Zuni Cafe

As most of you know, this past Tuesday was my birthday. Andi had to work all day but when she was done we went out to dinner. I have always heard good things about a restaurant here in the city called Zuni Cafe. It's Italian in essence and the closest food I've found so far here on the west coast that reminds me of east coast food.

I started off with a spicy carrot and asparagus soup with cilantro. The soup was well balanced and had great flavor but the asparagus side could have been strained better. It was a little chunky.

Andi ordered very simply-polenta with parmigiano-reggiano and cracked black pepper. Andi came to the conclusion that polenta is the "grits" of Italy!

My entree was a bone-in pork chop rubbed in preserved lemon and marjoram with grilled asparagus and spring onion and harrisa. The pork chop was cooked perfectly to medium and the flavors of the Middle East came together quite well.

Andi's entree was mahi mahi with chickpeas, braised Swiss chard and celery. Very lite in flavor but well done.

For dessert I got the strawberry shortcake which upon first seeing I thought was small for the price but ended up being just the right amount. The biscuit was light, flaky, and slightly sweet which went well with the strawberries since they really aren't in season yet.

Andi got panna cotta with huckleberry sauce and an almond cookie. Very good and went well with the glass of port we split! :P All in all not a bad meal!