A return visit for the dining duo, who had their usual difficulty finding the restaurant on its 54th street location (we seem to have a mental block about it being 54th, wanting to place it on 52nd or 56th instead). And by “we” we mean Jennifer, because Sheila can’t even get us that close to the location, only remembering that it’s sort of in the Broad Ripple area, more or less, especially when compared with downtown. Fortunately, a little trip around the block soon got us to the restaurant.
We dithered for a bit over what to order – Jennifer debating the merits of the shredded beef sandwich versus the fish tacos, while Sheila was considering the same shredded beef and also the magnificant mushroom. In the end, Jennifer stepped up to the counter first and placed her order – one shredded beef please! This pleased the woman behind the counter quite a bit, as she responded with a head nod and “awww yeah!”. Sheila’s request for the mushroom sandwich elicited no such reaction.
How to explain the exquisite creation that is the shredded beef sandwich at Zest? A little background is in order. The first time Jennifer went to Zest, Sheila ordered the shredded beef and Jennifer did not. As soon as Jennifer saw Sheila’s plate filled with the crusty bread and heaping mounds of beef topped with a creamy blue cheese sauce, the thought actually crossed Jennifer’ss mind to either knock Sheila out or sneeze on the sandwich thereby ensuring that Jennifer could enjoy every last morsel. This sandwich never ceases to amaze us. The shredded beef is so tender, just like Mom’s roast beef that has been slow cooking all day long. The blue cheese sauce provides just the right amount of tang and the crusty bread is divine. When dining at Zest, you must order this sandwich!
Sheila enjoyed the mushroom sandwich with balsamic dressing, goat cheese & lettuce, although she despaired over being able to eat it without using a fistfull of napkins. The crusty roll it is served on seems to ensure that the ingredients squirt out of the end whenever you take a bite. The side of housemade macaroni & cheese had a delicious crunchy top, and it’s substance complimented the vegetarian sandwich quite nicely.
No desserts for either diner, although the brownies that were on display on the counter were quite tempting.
The atmosphere was very relaxed, and quite conducive to sitting and chatting even after completing your meal. We gave into that temptation for a bit, but eventually had to pack up and return to work. As they left, another departing patron asked if we’d had the beef sandwich, and was so delighted when Jennifer said yes that he gave her a fist bump. All hail the shredded beef!
We’re already planning our next visit – Jennifer wanting the fish tacos if she can ignore the pull of the shredded beef, & Sheila debating between the turkey sandwich & grilled caesar salad. It’s hard to resist when supposedly the salad itself is grilled. Brownies may have to be tried as well.
Food ***
Service * (only because there isn’t much service provided – you order at the counter & get your own silverware & drinks; your food will be delivered)
Atmosphere ***
1 response so far ↓
Zest! Exciting Food Creations « Dish–The Dining Duo Discuss // September 13, 2007 at 8:39 pm
[...] beef sandwich was splendid as usual (see: review of 6/25/2007), however, Sheila did not receive a whoop or fist bump for ordering the roast beef sandwich or [...]