Fun fact o' the day: Texas state law prohibits taking more than three sips of beer at a time while standing. Uhm, what?
Today's post is in homage to a great pride I have in having a name that starts (and ends, if you include my last name) with the letter Z. I tend to find myself a bit more connected to anything and anyone who can share this glorious Z-centered life, and therefore I found myself at Z Cafe and Bar.
A mere block and a half outside the epicenter of Oakland's booming "uptown" neighborhood hosts site to a (somewhat) hidden gem by this name. Sharing a wall with Oakland Nissan, Z Cafe is an average sized restaurant/bar that specializes in having an extensive vodka selection (over 100 to choose from), and a specialty cocktail menu that takes up a jam-packed full page of their menu.
The most notable (and enjoyable) quality of Z Cafe is their Happy Hour, which is, in truth, many hours, and is honored every day of the week (excluding Sundays, because they are closed). Happy hour here offers all of their signature drinks at a rate of 30% less than the normal - which for most is extremely affordable. More importantly, the bartenders know what they're doing, and never skimp on their pours, which makes for a very happy bar patron, and ensures that I will be a repeat customer.
A few stand-out drinks I feel the need to mention:
The Jeannie Martini - a spicy, sweet, strong vodka-based martini that goes down TOO easily, but gets the night going with a bang. The best part, in my opinion, is that it's finished with a grind or two of fresh black pepper - which in my book, you can never have too much of, or use in the wrong way. SOLD.
Corpse Reviver #2 - I guess it's a somewhat standard recipe, but not a drink your average twenty-something would order at the club. It's a combination of gin, lilet, cointreau, lemon, and a hint of absinthe, served up. The flavor is faint, yet powerful, and makes you think about each sip you take. Change is good.
Ginger Martini - Can't get much simpler than this one, but that doesn't take away from how good it is. It's simply a balance of ginger vodka and ginger liqueur, shaken and served in a frosty martini glass. Personally, I'm a sucker for anything ginger, so this one was made, seemingly, just for me.
Espresso Martini - Again, this one is fairly simple, but the right ratios, delicious espresso, and the perfect amount of shaking make this martini an absolute winner. The reason I like this one so much is that typically coffee-type martinis and cocktails (in my experience) almost always contain some sort of cream ingredient, but this one doesn't - which makes it that much more enjoyable for me. Espresso, kahlua, and vodka are the only three ingredients that make up this perfect finisher to a night at Z Cafe.Food here is also something not to overlook. I haven't had much yet, but what I have tasted has been 100% fresh and delicious. Z Cafe offers everything from crab cakes, salads, burgers, and steaks, to pastas, sweet potato fries, and array of desserts.
The ambiance is casual yet hip, and there is an overall vibe of positivity that fills the space. Yet another great find in my new neighborhood. Thanks Oakland!
