Bambara hires new executive chef

Nathan Powers, a 1993 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a self-described "ski-bum" is the new executive chef at Bambara, in downtown Salt Lake City. He replaces Dave Jones, who has returned to Log Haven.

Powers will debut his first menu in early 2009, but in the next few weeks diners can see what's to come through nightly specials. He admits to loving "all things Burgundian" (steak frites with Béarnaise is a favorite). But his menus will continue the restaurant's New American fare, including seafood and game.

Most of Powers' culinary career has been spent in San Francisco, namely at Stars, Hawthorne Lane and Farallon. After a stint in Lake Tahoe, he returned to San Francisco and joined the Kimpton Group. He most recently worked at the Bambara in Cambridge, Mass.

Tell us about holiday dinner menus

Utah restaurants serving meals on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year's Day should submit details about their holiday dinners to The Tribune by the end of business today for inclusion in an upcoming dining listing. Send the menu, dinner hours and prices to food@sltrib.com

Fresh twist on holiday treats

Holiday Classics with a Twist, a brochure featuring recipes for peppermint candy spritz, soft almond cookies, festive cranberry upside-down cake, chunky caramel popcorn and red velvet mini cupcakes, can be downloaded at landolakes.com. Consumers also can call 800-837-7702 through Dec. 31, 2008, to request a brochure.

Strategies for curbing your appetite

Janet and Greta Podleski, authors of Eat, Shrink & Be Merry, offer these weight-maintenance tricks for the holidays.

» Eat before you meet. A half hour before a party, dilute your appetite with a hard-boiled egg, some yogurt, or nuts.

» Make it splurge-worthy. Before you splurge on high-calorie indulgence, rate the food on a scale of 1 to 10. If don't waste the calories on anything less than a 9 or 10.

» Use small plates, take small portions: Have everything you like, but have a little of it.

» Be a double-fisted drinker. Have a glass of water for each alcoholic beverage you drink.

» Arrive in mint condition. Eat a breath mint strip before you hit the appetizer table. It dulls your taste buds and makes you a more popular guest.

» Gobble white turkey meat. It contains tryptophan, which improves mood and helps you resist cravings for starches and sweets.

» Move. Bump up your physical activity so you can afford to enjoy the great food.

» Dress for success. Wear snug-fitting clothes that don't allow for expansion. It will remind you not to overindulge.