It’s been a long time since I last visited Zengo but the memories are still pleasant. This particular occasion, was for the birthday of a dear friend who knows how to brunch in style. It not so easy to find brunches that are this fun in the city anymore, bottomless and with great food. Rare find for sure. Zengo also host private parties on their upper level and the free coat check is a relief. Who wants to get aioli sauce on their jacket?
The brunch options at Zengo are unlimited so you’re welcome to order everything, which indeed we did. They also have about 8 different brunch cocktails that you’re welcome to switch out as much as you’d like. I recommend you try them all until you find your favorite but note that the bottomless clock starts soon as you sit down. If anyone else is late to the party, they will regret it! There were a few crowd favorites amongst us, especially the Mexican chocolate waffle. Don’t leave without it if you like sweets.
We started light with the shrimp ceviche but it was more of a cold salad than anything else. Because Zengo is a Latin and Asian fusion restaurant, the Thai citrus flavors were prominent. Fresh melon adorned the dish but it was really more of an appetizer and we were still left with plenty of room. The sushi rolls were more than enough for everyone and it was perfect that they provided vegetarian options for those who wanted.
The lobster grits also didn’t have the usual consistency grits should have but it was great for bread dipping. The hints of lobster were surely hints but definitely present. The fried chicken was one of the heartiest thing we ordered and it was a juicy addition to some of the starches we ordered.
Pouring cheese over plantains has been something I’ve been more willing to try since my visit to Bodega Negra. There’s just something about crema fresca or cotija over sweet plantains that gets me going. These are what brunch dreams are made of.
Another Zengo favorite were the Thai chicken empanadas. They had just the right amount of spice to them and the sweetness of the mango salsa brought it all together. The empanadas were perfectly fried and stuffed with enough chicken to leave us all full. Because we all got to share plates and Zengo was so accommodating, I’d say it was a great place for a group or occasion.
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