SALT LAKE CITY August 18, 2010 - Bambara restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City has been awarded a Restaurant Neighbor award from the National Restaurant Association. Bambara was chosen as the Utah state winner and was honored for its outstanding community involvement and innovative community programs. The award celebrates the philanthropic spirit of the restaurant industry and serves to inspire others to actively get involved in their communities.

Bambara takes pride in its commitment to social responsibility and its local community. The staff works year-round to support local, regional and national charities. Bambara hosts annual fundraising galas, in conjunction with Kimpton's Monaco Salt Lake City, for Dress for Success, The Trust for Public Land and the through its popular annual Red Party to benefit the Utah AIDS Foundation. The entire staff at Bambara is very active in culinary causes and charities, including Slow Food, the Downtown Farmer's Market, and Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation. Bambara leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare programs.

"Because caring is a way of being at Bambara, last year, in conjunction with Kimpton's Monaco Salt Lake City, Bambara raised approximately $38,000 dollars in cash donations, and more than $10,000 worth of in kind donations for various charities." said Art Cazares, Bambara General Manager.

The state winners will automatically be considered for the national awards, including a $5,000 contribution to a charity or community project of their choice. National Restaurant Neighbor Award winners will be officially announced at a gala awards dinner in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Board of Directors meeting. Each state winner receives a plaque to display in their restaurant and their community service program will be highlighted in a booklet produced by the National Restaurant Association. The booklet is sent to the members of Congress from their state and district to help demonstrate the impact restaurants have in their community.

Restaurants were judged on their involvement in a community program or their own project that has a strong impact in their community, through funds raised and direct volunteer involvement with a focus on the impact has the restaurant's involvement had on the community.

Bambara is located at 202 South Main Street. Reservations for dining are requested and can be made by calling (801) 363-5454 or visit www.bambara.

About Bambara
Bambara, named Salt Lake City's Best Restaurant, is an approachable New American bistro and is one of downtown Salt Lake liveliest restaurants. Executive Chef Nathan Powers, named Best Utah Chef in 2010, introduces new menus seasonally, using time-honored techniques while using the best organic and sustainable ingredients. His cuisine embraces straightforward New American fare, including a wide variety of seafood and hearty game. Powers has been cooking with the culinary industry's best in some of the world's most acclaimed restaurants for more than 20 years, including Jeremiah Towers' Stars, Hawthorne Lane, and Mark Franz's Farallon.

Bambara is open for breakfast, and dinner seven days a week, and lunch, Monday through Friday. Dinner appetizers at Bambara range from $5-$12; salads $6.50-$8.50; entrees $18 to $32. Lunch items range from $5 to $16. facebook.com/BambaraSLC