Zuni for lunch - anything else besides chicken?
I'll be at Zuni for lunch on Friday - my first visit!
Now you don't need to twist my arm very hard for me to order the roast chicken, but I'm wondering– is it hands down THE thing to order? or are there other notable menu items that should be in the running? Any stand-out appetizers or desserts? Thanks!
mchan02
Oct 03, 2007 03:23PM
After going to Zuni Cafe for the first time a few weeks ago and getting the chicken, I'd say that on your first trip, definitely get the chicken. We had some oysters, the Caesar salad and the chicken along with an apple tart and strawberry ice cream for dessert. It was all first rate and classic examples of each dish. Though some other things on the menu looked interesting, I'm not sure you could convince me and my wife to order anything but the chicken there.
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The burger. Though I have to say it has gotten shockingly expensive. Last time I got it with the optional heirloom tomatoes and the total was $15.50, and fries (enough for four people) are $6. Still: best burger ever.
The menu changes daily so it's hard to say, but don't miss the granita if they have one.
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That's still worth it for me considering the rather ordinary burger at Salt House is $15. But admittedly the Zuni burger is a mini-splurge for me and I don't do it as often as I could given the proximity of Zuni to my house.
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For me, Zuni is roast chicken, caesar salad and espresso granita! Someday I hope to branch out!
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Do they do the Roast Chicken at lunch?
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Yes. Other regular lunch-menu items are the Ceasar salad, bowl of polenta (boring), shoestring potatoes, the pizza of the day (not on the dinner menu), and the burger (not on the dinner menu but available after 10pm).
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How about eating someplace else? Zuni is one of the most overrated establishments in San Francisco.
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Overrated in what sense? I've never had anyone suggest to me that they're doing cutting edge, over the top food....just simply prepared, tasty stuff using good and fresh ingredients. I found them to be more or less just as advertised.
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I'm right with you. Zuni delivers on exactly what it is hyped and billed for...humble and perfectly prepared rustic food.
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A lot of people like Zuni for what it does well.
Some people don't like that style of food. Taste differs.
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Have fun! The burger is always a great bet for lunch. For dinner, if we go with several people, we'll all order normally and then get a chicken to share for the table! Its pure genius.
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Thanks for all the responses! Looking forward to the chicken tomorrow!
The burger will have to wait until next time :)
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Thanks for all of the tips! We had a fantastic (and filling!) lunch at Zuni on Friday. We split the Caesar Salad (which they were nice enough to split into two small plates), the chicken, and the espresso granita. Sound familiar, dinnerout?
I can see what the dispute over Zuni is about, as the preparation was very simple, but it everything was prepared so perfectly! The Caesar had super-fresh romaine hearts, and a hearty dose of anchovies. Perfect amount of dressing, perfect amount of cheese.
The chicken!! Oh man. Crispy skin, moist meat, so many flavors! The panzanella was a prefect accompaniment- a really nice version, I might add- with some delicious olive oil, currants, pine nuts, and baby arugula. I'll have to try this at home.
I normally wouldnt order a granita at a restaurant, but it sounded like a perfect light dessert after having devoured almost an entire chicken. I was really impressed with this- the espresso flavor was so bold and strong, and the consistency of the granita made it almost creamy. The fresh whipped cream was perfect with it, and my only complaint would be that there were lots of bits of frozen whipped cream further down that added a weird texture. That seems kind of inevitable, though.
All in all, a fantastic meal. We had a Sauvignon Blanc which paired really nicely with the chicken (i can't remember who made it), and a Lapsong Souchong Tea liqueur with dessert (not recommended). I'll definitely be back.
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I've been there about a dozen times over the years and never had the chicken until a few months ago, so I can tell you the rest of the menu is definitely worth trying. However, I will probably order the chicken the next few times too because it's so darned good! It will be hard to pass up in the future.
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zuni is comfort food. i feel at home there. fresh-shucked oysters, chicken for two, vodka gimlets straight up...
it's all good.
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Went there for dinner last week for the first time on a trip from NY. Skipped the caesar, which unfortunately I had elsewhere at a fixed-menu luncheon. Another salad did not disappoint, nor did the grilled sardine appetizer, the oysters, the wine, the service and of course, the roast chicken which was excellent. Judy Rodgers was gracious enough to autograph my copy of her cookbook, which I carried from NY-have had it since its publication and is a favorite.
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Sounds both familiar and fabulous - I'm glad you enjoyed Zuni!
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