ZAZA Italian Gastrobar (Twitter: @zazagastrobar) is the latest addition to the Stamford dining scene. ZAZA opened on June 2nd, and had a great turnout.
The interior is similar to that of the owner’s other location, Pizzeria Molto Wine Bar in Fairfield, CT – a marble bar counter, leather bar stools and booth seats, large photos hanging on the wall, and a projection of a classic Italian movie on the wall above the kitchen entrance, which I found very distracting because the subtitles kept saying “Guido…”
But nevermind that…
The menu at ZAZA is identical to the one at Molto (just a different logo it seems). The menu at ZAZA features Italian small plates, gourmet bar food, and thin-crust, brick-oven pizza. You’ll find a selection of mozzarella: Bufala (strong flavor), Wisconsin (delicate taste), Burrata (sweet and creamy), Affumicata (smoked flavor), and Stracciatella (sweet, creamy, spreadable). There are also three antipasto plates: Salumi (Prosciutto di Parma, Sopressata, Mortadella), Formaggi (Parmigiano Reggiano, Gorgonzola Dolce, Goat), and Vegetables (Grilled Eggplant, Broccolini, Crispy Artichokes).
The Formaggi plate is enough to share between two, maybe three, people. Nothing worthwhile to mention as they were ordinary cheeses you can get at the local market. It’s just too bad they didn’t serve bread or crackers with the goat cheese, which was too rich and creamy to eat alone.
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Formaggi
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The beer on tap include Rogue’s Dead Guy Ale, Brooklyn IPA, Delirium Tremens, and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Delirium Tremens is my favorite (remember the 2 liter glass I had on my birthday at the actual Délirium Café?), and I’m surprised they have a Belgian beer at an Italian bar. But no fear, they’ve got bottled beer available including the beloved Peroni and Chimay, another Belgian beer.
The wine list offers wine by the bottle or glass from various regions of Italy, and California, South America, and South Africa. I opted for a glass of Feudo Arancio Stemmari Pinot Noir Sicilia, a full-bodied wine with subtle hints of black pepper, perfect for pairing with my formaggi.
Overall, I had a good time at ZAZA. Not quite my scene, but enjoyable. I’m sure there will be a bigger crowd in the coming days, and weeks as word spreads.
ZAZA Italian Gastrobar
122 Broad Street
Stamford, CT 06901
Tel: (203) 348-2300
www.zazagastrobar.com
