Anaheim just got happier with Zov’s Kitchen & Bar

Anaheim is home to the happiest place on earth, aka, Disneyland. And it just got even happier with the opening of Zov’s Kitchen & Bar, only 2 miles away! If you have dined at any of Zov’s restaurant, you will surely agree.

(Photos by Allen Taylor Photography)

Zov’s Restaurant has been a gem since it opened its first restaurant in 1987. To date, there are 7 locations across Orange Counties in Tustin, Irvine, Newport Coast, John Wayne Airport, and Anaheim. Zov’s passion is not just in food. She loves people even more. She and her restaurants are active in charity events throughout the years. It’s no wonder she has become one of the best-loved chefs in Southern California. She has also authored 2 best-selling cookbooks; “Simply Zov” and “Zov: Recipes and Memories From the Heart,” each of which has sold 50,000 copies.

The new restaurant integrates the outdoor and indoor space with the bar  as it’s centerpiece. Designed by Architect/Designer Charles Ramm, the open, light and airy contemporary space is beautiful and welcoming.

Allen and I have been fans of Zov’s for years. We frequent the one in Tustin but were so excited for the new (and closer) location in Anaheim.

What’s even more exciting and magical was the return of Chef Louie Jocson, most recently partner/executive of Red Table in Huntington Beach. In his new role as the Director of Culinary Operations, Chef Louie will be working closely with Zov in overseeing all the Zov’s restaurants. The menu in Zov’s Kitchen & Bar in Anaheim features many of Zov’s signature dishes as well as new ones.

The large bar serves many wines, cocktails and draft beer on tab. While waiting for everyone to arrive, guests were served Melon Mule Cocktails. Allen also got a beer. I opted for a white wine spritzer.

Our tasting started off with BRUSSELS AND BACON (flash fried brussel sprouts, nueske bacon, caper vinaigrette, pinot noir syrup). I really haven’t had much luck with this dish until NOW. I absolutely loved how this was prepared. The brussel sprouts were cooked perfectly with tons of flavor  and bacon and yet did not taste greasy. When the FRIED CAULIFLOWER (red pepper aioli, preserved lemon gremolata) was brought out, Chef Louie made a joke – ‘Of course we have to have Brussel Sprouts and Cauliflower on the menu. But the truth is we were serving then when they weren’t cool.” Perhaps that is why they do them so well. I am completely sold on both dishes. Everyone marveled at these beautiful TRIPLE PEPPER DEVILED EGGS (red pepper sauce, toasted urfa pepper, aleppo pepper, cornichons)! I couldn’t get enough of these LAMB MEATBALLS (spicy tomato sauce, kashkaval cheese, grilled pita). Simply delicious!Love pizza? You’ve got to try WHO GIVES A SHIITAKE (rotisserie chicken, shiitake mushroom, basil puree, goat cheese, olives). I would suggest ordering this to share because I know everyone will love it. Allen ordered the PEPPERCORN FILET (8oz green peppercorn demi glaze, olive oil mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables). What a beautiful dish with beautiful flavor! The Filet Mignon was grilled to perfection, so tender and juicy.  The SUMAC ROASTED SEABASS (shaved brussel sprouts, baby spinach, tomato, rice pilaf, lentil vinaigrette) caught my eyes and I savored every bite of it. If you like seafood or fish, you must try this. I practically licked the plate! The ROSEMARY LAMB CHOPS (olive oil mashed potatoes, garlic wilted spinach, roasted herb tomato, pomegranate molasses demi) won many praises from the crowd. I am very particular when it comes to lamb chop, but the pomegranate molasses demi gave it a really nice flavor and I thoroughly enjoyed these.

We finish the meal with a delicious Broken Banana Cream Pie. Broken? To me, it was perfection!

If you prefer outdoor seating, the patio, equipped with a big screen TV, is beautifully lit with many heaters for the cooler nights.

Whether you are here for an intimate date or a gathering with friends, you will be treated with great drinks, amazing food and exceptional service. Parking is conveniently located in the same structure with valet parking for only $4. You can also self-park and get validation for a WHOLE day! So next time if you are catching a game at Angel Stadium, come grab a bite beforehand and leave your car at the parking garage. 😉

Zov’s Anaheim is located at 1810 East Katella Avenue, Ste 1001.  For more information call 714-280-ZOVS (9687) or visit www.zovs.com.