Table talk

The American Express Zoo Rendezvous fund-raiser takes place at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Hogle Zoo. Diners can graze through 20 different food booths offered by local restaurants and caterers such as Lugano, The New Yorker, Boulevard, Thaifoon and Culinary Fusion. A silent auction, live music and dancing are part of the event. Tickets are $125 per person before Sept. 2 or $150 at the door. (584-1761 or www.hoglezoo.org).

Martine's recipe for Moroccan Braised Beef was featured in the September issue of Bon Appetit magazine. Noting that "small plates" are a hot trend, the magazine article added that chef Tom Grant "uses artistic license with tapas — his are Moroccan, French and Italian as well as Spanish."

Panini is hosting a Cinderella Ball Sept. 25 to celebrate its first anniversary. A reception takes place from 7-8 p.m., followed by a dinner that includes crab claws, shrimp, roast beef, roast turkey, vegetarian pastas, vegetables and a chocolate fountain dessert. Dancing to the music of Duane Stephens and The Cocktales begins at 9 p.m. Cost is $40 per person.

Panini will also offer a steak-and-lobster anniversary special for $30 per person during September.

Zesti sandwich shop is offering a new sweet chili vegetarian sandwich that uses marinated tofu. "We've had many requests for additional vegetarian choices, but this isn't just for vegetarians," said owner Linh Ho. "Our clients are excited to try something new that is tasty, healthy and interesting."

The Downtown Dine O'Round is returning for a second year. From Sept. 10-30, diners can get a fixed three-course meal for either $15 or $25, depending on the restaurant. No coupons or punch cards are necessary. Last year, 33 restaurants participated, and this year 37 are involved: Baci Trattoria, Bambara, Biaggi's Restaurante Italiano, Buca di Beppo, Cafe Pierpont, Caffe Molise, California Pizza Kitchen, Cannella's, Cedars of Lebanon, Dodo Restaurant, Elevations, The Garden Cafe, Garden Restaurant, High Rock Steakhouse, Ichiban Sushi, Lamb's Cafe, Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine, Market Street Oyster Bar, Market Street Grill, Martine, McGrath's Fish House, The Melting Pot, Metropolitan, Mikado, New Yorker Club, Oasis Cafe, Panini, Passages, Piastra on Gallivan, Red Rock Brewing Co., Samba Grill, Shogun, Squatters Pub Brewery, Takashi, Thaifoon, Third & Main and Xiao Li. (ww.downtownslc.org)