Hidden gems for 'dinner, movie'

"Dinner and a movie" is a concept that doesn't always resonate during the Sundance Film Festival.

Dedicated cinemaphiles and fanatical celebrity-watchers often don't think much about their next meal during the festival, a focus that can come back to haunt them when restaurants are closed for a private party, not accepting reservations or just plain packed to the rafters.

But there is good news: Near every festival venue are eateries eager to fill the bellies of Sundance-goers. Dining at some of them requires a little advance planning, but a good meal, whether expensive or cheap, can make attending the festival a richer experience.

Here's a rundown on a few eateries near the various Sundance venues.

Salt Lake City

There are two main problems with choosing a restaurant near the Rose Wagner Center, 138 W. Broadway: an embarrassment of riches, and price. Though there are a plethora of good restaurants just steps away from the center's front doors, many of them are semi-upscale to downright hoity-toity, with prices to match.

If you don't care about that, go for broke at Ruth's Chris Steak House, now occupying the space formerly housing Baci at 134 Pierpont Ave. (366-4000). For prices that make most Utahns assume the meal includes food for your family of four, you'll get a steak on a plate (sides are extra). But it will be the highest-quality steak on the market, or the highest-quality tuna, lobster or — yes, vegetarians, it's true — marinated Portobello mushrooms.

For something more wallet-friendly, hike a couple of blocks to The Gateway, where there are restaurants for every taste and price point. One of my favorites: the budget-friendly and delicious Costa Vida, on the southeast upper level near the Megaplex theater.

Near the Broadway Centre Cinemas, 111 E. Broadway (300 South), stop by the Chilean Deli, 222 S. Main. What this little eatery lacks in ambience it makes up for in homey, highly affordable Chilean favorites such as the pastel de choclo, a casserole of ground beef, chopped chicken, sweet corn, olives, boiled eggs and raisins. Don't miss the Chilean pastries, especially the horn-shaped alfajore filled with manjar, rich and milky Chilean caramel.

For an impressive grace note on your day of film, you can't beat Bambara, 202 S. Main. Try the bleu cheese hand-cut potato chips for starters and finish with the heavenly dessert sampler. Or ask when you make your reservation about lunch or dinner specials, which offer three set courses for under $10 for lunch and under $30 for dinner.