This is my trouble: don't go to Flemming's during a Jazz play-off game, or don't go to Flemming's--unless, of course you have nothing else planned for the evening.

We had a resesrvation at 8:30 for which we were promplty seated. One hour later, we were asked to order. Another hour later, we received our Salads & appetizers, another hour later we recieved our main course. 45 minutes later we received our dessert. We were there for 3 hours and 45 minutes! That is ridiculous, I don't care how 'fine' the dining is. I ordered a 8oz filet mignon at medium cooking. I got it well past 'well done.'

I would not, and will not recommend Flemming's and my reasons are not based off of this one experience. The same thing happened the first time I went.

If you want to pay for a restaurant's menu bindings, overpriced meat and order all of your sides a la carte, then Flemming's would be a great choice for dinner.

I have found probably the best, most delicious chinese food in the valley though. This place receives 5 stars in just about every category, decor, atmosphere, taste, service, they are tops. They have some family specials that make it easy to get a nice sampling of food, and also make sure you walk out stuffed. The best part is they're no more expensive than a table for two at Golden Corral or some other buffet.

My pick? San Pan. There's a few locations that I'm aware of, there's one at the mall in south jordan and state street. There's one downtown almost on 2100 south /700 E, and I believe there's another somewhere around town, do a quick google search and you should find it.

If you love chinese then you'll love this place, the orange chicken there is so delectable, and the chicken is perfectly cooked.

For more information visit their website: http://www.esampan.com/
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Post by Patrick Curl: www.aboutbodywork.com
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Here's how it works: you pay a modest $2.25 entry fee, then all the games range from one to five nickels to play. They've got tons of classic video games, arcade and ticket-spewing games (including skeeball), a bank of games and a couple of "rides" for smaller children, lots of machines involving shooting, the ever-popular Dance Dance Revolution, and even a row of pinball machines in the back for those who remember them. The best time to go is any day but Saturday (but even Saturdays aren't totally manic).

Once you've got your pile of tickets, the "loot" at the ticket counter is varied (which is how I ended up with a flying monkey that actually flies across the room), and ranges in price from a few tickets to several thousand. If you're a couple of tickets short, they'll usually round up so you can have the trinket you've set your heart on.

A word about the staff: they are lovely. While some people cringe at bouncy groups of kids or teens, these guys make everyone feel genuinely welcome, give cheerful refunds for defunct machines, and are the key to why Nickelmania is the best in town.

There are four party tables in the back. Nickelmania offers two party packages: the Basic, consisting of reduced admission of $1.50/person and $5.00 to use the party area, and the Supreme package, where for $7.00 per person, you get admission, the party area, cake or pizza, drinks, partyware, a goody bag, and 40 nickels per person. All that, and you don't even have to clean your house for company beforehand.

While the obvious choice for a group is a birthday party, they've also hosted several family reunions, church youth groups, and even college fraternities.

Secret tip: if you're bringing a group on any day but Saturday, and want to bring your own snacks, call ahead and ask if you can use a table for your group if you agree to spend a certain amount on nickels (at least $60). They'll usually let you have the table, and if you go high enough, might waive the entrance fee, leaving you with more change to go play.

Why go: The actors are amazing. This won't be the fanciest production you'll see, but the actors are, for the most part, very, strong in their roles. This is a challenging play (read the synopsis in the program or in the above link; it'll help you enjoy the show), but also a very funny one.
Another cool thing is that this is, to the best of my knowledge, this the only company of its kind in Salt Lake City. At its core are members of an ensemble that study, work and train together. The company's goal is to develop a community of skilled actors. Their website explains: "Pinnacle Acting Company's philosophy is unique to the Wasatch Front, filling a niche previously overlooked by the theatre community. As an ensemble, PAC provides a safe and intimate environment for its members to improve their craft through both season productions and intensive training workshops. The talents and input of each company member are crucial to creating an effective ensemble and encouraging individual artist growth. Because of its ensemble nature, audience members can follow an artist's progress throughout a season." (used by permission)
Details: Shows are today at 2:00 and 7:30, at the Midvale Performing Arts Center, located at 695 West Center Street (7720 South). Its a converted City Hall which doesn't look like a theater, so look for a brick building on the Southeast corner. Tickets are $12, there is one intermission. This play would likely have a PG-13 rating for language and talk of affairs, etc.

. From pizza to soup, your taste buds will be satisfied with an abundance of selections. 200 South and

is heart that keeps Downtown business associates pumping. Just thought you out-of-towners should know!

The restaurant's atmosphere could serve for an elegant dinner or a casual lunch.  The prices are low enough to encourage a party to select different dishes and share if sharing is your thing.  I, on the other hand, prefer to eat with my chopsticks and use my fork to fend off wondering hands.  My favorite dish has been for years the cashew shrimp. Š

, Café Pierpont is fiery and delicious. Their massive margaritas brought tears of joy to my eyes. You can also order a burrito the size of your head and eat for a week! Seriously, this burrito feeds two for a very affordable price. The salsa bar is a spicy slice of heaven. So stop in for some delicious Mexican food in the heart of downtown. 

Also try The Blue Iguana on 165 S West Temple. They serve award wining margaritas and offer a magnificent menu. This Iguana is quite popular, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time. The marinated dishes are worth the wait and the mariachi band on weekends is always a crowd favorite. 

And finally, may I recommend El Chihuahua at

. I can’t even begin to describe the shrimp quesadilla with authentic melted goat cheese and perfectly plump shrimp…mmm see you there! 

What to do during a Salt Lake City inversion:

First, stay inside, if at all possible. This is the dirtiest our air has ever been. Sorry, folks.

Next, do not drive. Our cars got us into this mess, and only Mother Nature can pull us out. A good snowstorm is our only hope, and we don’t have one predicted in the next week, which is as far ahead as the weather gurus can see. There are those who leave the valley for clear skies at the ski resorts. That’s fine, but realize that if you’re not taking the ski bus up the hill, you’re part of the problem. This goes double for locals, who should know better after all these years. Triple for local lawmakers, especially those who think public transportation is some sort of frill.

Lastly, find indoor entertainment. My favorite thing this week is going to the movies. Since you’re staying out of your car, it counts as a virtuous activity, even in the daytime. Ignore the megaplexes right now. They have their place, but it’s not one for continuing that indie film vibe.

If you’re staying downtown, head over to the Broadway Centre Cinemas, 111 East 300 South.  Operated by the Salt Lake Film Society, this six-screen theater is by far the most comfortable way to enjoy independent and alternative films in the valley. Concessions are civilized, ranging from The Pie’s notoriously popular pizza to lattes and Ghirardelli chocolates. Don’t forget to toss a dollar or two to the guy “playing” cello at the entrance; he’s one of our local characters.

Another downtown option is Brewvies, located at 677 South 200 West. It’s the only place in the state where you can have a beer while watching a movie. Since Utah has, um, interesting liquor laws, be aware that you must be 21 to enter, and ID is required. Place your order on the way in, and watch for your number to light up on the board by the movie screen. There’s a counter for your food attached to the back of each row of seats, so no worries about wearing any of Utah’s famous fry sauce home. There are great burgers and fries, and lots of tasty options for vegetarians, especially the hot spinach artichoke dip . You’ll find a nice selection of locally-brewed beers on tap, but little in the way of sweets, except the usual theater candy. The movies are typically those shown at “dollar theaters.” Call (801)355-5500 to find out about weekly specials, and to hear their consistently hilarious movie previews.

Further away from downtown is the venerable Tower Theatre, an historic single-screen theater also operated by the Salt Lake Film Society. Located in the funky 9^th & 9^th neighborhood at 876 East 900 South, you can see indie films and midnight cult classics, and choose from a lively selection of rental movies. The best snacks are next door at the Coffee Garden.

If you’re planning a trip to Salt Lake City, take heart: I’m sure the air will be better when you get here. But try one of these theaters, anyway; each one is part what makes it fun to live here..

For more information on exhibits and classes check out their website at slartcenter.org