If you’re looking for big flavor in a small restaurant, then Zona & Co. Grille is your Restaurant Week go-to. Located across the street from 20 Hawley, Zona is perfect for those looking for an edible adventure.
The aesthetic of this place was comfortable and relaxed, with “Friends” playing on a TV and Vance Joy singing in the background. The staff is courteous, friendly and made the experience the enjoyable time that it was. But now, for the food.
For an appetizer, we sampled the Frito pie and the sweet potato, corn and green chili chowder. To start, the Frito pie should be your go-to. It’s a beef-chili with jack cheese, onions, refried beans and sour cream. Yes, this is all good, but the real delight in this dish came from the Fritos. Everything you need to enjoy this dish is already there, from the refreshing sour cream to the crunch of the Fritos. As for the chowder, I wouldn’t pick it over the Frito pie, but it definitely gets an honorable mention. It’s a light chowder featuring corn, potatoes, peppers, chilies and sofrito-infused vegetable stock. The thin broth mixed delightfully with the vegetables laced within.
As far as entrées go, I was impressed by what Zona was bringing to the table, literally. They get an A-plus for presentation, with everything coming out in new jaw-dropping plates. I tried the lobster macaroni and cheese, which came in an impressively sized portion. The sauce was creamy, hearty and heavy, so don’t plan on running a marathon after you come here; while you sit, just indulge. An additional bonus: the lobster meat sitting at the top. The pasta itself had more to be desired in its consistency, but the lobster had a texture that satisfied.
Our next dinner option consisted of the ramen burger. This was an incredibly adventurous meal, with a turkey burger sitting in between two ramen patties. While my first bite of the ramen was disappointing — I didn’t love the crunch — once I bit into the parts soaked in General Tso’s sauce I realized the true potential of this dish. The zucchini and carrot pieces added a welcome vegetable portion.
Our last sampling was of the blue raspberry BBQ chicken. This dish brought sweetness to barbecue in a pleasant way. The mangos and strawberries added something to this dish that I could really appreciate. This being said, I didn’t love the chicken itself, but the sauce-soaked rice bed below it was a treat.
As far as desserts go, this is where Zona & Co. Grille really shine. As a person who has always loved rice pudding, Zona’s rendition does not disappoint. It’s cold, light and sweet — but not too sweet. We also tried the “always interesting bread pudding,” which lived up to its name and was warm, sweet and complemented well with whipped cream. It featured raspberries, blueberries and Nutella. Surprisingly, it also featured ancho chile pepper, a true testament to the adventurous spirit that lies within this new menu.
Zona & Co. Grille prides itself on flavor and freshness — two ideals that they definitely accomplish, with the fresh crate of lobsters that came in each day, and their farm-to-table ideology. For those who want their dining to be a journey, Zona is the place for you.