Table talk

The Greater Wasatch Dutch Oven Society's Cook-Off takes place at Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 South, West Jordan from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 10. Teams must prepare three unique Dutch-oven recipes without exceeding a $20 budget. The public is invited to come and cheer for the participants, learn about the care and use of Dutch ovens and pick up a few recipes from seasoned Dutch-oven enthusiasts (801-768-4532 after 5 p.m. or www.gardnervillage.com).

McDonald's premium salads will be advertised nationwide this week, following a successful test-marketing campaign in Salt Lake City and three other markets. The salads are served with Newman's Own all-natural salad dressings. They include California Cobb, Caesar, Bacon Ranch and Garden Salad.

Denny's Restaurants is celebrating its 50-year anniversary. Harold Butler founded Danny's Donuts in Lakewood, Calif. In 1954, the name changed to Danny's Coffee Shops, and the menu expanded to include sandwiches and other entrees. With 20 units in the chain, the name was changed to Denny's. In 1977, the company introduced the Original Grand Slam Breakfast, which remains Denny's best-selling menu item.

Thaifoon-Taste of Asia, located at The Gateway, raised nearly $14,000 for The Christmas Box House International in conjunction with the restaurant's recent opening. Thaifoon hosted a private reception to benefit the Salt Lake-based shelter for abused and neglected children. The restaurant group donated 50 cents for every order of Coconut Mushroom Soup, Crispy Chinatown Dumplings, Broccoli & Beef and Chopstick Chicken Salad sold during the first week of operation.

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Submit restaurant announcements to Valerie Phillips, Food Editor, Deseret News, 30 E. 100 South, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110; by fax to 801-237-2550; or by e-mail to vphillips@desnews.com.