It is easy for me to say yes to a Zuni invitation, especially when a friend of mine tells me that he has a craving for oysters, what can I do??

I have known Zuni for years and to me this is the best restaurant in town.

Last night when we went to get our reservation I was so surprised the restaurant was unusually empty. My favorite waiter Ruben told us that they had a bit of a push earlier, what they call the theatre crowd, who come to dinner before their shows. But still last night was the first time I saw the place so empty! It’s a bit scary.

Anyway, Ruben distracted us talking about oysters and we tried the Kumamoto, the Reach Island, the Pacific, the Beau Soleil, the Tamagouche and the Sinku. The last 3 ones were my favorites. Exceptionally fresh and perfectly shuck. I felt like eating the sea. My friend Mimi who was with us, never liked oysters and last year at age 52, I finally convinced him to try one oyster a Zuni. I told him that he needed to chew the flesh like any other ingredients. From that moment on, he has been a fan of oysters and slurped a half dozen on his own last night! I highly recommend their oysters there. If you’re going to try them then do it at Zuni.

Then we had the winter vegetable soup, with garnish of parsley, creme fraiche and lemon oil. This was so good and in season. The perfect winter dish.

Then we ordered the farotto, it’s faro treated like a risotto with Porcini mushroom and chanterelles. It was nice, the flavors were good but the sauce was a bit soupy for me, I would have liked something a bit creamier.

We followed by the roasted chicken and shoe string. I have to say that every time my friend Mimi is visiting, the one thing he wants is the Zuni’s roasted chicken. Last night it was as usual perfect. Cooked to order (1 hour), it is juicy, smoky and just the best chicken you will ever have ($48).

We finished dinner with a warm pumpkin pudding with bourbon sauce. I felt like I needed to be wheeled out of there!

Summary: As always Zuni was perfect, I highly recommend this place, for a date, business lunch, or any other occasion. The food is superb, the service is amazing (do ask for Ruben) and you won’t regret it. It a bit pricey but all worth it.

Bill for 3: $165.95 (not including tip)