Zest for life

LO-OOO-VE Zest in Leawood! We first went there for my birthday earlier this month, but decided it was worth a repeat performance. Zest is in Mission Farms which kind of strikes me as a smaller, plainer Town Center Plaza and doesn't look like much from the outside. But inside is a warm yet modern atmosphere filled with lots of different textures and art that is unobtrusive and perfectly incorporated into the restaurant decor. This time of year I am especially drawn to fireplaces and this restaurant has two! Tonight we had a great table right next to the smaller one. Although the restaurant does serve amazing fare, its not the place for a quiet meal. Anyway, onto the important part-- the FOOD! Extensive and clever wine list contains wines from affordable all the way up to $1800 bottles (side note: how many of those do they sell??!) The menu is modern eclectic. Its hard to pick a favorite menu item, but I am going to have say that the Wild Mushroom and Brioche topped with mascarpone cheese is my favorite. The brioche practically melts in your mouth! A close second is the gnocchi with wild boar ragu. Chris and I are such gnocchi snobs that it must be exceptional if we endorse it. Other dishes that are almost as phenomenal are the brie wedge topped with creamed spinach and artichoke pesto baked in puff pastry and served with red onion and beet jam, truffle gouda mac and cheese, lamb shank (Chris raved about it, of course I did not eat it because of the bone) and the enormous autumn bread pudding. I can't wait to go back to try the Moroccan lamb chili or the porcini-rubbed 8 oz beef tenderloin. Oh! And not to forget the fantastic service. We have had the same server, Amy, both times. She is knowledgeable, incredibly accommodating and has a great memory (she remembered the wine we ordered last time when we couldn't find it on the menu). Zest is a keeper! Go there right now and don't walk---run.

www.zestkc.com