Table talk

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Nov 23, 2005 by Compiled by Valerie Phillips Deseret Morning News

Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort has opened a new Mexican restaurant, El Chanate Restaurant and Cantina. Located on Level A of the Cliff Lodge, the restaurant serves south-of-the-border specialties such as carne asada (sirloin marinated in tequila and lime juice) and chicken venganza sauteed with pasilla peppers. Other options include tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, grilled salmon and burgers. Snowbird employees Chris Durfee and Charlote Odebrecht have been promoted to chef and manager, respectively.

Jamba Juice is asking Utahns to donate new or gently used sports equipment at participating stores Monday through Dec. 16. The equipment will be donated to 15 Boys & Girls Clubs in Utah. Items needed include basketballs, playground balls, indoor hockey sticks, jump ropes, soccer balls, footballs, baseballs and mitts, yoga mats, tennis rackets, volleyball nets and posts, and organizers to hold sports equipment.

Bistro Toujours in Deer Valley named David Kratky its new executive chef. Kratky has worked at the Goldener Hirsh Inn, also in Park City. Under Kratky's direction, Bistro Toujours will continue to serve food in the tradition of classic French bistros. Menu entrees include tenderloin of elk Wellington, as well as seafood a la Cauderan (king salmon with clams, mussels, shrimp and jumbo lump crab, served with vegetables). Desserts include crepes Suzette and chocolate fondue. The restaurant opened in February 2001 and is located in the Chateaux in Deer Valley's Silver Lake Village.

Hard Rock Cafes will soon be serving Van Halen guitarist Michael Anthony's "Mad Anthony's Original Style and Extra Hot" barbecue sauce on its menu. Jars of the sauce are also being sold in the restaurant's retail stores. For more than two decades, Anthony has stimulated the senses with ear-shattering bass lines and eye- catching stage antics. Beginning Nov. 30, the rock legend's signature line of sauces will be featured in a new menu item, "Mad Anthony's Grilled Skirt Steak."

E-mail: vphillips@desnews.com