Bambara, a bustling and theatrical New American Bistro transformed the historic Continental Bank lobby in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City into a destination restaurant.

The grand arched windows and historic glass, brass and travertine marble of the original landmark blend stylishly with sweeping velvet curtains and striking, hand-crafted swirls of iron that frame the windows. Artful, abstract light fixtures of antique bronze lined with copper mesh and parchment shed soft light on plushly upholstered booths in sumptuous burgundies, sage greens and golds, all in patterns that echo the playful swirls of Bambara's logo. Mahogany trim and faux finished walls in warm ochre tones accent the wildly eccentric décor.

"In addition to the artistic, edgy touches, we let the exposed pipes over the working kitchen become a part of the look," Puccini noted. "It tells you that food and the people who enjoy it are the focus here, and that everything about the restaurant is focused on fun and relaxation."

Diners enter Bambara from Main Street, just off of 200 South. To the right of the comfortably appointed entry alcove, they walk into the restaurant, facing the open kitchen. The long, narrow room, which runs east to west, buzzes with seating for 180 at booths and tables set with eclectic and colorful china, custom-crafted flatware and stemware. The mahogany-lined private dining room that once served as the bank president's office faces Main Street. At the other (west) end of the restaurant, Bambara's luxurious bar occupies its own high-ceilinged space, decorated in the same intriguing style and vibrant tones, with a lush green and burgundy carpet in the playful swirl pattern. This "private club" area seats 35 in tall classic style bar chairs and velvet upholstered cocktail chairs.

The Food

Blue Cheese house cut Potato Chips @ $5.00

Utah Corn Bisque, Pecky Toe Crab, cilantro oil @ $6.50

Wild Mushroom & Chevre Strudel, sweet onion jam, balsamic syrup @ $8.50

Tempura fried, Nori wrapped Yellow Fin Tuna, wakame salad, citrus ponzu, wasabi aioli @ $l2.00

Hazelnut dusted Calamari, ancho chile-tomato sauce, Pecorino Romano, cilantro oil @ $9.50

Steamed Manila Clams, Reisling beurre blanc, pancetta, herbs, tomato concasse, green onions, garlic crostini @ $11.50

Artisan Cheese tasting * 3 for $9.50 * 6 for $16.50

Field greens, feta cheese, balsamic-red onion vinaigrette, mushroom crostini @ $6.50

Arugula, radicchio, Anjou pears, blue cheese, candied pecans, Meyer lemon-honey vinaigrette @ $7.50

BLT & blue salad tomatoes, apple smoked bacon, bibb lettuce, buttermilk blue cheese dressing @ $9.50

Wagu beef carpaccio, baby arugula salad, shaved Parmesan Reggiano, truffle herb shallot vinaigrette @ $12.00

Miso glazed Atlantic Salmon, crisp black bean cake, spicy bok choy, coconut ginger sauce @ $20.00

Orocchiette Pasta "TBG", tomato concasse, sweet basil, double blanched garlic, oil cured olives, feta cheese @ $18.00

Sautéed Prawns, fettucine, tomato concasse, prosciutto ham, Parmesan cheese, truffle butter @ $21.00

Peppercorn crusted Ahi Tuna, black beans, baby bok choy, Yuzu-soy vinaigrette @ $27.00

Grilled Half Chicken, braise collard greens, andouille cheese grits, herbed chicken reduction @ $21.00

Pan seared Scallops, parsnip puree, caviar beurre blanc, port wine syrup, shaved fennel slaw @ $27.00

Snake River Farms Roasted Pork Loin Chop, Cajun dirty rice, baby carrots, tasso bordelaise @ $26.00

Morgan Valley Lamb Osso Buco, mascarpone herb polenta, baby carrots, natural braising jus @ $27.00

Black peppercorn seared New York Strip, roasted fingerling potatoes, haricots verts, homemade Worcestershire sauce @ $28.00

Grilled Filet Mignon, Maytag blue cheese & applewood smoked bacon au gratin potatoes, roasted shallot-cabernet wine sauce @ $32.00

Rack of Venison, celeriac-Yukon gold mash, sautéed wild mushrooms & asparagus, pomegranate demi, crispy pancetta @ $35.00

Yes, worth every calorie

If your destination is Salt Lake City, you are lucky because you must, I repeat, must make a lunch or dinner date at Bambara. Not only will it perk up your taste buds and satisfy your soul, but its vibes will put a smile on your face. Your 'Love Chef' promises your dinning experience will be long remembered.

email: lovechef@thelovechef.com