this post is filed under Cuisine - Contemporary, Location - San Francisco
Keith had an itch to go to Zuni Cafe while he was in town. I'd been as recently as this past summer, but I was happy to oblige on the condition that he'd split the roasted chicken with me - a dish that I hadn't had in a long time because I can't order it with my mom. Zuni Cafe is an SF establishment... it has its lovers and its haters, but I'm a firm supporter of the place. Judy Rodgers (of Chez Panisse lineage) consistently puts out simple, reliable food using great ingredients. The space is casual and booming with natural light. I'm not a big fan of their famous burger (it's on the fancy side for me), but I think their chicken is easily one of the best chicken preparations in the city.
Red Kuri squash soup with garlic, cumin and crème fraîche - $7.5
roasted chicken for two with warm Tuscan-style bread salad - $38
The soup was just the right thickness and had a clean, mellow flavor. It was a perfect starter for the crisp, sunny day. I do think I let the waiter crack a touch too much pepper on it, though - I wish I said stop a second earlier. The chicken was just as good as in the past: moist, tender, juicy, flavorful... the bread salad, which doesn't get as much pub, is really a key element of the dish. The big chunks of bread soaked with vinaigrette were just stellar. The portion was enormous - a third person could easily have joined in and ate until he/she were full.
Despite Zuni's many critics, I maintain that it's as solid a place as any to enjoy a nice simple lunch that exemplifies California cuisine. Fresh ingredients, simple preparations, lots of sunlight and a casual atmosphere equal one enjoyable SF afternoon.
Hey Arthur! I really enjoy browsing your site. Next time I go to a city I don't know, I just might look up the places you've been to in that area for some pointers. I imagine pretty soon restaurants will want you to post them - if they havent already done so now!
posted by Amy on March 30, 2005 03:37 PM
Thanks for coming! It'd be awesome if restaurants knew about me; alas, I am but a small fish in the sea...
posted by Arthur on March 30, 2005 08:27 PM
Hello...Stephanie recommended this fabulous site to me. :) Pretty cool stuff!
posted by Cheri on April 3, 2005 09:14 AM
Thanks for coming - Stephanie says you like food as much as I do. Please convince her to try calamari!
posted by Arthur on April 4, 2005 02:32 AM
I have yet to convince her that fresh tomatoes should be eaten regularly. But to her defense, I've tried calamari, and don't hate me, but I'm not a fan of the texture. Btw, do you ever attempt to cook any of these amazing menu items you eat in the restaurants?
posted by Cheri on April 5, 2005 08:47 PM
Oh no way do I try to cook this stuff. I'm not a good cook at all - I wouldn't even attempt to cook most things I eat in restaurants.
posted by Arthur on April 6, 2005 04:56 PM