This “southern-comfort-food-meets-Asian” setup is a very unique mix. The Bay Leaf Cafe opened in August of 2009 by a couple of New Yorkers that know food. After working in the business for 20 years, they decided to open their own shop, and it was packed. I was invited to try the food before the official opening, and I simply cannot forget the pizazz of flavors.
I ordered deep fried pickles and spring rolls, barbecue shrimp with cheese grits, and a southern-style apple pie-like dessert. I also tried the barbecue ribs, which were amazing–far better than most places that specialize in ribs because they know how to both flavor them (using a bean sauce) and cook them (very juicy). I hadn’t liked fried pickles before today, but if you like fried green tomatoes, you will probably like the pickles. They are testing out serving the food with boiled peanuts–another southern favorite. They have blackened catfish, collard greens (not my favorite), and other southern favorites. The Asian foods are not as big on the menu, but that’s okay by me.
The service was great. I love restaurants that have the kitchen up front, like this place. They remodeled this place from the ground up, and due to the fact it was not originally designed as a restaurant, gives it a very unique floor layout. They are still adding to the place, so I am excited to see where they will be at a year from now.
My only regret was that I enjoyed the food so much that I ate way too much. I am salivating at the moment, and planning my next visit.
(801) 359-8490
159 South Main St.
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111