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 I have to admit that when I heard the forecast for snow, rain, and a wintery mix, I was hoping for something along the lines of chicory, frisee, and perhaps some curly endive. But sleet and ice be damned, we had a great time launching a new project in Cedar Rapids, and we had a couple of terrific dinners as well. If you’re ever in the area, check out Zins, which I am told is the new “it” place downtown. The dining room is warm and inviting--the kind of place that can feel both romantic and gregarious, depending on your company that night. And framed on the main wall is a shroud from the flood--a tablecloth upon which the impression of plates and place settings has seeped in indelibly as the restauranteurs quickly abandoned the building for safe and dry. Thank goodness for the restaurant’s resurrection.
Small plates, their specialty, a sort of international tapas approach. We shared classic pommes frites, meatloaf, tasso ham pizza, gnocchi, greek lamb burgers, as well as some salads and soups meant for one. The place was so great we went back a second night and ordered what we didn’t have the evening before. Next time we’re there, I’m going to try to score the semi-private table with a window into the kitchen.
 And for great coffee and homemade pastries, check out Brewed Awakenings, a nifty little place on First Avenue. It’s the kind of place that makes you heartsick for the coffeehouse around the corner where they know your name and your drink-of-choice and are always glad to see you. Places like Zins and Brewed Awakenings ... are the next best thing to being home.
Posted by Voltaire on 01/29/2010 at 12:12 PM
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