Zynodoa

This will be my only post about a past experience, but since it was less than a week ago I think it'll be ok.

Saturday, February 13, 2010, a group of friends and myself ate at Zynodoa in Staunton, VA. First let me talk about the restaurant's appearance. It is a fairly small restaurant, and I would say it would fit approximately 70 people but that is just an estimate. There is very low lighting and all the tables and booths are very dark colors. The bar is very colorful in a classy way, combing stained glass and many glass vases for decoration. There isn't much room to move around inside so it isn't a great place to try and stand around to talk to friends.

Now for the food :) It was Valentine's Day weekend so they had a special menu.

I had the "meat and potatoes." It was a gorgeous piece of filet, cooked perfectly, roasted brussel sprouts and fingerling potatoes. The steak was topped with a delicious and rich demi glace and mushrooms. The steak was so tender! The brussel sprouts were delicious, perfectly cooked, tender, and with just the right amount of salt. I was underwhelmed with the potatoes. I heard the chef grows them himself which I applaud but mine were overcooked and quite dry. The demi glace and mushrooms were the perfect addition to the steak, not overpowering at all, added just the right amount of oomph. This dish was $25.

One dinner mate had the prawns which were also delicious and perfectly cooked. Another had the roasted pork with sausage spaetzel and I believe some kind of apple reduction. This was the second most tasty dish at the table! It was so delicious, the sauce was to die for.

We also ordered a cheese plate as a starter course. It was meadow creek appalachian cheese wrapped in phyllo dough and baked. It was then drizzled in honey and served with apples, grapes, and very thin baguette. I would describe this cheese as having a Vermont cheddar bite but a brie texture. It was quite delicious. The plate was about $10 which I felt was a little pricey for what we got but it was a holiday weekend so I expect prices were upped just a bit.

I will definitely be going back to Zynodoa and hopefully I can write another review that isn't 3 weeks after the visit :) I've been a little busy.

It is a wonder restaurant with great food. They use local and organic products which makes their food even more appealing. The decor and atmosphere is very nice. Entrees range from $18-$30 so it is not an everyday type restaurant but I strongly recommend it for a fancy night out or just drinks at the bar.

Enjoy!