This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Even in the dining world, there's nothing more reassuring than a familiar face. During the past few months, the Salt Lake Valley has gained five new eateries all created by entrepreneurs and restaurateurs whom residents already know and appreciate.

From South American empanadas and Indian chai to East Coast hoagies, Southern-style biscuits and limeade and European pub fare, here's the rundown of these new places by familiar faces.

After six years selling at the Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market, Ana Valdemoros has developed a loyal following of customers who seek out her Argentinian empanadas. Now they can get these savory, hand-held treats all year long at her new shop in Salt Lake City. Open barely a month, Valdemoros offers five staple flavors: traditional and lemon beef, roast chicken, spinach and feta, and egg-filled breakfast empanadas. She also plans to have daily specials such as the popular spicy lamb, and ham and cheese. The menu at Argentina's Best also includes two desserts: traditional alfajores cookies and dulce de leche mil hojas or "1,000 layers," made with puff pastry and meringue.

Details • 357 S. 200 East, Salt Lake City; 801-815-0690 or argentinasbestslc.com. Open Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Prices • $3 for one empanada or $5 for 2; desserts $2.50-$5

Lavanya Mahate, owner of Saffron Valley Indian restaurants in South Jordan and Salt Lake, has added this chai house to her restaurant group. The menu specializes in hot and cold chai, with more than a dozen flavors on the menu. Food items include Brekkie pots (poached eggs and saucy beans), smoothies and oatmeal for breakfast; and open-faced sandwiches, wraps, panini, soups and sides for lunch and dinner. Biscotts also offers a selection of European-style cakes, pastries, cookies and savory treats. The baked goods are made with less sugar and fat and come in exotic flavors such as mango, pistachio, green tea and five spice. Mahate recently bought the grocery store next door (formerly India Spice Land) and is in the process of turning it into an Indian-inspired market.

Details • 1098 W. South Jordan Parkway, #110, South Jordan; 801-890-0659 or biscotts.com. Open Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Prices • $2-$8

Pizza lovers have been devouring the thin-crust, New York-style pizzas at Este Pizzeria since the original Salt Lake City shop opened in Sugar House in 2004. But owner Dave Heiblim likes other foods, too, and was missing the sandwiches he ate as a kid. With the help of friend and New York native Rob Reinfurt, he started Este Deli, where they pay homage to their favorite East Coast hoagies, like the fried chicken cutlet with housemade coleslaw; the roast pork with sautéed broccoli rabe, red peppers and sharp provolone; or the Pittsburgh, a hot pastrami, with provolone, slaw and fries inside the bread. Hot and cold sandwiches are available in 6- or 12-inch sizes. There also are salads, starters — like fried pickles and Este's popular buffalo wings — as well as hamburgers and a hot dog.

Details • 1702 Main St., Salt Lake City; 801-487-3354 or estepizzaco.com. Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday Sat 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Prices • $6 to $13

Hasen Cone has been selling Sweet Lake mint limeade at the Downtown Farmers Market for 12 years. About a month ago, he and his wife, Teri Rosquist, opened a brick-and-mortar store in Sugar House and expanded their menu to include Southern-style biscuit sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Try the Hoss with fried chicken, egg, bacon, cheddar and sausage gravy; or the vegetarian T-Rose with portobello mushroom, egg, asparagus, cheddar and mushroom gravy. There also are salads and an expanded line of limeade in unique flavors like habanero and honeydew cucumber.

Details • 54 W. 1700 South, Salt Lake City; 801-997-9220 or sweetlakeslc.com. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Prices • $7-$11; kids menu available

This new restaurant in Salt Lake City's 15th and 15th neighborhood is the fifth eatery for the Pago Restaurant group, which also includes Pago, Finca, East Liberty Tap House and Hub and Spoke Diner. The casual, no-reservations pub — where Fresco Italian used to be — is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The European menu includes Hungarian chicken paprikash over spaetzle noodles, pierogies, the Trestle Burger, salads and soups as well as house-made pretzels and paczki — sugar doughnuts filled with jam.

Details • 1513 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City; 801-532-3372 or trestletavern.com. Open daily, from 5 to 10 p.m.

Prices • Starters $6-$8; mains $10-16