Settebello, named for the most sought after card in the popular Italian card game Scopa, is a wonderful new restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City. Now, although Settebello is a pizzeria, it is most definitely not “just another pizzeria”. Settebello is different. They are a certified member of Vera Pizza Napoletana, or true Neapolitan pizza. While they are the only VPN member in Utah, this is not too surprising, as there are only 16 VPN members in the United States as a whole. For more information about Vera Pizza Napoletana, see the quote from their website at the end of this post.

A true Italian Pizza, these are each handmade, are never greasy, and have that wonderful wood-fired taste. The flavors of the ingredients all come through in each bite. Bright and clean, these pizzas are fantastic! Don’t expect to find a pepperoni or meat lovers pizza here. No deep dish either. You will find only real crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, fresh mozzarella, and other classic ingredients like salami, prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, olives, pine nuts, anchovies, or mushrooms. A more Italian pizza, you will not find anywhere. At least not in the US.

I have been to Sam Hawk several times now, and I have never been disappointed with the food. The have great appetizers, like the traditional Korean seafood or green onion and kimchi pancakes, and maki-sushi like rolls containing korean ingredients. Their Bulgogi and Daeji (pork) Bulgogi are excellent. Their Kimchi Jigae (a very spicy, very hot (it’s served while still boiling) soup or stew made from kimchi, red pepper, pork and some vegetables) is also fantastic. They also serve japchae (Korean chop suey), Duk Mandu Guk (another Korean soup), and many other soups, noodle dishes, and various meats and seafood.

Good sushi is one of the few foods that can be as healthy as it is delicious. Those who know Joe and I know that we love sushi. I am enamored of the food not just because it’s tasty, but also because of how it looks and how it makes my body feel. Sushi really is an art form. Well prepared sushi is a beautiful thing to behold, and it pleases the eye whilst pleasing the palate.

Because I am such a fan of sushi, I have eaten in many, many sushi restaurants. One of the restaurants I frequent is The Happy Sumo at the Riverwoods in Provo (there is also a Salt Lake location in the Gateway). The reason I go back to this place is because it is much closer to my office than either Yapona or Tsunami, and because it is occasionally very good. Usually, however, it is mediocre.

A recent find (introduced to me by Joe), Phở Green Papaya has become my absolute favorite Vietnamese restaurant. The ingredients are fresh, the atmosphere is classy, and the service is impeccable. There is an incredible variety of selections on their six page menu. Although I have by no means tried them all, everything I have tried has been top notch. Their prices are reasonable too — my most recent meal, consisting of tea, an appetizer, and a large bowl of phở, came to less than $19, including a generous tip.

When you go, start with an appetizer. Though not typical Vietnamese fare, their chicken satays are fantastic — coconutty, lightly sweet, moist and tender. I like the fresh spring rolls (Gỏi cuốn), but their crispy, deep fried rolls (Chả giò) are also excellent.

Before I exult the requisite and wholly deserved praise on China Buffet, I’ll start by sharing my brief challenge to classify it.

• Is it a Sh–hole? No… There was no visible feces.
• More of a Hole in the Wall? Close, but it’s actually quite large and maintains a stable brisk base of lunch customers
• Lunch Room? Hrmm… Lunch room… A room where “lunch” can be purchased? Yes! That’s it!

Wallabys Smokehouse, on State St. in Lindon, is a popular place for barbecue in Utah County. I am a fan of Wallabys, I must admit. I’ve been going there for years, and although they are not the “Southern Style” barbecue that I love so much, they do turn out some mean ribs and pulled pork. [...]

While dining at a delicious, but unnamed here, Chinese restaurant, Jason approached the waitress to find out if there was anywhere in the county to get Dim Sum. She said no. There is not. A minute later, she returned and motioned us closer so she could tell us of Four Seasons Hotpot and Dumplings in [...]