With its wood floors, banquettes, big mirrors, people-watching patio and zinc-topped bar, this lively Kierland Commons waystation sets out to emulate the cozy bistros, brasseries and cafes of France.
Naturally, Zinc offers much more by way of upscale ambiance and menu selection than French workaday mom-and-pops, where dishes are both predictable and inexpensive.
Nevertheless, if you're willing to accept a bit of poetic license (and pay upscale restaurant prices), you'll see that Chef Matt Carter is a creative force in the kitchen, putting his own delicious spin on bistro classics while creating a few of his own.
The popular Bleu burger and mimolette mac and cheese are menu standbys for good reason, but Carter is forever adding new and yummy dishes to his menu such as roasted country pork rib with apple, bacon and ground juniper-dusted marshmallow or mustard-braised, bacon-stuffed short ribs with peanut butter puree, creamed, smoked onion and house-made pickle (a nod to Elvis).
Save room for dessert. There's usually something wonderful.
Lunch and dinner are served daily. $$-$$$
15034 N. Scottsdale Road, Kierland Commons, Phoenix
480-603-0922
