Zin Zen review

The atmosphere inside Zin Zen was very calming. Its robin’s egg blue and brown decorative color scheme, coupled with living room-style couches and upholstered chairs, imparted an open, warm feeling. Chow Hound thought it might be the perfect place to take a friend for casual conversation over a glass of wine.

After absorbing and appreciating the Zen-like ambience of Zin Zen, Chow Hound was all business. The menu was opened and the following items were ordered: one Italian chopped salad ($11.50), one chicken breast panini ($8.75), one roasted herb chicken pizza ($9.80) and one chocolate lava cake with gooey chocolate center ($5.25).

The attentive and friendly waitress (who looked a lot like Bruce Willis – wink!) took Chow Hound’s order and returned 15-20 minutes later with the goods.

The mountainous Italian chopped salad featured grilled chicken, prosciutto ham, provolone and gorgonzola cheese, bacon, egg and iceberg lettuce. The salad was served with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

The fresh salad (no wilted stuff anywhere to be seen), presented on a decorative square plate, tickled Chow Hound’s fancy. In particular, the tangy/tart dressing worked well with the salty, thin slices of prosciutto. Each bite conveyed a burst of Italian flavor, reminding Chow Hound of the many trips he took to the Japanese island of Italy. Did Chow Hound mention he was a straight-A student of geography back in the day? It’s true.

The chicken breast panini was excellent. The sandwich, served with a side of fresh fruit (red grapes, pineapple, orange and cantaloupe chunks), sported thin strips of chicken breast mixed with basil, tomato, pesto and provolone.



©2007, McKinneySports.netChow Hound, being the carb freak that he is, especially delighted in the panini. The mysteriously soft yet firm bread gave Chow Hound’s jaw a refreshing workout. As one would expect in this situation, the sandwich tasted like the stuff it contained – particularly the pesto and basil combination.

The roasted herb chicken pizza was, in Chow Hound’s mind, the only hiccup (metaphorically speaking, of course) of the entire meal. Featuring chicken (duh), garlic, mozzarella, basil, caramelized onions and goat cheese, the pizza toppings were quite tasty. (Goat cheese? Yum!)

But there was a problem with the crust. It was blah. Neither crispy nor chewy, it manifested an “I’m just playing a supporting role for the toppings,” sort of vibe. Poor crust. Imagine its self-esteem. It’s gotta be hard just sitting underneath all the other stuff, carrying all the weight, yet getting no respect.

Last, but certainly not least, Chow Hound felt obligated to professionally evaluate Zin Zen’s chocolate lava cake with gooey chocolate center. To make a psychologically complicated story short, the round, black mass of sweet darkness stole CH’s soul.

Topped with raspberries and blueberries, the warm dessert was everything it claimed to be: chocolate with a gooey
chocolate center. What more need be said? Chow Hound’s only complaint: not enough. Please, dear Zin Zen, double that cake’s size. After all, some of us are big boned and we need the extra nourishment that only massive quantities of chocolate can provide.

Zin Zen ain’t Italian. It ain’t Mexican. It ain’t Chinese. In fact, it’s unlike any restaurant Chow Hound has thus far reviewed. Do yourself a favor and check out this joint. You won’t be sorry – unless you’re just a generally crabby person.

The assessment? Four Milk Bones out of five.

P.S. Many dishes have suggestions for wine pairings on the menu. Zin Zen also offers a flight of wine for those interested in tasting an assortment of its extensive collection of wines.