Sunday, September 27

Zest for Life


No, not the book by Emile Zola - but the Zest Restaurant in Raleigh. Eleven women from my neighborhood met at Zest last week, to meet the newest member of our group (a tiny, beautiful baby girl!) I took a few photos, but the best ones by far were of the food. Above: my catfish sandwich, on what could be said to be one of the best breads I've ever had! The sandwich was tasty and a bit spicy, and the accompanying carrot and cabbage slaw is wonderful.


Above: tarragon chicken salad, which I have eaten before and pronounced excellent.


Grilled chicken and sliced pears on a bed of mesclun greens, with a dipping sauce I failed to identify.


Lastly, a small, very fresh pizza, of which I wanted a bite!! We all enjoyed the luncheon - with one exception. Zest fills up for lunch quickly nearly every day they are open, and I'm not sure how many people it holds at one time, but I can assure you it sounds like a horde of elephants or a bevy of chattering monkeys. It is hard to hear the person next to you, let alone the ones further down the table. They should really work on their acoustics!!

Since we went to Zest, two more new people have been added to the neighborhood. One of our women gave birth to twin girls this week and I cannot wait to see them!

14 comments:

Star said...

When I visited Japan we went to a restaraunt called Zest. It had an American Old West decor and the staff dressed like cowboys.

Arkansas Patti said...

I am not a fish person but that really looked good. All the presentations were tasty looking.
Isn't it the truth though. The great eating places are the worst to go for conversation.
My group just ate at a resturant that was so-so but we had our own room and there wasn't many in the main dining room.
Hate having to decide whether to eat well or talk. My group has decided talking rules.
Glad your group is growning its own replacements.

Granny Annie said...

Go for the good food and pass notes around the table:)

LL Cool Joe said...

Wow I haven't eaten yet today and that food does look great! I'll have the pizza and coleslaw please!

Joy Des Jardins said...

Those all look really good. I'm a little hungry now Judy. Sounds like you had a great time, and it sounds like a really nice group. Too bad it was so noisy. The ideal spot would be great food with a quiet atmosphere, but I guess you can't have everything.

Pat said...

I love the variety of food you have over there. They always look so tasty. I found when we ate out with the Guild there was always one who didn't like the food.

Buzzardbilly said...

I could go for any of it but the fish. I think growing up around rivers so polluted that a person couldn't safely eat the fish has left me with a relatively fish-free palate. I do enjoy the occasional Captain D's (because their breading rocks and serves as a good medium for soaking up the squeezed lemon that must go on fish or I'm not eating it). Squirrel, I'll eat. Go figure.

George S Batty said...

nothing like great pictures of food on a hungry stomach and just before I head out to the grocery store with my wife. thanks, I think you just added another 50.00 to my grocery tab.
next time I get to your neck of the woods I will go there for the catfish

Darlene said...

Now you've done it, Kenju. You made me hungry and I will probably have to settle for peanut butter on graham crackers for my gourmet meal. ;-)

tiff said...

When WE going'?

John said...

Mmmmm, that pizza looks delicious! Lots of my favorite part-crust! YUM

Sky said...

the food looks fabulous! they should pay you for the great photo review! if i lived nearby i would go there for sure - and when i speak to my friend who lives near raleigh i will be sure t tell him about zest.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Before my confinement, I noticed that so very many Newer Restaurants were terribly terribly noisy---exactly what you are talking about Judy...And frankly, I think they want these places to be like that because it seems, that is what a lot of people want. Personally, I hate that! So I can imagine how difficult it must have been for all of you at this Luncheon....One could get hoarse at a luncheon like that...!
Loved your pictures of the food, my dear.

colleen said...

I want a bite too!