Table talk

Wasatch Community Gardens' Tour de Coops takes place June 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. During the self-guided tour, 14 Salt Lake chicken coop owners will open their backyards to the public.

Guidebooks are available for a $5 donation at the Grateful Tomato Garden, 800 S. 600 East, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. that morning. The public can see how people have used new and recycled materials to make low-cost, easily maintained chicken coops, and learn more about how urban chickens contribute to organic gardens and personal sustainability.

Urban chicken-keeping is on the rise in cities across the country, according to WCG. Chickens supply fresh eggs, insect control and help create better yards and gardens, and become a source of food with protein.

Mrs. Fields Outlet Store opened Monday at 1717 S. 4800 West. The store offers a variety of cookie treats and gifts at discount prices. The store will offer free factory tours beginning midsummer.

The Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant in Midway has launched its summer menu. Chef Eric May's dishes include conch ceviche, duck breast salad with tangerine vinaigrette, seared scallops with corn coulis, and wild boar spare ribs with yam puree and sauteed greens.

Diners can now sit on the outdoor patio, called The Hinterhof, for garden and mountain views (888-650-1400 or www.theblueboarinn.com).

Market Street Oyster Bars and the New Yorker will be open to the public beginning July 1. Owner John Williams says the menus and service won't change; the only difference is that guests will no longer be required to purchase a membership, due to Utah's changes in its liquor law.

E-mail: vphillips@desnews.com