Pizzeria 712

WHAT I HAD-
App: Braised beef shortribs, anson mills polenta, horseradish sauce
Entree: Spec, sopprasata, mozzarella, garlic pizza
Dessert: Cookie sandwich, spotted dog ice cream, chocolate sauce

Address: 312 South State Street, Orem or go here for a map.

Although it was a little tricky to find (it's located in the midst of some unfinished condos) Pizzeria 712 was well worth the scout around the large, otherwise empty, building. The atmosphere was intimate and unpretentious with local art adoring the walls and ikea dinnerware. We went around 6 on a Saturday night and it had quite a few people already there, so we were glad we made reservations. By the time we left there was a a wait.



We started out with complimentary hummus and house-made pita bread that was unique to me for a restaurant's filler bread and I quite enjoyed it.



Then we had the braised shortribs. yum. It was so tender we ate the whole thing with a fork, but I bet a spoon would have even sufficed.


We shared the pizza. The sauce was vaguely familiar of the sauce we had on a pizza in Rome. Very basic tomato. No fuss. It was light and delicious. I thought the portions were perfect.


Then we had the cookie sandwich dessert. It was pretty much what you would expect. Chocolate chip cookie with ice cream sandwiched between and chocolate sauce on top. Nothing special. I kind of expected the cookies to be warm, that would have made it better. It was very small, but all I need when I'm done with a meal is a little bit of sweet, so that didn't bother me. I was wishing we would have ordered the panacotta instead. I left not feeling full or hungry. Just satisfied. ES felt the portions were small for him (mind you we did share everything) and left feeling a little like he needed more. Overall, we had a good time, good food, and would probably go there again if we ever had to eat in Utah county again.

Stoneground

One thing about going out with friends for dinner for the first time is you don't know their eating out habits, how much they are comfortable with spending, what food they like, how far they are willing to drive...That is why whenever me and ES go out with new dining friends we always feel comfortable taking them to Stoneground. It is right in the center of Salt Lake, right across from the library. So it's close and easy to find. The prices are right there in the middle. Two can eat out easily for under $30.


The atmosphere is super casual. Exposed ceilings, cement tables, local modern art, give it a hip urban feel. Plus, I've never had a bad meal there. Italian is pretty universal, most people like it. Don't get me wrong though, this is no Olive Garden Italian. They put their modern twist on it.


Some of my favorites are the the bruscetta, a toasted baguette, topped with garlic, basil, marinated roma tomatoes, topped with asiago cheese and mixed with baby greens. Even the House Salad is awesome. Mixed greens tossed with a honey-balsamic vinaigrette, then topped with a trio of caramelized grapes, warm goat cheese, and candied walnuts. The Lemon Caper Linguini is also excellent.


But don't leave Stoneground without trying their pizza. It has that hearty artisan style crust and house made marinara sauce, so with whatever toppings you decide, it is sure to be delicious. As for desserts I have only tried their Tiramisu with a Raspberry sauce. Tiramisu can never be disgusting, so of course it was good, but it was no Le Nonne Tiramisu.