Comfort dining: inviting destinations for the winter diner.

• Author: Smith, Cheryl

Cozy fireplaces, pristine views, and beautifully lit, intimate spaces: these are a few of our favorite things when it comes to dining and entertaining in Utah during the winter months. We spoke with three frequent diners to learn their top picks for the best winter dining spots along the Wasatch Front.

For romance, or if you want to celebrate a special occasion, you can't beat Log Haven, says Darris Howe, vice president and director of Utah Campuses, University of Phoenix, who loves to dine out as often as he can. The restaurant has received many local and national awards for its cuisine, service and ambience. You'll find the rustic log mansion nestled amongst the pines halfway up Millcreek Canyon, with waterfalls in front and back and a thick pine forest all around. Every table in its cozy private rooms offers a beautiful view of the surrounding woods. In fact, the entire setting is lit like a fairyland with outdoor lights, crimson poinsettias, evergreen garlands, scented candles and antique holiday ornaments. "The whole scene twinkles and glows. It's a very romantic, pristine place with good food and a great atmosphere--with a varied menu that assures something for everyone," says Howe. He particularly recommends the shrimp dishes. "And the almond-crusted fresh halibut is wonderful," he adds knowingly.

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Howe and his wife of 27 years, Gail, who is the principal at Copper Hills Elementary, have a standing date every Friday night. Other favorites for the couple are Absolute, next to the Capitol Theatre on Second South, for its Scandinavian dishes and desserts, and its family-friendly, cheerful atmosphere. For downtown shoppers and partygoers, it's a fun and festive place to relax and dine, right in the middle of downtown's holiday activities and events. But Howe's favorite spot for lunch with colleagues is Red Butte Cafe at Foothill Village. "We go there to eat more often than anywhere else. They have great food and you don't have to take out a mortgage to buy lunch."

Shelley Thomas, senior director of Communications and Public Affairs with the Huntsman Cancer Institute, enjoys dining out with family and friends, too. "At any time of year, but especially in the winter, I prefer small, cozy, beautifully lit neighborhood restaurants to dine in," says the veteran journalist and communications professional. One of her favorite dining spots for a warm, relaxing meal and good conversation is Fresco on 1500 East, with its...