Tickets are now on sale for the Aug. 2 Taste of the Nation, a benefit for the anti-hunger organization, Share Our Strength. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Solitude resort and includes food samples from dozens of Utah's most popular restaurants. More than a dozen Utah pastry chefs will stock the dessert booth with sweet treats, including cupcakes, panna cotta, petit fours, tarts, chocolate-dipped fruit and cookies. Live music and a silent auction round out the event. All proceeds will be given to Utah Food Bank Services, Utahns Against Hunger and The Ogden Weber Community Action Partnership. Tickets are $75, general admission; $125 reserved seating, if purchased in advance. Group discounts are available. Purchase at www. tasteofthenation.org/utah, or call 801-328-2561. Tickets are also available at Liberty Heights Fresh, 1242 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City; or Snider's Brothers Meats, 6245 S. Highland Dr., Holladay.
Recipes from the Heart
Operation STEM-ulus is another way to help those who are less fortunate. Purchase a copy of Recipes from the Heart , a collection of 386 recipes created by U.S. Food service employees, and proceeds will be donated to Feeding America. The national nonprofit will use the money to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for food pantries across the country. Normally, $24.99, the cookbook is now just $14.99 through Oct. 15 at www.fullplatesfulllives.com.
Two new farmers' markets
On Aug. 1, the Utah Farm Bureau will kick-off a new Saturday Farmers' Market at the South Jordan City Building, 10610 S. Redwood Road. The market will run every Saturday through October from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Farm Bureau's Murray Market starts July 31 at Murray Central Park, 100 E. 5200 South. It will run Fridays and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 31. For information, call the Utah Farm Bureau, 801-233-3010.
Sub shop gets remodel
New owners of a Port of Subs franchise in St. George have recently finished remodeling the building. Owners Greg Reeves and Mike Stewart, who previously worked in real estate, have added new menu boards, earth-toned paint and decorative lighting and a new "griller" machine in the kitchen. In addition, they've designated a wall for Pine View High School students to post activities and events. The restaurant, located at 875 W. Redcliff Dr., in the Albertson's shopping center, is currently Utah's only Port of Subs franchise. It's open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For information, visit www.portofsubsonline.com.
Utahn wins sweepstakes
Candace Taylor, of Salt Lake City, is the winner of Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill Go Fish Sweepstakes. She received a $1,000 gift card to Sportsman's Warehouse. As part of the sweepstakes, held in conjunction with Utah's Free Fishing Day on June 6, Rubio's gave away nearly 3,000 fish tacos.
Healthy restaurants
Parents magazine recently selected the country's 10 Best Fast-Casual Family restaurants. Unfortunately, only four of the 10 chains have locations in Utah: Jason's Deli; Noodles & Company; Fazoli's; and Taco Del Mar. The two-month survey examined nutrition information from 50 restaurant chains nationwide. Restaurants were selected for having a healthy kids' menu, family-friendly conveniences, and overall value. If you're traveling and want to try other top chain restaurants, they are: Cosi, Panera Bread, Zpizza, Atlanta Bread, Corner Bakery Café and McAlister's Deli. For details, visit www.parents.com/bestfastrestaurants.
