Peng's Palate

Look familar? You've probably passed it during your drive

342 West 1300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84115-5131
(801) 484-5737

I’ve grown up in Utah for most of my life and have been a “legal” driver for over 10 years ( we won’t count my time on the farm or illegal drives in Glendale) and yet even though I can safely say that I’ve driven, walked, or been around the entire Wasatch Front, there are still places that surprise me and stores, restaurants, house and landmarks that I didn’t notice were there.  We take for granted the in between of our daily drives to notice what comprises the trip to our final destination. Try for a moment ton envision the entire drive from home to work and each of the houses, stores, and landmarks you pass. Pretty  hard, eh? I’ve tried to take a mental picture of each place I pass and as result, have found a bunch of cool landmarks in Utah. Hector’s is a result of years of passing by and never stopping by one such landmark.

I grew up in the Glendale/Rose Park area and 1300 S was a frequent road to go to the U, school at Bennion Elementary, Dim Sum on Saturdays at Ho Ho and many many other places. But right past the freeway there has always been the Miramar with their pescado y mariscos tempting me. In part because I had no idea what that meant but assumed fish by the blue motif and painted pictures.  The whole area for the most part has stayed the same on the north end while south of 1300 has many new stores and plazas.  But the constant of this entire area has been the Miramar. This last Tuesday, I would visit this local restaurant that I’ve passed by some 10 plus years of my life consistently.

I read up on the restaurant and from what I could gather, the place was formerly just Miramar but bought out by the chef from the prior owners. The original building of course as you can guess was a used car lot. In fact, one of the coolest things about the place is that the building is divided into glass booths with some booths seating two separate tables. These were most likely used as the individual car salesman consulting rooms. What it offers for the foodie is a somewhat persona and intimate setting but nothing cramped since it’s all glass.

I felt a-salt-ed

Now to the food. I ordered the fried tilapia (Mojarra Frita) but started off my meal with the tostada mixta – basically a ceviche with fish, octopus and shrimp.  Had I known that they had Menudo, I would have ordered that instead. The service was prompt and the order came out quickly. The ceviche was okay. If I were to order once more I would order just the shrimp since my fish was really overpowered with the lime and salt.  I also prefer my ceviche with more vegetables (*tomatoes and onions) than was found. It was still a good portion but slightly over powering.

Lime, with a side of shrimp, fish, and octopus

The main course also was very salty. The Tilapia was cooked well and as far as I could the fish was mildy fresh and the meat flaky and moist. My only concern was the overuse of salt and flavoring on the skin which did not help my already overloaded palate from the ceviche.  I wasn’t thrilled by any means but something about the place, the portions and the potential have me wanting to go back for another try. the beans, rice, and tortillas were standard fare and flavored enough but when I visit once more, I’ll be sure to ask for the chef recommendations. I also failed to mention that my guest taster who attended with me ordered a shrimp and crabmeat enchilada. This meal was amazing and is part of the reason I’m willing to go back.

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