ramblings . rants . rumors .
from ZZest !
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…
are you crazy? you’re done right? how old are you anyway?
I’m preparing for those questions once again.
The first time was about 20 years ago. I had a boy and a girl, ages 9 and 7 and was heading into my 40s. Life was easy, the future bright, a perfect little family. Then I found out I was pregnant and we were starting Zubay Family: Part 2. We were excited though. We happily told friends and family our news. Then came the comments Wow, really? You already have 1 boy and 1 girl… Are you crazy? You’re done after that, right? And (my favorite) How old are you anyway?
But here we are again with some joyous news! We are adding to the ZZest family. read more…
all the world is a stage
And a “stage” is a big part of ZZest Cafe. The chefs are on stage in our open kitchen. Seated from the counter you can experience the flames, the shouts for “hands”, the clang of the pot meaning there is a round of beer purchased for the kitchen from another satisfied customer. read more…
memorable asparagus
Last Spring I took the time to discover, again…
Asparagus. Yes, I have been eating asparagus for years. Loving it. The first few times were probably smothered in cheese sauce but read more…