Table talk

Tony Caputo's Market & Deli was recently honored as one of the top five Outstanding Retailers of 2009 by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade Inc. The Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation, or sofi Awards, are considered the highest honor in the $60 billion U.S. specialty food industry.

The five gold winners were honored at the 55th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. Celebrity chef Ming Tsai presented Matt Caputo, managing director of Caputo's, with the award.

Caputo's was selected from more than 2,500 contenders by a national panel of industry leaders.

"The award validates our efforts to stay ahead of the curve in making Caputo's the best specialty food market in America," said Matt Caputo.

Matt's father, Tony Caputo, opened the shop in 1997 across the street from Pioneer Park, creating a lunch spot that quickly became an institution. It also helped spark a number of other independently owned businesses in the area.

In 2003, Matt Caputo began expanding the retail specialty foods portion of the business with artisan food products. He has now taken over operations of the entire company. The NASFT is a nonprofit trade association established in 1952 with more than 2,900 member businesses throughout the United States and abroad (www.specialtyfood.com)

A Taste of the Town — South takes place Aug. 5, 6-9 p.m., at Main Street and 100 South in Bountiful. The event is sponsored by the Davis Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the annual International Street Dance and Summerfest program.

Participating restaurants include Chipotle Grill, El Matador, The Mandarin, The Mikado, Plates and Palates, Sego Lily Cafe and others. The event is free, but food tickets are required to taste restaurant samplings.

Food tickets are $1 each or 12 for $10; guests redeem their tickets at the booths of their choice. Also each vendor will give a 15 percent discount coupon that "Taste of the Town" guests can use at participating restaurants Aug. 6-31.

Smashburger, 3513 S. 2700 West, West Valley City, is hosting its grand opening Aug. 12. A second Smashburger will open Aug. 19 at 1028 E. 2100 South in Sugar House.

Both locations will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. -10 p.m. The burger chain is hosting a Smash Salt Lake City Band Competition to find a local group to play during the West Valley grand opening. Entry deadline is Aug. 7 at www.smashburger.com/bands.