Rating:
We had the opportunity to dine at Zy during the preview this week and I have to say that I was quite impressed with decor, service and meal. All was exceptional and it I look forward to heading back again and again for lunch and dinner.

We started our dinner at the small bar at the front while waiting for the rest of our party to join us. This is the cheese counter and you can select from a plate of 3 or 5 types of cheese. According to Chef Matt the selection of cheeses will change, but this day we had a fine selection of local cheeses and a great assortment from Italy, Spain and France. Every cheese we tasted were well selected and delicious. If I had one complaint, it was that the Tartufo was a little too Truffly. A bit like the artificial taste of most Truffle oils. That said, I enjoyed it all.

When we moved to our table we selected 4 appetizers to share at our table. The Chorizo Meatballs were a savory hit and the Scallops with Almond Curry and Red Wine reduction were perfectly prepared and an ingenious combination.

Our entrees arrived and we tried the Lamb, Hangar Steak and Halibut. Again, all were expertly prepared, properly seasoned and never over salted like you so often see. Again, I enjoyed every dish.

Since we had four in our party, we sampled all four of the deserts available that evening and the Tres Leches Cake was the hit of table. Properly moist and authentic, it was topped with a spread of dark chocolate and strawberries. Delicious. The Cobbler wasn’t a huge hit, but was good and the Creme Brulee and Mango Pudding with Strawberries were light and delicious.

The great thing about Zy is that it is joining a group of amazing restaurants to recently open in Salt Lake and there is plenty of room for this place. It stands on it’s own and is not a copy of anything else. It is an excellent option that will satisfy a particular craving. I welcome Chef Mathew Lake to the Salt Lake City scene!

Reservations are taken and recommended here. They will be busy, so book them now!

Rating:
Well, the power went out at our house tonight and we were looking for a last minute toddler friendly meal that did not consist of burger and fries or mac & cheese. So this is where we found ourselves at the suggestion of our neighbor. He said it was better than L&L. I’m not a big fan of L&L, so it had to be.

Well, it was. Not much, but it was.

When you walk in the mirrored doors and are greeted by a full dining room of noisy children and the smell of grilling meat, you may be tempted to leave. Now is your chance, but stick around, it’s OK.

Anyway, we stayed. Next thing I noticed were the floors. Dirty, poorly stained concrete, reminded me of a truck stop restroom from the 80′s, so wear your shoes. Next, you walk to the Rumbi-like counters and place your order after waiting 10 minutes in a line of screaming 5 year old children (made me feel good because my 3 year old was well behaved compared to them.(who am I kidding, my kids are amazing!!!)).

We ordered two plates. The 2 item and the monster plate called the Ekolu. Now, I liked the mac salad. Reminded me of the islands as did the pork and the chicken. The steak was a bit on the bland side, but OK.
The rice was also good, not anything spectacular, but good. I like the both the white and the brown rice.

I would love to see some spam masubi on the menu and maybe some haupia.

I give this place 3 stars because it is truly A-Ok. Not Amazing in a blow me away kind of way, but I would definitely go back. Not too often though. I need to keep myself in shape and this a calorie laden roll yourself out the doors kind of meal. In other words, a lot of food!

Rating:
I love a good burger and this place is pretty good. The burgers are a solid three stars, but the tiny mom and pop feel gives you another star. They appreciate you here, they listen to the customers and make changes and they are pretty quick for a make it when you order kind of place.

The reviewers are right, the fries are ok, but not stellar. They are, however, better than in-n-out for a fresh cut fry! IMHO. The menu here is burger and fry heavy. With I think only 5 choices from blue cheese to pineapple and on to bacon. They also do a WONDERFUL pulled pork.

It’s a tiny old converted sit at the bar diner, so space and parking is limited. Keep that in mind during lunch hour and schedule your lunch after one.