Beautiful Wife and I were alone after dropping off Middle Daughter and Friend at her Younger Sister's house on Saturday. We were trying to think of where we wanted to eat and not having much luck.
I remembered the owner of Crescent City Bistro telling us about his friend's restaurant in Epping. We were going to drive right by there so decided to give it a try.
The restaurant's name is Zampa and it is worth a visit. I had the Smothered Pork Chop, found on the dinner menu at their website, and it was incredible. Beautiful Wife had the Steak Frites alla Zampa and was just as impressed.
I had a lettuce wedge for my appetizer and BW had their special, seafood chowder. Her first bowl was disappointing with nary a piece of seafood to be found. The waiter came by and asked if she liked it and when she said no he said that he'd tell the chef. The chef insisted on sending out another bowl since the first had been prepared by one of the assistants and it was much better.
Our waiter was one of the bartenders at CCB and hadn't been our favorite there. He's not much better as a waiter but did ok. I think he should have removed the bowl as soon as BW said she didn't like it but left us in limbo for a while instead.
We both had the creme brulee for dessert and it was really good too.
We'd definitely would like to go back again and liked that the owner came out to visit with us before we left.
The next morning found us sans kids again and we decided to try the Isis restaurant in Portsmouth. One of our favorite waitresses from CCB works there now and greeted us at the door when we walked into the restaurant.
I like pepper, lots of pepper. They had the salt and pepper in little containers and you used a little spoon to sprinkle it on your food! I was thrilled since I like pepper and hate having to shake the container forever to get as much as I like.
I had a homemade granola, Greek yogurt, and fruit parfait to start and eggs with homemade corned beef hash. BW shared the parfait and had crab meat eggs benedict for her meal. The waitress brought us a pancake to try, on the house, and made us feel very welcome.
I'd recommend both of these places and can't wait to go back again.
Posted by bbarton at May 31, 2005 07:04 AMi've wanted to try zampa for awhile. i've read a few good reviews. my mom went there on a day the place was 'closed' to see if she could read a menu on the door or thru the window, but the owners were there and they told her to come in and check the place out. i think one of the owners is the cousin of a girl that i went to highschool with. small world.
Posted by: heidi on May 31, 2005 05:35 PMThanks, Erin.
It is a small world for sure, Heidi. I'm looking forward to going back...maybe we can all go together?
Posted by: Bob on June 1, 2005 08:02 AMHas the owner's cousin ever stolen a plane?
Posted by: David on June 8, 2005 01:14 PMThat would be what you call a VERY small world! LOL
Posted by: Bob on June 9, 2005 07:36 AM
mmm...creme brulee is my FAVORITE!
glad you had fun!
Posted by: Erin on May 31, 2005 09:36 AM