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Holladay • When Tuscany opened in 1996, Utahns flocked to the Italian restaurant hoping to get a glimpse of its celebrity co-founder — Utah Jazz center Mark Eaton.

It wasn't until a few years later, when some of the novelty wore off, that Eaton was finally convinced he had built one of the south valley's most successful restaurants. "People kept coming back and were talking about the food instead of me," he said recently, on the eve of the restaurant's 20th anniversary.

To celebrate two decades in business, the restaurant is offering its original menu at 1996 prices on Friday and Saturday.

Longtime customers can enjoy the pecan-crusted salmon for $16.50 or the sautéed calamari steak for $14.75 — about half of what those dishes cost today — while reminiscing about other 1996 milestones: Rulon Gardner earning Olympic gold, Bill Clinton winning a second term as U.S. president and "Braveheart" capturing the best picture Oscar.

Opening Tuscany was a new endeavor for the 7-foot-4 Eaton, who went from being a 21-year-old auto mechanic to having a successful 12-year NBA career. In 1994, after the all-star and noted shot blocker retired, he teamed up with Aaron Ferer, a well-known California restaurateur experienced in developing successful neighborhood ventures.

After hunting for the perfect location, Eaton and Ferer set their sights on the old Heather Restaurant, in a wooded area near the mouth of Big and Little Cottonwood canyons. The business partners spent the next 18 months transforming the rundown building into a Tuscan-inspired villa, with exposed wood beams, textured walls, creamy-colored paint and grape and wine embellishments.

Tuscany was one of the first Utah restaurants to feature an open exhibition kitchen — commonplace today — and wood-burning ovens for flatbreads.

Tuscany almost had a different name, said Eaton; Ferer wanted to call the space Chianti. Eaton felt Tuscany was a better fit and ultimately won the contest.

The restaurant opened March 11, 1996, the same week the Jazz hoisted Eaton's size 3XL No. 53 jersey to the rafters alongside legends Pete Maravich, Frank Layden and Darrell Griffith.

Tuscany quickly became a favorite special-occasion restaurant, a place to celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. The "California Italian" menu of meat, seafood and pasta became part of the draw, as well as the lush patio enveloped by trees and greenery — with easy access to I-215.

In 2009, Eaton and Ferer sold the restaurant to local contractor Guy Wadsworth, who in turn asked Eaton to be a partner in the company, called Five Diamond Hospitality. In the years since the purchase, Wadsworth has brought a steakhouse influence to the restaurant, Eaton said. While the menu has evolved under longtime chef Adam Vickers, who started in 1999, two menu items have remained since day one: the molasses-brined, double-cut marinated pork chop and the 7-foot-4 chocolate cake (four layers of chocolate and three layers of ganache).

Through the years, Tuscany has won numerous local awards for its food and wine list. And several celebrities have eaten in its quaint dining rooms, from NBA legend Michael Jordan to businessman Warren Buffett.

While prom dates and marriage proposals are commonplace at Tuscany, the restaurant had a first in January, said general manager Shawn Boyle. That's when local resident Heather Bailey went into labor with her third child during a pre-Valentine's day dinner. Husband Eric and server Sydney Mailrose successfully delivered the baby at the restaurant.

Eaton, who also has made a third career as a motivational speaker, said he believes Tuscany's longevity is due to dedicated employees, some who have worked at the restaurant more than a decade.

"I'm very proud of the two successful decades my team has spent together in the very challenging restaurant business," he said. "To reach this incredible 20-year milestone is extremely fulfilling."

Tuscany celebrates 20 years

To celebrate two decades in business, Tuscany will offer its original menu at 1996 prices. Reservations suggested. Customers also can enter an online sweepstakes to win Easter brunch for eight, a weekend trip to Moab or dining certificates.

When • Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12, 5 to 10 p.m.

Where • 2832 E. 6200 South, Salt Lake City; 801-277-9919

Online • tuscanyslc.com