I’m always looking for new healthy spots to dine out in town. While we definitely like to splurge on food and eat whatever we want from time to time, our main diet is pretty health conscious and light.  Mollie and Ollie is definitely a place you could dine-out to weekly or more and feel great about.

My toddler and I first tried the Strawberry Fields Salad and Green Smoothie, sharing the two and equally fighting over them both.  The strawberry salad is filled with roasted beets, strawberries, broccoli, feta and almonds, tossed in a horseradish vinaigrette.  On our second visit we also tried the Citrus Lime Roasted Garlic Stir Fry which comes with red quinoa, honey brined chicken, kale, green beans, red onions and summer squash in a savory sauce.

Both meals at Mollie and Ollie were equally satisfying and nutritious.  A few tips for eating here: while the menu is pretty awesome and easy to enjoy on its own, you can also create your own bowls and salads, which is great if you’re with a group or have anyone with dietary restrictions or picky palates in your party.  Another thing I noticed is that you can trade out meats on any of the menu items or ask for them to be lightly dressed.   Their meats are all antibiotic-free and their veggies are sourced carefully and seasonally.

Their new peach smoothie is a seasonal item and definitely worth trying but I’m guessing it will only be on the menu for a short time so grab it while you can! I could barely get a taste of it, my kiddo was pretty tight fisted with that one!

Whether your a health conscience person, like myself, or someone with a picky palate, more like my toddler, I think you’ll find something your body and mind will both enjoy at Mollie and Ollie.

A city can never have enough breakfast and brunch spots. At least in my opinion they can’t!  Hub & Spoke Diner just opened in a cosy Salt Lake City neighborhood, and their menu is just as cosy as their food. Chef Phelix Gardner brings a modern spin on Southern Diner foods like Shrimp and Grits, Kentucky Brown and Sweet Potato Pancakes (or flapjacks if your from the South).

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to stray from their breakfast menu (and lucky for me it’s served all day) but if you’re not the breakfast type, there are lots of other great options.  Try their Fried Chicken Salad made with house-made buttermilk ranch, or the Patty Melt with Russian Dressing.  Also, you don’t have to eat like a Southerner here, they also offer plenty of lighter options like their Kale Tabbouleh Salad or the Tuna Melt.

While I’ve already given many reasons to make a visit to Hub & Spoke I’ll leave you with just a few more… pie, boozy milk shakes, and great coffee!  Pastry Chef Courtney McDowell has mastered the Southern classic pies like Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, French Silk, and Banana Cream Pie. Also, who does’t want to try a boozy milk shake, especially when they have flavors like Grasshopper and Irish Coffee.  Speaking of coffee, they serve our very biased favorite La Barba. No need to say more

Hub & Spoke Diner
MONDAY — SUNDAY:  7AM — 9PM
1291 South 1100 East

Though we’ve still been eating well and enjoying our great city to the fullest, our little blog here hasn’t had much attention.  We’ve been spending more time photographing some of the lovely establishments than writing about them.  Our latest project was photographing Pago for their website.  Visit PagoSLC.com to see more of our work, or better yet, go have a meal there!

It was a nice surprise to hear that a restaurant had moved into the old Rino’s building in Sugarhouse but it was an even nicer surprise when we walked into a nicely remodeled dining room with a vine covered patio then had an exquisite surf and turf meal.

A long time Utah resident, Randall Curtis, loves the Sugarhouse neighborhood and had a desire to be a part of change in the city. He along with his partner Taylor Jacobsen, reinvented a long standing fixture of East Bench Sugarhouse, Rino’s Italian Restaurant. They transformed this favorited date night spot into a family friendly place to enjoy steak and seafood. And while Harbor is a place where kids are welcome, its definitely a place you’ll want to book for a special date night.

While Sugarhouse is moving more towards restaurant chains, this new establishment is sourcing locally and sometimes as local as the garden right behind their parking lot.  The quality in flavor could be tasted in many of our dishes.

And for the dishes with seafood we quickly tasted the care of their seafood sources as well. The crab cakes were filled with generous whole pieces of crab so you could really see and taste the crab and the ahi tuna was so fresh it didn’t need much seasoning.

The clam chowder was soothing without being too rich and the entrees were perfectly balanced and portioned. My ahi tuna steak came with garlic mashed potatoes and spicy green beans and I must say that I enjoyed the crispy and flavorful beans as much as the tuna. And I love ahi tuna! Also, the Beef Short Ribs were accompanied by peas with bacon and mint, which almost stole the show, luckily the beef was amazing!

Desserts at Harbor are made by Frank Peissel of Frank’s. His cheesecake was so light and not overly sweet that if you would have told me it was a soufflé I would have believed you and after a perfectly filling meal it was an absolute delight!

Those in the Sugarhouse neighborhood have already found out about Harbor, as it was packed the night we visited but for those of us more close to the city, Harbor Steak and Seafood is definitely worth making a date for. We think you’ll enjoy the nice surprise of good steak and seafood in Sugarhouse as much as we did!

After studying the cocktail menu in the waiting area for a few minutes, we’re taken to a bright corner table by the window. The drink selection is unusual, most of the combinations are interesting twists on traditional cocktails: the Kingston Mule, the Rye Negroni. The liquors are familiar — tequila, gin, rum — but are combined with egg whites or chocolate bitters. Our collective favorite is the Paper Plane, although none of them disappoint.

We start the meal with Truffled Mac and Cheese. The gooey mass is fragrant with sage and Gruyere, and four forks make it disappear far too quickly.

  The common combination of asparagus and egg is similar to what you might find at any number of restaurants, but is perfectly executed.

The menu’s Asian flare is best showcased by sizzling pork belly tacos. They come topped with daikon, chili pickles and cilantro, a filling and tasty version of lettuce wraps.

We are tempted by one more appetizer, the potato salad. It’s no ordinary backyard BBQ fare. The array of colors and textures is surprisingly elegant. White and purple potatoes, slices of egg with vibrant yoke, topped with pieces of chives and bacon (see photo above).

After enjoying the selection of appetizers (and saving a few to try next time – mushroom toast with fontina, kale beet salad with marcona almonds) we manage to find room for burgers. One beef, one black bean. Both are on the hefty side and are served with a generous portion of fries – your choice of flavor- spicy togarashi (red chili pepper), garlic herb, or truffle herb. Fresh aioli is an added bonus. It’s a satisfying end to our meal, although I would have happily tried another round of drinks if it weren’t for an early yoga class the next morning!

You can always expect good music at Rye: it’s owned by the same team that runs next-door music venue Urban Lounge. If you’re lucky enough to be there during a show, you’ll even be treated to live video streaming of the concert!

Rye Diner and Drinks
239 South 500 East
Salt Lake City

While many are flocking to Rye for late night dinner and drinks, we made our first visit in the morning hours, enjoying their breakfast and coffee. 

Rye is a new restaurant and cocktail destination on 500 East right next to Urban Lounge. While they have already gained a great reputation as a place to enjoy the concerts feeding in from next door into their sound system and flat screens, their breakfast menu is definitely one worth taking note of.

The Two Eggs option is simple and satisfying with perfectly cooked eggs to your liking, potatoes, two thick slices of bacon, and your choice of toast. Of course, there are also items to choose that are a little more outside the box like their Breakfast Bowl with pork belly and house-made kimchi over rice and topped with an egg. The Vegan Hash comes with brussels, fingerling potatoes, tempeh, onions and potatoes, which sounds pretty great.  And their Quinoa Bowl was anything but ordinary, with coconut, candied pecans, and fresh fruit. If you require a little more sweetness to your morning out, their Buttermilk Pancakes are served with a whiskey maple sauce and their French Toast comes with a dollop of rich lemon curd.

Of course, all of these dishes are best enjoyed with a cup of hot coffee.  Rye serves Charming Beard coffee at all times of the day.

So, whether you’re a morning person or someone looking for music and a good drink, Rye has you covered!

Rye Diner and Drinks
239 South 500 East
Coffee Bar       Daily – 7AM – 6PM
Brunch             Monday through Friday  – 8AM – 2PM // Saturday – 9AM – 2PM // Sunday – 9AM – 3PM
Dinner              Sunday through Thursday – 6PM – MIDNIGHT  // Friday & Saturday – 6PM – 2AM

If you’ve ever spent time in downtown Salt Lake, especially around the Capitol Theatre, then you’ve probably noticed the art deco stylized Hotel Monaco that houses Bambara Restaurant – an award laden “New American” bistro set in the transformed historic Continental Bank lobby.

This was my second visit to Bambara. My first was in the spring of 2013 where I was wowed at Chef Nathan Powers ability to experiment and create 4 unique dishes inspired by 4 different Epic beers. I couldn’t wait to see what he had up his sleeve this season.

There will be a handful of things that stick out if you’re visiting for the first time. They’ve successfully pulled off a fashionable atmosphere with elements of their past through gestures to the building’s history as a bank through features such as: the safety-deposit box artwork and host stand adorned with pennies, an impressive stainless steel wine cabinet filled with wine bottles dipped in gold, inspired by old safety deposit boxes, and an open, central kitchen that allows you the opportunity to be treated to a show by Chef Powers and his team.

The theme of the evening was, without a doubt, variety. Once you’ve been in Salt Lake for several years, you tend to narrow down your favorite places for certain dishes. I know exactly where to go for an amazing buffalo burger. I have a favorite brick oven pizza place. I’ve recommend a certain pasta carbonara dish at a particular restaurant to everyone I meet. But at Bambara, the most difficult part of the evening was choosing a dish. I overheard the comment “what a great menu…” more than once. I shared a table with 15 others diners and as our server went through the menu of appetizers and entrees, each description was accompanied by oooh’s and ahhh’s of delight. Everything sounded divine so we agreed to each choose something different so we could taste a little bit of everything.

The starters came out and we demolished them in seconds. Blue Cheese House Cut Potato Chips, Crab Stuffed Piquillo Peppers and Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Tartare.

Then came the entrees. The seafood choices were incredibly varied – from seared King Salmon to grilled Utah Red Trout. There was an amazing Ricotta Porcini Gnocchi and a Grilled Filet of Beef. I went with the Riesling Braised Duroc Pork Shank with asparagus-mascarpone risotto, tempura asparagus and Meyer lemon-asparagus chimichurri.

When each of our dishes came out, we all became incredible competitive – claiming that each of our dishes was by far the best. It was only when we taste-tested each other’s choices, we discovered it was a draw – they were all phenomenal.

The dessert highlight was Rebecca’s Filo Crisp – port soaked sun dried cherries, brown butter ice cream, caramelized pine nuts.

It was fun to discover a place where a great menu delivers even better results. Bambara is the perfect place for your family or group of friends with varied palates and tastes.

Notes:

20+ Gluten Free or Can Be Made Gluten Free Options

Impressive wine and cocktail menu

Starters range from $8-$18

Entrees range from $24-$44

Bambara is located on Main Street at 200 South

Bambara Restaurant Website

Bambara on Facebook

We’ve had a couple of really nice meals since having Everett and they both happen to be from Pago.  We actually were spoiled when a friend brought Pago take-out to us right after Everett was born.  As I often remember seasons of life with the food we enjoyed, I think I’ll look back on these first few months of Everett’s life and remember sitting around the table with Josh, Everett in my arms, slightly sleep deprived, and tasting some truly amazing flavors that are being offered at Pago.

Here are some of the tastes that will be forever linked in my mind with summer and fall 2013:

Carrot Tasting: an assortment carrots- raw, confit, pickled, and pureed with mascarpone.

Gnocchi with Smoked Tomato Nage, Corn, Mushrooms and Parmesan Cheese. (I also learned that a nage is a emulsion or reduced & enhanced liquid)

Utah Morgan Valley Lamb with bright green pea falafel, carrots roasted in chermoula (a spicy Middle Eastern sauce), and lime marinated cucumbers with citrus yogurt.

And as a special treat the chef brought us out something he’s trying for the upcoming season – Caramelized fennel and figs with lamb bacon over popcorn grits.  If you frequent PAgo enough the chef often sends you samples of his latest creations (more reason to be a regular diner at Pago).

Peach Pie with Brown Butter Ice Cream.

For more details on our dinner at Pago pick up the latest issue of In Magazine.

Pago
878 South 900 East
Lunch: Monday – Friday 11am – 3pm
Dinner: Monday – Sunday 5pm – 10pm
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 10am – 2:30pm
Closed 3pm-5pm daily.

Lately, we’ve been doing a lot of good dining in the Avenues neighborhood.  We’ve been brunching at Avenues Bistro and having dinner at Avenues Proper.  Avenues Proper opened up in April and we got their as soon as we could. Although their menu doesn’t scream family friendly, with it’s duck fat popcorn and elk carpaccio, we discovered quite a few families enjoying a weekend meal here.  And the beer is some of the best 3.2 beer around and the brew master will continue to come up with new creations as two of his four taps will be rotating on his call.

Some of our favorites off their menu include the duck fat popcorn, mussels in coconut herb broth served with twice-fried fries, and the chicken and waffles with house-made chicken sausage.

Check out our full write up on Avenues Proper in this month’s In Magazine.

Avenues Proper
376 8th Avenue

Eva’s – a small enclosed patio behind the restaurant with twinkle lights strung above the wire tables
Ruth’s Diner – a recently expanded large outdoor dining area with live music and barbecue on Thursday nights
Silver Fork Lodge – a deck surrounded by aspens with an excellent mountain view
Cafe Niche -an urban patio that’s great for weekend brunch or late night dessert
Cafe Trio – a large shaded patio prefect for dinner outside
Diva’s – a beautiful patio and garden perfect for a coffee date, brunch, lunch, or dinner
Tony Caputo’s – urban patio and open air seating, great for a sunny day and people-watching at the Saturday Market
Em’s Restaurant – a neighborhood patio with beautiful plants and nice shade, great for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch
Finn’s Cafe – covered retro diner-style patio serving Swedish food
Porcupine Grill – a pub near the Cottonwood Canyons with a very popular deck
Caffe Molise – Italian courtyard patio with covered vines
Finca – spanish tapas on a small side patio
Pago – fine dining and brunch on a urban patio
Fresco – romantic vine covered neighborhood patio serving upscale Italian food
Oasis Cafe – courtyard patio with fountain and fireplace serving up brunch, lunch and dinner
Faustina – covered urban patio filled with flowers and bright colors specializing in brunch and dinner
Avenues Proper – neighborhood gastro-pub with covered patio
Avenues Bistro – garden style patio serving brunch all day
Copper Onion – urban patio with Parisian style seating and gourmet American favorites
Plum Alley – modern patio serving haute Asian cuisine into the late night hours
Log Haven – mountain-side patio in Millcreek Canyon offering a fine dining menu
Cucina – neighborhood deli with a patio in the Avenues
Pallet – hip downtown patio serving upscale American food
Nuch’s – Italian restaurant with a patio in the Millcreek neighborhood
Cliff House – gastro-pub in Draper offering comfort food
Garden Cafe – lunch, brunch and dinner at The Grand America hotel with a luxury patio
Gourmandise – urban patio offering French bakery foods and late night dessert, wine and coffee
Frida Bistro – upscale Mexican food with a street side covered patio
The Rose Establishment – hip downtown patio coffee shop

Also, here’s a list of Dog Friendly Restaurants with patios around Salt Lake.

Where is your favorite place to dine al fresco in Salt Lake?