𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗙🍩🍩𝗟: Z’Mariks serves up flavor by the bowlful

In the past I’ve enjoyed Z'mariks Noodle Cafe’s Z’Mac N Cheese at the Iowa State Fair in 2010 [see blog post], then later that fall the Z’Pesto at their location in Clive. Both dishes were quite good.

This Labor Day holiday I found myself walking the streets of Iowa City looking for good eats. For lunch I visited Z’Mariks’ home location at 19 S. Dubuque St. in the heart of Iowa City’s vibrant downtown district.

Using all my resolve to stave off ordering a large bowl of Z’Mac N Cheese, instead ordered up a small bowl each of the Z’Lemon Sauté – with bowtie pasta, zucchini, spinach, all tossed in a lemon-cream sauce and sprinkled with shredded romano – and to bring on some heat the Z’Thai Stir-Fry featuring broccoli, shredded carrots, snap peas, roasted peanuts, all sautéed in a spicy peanut sauce and served over rice.

The Z’Lemon Sauté’s sauce was velvety and bright with hints of lemon and Dijon mustard. The zucchini was perfectly cooked: the thin-sliced quarters still sporting a nice crunch. Spinach leaves also retain some structure but with just the right amount of wilt. This is no wimpy pasta dish, this is a meal.

In between bowls I tried a few meatballs. Best if ordered as a add-on to a hot pasta dish, the meatballs have a good spring and chew without being tough, otherwise not too remarkable.

The Z’Thai Stir-Fry boasts a sweet, smooth, zesty peanut sauce that leaves a lingering burn in the back of throat. Crunchy peanuts, with some visually appealing spots of browning, reinforce the nutty flavor. The snap peas pack a nice sweet pea flavor and a satisfying crunch. The broccoli is not as eye-popping but the florets trap the zesty sauce, making for a flavorful bite. Shreds of carrot add color and texture, but don’t contribute much for flavor against the background of the peanut sauce.