Table talk: Culinary events

The Mandarin in Bountiful was awarded "Business of the Year" by the Davis County Chamber of Commerce last week at the Davis County Convention Center.

The restaurant has been in business since 1979 and employs 50 part-time and 20 full-time employees. The restaurant contributes to local charities and funds a $2,000 annual scholarship for Viewmont High School's "Exemplary Athlete of the Year" awards.

The Mandarin is owned and operated by Gregory Skedros and Angel and Paul Manfredini (www.mandarinutah.com).

Smith's Food & Drug Stores has opened its first Smith's Express convenience store at 1974 S. 1100 East, in Sugar House. A second location at 873 E. South Temple is scheduled to open later this month. The locations were acquired from Sinclair Oil.

Smith's is a division of the Kroger Co, the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer.

McDonald's restaurants in Utah will offer a 50-piece Chicken McNuggets party pack every weekend in February for $9.99. The offer is good for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and includes a choice of dipping sauces.

Three sisters in Orem, Cambria Anderson, Melissa Washburn and MaryKate Anderson, won the "People's Choice Award" in Vita-Mix's national "Pitch Me!" video contest. The sisters received a $5,000 prize for their video, "3 Sisters, 3 Meals, 3 Minutes," demonstrating how the blender can make three healthy recipes. You can see their winning entry at www.vitamix.com/household/infocenter/winner_peoples.asp.

Carl's Jr. is offering a Grilled Cheese Bacon Burger featuring four slices of melted American and Swiss cheeses on grilled sourdough bread, as well as a single or double bacon cheeseburger. Prices begin at $2.49 (www.ckr.com).

SONIC drive-in restaurants are offering a free medium order of onion rings with purchase of the new Steak Melt Toaster through February. The sandwich is available only this month.

Harmons grocery stores are collecting donations to help victims of the Haiti earthquake. Harmons will provide a proof of donation and a receipt tape for tax purposes and match the donation total up to $10,000. The money will go to American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter, and earmarked for the International Response Fund.

Here are some local Valentine's Day events: