Table talk

Sonic Drive-Ins are celebrating summer by offering free root beer floats to customers Thursday between 8 p.m. and midnight. The chain plans to serve more than 3 million free floats during the event.

The Art Institute of Salt Lake City, to open Aug. 16 at 121 W. Election Drive, Draper, is enrolling students for its culinary program. The institute offers a bachelor's degree in culinary management; associate's degree programs in culinary arts, and baking and pastry; and diploma programs in the art of cooking, and baking and pastry (800-978-0096 or www.artinstitutes.edu/saltlakecity).

Dolcetti, a gelato store, opened Monday at 1751 S. 1100 East in Sugar House. Owned by Elizabeth and Mark England, the store serves creamy Italian-style treats made with locally grown ingredients, in-season fruits and berries, and milk from a local dairy.

Flavors include coconut, coffee, berry, stracciatella, hazelnut chocolate, lemon, mango, pomegranate, tiramisu, hazelnut, pistachio and pear. The company also sells its gelato at the Pioneer Park and Park City farmer's markets (485-3254).

Fourth Street Clinic will host a fund-raiser, "A Toast to Good Health," July 10 at 6 p.m. at Tuscany Restaurant, 2832 E. 6200 South. Diners will be treated to premium wines and hours d'oeuvres. Tickets are $125. Proceeds will be used for patient care and medical supplies (jenn@fourthstreetclinic.org).

Mountain Mike's Pizza opened its first Utah restaurant last week at 3078 W. 7800 South in West Jordan. Founded in 1978, the California franchise now has 125 locations. It offers custom-made pizzas, oven-baked sandwiches, hot wings, chicken bites, garlic sticks and a salad bar. The restaurant is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday (568-6453 or 801-568-6453.)

The Bayou, a locally owned private club, was recognized last week by the Utah Department of Health and Coalition for a Tobacco Free Utah for going smoke-free as of April 2007.

Pandora's Tea Parlour has opened at 159 E. Main in Midway. The eatery offers lunch and tea party treats — such as soup, scones, tea sandwiches, fresh fruit and dessert, with dozens of different teas — Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. On Saturday, it is available by reservation. Throughout the summer, flavored lemonades, frozen hot chocolate and other cool drinks are offered. The tea parlor also hosts birthday parties, wedding showers and other events. The eatery is owned by Carol Nazario and Kat Wood. (435-654-4832 or e-mail pandorastea@yahoo.com).