dining guide Finca The spirit of Spain is alive and well on the plate at this modern tapateria. Scott Evans, owner of Pago, and chef Phelix Gardner translate their love of Spain into food that ranges from authentically to impressionistically Spanish, using as many local ingredients as possible. 1291 S. 1100 East, SLC, 801-487-0699. EGM – N Franck’s Founding chef Franck Peissel’s
influence can still be tasted—personal interpretations of continental classics. Some—like the meatloaf—are perennials, but mostly the menu changes according to season and the chef’s whim. 6263 S. Holladay Blvd., 801-274-6264. EGN
La Caille Utah’s showplace has been
revived and renewed. The extravagant setting and grounds are as impressive as ever, but the kitchen has taken on new life and commitment to fresh, local ingredients (take a look at the gardens, greenhouse and vineyard) and inventive, French-influenced cuisine. 9565 Wasatch Blvd., Sandy, 801942-1751. EGN$
Paris Bistro Welcome the return of true French cuisine via escargots, confit, duck, daube and baked oysters, steak and moules frites and a beautifully Gallic wine list. The
Zinc Bar remains the prime place to dine. 1500 S. 1500 East, SLC, 801-486-5585. EGN
Indian
Bombay House This biryani mainstay is sublimely satisfying, from the wise-cracking Sikh host to the friendly server, from the vegetarian entrées to the tandoor’s carnivore’s delights. No wonder it’s been Salt Lake’s favorite subcontinental restaurant for 20 years. 2731 E. Parley’s Way, SLC, 801-581-0222; 463 N. University Ave., Provo, 801-373-6677; 7726 Campus View Dr., West Jordan, 385-259-2014. EGM – N Copper Bowl Another excellent Indian restaurant, Copper Bowl is a chic restaurant, upscale and classy, with a full bar and an adventurous menu compared with most local Indian eateries. The buffet is the prettiest in town. 214 W. 600 South, SLC, 801-532-2232. EGM Curry in a Hurry The Nisar family’s
restaurant is tiny, but fast service and fair prices make this a great take-out spot. But if you opt to dine in, there’s always a Bollywood film on the telly. 2020 S. State St., SLC, 801-467-4137. GL
Himalayan Kitchen SLC’s premier Indian-Nepalese restaurant features origi-
nal art, imported copper serving utensils and an ever-expanding menu. Start the meal with momos, fat little dumplings like pot-stickers. All the tandoor dishes are good, but Himalayan food is rare, so go for the quanty masala, a stew made of nine different beans. 360 S. State St., SLC, 801328-2077. EGM
Kathmandu Try the Nepalese specialties, including spicy pickles to set off the tandoor-roasted meats. Both goat and sami, a kibbeh-like mixture of ground lamb and lentils, are available in several styles. 3142 S. Highland Dr., SLC, 801-466-3504. EGM Royal India Northern Indian tikka masalas and Southern Indian dosas allow diners to enjoy the full range of Indian cuisine. 10263 S. 1300 East, Sandy, 801-572-6123; 55 N. Main St., Bountiful, 801-292-1835. EGL – M DINING
2014 AWARD
Saffron Valley East India Cafe
Lavanya Mahate has imported her style of Indian cooking from South Jordan to SLC. Besides terrific lunch Hall OF and dinner menus, East Indian Cafe offers Fame SLM regular celebrations of specialties like Indian street food or kebabs. Stay tuned. East India Cafe, 26 East St., SLC, 801-203-3325. EGM – N
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