Looking for a lunch spot that offers a little more than the traditional express lunch fare? Zuni, the cafÈ on East High Street that shares space with Le Matin Bakery and ownership with both the bakery and the wine shop by the same name just across the street, is more than a suitable option. For the unseasonably warm days that sometimes linger through a Kentucky fall, seating outside is available or, for the chillier days of an approaching winter, choose a spot in the intimate but not cramped dining room.
To enter the dining room, one must first pass through the bakery and all of the tempting and beautiful napoleons, cookies, tarts, croissants and other assorted pastries in the large glass displays. There's also an impressive selection of imported cheeses, which are perfect for pairing with the elegant, flaky baguettes that line bakery shelves (if you can get there before they sell out). All of the baking is done in-house, adding to the allure of this local spot that's been open for nearly 30 years.
Zuni features a relatively stable menu of sandwiches and paninis as well as salads and soups, but there are also special selections posted on the board at the back of the dining room. Many of the items on the menu also feature the same breads and cheeses available for purchase in the bakery.
Appetizer options were light and pleasing including our selection of fresh mozzarella with basil pesto on a bed of greens. The mozzarella was moist and soft and fresh tomatoes were a perfect accompaniment. We found out the flavorful and juicy fruits were purchased from friends of the owners who have a farm in Woodford County. The pesto was not quite as flavorful as we would have liked, but a pinch of pepper fixed it up quite well. The prices for appetizers ranged from $2.95 for a plate with sliced baguette, preserves and butter to $6.95 for baguettes and assorted cheeses.
For the main course, my companion had the black and bleu salad for $10.95. The meat was surprisingly tender and, though only lightly seasoned, paired well with the vinaigrette and gorgonzola treatment of the salad, the greens in which were fresh and crisp and of a nice assortment. My guest was quite pleased with her selection; I tried a bite and enjoyed it as well.
I chose the vegetable sandwich for $6.95. Served warm on a fresh baguette half, it is a blend of artichoke, avocado, assorted lettuces, sun dried and fresh tomato and at least two delightfully savory cheeses for a surprisingly filling and tasty sandwich. For a couple of extra dollars, patrons can add a bistro salad or cup of soup to sandwiches. I chose the soup of the day, a cream of cauliflower. The soup was, indeed, creamy and had a cauliflower overtone to it, but was not my favorite item. The bistro salad, on the other hand, I've had on numerous occasions without disappointment.
Finally, we decided we couldn't leave without sampling a bit of the bakery fare and we chose to share a slice of tiramisu. I highly recommend dessert with any meal you might choose at Zuni/Le Matin. It was indulgent in just the right amounts. The infusion of espresso and liqueur to ladyfingers was enough to soften and flavor without saturating them, and the creamy mascarpone cheese was only slightly sweetened and not too airy. A dusting of cocoa on the top sealed and heightened the overall impact of the dessert.
Overall, a great dining experience, nice location and ambience and reasonable price for the amount and quality of food we packed away (and packed up to take away). My companion and I shared an appetizer, each ordered an entrÈe, shared a dessert and I also had a cappuccino for $33, prior to tip.