By JARED WEBBER
Fine Italian food, soothing music and excellent service couched in an old world setting is the perfect formula for a romantic dinner.
People interested in finding such a restaurant need not drive to Salt Lake City or Sundance -- it can be found in Orem.
The Restaurant Roy, located at 2005 S. State, features all of the amenities of a fine restaurant, but it's just around the corner.
The windows are where it all starts, said Nikki Swanson-Shumway, manager and part owner of the family-owned restaurant. The windows and the antiques give the restaurant an old world feeling.
The 150-year-old stained glass windows, which were taken from a church, decorate the front of the restaurant. Beautiful tables and chairs are arranged orderly in the high-ceilinged building. The clean carpets and warm decorations give the feeling of being in a sanctuary far away from the rest of the world.
The service adds to the impression as waiters invite guests in and seat them. Service is accentuated by the kindness of laying the napkin on the patrons' lap.
Because of Swanson-Shumway's experience in running restaurants at Sundance and the Riverside Country Club, she has formed a strong idea of what she wants in a waiter.
The same care she gives to the employees is also given to the food.
'We have a very high standard on the food,' Swanson-Shumway said. 'A previous Sundance chef helped develop our food. We have gone back to the basics of culinary cooking.'
The menu is simple, with only a few selections in each category. For example, under salads is Gorgonzola Chicken Salad, made with grilled chicken tossed with Gorgonzola vinaigrette. Or one can choose the Classic Caesar Salad with the optional grilled chicken breast mixed with caesar dressing and anchovy filet.
Sandwiches range from a classic hamburger with a fancy hand-pattied twist to a lemon-dill chicken sandwich with a marinated chicken breast, charbroiled, with crumbled feta cheese and tomato.
In the entrees category are such items as the 'Ravioli Roy,' which is a pasta stuffed with spinach, feta and mozzarella cheese, and pomodoro sauce. The lunch menu is a scaled-down version of what is offered for dinner.
A warning for those who love desserts, save room.
Any chocolate lover will enjoy the double-chocolate frozen mousse-cake or the chocolate-pecan flourless torte. They also have desserts, such as tiramisu and creme brulee, for those who are interested in something different.
The restaurant offers a variety of drinks to enhance the experience and cleanse the palate. They feature an assortment of blended fruit drinks and Italian sodas at the request of guests.
Those seeking to get away from everyday cares and the stresses of life should consider the Restaurant Roy. The prices for lunch range from $5.50 to $9, and dinner entrees are between $12 and $24.
To preserve the atmosphere, the restaurant does not admit children under the age of eight.