and-rice, no-nonsense urban food pellet is the least-expensive burrito. Ask for your burrito enchilada-style and the cooks will bake it topped with the salsa of your choice beneath melted cheese. Multiple locations, CaféRio.com
nttt2. Beto’s Mexican Food
nttt3. Barbacoa
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
ntttttEpic Casual Dining
nttttIt’s risky opening a restaurant with the word “epic” in the name, but at Epic Casual Dining in Midvale, the food and drink is particularly epic in relation to the price you pay for it. If Epic was located downtown or in Park City, we’re pretty certain that entrees like the scrumptious sautéed pork medallions with silky sherry-sage demiglace or seared salmon with a sweet ginger-soy sauce would require taking out a loan on your mortgage. But, in Midvale, most of Epic’s entrees are priced well under $20. That leaves you enough leftover dough to splurge on some juice from the surprisingly lengthy wine list.707 E. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale 748-1300
BEST OGDEN COFFEE
ntttttGrounds for Coffee
nttttLong before Starbucks started sprouting up like weeds, Grounds for Coffee had been laying the groundwork for its thriving northern Utah coffee empire ever since 1991. If a Grounds cup of joe tastes just a bit more robust and complex than other coffee merchants’, it’s only because the people here take so much care behind the scenes, knowing the distinctions between grades of espresso and coffee. Grounds’ “Mocha Chiller” defined the summer coffee drink years before other coffee outlets jumped on the bandwagon. Unusual specials keep loyal customers on their toes.Multiple locations, GroundsForCoffee.com
BEST IRISH EATS
ntttttMacCool’s Public House
nttttIt doesn’t have to be St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy a big plate of corned beef and cabbage. Then again, virtually every day is St. Patrick’s Day at the über-Irish MacCool’s Public House. In between games of darts or shuffleboard and pints of Guinness, you’ll be wearin’ the green with Irish-inspired fare like bangers & mash, potato leek soup, Irish soda bread, classic shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, Guinness stew and, of course, corned beef & cabbage. MacCool’s motto sums up the friendly Irish vibe there: “There are no strangers here'only friends who haven’t met.”1400 S. Foothill Dr., 582-3111; 855 W. Heritage Park Blvd., Layton, 801-728-9111
BEST OSSO BUCCO
ntttttGrappa
nttttWe know a fellow who drives straight from the airport to Bill White’s Grappa restaurant in Park City on his annual visits from Washington, D.C. And he always orders the same thing: Grappa’s extraordinary Osso Bucco. This is traditional home-style Italian cooking at its most scrumptious: Braised until falling-off-the-bone tender veal shank bathed in a rich veal stock fortified with herbs and red wine, served up on a bed of heavenly herb and spinach spaetzle and a mélange of wild mushrooms. Finished with roasted garlic gremolata, of course. Grandma never made it better.151 Main, Park City, 435-645-0636, GrappaRestaurant.com
BEST CHILE VERDE
ntttttLorena’s
nttttHere’s the plan: First, take the Woods Cross exit from I-15 to Lorena’s Mexican Restaurant, right next to Denny’s and the Hampton Inn. Find a seat in the sprawling, laid-back eatery and chow down on a bowl or two of free chips and salsa, the best salsa in town, by the way. Next, order a cerveza and anything on the menu that includes a heaping helping of Lorena’s championship chile verde: the chile verde burrito, chile verde platter, etc. Repeat frequently, as you won’t find a better plate of chile verde in the state. Oh yeah, it’s also cheap and did we mention the free chips and salsa?800 W. 2477 South, Woods Cross, 295-2441
BEST CHILI Readers’ Choice
ntttttBig City Soup
nttttWe wonder if anyone who works the counter at Big City Soup has ever tasted the chili'they all seem to be vegetarians or vegans. It’s a shame, because the ever-creative folks behind the scenes have invented a concoction that makes other chilis jealous. The key differences are pork and chipotle, a vine-ripened, smoked, red jalapeno pepper. Big City chili is guaranteed to have you sweating just the right amount during Utah cold spells. Available at the store in 8-, 12-, and 16-ounce bowls and in 32-ounce containers to take home.234 S. Main, 532-7687; 235 S. 400 West, 333-7687; 65 N. Medical Drive; BigCitySoup.com
nttt2. Soup Kitchen
nttt3. Crown Burger
BEST SEAFOOD Readers’ Choice
ntttttMarket Street Grill University
nttttLocals know it as the Broiler, but Gastronomy’s eatery on 1300 East recently changed its name to Market Street Grill University, a fitting title considering the respected establishment schools its competitors in the art of seafood. The place to impress out-of-town friends, the classy joint offers delicious crab, shrimp, salmon, oysters, mussels and cockles as fresh as they come in a desert climate. And, whether you like it or not, be sure to sample the creamy clam chowder at least once. It’s especially good on a rainy afternoon between classes.260 S. 1300 East, 583-8808, GastronomyInc.com/Broiler
nttt2. The Oyster Bar
nttt3. Takashi
BEST DO-IT-YOURSELF SUSHI FIXIN’S
ntttttAloha Island Style Sushi
nttttThere’s another side to sushi besides your usual restaurant experience. And there’s another side to this well-known sushi-to-go establishment across from Pioneer Park besides its delectable and dependable maki, nigiri and sashimi fare. Here you’ll find all you need to roll your own: fresh fish, seaweed wrap and even tips for cooking rice. After all, making your own maki is a bit like rolling your own cigarettes: Once you get the hang of it, you may never go back to buying your sushi pre-packaged. And, if you need a tip or two, proprietor Bill Zierle’s happy to oblige.336 W. Broadway, 322-3224
BEST LOCALLY BREWED BEER Readers’ Choice
ntttttSquatters
nttttThe Provo Girl Pilsner, the Full Suspension Pale Ale and recent entry Chasing Tail Golden Ale are talked-up the most and loudest, but what of equally valuable Squatters players like the American Wheat Hefeweizen (it’s German-y!), the Emigration Amber Ale (it’s copper-y!) and Captain Bastard’s Oatmeal Stout (it’s heav-y!)? Spread the love and have another beer, people.147 W. Broadway, 363-2739, Squatters.com
nttt2. Wasatch
nttt3. Uinta
BEST SUBURBAN JOE
ntttttGrounds for Coffee
nttttThe lone Salt Lake City satellite of the Ogden franchise, Grounds for Coffee at 2000 East and 3300 South is a cozy slice of metro bliss in southeast-valley suburbia'cool music, free Wi-Fi, the latest in lefty campaign paraphernalia during election season, open-mic nights, great sushi next door; it’s almost like being downtown, minus the TRAX connection. Oh, and the coffee’s great, too.2005 E. 3300 South, 485-5427, GroundsForCoffee.com
BEST BUTCHER
ntttttSnider Bros.
nttttMeatsName a cut of meat and Snider Bros. will likely have it behind its hard-to-resist glass display. Name how you want it cut or ground, and Snider Bros. transports it to the rear where it will be prepared for your specific needs in nothing flat. Besides having good grades of meat, another area where Snider Bros. doesn’t skimp is with the help, who are many in number, deep in knowledge and fast with a white-paper wrap. There’s no such thing as “one size of stew meat fits all” at Snider Bros. Have it cut the way you want it. Besides the tailored-meat touch, you’ll also find a wide variety of marinated meats, kebabs, side dishes, spices, specialty meats and sausages and'why not?'a sandwich counter, just because. 6245 S. Highland Dr., 272-6469.
BEST ASIAN BABY-BACKS
ntttttTsunami
nttttIn what may be one of Utah’s very best sushi restaurants'you know, those raw-fish places that elicit skittishness from most Utah folk'you can barely resist the temptation to partake of a serving like no other. No, we’re not talking about the deluxe and tasty fish-cheek dish served at Tsunami. We’re talking about the Asian baby-back ribs, as good as any meat dish you’ll find anywhere around. A Hong Kong-native friend swears that if the classy ambience of Tsunami doesn’t knock you down, the combination of the Asian ribs and fish cheek are a one-two punch sure to please'well, the ribs for certain. For now, we trust her on the hamachi (fish cheek). But, we’ll try it soon. Honest.2233 S. Highland Drive, 467-5545
BEST USE OF LIQUID NITROGEN
ntttttSub Zero Ice Cream
nttttWho said science and dessert can’t be happily combined? Here ice cream is made in individual servings by mixing the fresh milk and flavorings, then freezing it with liquid nitrogen. You get to call the shots by choosing low-, medium- or high-fat milk and from a large assortment of flavors. Schools even use the store for field trips to learn about chemical reactions, where students are asked that ever-perplexing question: “How would Santa Claus make ice cream at the North Pole?” 934 N. State, Orem, 801-434-4475, SubZeroIceCream.com
BEST FATTENING FUDGE
ntttttSweet Afton’s
nttttPeople looking for flavor in dense squares of deliciousness will love Sweet Afton’s. It offers more than 60 tasty varieties of home-style, fresh cream and butter fudge including cinnamon, Mars Bar, praline and sugarless. Free samples are available any time. Anti-fudge candy lovers will still find ways to indulge from the assortment of other goodies throughout the shop. Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 South, 562-8831, GardnerVillage.com
BEST PIECE O’ PIE
ntttttLeft Fork Grill
nttttThe regulars at Left Fork Grill in Murray'including the guy who ate five consecutive meals there'know that to get their lips around a slice of Jeff Masten’s home-style pie, you’ve gotta get there early. It’s frequently gone by noon, so be sure to place your dessert order as soon as you’re seated. It’s all about the crust, and Masten’s blueberry, strawberry, rhubarb, pecan, chocolate and assorted other pies are crusty creatures that melt in the mouth. For a special treat, order Left Fork Grill’s fabulous apple pie with a slice of cheddar. It’s a terrific follow-up to Masten’s liver and onions.68 W. 3900 South, 266-4322
BEST ICE CREAM CONCEPT
ntttttScoopology
nttttConsidering the number of ice cream stores in the south valley, it seems unlikely for anything new to surface and survive. But cream rises to the top. Scoopology lives by adding uncommon mix-ins like cereal, Pop-Tarts and fresh cookie dough in multiple flavors. But if you’re opposed to ice cream, try a bowl of cereal or a peanut-butter sandwich instead. Another option is the cookie dough, which is sold for baking. You can add the store’s mix-ins before you take it home. 7710 S. Union Park Ave., Midvale, 562-8937, ScoopologySweetScience.com
BEST CHILI Readers’ Choice
ntttttBig City Soup
nttttWe wonder if anyone who works the counter at Big City Soup has ever tasted the chili'they all seem to be vegetarians or vegans. It’s a shame, because the ever-creative folks behind the scenes have invented a concoction that makes other chilis jealous. The key differences are pork and chipotle, a vine-ripened, smoked, red jalapeno pepper. Big City chili is guaranteed to have you sweating just the right amount during Utah cold spells. Available at the store in 8-, 12-, and 16-ounce bowls and in 32-ounce containers to take home.234 S. Main, 532-7687; 235 S. 400 West, 333-7687; 65 N. Medical Drive; BigCitySoup.com
nttt2. Soup Kitchen
nttt3. Crown Burger
BEST SEAFOOD Readers’ Choice
ntttttMarket Street Grill University
nttttLocals know it as the Broiler, but Gastronomy’s eatery on 1300 East recently changed its name to Market Street Grill University, a fitting title considering the respected establishment schools its competitors in the art of seafood. The place to impress out-of-town friends, the classy joint offers delicious crab, shrimp, salmon, oysters, mussels and cockles as fresh as they come in a desert climate. And, whether you like it or not, be sure to sample the creamy clam chowder at least once. It’s especially good on a rainy afternoon between classes.260 S. 1300 East, 583-8808, GastronomyInc.com/Broiler
nttt2. The Oyster Bar
nttt3. Takashi
BEST DO-IT-YOURSELF SUSHI FIXIN’S
ntttttAloha Island Style Sushi
nttttThere’s another side to sushi besides your usual restaurant experience. And there’s another side to this well-known sushi-to-go establishment across from Pioneer Park besides its delectable and dependable maki, nigiri and sashimi fare. Here you’ll find all you need to roll your own: fresh fish, seaweed wrap and even tips for cooking rice. After all, making your own maki is a bit like rolling your own cigarettes: Once you get the hang of it, you may never go back to buying your sushi pre-packaged. And, if you need a tip or two, proprietor Bill Zierle’s happy to oblige.336 W. Broadway, 322-3224
BEST LOCALLY BREWED BEER Readers’ Choice
ntttttSquatters
nttttThe Provo Girl Pilsner, the Full Suspension Pale Ale and recent entry Chasing Tail Golden Ale are talked-up the most and loudest, but what of equally valuable Squatters players like the American Wheat Hefeweizen (it’s German-y!), the Emigration Amber Ale (it’s copper-y!) and Captain Bastard’s Oatmeal Stout (it’s heav-y!)? Spread the love and have another beer, people.147 W. Broadway, 363-2739, Squatters.com
nttt2. Wasatch
nttt3. Uinta
BEST SUBURBAN JOE
ntttttGrounds for Coffee
nttttThe lone Salt Lake City satellite of the Ogden franchise, Grounds for Coffee at 2000 East and 3300 South is a cozy slice of metro bliss in southeast-valley suburbia'cool music, free Wi-Fi, the latest in lefty campaign paraphernalia during election season, open-mic nights, great sushi next door; it’s almost like being downtown, minus the TRAX connection. Oh, and the coffee’s great, too.2005 E. 3300 South, 485-5427, GroundsForCoffee.com
BEST BUTCHER
ntttttSnider Bros.
nttttMeatsName a cut of meat and Snider Bros. will likely have it behind its hard-to-resist glass display. Name how you want it cut or ground, and Snider Bros. transports it to the rear where it will be prepared for your specific needs in nothing flat. Besides having good grades of meat, another area where Snider Bros. doesn’t skimp is with the help, who are many in number, deep in knowledge and fast with a white-paper wrap. There’s no such thing as “one size of stew meat fits all” at Snider Bros. Have it cut the way you want it. Besides the tailored-meat touch, you’ll also find a wide variety of marinated meats, kebabs, side dishes, spices, specialty meats and sausages and'why not?'a sandwich counter, just because. 6245 S. Highland Dr., 272-6469.
BEST ASIAN BABY-BACKS
ntttttTsunami
nttttIn what may be one of Utah’s very best sushi restaurants'you know, those raw-fish places that elicit skittishness from most Utah folk'you can barely resist the temptation to partake of a serving like no other. No, we’re not talking about the deluxe and tasty fish-cheek dish served at Tsunami. We’re talking about the Asian baby-back ribs, as good as any meat dish you’ll find anywhere around. A Hong Kong-native friend swears that if the classy ambience of Tsunami doesn’t knock you down, the combination of the Asian ribs and fish cheek are a one-two punch sure to please'well, the ribs for certain. For now, we trust her on the hamachi (fish cheek). But, we’ll try it soon. Honest.2233 S. Highland Drive, 467-5545
BEST USE OF LIQUID NITROGEN
ntttttSub Zero Ice Cream
nttttWho said science and dessert can’t be happily combined? Here ice cream is made in individual servings by mixing the fresh milk and flavorings, then freezing it with liquid nitrogen. You get to call the shots by choosing low-, medium- or high-fat milk and from a large assortment of flavors. Schools even use the store for field trips to learn about chemical reactions, where students are asked that ever-perplexing question: “How would Santa Claus make ice cream at the North Pole?” 934 N. State, Orem, 801-434-4475, SubZeroIceCream.com
BEST FATTENING FUDGE
ntttttSweet Afton’s
nttttPeople looking for flavor in dense squares of deliciousness will love Sweet Afton’s. It offers more than 60 tasty varieties of home-style, fresh cream and butter fudge including cinnamon, Mars Bar, praline and sugarless. Free samples are available any time. Anti-fudge candy lovers will still find ways to indulge from the assortment of other goodies throughout the shop. Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 South, 562-8831, GardnerVillage.com
