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New Kids on tHe Block
What's new and tasty in Salt Lake City dining.
By Ted Scheffler
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The past couple of years have been a bonanza for food and drink lovers in Salt Lake City. Never before has such a concentration of excellent restaurants opened their doors, nor have we seen such culinary diversity. Menus spanning the globe—from pizza, sandwiches and pasta to ceviche, ramen, pho, dim sum, Mexican street tacos and Indian are now the norm on the Salt Lake City dining scene, rather than the exception. Here are a few of the new kids on the block that are worth your attention.
Alamexo Mexican Kitchen
Modern-Mex might be the best way to describe the vibe and cuisine at Alamexo. The ambiance combines contemporary design with classical Mexican themes, and so does the menu. AnoutstandingAlamexo starter is the a fresh-made tamale with seared shrimp and silky chipotle-cream salsa.Don't miss the poblano: two enchiladas filled with tender pulled pork seasoned with avocado leaf, then baked in a rich, dark poblano sauce and topped with fresh Mexican cheese, white onion and toasted sesame seeds. 268 S. State, 801-779-4747, Alamexo.com
- John Taylor
- The Annex by Epic Brewing
The Annex by Epic Brewing
When is a brewpub not a brewpub? When the food is as distinctive and delicious as it is at The Annex, where menu items like steelhead trout with Beluga lentils, herb-fried chicken with fried green tomatoes, and Niman Ranch beef tartare mingle with selections such as steamed Bouchot mussels and housemade tagliatelle with beef-cheek ragout. And, of course, an epic selection of Epic brews is always available, to boot. 1048 E. 2100 South, 801-742-5490, TheAnnexByEpicBrewing.com
Beer Bar
When Ty Burrell decided to open Beer Bar with his partners, he wanted to keep the menu simple: mostly sausages in their many-splendored forms. So, customers select from a bevy of handmade artisan sausages, with flavors ranging from curry bratwurst, Mediterranean turkey, and lamb with herbs, to buffalo with chipotle, hot Louisiana and vegetarian. Pick a brew from the massive beer list, and you're on your way. 161 E. 200 South, 801-355-2287
- John Taylor
- Bistro 222
Bistro 222
The ambiance at Bistro 222 is as snazzy and modern as the food is comforting. Chef Dave Bible's inviting menu offers up stick-to-the-ribs dishes like lamb osso buco, buttermilk fried chicken, five-spice pork and beans, and Utah Red Trout, along with a selection of can't miss wood-fired-oven pizzas. At lunchtime, it's hard to resist the pot roast sandwich made with braised Wagyu beef. 222 S. Main, 801-456-0347, Bistro-222.com
Boulevard Bistro
This restaurant's low-key exterior doesn't really prepare you for what's inside: a gleaming, inviting dining room with modern art and contemporary furnishings; a long, sleek bar; and turquoise placemats on each granite tabletop. The Pacific calamari is reallygood, and the pan-seared red trout looks like a work of art, sitting on a rectangular plate with curved corners: a large fillet drizzled with brown butter and topped with hazelnuts and capers. 1414 S. Foothill Drive (Foothill Village), 801-953-1270, BoulevardBistroFoothill.com
Del Mar al Lago
Del Mar al Lago is justifiably well-known for its outstanding fresh ceviche. However, there's a lot more going on here than delectable citrus-marinated seafood. Try the for instance: strips of beef marinated in soy sauce, vinegar and Peruvian spices, then stir-fried with onions and tomatoes. It's heaven with a Pisco sour to sip alongside. 310 Bugatti Drive, 801-467-2890
Dim Sum House
They say about dim sum: "You win some; you lose some." But not at Dim Sum House, where the dim sum dishes are all winners. House faves include the porridge-like soup ; delicate shrimp dumplings known as pork buns; pan-fried scallion pancakes; chicken feet (yes, I said ); and scrumptious rice-flour rolls. 1158 S. State, 801-359-3838, DimSumHouseSLC.com
Eva's Bakery
This cozy French-style brings a little slice of Paris to our town. Owner Charlie Perry and his talented team make rustic breads such as Kalamata olive loaves and crunchy baguettes starting with nothing more than organic local flour, water and salt. Those tasty breads are the basis for the decadent open-face croque monsieur, but you'll also find personal-size pizzas, muffins, sandwiches, croissants, cookies, pastries and much more at Eva's, including wine. 155 S. Main, 801-355-3942, EvasBakerySLC.com
