Z&H 57th Street Update

Work moves forward on the 57th Street space, progress continues. Our info is in the hands of City Hall and we wait for the well-oiled wheels of our City bureaucracy to turn in the efficient manner that we all know so well.

As many of you know, we have, for the most part, self-financed Z&H up to this point. It has been creatively rewarding and challenging, but it has given us the ability to craft a business built around the idea of quality, value, long-term success. As we close in on the opening date of the 57th location we have looked at the idea of bringing aboard a few investors that would be interested in coming along on our adventure. Hyde Park is the community we choose to live and work in and we know our neighbors value of the worth of quality neighborhood businesses, a goal we work toward achieving each day at Z&H. Something that people often overlook when they visit us at the MarketCafe, is that we currently employ 15 people (10 full-time) and will employ more than 30 people when we open on 57th Street.

If an interest-bearing investment in Z&H is something you would like to know more about please contact Sam or Tim at the MarketCafe, or send us an email at info@zhmarketcafe.com.

Finally, the long anticipated 'Marty' Shirts will be arriving soon. We sold out of the 'Pig on a Pretzel' shirts quickly and we think the 'Marty' shirts are even better. Remember, .1.21 gigawatts of deliciousness is the right amount of deliciousness.

Plantain Chips

We have our Grab'em Snacks plantain chip for $2.50 a box simply because they are delicious. As the man behind the curtain says, 'while supplies last'.

Spring has sprung

We love this weather, sun, warmth...a sandwich outside.

As we are open longer and longer we get more and more reviews on line. the vast majority are supportive, which is great, but we get a few, and it is few, very bad reviews. All feedback is valued, but some reviews puzzle us. Here are two from the same day, posted on the same review site.

#1:

Can't tell you how glad I am to have a place like this in my neck of the woods. I use it more as a grocery store than a sandwich or coffee shop. Friendly staff, nice selection of unique & everyday items. Great to have owners that not only care about every thing that is on their shelves, but also in the store almost every hour they are open.

Top notch guys, can't wait for store #2

Here is #2:

I really like the "concept", especially since I am a foodie. However the service leaves a bad taste in my mouth - no pun intended. One two separate occasions the same person - clearly with a chip on her shoulder - was rude and dismissive. Today, I stop by to get a smoked turkey sandwich and she was way too much -- that I cancelled my order and walked out. DONE! So note to owners - not matter how fab your products, treating your customers -- all your customers -- with courtesy is a requirement not an option.

Seems like two different stores. All we can ask is that you visit our store and make your own decision about what we do. We endeavor each day to make the best tasting items and offer them in a friendly and respectful way to everyone. If you are ever in the shop and you feel that we are not living up to our end of the relationship please let us know. We can and will address any and all issues. We take what we do seriously and want each person who visits us be more than satisfied. Talk with us. Thank you.

With store expansion comes...

Staff expansion! If you're a foodie, coffee addict, or just plain fun (and hard working) type looking for a job, let us know! Email jobs [at] zhmarketcafe [dot] com or stop by the store for an application. Come soon though, spots will fill quickly!

From Yelp

"The manager/owner is rude, sarcastic and disrespectful. I will no longer give my money to this cafe."

That is the entire review. It is the only review that "Mika A" of "Chicago, IL" has ever posted about anything ever in Chicago. They have no strong feelings about anything that has ever happened to them other than a seemingly singular experience in our store. This seems doubtful to us. We would love to know the details. This is the reason we feel people should not put a lot of faith in sites like Yelp and other review sites. Listen to your friends, visit yourself, listening to angry strangers with hidden agendas is probably not the best way to choose a delicious sandwich, beverage, bottle of olive oil, or jar of spice.

We hope everyone has an excellent day.

Food Thoughts

"An understanding of what food is and how cooking works does no violence to the art of cuisine, destroys no delightful mystery. Instead, the mystery expands from matters of expertise and taste to encompass the hidden patterns and wonderful coincidences of nature."
--Harold McGee

show you produce some love

We love vegetables here at Z&H. That said, there's no denying that we are much more likely to reach for greens and colorful produce when the greens are their leafiest and produce their brightest. With busy schedules making your produce last as long as possible at home by storing them properly is good money sense.

Broccoli -
Broccoli will last up to a week in your refrigerator. Tip, keep your broccoli heads wrapped loosely in a plastic bag in your vegetable drawer. Don't keep it in an airtight container, it will go bad faster.

Brussels Sprouts-
If the option is available, try to buy Brussels sprouts on the stalk. They will stay fresh longer on the stem, and can even last up to a month if kept in a cool, dry place. Trick, they will also last in your fridge for 7-10 days in a closed plastic bag to slow their respiration.

Chard & Spinach
Chard is best kept unwashed and dry in a sealed plastic bag or container in your refrigerator. A sturdy green like chard or kale will last up to two weeks, but more delicate greens like spinach will only last a week.

Garlic-
It is hard to use an entire head of garlic at once (not for everyone, but some) . Remember to keep them in a cool, open, dry place. Unpeeled garlic can last up to 3 months if properly stored. Trick, if your garlic starts to sprout green shoots, simply cut off the bitter green part before you start cooking.

Mushrooms-
Mushrooms can be difficult to store since they benefit from cool air circulation, but can also dry out or suffocate easily. Tip: store them in a paper bag in your fridge; they will last 3-5 days.

Tomatoes
You've probably heard never to refrigerate tomatoes and the reason is that your Fridge will rob them of any flavor. If you absolutely must refrigerate, let your tomato sit and return to room temperature before using, it will help restore any lingering flavor. Trick, if your tomato is under-ripe, try storing it in a paper bag stem side down for a few days to accelerate the ripening process. Storing them stem-side down will also help maintain that the taut skin of a healthy tomato. If your tomato is on its last leg, for goodness sake, make chutney or salsa.