Brandon Burt: Speaking of scary giant shrimp (mentioned in Ted Scheffler’s dining review “Swiss Cheese,” Jan. 29, City Weekly), I was stunned by a Dublin Bay prawn once. It was at a Midvale Vietnamese restaurant named Mekong café (7777 S. State) in about 1994 with my friends Lou and Noreen. The menu item was “shrimp on a stick” and I remember we laughed, “Shouldn’t it be ‘shrimps on sticks?” No. We each got one shrimp and one stick, and one was enough for anybody. That thing was a monster! I’d never before been served anything with its head still intact. Nowadays, I doubt I’d be so squeamish, but I was na%uFFFDve and inexperienced.
Jennifer Nixon: While preparing for an upcoming adventure, I went in search of edible camping food. The problem with most “instant”-type foods is that they’re loaded with preservatives and unpronounceable ingredients. My search yielded only a few foods that were palatable; most were not! One option that stood out from the rest was an organic company called Mary Jane’s farms (BackCountryFood.org). Not only was the food delicious, nutritious and not outrageously priced, but the packaging was eco-friendly. After cooking the self-contained meal, the packaging can be burned safely in the wilderness, thus leaving nothing to pack out. I tried its Organic Rice & Tofu with Ginger Miso Broth and the Organic Ginger Sesame Pasta. Both were surprisingly delectable. I would recommend them to any camper looking for easy and delicious adventure foods.
Larry carter: So, I had never heard of a chicken Philly sandwich until I ate at Joni’s deli (52 E. 1700 South). I have to admit, it is to die for. The food at Joni’s is always hot and fresh, made to order with a wide variety of deli subs, homemade soups, chips, fries and salads. Don’t mind the lines; it’s worth the wait, just ask anyone there!
Nick clark: I took my wife out to lunch downtown the other day. A self-described hamburger connoisseur, it didn’t take much to talk her into esther’s cafe (30 E. Broadway). It did take some effort to talk her out of the place. I believe we’ll return soon for a meal of Esther’s these-were-potatoes-a-second-ago french fries.
Steven Wells: The wife and I ate at the himalayan Kitchen (73 E. 400 South) last week and had amazing samosas, extremely tasty steamed momos, the best damn naan, and what I think is hands-down the tastiest chicken curry in town. Oh, yeah: I also had me a few large Taj Mahals … mmm, beer. And the staff is about as pleasant and helpful as any you could find.
Susan Kruithof: I truly cannot get enough Indian food. It is my favorite. So I was thrilled to eat at ganesh (777 Fort Union Blvd., Midvale) a couple weeks ago with our wonderful managing editor Jerre Wroble and her boyfriend John. Extra-special was the fact that we were entertained by a belly dancer. It was really an enjoyable show. Not in your face, just relaxing. And the food: delicious. Out of all the dishes we had, the chicken korma was my top pick. Well, it was actually Jerre’s pick, but luckily she shared. Rich and buttery curry goodness!
Holly Mullen: Get thee quickly, before the height of citrus season ends, to liberty heights fresh (1242 S. 1100 East). Buy an organically grown orange from Olsen Organic Farms, based in Lindsey, Calif. Savor it slowly. Compact, of equal or lesser value. not valid with any other offer. dine-in only. offer valid mon - thurs with coupon only. not valid holidays.expires 2.26.09 reservations recommended open monday - saturday 5-10pm 707 e. fort union blvd., midvale • 801.748.1300 sweet and with more juice than should be legal. At $1.99 a pound, these oranges are not cheap. Treat yourself!
Andrea Moore: I have to say I really like iggy’s. I live on the west side and it’s hard to find a restaurant that isn’t a chain. Iggy’s in Jordan Landing (7268 S. Plaza Center Dr.) has consistently good food. I especially enjoy the chicken balls (Iggy’s name, not mine), the calzones and many of their other sandwiches and pizzas. There is also have a decent selection of microbrews, although since getting pregnant, I’m only allowed to eyeball my husband’s beer. Iggy’s should be on your list if you’re on the west side craving good beer and good food.
