Welcome Flora

The restaurant space at 2335 Murray Holladay Road, Holladay has had many incarnations over the years, including Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard Cafe. Now the space welcomes Flora, a new restaurant specializing in modern American cuisine. Chef/owner Bryan Ruby's menu includes New York Strip, organic Shetland salmon, Carolina barbecue baby back ribs and chicken with house-made spinach linguine, priced between $15-$21. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch; and 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner. Ruby, who started his culinary career in Mobile, Ala., has worked at numerous Utah restaurants, including Rivers and The Aerie at Snowbird. For more information or reservations, call 801-432-8345.

Steakhouse in Midway

Z Chop Haus, a European-style steakhouse, recently opened at Zermatt Resort, 784 West Resort Drive, in Midway. Specialties include pork tenderloin schnitzel, broiled lobster, 21-Day dry-aged beef ribeye and Chateaubriand for two. Entree prices range from $16-$48. Joey Pesner, a graduate of the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Ore., is the executive chef. He most recently served as Executive Chef at South Seas Island Resort in Captiva Island, Fla. Z Chop Haus has a full bar and offers live piano music Friday and Saturday nights. Open Wednesday-Saturday at 5 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or reservations, call 435-657-0180.

Eating petite at Al Forno's

Al Forno's Italian restaurant in Salt Lake City recently updated its menu. One of the most impressive changes — especially in this day of overeating — is its new petite pasta servings. Any of the 16 regular pasta dishes can be ordered in a petite size for $8.40-$9.70. Regular pasta prices range from $12.95 to $14.95. The restaurant, located at 239 S. 500 East, also is offering an early-bird special from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for $12.95. It includes soup or salad and choice of fettuccini with prawns, spaghetti and meatballs or chicken piccatta. For more information or to make reservations, call 801-359-6040.

Black Widow closes

After only a year in business, The Black Widow Cafe at 837 East 2100 South, Salt Lake City, has closed.

Pop up restaurant

Tickets are still available for the next 10-course modernist dinner being offered by chef Katie Weinner at SLC Pop, a new pop-up restaurant concept.

When • Saturday, Aug. 25, 6:45 p.m.

Where • Fergusen Kitchen Showroom, 2565 S. 300 West, Salt Lake City

Cost • $75 per person, includes tax. Tip additional. Wine is BYOB

Info • http://www.slcpop.com

French cheese and wine

Cécile Delannes, U.S. Representative of the French Cheese Club, and Utah wine educator Sheral Schowe join forces for a class on French cheese and wine. Six wines will be paired with iconic cheeses.

When • Saturday, Aug. 18, 6:30 p.m.

Where • Harmons Bangerter Crossing, 125 E. 13800 South, Draper; 801-617-0133

Cost • $59, pre-registration required

Info • Visit harmonsgrocery.com, click on the Cooking School link.

Snowbird's Oktoberfest

Snowbird's annual Oktoberfest, now in its 40th year, kicks off this weekend with live music, dancing, German food and children's activities.

When • Saturday and Sundays from Aug. 18-Oct. 7, noon to 6 p.m., including on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3.

Where • Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, 9600 Little Cottonwood Canyon Road

Cost • Free admission, various prices for food

Details • Free aerial tram rides to active and past military personnel and their families, as well as a discounted lodging for opening weekend.

Deals at Liberty Heights

Salt Lake City's Liberty Heights Fresh Market will give customers 19 percent off their entire purchase as part of its 19th-anniversary celebration. The gourmet market has a wide selection of imported vinegars, condiments, sauces, pastas, jams, honeys, nut butters and cookies.

When • Monday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where • Liberty Heights Fresh, 1290 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City.

Details • 801-583-7374

Port tasting

Learn more about port wine from Oscar Quevedo owner of Quevedo Port in Portugal.

When • Thursday, Aug. 23, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where • Finca, 1291 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City; 801-487-0699

Cost • $55 plus tax and tip