Monsoon Thai Bistro

We should've written about this place a long time ago. It is one of our very favorite restaurants - and the one we've been to the most while living in SLC. If there is one word for Thai food it is "flavor." If your palate is bored, eat Thai. If you want a quick lunch, see our review of Sawade. But for dinner, we suggest Monsoon Thai Bistro.

The decor is lovely, including dining al fresco on a back patio, surrounded by beautiful, shaped trees. The service is friendly and low-key. And the food - of course - the food, is so very good. Here is a list of some of our favorites: Panang Curry- flavorful and spicy; Lemongrass Chicken - really nice mild flavor; Green Curry (Gang Keow Wan) - rich, creamy curry with coconut milk; Pad Thai - classic Thai noodle dish, very yummy (and our kids like it, too!); Spicy Mint Noodles - a nice twist, refreshing, good flavors; Butternut Squash Soup w/ Thai Basil - comfort food defined, with hint of coconut; Masaman Curry - peanutty and coconutty, yum; and Pad Ga Prow - delicious stir fry dish. We've been lucky on occasion, especially on weekday nights, to be given a complimentary appetizer from the kitchen. We don't drink, but understand that the wine list is one of the best (if not the best) in the state. See SLC Magazine's awards.

Monsoon Thai offers 2 for 1 coupons in newspapers quite often. Or click on "Hot Deal" on their website for a printable coupon. Treat yourself and enjoy some really good Thai food.

1615 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108 (801) 583-5339

http://www.monsoonthai.com/

You Glorious Greasy Spoon, You

Our beloved Happenings book has provided many a quick, last-minute, not-in-the-mood-to-cook meal. When our kids are with us, that means a stop at the closest greasy spoon (where the ensuing noise and spillage and chasing won't be as bothersome to other diners as, say, in a place with white tablecloths.) So here are a couple of our favorites:

B&D Burgers

Nestled close to the UofU campus on 13th East, and by our Greek fave Aristos, is B&D Burgers. "Big & Delicious" -- yes, they are. They've newly remodeled the interior, complete with a new TV (for viewing the NBA Playoffs - Go Jazz!) The food is freshly made for you. We routinely order the Mushroom Burger, Pastrami Burger, or the one with avocado on it - Avocado Burger? Great, flame-broiled burgers. The buns are good, too - no Wonder brand buns - they're a little more homestyle, soft and flour-y, locally baked. And we usually add a large order of fries - for the kids, of course. (Nutrition is king in our family.) The fries are just right: large, crisp and soft inside, and plentiful, too. Greasy goodness. And there are gyros, chicken, and a ton of shakes to order as well. Call ahead and they'll have your food ready in 10 minutes. (That helps when you have kids, even if you dine in.) I hear they have a $1 burger on Tuesdays, we'll have to check that out. And skip feeding the parking meter monster on the street, there is parking on the side and rear of B&D.

222 S 1300 ESalt Lake City, UT 84102-2609 Phone: (801) 582-7200

Millie's Burgers

And for a true, old-style, drive-up, greasy delight visit Millie's in Sugarhouse. We've been there a few times now, and it's always busy, and has some devoted customers (who are greeted by their first names upon entering through the swinging glass door.) Here, you get pretty much what you expect. We were looking for cheap food, fast, and were pleasantly surprised, however, to find that their sandwiches (Mushroom Swiss Burger; Chicken Caesar Sandwich) were pretty tasty. Throw in some fries and a chocolate brownie shake (and a lot of water) and you've had yourself a true greasy spoon experience (that only your waistline will regret.) One more recommendation, if you bring your kids, turn right at the magic claw machine (you can only turn right) and head to the table in the back corner -- to barracade yourselves and your darling running screamers. And have fun!

2092 S 1000 ESalt Lake City, UT 84105-3321 Phone: (801) 466-6043

SLC Magazine's Best Restaurants 2008

Each year SLC Magazine hands out awards to the best of the best Restaurants in the area. We haven't been disappointed with their suggestions. You can see the list of winners here.

Top honors this year go to (drumroll) . . . Cucina Toscana. We haven't eaten there yet, but hear it's amazing! Can't wait to try it out!