Can you ever really say “that’s the best steak I’ve ever had”? After sampling Chef Dave Jones’ Grilled Filet of New York with grilled onions, a sherry-green peppercorn sauce and marrow butter you most certainly can! Offered at Log Haven, Margo Provost’s idyllic dining destination in Salt Lake City, you’ll have in addition to this many more opportunities to utter the word “best.”
Rich in history, Log Haven is nestled among the Wasatch National Forest minutes away from downtown. Built by steel baron L.F. Rains in the early 1900’s as a wedding anniversary gift for his wife, with logs shipped from Oregon to SLC via San Francisco, then hauled up Millcreek Canyon by horse drawn wagon, the log hideaway is a magnet for romance. The Rains family used the sanctuary as a summer home and local executives took advantage of it as a gathering place to explore the mountains, fish in the creek and sit by the home’s many fireplaces. Eventually it was turned into a year round residence, with additional rooms and amenities added and ultimately was converted into a restaurant when Margo took ownership in 1994 and completely renovated it. It’s a stunning sight today and has won numerous awards of excellence.
The setting is a cozy log house surrounded by clear waterfalls and colorful wildflowers with fresh mountain air, crackling fires and the finest cuisine. Chef Jones’ gluten free special dinner menu is a healthy yet innovative three courses that’s high on fresh “clean” ingredients and low on calories. Start off with your favorite beverage or try one of the monthly featured wines or specialty drinks. Unique a la carte starters such as a Fire Roasted Anaheim Chile Soup, the Grilled Morgan Valley Lamb Riblettes with an Asian grilling sauce and the Alpine Nachos, irresistible with raclette cheese, smoked prosciutto and forest mushrooms, will keep your taste buds alive and awake for more good things.
For entrées Log Haven prides itself on seasonal favorites such as a Crispy Skinned Utah Steelhead Trout with warm soba noodle salad, kimchi and miso butter, Pan Seared Scallops with a cauliflower puree, kale chips, and a carrot-lemon broth or one of their hearty mainstays like that outstanding cut of beef. Again the description “best” hardly seems adequate, the moist and tender steak is a standout. Better save room for dessert however, as you’ll want to try them all. A Frozen Coconut Soufflé, with roasted pineapple sauce takes the prize but the runners up, the Slide Ridge Crème Brulee with huckleberry coulis and a Bittersweet Chocolate Lava Cake served with Redmond’s salted caramel ice cream will have your dreaming of planning your return.
It must be a thrill to attend a wedding or business function at Log Haven and it’s open year round for events of all kinds. With seven venues to choose from including the Wasatch Room and Foyer, large and small Rains rooms, the Winter Conservatory, the Lakeside Garden Meadow, a Hillside Amphitheater and the Waterfall Patio, you can be assured the function won’t be quickly forgotten.
*Log Haven was voted 2012’s Top Romantic Restaurant in the U.S. and Diner’s Choice by OpenTable.com.
Log Haven
6451 East Millcreek Canyon Road
Salt Lake City, UT
801-272-8255
www.log-haven.com