Zinc - CharlottesvilleGreat findWhat a cool place. I would definitely go there again.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat DateGreat atmosphere - the renovated gas station feel gave it a casual feel even though the food was top cuisine. We had cocktails, but their wine menu was tempting, and I love when local restaurants use VA wines. I had the scallops, which came with quinoa, greens, blood orange, and a fennel puree. The fennel puree was a little strong, but I loved the sharp blood orange contrast. My husband had the steak - he thought it was odd our server didn't ask how he wanted it cooked until they brought it out perfectly rare with a savory char on the outside. Nailed it. We split the profiteroles/ice-cream dessert which was a refreshing end to a comfortable, relaxed evening out. Service was polite but not overly involved, which was ideal for a date night.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMZinc always provides excellentZinc always provides excellent food from local sources. Food is always fresh and the combinations of flavors is surprising but so complementary. I particularly love the soups--had carrot soup this week that was delicious. My mussels were delicious as always and my husband's chicken was perfectly prepared.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe ambiance is an old autoThe ambiance is an old auto garage shop and the doors are open in nice weather! We had a very pleasant server who did a great job. We started with a cheese plate which had generous portions and came with grapes, apple slices and honeyed walnuts. It was creative and we loved the cheeses and walnuts but I wish that the fruit had been a little fresher. The grapes and apple could have been crisper. We also had the mussels, awesome! Definitely get them. The apple and onion soup had excellent flavor and texture but was far to creamy for my palate. One of us got the salmon with squash and lentils and this was a disappointment. The fish had the texture of being boiled/sous vide but overcooked. The veggie entree was delicious. We would go back.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFood and vibe terrific.Food and vibe terrific. Everyone was very satisfied with their meal and loved the decor. Would have just liked a few more options on the menu.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMA find dining experienceThis was a special occasion; we were celebrating my wife's birthday and the food was exceptional. I had a salmon dish. The fish was was absolutely delicious and was accompanied by lentils, swiss chard and butternut squash, all cooked to perfection and beautifully presented. My wife ordered duck and was very pleased with her choice. Service was great, very efficient but without any hovering servers. The restaurant is unusual in that it is housed in what appears to be a former auto repair facility. There are several garage doors giving the dining room a somewhat industrial look. The tables are spaced so it does not feel crowded but a bit more sound absorbing material would help. We will definitely be returning in the near future.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was excellently preparedFood was excellently prepared and presented, I ordered scallops and that is just what I got, scallops, no real sides. Wonderful food, just not enough of it especially for the price3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMZinc turning goldI had the good fortune to return to Zinc after a previous great visit. The food was even better than last time. My duck was some of the best I have had, and certainly THE best I've had in Charlottesville. The beat salad is highly recommended, and the carrot cake was outstanding!
Once again, a Monday night was very quiet. Great for conversation, but I hope more folks discover this early week gem.3/18/2013 12:00:00 AMZinc? More like silver!I hadn't been to Zinc in years, but was honored to attend a dinner for a special guest of the University. My how it's changed! It used to be good, but now it's great. All the food was expertly prepared, and while the wine list was short, the selections were expertly chosen (including some great local wines). On a Monday night it was quiet enough for some real conversation. I can't wait to dine here again.
The only down-side was the chocolate ganache dessert, which arrived nearly frozen. The other desserts looked much more promising.
I'm giving it props for its view. Zinc used to be a service station, and the glass (or open) work bay doors give a nice view of Main St and the downtown action.3/4/2013 12:00:00 AM