Table talk

The Grand America Hotel's culinary team has accepted an invitation to present a dinner at the James Beard House in New York City in June as part of the Beard Foundation's "Best Hotel Chefs of America" series. Executive chef Jeffrey Russell is offering a preview of the James Beard menu at a five-course dinner at the hotel, 555 S. Main, on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. The meal is $60 per person; optional wine pairings are $40 (258-6708).

Wasatch Community Gardens is holding a public workshop, "Eating Locally, Eating Seasonally," May 24, 7 p.m., at the Grateful Tomato Garden, 600 E. 800 South. The workshop will offer tips and ideas for eating locally and seasonally year-round in Utah, and how this benefits good health, farmers and the environment (359-2658 or www.wasatchgardens.org).

Tuscany, 2832 E. 6200 South, celebrates 10 years in business this month. The site of this Italian restaurant has a long history in the food business, according to a company newsletter. In 1919, a country lunch stand called Knudson's Inn opened on the site, known for its "toasted buttered-bun hamburgers." In 1927, it became"Dyer's Inn," and in 1947 it became "Smith's Inn," where one could buy five hamburgers for a dollar.

In 1970, Skip Eatchel created the building's current lodge motif and renamed it "The Heather." The Scottish-themed restaurant had bagpipe players, and the servers wore kilts. It became a premier spot for high school dances, weddings and sweetheart dinners. From 1988 to 1995, it was The Bridlewood Wedding Reception Center. Then Tuscany partners Mark Eaton and Aaron Ferer bought the property, doubled its size and gave it the Italian Alpine lodge theme (www.TuscanySLC.com).

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E-mail: vphillips@desnews.com