After two and a half years of living in SF, we finally made it to the famous Zuni Cafe. Zuni Cafe opened 30 years ago and is cheffed by Chez Panisse alum Judy Rogers. It is a legendary place and it's hard to believe that it took us so long to check it out for ourselves!!Any time I've heard someone talk about Zuni, it is usually coupled with mention of their chicken for two. It is a whole chicken (cut into pieces), roasted to order with a bread stuffing with currants and pine nuts. Mustard greens are tossed over the top.
You know when things are talked up so much that you automatically assume that there's no way that they can live up to the hype? Well, this was one of those times, only it TOTALLY lived up to the hype. Perfectly seasoned. Crispy skin. Delicious accompaniments. When can I have it again?
Of course we had a couple of starters before the miracle chicken: fried cauliflower, onions, and capers (fair), breasola with grilled fava beans (I did not care for this), and polenta with marscapone & parmesan cheese (um, YUM!).
Believe it or not, after all of this, we also had dessert. I was very intrigued by the caramel and balsamic vinegar ice cream, which was most sweet but also a bit sour-tangy.
What a meal! And excellent service, too. Our waiter was a recently relocated New Yorker, like us, and we enjoyed reminiscing about all the great food offered there. When we go back to Zuni, we will definitely request Jeff as our server.
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betty - judy rogers' zuni cafe is one of my top ten "must visit" restaurants. did you get the chance to see her? her cookbook (zuni cafe) has been an invaluable resource in all of my kitchens.
ReplyDeletedid not meet her, but i ate her chicken, which was probably the better option anyway! you must go - call me first though, so i can go with you!
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