Savor Salt Lake's new restaurants

It’s the beginning of a new year and a diverse pipeline of restaurants are newly opened or set to open soon — from quick fare to classic French-there is a concept for every taste. Savor the holidays and head downtown to experience something magical.

Ryan Lowder’s COPPER COMMON reopened December 1 after a renovation of the interior and with a new menu. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher as we keep asking ourselves what was wrong with the old space. However, knowing Lowder and his desire to frequently revitalize his enterprises, we know he won’t let us down. Just keep that C.O. Burger, please! (@coppercommon)

As reported, TAMARIND, the bright and colorful Vietnamese restaurant owned by two downtown lawyers, opened December 4 across from the Eccles Theater. They’re offering healthy, quick and flavorful Pho from a family recipe. There have been some special preview nights, we know because we walked by like Charlie Brown, having not been invited. Not jilted, just excited — Pho-real. (@tamarindslc)

December 8 was the opening of FLANKER KITCHEN AND SPORTING CLUB at The Gateway. We’ve been teasing this location for a couple months and are excited for the Miss Piggy, Tiki-Pena, and Rendez Vous — cocktails created by the world-renowned mixologist Francesco Lafranconi. This guy hangs with everyone from Ferran Adria to Lionel Richie. So, we’ll consider ourselves in good company next week. (@flankerslc)

SHADES BREWING expanded to downtown. This boho chic location is a little hard to find unless you’re looking for it above Himalayan Kitchen at 366 S. State Street. Shades Tap Room offers beer to go and is open daily 11am to 1 am. Have you tried the Plum? It’s the best sour made in Utah. (@shadestaproom)

LAUREL BRASSERIE & BAR opened December 1 and is set to be the most expensive restaurant ever built in Utah — yes, more than The Mayan (bonus points for remembering). Grand America has gutted their restaurant and imagined a modern brasserie. This stunning space is on a scale rarely accomplished in Utah and an outdoor patio is expected in the spring. (@laurelslc)

CARSON KITCHEN unveiled a mouthwatering winter menu that we will be savoring soon. The 10 new dishes from chef/owner Cory Harwell, including a savory pork meatloaf and foie butter and jelly sound delightful. Our recommendation from past visits is to find yourself at the bar or exhibition kitchen and ask the mixologist or chefs to plie you with their talents. They’ll make you a believer. (@carsonkitchen)

With a face made-for-tv, BAMBARA reintroduces us to Chef Jerry Pacheco. He’s ignited some of the most notable restaurants downtown, including Copper Onion, Pallet, and Avenues Bistro. While the blue cheese potato chips stay — thank God — expect a well-deserved overhaul of the menu as Pacheco leans-in to his Mexican heritage. (@bambaraslc)

Joshua Jones is director of communications and marketing at Downtown Alliance.