Corporate Cuisine Awards

Best Kept Secret
Frida Bistro

Frida Bistro’s tag line, “make love to our food,” is as enticing as its Mexican dishes. Named for Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, this restaurant keeps her spirit of art and expression alive with its handmade tortillas and dishes like New York Steak served with a tamarind ancho chilli glaze and Camarones Diego served with a cactus salad. “It’s got the WOW factor,” says one reader. “You have no idea what you’re in for and it blows you away every time!”

Best Steak
Spencer’s

Our readers say Spencer’s offers “quality meat cooked just right,” and that the “presentation and preparation are PERFECT.” They are most likely referring to its USDA prime-grade steaks that are aged, hand cut and “seared to perfection” in a 1600-degrees broiler, or one of its flavorful New York strips, tender filet mignons or outstanding bone-in rib eyes. Spencer’s also knows how to complement its steaks—as one reader points out, the restaurant has a “terrific wine list to go along with a beautiful steak.” Another suggests, “You’ve tried the steaks, now try the rest.”

Best Ethnic Restaurant
Mazza

Falafel, shawarma and kebabs are served up regularly at Mazza, as well as its Middle Eastern beers and wines. Our readers say it has “exciting foods with interesting flavors in appropriate portions,” and, ”fantastic, well-executed and healthy food.” Sandwiches and dishes like “Lamb Sfiha,” a Middle Eastern mini pizza, usually appeal to those looking for a food closer to home. Mazza offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, like its veggie kebab and falafel balls. Along with its fresh cuisine, our readers say Mazza serves up sincere hospitality.

Best Company Party
Log Haven

Log Haven not only offers a meal, but an experience with its mountain setting and one-of-a-kind food. One of our readers asks, “Have you ever been on the patio in late spring with a waterfall to your side and some Morgan Valley Lamb in front of you?” Sitting on 40 private acres of the Wasatch National Forest, Log Haven offers many options of indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a menu with items such as Grilled Bison Bavettte Steak, Gold Creek Farms Smoked Cheddar Barley and Frozen Coconut Soufflé.

Best Meeting and Event Venue
The Grand America Hotel

“Mr. and Mrs. Holding felt that Salt Lake City deserved to have this wonderful property built to accommodate the jet-set travelers or a family weekend getaway, as well as the large convention or local nonprofit fundraiser,” says Cariann Layton, director of catering and convention services. With more than 75,000 square feet of meeting space, The Grand America Hotel has a place for every type of meeting—whether you need a ballroom to accommodate up to 2,000 guests or an intimate setting for a small group, The Grand America’s staff and ambience of sparkling chandeliers and decor from around the world may be the best place for your next meeting or event.

Best Place to Impress
Corbin’s Grille

In addition to its white almond wood-grilled cuisine, Corbin’s is known for its 25-foot water wall that runs through the center of the restaurant and its original paintings and interior design. Before opening his restaurant, Jake Garn went on a restaurant tour and tried different kinds of wood for grilling—everything from oak to mesquite to apple. “I loved the sweet smoky flavor that came from white almond wood,” Garn says. “It’s definitely my favorite wood to cook over.” Garn has this wood specially shipped from California.