Table Talk: Cooking events throughout Utah

Red Iguana 2 opened last week at 866 W. South Temple. It has the same owners, the Cardenas family, and serves the same Mexican cuisine as the original Red Iguana. The second eatery will alleviate some of the long lines at the popular restaurant (rediguana.com).

Rico Catering, 545 W. 700 South, is offering tamales and holiday meals for take-out. Rico's Frida Bisto is also available from now until January for private parties (801-414-2909 or Ricomexicanmarket@gmail.com)

Harmons Grocery Stores are offering weekly "locals-only" coupons online that feature local businesses. Through Dec. 27, readers can download a $2 off coupon for a 12-pack of Fat Boy Premium Ice Cream Sandwiches, made in Richmond (www.HarmonsLocal.com).

Acme Burger Company is launching a meat-free Mondays menu beginning Jan. 4. Meatless options will be offered along with the regular menu.

EVE, a three-day downtown Salt Lake City celebration Dec. 29-31, will offer dining deals from downtown restaurants, including Acme Burger, Cedars of Lebanon, Christopher's Steak and Chop House, Donovan's Steak and Chop House, Gracie's, J. Wong's Asian Bistro, Lamb's, Market Street Grill, Metropolitan, Red Rock Brewing Company, Squatters, Tin Angel Cafe and Tipica.

A $15 wristband gives entry to fine art performances, live music, dance parties, ski and snowboard competitions, film screenings, laser shows, art installations, world music, activities for kids and pet lovers, storytelling and a midnight fireworks show on Dec. 31. (eveslc.com/media).

Restaurants hosting special New Year's Eve dinners include:

Acme Burger, 275 S. 200 West, is offering a three-course dinner for $35. The entree choices are kobe sirloin steak or seared scallops. (801-257-5700).

Z'Tejas is hosting a three-course dinner for $25.99. Entree choices are Chilean sea bass en papillote or prime rib (801-456-0450).

The Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant will offer two dinner seatings on New Year's Eve. The 5 p.m. first seating will include a five-course prix-fixe meal for $75.

The 7 p.m. second seating for $150 includes a social hour, seven-course prix-fixe meal, party favors, midnight toast and dancing to live music (www.theblueboarinn.com).

Lugano, 3364 S. 2300 East, has a five-course dinner for $59 per person; optional wine pairing $39 per person.

Seating begins at 4:45 p.m. (801-412-9994).

Log Haven, 6451 E. Millcreek Canyon Roa, will feature four special items along with its regular menu; starters of either gulf shrimp and grits or artichoke soup for $10, ahi tuna sashimi salad for $14, rye-crusted Hawaiian pink snapper entree at market price, and flourless chocolate cake dessert for $8.50 (801-272-8255).

e-mail: vphillips@desnews.com