Stewart, one of the owners, opened the gateway of our senses with a wine that would make my father cry.  He teaches that wine is not just a beverage, but a food worthy of attention.  When our first course arrived, the tender, sweet and sour duck risotto beautifully engaged the spices of the German wine translated in English simply as 1-2-3.

The food continued to surprise us with simple presentation (no salt nor pepper offered and neither were wanted) and robust flavor one would expect when dining with Royalty. (In other words, their food doesn’t suck.)

The atmosphere lends itself to the comforts of home with the modern accouterments of an upscale bistro.  Relationship between owner and staff, owner and guests, staff and guests… all were as harmonious as the relationship between the seasonal fresh edibles and the superbly selected grape.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing pretentious inside ZOOT.  Although you’ll see a slightly higher bill at the end of your remarkable meal, the investment is worth it.  You will look forward to the next time you treat yourself and your senses to the sweet balance of light, beauty and culinary greatness.

PS – Stewart Scruggs and Mark Paul also own WINK downtown.

PPS – Look for deals at Groupon (click in the right margin).  I read where someone paid $30 for a $55 5 course dinner at Zoot. They bought 4 and invited the family out for a wonderful multi-course dinner last May.