ramblings . rants . rumors .
from ZZest !
special occasions, special people
Meet Katie and Dylan. I first met them shortly after ZZest opened. Katie is the daughter of a high school classmate of mine. It was fun seeing Sally again to to learn about her daughter Katie, who at the time, just got married. read more…
meet the parkers
Here’s an awesome family! They may have slipped my radar the first few years. I’m pretty good at faces, sadly names elude me, but, I’m really good at remembering what cheese you like! Thank goodness after awhile I started to realize, something was up with these folks and New Years Eve. read more…
our first customer, julie
As we begin our final days at ZZest the very best part is seeing old friends again. Julie promises this is not her last evening in (whew! I’m not ready for tears quite yet). But, as I was chatting with her it occurred to me there are so many ZZest stories. Now, I want to catch as many as possible and post them! read more…
hello, robiola
This extraordinary cheese is part of the family of Robiola’s from the Piedmont region of Italy. I think I had a past life there as I am so drawn to the food and wine elements. White truffles, Barolo and red peppers. Yeah… you were there too, right? read more…
Giada’s Amaretti Cake
I have been thinking about this cake lately. It’s been awhile since I’ve made it but, like most of Giada De Laurentis’ recipes it is fool proof. I stocked up on amaretti cookies at the market. We carry Lazzaroni Amaretti for $12.95 a box. You won’t need the whole box so be sure to enjoy the cookies on their own, especially after dinner with a little espresso. read more…
Serious Milk Chocolate
I’m not a chocolate person. I could probably live without it and don’t crave it, well usually.
Like the most interesting man in the world, while I don’t always eat chocolate, when I do, I choose TCHO. Tcho is obsessed with chocolate. Big supporters of Fair Trade they decided to go beyond and actually partner up with their growers. read more…
San Francisco Winners
We (just me and my ZZest girls), came back a few days ago from our yearly Fancy Food buying trip. Every January we venture to San Fransisco and eat and eat, drink and drink, and look for the best of the best and most interesting items for ZZest Market. It’s hard work but someones gotta do it so, you are welcome.
In all seriousness, it is actually difficult. Picture an enormous convention center filled with booth after booth of deliciousness from all over the world, begging you to taste. And we do, and those tastes add up. We get miserably full. But, we go on. read more…
NYE 2016
The Chefs have been working on the menu under the careful watch of Chef Justin who, as much as he would love to be in the ZZest kitchen that night,has to do a little chicken frying at that other place… Porch. Been there yet? It’s great! read more…
oh Christmas cheese, oh Christmas cheese, how lovely are your slices
I’m not just saying this because I’m a CCP (Certified Cheese Professional), and yes, that’s real, and kind of a big deal. But, cheese really IS perfect for the holidays!
#1 Holiday Entertaining. Nothing is easier than cheese. Here’s what you do, click-Cheese Board 101. Your guests will not only think you have slaved over your gorgeous assortment but, they will also think you are very Top Chef-y. Look at you, you with your perfect pairings! Literally, it will take you minutes to assemble. read more…
burrata! baby! it’s what’s for dinner
Tis the time of year when the gardens are glorious. It’s also the time of year I am craving burrata.
Burrata is a gorgeous Italian cheese and the ultimate fresh cheese experience. It all starts with a delicate lump of fresh curd. read more…